A coastal getaway destination that’s one of the sunniest places on the British mainland has been named the UK’s “worst” seaside town. Which? published its yearly seaside survey on Friday, providing a rundown of the best and worst seaside towns across the country, according to feedback from respondents.
The consumer organisation conducted a survey including 3,800 people, quizzing them about their experiences at seaside spots in the last year, “asking their views on a range of criteria including the quality of the beaches, scenery, food and drink offerings, accommodation, tourist attractions and value for money”.
The list made grim reading for Bognor Regis, also known as Bognor, a seaside town in West Sussex on the south coast of England.
Bognor came bottom of the list with a score of just 36%, getting only one star across various categories, including:
- Seafront/pier
- Food and drink
- Tourist attractions
- Scenery
- Shopping
- Parking
- Peace and quiet
- Value for money
Its highest ratings were in the beach, and accomodation categories, though it got only two stars for both, with one respondent describing the town as “run down”.
Bognor tumbled further down the ranking than last year’s survey by Which?, where it finished fourth from bottom.
A Mumsnet user posted a question in November 2023 asking whether Bognor Regis was a good place to live, and didn’t exactly get glowing endorsements.
One said: “I used to live there and you couldn’t pay me to move back haha!”
Another added: “There is nothing to the town. It’s lovely by the beach and down Pagham way but as far as amenities, culture and entertainment it is basically a non-starter,” they claimed.
“I would maybe consider Worthing instead. Much more going on and only 20 min train ride to Brighton.”
However, according to Which?, one of its respondents said they loved the “lights along the pier at night”. Some also suggested that Bognor could return to its glory days as a go-to seaside destination with some investment.
A number of developments are already on the way, including works on The Arcade shopping centre, which is undergoing a £8m regeneration, Which? says.
Express.co.uk’s Head of Showbiz Sasha Morris visited the resort town early this year, finding that despite the bad wrap it gets from some, with its “renovated hotels and fun new activities” Bognor “could win over even the snobbiest of travellers”.
“With UK staycation prices skyrocketing, a simple weekend away can end up breaking the bank, but one of the best things about our Bognor Regis trip was the price,” she wrote.
“With deals for £49pp for 2025, it is the perfect destination to take your family and friends for a chilled out trip.”
It’s also one of the sunniest places in the country, estimated to see 1,919 hours of sunshine per year, according to analysis by Sunsave of Met Office data.
Bognor Regis Mayor, Cllr Gill Yeates said the town “offers a traditional seaside experience with its family-friendly beach, historic pier, and enjoys repeat visits from holidaymakers who come back year after year”.
She added that the town is in a “great location nestled between the sea and the South Downs National Park providing a base for visitors to explore the wider area or enjoying the tranquil coastline”.
“Bognor Regis is consistently rated in the top two sunniest UK destinations. We are open for business and you can be sure of a warm welcome.
“The town is currently undergoing a multimillion pound regeneration programme with the much-loved theatre being refurbished outside and in and a new hotel currently being built.
“Butlin’s has also made significant investments, including the amazing PlayXperience which is open to non-residents.
“The town centre hosts a good variety of local independent shops and national retailers in a vibrant high street, with themed markets planned through the year. The Town Council also have a programme of free events which are sure to appeal to all ages.”