The 'secret' UK seaside town with thriving independent shops and hardly any tourists

It's a particularly busy time of year for seaside towns across the UK as families flock to the coast for the summer holidays. While most holidaymakers will head to popular resorts such as St Ives, Brighton and Whitby, one town often slips under the radar.

Beaumaris, in Wales, is a hidden gem seaside town. It boasts a long pier, a golden beach and there is even a puffin colony on a nearby island. Beaumaris, on the Isle of Anglesey, is also home to a number of thriving independent shops, as well as an artisan market.

The town was recently named as the tenth best hidden gem in the whole of Europe by holiday rental site Home to Go. It has a host of indepdent shops and businesses, particularly in the arts and crafts sector.

According to TripAdvisor, the best shops in the area include Oriel Beaumaris, H'artworks and the Janey Bell Gallery and Lifestyle Store. Visitors are also recommended to visit The Art Art Quarter Gallery and the Beaumaris Artisan Market.

The market, which was founded in 2008, is held every Sunday between Easter and the end of October. There are 25 vibrant stalls situated next to the 13th century Beaumaris Castle.

The market welcomes dogs and is the perfect spot to have a leisurely stroll. Each stall is different and the local vendors are on hand for a chat about their products.

The town also includes lively cafês, pubs, restaurants and hotels, which are perfect for visitors. They sell food and drink to suit every taste.

On TripAdvisor, Sarah Crosbie said: "Lovely to see so many local stalls, selling a variety of different crafts. Free to look round and nice to buy some souvenirs without them being tacky."

Marilyn added: "The scenic drive from the mainland was beautiful. I enjoyed looking around the individual and quirky shops."

Aitch48 wrote: "We always visit Beaumaris when on Anglesey. Such a lovely place to walk around and if your lucky enough to visit when the market is on it is an added bonus and well worth a look around."

Jbmcv1 put: "We love Beaumaris especially the Artisan Market which was on when we visited. Great gifts to buy at good prices!"