Brighton named the most expensive beach for parking in the UK

With a cost of £32.95, the city ranked highest for all-day parking in peak season.

In second place is Dornoch in Scotland with £24, followed by Abersoch in Wales (£20), Sandbanks (£17.80) and Ramsgate (£17.50).

Many of the destinations listed as the most expensive are the South Coast, with Camber Sands, Bournemouth and Looe all featuring in the top ten.

The study, conducted by Scrap Car Comparison, reviewed the cost of parking in 167 seaside towns for the summer season (April 1 to October 31).

Brighton also ranked fourth in the list of the most expensive one-hour stays at the beach.

The city charges £5.95, which is only beaten by Woolacombe (£10), Formby (£7.50) and Blakeney (£6).

Of the 167 seaside towns reviewed, 26 had free beachside parking.

Of the seaside destinations that require payment, Lympstone, Devon, is the cheapest place to park by the hour, at just 40p.

Milford Haven in Wales has the cheapest all-day parking rates, with beachgoers able to leave their vehicle all day for £1.50.

Dan Gick, managing director at Scrap Car Comparison, said: “Summer is considered one of the best times of year for many drivers with better weather making driving much more pleasant, and the longer days and warmer temperatures making road trips to the seaside all the more tempting.

“However, parking costs should be considered before heading off, as when coupled with the other rising costs of driving such as fuel, a day out at the seaside can end up costing much more than expected.

“If you’re planning a day out, why not group up with some other friends to split the cost or try and find alternative transport or parking options to help keep costs down."