We’re here to help you find the sunniest place in the UK.
UK sun can be a bit hit or miss but we have created the ultimate guide to finding that sunshine on a staycation holiday. A staycation holiday is a trip near home, but it can be a bit more exciting than going down the road! They are perfect for trips that avoid public transport or offer minimal travel times.
You will notice that the South Coast dominates the top 10. While there are sunny places all over the UK, we’ve focused on those that give you the best possible chance of nurturing your tan!
The UK is full of places that will make you think you’ve gone abroad without the fuss. Take a look at some of the sunniest places in the UK…
- The Isle of Wight gets on average 5 hours and 8 minutes of sun daily, the most of any county in the UK.
- Kent is known as the Garden of England and with 4 hours and 47 minutes of sun a day, you are going to think you’ve gone abroad.
- East Sussex, in particular, Brighton and Hove which gets about 4 hours and 45 minutes of sun daily and is a popular quirky holiday destination.
- West Sussex is known for its beautiful sandy beaches in West Wittering and gets a few minutes less sun than East Sussex.
- Essex gets a welcome 4 hours and 35 minutes of sun a day, giving you time to relax and explore Colchester, Britain’s first city.
- Dorset gets just a minute less sunshine than Essex but is home to 95 miles of beautiful Jurassic Coast. This is where you will find Durdle Door!
- Torquay is another sunny town along the south coast and is a perfect seaside holiday destination.
- London might not be your first thought, but it does get 4 hours and 23 minutes of sun on average, so it is worth a visit!
- Hampshire is full of many country parks and stately homes so you will be sure to make the most of the sunny days.
- Cornwall is known for being a beautiful coastal spot. Visit the Eden project while you are there – it is a must-see.
Sunny UK breaks for families
There are many sunny UK holidays that have plenty to offer for your little ones. Such as the sunniest place in the UK: the Isle of Wight. It takes as little as 22 minutes on the ferry from Portsmouth to Ryde. Plus, you can take your car over on the ferry, so you don’t have to rely on public transport once you get there.
Once you’ve arrived, Tapnell Farm is one family-friendly option you could consider. It is home to various barnyard animals and has activities for children of all ages. In fact, it boasts the Isle of Wight’s only outdoor floating aqua park. Although, if you’d rather stay dry there is plenty of land-based fun – for example you could try your hand at football golf. Also on the island is Blackgang Chine, the UK’s oldest amusement park. They often host events for children such as a Wild West-themed Wednesdays in the summer holidays.
Alternatively, there are many holiday clubs for children on the Isle of Wight. Here, your child can enjoy summer-based activities while you head off to have a break. While they are at the kids club, try some of the local seafood dishes. Or take a pleasure cruise around the famous needles. There is a fast boat for those thrill seekers or a slower version to take in the sights, but this should be on your list of things to do.
Explore sunny Kent
The next sunniest place in the UK is Kent, in particular the town of Folkstone. Kent is known as the ‘Garden of England’ making it the perfect holiday destination. Folkstone was named the best place to live in the Southeast. It is a quiet area but still has plenty of activities to offer. First, take a sunny stroll through the beautiful Kingsnorth Gardens, a 3.2-acre site home to various types of agriculture. Dogs are welcome here too so if you’re worried about finding a dog sitter, bring your furry friend along!
Next, head down to the Folkstone harbour, a 23-minute walk away. Here, you will find many seaside restaurants to have lunch next door to the Lower Leas Coastal Park. This park has been divided into different zones so there is something here for everyone. Firstly, there is a fun zone with play areas for children. Then there is the formal zone where you can walk through the gardens. There is also the wild zone where wildlife is left to thrive.
While you’re here, be sure to check out the Folkstone market at Harbour Arm. There are 35 different market cabins offering food, artwork, clothing, and more. They are open at weekends and bank holidays between March and October, but they do open during the winter for their festive market. If this isn’t your cup of tea, they also have The Goods Yard which shows live sporting events and films. It’s said that “when the weather is good, the atmosphere here is something special.”
Brighton and Hove – the perfect place to catch those rays
The next sunniest place in the UK is East Sussex, home to Brighton and Hove. Known for its quaint 17th-century lanes, with various vintage clothing shops and restaurants. Whether you are a solo traveller or a family, you will not be bored here. The North Laine alone has over 400 independent shops and cafes. It is a brightly coloured area, with street art at every corner making it a hive of art and culture.
You must visit the Royal Pavilion when you are here. It was built for King George IV and is now the most decadent palace in the UK. The Pavilion is an iconic piece of architecture and is easily recognisable with its many domes. They also host various events such as arts and crafts classes for children or new limited-time exhibitions. Tea and cake can be enjoyed afterwards at the Pavilion tearoom.
Bask in the sunshine with a trip along the Brighton Palace Pier. It has rides, bars, and restaurants giving you plenty to do. The pier is one of Brighton’s most recognisable attractions. If you are feeling brave, tackle the 150-metre-high I360 where you can take in breathtaking views of Brighton and the seaside. You can purchase a multi-ticket that gets you into the I360 as well as the Royal Pavilion, saving you money.
Making the most of a sunny UK staycation
The UK has many places that get lots of sun throughout the day. Whether you want to venture into our capital city or escape to the countryside, the UK has it all. The places we’ve mentioned all have gorgeous beaches where you can relax and soak up some sun on a much-needed UK break.
Here are some top tips for holidaying in the sunny UK:
- Plan ahead to get the best deals.
- Do a bit of research on what you want to do while you’re there.
- Arrange your transport early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Go exploring and see if you can find any hidden gems!
- Make sure you have appropriate insurance in place for peace of mind.
Wherever you decide to go, if you have a Free Spirit Annual Multi-Trip policy, you are covered for sunny UK travel provided you have at least 2 nights of pre-booked accommodation.
You can also take out a single-trip policy for those one-off trips here.