Famed for its whisky distilleries, nearby golden sandy beaches, and rich wildlife – this stunning seaside town is one of the cheapest in the UK, with homes costing as little as £103,000
A ‘peaceful’ seaside town tucked away in a deep bay and sheltered by a lush private island has seen its house prices plummet.
Moving to the coast is the ultimate dream for many Brits, but due to skyrocketing demand and limited properties – waking up to crashing waves and golden sandy beaches comes with an unaffordable price tag. Take Sandbanks, for example, a stunning slice of the Jurassic Coastline in Dorset, where house prices average out at an eye-watering £965,708.
However, if you’re willing to ditch the lucrative south coast of England, you can get a lot more for your money. In fact, over in Campbeltown – situated on the scenic Kintyre Peninsula in Scotland, your new pad could cost just a fraction of the price.
New data by Lloyds Banking Group found that average homes in the seaside town cost just £103.078 – an 11 per cent decrease compared to the year before. This is more than half of the average house price in the whole of the UK (£271,000), according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Once dubbed the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown is still home to three active distilleries. Glen Scotia – one of Scotland’s smallest whisky distilleries established in 1832 – still offers tours and tastings to the public. Springbank Whisky Distillers also operate in the town, and are the only place that carries out the entire whisky production process, including the traditional floor malting, maturation and bottling, on its premises.
While Campbeltown doesn’t actually have any of its own beaches, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from Westport Beach, which is often touted as the most ‘beautiful’ beach in Scotland. “Stretching over six miles, Westport Beach boasts the Machrihanish Dunes as its backdrop, a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the biggest sand dune area in Argyll,” hails Visit Scotland. “Popular with surfers and dog walkers, West Port Beach is also a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a picnic. The beach is nestled alongside Machrihanish Golf Course, one of the finest links golf courses in the UK.”
For a more adventurous day trip, head over to the privately-owned Davaar Island. Here, you’ll find a wealth of wildlife, including otters, dolphins, golden eagles, Peregrine falcons, and even Minke whales – as well as a pebble beach, and crystal clear waters.
“There are still pockets of real affordability – particularly in Scotland, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price,” said Amanda Byden, Head of Mortgages and Lloyds. “For those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, there are some hidden gems offering great value and a strong sense of community.”
If you’re not quite ready to ditch London for a more laid-back life on the coast, you can always explore Campbeltown on your next staycation. Located almost 550 miles from the Big Smoke, driving here will take you a whopping 10 hours in the car.
You can get a train over to Oban, which usually consists of two changes and takes around eight hours and 12 minutes. Single adult fares can be bought from as little as £69.90. But, from here, you’ll still be a two-hour drive away from Campbeltown – which is one of the most remote seaside towns in the UK.
Despite its small size and far-reaching location, you’ll still be able to find a wide range of accommodation in the town. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, June 20 – 22) at the Argyll Arms Hotel will set you back £210. This is based on two adults sharing a Double Room, and including breakfast. For those wanting a more regal stay, check out the Royal Hotel Campbeltown. Here, you can stay in a Double Room on the exact same dates for £351.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
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