One of UK's 'worst seaside towns' is actually hidden gem with £11 stays

08 February 2024 , 13:12

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Children riding donkeys at the beach in Great Yarmouth (Image: Getty Images)

Brits are heading to one of the UK's 'worst seaside towns' for its stunning beach and bargain £11 hotels. A day at the seaside is a classic British pastime, whether it's basking in a heatwave, munching on fish and chips or ice cream, or playing in the arcades - there's something for everyone.

Sadly, since overseas travel became more affordable, some once-loved hotspots have been neglected. The UK's 'worst seaside towns' have even been ranked, with many old favourites getting a bad rap. However, not all Brits agree that these so-called 'worst seaside towns' are actually that bad.

A study by Which? named Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk, as one of the 10 worst beachside spots in the country. With gripes about shabby amusement arcades, basic B&Bs, and pesky seagulls, the 3,000 people surveyed listed the beaches they're least likely to visit.

Despite that, several Brits have defended the famous seaside spot on Tripadvisor, praising its "beautiful beach" and claiming it "never feels crowded". It seems Great Yarmouth might be more of a hidden gem if you can handle the unpredictable British weather.

Great Yarmouth is a resort town on the east coast of England (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

One review said: "Great Yarmouth has some beautiful beaches to spend the day on and they are so big you never feel crowded." Another person added: "A lovely place to visit, loads to do from the Pleasure Beach to the pier and possibly one of the best beaches in the UK."

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Loads of people are loving Great Yarmouth's beach. Another visitor shared: "This was our second stay in Great Yarmouth after having such a brill time last year so we came back again and our six-year-old granddaughter has already asked to come back for a third time next year!"

"This beautiful and huge beach and its lovely clean seafront is full of everything you need for the seaside. Such lovely gift shops just across the road and full of BandB'S and hotels."

Sharon A even said: "I'll admit when it comes to the beach I do tend to be a bit fussy, so was sceptical of this beach. Oh, how I was proven wrong. The beach is beautiful and very well kept. Local residents should be proud of the area."

Holidaymakers on the beach in Great Yarmouth (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Great Yarmouth isn't just about the sandy beach; it's also got yummy food places, ice cream and sweet shops. Plus, there's the Pleasure Beach who doesn't love a theme park by the sea?

One happy visitor said: "We had a great day today for me and two 11-year-olds who love rides. The range of rides felt varied (we rode everything at least once!) and no queues were longer than 10 minutes. There are classics likes the roller coaster, carousel, dodgems and the pirate ship."

"The newer additions such as last year's Lightening 360 are fun and my two loved Disko and the huddle of three rides beyond the rollercoaster which some may miss. The 4D film was fun and good for a break, as was the monorail."

Another person shared: "What a fantastic day out in Great Yarmouth! We visited as a family of five, with three children aged 8, 6 and 4. We also went with a family of four, with children aged 8 and 12 and grandparents. Everyone was entertained for the whole day and this is fantastic value for money!"

Thousands of visitors on the main street in Great Yarmouth (Getty Images)

"We didn't stop for the whole day with rides suitable for the whole party and not once did anyone ever get bored. Food choice and prices were brilliant. Staff were very helpful. A must-visit when in Yarmouth as a family!"

And a mum commented: "Good value for money! Good range of rides and attractions and much cheaper than places like alton towers! Queues were practically non-existent despite it being Easter Holidays we pretty much got on everything within five or 10 minutes. Staff are all very friendly and helpful."

If you fancy a day out with sandy beaches, thrilling rollercoasters and no long queues, Great Yarmouth could be the place for you, reports the Daily Star. Despite being ranked as one of Britain's worst seaside spots, it offers incredibly cheap hotel rooms if you fancy making a weekend of it.

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You can grab a night's stay at the Easton at Majestic Hotel for just £11 on booking.com. That's only £5.50 each for two adults, and it's a mere 450 yards from the beach. Another budget-friendly option is The Mayfair Hotel, offering rooms from a tiny £31 a night and located just 300 metres from Great Yarmouth Pier Beach and 7.5km from Caister Castle and the Motor Museum.

Of course, there are some gripes about the area, like pricey parking and run-down buildings. Some visitors even moaned about too many seagulls. But if you're up for a traditional British day out, it might be just what you're looking for.

Sophie Foster