A seaside town in Kent has been revealed as the leading place in the country for a staycation based on cost.

Hythe has been named the best value seaside destination - beating the likes of Blackpool and Great Yarmouth.

Ramsgate in Thanet came in at number five on the list, which was compiled by Independent Cottages, an online booking site.

The team put the data together based on how much it costs at seaside destinations for accommodation, an ice-cream treat and fish and chips dinner at the top-rated establishment.

Although Hythe did not top the leader board on any of the scored factors individually, it came top overall.

On average, its costs £111 per night for rental accommodation, £2 a scoop for ice-cream and a chippy dinner costs £8.70 at Torbay of Hythe.

In comparison, staying in Ramsgate would set a holidaymaker back £159 for an overnight stay, £2.10 for an ice-cream, and £6.30 for fish and chips.

Other towns in the top 10 include Redcar, Minehead, Westward Ho, Weston-super-Mare, Looe and Brixham.

After Hythe and Ramsgate, the next town in Kent to make the list is Broadstairs, which came in at number 75.

The list was put together following the amplified trend of people holidaying at home, which rose dramatically following the Covid pandemic.

Independent Cottages’ CEO Matt Fox said: "The cost of living crisis is continuing to encourage people to tighten their pursestrings and many will be looking for where they can get the best value for money when it comes to holidays this year.

"Luckily, when it comes to the seaside, we really are spoilt for choice in Britain as it’s home to so many wonderful destinations that can offer a wonderful coastal getaway for every need and budget."

Two other Kent seaside towns have been ranked among the UK's best 'gentrified' seaside towns.

Whitstable and Margate have seen dramatic changes in recent years have been rated highly because of it. Whistable bagged third place in the list compiled by the Daily Telegraph, while Margate was ranked seventh.

The newspaper chose classic resorts and studied how they have adapted over the past three decades - looking at factors such as housing and high streets, renovations and conservation.

Writing about Whitstable, it said: "Once known for the oyster beds that supplied the capital’s restaurants, this still-quaint outpost is now the sort of place equity-enriched Londoners come to suck on salty shellfish and sip prosecco for the day before returning to the city."