Bognor Regis has been ranked the worst seaside destination in the UK for the third time in a Which? survey, but locals and visitors have dismissed the findings as 'snobbery'. The West Sussex resort scored just 36% in the consumer group's annual ranking, based on ratings from over 3,800 people across 11 categories including food, attractions, and scenery.
Julia Smith, a 58-year-old carer who has lived in Bognor for nearly 20 years, defended the town while paddling in the sea. 'I think it's a bit of snobbery,' she said. 'There's so much here, the sea is amazing. There's loads of places to eat as well.' She acknowledged that shopping is limited but questioned: 'Do you come to the seaside for the shopping or do you come for the sea?'
Visitor Nabil Awan, 39, celebrating his 40th birthday with friends, was surprised by the ranking. 'Everyone's welcomed us with a smile. It's welcoming and friendly,' he said, adding that the beach is clean. 'I'm sure there's probably worse places.' Ray Craddock, 85, who recently moved from the Midlands, described the town as 'alive' and 'a happy town'. He urged people to 'come and look' for themselves.
The survey gave Bognor Regis one star for food and drink, tourist attractions, scenery, shopping, parking, peace and quiet, value for money, and its seafront and pier. It previously ranked last in 2019 and 2022. In contrast, Bamburgh in Northumberland topped the list, followed by Beer in Devon.
Despite the poor ranking, Bognor Regis has notable attributes: it is the sunniest place in Britain according to the Met Office, with over 1,900 hours of sunshine annually, and was once home to an ill King George V. A £40m regeneration project for the seafront has been announced, with esplanade improvements completed last month.
