This seaside getaway has been named ‘the most underrated town in the UK’ and offers tranquil beaches, gorgeous sunsets and affordable meals out
With its untouched beaches, cockle-filled rockpools and ornate sweetshops, the British seaside has its own unique charm when compared with the Med. Even better, it’s a holiday that doesn’t have to break the bank – if you know where to go.
A survey by the banking company Halifax revealed that Newbiggin-by-the-sea is England’s cheapest seaside town. This little-known enclave features whimsical sandy beaches, quiet, tucked-away guesthouses and blazing evening sunsets. Visitors are so entranced that locals report they often stay. What’s more, you can book a room in the Northumberland town for as little as £25 a night, making it the perfect cheap, peaceful getaway for solo travellers, couples and families alike. This makes it a far more affordable option than Salcome, Britain’s most expensive seaside town, where rooms cost an average of £500.
The fishing town also offers plentiful delicious cheap eats. The Artisan Tea Rooms, one of Newbiggin’s top-rated cafes on Tripadvisor, offers a tasty “sconewich” made with cheddar cheese and Branston pickle for just £3.75. One recent five-star review also described the coffee and the cakes as “delicious”.
Equally, for those looking to enjoy a refreshing pint on their break, there are a plethora of cheap, cosy pubs to choose from. The Ink Spot is one of the area’s highest rated pubs on Tripadvisor and offers ales, stout and beer on tap for as little as £3.50.
Newbiggin-by-the-sea local Hazel Steel described her hometown as “the most underrated place in the UK”. She explained that the town’s unique charm comes from its scenery and community focus. She said: “It’s one of the most underrated places in the UK. The bay is south facing so you get sunlight from the crack of dawn until sunset. There’s lots of lovely places to eat out and we have events on all the time. All the shops are independent except for the Co-op.”
She added: “There’s a really nice community here and people visit the caravan parks two or three times a year.” Inevitably, however, there have been some downsides: “House prices have doubled in four or five years. It’s really down to earth but really creative, house prices are rising because everyone wants to be here. People come here because of the fact it’s a little bit cheaper here. We get a lot of tourists from all over the world. In the time I have been here, there’s a lot more going on now.”
