Sidmouth has been ranked as the most expensive coastal resort in the UK, according to new research, which compared prices across 30 popular coastal destinations.

The results were compiled based on the average price for the cheapest available double room in a hotel or guest house during the month of August.

Only properties within walking distance of a beach and rated at least three stars were considered.

Using these metrics Sidmouth was found to have an average rate of £154 per night, which was the priciest of the places analysed by Cheaprooms.co.uk.

Sidmouth beat out the towns of St Ives and Bude in Cornwall, which ranked as the second and third most expensive destinations, respectively.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth ranked ahead of locations such as Weymouth and FalmouthSidmouth ranked ahead of locations such as Weymouth and Falmouth (Image: Getty Images)

What were the 10 most expensive coastal resorts in the UK?

The 10 most expensive coastal resorts in the research from Cheaprooms.co.uk are as follows.

The prices shown reflect the average daily rate for each destination's cheapest available double room in a hotel or guest house rated at least three stars, for the period spanning August 2023.

1. Sidmouth - £154

2. St Ives - £147

3. Bude - £143

4. Poole - £132

5. Portrush - £130

6. Oban - £121

6= Folkestone - £121

8. Falmouth - £116

9. Weymouth - £108

10. Tenby - £104

At the cheaper end of the scale, the famous resort of Blackpool in Lancashire ranks as the most affordable UK destination on the list, with an average rate of just £48 per night.

Other places that were reasonably priced included Torquay, Southport and Scarborough.

Compared to 2019, when the same survey was most recently conducted, hotel rates are up by 35%, on average – an increase of almost 8% per year.

Several destinations have seen their rates skyrocket even further, including Folkestone, Swansea and Bude, all of which are up by around 75% compared to 4 years ago.