The UK's 'worst' seaside town has been described as perfect for 'enthusiasts of vape shops' as visitors criticise its deteriorating high street. One visitor called it a '60s town that had been left to age'.
Bognor Regis: A Seaside Town in Decline
From Lyme Regis and St Ives to Tenby and Bamburgh, the UK is full of unique and beautiful seaside towns. However, some have become increasingly rundown as a result of cheaper international travel and underinvestment. Bognor Regis, in West Sussex, has been repeatedly ranked as the UK's worst seaside town in consumer surveys by Which?. The town has scored poorly in a number of areas, including shopping, dining and attractions.
One recent visitor sarcastically claimed on TripAdvisor that the town is an ideal place to visit 'if you're an enthusiast of vape shops, tattoo parlours and charity stores'. However, locals defend the town by praising its beaches and friendly atmosphere.
High Street Struggles and Crime Concerns
Visitors often criticise Bognor Regis as being rundown with a deteriorating high street. Like many other places across the UK, the town has suffered from decreased footfall and surging business costs in recent years, resulting in a number of shop closures. The overall crime rate in Bognor Regis is around 133 crimes per 1,000 residents, making it the most dangerous in West Sussex and above the national average for medium-sized towns.
Many visitors choose to remain within the Butlins holiday park. Consequently, the local economy and town centres struggle, as little of this tourism revenue reaches independent businesses.
Beach Praises Amidst Criticism
However, a number of locals and visitors praise the Bognor Regis beach. They agree that it's both beautiful and clean, making it ideal to visit in the warm summer months. Andrew Nizkik said: 'It's quite a stoney beach, but it is so beautiful. The sea is bright sapphire and to swim in the sea is so cold but exhilarating to swim in. You feel so refreshed and invigorated!'
Markdavid added: 'Love Bognor Regis, the beach is beautiful and stretches for miles, lovely views and love the promenade train that runs in the summer months, I loved it so much that I now live in Bognor Regis.'
Negative Reviews on TripAdvisor
Bognor Regis has a number of negative reviews on TripAdvisor. One recent visitor said the town is well-suited 'if you're an enthusiast of vape shops'. Alicia H said in May: 'If you're an enthusiast of vape shops, tattoo parlours and charity stores, then Bognor is very much for you.'
Meanwhile, thomasP899PZ described Bognor Regis as a '60s town that had been left to age'. He explained: 'I've posted all of the nice pictures I've taken of this town - there aren't any. It was like a town from my youth's holidays with my folks. Then it was penny arcades, stalls on the seafront selling cockles and ice cream, buildings built years ago needing TLC even then. Now picture that town 50 years later that hasn't been updated, just left to age. Welcome to Bognor.'
David M put: 'Not a very nice beach at all, shingly and smells of sewage. Run down shabby town with nothing to do on the seafront. What a bland place.'
