February 13th 2024.
Did you know that some of the most beautiful beach spots in the UK also happen to be some of the rainiest? It's true - many of the top holiday destinations in the UK are among the 20 rainiest seaside towns in the country. Places like Tenby in Wales, Bude in Cornwall, and Blackpool are all on the list of the top 20 wettest coastal places, according to rainfall data from the Met Office spanning from 1991 to 2020.
Surprisingly, the top spot goes to Autlbea, a small fishing village in the Scottish Highlands. On average, it receives 121mm of rain every month and has 209 days a year with more than 1mm of rainfall. Other Scottish locations like Tiree, Lochboisdale, and Helensburgh make up the top four, while Northern Ireland, Shetland, and parts of Wales round out the top ten. A map of the UK highlights these wet coastal towns.
Tiree, an island in the Inner Hebrides, takes the second spot with an average of 106mm of rain per month. Lochboisdale in the Outer Hebrides comes in third with an average of 100mm of rain per month. Other seaside locations on the list include Tenby in Wales, Morecambe in Lancashire, and Slapton in Devon.
Despite these findings, it's worth noting that, on average, seaside towns are actually drier than the rest of the UK. The data shows that they receive an average of 75mm of rainfall per month, compared to 97mm for the rest of the country. And despite the reputation for rainy weather, 72% of adults surveyed said that the weather wouldn't stop them from enjoying a staycation in the UK.
In fact, for many Brits, a bit of rain is just part of the experience. According to a study by Sykes Holiday Cottages and former BBC weather presenter Owain Wyn Evans, 61% of people said that a British holiday wouldn't be the same without rain. And even if it does rain, there are still plenty of things to do and enjoy, like sightseeing, walks along the pier, and indulging in some fish and chips.
Graham Donoghue, the CEO of Sykes Holiday Cottages, noted that rain can actually enhance the staycation experience by providing opportunities for alternative activities. And Owain Wyn Evans added that some activities can even be better with a few raindrops.
The study also found that 34% of people have rainy day plans for their UK breaks, with visiting a restaurant or café, a local pub, or a museum being among the top choices. And despite knowing that there's a possibility of rain during a staycation, half of the participants said they would still book a getaway to explore more of the UK.
In the end, it's all about making memories, and 19% of those who have experienced a rainy staycation said that it gives them more to look back on. Some even have fond memories of getting caught in downpours, spending time in local pubs and cafes, and relaxing in their accommodations.
Mr. Donoghue added that rain can bring people closer to the local community and provide opportunities to do things they may not have otherwise considered. So, don't let a little rain dampen your spirits - embrace it and make the most out of your UK staycation. After all, it wouldn't be a true British holiday without some rain.
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