The top 20 rainiest coastal locations in the UK include Cardiff, Bude, and Blackpool, according to rainfall data. Analysis of Met Office figures, from 1991 to 2020, revealed the seaside towns and cities which see the most rain – with Aultbea in the Scottish Highlands taking the top spot.
The fishing village has an average of 121mm of rainfall each month, with more than half the year (209 days) seeing more than 1mm of daily rainfall.
Tiree, an island in the Inner Hebrides, has been crowned the second rainiest coastal spot, with a monthly average of 106mm – while Lochboisdale, in the Outer Hebrides, rounded out the top three, with a monthly average of 100mm.
Other seaside locations which feature on the list include Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Morecambe in Lancashire, and Slapton in Devon.
However, on average, seaside towns are drier than the rest of the UK, with analysis showing they get an average of 75mm of rainfall a month – compared to 97mm for the rest of the country.
The findings were compiled by Sykes Holiday Cottages, and former BBC weather presenter, Owain Wyn Evans, after research of 2,000 adults found 72 percent don’t let typical wet British weather get in the way of a good staycation.
In fact, 61 percent don’t think it would be a British holiday if it didn’t rain – with sightseeing (53 percent), strolls along the pier (37 percent), and tucking into fish and chips (30 percent), among the activities they would do regardless.
Graham Donoghue, chief executive at Sykes Holiday Cottages, which has also created a Rainy Day Guide to Seaside Towns, with wet weather activity inspiration, said: “Rain is often part and parcel of a UK holiday, but our latest research shows that wet weather isn’t necessarily a dampener on people’s staycation experiences.
“With our new Rainy Day Guide, we want to help holiday-goers make the most of their trips closer to home – come rain or shine.
“Whether that’s visiting a museum, or spending the day in a local paint-a-pot or board game café, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a packed staycation itinerary even when it’s raining.”
Owain Wyn Evans, former BBC weather presenter, said: “I love that even in the rain, holidaymakers will still embrace a Great British staycation. Us Brits won’t let a bit of wet weather keep us indoors – and I’d argue some activities can even be better with a few rain drops.
“Despite my experience as a weather presenter, the exact detail on rain, especially showers, can be hard to predict – so hopefully this analysis will give Brits some idea of what to expect and plan for if they’re heading to a seaside location this year.”
The study also found 34 percent have “rainy day” plans in their back pocket for a UK break – with visiting a restaurant or café, a local pub, or museums among the most popular choices.
And despite knowing there’s a strong chance of rain during a staycation, half of holidaymakers are happy to book a getaway anyway, because they want to explore more of the UK.
Meanwhile, four in 10 rate the convenience of a holiday closer to home, and 30 percent find it’s easier to plan a staycation than a holiday abroad.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found 63 percent pack with rainy days in mind, as 75 percent expect to experience drizzle during a UK winter break.
But it’s all about making memories – as 19 percent who have experienced a rainy staycation said it gives you more to look back on.
Funny stories of getting caught in downpours (38 percent), spending more time getting familiar with the local pub or café (35 percent), and unwinding in their accommodation (34 percent), are among the more favourable recollections of such trips.
Graham Donoghue, from Sykes Holiday Cottages, added: “We’ve found that rain can create lots of opportunity to do things UK travellers may not have otherwise considered.
“You don’t need to shy away from the wet weather while on staycation – in fact, you may find you get to know your chosen location better than you would’ve in the sunshine, by spending more time with the local community in pubs, restaurants, and local eateries.”
