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Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Our seaside town has been labelled the worst in Britain - but here's why all the critics calling it 'tacky' and 'run-down' are wrong
Proud seasiders in a coastal town which has been branded the worst in Britain have been hitting back against taunts about it being 'tacky' and 'run-down'. A poll by consumer group Which? has put Bognor Regis in West Sussex at the bottom of 118 UK resorts when it comes to visitors' experiences. The coastal town, first developed in the late 18th century and famed for attractions such as a Butlin's holiday camp founded in 1960, has become to some a byword for either genteel or shabby English seaside fustiness. The late George V - great-grandfather of present King Charles - is famed to have allegedly said before dying in 1936: 'Bugger Bognor.' That was supposed to be in response to aides suggested where he might go to recuperate, according to explanations on the town's Love Bognor Regis website. An alternative suggestion is that he actually uttered the words in 1928 instead, when given a petition calling on him to add the word 'Regis' to the town's official title. Bognor tends to be among England's sunniest spots, yet landed itself last in Which?'s poll of the 118 UK seaside towns - based on responses from 3,800 people. The resort earned a paltry one-star rating in most categories, including 'Food and drink', 'Value for money' and 'Scenery'. The West Sussex resort was described by one visitor as 'a run-down seaside town' and received a destination score of just 36 per cent. Just ahead of Bognor was Bangor in Gwynedd – up one spot from its own bottom place result in last year's corresponding survey. Clacton-on-Sea in Essex was also poorly received by holidaymakers - provided with only one star for its tourist attractions as well as food, drink and scenery. Many of the UK's best-known seaside towns performed poorly in the new poll. Skegness and Blackpool earned 54 per cent and 48 per cent destination ratings respectively, while winning only one star apiece for their scenery. Even more 'fashionable' seaside hotspots failed to win the hearts of the British public, with artsy Margate scoring 56 per cent and upmarket Brighton 61 per cent It was better news further north of the country, however, where Bamburgh in Northumberland retained its place as the nation's favourite coastal destination - coming top for the fifth consecutive year. Bamburgh scored an overall destination score of 84 per cent and was awarded five stars for its seafront and scenery. Paul Wells, who runs haberdashery firm Knit and Sew in the town centre, has described Bognor Regis as having 'a personality of its own' One visitor declared Bamburgh a 'gem', praising its 'sandy, clean beaches'. The town was also rewarded for its good value for money - according to an average night's stay in Bamburgh costs £130. Yet the Which? thumbs-down for Bognor has come as a disappointment to loyal locals there, who have now spoken up in the South Coast seaside town's defence. They pointed to the 'genuine' sense of community and the quality of life which was high in the traditional seaside town. The resort, which has a population of about 25,000, is said to be undergoing a renaissance with inward investment and building projects aimed at making it look more up-to-date. On the seafront, the Alexandra Theatre is getting a £15million rebuild, while a Victorian shopping precinct called The Arcade is about to see an £8m revamp and a new £13m Premier Inn is being built. The town's seafront promenade has also undergone a major facelift, including a walking area alongside Bognor's pebble and sand beach. Jane Steventon, 52, a Bafta-winning TV producer, moved to Bognor after a career which has seen her work in London, Glasgow, Liverpool and Wales. But when talking about Bognor, she told MailOnline: 'I love it here. It's an exciting time to be in Bognor. There's a lot of investment and opportunity here and there's a real buzz around town and a sense of excitement about what's to come. 'There's a real sense of belonging here also, a proper community vibe. 'I really don't understand where Which? has got its figures from, because it's also popular among visitors.' Ms Steventon, now a lecturer at Portsmouth University where she teaches screen writing and film production, added: 'Traditional seaside towns have seen new money coming into them in recent years. 'Margate and Hastings are just two examples and I think we're seeing the same interest in Bognor.' The Butlin's holiday camp in the town has been praised for updating its traditional image, attracting not only families but also younger crowds for Big Weekender live music events at the seaside site. One visitor said: 'It's got so much going for it. The Big Music Weekenders are brilliant and we come down with friends for those In the new Which? survey, Bognor Regis earned a paltry one-star rating in most categories, including 'Food and drink', 'Value for money' and 'Scenery' Supporters have insisted the coastal town can boast 'a real sense of belonging here' and 'a proper community vibe' 'I also love the shops which are quirky and not mainstream.' Paul Wells, who runs haberdashery firm Knit and Sew in the town centre, said: 'We have so much to offer and the Which? report doesn't reflect the reality here. 'Bognor has a personality of its own as it has loads and loads of independent shops and visitors flock here to take advantage of those. 'We also have the highest recorded levels of sunshine levels in the UK which bring day trippers in their droves.' Mr Wells, who has run his shop for 25 years, added: 'The seafront is being massively renovated at the moment, but once it's finished it will enhance the already wonderful beach and promenade area. 'It's also very friendly here and there's a good sense of community with people looking out for each other. 'It's also in a great location for jumping off into the South Downs or other coastal destinations and a lot of people stay here if they're visiting Goodwood or Pagham Harbour.' Mr Wells described how such seaside towns had all 'suffered since Covid', while plenty of retail sales are being diverted online - but insisted: 'I think Bognor offers a unique experience.' Bognor Regis mayor Gill Yeates (pictured), who has lived there all her life, said: 'There's a huge amount of regeneration going on in Bognor at the moment' Alison Terry, a retired maths teacher who moved to Bognor from Tunbridge Wells in Kent 30 years ago, has since raised two children in the town alongside her husband Mike - and says the sense of community there is 'second to none'. She said: 'The pace of life is much slower here - people are more reflective and able to contribute more to their communities. There's also so much going on here. 'My two children both learned to sail here and embraced that life and there are so many opportunities. 'It might be an old-fashioned seaside resort in many respects but it has evolved organically so new developments echo the old. 'The town centre has a unique charm that I haven't found anywhere else.' Ms Terry added: 'More than anything, the people are very genuine and loyal to the town and its fellow citizens. I love it here.' Bognor Regis mayor Gill Yeates, who has lived there all her life, said: 'There's a huge amount of regeneration going on in Bognor at the moment and that means there has been a lot of disruption. 'When that is complete, it will be a huge boost to the town. Bognor mayor Gill Yeates says town centre regeneration work will be a 'huge boost to the town' 'The seafront is the jewel in the crown for us and it really is a gem but Bognor offers all this at a very affordable price. It is much cheaper here than at many places down the coast.' Many of the projects are destined for completion by next year - and residents are hopeful the town could capitalise on existing popularity among those fans it does have, despite the Which? consumer poll backlash. Stuart Gray, who runs Sweet Flamingo ice creams on the seafront, said: 'Resorts are dependent on the weather and Bognor gets record-breaking sunshine. 'When it's busy here, it's very busy. I don't really understand what Which? is talking about.' THE LOWDOWN ON THE UK'S BEST AND WORST SEASIDE TOWNS By Jo Tweedy THE BEST Bamburgh, Northumberland Small but mighty, Bamburgh village, nudged up to a particularly beautiful stretch of the Northumberland coast only has around 400 residents - but, according to Which?'s latest poll the prettiest sands in the land. The downside? It attracts more than 150,000 visitors each year because of it, with locals swamped by tourists in the summer months - and parking spaces rare as hen's teeth. Its imposing castle is regarded as one of the world's most important Anglo-Saxon archaeological sites. Zoopla average property price: £464,500 Beer, Devon Another tiny village with a divine crescent of beach, this time shingle, Beer lies in Devon's East and is flanked by limestone cliffs. Once a smuggler's haven, this fishing village's closest town is Seaton, with the South West Coast Path accessible for walkers. Zoopla average property price: £454,000 So inspired was Noel Coward when he visited the folly village of Portmeirion that he wrote his play, Blithe Spirit, in just six days. This Italianate village sits against a rocky headland in North Wales and is so well preserved you have to pay to get in - £20.00 for adults, £13 for children. The beach? It's full of white sand, plus hidden caves and views out across the Dwyryd Estuary. Zoopla average property price: £171,969 St David's, Pembrokeshire St David's main beach, known as Whitesands Bay, is made up of fine, alabaster sand that merges into a rockier portion of coast, which reaches a crescendo at the craggy headland that is St David's Head. Walkers love it, as do surfers. St David's is famously the UK's smallest city with a population of around 1,750 people. Zoopla average property price: £326,108 Sidmouth, Devon At the mouth of the River Sid, 14 miles from Exeter, Sidmouth was a fishing village until the fashion for coastal resorts grew in the Regency period from 1811 to 1820. Edward VII checked into the Royal York Hotel in 1856, and when the Devon town was connected to a railway (no longer running) in 1874, well-heeled Victorians flocked there. The esplanade is lined with Grade II-listed hotels, with the 240-million-year-old Jurassic Coast just beyond it. Zoopla average property price: £489,333 AND THE WORST... Bognor Regis, West Sussex Bognor Regis is one of the UK's best-known bucket and spade seaside towns today - but it started life as a small fishing village. The town's popularity soared in the late 1800s after a railway station was built in 1864 that made the seaside hotspot much more accessible. In recent years, the resort has been known for cheap and cheerful UK breaks, with Butlins the beach's most famous place to stay. Zoopla average property price: £356,463 Bangor, North Wales The historic Welsh resort of Bangor took the unwanted number one spot in the Which? survey of worst seaside town in Britain back in May. Bangor has fallen since its heyday, with historic photos showing hundreds of people gathered to watch the opening of the pier during the Victorian period in 1896. Even as recently as 30 years ago, the area was still a beloved hub for tourists and holidaymakers, and even featured in a popular song by folk group Fiddler's Dream in 1979 named Day Trip to Bangor (Didn't We Have a Lovely Time). Away from the beach, Bangor has the longest high street in Wales, and is also the oldest Welsh city. Zoopla average property price: £204,661 Clacton-on-Sea, Essex Another resort that's a shadow of its former self, Clacton-on-Sea was once one of Britain's thriving seaside towns - popular with Londoners who would flock to the Essex coastline for a day at the beach and fun on the pier. A decline has seen the town battling spiralling unemployment, drug use and crime - with shops on the beachfront and in the town centre closed. Zoopla average property price: £251,103 Southend-on-Sea, Essex One travel guide described this Essex coastal resort as 'Pugnacious and brash', saying 'Unless you're after tacky arcades, flash amusement rides or sleazy nightspots, there's not much to do'. There's no getting away from the fact it's still very popular though: Essex's largest town, with a population of some 175,500, hosts nearly three million visitors each year. Zoopla average property price: £339,634 Fleetwood, Lancashire Just 25 minutes from Blackpool, Fleetwood has long attracted holidaymakers with its low prices - including hotel stays that average around £73 a night - and old-school seaside charm. And while it's fared badly in Which?'s latest poll, it is in line for a £16million upgrade, including a major overhaul of the town's iconic Art Deco Marine Hall and the local leisure centre.
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Enough of the Bognor bashing – I think the seaside town is one of the UK's best
BASKING in the sunshine on Bognor's pebbly beach, watching my boys skim stones into the sea, I found myself wondering if there could be a more picture-perfect snapshot of a trip to the British seaside. I've been visiting this south coast resort since I was tiny and now my boys love heading to the Sussex seaside just as much as I do. 6 6 6 So I couldn't believe my eyes when Bognor was named the worst seaside town in this year's Which? survey, with some visitors branding it dirty and rundown. It only scored 36 per cent overall, with visitors rating its beach two stars out of five. Its seafront, food and drink, tourist attractions, scenery, shopping, parking, peace and quiet and value for money only received one star each. Despite this depressing result, it's nonsense to suggest that Bognor is bottom of British beach breaks, as far as I'm concerned. There's a reason why it's been a family favourite for generations and why British holiday institution Butlin's has had a presence in the town for almost a century, despite closing lots of other locations around the country. For a start, the Met Office records show that Bognor averages around 1900 hours of sunshine a year, making it a good choice if you want to turn your great British staycay into a raycay. Maybe the shingle shoreline isn't everyone's cup of tea, but paddling on pebbles does mean you're not finding sand in all your nooks and crannies for weeks after your trip to the coast. We usually stay at Butlin's and it's just a short walk along the prom to get to the town, passing the pier and the greenery of Waterloo Square before heading further on to Marine Park Gardens. Or you can catch the little land train that ferries visitors along the shoreline, costing £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. We like to stroll along, admiring the seaside architecture glinting white in the sunlight as we go. I tried the new Gladiators event at Butlin's with some of the TV stars… and my kids were obsessed And there's the Play on the Beach playground for little visitors on this stretch of the esplanade too. Another highlight of any trip to Bognor is a visit to Hotham Park, where I remember taking a trip on the miniature railway as a child. It's still a lovely place to visit and now my boys can take a turn around the tracks while I get nostalgic about childhood summers and fun in the sun. For me, I love going back to the town to see what has stayed the same and what is new and exciting. I can't wait for the £15million transformation of the Alexandra Theatre when it is unveiled next year. And there's a new £13million Premier Inn due to open nearby later this year. Butlin's has also had plenty of investment in recent times, with a £40million pool opening in 2019 and the £15million Playxperience offering digital versions of family favourites like darts and crazy golf. 6 6 Even better, you can just pop in for the day if you're staying elsewhere in Bognor, with day passes from as little as £1 for children during term-time. With all this money being spent on accommodation and attractions, it would be a mistake to write off this seaside spot as not worth a visit when it feels like it's on the up and being brought bang into the 21st century with all these new openings. Every year, when Which? releases the results from surveying its 4000 members on seaside trips they've taken the previous summer, I shake my head with a wry smile at whichever much-loved traditional seaside resort has ended up being named and shamed this time. It's been Skegness, Clacton, Mablethorpe and Bangor in recent years, but none of those deserved to be bottom either. You can't really compare a resort that focuses on family fun and lots of laughs, with arcades, pubs, chippies and ice cream stalls aplenty, with somewhere like Bamburgh in Northumberland, which consistently comes top of the list. Its amazing castle and unspoilt beach are definitely a winning combination, but you can't beat the bustle of Bognor or Bangor for offering budget-friendly best-of-British breaks with something to keep all ages happy. It's almost 100 years since King George V visited Bognor to convalesce and gave it the royal seal of approval by allowing the town to add Regis to its name. As far as I'm concerned, it's still a jewel in the crown of the South Coast, sparkling in the sunlight for all to see. It should be basking in its title of sunniest seaside spot, instead of being bashed for its beach or buildings. 6
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
UK's best seaside destinations revealed – with small English resort making the top 10 for the first time
WHICH? has revealed the UK's best seaside destinations - with a new contender making one of the top spots. Bamburgh, the Northumberland village topped the list for the fifth time in a row. 5 5 However Bognor Regis, home to beaches, a huge pier and a Butlin's resort, came at the bottom of the league table. In a new survey, Which? asked over 3,800 people about their experiences of UK seaside destinations in the last year. Each shared their view on the quality of the beaches, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions and value for money. Which? then compiled all the information into a table and found Bamburgh to be the best seaside town and Bognor Regis the worst. Yet for the the very first time, the Devon fishing village of Beer has been named as one of the UK's best coastal destinations. The village on the Jurassic Coast came second which is a huge change after coming in 18th place last year. It's surrounded by white chalk cliffs, the a beautiful beach lined with fishing boats. One visitor told Which?: 'Beer is charming, with beautiful coastal scenery and is full of history.' But if you fancy going to the very best, Bamburgh is known for its beautiful beach with its famous castle on the adjacent hilltop. In terms of scores, Bamburgh's beach got five stars, it also received the highest score for the seafront, scenery, and peace and quiet; the overall destination score came in at 84 per cent. Meanwhile, Bognor Regis got one and two stars across the board and got an overall destination score of 36 per cent. Discover UK's Best Beaches: Hidden Gems Revealed The affordable seaside town of Bognor Regis is a favourite for Sun readers because of its stretching East Beach that's a mix of shingle and sand, and of course it's home to a huge Butlin's resort. One visitor said they loved the 'lights along the pier at night' and some survey respondents suggested that, with investment, it could recover its glory days. Bognor Regis has several developments in the works including an £8m regeneration of The Arcade shopping centre that Which? readers believe will give the town a boost. Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: 'From beautiful coastlines to peaceful walks and charming traditional bucket and spade resorts, the UK seaside offers something for everyone - whatever the weather." 5 5 Rory continued: 'While you may have your own favourite destination, as well as the top spots in Devon and Wales, our survey shows there are still plenty of beautiful hidden gems across the UK to explore. 'Some seaside resorts offer better value for money than others, so it is worth looking at surrounding areas of popular spots if you are looking for a cheaper overnight stay.' Sidmouth, Aldeburgh and Robin Hood's Bay also scored highly. Nearer the bottom of the table were the likes of Skegness, Cleethorpes, Clacton-on-Sea and Bangor. And the seaside town that is Time Out's best UK place to visit in 2025. 5
Metro
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Stephen Mulhern leaves lucrative £1,000,000 presenting gig after 3 years
Stephen Mulhern has wrapped up a lucrative £1,000,000 deal. Since starting his career at CITV hosting the children's TV show Finger Tips from 2001 from 2004, he's since gone on to present Britain's Got More Talent, Catchphrase, In for a Penny, Deal or No Deal and Dancing on Ice. However earlier this year the ice skating show, which first launched in 2006, was pulled by ITV. A few months on Stephen, 48, has confirmed he's stepping away from another major project. Starting when he was a child, Stephen began public magic performances at 11-years-old, performing at Butlin's Minehead during family holidays. He was also a Redcoat for two years. Over the past three years he's also returned to the seaside resort chain, performing at Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness. However, after he carries out a series of sell-out shows the summer, he won't be continuing his contract. A source previously explained: 'Stephen has been a massive hit with holidaymakers. He began his career as a Redcoat and has kept families brilliantly entertained.' In a statement to Metro, his representatives added: 'Stephen has absolutely loved being part of the Butlins family – performing his stage shows in front of thousands of holiday makers across the country and the relationship with Butlins remains hugely positive. 'This change allows Stephen to explore new opportunities in the family holiday space – something he's incredibly passionate about.' Stephen's final show – Out of this World – will celebrate his 25 year-career in showbiz with 'new illusions, new games, and new shenanigans'. Speaking ahead of the shows, he spoke about his love for performing at the resort. 'The answer is simple. Butlin's gave me my very first break into the entertainment industry. I was a Redcoat in Minehead for two years and I've never looked back,' he said. 'I owe a lot to Butlin's and that's why I love coming back and performing here.' In the past year, Stephen has faced the axing of two of his programmes – Dancing on Ice and In for a Penny. However, he will soon be back with new seasons of Catchphrase, Deal or No Deal, You Bet and the travel show, The Accidental Tourist. That series will see him pushed out of his comfort zone, travelling Asia under the guidance of Ant and Dec. Speaking about the upcoming release to the Daily Mirror, Stephen explained how difficult the experience was at times. 'No one's ever seen me cry on the telly, but it was quite nice to not be behind a format, I've never done that. You're going to see behind the razzle-dazzle if you like'. 'They film and they film, and they film and they just get everything. I think what you're going to see is a lot of emotion. You'll see me totally out of my comfort zone. More Trending 'My dad had just passed away, so that's the only thing. I'm gutted that he didn't see it,' he added. After his father Christopher died in November, one of the presenters' spokespeople explained how Stephen had been facing 'an incredibly tough time over the past few weeks'. Not long after he was rushed to hospital after collapsing in a Pizza Express, but fans were reassured he was 'recovering' soon after. View More » Metro has contacted representatives for Stephen Mulhern for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
Daily Record
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Stephen Mulhern's £1m Butlin's role axed in latest career blow for ITV star
Former Butlin's redcoat Stephen Mulhern has lost his lucrative £1m contract with the famous holiday firm. ITV star Stephen Mulhern has been dealt a huge career blow. The presenter has been dropped from his reported £1million gig as the face of Butlins, rounding off a spate of ill fortune with work commitments. Mulhern, 48, hasn't had his contract renewed with the famous family-friendly UK holiday resort chain. As part of the deal he performed magic shows on stage at the firm's centres in Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness, but he will not return after the summer season. A spokesperson confirmed the news and stated that the star, a former redcoat for the legendary firm, had 'enjoyed' his time working with the brand. The spokesperson told the Mirror: 'Stephen has absolutely loved being part of the Butlin's family - performing his stage shows in front of thousands of holiday makers across the country and the relationship with Butlin's remains hugely positive. "This change allows Stephen to explore new opportunities in the family holiday space – something he's incredibly passionate about." A Butlin's spokesperson added: "Stephen has been an incredible part of the Butlin's experience and continues to be a valued member of the family. Stephen's much-loved live show won't return in 2026 after three fantastic years, but we're thrilled to be working together on ongoing projects this autumn.' Stephen's Butlin's axe was revealed by the Sun, as a source told them: 'Stephen has been a massive hit with holidaymakers. He began his career as a Redcoat and has kept families brilliantly entertained.' The TV magician's role on ITV Dancing On Ice came to an end earlier this year when the show was cancelled. The reality ice skating competition was cancelled due to low ratings, after Stephen had joined Holly Willoughby to host in January. He replaced Phillip Schofield, who was booted from all of his ITV roles after his affair with a younger colleague at This Morning was revealed in 2023. And last year, Stephen's other TV show, In For A Penny, was cancelled after six seasons , though there have been hinted it will return. A source previously told The Sun: "So don't put your pennies away just yet as the team could be popping up in your local town, to challenge even more members of the public to take part in their unique and madcap games in the future." Stephen also suffered a traumatic time in his personal life last year when his dad passed away. Stephen paid tribute to his late father in a touching moment after his Royal Variety Performance act last December. As the audience applauded his magic tricks, he said: "That was for you dad." The TV host continues to front ITV's Deal for No Deal which was revived in 2023. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
