A trip to the seaside is a quintessential British summer pastime, perfect for keeping the family entertained during the long school holidays. From frolicking in the waves to indulging in a classic ice cream treat, it can be a great day out.

Sadly, not all coastal towns have the same picturesque charm. While many resorts are striving to enhance their image, there remain some seaside towns that fall short of expectations. Consumer watchdog Which?recently conducted a survey involving nearly 4,000 members, asking about their experiences at popular UK resorts, and compiled a list of the best and worst rated seaside towns.

Participants were asked to evaluate various aspects such as the beach, the pier/promenade area, the quality of tourist attractions, food and drink, and overall value for money. This information was used to calculate a destination score as a percentage, forming the basis of their rankings, reports the Mirror.

Fleetwood in Lancashire and Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset found themselves tied in fifth place with a disappointing 46% score. Both towns received a meagre two-star rating for their beaches and a dismal one-star for their seafront/pier and food and drink options.

However, they did receive average scores for parking and peace and quiet, earning them a two-star rating for overall value for money.

Essex seaside towns, Clacton-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea, were ranked third and fourth respectively, with scores of 42% and 43%. Southend's beach was particularly criticised, earning just one star, while Clacton received one-star reviews for its tourist attractions and scenery.

Both towns only managed to scrape a single star for value for money.

The second worst town was Bangor in North Wales, scoring a mere 38%. This could be due to the small sample size, which meant there was no ranking for the beach and seafront.

Despite coming last in a similar survey by Which? in 2024, Bangor has managed to move up a place this year. The town did manage to secure a respectable three stars for scenery, and two stars for parking.

Finally, Bognor Regis in West Sussex was named the worst seaside town in the UK according to Which? members.

members. Home to a large Butlins resort, which can accommodate nearly 6,000 holidaymakers at peak times, the town scored poorly across the board.

Its seafront/pier, food and drink options, tourist attractions, and scenery all received low ratings, resulting in an overall score of just 36%.

5. Fleetwood and Burnham-on-Sea (tied) 46%

4. Southend-on-Sea 43%

3. Clacton-on-Sea 42%

2. Bangor 38%

1. Bognor Regis 36%