The UK is not known for its sunshine, but there are some spots where the weather is more predictable, with the Isle of Wight taking the top spot for time in the sun
While the UK may not be renowned for its sunny weather, we do enjoy occasional bursts of sunshine that fill pub gardens and inspire family trips to the seaside. Even though our summers can be punctuated by sporadic rain showers and overcast days, there are some sun-drenched locations in the UK that are ideal for summer staycations.
Topping the list is the Isle of Wight, boasting an average of five hours and eight minutes of daily sunlight between 1991 and 2020. Situated just off the coast of Portsmouth, this island paradise is a mere 20-minute ferry ride from the city, yet it feels like a different world altogether.
Conde Nast Traveller, sharing the list of the UK’s sunniest spots, declared there’s “something special” about this breathtaking island.
The Isle of Wight also holds a Royal seal of approval, having been adored by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who loved it so much they even commissioned a Royal residence there.
Osborne House was constructed between 1845 and 1851 to satisfy the Queen’s wish for a “place of one’s own” where she could relish some tranquillity away from public scrutiny, reports the Express.
Visitors to this grand home, now owned and managed by English Heritage, can marvel at the lavish interiors and art collections within, while also appreciating the splendid gardens outside and the unique Swiss Cottage, where the Royal children would play during their stays at the residence.
The island is also a treasure trove of charming villages, complete with thatched cottages and meandering paths.
One such village, Shanklin, has gained fame as the place where Charles Darwin penned his groundbreaking Origin of Species during an extended 18-month stay.
Arguably one of the most iconic spots on the Isle of Wight is the Needles, offering breathtaking views of the island and its coastline.
Simply hop on the chairlift to the rocks and coloured sands and soak up the sun while taking in the scenery.
But it’s not just the Isle of Wight that boasts plenty of sunshine.
CN Traveller revealed that Kent clinched second place with four hours and 46 minutes of sunlight, narrowly beating East Sussex by a mere minute.
Interestingly, the popular holiday spot of Devon didn’t make the cut, although its neighbour Cornwall did round off the top ten with an average of four hours and 29 minutes of sunlight.
The ten Sunniest places in the UK:
- Isle of Wight – 5 hours 8 minutes
- Kent – 4 hours 47 minutes
- East Sussex – 4 hours 46 minutes
- West Sussex – 4 hours 42 minutes
- Essex – 4 hours 35 minutes
- Dorset – 4 hours 34 minutes
- Suffolk – 4 hours 34 minutes
- Hampshire – 4 hours 32 minutes
- Surrey – 4 hours 29 minutes
- Cornwall – 4 hours 29 minutes