Holidaymakers have named and shamed what they believe to be the worst seaside destinations across the United Kingdom. Dirty beaches and murky water were among the issues raised by families.
A poll of more than 3,000 people from consumer champions Which? found two traditional bucket-and-spade resorts to be the worst seaside towns in the country.
Clacton-on-Sea in Essex and Skegness in Lincolnshire were deemed the worst. Visitors did however praise the beaches at both of the two destinations.
However, they were less than impressed with the “rundown” seafronts. With Skegness’s being given a one out of five rating for its seafront as well as how much peace and quiet you can get.
Read more: UK’s worst seaside towns as visitors slam filthy beaches and rude staff
Some respondants to the survey did however praise Clacton-on-Sea for its “lovely” seafront gardens and “fantastic” annual airshow.
While Skegness drew praise for its “old-fashioned charm”. Visitors were impressed with how much entertainment was on offer for children, ranging from donkey rides on the beach to aquariums and arcades.
Worst seaside destinations in the United Kingdom
- Skegness, Lincolnshire
- Clacton-on-Sea, Essex
- Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
- Bangor, County Down, NI
- Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire
- Bognor Regis, Sussex
- Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
- Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Wales
- Southend-on-Sea, Essex
- Morecambe, Lancashire
Meanwhile the top seaside destination was a picturesque village that is home to just 400 people. Bamburgh in Northumberland was higher rated than well-known favourites such as Brighton and Blackpool, topping the poll for the third year running.
It received top marks for its beach, seafront, scenery, accommodation, value for money and peace and quiet. Visitors praised the spectacular views, and historic castle ruins.
Best seaside detinations in the United Kingdom
- Bamburgh, Northumberland
- Dartmouth, Devon
- Portstewart, County Londonderry/Derry NI
- Portmeirion, Gwynedd, Wales
- St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
- Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear
- Southwold, Suffolk
- Aldeburgh, Suffolk
- St David’s, Pembrokeshire
- Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland
Rory Boland, editor of magazine Which? Travel, said: “Few countries can be home to such a diversity of brilliant seaside breaks. Whether you want world-class beaches and utter wilderness, or the bright lights and bucket and spade atmosphere of a resort, the UK has a seaside break made for you.
“What our survey shows is that it’s rarely the most famous destinations that visitors enjoy most. Try somewhere new this year and our survey shows you should find fewer crowds and better value.”
