Get in touch

The Top 5 Sunniest Places in the UK

11 Jul 2023

The Top 5 Sunniest Places in the UK
Looking to get more sun in your life? Feeling fed up with grey skies and rain?

Moving overseas is not your only option. In fact, there are plenty of places in the UK that get more sunlight hours than others. To give you some options, we've broken down towns, cities, and islands that get the most amount of sunlight hours each year.

  1. Eastbourne, England 
  2. Bognor Regis, England 
  3. Isle of Wight, England 
  4. St David’s, Wales 
  5. Dundee, Scotland 

 

1. Eastbourne

Eastbourne’s Victorian promenade with brown benches and flower beds

At the start of the South Downs, where the cliffs meet the shingle beaches of the south coast, lies the town with the most amount of 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.

If you're planning on visiting or moving from the capital, the under-an-hour-and-a-half journey will make Eastbourne and having the coast on your doorstep even more appealing. With only 35 minutes to Brighton, moving to Eastbourne is a more affordable option for seaside living than its neighbouring city.

2. Bognor Regis

Generally, the south coast of England gets the most amount of sunlight in the UK, so it’s no surprise that its towns dominate the top spots of sunniest places. Taking position number 2 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. 

3. St David’s, Wales The sun setting behind St David’s Cathedral, Wales

Although technically classed as a city, St David's is the size of a small village. The only Welsh town to make our list is charming, surrounded by rolling hills and harbour towns, and overlooked by the giant 13th-century cathedral. There are plenty of activities to do when 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.  

4. Isle of Wight

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 to the hustle and bustle whenever you desire. 

Tow Bridge leading to the city of Dundee with the ocean in front

5. Dundee

You may not think that Scotland has places with more sunlight than England or Wales, but Dundee takes the top spot for the sunniest Scottish place. 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.