UK's cheapest seaside resorts have charm, bargain ice creams and cosy hotels

21 March 2023 , 15:37

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The lovely beach in Hythe (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Brits will fork out just over £100 for a staycation for two at the cheapest UK seaside town.

Now that the sun is finally threatening to break through the winter gloom and start warming the country up a little, it's time to turn attention towards the summer holidays.

One of the great British days out is to the seaside, where the ice cream is plentiful, the chips deep fried and the arcades on hand to help when the weather lets you down.

As with everything else, the cost of a trip to the coast has risen significantly in the past year, as inflationary pressure bump up the price of everything from potatoes to arcade electricity bills.

The lovely view from the top of Westward Ho! (North Devon Journal)

Your best bet for a cheap weekend out on the coast is to head to head to Hythe in Kent, according to Independent Cottages analysis.

All the places you can fly to for less than a tenner including Italy and Spain

The study looked at the average staycation property price in different coastal resorts, and the best-rated ice cream and fish ‘n’ chip establishments on Tripadvisor to find prices for a single scoop cone and fish and chip meal.

For a night's stay, chip dinner and ice cream for two, you'll fork out £132.40, according to the research.

Hythe may not be the first place one thinks of when they consider days out at the seaside, but it is a classic English coastal resort with plenty of charm.

There are several beaches nearby, including the shingled stretch Dymchurch, and a number of beautiful walks along the coast, including the Royal Military Canal.

There are plenty of cheap seaside getaways for Brits this year (Getty Images)

The town itself is full of independent shops and restaurants, and there is a large market held every Saturday.

There are few better days out to be had than having a paddle in the water, towelling off to grab an ice cream then jumping on the charming miniature Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.

That trundles all the way along to Dungeness, the site of a towering nuclear power station and Derek Jarman's iconic garden-beach designs.

Independent Cottages’ CEO Matt Fox said: "The cost of living crisis is continuing to encourage people to tighten their pursestrings and many will be looking for where they can get the best value for money when it comes to holidays this year.

"Luckily, when it comes to the seaside, we really are spoilt for choice in Britain as it’s home to so many wonderful destinations that can offer a wonderful coastal getaway for every need and budget.”

You can check out the top 10 list below...

EasyJet currently has a huge sale with up to £200 off Spain holidays

The UK's cheapest seaside resorts

Brixham is another place where you can have a budget day out (Danielle Turner)

(Prices listed in order - cost of fish and chips, cost of ice cream, and cost of average staycation property).

1. Hythe - £8.70 - £2.00 - £111.00
2. Redcar - £9.50 - £2.00 - £119.00
3. Minehead - £11.95 - £2.00 - £115.00
4. Westward Ho! - £8.95 - £2.30 - £126.00
5. Ramsgate - £6.30 - £2.10 - £159.00
6. Weston-super-Mare - £13.00 - £1.90 - £100.00
7. Looe - £12.75 - £2.00 - £115.00
8. Brixham - £9.50 - £2.50 - £125.00
9. Filey - £12.00 - £1.80 - £128.00
10. Llanfairfechan - £9.95 - £2.50 - £119.00

You can find out more on independentcottages.co.uk.

Milo Boyd