The Rough Guide's top-30 gives a glowing account of Southwold in its definitive guide to coastal escapes.

Coming second only to Tynemouth in Tyne and Wear, the popular Suffolk destination has picked other well-known destinations including Bournemouth and Margate and St Ives.

The guide says: 'Perched on the east coast of England, the small town of Southwold offers typical seaside merriment with its sandy beach, traditional pier and candy-coloured beach huts.

'A working lighthouse (open to visitors) stands sentinel, surveying the bay, while the Adnams Brewery, which still operates on the same site after 670 years, wafts early morning hops into the sea air.

'Plenty of excellent eating and accommodation options range from the smart Swan Hotel, situated on the picturesque market square, to a nearby campsite – all a pebble's throw from the sea.'

The Rough Guide said days out at the seaside are a 'great British tradition'.

'From beach huts and lidos to long piers jutting out into the ocean, Britain's seaside towns offer everything from traditional fun to tongue-in-cheek kitsch,' it adds.

With temperatures this bank holiday weekend set for record-breaking high temperatures, hundreds have been flocking to Suffolk's coastal resorts, including Southwold, Aldeburgh and Felixstowe.