06 July 2023 , 15:22
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The UK is full of spectacular places for a staycation, but if you're on a budget then you may want to bookmark a trip to Northumberland.
That's because the seaside town of Newbiggin-by-the-Sea has been voted the cheapest seaside town to visit, according to a survey by Halifax. But that's not all. The town has also been dubbed the most "underrated" location in the UK with tourists moving there after a visit, reports the Express.
For those planning an overnight stay, you can find rooms from as little as £25 per person per night; Booking.com has a handy guide to some of the best hotels in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, with prices starting from £60 a night. It's a stark contrast to Salcombe, the UK's most expensive seaside town, where you could end up forking out nearly £500.
Newbiggin-by-the-sea, Northumberland at sunrise (Getty Images/iStockphoto)A day out won't have you breaking the bank either, with a fish and chips supper coming in at around £9.40, while those heading to the pub can expect to pay around £3.60 for a pint of lager.
Hazel Steel, 64, grew up in the small town and has a shop called Sew Quilted by the Sea. She said that the town has seen an influx of tourists who are attracted to the cheaper prices, which could see you enjoying a meal out with wine for around £20-£25.
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. 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."
Hazel Steel, owner of Sew Quilted with Lucie the Jack Russell (Katielee Arrowsmith SWNS)As for the beaches, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea has proven a hit with visitors who have left glowing reviews on Tripadvisor.
One person wrote: "A cute little place we visited on our way up to Northumberland a few years ago and returned last week to collect an item from eBay. Its just a simple lovely beach yes no dogs allowed on the North part in summer but still plenty of space for them at the south end. Haven't been round the corner more north .
"Great for kids as sand is clean water shallow and at low tide lots of rock pools to explore . If you are looking for slots funfairs and pound shops then go elsewhere, this is more a small residential village with a nice beach, a few pubs and cafes the ' couple ' statue on the sea but best of all free parking!"
You may even be able to spot wildlife, as one person added:"Whilst watching Bottle-nosed Dolphins from the shore at Newbiggin, on 3rd November, a local told me that they often see pods of up to 50 animals at once from this shoreline during the summer months; some venturing close inshore - which his nice."
It's not the only seaside town to have recently been impressing bargain-hunting Brits.
A well-loved stretch of British coastline with palm trees and sandy beaches has been dubbed the 'British Turkey'.
Torquay has long been a firm favourite with holidaymakers, famed for its soft sand beaches, palm tree lined promenade, iconic harbour and bustling pubs and restaurants. TikTok user @6mxria recently shared a video in which they praised the English Riviera, suggesting it is somewhat of a hidden gem.
In the clip some of the amazing views you’ll spot when exploring the balmy resort are highlighted, prompting those who've visited it to dub it the 'British Turkey'.
Do you think your local town is an underrated holiday spot? Email us at [email protected]