8 Sunniest Places to Live in the UK
Are you wondering what the sunniest place in the UK is?
There is nothing as nice as spending time outside soaking up the sun.
Nice weather often prompts people to spend more time outdoors, leading to increased social interactions and it releases the feel-good hormone melatonin.
Perhaps you have thought about moving to a location that is blessed with more sunshine hours than you currently experience.
The idea of relocating to a warmer destination abroad may have an appeal but it is not exactly an easy thing to do.
Seeking the sun does not necessarily involve crossing European or international borders.
Within the UK, lots of fantastic locations boast above-average annual sunshine hours.
In this blog, we delve into the 8 sunniest places to live in the UK, providing insights into each distinctive location.
Bognor Regis
Bognor Regis boasts an average of 1902 hours of sunshine a year. Image credit: Unsplash
Once a small fishing village, Bognor Regis grew in popularity and size during the 18th Century as visitors flocked to its coastal setting seeking health benefits and leisure activities.
King George V convalesced in the town during the 1920s following lung surgery. In appreciation for being treated so well, the then Bognor acquired the “Regis” in its name.
Just as well Bognor is blessed with above-average sunshine hours. It has been a favoured holiday destination for generations.
Today, Bognor Regis remains a popular tourist hot spot.
Its sandy beaches, historic pier, and various entertainment options continue to draw visitors nationwide.
The relaxed coastal living Bognor provides has attracted the attention of retirees in the past.
However, it has not gone unnoticed by younger prospective buyers also eager to enjoy this peaceful and picturesque location.
Bognor is full of historical charm, good transport links, plenty of community events and oozing natural beauty.
But aside from these obvious attributes, the 1902 hours of annual sunshine is viewed by many as its major asset.
The area has often taken the crown as the sunniest place in the UK.
Eastbourne
Eastbourne makes our list with an average of 1900 hours of annual sunshine. Image credit: Unsplash
Similar to Bognor Regis, the town provides its residents with an easy laidback coastal lifestyle and a seaside holiday destination for its visitors.
Boasting an average of 1900 hours of annual sunshine, Eastbourne is a winner in many ways.
Eastbourne’s historical Victorian architecture is highlighted perfectly by The Grand Hotel.
A prominent landmark exemplifying the grandeur of this architectural style and is a testament to Eastbourne’s history as a fashionable resort in the 19th century.
There has been somewhat of a revival in Eastbourne.
Once another quiet haven for retirees, it is now a very lively location.
You can find some fantastic places to eat, drink and socialise in the centre of town or along its waterside restaurants.
Three theatres and a swathe of interesting galleries add to its cultural appeal.
Easily accessible by road. For those who only need to be in the office once or twice a week, by rail it is only 1.20 hours to London Victoria.
Tenby
Tenby is a stunning seaside location with ample sunshine. Image credit: Pixabay
With its strategic position on the far west coast of Britain, and a naturally sheltered harbour from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea, Tenby has been a natural settlement point for humans for hundreds of years.
The town has a strong sense of community, and it often hosts events, festivals, and cultural activities.
While Tenby is a relatively small town, it has essential amenities such as shops, restaurants, and schools
Its two most notable features are its 3 miles of sandy beaches (hence the nickname “Welsh Riviera”) and the popular Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Both of these features come into their own when you add that all-important sunshine factor, 1667 annual hours of it!
The Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly are located off of the southwestern tip of Cornwall. UK. Image credit: Depositphotos
In 1975 the Isles of Scilly were designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Made up of a cluster of at least 140 small islands, this location is extremely hard to beat and is packed with outstanding natural beauty and uncrowded pristine beaches.
The influence of the Gulf Stream helps moderate temperatures making the Isles of Scilly warmer than almost any other part of the UK.
Its strategic location off the southwestern tip of Cornwall means it generally experiences a mild maritime climate with around 1708 average sunshine hours per year.
It is no surprise that tourism is a major part of the local economy (85%), along with agriculture, particularly the production of cut flowers.
Employment is hard to come by and is mostly seasonal, but living in Scilly is an attractive alternative to the humdrum of many larger coastal locations around the UK.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth enjoys 1780 hours of sunshine a year. Image credit: Pexels
On average Bournemouth enjoys around 1780 hours of sunshine annually, a huge bonus for the almost 7 million tourists who flock to this location every year.
It is hard to believe that this busy cosmopolitan town was just a barren heathland before the 1800s but is now home to around 195,000.
Like so many South Coast resorts in the early 1800’s, it was seen to be advantageous for those suffering from lung problems in particular tuberculosis, to convalesce amid the clean sea air.
In 1838 the first hotel opened in Bournemouth. Since then, the town has grown and developed into a major tourist destination.
Alongside the long stretch of sandy coastline, there is a myriad of other attractions to enjoy.
Plus, the town has a diverse economy, including sectors like tourism, services, and technology.
This south coast location provides locals with an excellent quality of life, exceptional transport links and some highly rated Ofsted schools making it ideal for families.
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight’s location off of the south coast ensures it receives plenty of sunshine. Image credit: Unsplash
57 miles of coastline has made The Isle of Wight an incredibly well-loved location for stay-cay Brits.
Life is lived at an altogether slower pace.
Plus, you get more for your money when you buy a home on the Island.
In ancient times, when the Romans occupied parts of Britain, the Isle of Wight was known as Vectis.
The abundance of sunshine hours is a characteristic that was appreciated by the Romans who introduced vine growing and wine making to Britain, reflecting their appreciation for the finer things in life
Ventnor, situated on the far south of the island and sheltered by St Boniface Downs, boasts its own micro-climate.
This location is considered the warmest in the UK, with temperatures often rivalling those of Corfu.
In addition to its climate, Ventnor is famous for hosting the annual Isle of Wight Music Festival, which had its inaugural event in 1968 and was headlined by the legendary Jimmy Hendrix.
With an abundance of sunshine, residents and visitors alike can take full advantage of the island’s natural attractions and beaches.
It southern location has seen it be crowned as the sunniest place in the UK more than once!
Camber Sands
Camber Sands’ 8-mile-long beach is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunshine. Image credit: Unsplash
Yet another far south location that manages to provide more than the average amount of sunshine hours per year than many of the other sunniest places in UK.
Plus, the village of Camber is a very desirable spot to call home. Even more appealing is the average property price is below the National average!
Sitting in the county of East Sussex in the village of Camber, its 8-mile beach boasts one of the largest sandy expanses in the southeast of Britain, drawing day-trippers from nearby Rye to experience its grassy dunes and expansive bay.
The whole area is a gem when it comes to those who enjoy walking.
A large section of the western end of the dunes lies within the Camber Sands and Rye Saltings, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). In contrast, behind Camber you have the High Weald AONB, also ideal for exploring on foot.
Camber Sands has become popular with kite surfers, and paddle boarders and welcomes a fleet of small boats anchored offshore arriving to enjoy the bountiful sunshine hours the beach provides.
Those with smaller children will love the experience of waiting for low tide. It is an ideal opportunity to uncover small sea creatures left behind in the shallows, creating a captivating experience for curious young minds.
Cambridge
Cambridge’s inland location makes it a surprise addition to our list. Image credit: Pixabay
Cambridge, despite being an inland location, offers a delightful alternative to seaside getaways.
Attractive as the city is, it is also one of the most expensive locations in the region when it comes to purchasing a home, particularly so in the city centre.
As Cambridge is among the sunniest cities in the UK, if you can’t afford to live here, it is perfect for a short weekend break.
There is no doubt that sightseeing is so much nicer when you are exploring in warm weather.
Visitors were wowed by its cultural sights and ancient architecture which include the iconic King’s College Chapel, with its glittering stained-glass windows.
The city’s charm extends beyond its historical landmarks, as evidenced by the diverse culinary scene.
Mill Road stands out as a hub for restaurants serving dishes from around the world, offering a culinary journey for visitors.
Of course, no visit would be complete without exploring the globally renowned Cambridge University, founded in 1209.
Being small, it is easy to get around the city on foot.
When you are ready for a bite to eat, local pubs cafes and restaurants take full advantage of the extra hours of sunshine, and many offer al fresco dining options.
Why not round your day off with a Cambridge tradition and take a ride on a punt?
Punting is a beautiful way to see the backs of the colleges, thereby profiting from a quite different, but equally enchanting, perspective of the city.
Although it may not take the number one spot as the sunniest place in the UK, Cambridge is certainly up there on the list!
Ready to Move to the Sunniest Place in the UK?
White & Company Truck
Hopefully, you have found our guide useful and will shortly be moving to one of these 8 sunniest locaitons.
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Regardless of which location you choose to move to, we will guarantee your belongings arrive safely without disruption.
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Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.
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