An Editor's Passionate Defense of New Brighton's Seaside Appeal

The British public enjoys exploring seaside destinations, whether for a summer swim or a coastal walk. Following a survey of over 3,800 people regarding their experiences at UK seaside locations, consumer organization Which? released its findings. The ECHO's editor, upon learning that New Brighton was ranked among the worst, decided to investigate.

The survey, which gave New Brighton an overall score of 52%, considered factors such as beach quality, views, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, and value for money. Emilia Bona, a content editor at The ECHO, visited the Merseyside location to provide a fair review in response to its ranking.

The journalist, having visited the area multiple times, disagreed with the survey's conclusions. On a sunny day, she admired the scenery, noting the dramatic, industrial views. She acknowledged that the outlook might not appeal to everyone, but found character in the shipbuilding yards, cargo ships, lighthouse, and crashing waves. Bona also praised the local fish bar and cafes, contrasting New Brighton with other struggling seaside towns. She found the shops, cafes, and restaurants to be lively and welcoming.

Bona highlighted the abundance of independent shops, street art, pubs, and activities. Her final assessment was one of strong disagreement with the low ranking. She expressed frustration at the poor scores, particularly in the categories of scenery, food and drink, and shopping. She concluded that the views were fantastic and that New Brighton was a classic coastal town. Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, commented on the variety of experiences offered by UK seaside destinations.