UK’s worst-rated seaside destinations named as visitors label the areas ‘drab’ and ‘run down’

The Welsh town of Bangor offers little to visitors

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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 22/08/2024

- 15:04

Thousands of holidaymakers have weighed in on the worst seaside destinations in the UK

There are heaps of destinations to choose from for a relaxing getaway in the United Kingdom, but some have little to no appeal.

New data collated by consumer group Which? has informed the ratings of over a hundred destinations across the country.


The survey of 5,000 members suggests holidaymakers want unspoilt beaches, gorgeous scenes and peace during their getaway. Seven areas were highlighted as being the worst destinations to tick these boxes.

The Welsh town of Bangor is the worst-rated holiday destination in the country, according to the research.

Bangor in Wales

Bangor was the lowest-rated seaside town for its food and wine

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The town is the oldest in Wales and one of the United Kingdom’s smallest villages, with a population of around 15,000 inhabitants.

“At the opposite end of the table was the Welsh town Bangor, which scored just 42 per cent and one-star ratings for food and drink, tourist attractions, and shopping," said Which?.

“It received just two stars for everything else and was described as 'drab' and 'run down'. However, it was praised as a good base for visiting the ‘fabulous’ scene and coast of North Wales.

“Other traditional seaside towns also did poorly, with Great Yarmouth, Blackpool, Clacton, Skegness, Bognor Regis and Southend all among the lowest rated.

“Famous names such as Bournemouth and Brighton appear mid-table, although Bournemouth does get four stars for its beaches.”

The research suggests Britons should visit Wales, Scotland and the North East of England instead for their next getaway.

St Andrews in Fife was named the best seaside destination in terms of entertainment value, garnering a score of 82 per cent.

“The beach - a two-mile stretch of sand 15 minutes from the centre - received five stars out of five, as did tourist attractions and scenery," the consumer body added.

“Visitors loved wandering the town’s cobbled streets and alleyways to discover ice-cream parlours, bistros and artisanal food, as well as specialist knitwear and second-hand bookshops. It also got four stars for shopping.”

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\u200bBangor harbour

Bangor harbour on the coast of Gwynedd in North Wales

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Visitors familiar with the area labelled St Andrews Castle a “great place to visit” and praised the historic attraction for its “amazing history”.

One person said: “The beginning self-guided tour gives a good background and the grounds with the remaining structures are amazing.

“You can go into the mine shafts dug by the fighters defending and invading the castle and can climb most of the structures to get amazing views.

“The castle is easy to get to and right next to the university and the cathedral. Would highly recommend checking it out.”

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