Three Kent towns have been ranked the most affordable seaside hotspots as holidaymakers gear-up for staycations.

New research has revealed the cost of a typical trip could be up 60% amid the pandemic, depending on which coastal town holidaymakers visit this summer.

VoucherCodes.co.uk analysed the cost of a regular portion of cod and chips, a bucket and spade, a scoop of ice cream in a cone and a draught pint in 20 of the UK’s most popular seaside destinations.

And the top three spots on the list for best value were clinched by towns in the county.

Whitstable was rated the most affordable seaside getaway, with a collection of beach day goodies costing £15.61 on average - 11% less than the median cost of all 20 destinations.

It was almost half as cheap as Salcombe in Devon, which will set holidaymakers back £24.95 on average.

The average cost of the cheapest draught pint in Whitstable is £2.83 and a portion of regular cod and chips is £7.83, according to the researchers.

Margate and Broadstairs ranked second and third place, averaging £15.74 and £16.05 respectively.

Dartmouth, Whitby, Brighton and St Ives were the priciest popular seaside destinations.

The average pint was £3.67 in Broadstairs and £2.98 in Margate, while a portion of regular cod and chips would set holidaymakers back £7.17 and £7.77.

And for those who never like to be far from the pub at the beach, Whitstable was ranked as the joint-best place to go along with Weymouth in Dorset.

The Kent town's nearest boozer, The Old Neptune, is a short 79ft walk away from the beach.

Margate nabbed fourth place with The Mechanical Elephant, 325ft away from the the shore.

Those holidaying in Weston-super-Mare will have a 0.7 mile journey to the sand, the furthest of all 20 locations.

Lifestyle Editor at VoucherCodes.co.uk, Anita Naik, said: “UK beaches have so much to offer, which is good news for day-trippers and holidaymakers alike as uncertainty around travelling abroad this summer remains.

“We wanted to find out which locations offer better value for money when looking at shops in each area that sell some of the more popular seaside items.

"While prices in each location may vary depending on which shop you visit, from those analysed it is clear there are differences around the country so you may want to do your research before heading to the coast."

Read more: All the latest news from Kent