Watching the sun as it sets is one of life’s favourite simple pleasures for 40% of the nation, with a quarter of all adults setting aside time to make sure they catch it every day. 

With the sunshine beginning to fade, Pimm’s has enlisted leading travel expert Simon Calder to help sunset-seekers discover the perfect location in which to raise a free can of the quintessential summer tipple and toast the last Bank Holiday of the year.  

Research commissioned by the brand reveals that 73% believe that location is an important factor when watching the sun go down, 41% enjoy the romance of sharing the sight with their partner and 28% say a sunset is best enjoyed with a drink in their hand. 

Natural settings like beaches are the top choice for 38% of the 2,000 people polled while 22% are happy to watch the spectacle of the light changing from their own home and 24% try to capture the magical experience daily. 

Simon was tasked with choosing the 10 most beautiful locations in England and Wales for watching the sun go down that crucially – if enjoying a drink or two – are accessible by public transport. 

 The top three are Exmouth in Devon, Greenwich Park in south-east London and Morecambe in Lancashire, while the full list contains beaches, hills and parks all offering superb views during the golden hour. To celebrate Pimm’s is giving away free cans of its No 1 pre-mix serve to enjoy during Bank Holiday picnics and sunsets with friends. 

Simon Calder said: “I was thrilled to be asked by Pimm’s for my top ten sunset locations across England and Wales. The panorama from each is distinctive and dramatic – a mix of landscapes and seascapes. All of them are accessible on public transport, which makes them ideal if, like me, you enjoy a drink with a view to celebrate the summer.”  

Zoe Hetherington at Pimm’s, added: “One of the universally beloved things about Summer is getting to enjoy a good sunset. At golden hour, when the light is at its most beautiful, Brits flock together to enjoy the UK’s most breathtaking landscapes, me included.  

“We’re thrilled to offer a delicious can of the Pimm’s & Lemonade pre-mix to the public, to enjoy whilst watching the sun go down this weekend with friends or family”.  

Simon Calder’s Top 10 sunset destinations in England & Wales:  

1. Exmouth, Devon “The promenade of this historic East Devon resort delivers everything you need from a seaside sunset: bobbing boats in the foreground; in the middle distance, the broad estuary of the River Exe, complete with the Dawlish Warren nature reserve; and beyond the wooded foothills of Dartmoor, beneath a vast, golden sky. And all accessible by frequent trains, buses and even ferries.”  

2. Greenwich Park, south-east London “The 15th-century royals chose Greenwich wisely: the hill above their palace rises to a perch from where the whole capital is on show, with the Thames as the essential artery. “For the best experience, walk up from Blackheath station and across the heath to the southern entrance to the park. Enjoy sunset beside the Royal Observatory then walk down into Greenwich, watching the city lights begin to sparkle, and take the train or Docklands Light Railway.”  

3. Morecambe, Lancashire “The Victorians knew a great sunset location, which is why Morecambe blossomed into a prime seaside resort once the railway arrived. In the 21st century the setting remains superb: facing west across the constantly changing sand-sculpture of broad Morecambe Bay, revealing the intricate beauty of the coastline, with England’s highest peaks rising to the north in Cumbria.”  

4. Brighton Pier, Brighton “Palace Pier gives you a front-row view of Brighton’s shoreline, complete with its own exclamation mark – the i360 tower – and the South Downs, which conceal this cheeky conurbation from the rest of the nation. 

“Walk down from Brighton’s magnificent railway terminus, past the mesmerising Royal Pavilion and then stroll out over the sea.”  

5. Ribblehead Viaduct, North Yorkshire “Twenty-four stone arches lift the Settle-Carlisle railway over the moors in this highland wilderness, a mighty example of how nature and man can create immense beauty.” “Ribblehead station is 80 minutes from either Leeds or Carlisle, with a path leading to the viaduct. Choose the location that best frames the view for you.”  

6. Whitstable, Kent “Fifty miles east from London, the Kent coastline briefly tilts to face northwest – making this pretty town an ideal location from which to watch the sun sinking into the broad Thames estuary and across to the shore of Essex. A drink with the view sharpens the appetite for an oyster supper as night falls. 

“This picture-postcard location is just 80 minutes from London by rail.”  

7. Llandudno in North Wales “Wales has so many glorious sunset locations – but if I had to choose one it would be this fine Victorian resort, on a spur in the middle of the North Wales coast. Pick a spot on the West Shore Beach or climb the 207metre-high Great Orme.  

“Llandudno has direct trains from Chester and Manchester, and connections from many others. The 1901 Great Orme Tramway will haul you to the summit – though after sunset you will need to walk down.”  

8. Box Hill, Surrey “One for good footwear: from Boxhill & Westhumble, track down the Stepping Stones Path which takes you skipping across the River Mole before a steep climb to a joyful viewpoint. Make it to the top to view a patchwork of meadows. You would never know that this was in one of the most crowded corners of Europe: the M25 rumbles close by, and Gatwick airport is just 8 miles away. But as the day ends this glorious landscape is all yours.”  

9. St Ives, Cornwall “Cornwall’s most enticing resort spoils you for sunset choices. Porthmeor Beach will suffice for many, but I like to climb to St Nicolas’s Chapel on ‘The Island’ (actually a headland) for a breathtaking, 360-degree panorama. 

“Thank goodness the branch line to St Ives survived the 20th-century railway cuts. From the station, thread through the narrow streets to the shore.”  

10. Richmond Hill, Southwest London “Not everything you see on social media is worth experiencing, but the spectacle of sunset from high above the Thames is definitely worthwhile. You simply cannot believe you are in western Europe’s largest city as you survey the swathes of woodland with distant hills beyond. 

“From Richmond station, you are a 15-minute walk away. Choose a patch of meadow opposite the Roebuck pub.” 

Simply enter your details here & find out how to get a free Pimm’s Pre-mix can at a Tesco Express store. 18+ Only, Challenge 25 in place. Terms and Conditions apply.