The 20 top coastal towns in the UK for Brits to relocate to have been revealed in a new study — and Margate in Kent has taken the top spot, famed for its glorious blue flag-certified beaches, affordable property prices and average hours of sunshine.
In order to uncover the research, the team at Showers To You ranked over 50 locations on a variety of factors including average house prices in the area, cleanliness of beaches, average temperature, quality of sea water and salaries of the locals.
While Margate, famous for its seaside charm, was crowned the overall winner, Weymouth in Dorset wasn't far behind. Taking the second spot, this coastal gem was found to have some of the best air quality, plus excellent dry weather in the summer season.
Torquay in Devon and Porthcawl in Wales took the third and fourth spots, respectively, also recognised for their picturesque views, balmy temperatures and purse-friendly house prices.
by Andrea Pucci//Getty ImagesWeymouth took the second spot
"More than ever people are taking into consideration where their next property is located, and with the weather heating up, searches for properties by the sea have risen 160%," the team at Showers To You say. "But which UK seaside town makes for the best properties?"
Planning to relocate closer to the beach? Take a look at the full findings below...
20 best coastal towns to relocate to
- Margate, Kent
- Weymouth, Dorset
- Torquay, Devon
- Porthcawl, Wales
- Southend-on-Sea, Essex
- Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
- Paignton, Devon
- Skegness, Lincolnshire
- Blackpool, Lancashire
- Tenby, Wales
- Llandudno, Wales
- Eastbourne, Sussex
- Hastings, Sussex
- Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
- Bournemouth, Hampshire
- Barmouth, Wales
- St Ives, Cornwall
- Shanklin, Isle of Wight
- Scarborough, North Yorkshire
- Salcombe, Devon
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Lisa JoynerDeputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.