If you’re in need of ideas for your next getaway, then you might want to consider a trip to the pretty seaside town that’s just been ranked the UK’s number one.

From pristine beaches with golden sands and turquoise waters to staunchly independent shops, ice cream parlours and family-friendly attractions, this corner of the British coast has it all.

Falmouth in Cornwall is no secret, having been a beloved holiday destination for generations of Brits.

Tourists flock here each summer to enjoy its stunning coastline. But soon the peak season crowds will have dispersed and, with an Indian summer forecast, September is an even better time to visit.

The town is teeming with seafood restaurants, quirky independent shops and, of course, those essential ice cream parlours and fish and chip shops. And the picturesque harbour bobbing with boats is a sight to behold at sunset, reports The Mirror.

Cornwall has a coastline to rival the Caribbean and and Falmouth’s beaches are no exception. Gyllyngvase Beach is amongst the most sought-after destinations with its stunning pebbled shore and crystal-clear waters that have won it Blue Flag recognition.

Such is its appeal that it has earned the distinction of being Falmouth’s highest-rated beach on Tripadvisor.

“What a beautiful beach,” one delighted visitor said in a glowing review on the platform. “Found lots of sea glass! It was quite busy but we managed to find a great spot to sit down and enjoy the view.”

A fellow traveller commented: “This is one of our favourite Cornish beaches. On a good day the water is absolutely beautiful it’s like being abroad. Lovely to swim in. Good lifeguards. Toilets could be better but easily accessible from the beach.”

For those seeking watersports, Swanpool Beach is another popular spot, tucked away in a small cove with a beach café on site.

Maenporth Beach is typically quieter, whilst Castle Beach sits in the shadow of Pendennis Castle and is popular with those looking for scenic walks and views.

With so much on offer, it’s no surprise that Falmouth has just been crowned the UK’s best seaside destination by the Co-operative Bank.

Coastal locations were assessed across numerous criteria including the number of beaches, walkability, safety and daily sunshine hours.

Researchers said: “Falmouth takes the crown as the best seaside town in the UK with an overall seaside score of 8.38/10. Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, Falmouth has a walkability score of 92, making it easy to get around on foot and soak up the harbour views, independent shops and local seafood spots. With a low crime rate of 36 per 1,000 people, it’s among the safest seaside spots in the country. On top of that, Cornwall sees an average of 4.5 hours of sunshine per day and 142 beaches nearby.”