If your idea of the perfect British beach involves more sand than people, head north, where one village has topped the seaside rankings for five years running.

The windswept and gloriously undeveloped coastline scored five stars for peace and quiet in the Which? survey, where it yet again topped the rankings of the UK's best seaside towns and villages. From a survey of almost 4,000 Which? members who took around 9,000 trips to British seaside towns, holidaymakers opted for the unspoilt sand, gorgeous scenery and serenity of Bamburgh, Northumberland.

In November 2025, the village beat 117 other seaside towns and villages to the highest overall destination score, including the likes of Brighton and Southend-on-Sea.

The best-rated seaside spots including Portmeirion, Tenby and Tynemouth all earned five stars in at least one category - beaches, seafront or scenery - but Bamburgh stood alone in achieving full marks across all three, as well as for peace and quiet.

That helped secure it an impressive overall score of 84%, higher than anywhere else in the UK.

The village itself is small, home to around 400 residents, but it sits beside one of the finest beaches in the country, with uninterrupted views over miles of sand.

Visitors often single out the sheer scale of the place. One described it as "spectacular stretch of coastline with beaches that are second to none".

Another said that, even though it's got busier in recent years, the beach is so big that there's still space for everyone, even in the height of summer.

Above it all rises Bamburgh Castle, one of the largest inhabited castles in England, keeping watch over miles of sand from its dramatic rocky outcrop.

It is a defining feature of the landscape and a favourite among visitors, who are drawn to the striking views of the fortress from the shore.