Where are the sunniest places in the UK

The UK has more sunshine than you might think - and some of its brightest spots might even be quite close to home.

We tend to joke about British weather, but the truth is, parts of this country enjoy an impressive amount of sunshine each year. According to Met Office data* recorded between 1990 and 2020, several towns and coastal spots along the south coast clock up nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine annually - not far off some parts of southern Europe. From the Kent coast to the Dorset shoreline, there are places where blue skies are far more common than grey ones, and where the pace of life feels just a little bit lighter.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape, looking for your next staycation, or simply curious about what's out there - here are seven of the UK's sunniest spots.

2. Folkestone, Kent | 1,932 hours of sunshine per year

Folkestone has undergone a quiet renaissance in recent years, and those who’ve discovered it tend to return again and again. Its regenerated harbour, thriving Creative Quarter and dramatic clifftop views across the Channel give the town real character. It manages that rare balance of feeling steeped in history while remaining very much alive in the present. Add sunshine into the mix and it’s no surprise Folkestone has become one of the south‑east coast’s most talked‑about destinations.

4. Weymouth, Dorset | 1,904 hours of sunshine per year

Weymouth is one of those places that feels like it was made for summer. Sitting at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, it has a wide sandy beach lined with brightly coloured beach huts, a working harbour full of character, and a history that stretches back centuries - from Roman supply ships to George III, who famously brought his bathing machines here in the 1700s. Hosting the Olympic sailing events in 2012 brought Weymouth fresh attention, and it continues to deliver with quiet confidence and genuine warmth.

6. Ramsgate, Kent | 1,846 hours of sunshine per year

Ramsgate is a town that wears its history lightly. It's the only royal harbour in the UK - a title bestowed by King George IV, who was so impressed by the town he felt it deserved the distinction. Plus, its stunning bay and sandy beach have been drawing visitors for generations. Beyond the history, there's a real energy to Ramsgate today. The marina is lively, the clifftop gardens are lovely, and the independent cafe and restaurant scene has quietly flourished. It looks out directly towards Calais and Dunkirk, which gives it a slightly continental feel on a clear day and on a sunny afternoon, it really does feel like somewhere special.

Wherever you are, home is where your heart is...

A change of pace, a brighter sky, or a breath of sea air can be a powerful reminder of how much our surroundings shape the way we feel. There’s something deeply reassuring in knowing that brighter days aren’t always as far away as they seem - whether that’s a sunlit stretch of coastline or a quieter, calmer moment closer to home.

If you’re searching for simple ways to make your home feel lighter, calmer and more uplifting, you don’t need a full overhaul to make a difference. Often, it’s the small details that matter most - how light moves through a room, the colours you live with, or the way your space supports everyday life.