Margate ranked one of UK's worst coastal destinations in Which? poll as Dungeness bags top spot in Kent
Published: 11:15, 30 April 2021
Updated: 14:48, 30 April 2021
A Kent town has been rated one of the UK's worst coastal destinations as holidaymakers gear-up for staycations this summer.
Seaside towns, villages and resorts were ranked by consumer watchdog Which? based on recent trips enjoyed - or not - by those surveyed.
Sleepier towns seemed to favour well, with Dungeness surprisingly clinching the top spot in the county - bagging five stars for peace and quiet.
But more traditional, crowded coastal resorts seemed to rank poorly, with Margate voted the fourth worst destination in the country.
The town was slapped with one-star reviews for its seafront and pier, scenery and shopping.
It ranked more favourably for its beach, earning three stars, but received two stars for food and drink, tourist attractions, peace and quiet, and value for money.
Dungeness was given four stars for its scenery, three for its beaches, but two for tourist attractions and food and drink.
Deal bagged four stars for both value for money and peace and quiet. However, it ranked poorly for its beaches, seafront and pier - earning two stars.
Whitstable and Herne Bay were awarded two stars for their beaches and the scenery.
Millions of British holidaymakers will be seeking seaside getaways closer to home this summer.
More than 4,061 visitors told Which? about their recent UK trips to seaside towns, villages and resorts.
Destinations were rated on their beaches, attractions, value for money, peace and quiet, and scenery.
Thirty of the almost 100 British destinations were awarded four or five stars for peace and quiet.
This will be especially valuable this year given that uncertainty over foreign trips has seen a booking boom in domestic breaks.
Perhaps this is one reason lesser-known spots such as Beer in Devon and Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands have risen up in rankings, replacing old but overrun favourites in Cornwall.
Top of the pile was Bamburgh in Northumberland, which won visitors over with its stunning scenery, beach and peaceful surroundings.
Read more: All the latest news from Kent
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Brad Harper