Some of Norfolk and Waveney’s seaside resorts have been named among the best in the country by Which?
The consumer group has created a list of 50 ‘best and worst seaside towns’, after a survey of more than 3,700 visitors.
The highest ranked entry from our region was Southwold, which came in third nationally with a ‘town score’ of 84pc. Blakeney was close behind in 6th place with a town score of 83pc.
Rosemary Thew, Blakeney Parish Council chairman, said the village was an unspoiled and friendly slice of north Norfolk paradise.
She said: “As you come down the high street the view of the harbour is quite iconic - it hasn’t changed in 100 years. There’s a lot to do, we have a range of cafes and restaurants and you can visit the seals from Morston. And it’s a friendly village.”
She said visitors were welcome, but asked them to “please be respectful” and observe social distancing as many residents were older and vulnerable.
Southwold was only just behind St Mawes in Cornwall, which topped the poll with a score of 85pc.
The other spots from Norfolk and Waveney included on the list were Sheringham (75pc) Wells-next-the-Sea (75pc), Cromer (70pc) and Hunstanton (62pc). Lowestoft had a town score of 61pc while Great Yarmouth, the lowest-ranked town from our region on the list and second last overall, got a score of 48pc.
The town scores were calculated from ratings in categories including beach, attractions, scenery, peace and quiet and value for money, as well as how likely people were to recommend the spot as a holiday destination.
MORE: Could Norfolk benefit from the summer of the ‘staycation’?Which? also listed hotel prices for many locations. They say a night in a Southwold hotel will cost an average of £160, while a stay in Wells is £148, Cromer £139, Hunstanton £103, Lowestoft £80 and Yarmouth £68.
Sheringham was said to have the third highest average hotel price of any seaside resort in the country, with an average night costing £163.
Norfolk and Waveney’s best rated spots were part of a trend of smaller towns and less touristy villages ranking higher than ‘classic’ favourites, which nationally include St Ives and Salcombe.
The survey results come as the region’s resorts are bracing for a busy second half to the summer season, as the lockdown eases and travel restrictions have made many people consider ‘staycations’ rather than going abroad.
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