A Suffolk resort has made second place in a national guide to the best seaside towns.

The Rough Guides’ top-30 gives a glowing account of Southwold in its list of recommended coastal escapes.

Coming second only to Tynemouth in Tyne and Wear, the popular Suffolk destination managed to defeat other well-known destinations including Bournemouth, Margate and St Ives.

The guide says: “Perched on the east coast of England, the small town of Southwold offers typical seaside merriment with its sandy beach, traditional pier and candy-coloured beach huts.

“A working lighthouse (open to visitors) stands sentinel, surveying the bay, while the Adnams Brewery, which still operates on the same site after 670 years, wafts early morning hops into the sea air.

“Plenty of excellent eating and accommodation options range from the smart Swan Hotel, situated on the picturesque market square, to a nearby campsite – all a pebble’s throw from the sea.”

Craig Ripley, general manager at the Swan Hotel, said he had only recently moved to Southwold, having previously worked in a big city - and is delighted by his new surroundings.

“Escaping from the city, this quintessentially English seaside town is a breath of fresh air,” he added.

“The Swan is situated in the heart of the town, which offers an eclectic mixture of independent shops together with a welcoming community and beautiful beaches.

“Southwold is the gem along the Suffolk coast and we like to think the Swan in integral part of the town, both of which are worthy of recognition.

The Rough Guides’ introduction to its top 30 say: “Days out at the seaside, bucket and spade in hand, are a great British tradition.

“From beach huts and lidos to long piers jutting out into the ocean, Britain’s seaside towns offer everything from traditional fun to tongue-in-cheek kitsch.

With temperatures this bank holiday weekend set for record-breaking high temperatures, hundreds have been flocking to Suffolk’s coastal resorts, including Southwold, Aldeburgh and Felixstowe.

Visit Rough Guides for more on the top-30 entries in the guide to best seaside towns.