'Most charming' seaside town in England named best place for a holiday

In a ranking of the best spots for a holiday, England's 'most charming' seaside town has come out on top. Given the UK's typically dreary weather, the current spell of sunshine is undoubtedly a welcome chance to visit places such as Southwold.

If you are in search of a day or weekend escape, filled with sea breeze and sun, look no further than this town. Nestled within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Landscape, deemed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for its ancient forests, blooming heathlands, rugged cliffs and scenic rivers, Southwold is idyllic for a seaside break.

The delightful coastal destination has secured the title of "best seaside town" according to the Camping and Caravanning Club, primarily due to its "charming" vistas and "award-winning" Victorian pier. The Times have also given their nod of approval, labelling Southwold as "Suffolk's most charming coastal town" and a great location for a "Great British break", reports the Mirror.

The picturesque seaside town in Suffolk is home to a unique collection of multicoloured beach huts that offer a pop of colour along the tranquil seafront, creating an encapsulated aesthetic of butter yellow, blues and whites. A striking feature of this modest town is its remoteness, accessible by a single road, which immerses visitors with a sense of disconnect from the outside world.

Southwold takes pride in its award-winning bakery, famous for its assortment of gourmet pastries and sweets, including savoury sausage rolls, gingerbread men and delicate croissants. The iconic lighthouse overlooking the sea adds charm to the scenery, a perfect backdrop for holiday photographs.

This spot also boasts an appealing pier where tourists are allowed to mark their visit by adding a personalised plaque. Susceptible to the charms of the town, visitors often find themselves delighting in strolls along charming streets adorned with vibrant houses, shopping at local independent shops or indulging in some delicious ice cream. Despite housing a population slightly over 1,000 residents, Southwold's cultural life is disproportionately amplified by the consistent influx of tourists and wealthy holiday home owners.

Some 60% of homes in Southwold are owned by absent landlords and serve as vacation spots, lying vacant for most of the year only to come alive when their affluent homeowners decide to drop by. Due to this considerable impact of property investors and part-time residents, the town has been dubbed "North London On Sea".

Boasting a stunning sandy beach and the impressive Adnams Brewery at its heart, it's no wonder that Southwold is a magnet for those seeking a coastal lifestyle. However, this idyllic seaside village isn't a budget-friendly option for relocation.

Southwold has been identified as the fifth priciest coastal resort to move to in the UK, with property prices more than twice the national average. According to research by Suffolk Removals homepage, the average house price in this charming Suffolk town is a hefty £864,860.