Consumer group Which? has revealed the UK's best and worst seaside destinations after surveying more than 5,300 people about their visits over the past year. Among the lowest-rated destinations are New Brighton and Southport in Merseyside, alongside Blackpool, Southend-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Bangor, Fleetwood, Burnham-on-Sea, and Bognor Regis, which finished last overall with a destination score of just 41%.
Which? Survey Results
Visitors criticised many of the lower-ranked resorts for being tired, overcrowded or lacking value for money. Bognor Regis received just one star across most categories, with one visitor saying it needed "major rejuvenation". New Brighton and Southport also landed near the bottom of the table.
At the other end, Bamburgh in Northumberland topped the rankings for a sixth consecutive year with an overall score of 84%. Visitors awarded it five stars for its beach, seafront and scenery, praising its views of Bamburgh Castle and spectacular coastline.
North East Dominates Top Spots
The North East performed particularly well overall, with Tynemouth finishing second on 82%, while St Andrews, Crail, Frinton-on-Sea and Aldeburgh also featured among the highest-rated coastal destinations. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: "The North East has emerged as this year's favourite seaside spot, a reflection of its outstanding beaches and the fact that holidays here can be fantastic value for money.
"It also shows that there are special seaside towns in every corner of the UK. From Swanage to Plockton, Southwold to Conwy, you'll have a great time in many of the country's lesser-known destinations, and should save some money too."
Trendy Hotspots Disappoint
The survey also found trendy hotspots Margate and Newquay failed to live up to expectations. Margate scored 53%, while Newquay received 55%, with both earning just one star for peace and quiet. The results are based on an online survey conducted in January-February 2026 of 5,320 Which? Connect panel members who told the brand about 11,999 experiences of visiting a UK seaside town for leisure purposes in the previous year.
