Southport and New Brighton have been ranked among the bottom 15 worst seaside towns in the UK by consumer champion Which?, but locals argue the ratings are far from accurate. New Brighton scored 51% and Southport 53% in the survey, which assessed criteria including food and drink, scenery, and hotel prices. However, residents and frequent visitors dispute the low marks, pointing to recent investments, vibrant high streets, and unique attractions.
Southport: A Town on the Rise
Ben Roberts-Haslam, a lifelong Southport resident, acknowledges the town's flaws—such as empty units and a beach overtaken by nature—but insists it is far from the worst. He highlights a £100 million events centre being built after the demolition of the Floral Hall, millions being spent to restore the pier, and new businesses filling former empty units like the old Debenhams and Bistro Pierre. The town boasts a Parisian-style high street on Lord Street, bustling villages like Birkdale, and attractions such as Marine Lake and Adventure Coast.
Which? gave Southport one star for hotel prices, despite Sunnyside Bed and Breakfast being voted the best in the country. Food and drink scored only one out of five, yet the town is filled with lively bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. Scenery and attractions received two out of five, ignoring the beauty of Marine Lake and the nearby Ainsdale and Formby beaches, the latter considered one of the best in the UK.
New Brighton: A Seaside Town on the Up
Danny Gutmann, a regular visitor to New Brighton, was shocked by its 51% rating. He visited to assess the town firsthand and found Victoria Road thriving with independent cafes like Social114 and Smugglers Cave, thanks to local businessman Dan Davies. The waterfront features chain restaurants such as Nando's and Prezzo, but Gutmann notes a lack of independent shops as an area for improvement.
Which? awarded one star for tourist attractions, which Gutmann finds bizarre given the mix of eateries and the famous arcade. The one star for shopping is understandable due to few major high street stores. However, he believes the town is on an upward trajectory and its 51% rating is unduly unfair.
Impact and Broader Context
Both towns are undergoing significant investment and renewal. Southport's pier restoration and new events centre promise to boost tourism, while New Brighton's independent scene is growing. The Which? rankings, based on a survey of 4,000 members, may not reflect recent improvements or local perspectives. Residents and visitors alike argue that these Merseyside towns deserve better recognition for their unique charms and ongoing revitalisation.
