Nowhere in the world does fish and chips quite like the UK – and a now new study has revealed where to find the very best of the 150-year-old dish.
While fish and chips is a quintessential British seaside treat, the finest portions of flaky, beer-battered fish and fluffy thick-cut chips aren’t always necessarily found by the coast.
A new ranking by Big 7 Travel has highlighted the standout locations for fish and chips, analysing factors such as Google Reviews, industry awards, gluten-free options, social media popularity, price, and overall quality to determine the top 20.
The results shine a spotlight on traditional and gourmet establishments in both coastal hotspots and inland towns, with freshness, quality ingredients and local pride at their core.
Looking for the perfect day trip this spring and summer?
Here are the top 20 UK seaside towns for world-class fish and chips.
20. Largs – North Ayrshire, Scotland
Set along Scotland’s scenic west coast, Largs is renowned for its scenic promenade and stellar fish and chips offerings.
One establishment, The Fish Works, came in as Runner Up in the Takeaway of the Year Category at the 2026 Fry Awards, with £12.70 regular portions of fish and chips earning it a 3.9/5 rating on Google Reviews.
The Fish Works thrives on its access to freshly sourced seafood, offering everything from gluten-free options to adventurous dishes of panko-coated lemon sole, battered haggis and squid.
19. Carrickfergus – County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Carrickfergus, with its historic charm and sleepy shore, provides one of the most relaxing and picturesque locations to tuck into a hearty fish supper.
And there’s no better offering than at The Friary, where a regular portion of fish and chips costs £12.20 and average Google Review ratings sit at 4.24/5.
The establishment sources fish directly from the Irish Sea, and portions are gloriously hefty.
They also offer gluten-free portions of fish and chips that are cooked in a separate fryer, which is atypical of most fish and chips shops in the country.
18. Barnsley – South Yorkshire, England
Barnsley proves great fish and chips aren’t limited to the coast, thanks to award-winning eateries like Shaw’s Fish & Chips, which came third in the National Fish & Chips 2026.
A range of traditional dishes are offered here, from battered sausages to golden crispy fish, as well as alternative menu additions like fried chicken, vegan ‘chicken strips’ and margherita pizza bites.
17. Anstruther – Fife, Scotland
Anstruther is a prime hotspot for fish and chips along Scotland’s east coast, with Anstruther Fish Bar collecting several accolades over the years.
Although regular portions of the dish are on the steep side at £15.70, the shop continues to hold its 4.33 Google Review rating, and prides itself on locally sourced ingredients and its secret recipe batter that’s known only to four fryers.
Visitors will find healthy options like grilled and smoked haddock on the menu, as well as a revised ‘Catch of the Day’ each day depending on what has been caught that morning.
16. South Shields – Tyne & Wear, England
South Shields – just a stone’s throw from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne – is hailed as a leading destination for fish and chips thanks to two of its chippies featuring in the Top 50 Takeaways in the 2026 Fry Awards.
Smith’s Chippy offers fish and chips at an impressively low cost, with regular portions costing £9.50, while Coleman’s serves up trays of the vinegar-lashed dish for £15.50.
Either way, both establishments boast an average Google Review rating of 4.0, and pride themselves on top quality, local produce at reasonable prices.
15. Ballycastle – County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Morton’s, a Northern Irish gem set along Co. Antrim’s windswept coast in Ballycastle, keeps things simple, focusing on perfectly cooked fish and golden chips.
The no-frills chippy previously featured as a top 25 fish and chip shop in 2025 and has long been a Co. Antrim institution, offering traditional dishes such as fish and chips, sausages, burgers and chicken.
Regular portions of fish and chips are priced at £12.50, earning the shop an average rating of 4.0 on Google Review.
14. Penrith – Cumbria, England
Set on the outskirts of the Lake District is another hidden gem that offers an elevated take on the British classic.
Shap Chippy, which ranked as a top takeaway in the National Federation of Fish Fryers 2026, offers a tantalising mix of traditional and modern dishes – from £11.50 portions of fish and chips to salt and pepper squid and Bengali spiced prawns.
The shop – rated 4.18 on Google Review – also operates a mobile fish and chip van named ‘Shappy Wheels’, which often parks up across the Lake District and can be booked especially for special occasions and private events.
13. Falmouth – Cornwall, England
Cornwall might be known for its golden sand beaches, subtropical microclimate and sparkling blue coastline, but it’s also built a reputation as a premier seafood destination – and this includes award-winning fish and chips shops.
Harbour Lights, located on Falmouth Harbour, is a regular feature in guides to the UK’s best chippies and caters to all tastes with its array of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options – all cooked separately in different fryers to avoid contamination.
The shop has achieved an average Google Review rating of 4.14, and regular portions of fish and chips coast £13.85.
12. Tenby – Pembrokeshire, Wales
Located on the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast, Tenby is a premier spot for high-quality, locally sourced fish and chips that pair perfectly with its colourful coastal views.
D. Fecci & Sons Fish & Chip Restaurant, a 2025/26 Winner in the Good Food Award for Fish & Chips, highlights the town’s quality, using local seafood and Pembrokeshire potatoes in its £12.00 regular portion of fish and chips.
Boasting a 4.3-star Google rating, this restaurant caters to gluten-free diners by exclusively using a specialised blend of ground rice and potato starch rather than flour for its batter.
11. Stonehaven – Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Stonehaven is a haven for fish and chips, with both Redcloak Fish Bar and The Bay Fish & Chips making the Fry Awards Top 50 Takeaways 2026.
Both serve up sustainably caught, locally sourced fish with perfectly crispy batter and fluffy chips, earning an average Google rating of 4.33/5.
Redcloak is the top pick for a traditional fish supper, while The Bay offers a modern menu with great gluten-free choices.
Whether you want a classic vibe or contemporary options, Stonehaven is the place to be for an elite chippy experience on the coast.
10. Caernarfon – Gwynedd, Wales
Caernarfon, located along the coast of Northern Wales, is home to the mighty Caernarfon Castle, which provides unmatched views for visitors tucking into fish and chips at a nearby chippy.
Ainsworth’s Fish & Chips is a standout establishment offering high-quality cod and haddock near the historic Castle, earning it a stellar 4.30 average rating on Google.
Recently named among the UK’s Top 50 takeaways for the fourth year, it offers standard portions of fish and chips for £14, and affordable meal deals from £11.25, with delivery options available for a perfect seaside-style meal at home.
9. Aldeburgh – Suffolk, England
For a truly traditional chippy experience where ‘less is more’, visit Aldeburgh Fish & Chips in Suffolk, an iconic UK spot operating since 1967.
It specialises in authentic fish fried in beef dripping, including East Coast haddock, cod, and local rock eels, with a focus on quality, simple, and timeless cooking.
Long queues are often spotted at the shop, which boasts an impressive 4.43 rating on Google and regular portions of fish and chips cost £10.20.
8. Scarborough – North Yorkshire, England
Scarborough might have lost some of its Victorian-era bustle, but its unique coastal charm remains.
The North Yorkshire town is officially the chippy capital of the UK, boasting a massive 93 shops – the highest concentration in the country.
A standout among them is North Bay Fisheries, a family-run institution near the North Bay Promenade and Peasholm Park.
Its popularity is undeniable, reflected in its 4.42 ratings on Google. Even in the dead of winter, you’ll find queues out the door for their affordable, top-tier fish and chips, with regular portions costing 10.50.
7. Torquay – Devon, England
Located on Devon’s scenic English Riviera, Torquay is a premier British holiday destination renowned for its seafood – most notably at the award-winning Pier Point Restaurant.
Offering a refined twist on traditional fish and chips, this seaside spot has maintained a 4.22 Google rating thanks its diverse menu, featuring gourmet options like hake, king prawn chowder, and various veggie and gluten-free choices.
6. Darlington – County Durham, England
Despite being 30km from the coast, inland Darlington boasts a prized fish and chip spot: Yarm Road Fish & Chips.
As a 2025 Fish & Chip Awards runner-up, this chippy is lauded for consistent quality, as shown in its consistent 4.37 Google rating.
Visitors have the options of sitting on taking their food away. Popular dishes include the pensioner’s special for £13.95, which consists of a small cod, chips, sauce, tea and bread and butter, and a regular portion of fish and chips for £10.70.
5. Surbiton – Surrey, England
Nestled in the quiet Surrey town of Surbiton is Batterfly Berrylands, a traditional chippy with a massive menu ranging from classic fish and chips for £15.10, to battered sausages fried chicken and pies.
They’ve even recently introduced a ‘chip shop gravy’ – a rare find in the south of Yorkshire.
The establishment boasts an average Google rating of 4.47.
4. Lincoln – Lincolnshire, England
The historic town of Lincoln is home to a breathtaking Cathedral, cobbled streets – and a huge variety of fish and chip shops.
Two of Lincoln’s chippies continue to earn 4.36 ratings on Google and have featured in the Fry Awards 2026.
Linford’s Traditional Fish & Chips ranked in the takeaway category with its £12.90 portions of fish and chips.
Elite Fish & Chip Company placed third in the restaurant category, offering comfortable dining settings and £12.85 portions of fish and chips – with eight different fish options, including cod, salmon and plaice.
3. York – North Yorkshire, England
York, the ‘capital’ of North Yorkshire, is a premier destination for top-tier fish and chips.
While the city centre is packed with options, for a truly standout meal, it’s worth the short trip to the village of Dunnington to visit The Scrap Box.
This local gem recently secured the prestigious Takeaway of the Year title at the 2026 National Fish & Chip Awards, and maintains a 4.46 rating on Google.
The menu offers everything from sustainably sourced, flaky haddock paired with chips fried in traditional beef dripping (£11.95) to regional specialities like the Spam fritter.
True to its name, the shop also offers free boxes of ‘scraps’ – the crunchy bits of golden batter left over from frying – which add the perfect finishing touch to any order.
2. Redruth – Cornwall, England
Renowned as a top 50 UK takeaway for 2026, Greg & Lou’s is a beloved Redruth chippy offering sustainable MSC fish – including plaice, lemon sole, and cod – alongside Cornish-grown potatoes for its £11.90 portions of fish and chips.
This family-run Cornish institution – rated 4.47 on Google – features homemade specials by Greg and famous house-made tartare sauce by Lou, plus popular veggie and vegan options.
1. Whitby – North Yorkshire, England
Securing the top spot in the ranking is Whitby, home to some of the country’s most iconic chippies.
While the area’s most popular spot is The Magpie, the Trenchers of Whitby takes the accolades this year, winning the Restaurant of the Year at the recent Fry Awards in 2026.
The shop – rated 4.45 on Google – offers generous portions of locally sourced fish and chips, priced at £13.50.
Established in 1980, it pairs traditional offerings with modern takes on seafood dishes, cementing its status as a respected Whitby eatery.
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