The summer holidays have officially arrived, and with some hot weather on the way, many people will be looking for a quick getaway without all the fuss of going abroad. Despite being often overlooked, some of the UK’s coastline is among the best in the world, and if caught on a sunny day, it can give the Mediterranean a run for its money.
And now, one picturesque seaside town hiding in its own corner of the Cornish coast has wowed travel experts, having taken the crown for having the nation’s best seaside views. According to a recent survey, sunny St Ives has been recognised for its beautiful natural landscape that you can sit back and enjoy for hours on end.
Time Out reports that Haven and OnePoll.com surveyed 2,000 Brits about their favourite sea views, and the crystal clear waters of Cornwall stood out.
St Ives, located on Cornwall’s south-western tip, has long been a beloved spot for both locals and tourists.
Lined with golden beaches that are often a favourite of local surfers, and when combined with its quaint harbour that holds just a handful of smaller sailboats, it’s not too hard to understand why Brits love it so much.
But for anyone planning a trip who doesn’t plan on spending all day staring out to the sea, St Ives has plenty to do. A hub for artists, the town is home to the Tate’s western outpost gallery, and Barbara Hepworth’s house with a garden filled with sculptures is just around the corner. The slightly smaller Porthminster Gallery highlights some great local artists.
With swathes of happy visitors quick to leave some good reviews, one recent holidaygoer posted to Tripadvisor: ” Beautiful place to visit. The beaches are stunning, and not everywhere is overpriced.”
While another wrote: “The bay and beaches are clean and have picturesque and dramatic views to chill out just watching from a cafe, restaurant or picnicking.
This charming destination offers the ideal coastal getaway and is a great place for shopping. A remarkably preserved high street—Fore Street—is a testament to its rich history and undying appeal.
Speaking on the results, Simon Palethorpe, the CEO at Haven, said: “[it] goes to prove you don’t need to go far from home to get picture postcard views and scenery.”
England’s south-western coast was a popular choice on the survey that produced a top 30 ranking, with Padstow coming in third, while Ilfracombe and Salcombe, over the border in Devon, also made the list.
Moving to the other end of the country, Robin Hood’s Bay near Whitby in North Yorkshire claimed the second spot.