Are Brits finally fed up with Cornwall? County’s iconic resorts FAIL to make list of nation’s top 20 seaside towns – while sunseekers ditch two very trendy new kids on the block for ‘boring’ scenic spots

It was as soon as a gem of the English south-west – simply accessible by rail and famend for its dramatic coastlines in addition to its legendary pasties.

However amid overcrowding rows and a backlash towards second home-owners, Cornwall seems to have fallen out of favour with British holidaymakers in search of a staycation – with no Cornish cities making the highest 20 of an influential tourism survey.

Which? Journal’s annual ballot of the UK’s finest seaside cities ranks scenic resorts corresponding to Bamburgh, the studious St Andrews and the surfer city of Portstewart in Northern Eire as a few of the finest locations to go to by the ocean.

However regardless of its historic repute as a major getaway spot for Brits, Cornwall seems to have fallen out of favour – with the highest entry for the area, St Mawes, arriving at twenty third within the survey.

However different, stylish seaside getaway cities in Kent corresponding to impartial store hub Whitstable (61st) and Margate (116th) – aka ‘Shoreditch-on-Sea’, after the hip nook of East London – did not make even the highest 50.

Olivia and Oliver Curtis (pictured) consider the price of holidaying in Cornwall – mixed with the repute it earned for being unwelcome within the pandemic – have overshadowed St Mawes

Immy Leach, supervisor at clothes store Bridie and Bert, does not assume the issues plaguing the native waters are placing folks off from visiting

Cornwall native Lucinda Cundy thinks St Mawes has solely improved lately, describing it as a ‘very, very fascinating location’

St Mawes ranked properly with Which? subscribers for its seafront and surroundings, buit much less so for its worth for cash and vacationer sights

However what is going on unsuitable for these once-bulletproof seaside escapes – and why produce other cities, like vacationer entice Portmeirion (2nd) and northern darling Tynemouth (third) made the lower?

To search out out, MailOnline journeyed to St Mawes and to Whitstable to quiz locals on what they assume has modified within the minds of Britain’s staycationers.

St Mawes was voted one of the best seaside city within the UK in 2020 – however has since fallen out of the highest 20 based mostly on plenty of scores given by over 4,700 Which? subscribers.

Every city was rated on the standard of its seashores, seafronts, piers, food and drinks, vacationer sights, surroundings, buying, parking and worth for cash – and, crucially, whether or not it provided a real escape within the type of ‘peace and quiet’.

Most of the top-ranking cities and villages, together with desk topper Bamburgh, Crail in Fife and Frinton-on-Sea in Essex, rating extremely throughout the board on all fronts.

As for St Mawes, guests rated it poorly for worth for cash, its vacationer sights and its retailers – whereas food and drinks and parking have been solely rated as so-so. 

Locals consider rising prices and the issue of native folks getting on the property ladder could also be chargeable for the consequence. 

Cornwall accounted for a fifth of all second-home purchases within the final decade, in keeping with property agent Hamptons – one thing the county council is preventing towards with a 100 per cent second houses council tax levy.

However there’s additionally the small matter of Cornwall begging vacationers to remain away through the coronavirus pandemic – a hostile-looking name that has considerably overshadowed the area, in some residents’ eyes. 

Within the picturesque harbour Oliver Curtis, 24, was working within the conventional Cornish pasty store his household has run for 5 generations since 1912.

He stated: ‘St Mawes has bought lots quieter lately, I ponder if folks simply see it as too costly now. Now we have seen a decline in households coming down as a result of they can not afford it. 

‘It’s a fairly place however perhaps it is misplaced its exclusivity and its attract, when it was beforehand ranked prime it went from one of the best stored secret to the worst stored secret.

‘Cornwall bought a little bit of a repute simply after Covid, a number of companies have been complaining about guests and perhaps it appeared we do not need them right here or don’t need their cash. 

I do not know whether or not it is created an unwelcoming environment. It is a disgrace that price-wise we will not be extra accessible.’

Oliver’s sister Olivia, 20, added: ‘We occur to have lots of people who’ve some huge cash and wish it to be found so their property costs go up.

‘The folks listed below are completely beautiful, there are such a lot of beautiful households and on the entire we’ve a thriving excessive avenue.’

Lucinda Cundy, who was born in Cornwall and moved again 18 years in the past, stated: ‘I’m shocked to listen to it – St Mawes hasn’t modified. 

‘If something there have been enhancements. There have been no main developments or closures.

‘I do know it is costly to return to Cornwall but it surely’s costly to go elsewhere within the UK. To go from being the highest to twenty third is ridiculous.

‘I do not see how 22 cities have overtaken us. St Mawes continues to be particular, it is nonetheless exquisitely stunning and a really, very fascinating location for thus many individuals.

‘I have been coming to St Mawes on vacation since I used to be a baby once I lived in Truro, it nonetheless has a marvel and a vacation really feel for me.’

Britain’s finest – and worst – seaside locations for 2024 have been ranked in Which?’s annual survey, and Bamburgh (above) in Northumberland has triumphed once more

The buyer champion surveyed 1000’s of individuals about their experiences of UK seaside cities up to now 12 months, asking for his or her views on a spread of standards, together with the standard of the seashores, food and drinks choices, vacationer sights and worth for cash

St Mawes has lengthy been a well-liked vacation spot for rich holidaymakers. It’s house to a trio of high-end resorts and was beforehand voted one of many UK’s hippest communities by web site TravelSupermarket.

Former F1 staff proprietor Frank Williams had a house there and the place is a favorite of royalty and politicians.

And in 2021 the tiny neighborhood of round 800 residents was named as one in every of Britain’s property hotspots after costs rose 48% in a single 12 months.

Immy Leach, 26, who has lived within the space for eight years stated: ‘It is so bizarre as a result of there are such a lot of nice seaside cities, Cornwall is the seaside capital of the UK.

‘St Mawes is gorgeous and the neighborhood right here is great and that makes it so particular. It has a giant crusing neighborhood.

‘It’s costly and when you concentrate on the dwelling wage, it does not match up.’

Seashores in Cornwall and throughout the South West have been a subject of controversy over the quantity of uncooked sewage dumped into the water by South West water. In 2023, sewage was launched for 530,000 hours within the area.

St Mawes’ seashores didn’t obtain sufficient scores from Which? readers to be given an authoritative ranking. 

Immy, supervisor at clothes store Bridie & Bert, stated: ‘The water is an actual downside and the water firm has lots to reply for. I’ve had pals who have gotten such dangerous infections they’ve wanted medical therapy.

‘I do not swim within the sea however I do not assume it is affecting folks coming right here. I doubt it is the water.’

Which? Journey’s annual survey rated Bamburgh in Northumberland has triumphed once more, with Bangor in Wales final on the checklist.

However Cornwall is not the one space struggling the wrath of Which?’s subscribers. Seaside darlings on the Kent coast corresponding to Margate and Whitstable end far down the checklist regardless of establishing themselves as hipster-friendly hotspots.

Folks in Whitstable – dubbed Hampstead-on-Sea as a result of celebs who stay and flock to the resort – have been shocked on the snub for a city which boasts nice seafood, stunning pups and plenty of impartial retailers on its excessive avenue.

The shingle seaside was packed on Friday as vacation makers and locals alike have been out in drive having fun with the mini-heatwave.

Whitstable in Kent is a darling of hip holidaymakers with its impartial retailers and thriving artwork scene – however this did not impress Which? subscribers who ranked it 61st

The fishing city is famed for its oysters – and its food and drinks is, appropriately, the best-rated side of the city by guests

Nonetheless, Which? readers who visited the city weren’t eager on its seashores, seafront sights or worth for cash

Sarah Thurston (third from left with Karen Stoker-Buckle, Caroline Thurston and Julie Stoker-Buckle) stated Whitstable has ‘every thing you want for a short-term go to’

Whitstable’s enchantment to youthful guests is evident to Jess Smith and Lorraine Newman, each 30

Whitstable is famed for its oysters and was house to actor Peter Cushing however locals have additionally been left fuming by sewage being dumped into the ocean from outflow pipes by Southern Water. Its seashores have been rated simply two-star by Which? readers.

Its worth for cash, seafront, vacationer sights, parking and peace and quiet have been scored identically – with food and drinks the best-rated side of visiting.

Sarah Thurston, 39, who has been to the city many instances herself however was visiting together with her household for the primary time, stated: ‘Who’s doing the checklist?

‘I’ve simply introduced these guys down right here as a result of one in every of my superb pals went to school over in Canterbury after which by no means left, principally, so I’ve come down right here in rain and shine to go to him.

‘It is bought a wonderful harbour, it is bought every thing you want for a brief keep go to. I do know the sewage is a giant disadvantage, and I do know that as a result of it is an estuary it means it is tidal, however most locations are tidal.

‘We grew up close to Portsmouth, so a shingle seaside may be very a lot a house from house, and it is bought the added bonus of a bit little bit of historical past and it is nonetheless quaint.

She added: ‘Perhaps it is only a advertising ploy, and so they know Whitstable is well-known and properly established and we do not need folks coming right here, so ship them out to Deal and Margate.

‘It is tremendous accessible by way of the seaside, it is not as if it’s important to get in your automotive after which drive there, unload and stroll half a mile. I am shocked it is not within the prime 50.’

Mum Karen Stoker-Buckle, 65, stated: ‘I simply do not know why it hasn’t made the highest 50, I would not assume there are 50 resorts that will be capable of go right into a 50.

The household have been very fortunate with the climate, with Karen including: ‘Clearly the climate has a huge impact on it, however we have loved it.’

Julie Stoker-Buckle, 68, stated: ‘There are a great deal of locations to eat, we have simply been swimming, it’s beautiful to swim off. Folks swimming from put up to put up, in dinghies and paddleboarding.’

Buddies Jess Smith, 30 and Lorraine Newman, 30, have been each visiting the seaside from their house in Faversham.

Jess stated: ‘There are a great deal of different cities which are extra up and coming now, like Margate, so perhaps it is simply because they’ve taken the next spot than them.

‘Whitstable hasn’t modified, it’s precisely the identical. It’s so costly. I suppose in Margate, you’ve got bought sandy seashores and it is half the worth.’

Whereas Margate is not backside of the checklist, with a rating of 53 per cent, it’s not fairly as excessive as Whitstable, which has a rating of 68 per cent.

Guests and locals in Whitstable who spoke to MailOnline have been shocked the coastal city hadn’t scored greater within the Which? ballot

Solar worshippers Chris Gillott (left) and Matt Whit, each of whom are followers of Whitstable

Native candy store employee Gracie Gregory thinks Whitstable boasts a powerful sense of neighborhood – however fears persons are postpone by the sky-high parking expenses

Whitstable got here 61st within the ballot of 120 seaside cities rated by Which? readers with a rating of 68 per cent

Guests to the city benefit from the distinctive shingle seaside – although some locals admit this may not be for everybody

Looking on the checklist, and recognizing a favorite seaside, Jess stated: ‘Oh, Rye! We love Rye!’

When requested why Whitstable wasn’t as extremely rated, Jess stated: ‘There’s a number of underaged ingesting, they’ve cancelled the oyster pageant now as a result of it is an excessive amount of bother. It is a lot smaller now.’

Whitstable, like many locations throughout the nation, has had points with sewage discharges within the sea.

Jess stated: ‘My canine bought sick. I went to Herne Bay which is just a bit additional alongside and she or he went within the sea and she or he was actually sick, she needed to go to the vet.

‘I favor Margate, extra to do, much more occurring actually.’

Lorraine stated: ‘It is a bit overrated now, due to tourism I feel. It is approach too busy, and nothing’s modified, whereas Margate has modified lots.’

She added: ‘It is also London costs, however in Kent. I’m fairly shocked at that actually.

‘There was a number of crime right here not too long ago as properly, knife crime and stuff.’

Lorraine has additionally heard there are issues with sewage being set free into the ocean, she stated: ‘My buddy swims within the sea and she or he says she would not contact the seaside right here anymore. I nonetheless come right here, however I am going to most likely persist with Faversham extra.’

Whitstable does boast a cohort of well-known followers. Harry Hill, Alan Davies and Janet Road-Porter are reported to name it house, whereas Breaking Dangerous megastar Aaron Paul made a visit right here in 2022. 

Chris Gillott, 55, was staying in a beachfront property whereas visiting from Derbyshire. This was his fourth journey to the city, and he was shocked it hadn’t made the highest 50.

He stated: ‘It is a bit totally different actually, it has a personality to it. I hasn’t bought the naff seaside scene that you just get in a number of locations, it is laidback, good excessive avenue with impartial retailers, simply bought a very nice vibe to it.

‘We find it irresistible, we come down yearly from Derbyshire so it is a bit of a approach but it surely’s price it, so I’m a bit shocked.’

Chris does have one concern – sewage. 

He added: ‘I maintain a watch open for discharge factors, and be cautious once we go within the sea, however we’ve been swimming day by day this week.

‘We’re all the time checking there’s not been any discharges and issues like that.’

Sian Fitzgerald and Sam Eyers visited Whitstable with their youngsters – and admitted they discovered the parking prices onerous to swallow, even with the standard food and drinks

Whitstable’s seafront was poorly rated by guests (pictured: boats and fencing on the waterfront)

Darren Wilton left London for Whitstable greater than 20 years in the past – and as landlord of the Neptune Pub, hasn’t seemed again

The Which? ballot rated 120 cities throughout Scotland, Northern Eire, Wales and England that sit by the ocean (pictured: Whitstable)

Sian Fitzgerald, 37 and Sam Eyers, 26, have been visiting the city from Shropshire, together with their two youngsters, as a part of a visit to go to household in Kent.

Sam stated: ‘Parking is kind of costly, in comparison with different locations we have been, parking is kind of expensive.

He added: ‘I just like the seafood, the beer. The rationale folks do not come might be due to the seaside, it is fairly a stoney seaside.

‘We have been staying in Herne Bay down the highway and for little ones enjoying, having a sandy seaside greater than a stoney seaside is a giant one as properly.

‘We have travelled up and down the coast, as a result of clearly we’re landlocked the place we stay, so we try to go down the coast and take a look at totally different locations.

‘It is all of the meals I feel, is not it, that is what we come for.’

Sian stated: ‘There’s additionally not a number of availability to remain within the space as properly, it goes fairly quick. It’s a stunning city. It is without doubt one of the prettiest seasides that we have seen round Kent.’

‘Everytime we come all the way down to Kent to see household we all the time come to Whitstable, and we deliver the household now we have expanded it.’

Native Gracie Gregory, 19, who works in her household candy store, Candy Treats, stated: ‘It has gone down a bit bit in tourism, so it is not as busy, however by summer season it ought to be.

‘It may very well be the climate and the soccer this 12 months has put lots of people off.

‘(However there’s a) sense of neighborhood, the small companies, there are coastal sights down on the seaside, a very nice seaside.’

Nonetheless, the spectre of parking looms giant, Gracie added.

‘The worth of the parking and the automotive parks, but in addition the road parking, clearly the residents want it, however there isn’t a parking for vacationers when vacationers come.’

She added: ‘Trains can be higher to return on, however it’s very nice right here.’

Matt Whit, 38, was utilizing a spare day to go to the sunny seafront from his house in Dartford, Kent, he stated: ‘I have been right here earlier than and I prefer it.

‘I got here down right here with my missus just a few weeks in the past, I’ve simply bought a spare day and the solar was out so I assumed, I solely stay up in Dartford, so good highway routes, why not.

‘(It is bought a) good seaside, good water. I’ve by no means actually favored the seaside however not too long ago I’ve began having fun with swimming in it and stuff, so I feel warmish type of water, it is not chilly right here, in order that brings me again.

‘Not the parking, £7.80 for 2 hours parking within the harbour. In case you go a bit bit additional down it is free however I could not be bothered at present.’

He added: ‘I noticed a newsflash earlier saying prime 5 seashores, and I did not learn it since you needed to subscribe, however I keep in mind pondering “I hope Whitstable is up there.”

‘I do not know why it would not make it, it is not sandy sufficient? I would not need anybody to vary it.’

Darren Wilton, 54, who could have owned The Neptune pub on the ocean entrance for 20 years in August, stated: ‘I actually cannot perceive the way it hasn’t made the highest 50, as a result of for my part it is among the finest round, it is unspoilt.

‘I do know it will get busy down right here, but it surely’s stunning down right here, Thames Estuary, oysters, nice pubs, nice leisure at weekends, I actually do not perceive the way it’s not made the highest 50.

On why he thinks that’s the case, he added: ‘It may have one thing to do with Southern Water, who’ve had a destructive impact on it, however you do not truly must get within the sea at Whitstable. I feel they’re doing one thing about it as properly.’

That being stated, Darren has no plans to return to London, from the place he got here greater than 20 years in the past. 

Of Whitstable, he stated: ‘It is stuffed with artists, actors, that kind.

‘I have been right here 20 years, I am not going again to London, I am staying right here subsequent to the ocean.’