This small seaside town gets the most sunshine hours in the UK (Image: Getty)
In the aftermath of the festive period, Britain’s weather can appear especially dreary. The chilly, damp conditions are compounded by the persistence of early sunsets.
However, this gloom won’t last indefinitely, as the clocks are due to spring forward in March, blessing us with considerably extended daylight hours. Moreover, certain regions of the nation will benefit from even more sunshine than their counterparts.
Particular locations routinely enjoy greater sun exposure owing to their geographical position and regional weather patterns.
Claiming the crown across the UK for this distinction is a « small » yet delightful town that might have escaped your attention.
Situated on the Isle of Wight, just off England’s southern coastline, Shanklin claims the title for the highest annual sunshine hours. According to Met Office figures, it receives 1,976 hours of sunshine annually.
The town boasts many attractions including a beautiful beach, cliff lift, pubs, and restaurants (Image: Getty)
This represents 573 hours above the national average and 44 hours ahead of second-placed Folkestone in Kent. The figures were examined by Sunsave Energy, which noted on its website: « The Isle of Wight receives the gold medal for sunshine.
« Located just off the south coast of England, this little island is famous for its sunny weather, seafront promenades and beach huts. It’s no surprise that Queen Victoria regularly chose to retreat here.
« The Met Office has several climate stations on the Isle of Wight, but it’s the one in the small town of Shanklin (population: 9,000) that tops the UK sunshine charts. With 1,976 hours of sunshine per year, the Isle of Wight is a whopping 573 hours up on the UK average (1,403). »
Shanklin is a firmly established seaside destination situated along the south-eastern shoreline of the island. Visitors can take pleasure in its stunning sandy shores, entertainment arcades and retail outlets.
Nature enthusiasts will find Shanklin Chine particularly captivating – a picturesque coastal gorge boasting cascading waters, woodland and verdant flora.
Read more: ‘I went to country rated more depressing than the UK and was left surprised’
Read more: Underrated UK seaside town has ‘one of the most beautiful beaches in the world’
Visit Isle of Wight, the island’s official tourism website, states: « One of the jewels of Sandown Bay, the town of Shanklin has long been known as a traditional holiday destination and has everything you need for a great family holiday or to go to with friends or as a couple. With lots of seafront hotels, amusement arcades and crazy golf, it is the epitome of the British beach resort.
« But Shanklin these days is so much more than that. It has a thriving town centre with a host of independent shops, restaurants and pubs and its own theatre.
« Then there is the history of the town, from it being the home of the poet Keats to its vital role in the Second World War. Whatever you like to do on holiday, then Shanklin is certainly a place to ‘Say Yes’ to. »
According to research by Sunsave Energy, the other sunniest locations across Britain were:
- Folkestone, Kent – 1,932 hours of sunshine a year
- Bognor Regis, West Sussex – 1,919 hours
- Hastings, East Sussex – 1,915 hours
- Weymouth, Dorset – 1,904 hours
- Eastbourne, East Sussex – 1,892 hours
- Southend-on-Sea, Essex – 1,884 hours
- Ramsgate, Kent – 1,846 hours
- Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex – 1,824 hours
- Swanage, Dorset – 1,806 hours
- Bournemouth, Dorset – 1,779 hours
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