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The 'iconic' beach in England that's been named most rain-proof spot for a holiday
Reach Daily Express | May 4, 2026 11:40 PM CST

Spring is a great time to go on holiday, but it does come with a certain level of risk.The weather during the spring months can be temperamental and while some people aren't bothered by a bit of rain, other people want to avoid it as much as possible.

According to the Met Office, it rains between 170 and 180 days a year on average - that's almost every other day. To try and ditch the rain, Parkdean Resorts have analysed Met Office data, geographical information and shelter opportunities to find the most rain-proof beaches in the country. They then gave each beach a 'rain-proof' score out of 100.

In first place is Bournemouth on the Dorset coast, with a score of 95. The coastline stretches for seven miles which makes it the best place for natural shelter from downpours, and indoor facilities to hide from the rain.

This beach is a favourite among Brits, and visitors say they love the beautiful golden sands, the pier and iconic cliffs. With a 4.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, it's a popular spot for tourists.

One person wrote on TripAdvisor: "The beach at Bournemouth is a timeless slice of the British seaside. Stretching seven miles, its soft sands evoke memories of fresh sea air, melting '99' flakes, and arcades. From the iconic cliff lifts to the vibrant Lower Gardens, it remains a haven of nostalgia. Whether tracing the shoreline or watching the sunset, it's a place where the simple joys of summer never truly fade. Always plenty to do and places to go nearby."

Another wrote: "Bournemouth Beach is stunning - soft golden sand, clean water, and a lovely promenade with great views. The beach was well-maintained, and there were plenty of facilities nearby. Perfect for a relaxing day out, whether you're swimming, sunbathing, or just strolling along the shore."

The south coast dominates the list, so for a beach break that won't be spoiled by rain, try finding a spot somewhere in Devon or Dorset.

The north coast of Wales also proves to be very sheltered, with two destinations in the top 10.

Practitioner psychologist Ravi Gill spoke to Parkdean Resorts about the importance of getting outside - no matter the weather.

She said: "A holiday isn't ruined by rain. It's shaped by how we respond to it. Let go of perfection: shift your mindset from 'Perfect weather' to 'Flexible fun' - disappointment often comes from a mismatch between expectation and reality.

"If we mentally attach the holiday to blue skies, anything else feels like a loss. Instead, frame the trip around experiences rather than weather, using phrases like 'we're going to explore, we're going to slow down and rest'."

Just because it's raining, it doesn't have to spoil your holidays and in fact, Ravi said it might even improve it.

She explained: "We forget rest doesn't need sunshine. In fact, rain can help slower, indoor moments often allow deeper conversations, board game evenings or afternoon naps - genuine nervous system down-regulation."

The UK's best rain-proof beaches
  • Bournemouth Beach - South West England - 95
  • Exmouth Beach - South West England - 94
  • Weymouth Beach - South West England - 93
  • Woolacombe Beach - South West England - 92
  • Paignton Sands - South West England - 90
  • Sandbanks Beach - South West England - 88
  • Llandudno North - Wales - 87
  • Bridlington South - Yorkshire and the Humber - 87
  • Rhyl Beach - Wales - 85
  • Portobello Beach - Scotland - 85

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