In the UK, we don’t demand much from seaside resorts. A vinegar-drenched portion of fish and chips, a charmingly tacky funfair and ice cream that survives the predatory eyes of overhead gulls is normally enough to satisfy the average Brit.
That said, everyone has their opinion on which coastal town reigns supreme. As such, a new list attempting to determine the best and worst of the bunch is bound to cause a few arguments.
In its awfully named ‘seaside gentrification index’, The Telegraph rated different beach resorts out of 100 based on factors including housing, high streets, renovation, conservation and cultural clout. It explained that the scores considered how each destination has ‘adapted – or not – over the past three decades.’
Of the UK’s classic sandy destinations, Rhyl in North Wales was deemed the worst, scoring a dismal five out of 100. Dirty beaches, a harsh concrete seafront and less than friendly shop owners in the town are among the things criticised by disappointed visitors on TripAdvisor. Unable to compete with cheaper holidays abroad, the town suffered closures of some of its main attractions, including the pier and beach funfair.
Commuter town South Shields and Somerset resort Weston-Super-Mare claimed second and third place, scoring 11 and 18 points respectively. In its scathing review of Weston, The Telegraph wrote: ‘The town can’t seem to decide whether to be scruffy or smart (not unlike Bristol up the road), and as a result ends up touting a sameness that’s devoid of style.’
Time Out favourite Scarborough was also lambasted and given a pitiful 39 points. The British public might say otherwise, though, particularly since Airbnb revealed it as the most in-demand place for a staycation this Easter.
At the other end of the spectrum, the newspaper judged St Ives to be the best seaside destination with a score of 98 out of 100.
Here are the UK’s worst seaside towns, according to The Telegraph:
- Rhyl
- South Shields
- Weston-Super-Mare
- Blackpool
- Morecambe
- Cleethorpes
- Southport
- Torquay
- Southend-on-Sea
- Scarborough
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