11 Jul 2023
Moving overseas is not your only option. The UK gets a bad rap when it comes to a lack of sunshine, but in fact, there are plenty of places in the country that get more sunlight hours than others. To give you some options, we've broken down the towns, cities, and islands that get the most amount of sunlight hours each year in the UK.
If you’re a sun worshipper but don’t want to leave the isle of Britain, you’re in luck. All across England, Scotland, and Wales you’ll find pockets of sunshine. These are the top 5 sunniest places in the UK:
At the start of the South Downs, where the cliffs meet the shingle beaches of the south coast, lies the town with the most sunshine in the UK: Eastbourne. This Victorian town, originally built as a holiday resort for the Duke of Devonshire, boasts 3 miles of coastline with a promenade running along the whole stretch. Sunny days can be spent strolling alongside the sea and enjoying coastal culinary delights.
With Eastbourne located less than an hour and a half from the capital, its coastal appeal is even more enticing for those looking to visit or relocate. While Eastbourne is only 35 minutes from Brighton, moving to the former is a more affordable option for seaside living.
Generally, the south coast of England gets the most sunlight in the UK, so it’s no surprise that its towns dominate the top spots of sunniest places. Taking position number 2 on the list of the UK’s sunniest places is Bognor Regis. This typical seaside town close to Chichester gets, on average, a whopping 1,852 hours of sunshine annually!
Bognor offers a perfect setting to grab an ice cream and enjoy the sunshine, as well as being only 1 hour and 45 minutes from London. House prices here are cheaper than in the nearby cities (Brighton and Chichester). During the summer, many will flock to Bognor to enjoy the sunshine, and with Butlins in town, there is sure to be a lively atmosphere.
Although technically classed as a city, St David's is the size of a small village. This is the only Welsh town to make our list. St David’s is charming, surrounded by rolling hills and harbour towns, and overlooked by the giant 13th-century cathedral. There are plenty of activities to take part in while enjoying the extra sunlight hours in St David's. From trips to the coast of Pembrokeshire to hiking between quaint pubs, St David's has always been the hub for exploring the incredible Welsh countryside.
If you're tempted by the outdoors and beautiful scenery, then moving to Wales could be your best decision yet.
The Isle of Wight is famous for a few things; festivals, boating, and staycations. It's no wonder it’s popular when it has all these activities on offer - as well as maximum sunlight! Hugging the South Coast, the island offers a plethora of beaches and coastlines to enjoy the extra sunshine.
With a total area of just 147 square miles, the Isle of Wight boasts a small, friendly, and welcoming community. The way of life is slower on the island, allowing families to enjoy the outdoors right on their doorsteps. Whether it's exploring the countryside, cycling scenic trails, or simply unwinding on the beach, the Isle of Wight provides everything you could need from the outdoors. If you're worried about missing city life, the regular ferries to the mainland can take you back to the hustle and bustle whenever you desire.
It may come as a surprise, but a Scottish city has made it onto this top 5 list! In fact, on average Dundee gets 1,523 hours of sunshine per year, which is mostly down to its gloriously long summer days. These extra hours of sunlight make it perfect for enjoying activities like golf in the evening after work.
Being only an hour away from Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, and the Cairngorms National Park, Dundee makes the perfect Scottish home for adventurers and city-goers alike.
Thinking of moving to one of these sunny towns and cities? Bishop's Move is here to help. Whether you're relocating across the world or moving home nearby, our years of experience can make your move as smooth as possible.
