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In pictures: Britain's top 12 seaside resorts
Not so long ago, British seaside resorts were considered in terminal decline thanks to cheap overseas flights, a strong pound and our preference for a sunshine quickie on the costas. But, according to a recent survey by motoring and leisure association the CSMA Club, things are changing: overnight stays in British seaside resorts have increased by a fifth this year, with almost 60% of us planning a trip to the coast.
Begin the countdown to the best British seaside resort >
Public and private investment is helping resorts to shake off their down-at-heel image; regeneration is the current buzzword around the British coast. Brighton, Torbay and Blackpool were named the most popular, respectively, and to find out which rising star is the fastest growing, you'll have to take our tour of the top 12 seaside resorts around the UK. Afterwards, tell us if you have any personal favourites!
In pictures: Britain's top 12 seaside resorts
I live just outside Weymouth & I, like many others, can't wait to see the back of it and am actively seeking a move away.
The Olympics build up has absolutely killed the town due to the so called "intelligent traffic system" which is the most ridiculous system ever invented and ALL the locals have had enough. So to get to the "lovely beach" you will have to endure traffic chaos, traffic frustration & many accidents simply waiting to happen. But you will only encounter all this once you have finally got through the miles & miles of roadwork's.
Once, & IF, you eventually reach the seafront you are then greeted with many empty shop fronts. tramps, beggars, big issue sellers & some terrible musicians.
The language barrier can also be a problem due to a MASSIVE influx of foreign spongers so english is fast becoming the towns second language.
So if you need some advice before making the trip, GO TO POOLE, WEST BAY, BOURNEMOUTH, and avoid Weymouth like the plague. Trust me, hotel bookings are being cancelled left, right & centre from people who are doing a recce prior to arriving for their family holidays.
And on a lesser note, Brighton is a city not a town.
What about Southend-on-Sea? Shocking that you've failed to include the famous seaside resort that is a favourite with the characters from Eastenders (for when they're on the run)......
don't forget the east coast ,mablethrope has some lovely sandy beaches and plenty of open space.
Maybe,it's because no one lives there except you,just joking....not.,well...yes.SOMEONE I AGREE WITH YOU, BLACKPOOL IS A EXCREMENT HOLE. SCRUFFY WINDY
NOT A NICE PLACE TO VISIT
I SUGGEST BLACK POOL SHOULD BE BULLDOZED FLAT AND WIND TURBINES PLACED THERE AND A NUCLEAR REACTOR FOR FUTURE POWER REQUIREMENTS
EASTBOURNE on the south coast would feature pretty close to the top of my list,BRIGHTON would be at the 'bottom',due to the proclivity's of the residents there,being somewhat alien to 'normal' life on the planet.
BLACKPOOL is just too tacky for my liking,'character' is more important than size & the best weather is never in short supply on the south coast.
Blackpool!! Stepping over the vomit left over from the night before, being charged £5 each to walk yes walk through the pleasure park, halve cooked very over priced food
£35 pppn in a.grotty b/b breakfast extra. RIP OFF BLACKPOOL. Much prefer Cornwall South Coast.