Three Lancashire seaside towns have been named among the worst in the UK by consumer champion Which? in their annual consumer survey. Blackpool, Fleetwood, and Morecambe all featured in the bottom 30 of the list, with Blackpool receiving an overall destination score of just 46 per cent.
Survey Methodology and Top Performers
More than 5,300 Which? members were asked about their experiences of UK seaside destinations over the past year. They rated towns on criteria including beach quality, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, shopping, and value for money. Towns were awarded up to five stars in each category, and an overall destination score was calculated based on satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
The survey was topped by Bamburgh in Northumberland for the sixth consecutive year, achieving an 84 per cent destination score and five stars for its beach, seafront, and scenery. Visitors praised the “lovely beach overlooking Bamburgh Castle” and the “spectacular coastal scenery.” Tynemouth in Tyne and Wear came second with 82 per cent, scoring five stars for its seafront/pier and food and drink. Scotland claimed two top-ten spots: St Andrews (third, 81 per cent) and Crail (joint fourth, 80 per cent).
North West Rankings
Lytham St Annes was the highest-ranking town in the north west, achieving a score of 76 per cent, shared with Lyme Regis and Portstewart. In North Wales, Portmeirion, Conwy, and Llandudno made the top 30.
Bottom 30: Lancashire Towns
Blackpool achieved just one star in the food and drink and peace and quiet categories. It received two stars for seafront and piers, shopping, and value for money, and three stars for tourist attractions. Its overall destination score was 46 per cent.
Fleetwood did not obtain any stars in the seafront/pier, food and drink, tourist attractions, shopping, and beach categories due to too few responses. It secured three stars for peace and quiet and two stars for value for money, also scoring 46 per cent overall.
Morecambe fared slightly better with a score of 55 per cent. It achieved three stars for its seafront and scenery but only one star for food and drink, tourist attractions, and shopping.
Other Nearby Destinations
Other seaside destinations within easy reach of Greater Manchester that featured in the bottom 30 include Southport (53 per cent) and New Brighton (51 per cent), both in Merseyside. Bognor Regis in West Sussex came bottom overall with a score of 41 per cent, achieving only one star in every category except peace and quiet, where it received two stars.
Expert Comment
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. Whether you're returning to a much-loved seaside town or discovering a hidden gem, there’s something for everyone."
