For expats moving back to the UK from sunnier climes, the stark difference in weather is often an understandable concern. Sunny skies is a running theme amongst our Whereshome clients and something we try to think about when suggesting locations.
With that in mind, we’ve set ourselves the challenge of finding out where in the UK should be on the top of your research list if sunshine hours are a priority to you. We’ve broken down some of the sunniest spots and balanced their sunshine hours with access to amenities and affordability to hopefully give you a taster of some of our favourite sun-filled location options.
Read on to get the low down on Whereshomes' guide to the sunniest places to live in the UK and perhaps it just might inspire you to make that jump.
Poole, Dorset
Sunshine hours: 2,193
Average 4-bed house: purchase cost: £1,517,000
Average cost to rent a family home: £3,746pm
This affluent coastal town has plenty going for itself before we even look at its incredible level of sunshine hours. Poole is an ideal relocation spot for walkers, sailors, or anyone looking for a taste of luxury seaside living.
Explore the historic harbour and old town and learn all about the sea captains and pirates that make up the fascinating history of this stunning quayside spot. Get your sea legs ready and set off from the town’s natural harbour for a sailing lesson or take a long ramble along one of the many coastal paths and visit the numerous stunning examples of natural beauty this area has to offer.
Spend the day at Sandbanks where you can lay back and enjoy the sun on the Blue Flag winning beach, sip a vino at Jazz Cafe or try your hand at windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking or any of the other numerous water sports this incredible area has to offer.
If you’re looking for a well-located town with plenty of amenities and the perfect spot from which to enjoy all those long sunny days, you really can’t go wrong with Poole.
Click here for more data and insight on what its like to live in Poole.
Chichester, West Sussex
Sunshine hours: 1,922
Average 4-bed house purchase cost: £634,000
Average cost to rent a family home: £3,149
This pretty cathedral city located in the heart of the rolling Sussex countryside offers all the amenities you could ask for as a relocating expat. The city boasts a number of beautiful grade II listed buildings as well as the stunning cathedral. Take a stroll around the harbour, visit Goodwood Races, enjoy the pedestrianised shopping streets or pick up a coffee from one of the cities many independent cafes and take a ramble around Priory Park. Chichester is a very livable city and the area is well located with great transport links, decent schools, beautiful scenery and great shopping. Throw a healthy dose of sunshine in to the mix and you’re on to a relocation winner .
Click here for more data and insight on what its like to live in Chichester.
Margate, Kent
Sunshine hours: 1,600
Average 4-bed house purchase cost: £568,000
Average cost to rent a family home: £1,878pm
Once seen as a dated, Victorian holiday resort, Margate has benefited from a huge regeneration project in recent years. The town has been spruced up from the inside out and more small, independent businesses have moved in to the old town creating a really strong community atmosphere and upholding the traditional small seaside feel that gave the town its charm in the first place.
With direct access to the gorgeous Kent coast, a number of galleries, independent shops and the Dreamland amusement park – you’re covered for fun here. From a practical perspective it’s a decent commuter spot with regular links to London and the schooling isn’t bad either, with plenty of independent options a short distance away.
One to really think about if you’re looking for sun, sea and a more chilled out pace of life.
Click here for more data and insight on what its like to live in Margate
Eastbourne, West Sussex
Sunshine hours: 1,900
Average 4-bed house purchase cost: £560,000
Average cost to rent a family home: £1,732pm
Great fish and chips, fantastic coastline, reliable transport and plenty of sunshine – Eastbourne covers it all. Slightly more affordable than it’s funkier Brighton cousin, but with just as much to offer to a family looking to relocate, it’s easy to see why this area has become so popular.
With its pebble beach, gorgeous pier and direct access to some of the best walks the Sussex coast has to offer there’s plenty of opportunity here to bask in those unrelenting hours of sunshine. On the practical side, the area has good train links, road links and access to international airports as well as great schools and all the modern amenities you’d need.
It’s hard to go too wrong with Sussex and Eastbourne in particular ticks many of our most requested boxes.
Click here for more data and insight on what its like to live in Eastbourne.
Tenby, Wales (The Welsh Riviera)
