Where to go in the UK for the Most Hours of Sunshine
Even though summer is just around the corner, we Brits aren’t guaranteed sunlight and often suffer from grey skies and rain so it’s no wonder we plan and book trips abroad to soak up some much needed sunshine.
However, before paying for an expensive holiday this summer, you may be surprised to know that there are some great locations right here in the UK offering plenty of sun.
As long as you remember to apply plenty of sun lotion, sun exposure is an essential element to good health. It does more than give you a glowing tan, Vitamin D, from natural sun exposure, is critically important for a healthy immune and nervous system. However, one of the most obvious effects of the sunshine is how it can make you feel. The sunlight increases the release of serotonin in the body which helps you feel happier and the majority of us feel more energetic, awake and positive during the sunnier days of the year.
So, if you are chasing the sun, where should you be heading to? We have put together a list of the top five sunniest UK locations worth visiting for all those sun worshippers to go and explore.
1. Bognor Regis, 1902 Hours of Sunshine per year
Bognor Regis takes our top spot where the sun shines, on average, for more hours in a year than anywhere else in the country. No need for your passport, just make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen and then just drive down to the south coast.
Bognor Regis enjoys on average 1902 hours of sunshine every year. The most sunshine this location has ever seen in one year was 2237 hours recorded in 1990. The long hours of sunshine make it a perfect destination to take the family away for the summer holidays, or take a trip with friends, to soak up some much-needed Vitamin D.
One of the most visited attractions is the Bognor Regis Pier. Opened in 1865, it has seen many thousands of people walk on the Victorian structure to admire the beach views and take in the sea air.
The town is proud of its clean beaches and bustling town centre: it was formerly a small fishing village but today it is perhaps best known for holding the annual international Birdman event. The competition involves people leaping off the pier in their home-made flying machines and is held each summer.
2. Eastbourne, 1888 Hours of Sunshine
According to the Met Office, Eastbourne has held the record for the most sun in one month since July, 1911 which saw the town enjoy 383.9 hours during that month. On an average annual basis, Eastbourne enjoys 1888 hours of sunshine, averaging over 5 hours of sunshine per day. No wonder over 4.9 million people visit Eastbourne each year.
Even though you are likely to experience the warmest temperatures in July and August, the average temperature across the year is 10. 3 Celsius. Certainly, warmer than many locations across Britain!
The beautiful coastal town of Eastbourne is also famous for Beachy Head, the UK’s highest chalk sea cliff, an absolute must see for all visitors. The 536 feet high cliff provides glorious views over Eastbourne and the English Channel.
3. Hastings, 1871 Hours of Sunshine
Another sunny hotspot, again in Sussex, is Hastings, only 20 miles from Eastbourne, enjoying its fair share of sunshine every year. Having a mere 17 hours fewer sunshine than Eastbourne, Hastings’ annual hours of sunshine average 1871. There is always some rivalry between these two towns as to who owns the coveted title ’sunniest place in England’ but visitors will be pleased with either location when it comes to enjoying the weather.
The town offers plenty of things to see and do. Take a look in the Shipwreck Museum for stories of souls lost at sea or the Blue Reef Aquarium to explore fascinating creatures including seahorses, sharks, jellyfishes and many others.
4. Isle of Wight, 1860 Hours of Sunshine
The Isle of Wight is one of the most southerly regions of the UK and is lucky enough to enjoy the luxury of milder temperatures and plenty of sun.
An increasing number of visitors come to this island to discover and enjoy the brighter and warmer climate. Some come to the island and stay at Away Resorts’ Isle of Wight Holiday Park to spend quality time with the family. Others come to discover the beautiful countryside.
The southeast coast of the island sees the most of the sunshine. The main three towns here are Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor which together average 1860 hours of sunshine annually. The daily spells of sunshine can reach almost nine hours during the month of June in Shanklin, making it a perfect place to work on your tan.
5. Bristol, 1671 Hours of Sunshine
Bristol is located in the south west of England and due to its southerly position, it is one of the warmest cities in the country. The average annual temperature is around 10 – 12 Celsius with an annual average of 1671 hours of sunshine.
The length of the days here can vary significantly. The shortest day in 2018 will be on the 21stDecember with 7 hours and 50 minutes of daylight, and the longest day on the 21stJune having 16 hours and 38 minutes of daylight. That gives you plenty time to enjoy the sun in the summer.
Not only a great place to visit and spend the holidays, Bristol was voted the best place to live in Britain last year (2017). Bristol has much to offer and plenty of culture to experience from galleries, museums, festivals and inspiring restaurants.
