Where’s the best place to enjoy a UK beach holiday? The recent heatwave has seen a spike in coastal resort enquiries - we reveal Britain’s top seaside destinations.

<div>The recent bout of high temperatures in the <a href="https://www.airportrentals.com/united-kingdom-car-rental">United Kingdom</a> has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the warmest July…
The recent bout of high temperatures in the United Kingdom has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the warmest July day ever recorded taking place last week. The sizzling heat has recently fallen a little but some forecasters are predicting another, more intense, heatwave to arrive in late July which could well shatter all-time UK records. 
 
Perhaps it’s not so surprising that the balmy temperatures have raised people’s interest in taking a staycation in one of the UK’s seaside resorts, but what is a little unexpected is how much of an effect it’s had. Comparing the hottest days of the heatwave (Monday 29th June - Wednesday 1st July) to equivalent days on the previous week, hotel comparison site Trivago discovered that travel interest to UK coastal destinations peaked by up to 64% during the high temperature period. 
 
If the thought of escaping the steaming concrete jungle to the sands and sea breezes of a coastal resort has caught your imagination too, we can help. Take a little sneak peak at what could be in store for you at four of the UK’s most sought after seaside getaway destinations:


Newquay
Photo: Jay, Flickr Creative Commons

4. Newquay

It's to be expected that Newquay would get a major popularity boost from the heatwave - it is after all the UK's unofficial surf capital, boasting one of the best beach breaks in Cornwall. Fistral Beach, in particular, is known to produce powerful, hollow waves and can hold a decent sized swell, all factors that contribute to producing some of the finest surf waves in the country. If it's more of a family vacation you're on, you have to check out the nearby Lappa Valley Steam Railway - this is perfect for young kids, featuring train rides, a maze and much more. When you just want to relax, White Acres is an anglers dream, with 13 well-stocked lakes full of everything from roach and rudd to cap and catfish. Alternatively, the town is also home to a number of modern spas that can have you unwinding in no time.
 
 
Brighton
 
3. Brighton
 
Just 40 minutes from Gatwick Airport, Brighton is the easy choice for Londoners looking to take a breath of fresh sea air, and international travellers wanting to get on the beach as soon as possible. People have been flocking to Brighton’s coast for hundreds of years, initially to reap the supposed curative benefits of ‘seabathing’ and in latter days to bask on the beach and stroll along the seafront. If you’re in town between the 14th of August and the 4th of September, make sure you catch a movie at the Brighton Big Screen, the UK’s largest outdoor cinema. For those looking for a change of scene, the Cuckoo Trail takes you away from the beach and into the Sussex countryside. Explore open woodland, quaint villages and farmland - you may even spot a cuckoo. 
 
 
Blackpool
 
2. Blackpool
 
Blackpool has been the archetypal British seaside resort for as long as the concept has existed. Aside from the beach, visitors can choose to enjoy white knuckle rollercoaster rides, a family trip to Blackpool Zoo or even a step back into the past with the 4D cinema and SKYWALK of the Blackpool Tower Eye. That’s really just scratching the surface of what the town has on offer though - after all, the whole place is built around providing tourists with fun, entertainment and relaxation. It’s not too hard to get to either, lying on England’s western coast just over an hour away from Manchester airport. For those seeking the classic English holiday experience, Blackpool really is your only choice.
 
 
Bournemouth
 
1. Bournemouth
 
While most come for the climate, Bournemouth has far more to offer than just balmy weather. The town has rich literary connections, with authors Mary Shelley (Frankenstein), Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island) and J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings) all having spent much of their lives in the Bournemouth area. Victorian-era architecture features prominently and the 202-foot spire of St. Peter’s is a much loved local landmark. Just under 40 minutes drive from Southampton airport, Bournemouth’s 7 miles of golden sand beaches, rich history and vibrant night life have put it right at the top of must-visit UK coastal destinations. 
 
 
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Bournemouth is at the top of people’s minds when it comes to coastal destinations, in spite of the relatively high average price for an overnight stay: £104. It’s nowhere near the most expensive popular resort however, with a night in St. Ives (16th most popular) setting you back £160 on average, with Poole (18th, £140) and Portsmouth (12th, £127) following a little behind.
 
Where is your little slice of English heaven? Share with us in the comments below. 
 
 
 
 
Kristof Haines Marketing of Airport Rentals