The weather might not be looking great at the moment, but energy experts at Utility Bidder have shared the UK areas that bask in the most sunlight hours a year
A renowned UK coastal city officially boasts more sunshine than any other location in England. Despite June being wetter than anticipated, the Summer Solstice is set to occur next Thursday, signalling the commencement of summer.
There’s one particular seaside city where you’re guaranteed to soak up the most sun. Southend-on-Sea, a beloved Essex coastal city nestled on the Thames Estuary, is famed for its world-renowned pier, award-winning beaches, amusement parks, museums, shopping and holds the title for the sunniest spot in the UK, as per energy experts at Utility Bidder. Southend-on-Sea basks in an average of 2,336 sunlight hours annually. Its pier, the longest globally, extends an impressive 1.33 miles.
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At the pier’s end, visitors can explore the pier museum, indulge in afternoon tea at the café, or simply admire the stunning views, reports the Express.
Once a modest fishing village, the city is now a favourite amongst holidaymakers, with London stations Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street just an hour away by train. Home to one of the nation’s top free theme parks, Southend-on-Sea was once the final stop on the Tube network.
The city now marks the end of a c2c rail route in south Essex. In 2020, it clinched third place in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for the best English theme park, based on public votes.
Despite a slight dip in the rankings, it continues to outshine the more famous Chessington. One of the standout features of Adventure Island is its no-entry-fee policy. Guests only fork out for the rides they wish to experience, making it a cost-effective day trip for large parties and families.
Taking second place is the port city of Kingston Upon Hull, boasting an impressive 2,336 hours of sunlight annually. Birkenhead and Liverpool secured third and fourth positions respectively, each receiving an average of 2,199 hours of sunlight per year.
Two Welsh cities made the top 10, with Swansea ranking sixth with 2,170 annual sunlight hours, and Newport sneaking into ninth place with 2,064 sunlight hours.
Londoners need not worry, as the English capital was recognised as one of the UK’s sunniest cities, clocking in at eighth place with 2,109 hours of sunlight.
Completing the list of the top 10 UK areas with the most sunlight hours was Nottingham, with 2,056 hours of sunshine annually.
Top 10 UK areas with the most sunlight hours
- Southend-on-Sea – 2,336
- Kingston upon Hull – 2,251
- Birkenhead – 2,199
- Liverpool – 2,199
- Plymouth – 2,173
- Swansea – 2,170
- Sunderland – 2,165
- London – 2,109
- Newport – 2,064
- Nottingham – 2,056