A seaside town in Sussex that has been described as "dirty" and "run down" has been named the worst in the country.
Which? has revealed the "best and worst seaside towns in the UK" following its "biggest ever seaside survey".
The results come after a survey of almost 4,000 Which? members, who took around 9,000 trips to British seaside towns.
One Sussex seaside town claimed the title of the worst in the UK.
Bognor Regis named worst seaside town in the UK by Which?
Bottom of the list by Which? was Bognor Regis in West Sussex.
Each seaside town got a destination score out of 100%, and other ratings out of five for things such as its beach, pier, food and drink, tourist attractions, scenery, shopping, value for money and more.
Results are based on an online survey of 8952 experiences from 3872 Which? Connect panel members that was conducted between January and March 2025.
The destination score is based on satisfaction with the location and likelihood to recommend.
Which? said Bognor Regis received just one star for its seafront, food and drink, tourist attractions, scenery, shopping, parking, peace and quiet and value for money.
It said the town was described as 'dirty', 'run down', 'depressing' and as 'a seaside town that's forgotten it's next to the sea'.
It added that some visitors had a "more positive view", with one saying they "loved the lights along the pier at night" and another arguing that investment in Bognor Regis "could recover its glory days".
Why Bognor Regis is worth visiting
While the survey by Which? says Bognor Regis is the worst seaside town in the UK, this might not be the case for many.
The town is full of great things to do, and is loved by many locals and visitors.
Love Bognor Regis says the town is "the home of sea views and coastal panoramas, where the natural backdrop and unspoiled charm inspire blue-sky thinking and bright ideas".
It adds: "You won’t have to look far to find things to do in Bognor Regis and the surrounding areas, from the beautiful coastline, to the shops, restaurants and seaside attractions such as crazy golf and the award-winning Butlin’s Holiday Resort.
"Travel a little out of Bognor Regis and you’ll find quaint villages, rolling hills and ancient castles, or venture along the coast to find sand dunes, sailing clubs and an abundance of wildlife.
"Its prime position on the edge of the South Downs National Park means easy access to open space, greenery and sea views that give you the opportunity to pause, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings."
It also said the town is the place to "reactivate childhood memories", and boasts a "wealth of exciting cafes and restaurants" and a "lively evening scene".
Meanwhile, Visit South East England says Bognor Regis "has long been one of the UK's favourite coastal towns" and is a "fantastic place for a family holiday by the seaside".
Things to do in Bognor Regis
As Visit South East England explains, Bognor Regis has "everything from amusement arcades to crazy golf" on land, with sea-based activities ranging from "scuba diving, sailing, and parascending".
There are also various "thriving cafés and restaurants", late-night entertainment at various bars and clubs, and a number of high street stores and "chic boutiques".
Visit South East England recommends Bognor Regis East Beach as a spot to cool down in the summer sun, with indoor swimming also available at the Arun Leisure Centre.
@iamzoeprior Bognor Regis ladies and gents.😍😍😍 #bognorregis #bognorregisbeach #livingbythesea ♬ You & Me - Rivo Remix - Disclosure
According to Tripadvisor, some of the best things to do in Bognor Regis include Hotham Park, Bognor Regis Museum and the well-known Butlins resort.
Hotham Park is rated a 4.4/5 on Tripadvisor, with one visitor saying it is "the highlight of Bognor Regis".
They said: "It's rather a large and lovely park, with Alice In Wonderland statues, seats, a nature enclosure, a miniature railway, a boating lake etc.
"Although the 'wildlife' consisted almost entirely of seagulls and crows, I enjoyed it there and very much recommend a visit if you're ever in Bognor."
Recommended reading:
- Sussex seaside town that 'doesn't get love it deserves' crowned one of UK's best
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- 'Beautiful' market town in Sussex named one of Britain's happiest places to live
Another added: "Lovely peaceful park. We enjoy having a picnic there and our dog likes to sit and watch the squirrels.
"Noticed on this visit some of the benches could do with being repaired. The park is always rubbish free."
Do you enjoy visiting Bognor Regis? Let us know in the comments.
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