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We’re blessed with some stunning coastline in the UK — but unfortunately, the weather isn’t always the same.
Our temperamental climate means a trip to the beach needs to be planned with military precision, with contingencies factored into your packing list and itinerary in case things take a turn.
There are some spots, however, where the forecast is slightly more dependable, giving you the best chance of a drizzle-free day out.
Using Met Office data from 1990 to 2020, solar energy firm Sunsave worked out the 10 destinations across the country with the most sunshine hours per year — and they’re all located by the seaside.
We can’t guarantee you won’t need to bring a brolley (that’s just good practice anyway, right?) but with spring finally here and the weather looking up, they’re your best bet for uninterrupted sunbathing without going abroad.
1. Shanklin, The Isle of Wight
1,976 hours of sunshine per year
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The Met Office has several climate stations on the Isle of Wight, but it’s the one in the small town of Shanklin that tops the charts with 573 more annual sunshine hours than the UK average of 1,403.
The beach in Shanklin, which sits at the south-east of the island and has a population of just 9,000 people, is safe and sandy, with the headland of Dunnose Point offering protection from the coastal wind.
A traditional seaside resort, it features an esplanade with cafés, beach shops and traditional beach huts, as well as activities like crazy golf, go-carts, bowling and an amusement arcade.
2. Folkestone, Kent
1,932 hours of sunshine a year
The country’s sunniest mainland spot was Folkestone ski station, three miles outside the historic port town, which is home to a number of beaches.
Sunny Sands is the most popular of these, thanks to its golden sand (where most nearby are shingle), clear waters, and annual sandcastle competition.
As it’s so close to London, it can get busy during summer — but if you do get a spot, you’re well catered for, with nearby facilities including toilets, cafés, and pubs.
3. Bognor Regis, West Sussex
1,919 hours of sunshine per year
Bognor’s East beach has been a holiday favourite for generations, with its 2.7-mile flat promenade and large expanse of sand at low tide attracting over 385,000 visitors annually.
Located between the South Downs and the sea, the resort — about 90 minutes from London by train — has a rather dry and warm microclimate, earning it the title of the south coast’s sunniest seaside destination.
It’s having a resurgence of late too, after local authorities pledged £40 million worth of investment into upgrading its seafront infrastructure and attractions like the Regis Centre.
4. Hastings, East Sussex
1,915 hours of sunshine per year
Not far behind Bognor in the sunshine stakes, Hastings has 3.2-mile shingle and sand beach that stretches beneath dramatic cliffs, where colourful fishing boats are still hauled ashore in one of Europe’s largest beach-launched fleets.
The English Channel is just steps away from the town centre here, so you can easily punctuate your sunbathing with a wander round the Old Town’s narrow streets or Pelham Place’s funfair and seafood stalls.
Between July and September, three parts of the beach are also supervised by RNLI lifeguards, offering extra peace of mind for a family-friendly day out.
5. Weymouth, Dorset
1,904 hours of sunshine per year
Along with just over 500 hours more sunshine a year than the UK average, Weymouth’s award-winning, three-mile sandy beach is nothing short of idyllic.
Set along Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, its calm waters are perfectly-suited for swimming and paddling, while seasonal lifeguards and Blue Flag status add reassurance for visitors.
Weymouth Beach is also backed by an elegant Georgian esplanade lined with, cafés, kiosks, and traditional seaside attractions to keep the family busy — from donkey rides and Punch and Judy shows to pedalo hire and sand sculptures.
6. Eastbourne, East Sussex
1,892 hours of sunshine per year
One of several towns on the list with its own microclimate, Eastbourne in Sussex is wedged between the South Downs and the sea, giving it fairly consistent dry and warm weather.
A popular day trip from London, it’s famed for its sandy beaches, picturesque Victorian architecture, pier, and the nearby Beachy Head chalk cliffs.
The main resort beach, between the Wish Tower and pier, is particularly well equipped for visitors of all ages, with lifeguard-patrolled swimming zones in summer, first aid stations, showers, toilets, and amenities including deckchair and beach hut hire.
7. Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea, Essex
1,884 hours of sunshine per year
The climate station for Southend-on-Sea is situated in Shoeburyness, a suburb of the Essex town boasting an array of gorgeous coastal spots.
Shoebury Common is a blue flag beach that’s been recognised for its water quality, cleanliness, and safe pedestrian areas, while Shoebury East Beach is a quieter spot with designated water sports facilities like kitesurfing and windsurfing.
But the centre of Southend is where you’ll find the usual trappings of the UK seaside — from fairground rides to fish and chips — alongside the world’s longest pleasure pier measuring 1.33 miles.
8. Ramsgate, Kent
1,846 hours of sunshine per year
With a distinctly continental feel, Ramsgate combines a classic sandy beach with one of England’s largest marinas.
Ramsgate Main Sands offers a broad, gently sloping stretch of golden sand, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with seasonal lifeguards and generally calm waters thanks to the shelter of the harbour arms.
Facilities like toilets and refreshment kioks are conveniently close at hand too — and once the sun goes down, the Royal Harbour offers a backdrop of yachts, seafood restaurants, and waterside bars to enjoy.
9. Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
1,824 hours of sunshine per year
While it’s now a coastal resort, Walton-on-the-Naze (just Walton to residents) actually used to be an inland village, but it gradually ended up by the sea due to coastal erosion.
It’s quieter than some other hotspots, but still maintains that classic British charm with amusements, cafés, and uninterrupted sea views.
Beyond the main beach, the nearby Naze headland also provides a more rugged experience, known for its striking cliffs, fossil hunting opportunities, and peaceful nature reserve walks.
10. Swanage, Dorset
1,806 hours of sunshine per year
Widely regarded as one of Dorset’s most picturesque seaside towns, pairing a classic sandy beach with dramatic Jurassic Coast scenery, Swanage features a traditional promenade of cafés and small shops.
Meanwhile, the beach itself is a gently curving stretch of soft, golden sand with clear, calm waters, ideal for swimming, paddling, and family days by the sea.
The central section is well equipped, with seasonal lifeguards, accessible ramps, toilets, showers, deckchair and sunbed hire, while its Victorian pier extends into the bay (popular for crabbing and diving) just by a range of seafront parks and amusements.
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