‘Tired’ seaside town named worst in the UK for second year running | UK | News
A seaside town on England’s south coast has been named “worst” for the second year in a row in an annual survey. Bognor Regis is a seaside resort in the Arun district of West Sussex, just an hour and 50 minutes by train from the capital. It’s also close to popular accommodation spots such as Chichester, Littlehampton, Worthing and Brighton.
The town is synonymous with staycations; It has previously been a destination for British day trippers looking to enjoy some sun and sand and is home to the iconic Butlins. Along with the Isle of Wight and parts of Kent, it is often cited as one of the sunniest places in the country. Arun District Council also states that Bognor and Littlehampton beaches “hold the nationwide standard for the best beaches in the UK”. The website adds: “Look out for the Seaside Award flag flying on our promenades throughout the summer as a symbol of quality, ensuring visitors and residents enjoy a clean, safe, attractive and well-managed coastline.”
But while the town clearly has plenty to do, it ranked poorly in Which?’s annual survey of visitors’ experiences of the UK’s best-known seaside getaways.
The consumer champion surveyed more than 5,300 people about 11,999 experiences visiting a UK seaside town for leisure last year, asking travelers for their views on a range of criteria.
This includes the quality of beaches, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, attractions, shopping and value for money.
The destination score is based on visitors’ satisfaction with the location and their likelihood of recommending it to others.
Bognor Regis finished last for the second year in a row with a target score of just 41%. The firm said visitors commented that the town was “tired” and needed a “major regeneration”.
It also received low scores across several rating criteria, including 2 stars for peace and quiet, 1 star for seafront/pier, food and drink, attractions, views, shopping, value for money and beach.
Other seaside towns at the bottom of the rankings were Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset (48%), Southend-on-Sea in Essex (47%), Lowestoft in Suffolk (46%), Great Yarmouth in Norfolk (46%), Bangor in Wales (46%), Blackpool in Lancashire (46%) and Fleetwood in Lancashire (46%).
When Bognor hit rock bottom last year, locals responded with a destination score of 36%. Jason Passingham, owner and operator of Heygate Books in the town’s railway station, told Express.co.uk at the time: “I think the problem is the demographics of the people being asked.”
Unless a destination has flashy establishments selling “champagne with fish and chips,” he said, “they’re never going to give us high marks.”
Former Mayor of Bognor Regis, Major Gill Yeates, said the town “offers a traditional seaside experience with its family-friendly beach, historic pier and is enjoyed by holidaymakers who return year after year”.
He added that the town “is in a fantastic location, nestled between the sea and the South Downs National Park, providing a base for visitors to explore the wider area or enjoy the tranquil coastline.”
“Bognor Regis is consistently ranked among the two sunniest destinations in the UK. We are open for business and you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Arun District Council hit back, saying: “We disagree because Bognor Regis has so much to offer and the relatively small survey sample does not reflect the views of the many residents, visitors and businesses who know, support and value the town.”
The local authority acknowledged that “like many coastal communities, Bognor Regis faces challenges but there is more to celebrate than to criticise”, pointing to a number of green spaces and attractions “including the Green Flag award-winning Hotham Park, a beautiful green space where people can walk, visit the café, ride the miniature railway or play adventure golf”.
It also noted work to improve the town and said: “The Alexandra Arts Centre, formerly the Alexandra Theatre, is undergoing an exciting refurbishment and will bring even more art, culture and entertainment to Bognor Regis when it opens next year.
“The nearby Arcade is also seeing investment and breathes new life into a much-loved part of the town’s heritage, alongside the ongoing appeal of the Picturedrome cinema.
“The Esplanade has also benefited from a brand new look, with improvements to the road and public realm. “Beach on the Beach” and “Play on the Beach” areas offer more opportunities for children and families to enjoy the seaside safely – and on a good day you might spot Gavin the seal enjoying the water!
“The Seaside Award flag flying there is further testament to the quality of seaside services on offer. With the new 116-bedroom Premier Inn now open, there is even more room for visitors to stay and enjoy everything the town has to offer.”
He also noted the town’s “wonderful variety of award-winning independent shops and eateries”, its status as the “proud” home of Butlin’s and the area’s rich literary history.
“So what really sets Bognor Regis apart is its strong sense of community, its ongoing investment and development, and people who care deeply about the town,” the council added.
“We encourage survey takers to come back and spend some more time here before deciding – they might be surprised by how much Bognor Regis has to offer!”
