Skeggy is the last resort in UK survey
AREA’S TOP SEASIDE RESORT PANNED IN NATIONAL REPORT
OH dear... Burton’s favourite UK seaside resort has come in for a bit of a panning in a national survey (again).
The Which? survey ranking the best seaside resorts in the UK has rated Skegness as the lowest.
Thousands of holidaymakers took part in the annual questionnaire, but Burton and South Derbyshire’s closest and traditionally favourite resort has been labelled a flop.
Skeggy also came bottom of the list in last year’s survey, which ranks the resorts were rated in eight categories the quality of beaches, seafront, tourist attractions, food and drink, scenery, peace and quiet, shopping and value for money.
But despite Skegness’ low ranking, holidaymakers did have some highlights to share from their trips.
The survey, which took place in January, asked 4,303 visitors to rate coastal resorts they have visited.
Britain’s best seaside destination was tiny Bamburgh, a Northumberland village with a population of a little over 400, which ranked as the best experience for visitors for a second year in a row.
Compared to Bamburgh, which ranked five out five stars in nearly every category and received an overall destination score of 87 per cent - the Lincolnshire destination only received 49 per cent.
However, some traditionalists disagreed, dubbing it a “proper” British seaside.
Which? says some spoke fondly of a “typical town that caters for all ages”, while one visitor told the survey: “Don’t be put off by the stereotypical opinions of Skegness. It’s a well-maintained, vibrant area.”
The results shine a spotlight on the poor quality of some coastline resorts with Skegness, Bognor Regis, Southend-on-sea, Great Yarmouth and Burnham-on-sea making up the bottom five.
Skegness ranked an acceptable three out of five stars for the quality of beaches, while hotel prices were not too bad at about £76 a night.
But it goes downhill from there, with two-star ratings for the seafront and pier, food, tourist attractions, scenery and value for money, and the lowest one-start ranking for shopping and peace and quiet.
But many still had some recommendations to share.
The Natureland Seal Sanctuary was called “the sort of thing you expect to see on a David Attenborough programme” by one visitor, while the Gibraltar Point nature reserve was also a highlight for some, alongside the friendly crowds, dubbed a “very welcoming population”.