The UK’s 10 worst seaside towns that were branded ‘depressing’ and ‘disgusting’

While many of us picture as charming getaways, a recent survey by has shed light on some of the . 

From to “run-down” attractions, here’s a look at the ten towns that failed to win visitors’ hearts, according to the Which? survey.

Bangor

Nestled in , Bangor was rated as the UK’s worst seaside town, scoring just 42% overall in the Which? survey. 

Critics on TripAdvisor described it as “drab” and “run down” with one visitor commenting: “Once upon a time Bangor had a delightful promenade. Now the area is a giant tip.” Others also called it “depressing” and “disgusting”. 

Another added: “Not worth a visit – a total waste of time.” 

However, some defended its marina, calling it “very pretty” and worth a stroll.

Mablethorpe

Visitors were divided on this Lincolnshire town. 

One review claimed the beach was “filthy, strewn with dog muck,” adding that the vibe was “grim.” 

In contrast, others praised the beach, with one person commenting: “A nice clean large beach with food vendors nearby.”

Burnham-on-Sea

Burnham’s pier and amenities received harsh criticism, with one reviewer describing it as “small, run down, and just a slots arcade.” 

However, others found joy in the surrounding dunes and dog-friendly areas. One person said: “This is a great part of the beach. Plenty of dog walkers and families enjoying the dunes.”

Bognor Regis

Once a popular seaside escape, Bognor Regis drew mixed reactions. One visitor described it as “run down,” calling their experience “bleak.” 

Yet others enjoyed the traditional charm, saying: “The beach is long and made of stones and shells. The pier offers stunning views.”

Skegness

Known affectionately as “Skeggy,” this East Coast resort disappointed some visitors who found it “filthy” and “overgrown with weeds.” 

One reviewer was particularly upset by parking fees and toilet charges, saying: “We won’t be back anytime soon.” 

On the other hand, others appreciated its clean beach and lively bars with one reviewer even calling it “one of the better resorts to visit”.

Clacton-on-Sea

Visitors to Clacton said that the town has declined over the decades, with one person saying it looked “deprived” and another calling it a “dump.” 

Yet not everyone agreed. One person said: “The beach was amazing – clean and tidy, and the pier was awesome.”

Blackpool

The famous seaside town divided visitors. 

One reviewer said: “What can I say, humans are disgusting, or they are while they are visiting Blackpool it would seem. 

“We walked the whole of the so-called golden mile, we spent an hour or two on the beach and we walked through the town and it was all filthy. Litter everywhere. 

“As the tide came in on the beach it washed a line of bottles, nappies and fast food cartons up with it. What a shame, it used to be a lovely place.”

Other people, however, disagreed, saying: “Beautiful beach we took some stunning photos and all the kids loved playing in the sand and sea, we collected some stunning sea shells to take home with us.”

Great Yarmouth

Norfolk’s Great Yarmouth left some visitors unimpressed, with reports of “filthy” streets and “blatant pickpocketing”. 

However, others appreciated its quieter side, saying: “Such a clean beach. We had a lovely day walking in the sunshine.”

Fleetwood

Fleetwood was criticised for its lack of activities, with one visitor saying: “There is literally nothing to do. We had a nice walk that was very peaceful. Just amazed at how there really is nothing there”. 

Others disagreed with one person saying: “Fleetwood has a lovely sea front with a nice beach, pretty beach huts and fantastic views out to the Forest of Bowland, the Lake District and Morecambe Bay.”

Southend-on-Sea

Southend faced some of the harshest criticism, with one visitor calling it “horrible” and describing the beach as “dirt, dead crabs, and rocks.” 

However, others were more positive with one person saying: “The beaches are pristine in the morning, and most locals are proud of Southend.”