Bognor Regis has been named the UK's worst seaside town for the second consecutive year, according to a survey by Which? of over 5,000 readers. The West Sussex town scored just 41%, the lowest among 100 seaside locations evaluated, with visitors describing it as expensive, noisy, and lacking investment.
Criticism from Visitors and Former Residents
One former resident called it a "dead town," while recent visitors complained about a "rubbish beach" and "terrible attractions." Comments included: "Lacking investment, slow to supply tourists what they need," and "The place is run down and feels neglected." The town also suffered from a mysterious odor drifting from France.
Local Defenders Push Back
Not all opinions are negative. Freya and Matthew Reynolds, who run an independent furniture store, praised it as a "lovely place to raise a family by the seaside." Matthew noted that Bognor has fewer boarded-up shops than other towns. Julia Smith, a 59-year-old carer, called the ranking "snobbery," adding: "The sea is amazing. There are loads of places to eat."
Tourist Numbers Remain Strong
Despite its reputation, Bognor Regis attracts about four million tourists annually, drawn by its Victorian pier, sandy beaches, arcades, and fish and chip shops. Butlin's remains a major draw. However, Levi Winchester, a former resident and Mirror money editor, said the town has "lost its heart" and the promenade needs a revamp.
Full Rankings: Best and Worst Seaside Towns
The Which? survey, conducted in January-February 2026, included 5,320 panel members reporting on 11,999 visits. Top towns included Bamburgh (84%), Tynemouth (82%), and St Andrews (81%). The bottom five after Bognor Regis were Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, Blackpool, and Fleetwood, each scoring 46%.
