A beautiful seaside town that has been named the UK’s “second best” has been slammed by tourists who have claimed it’s going “downhill”.
Southwold town in Suffolk has secured the second spot in the list of the UK’s 30 best seaside towns in an analysis by roughguides.com.
Situated along the east coast of England, the charming town of Southwold ranks among the top coastal destinations in the UK, according to the website.
It boasts all the classic delights of a seaside getaway, including a sandy beach, a traditional pier, and vibrant beach huts painted in candy colours.
Overlooking the bay, a functional lighthouse welcomes visitors to explore its grounds. Adding to the town’s allure, the Adnams Brewery, in operation for 670 years on its original site, fills the air with the aroma of morning hops drifting towards the sea.
Southwold Pier in Suffolk’s Southwold is a 623-foot-long pier and is among the top tourist attractions in the town.
However, the popular tourist spot has been slammed by tourists.
One less-than-impressed visitor said: “Once an amazing place but unfortunately has dramatically gone downhill. A massive lack of care was taken with the once beautiful Southwold pier. I will say with much disappointment that I will not be returning.”
Many tourists have also blasted the beach for serving fish and chips at an exorbitant price.
A third user chimed in: “Been using the pier for 20 years now but the last few visits have left me bitterly disappointed. The whole pier seems to have had no maintenance for years with rusting metal, paint peeling on the buildings, and numerous loose creaky boards on the walk.
“The large mural is tatty, dirty, and cracked, and needs urgent attention or replacement urgently. The pier is rapidly becoming a disgrace
“And I know about the cost of living but £17 for fish and chips?”
However, many tourists have defended the negative comments, with one visitor from Warwick writing: “Southwold Pier and Boardwalk is a complete delight. There are over 200 beach huts along the front, almost all of them well maintained and beautifully painted in bright colours.
“The beach is largely sand and a great expanse with room for all. Out of season dogs are allowed on the beach, but at other times the boardwalk is still a lovely place for them to stretch their legs.
“The pier itself is a lovely throwback to simpler times, with crazy mirrors, photo opportunities, a fun clock, seating and of course arcades. However one of the arcades is a wonderful old fashioned affair rather than the modern same as every other arcade type. There are also cafes and wonderful ice creams available.
“Well worth a visit whatever the weather. There is parking along the front so also relatively easy, although it might be harder in the height of summer. Some of the beach fronts can be rented, which could be a lovely thing to do in the summer.”
Another impressed visitor wrote of their trip to Southwold Pier: “There is a wonderful arcade and gift shop but the jewel is the smashing roast dinner with all the trimmings. Excellent quality and friendly staff.”
