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We can’t quite say that London is old news, given the world fame it still has today.
What we can say is that there is much more to discover in Britain than Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and double-decker buses.
London’s historic urban sprawl remains the main draw, but sometimes we forget how picturesque the coastlines are when we visit our allies across the pond.
You have the awe-inspiring islands of Scotland, Brighton, Blackpool and many more that fly under the radar, especially among American tourists.
Since Britain is one of the easiest European destinations to reach from the US mainland, with plentiful direct flight options, why not visit one of the country’s most underrated beach towns?
The coastal city has recently become extremely popular among tourists Sunderland offers pristine beaches and many new hotels, which lay claim to those of Britain newest tourist hotspot.
Sunderland: Britain’s lesser-known beach holiday
Britain is a fantastic country to travel through, but it’s time to put the coast center stage.
Typically, Americans stay in Florida, California, Mexico or the Caribbean for their beach vacation, or perhaps take a long flight to Europe to a well-known beach destination.
Sunderland is not really known in our region, but it is coming. Nearly 2 million holidaymakers headed to Britain’s north-eastern coastline last year and even more are expected this year according to the latest data from the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor.
With approximately 170,000 inhabitants, this is not just any seaside resort. There is more to do than baking in the sun and swimming in the blue water.
With castles, museums, beautiful parks and even a professional football team, there is plenty to do outside the beach.
Prestigious blue flag beaches
Although not often discussed when choosing a beach holiday, one enticing factor is the confirmation of how pristine a beach can be.
Sure, you can search TripAdvisor for the latest reviews, but many popular places like the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Costa Rica all have prestigious awards that certify the beaches as the most pristine in the world.
For example, if you’ve been to Los Cabos, you may have noticed a blue flag in the sand to signify the beach’s special qualities such as cleanliness, safety and sustainability.
You might be surprised to find out that Sunderland also meets the requirements. With locations including Los Cabos, Punta Cana and Guanacaste, this unsuspecting coastal escape is in good company.
However, let’s temper expectations a bit for now. Sunderland isn’t Punta Cana with some of the most vibrant blue waters in the world, but they are clean, safe and well maintained.
To that extent, the city has been rewarded Blue flags for at least a dozen consecutive years!
Smoker Beach And Seaburn Beach are two that should highlight your itinerary. And don’t forget to take advantage of picture-perfect photo opportunities at the postcard-worthy lighthouses.
New developments ready for more tourists
Major investment in the millions of dollars has been flowing into Sunderland for years, and the latest tourism statistics prove there is money talk.
Previously, Sunderland was just a beach town that no one seemed to care about. Now it’s trendy.
Sunderland’s historic buildings have undergone a renaissance, many of which now serve as stylish accommodation for visitors.
Former empty lots are now modern hotels, and former battered buildings are now breathing new life as holiday rentals.
Take the Seaburn Inn for example. The new hotel on the beach with spectacular views cost no less than 6 million dollars and that is just the tip of the iceberg, because the surrounding boulevard has also undergone major improvements.
New bars, new restaurants and renovated hotels have significantly increased the number of visitors.
Despite the surge, there is still so much room to go, making Sunderland an ideal place to enjoy before more people discover just how great it is.
Despite Britain’s dismal weather reputation, this side of the country is seeing it warmer weather July and August while the rainiest months are December and January.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
