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The ECHO decided to pay the town another visit in light of its poor ranking to see whether it was a fair review

There are few greater joys in life than a day out at the seaside - and Merseyside's wealth of stunning coastline means we are spoilt for choice when it comes to planning a day trip. But one seaside town in our region recently received a poor review from UK consumer champion Which?

The organisation surveyed over 3,800 people about their experiences of UK seaside destinations in the last year, asking their views on a range of criteria including the quality of the beaches, scenery, food and drink offerings, accommodation, tourist attractions and value for money.

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The result was a top 20 list and a bottom 20 list, with New Brighton ranked among the worst, along with Bognor Regis, Southend-on-Sea and Blackpool.

With an overall score of 52%, New Brighton scored poorly when it came to the quality of the beach, the selection of food and drink and the scenery. No other Merseyside seaside locations featured on the bottom 20 list, making New Brighton the worst option in our region, according to Which?

The Wirral seaside town faired especially badly when it came to the scoring for shopping options and tourist attractions.

I've visited New Brighton countless times and always been impressed by its golden sands, colourful benches lining the sea wall, and classical seaside charm. The results of the Which? survey just didn't ring true for me, and so I decided to pay New Brighton another visit in light of its poor ranking to see whether I'd been looking at it through rose tinted glasses.

On the afternoon I visited New Brighton, it was bright and blustery summer's day - the sort where the wind whips you hair directly into your face whatever direction you're facing. It's the kind of weather when the Great British seafront is at its absolute best, at least in my opinion anyway. Sun bearing down, wind whipping round and plenty of fresh air.

As I walked along the promenade, I could smell the sea air, taste the salt from the spray on my lips and see the waves crashing against the rocks on the shoreline.

The tide was in when I visited the town, and the views were dramatic, industrial and exactly the sort of seaside vista I enjoy. New Brighton's outlook might not be to everyone's tastes, but I think the scenery is provided with a real character thanks to the presence of the ship building yards and cargo ships that form part of the view, in addition to the lighthouse and crashing waves.

Parking up by the Morrisons so I could pop in for a few essentials, I walked along the prom and was instantly reminded of how much I love this part of Merseyside. The prom is wide and flat, making it absolutely perfect for prams, scooters and bikes. When I first moved to Liverpool I used to come roller skating here with my friends before stopping off for food on the way home.

Heading towards the amusements, I felt the familiar stirrings of nostalgia that a good old fashioned arcade always brings about. My favourite machines will always be the penny drops and the horse racing - I've never had much of a knack for the claw grabber.

Not every shop and restaurant around the amusements was open during my visit - but that's to be expected on a quiet Thursday. The Rock Shop was certainly open, offering a range of tempting sweet treats including freshly made candy floss. The smell of dinky donuts was too tempting to resist, and I picked up a portion to enjoy on my walk back to the car - only regretting my choice when I realised I was too full for a stop off in Café Cream.

Perch Fish Bar had a steady stream of customers and most of the tables at The Seaside Café were full, both inside and outside. I've seen my fair share of faded, struggling and depressing seaside towns - New Brighton is not one of them. Every shop, café and restaurant I popped into was buzzing with people and had a warm familiarity once you stepped inside.

Nowhere is the strength of New Brighton more apparent than Victoria Road, which is just a short walk from the seafront. Victoria Road, once a quiet, boarded up street in New Brighton, has been transformed with the arrival of independent businesses, quirky street art and more. Rockpoint Leisure helped to turn the town’s Victorian Quarter into a hive of activity.

Rockpoint Leisure CEO Dan Davies started regenerating the area around Victoria Road around seven years ago using money from selling his previous businesses to support new businesses to set up in the area.

Now you can find an assortment of bars, restaurants, pubs, brunch and breakfast places, an art gallery, as well as a number of start up businesses based in buildings adorned with artwork and murals.

The area has often been compared to the Baltic Triangle or Lark Lane and businesses have reported things are better than ever in the town. When I visited, I was genuinely spoiled for choice when choosing somewhere to stop for a cup of coffee, but Sup was the place that drew me in with it's trendy aesthetic.

I was also happy to see independent bookshop Literally, which is the sort of place you could spend hours browsing the different titles.

New Brighton is also the perfect place to pop for a pint. The town has a selection of great pubs and bars that aren’t far from the train station. Tucked away off a cobbled path, the Magazine pub offers stunning views of the Liverpool skyline across the river. Inside, it’s got an old-fashioned, cosy feel. You could spend hours looking out onto the views from across the neighbouring River Mersey on the seats in its huge bay windows.

The ECHO previously reported on how The Magazine, which has stood on Magazine Brow in the Wallasey suburb since 1759, was given the honour of CAMRA’s Wirral Pub Of The Year for 2024. Over the years, The Magazine has also won countless awards including being featured in The Good Beer Guide.

The notion that New Brighton is lacking in options for shopping or tourism is simply incorrect. New Palace Amusement Arcades is right there with a funfair and indoor adventure park for those rainy days.

Need a coffee break? There is a Costa, Starbucks and a number of fabulous independents and fantastic pubs along Victoria Road, just a short walk from the beach.

There is also a bowling alley, theatre, cinema, soft play centre, mini golf and escape rooms. If you have children who don't like the sand there are three beautiful stretches of lush grass, known locally as The Dips, with all the amazing sea views. And public toilets - a rarity these days.

Honestly, my visit to New Brighton this week left me furious that it could ever be scored so poorly - especially in the categories of scenery, food and drink and shopping options. The views are fantastic, it's a classic coastal town with all the elements you could ever want from a traditional British seaside destination.

The town's independent business scene is absolutely thriving and it just gets better every time I visit. If you're heading to New Brighton for a good old fashioned day out featuring rock pools, penny drops and claw grabbed machines then you're sure to leave feeling satisfied, likely with a belly full of chips and ice cream.

You can also tuck into some of the UK's cheapest fish and chips in New Brighton, according to a recent study by Capital on Tap which revealed an average cost of only £7.67 for the classic dish.

But even if you want something a bit more upmarket, which is certainly offered by the towns that topped the Which? list, then you'll find that in New Brighton too, with gorgeous cafes, fantastic pubs and plenty of independent traders.

I also love having a nosey at some of the beautiful homes lining Warren Drive on the drive to and from the seafront, and imagining how nice it must be to live so close to the coast in such a stunning property.

I've visited the likes of Portmeirion, Saint David's and Tenby which topped the annual list - and I can say with complete conviction that I enjoyed my day out at New Brighton just as much.

Which?’s survey includes hotel prices from Kayak.com. For a more affordable experience, the consumer champion suggests booking accommodation somewhere within distance of a more popular destination.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: “From beautiful coastlines to peaceful walks and charming traditional bucket and spade resorts, the UK seaside offers something for everyone - whatever the weather.

“While you may have your own favourite destination, as well as the top spots in Devon and Wales, our survey shows there are still plenty of beautiful hidden gems across the UK to explore.

“Some seaside resorts offer better value for money than others, so it is worth looking at surrounding areas of popular spots if you are looking for a cheaper overnight stay.”

The ECHO approached Wirral Council for a comment in relation to the Which? survey results but a spokesman for the local authority declined to comment.

Scottish location is named the UK’s most affordable seaside town

The UK's most affordable seaside towns have been named – and taking top spot is a scenic location right here in Scotland.

The Co-operative Bank examined key affordability factors across coastal towns to determine which were the best value for money. The research studied average house and rental prices, the number of beaches, crime rates, walkability scores and daily sunshine hours.

Topping the list to be crowned the UK's most budget-friendly seaside town is Oban, which achieved an overall affordability score of 9.82 out of ten.

Known as ‘Scotland’s seafood capital, this picturesque west coast town has one of the lowest average house prices at £220,458. Rent is also notably affordable, averaging £800 per month, just 34.7 per cent of the average monthly income - the lowest rent-to-income ratio among all the locations analysed.

Morecambe - a seaside town in Lancashire - ranks second with a total affordability score of 9.80 out of ten. This Lancashire gem is said to capture the essence of the English seaside and has some of the most affordable house prices in the country.

The average house price here is lower than in Oban at £194,295. However, rent prices in Morecambe are slightly higher, at an average of £821 per month, working out at 37.7 per cent of the average monthly income.

Blackpool ties with Morecambe for second place, scoring 9.80. The average house price in Blackpool is around £147,449, making it the most affordable seaside town in the UK for property purchases.

However, Blackpool is slightly let down by its rent prices. At an average of £704 per month, rent in Blackpool works out as 40 per cent of the average monthly salary, which is higher than in Morecambe or Oban. That said, it remains among the most budget-friendly options in the country.

Troon and Dunbar, both in Scotland, rank within the top ten. Troon places fourth with average house prices of £225,977 and rent at £982 per month, while Dunbar is in ninth spot, with house prices averaging £327,821 and rent at £945.

For those who have long considered relocating to a seaside town, the best time might be now.

The Times reports that rising council tax and stamp duty on second homes have had an impact on house prices in coastal areas.

"To be able to sell on the coast, a property has to be priced attractively. That means low — lower than it would have achieved in 2022, perhaps lower than in 2019," Ben Horne, head of country buying at the search agents Middleton Advisors, tells The Times.

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"That creates a market where buyers hold cards. Some owners really want to sell, others wisely recognise that a correction now on their sale price will be reflected in their onward purchase price."

In light of this, The Times has collated a list of 20 coastal towns worth moving to. One such "fun and funky hotspot" is Southsea in Hampshire. A part of Portsmouth, the seaside resort comes with a stamp of approval from England's literary greats, including Arthur Conan Doyle, Rudyard Kipling and Peter Sellers.

Next to a traditional English pier (rollercoasters and all), the publication's editors hail Southsea's walkability, revamped promenade, family-friendly beach and abundance of independent shops, bars, cafés and restaurants – something also echoed by locals.

"People here choose independent over chain, quality over quantity, and community over convenience," Duane Bradshaw, a local coffee shop owner, tells the newspaper.

While acknowledging that the Bristol Channel is far from the glistening blue waters of the Mediterranean, the list makes a strong case for Clevedon in Somerset – particularly the fact it's home to the world’s largest saltwater infinity pool.

Refilled by the tide every two weeks, Clevedon Marine Lake offers a chance to swim, canoe and paddleboard while looking out onto the sea, without having to brave the channel itself. Next to the unique open-water swimming experience, Clevedon boasts a pier, views of Wales in the distance and a host of locally-run shops.

Another highlight on the list is Portobello in Edinburgh. Dubbed by The Times as "Scotland's hippest seaside suburb" and by the locals as "Porty", Portobello dazzled with its sweeping promenade, sandy beach and clean water.

With a parade of independent shops and eateries – including Portobello Bookshop, a bagel bakery, seafood shack and New York-style pizza joint – this "revitalised hipster hub" is shaping up to be a top choice for newcomers. As the publication notes, Portobello has "become the location of choice for young families and creative types" – and maybe soon you?

Best seaside spots to live in the UK in 2025:

No British summer is complete without a trip to the . The weather may not always be the best and the sea certainly isn’t warm like the Mediterranean, yet our coastline has a charm you won’t find in Spain, Greece or Turkey.

After all, a trip to the seaside is the original holiday destination; the Victorians were enjoying their summer breaks on the coast long before we even dreamed of flying abroad.

You just can’t beat munching on fish and chips by the sea, walking on the beach, and spending a couple of quid in the arcades. It gives you that holiday feeling without having to set foot on a plane.

At a time when we’re all conscious of spending money, a trip to the coast can provide an affordable day out.

So as temperatures soared across the country, I ventured to Southport for the day, catching the direct train from Manchester Victoria.

With single fares starting from just £3.10 and an hour and 15 minute journey time, it’s a budget-friendly day out option for anyone this summer. Here’s what I got up to during my trip.

Visit a quirky museum

My day got off to a rather stilted start thanks to an engine fault on the train, adding an extra 20 minutes to my journey. Luckily the pleasant views of the passing Lancashire countryside and cool breeze from the open windows made up for it.

After I eventually arrived at Southport station (and pondered whether Merseyrail and the Bee Network shared the same paint supplier), I headed to my first destination and a rather surprising one at that.

The British Lawnmower Museum is not what you’d associate with the seaside, yet tucked away from the main town is this quirky attraction, dedicated to all things lawnmower.

I’d come across it while researching for my day out and with dozens of five star reviews, I just knew I had to pay a visit. The museum is actually accessed via Stanley’s Security, a hardware shop on Shakespeare Street.

It costs £3 to enter and the museum is spread across several rooms; one large L-shaped space on the ground floor, and then three rooms on the first floor, plus exhibits on the landing.

Now, I don’t really have an interest in lawnmowers, yet even I was blown away by the museum's collection. Each room was packed with dozens upon dozens of them, in all shapes and sizes from across the decades, from the earliest types to solar-powered robot cutters.

Not a fan of machinery and horticulture? Well, if pop culture is more your thing than the museum is home to lawnmowers that have belonged to a variety of famous names including: Paul O’Grady, the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Brian May, Hilda Ogden and even one belonging to the hangman Albert Pierrepoint. Several items in its collection have been used in films and TV shows, including Downton Abbey.

It’s more than just a museum about lawn mowers; it’s a place that reflects our changing social history and our engineering achievements. It’s also downright surreal in a beautifully British way.

Enjoy a chippy lunch

Emerging from the green interior of the British Lawnmower Museum and feeling rather hungry, I knew fish and chips were needed. Naturally I was spoilt for choice being by the coast, so I picked up a cod and chips (£9.50) from The Sandgrounder on Nevill Street.

Goods successfully acquired, I crossed over into the King’s Gardens and took a pew by the Marine Lake. It wasn’t quite the sea view I was hoping to accompany my lunch (more on that later) although it was still by the water. Closely monitored by a hungry-looking seagull, I tucked into my feast, occasionally clamping down the lid of the box to protect my lunch.

Everything about the fish and chips hit the spot: the batter was crisp and light, the fish perfectly flakey and the chips cooked just right. Even the salt and vinegar ratio didn’t miss. I enjoyed every bite and can confidently say the seagull didn't get a look in.

Stroll through beautiful gardens

Like any traditional seaside town worth its salt, Southport retains many features which hark back to its Victorian tourism boom. Among them are the beautiful Kings Gardens which centre around the huge marine lake.

In need of a walk after my lunch, I wandered around the gardens, which cover a space of 17 acres along the promenade. There’s no shortage of Victorian grandeur with ornate grade II-listed shelters and a magnificent Venetian Bridge crossing the lake.

I walked past a very large crazy golf course, which was surprisingly busy despite it being a Monday, although the pedalos were out of action during my visit. There was a large play ground for kids, and I also spotted a model railway village - again, sadly closed - although I’d be impressed if it was anything like this one I went to in Blackpool.

On the edge of the gardens is the Marine Lake Cafe & Bar, where I stopped for an ice cream (£3). It has a huge outdoor seating area, which was relatively busy and there was even live entertainment from a singer, adding to the holiday atmosphere as people sipped their beers in the sun.

Head to the beach

Now, here’s where things go south. Leaving the gardens I set out on a mission to see the sea. I traversed Princes Park (essentially a large field), crossed Marine Drive, and braced myself to see waves crashing into the sand.

Well, that’s not quite what I got. Now I knew Southport was a tidal beach, but I didn’t realise just how far out the sea goes - and wow, you’d need binoculars to even spot the waves. To make matters worse, Southport’s iconic pier was closed for refurbishment, adding to my disappointment.

Still, the walk beside the beach was pleasant, and there was something impressive about the vast views across the sand - I could even see the rollercoasters of Blackpool in the distance. But it just didn’t quite tick the classic seaside box for me.

Try your luck at the arcades

Feeling somewhat deflated I decided I needed a boost in the form of gambling away a quid’s worth of 2p coins. A visit to an arcade is a quintessential part of any seaside day out, and Southport has a massive one at the start of the pier, Silcock’s Funland.

It’s been a long time since I’ve used a 2p slot machine and I was slightly gutted to find they no longer have the prizes in the machines themselves. Instead you have to keep playing for the machine to spit out a long thread of tickets which you can redeem at the prize booth.

It doesn’t quite have the same thrill as trying to knock off a keyring from its precarious 2p perch, but still it was pleasing to see the long snake of tickets produced by my machine. This feeling didn’t last long though when I found out my tickets amounted to 10 points, which got me the measly prize of two Maoam sweets. Still, there’s always next time.

The beach may not have delivered, but everything else about Southport did. It felt like a nostalgic day at the seaside and reminded me of childhood trips to the coast - not bad at all for a £3 train ticket.

What do seagulls, beach huts and raspberry ripple ice cream all have in common? They all denote the great British seaside, a nostalgic vision of which Jo Malone London has managed to conjure this summer in the heart of the city.

The fragrance house has transformed part of London’s South Bank into a slice of retro seaside heaven with its brilliant British pop-up: think striped beach huts, a (hopefully) sun-soaked boardwalk and a vintage photo booth, all topped off with a generous swirl of raspberry ripple ice cream.

The immersive pop-up, which can be found on the Queen’s Walk, invites visitors to wander through a series of sensory spaces designed to celebrate all things seaside, all with a distinctly Jo Malone London twist. Expect postcard-perfect photo moments, retro bunting workshops, and the chance to send a digital postcard to your nearest and dearest, all overlooking the River Thames.

At the heart of the celebration? The brand’s latest summer scent, Raspberry Ripple, a limited-edition fragrance that captures the joy of a classic seaside treat with a grown-up, gourmand edge. It’s playful yet polished: juicy raspberry swirled with creamy vanilla and grounded with soft musk – the olfactory equivalent of a Mr Whippy, but infinitely more chic. “We wanted to do something quintessentially British, but that still had a playful twist,” explains Céline Roux, the brand’s global head of fragrance.

There to kick things off in appropriately British fashion today was none other than the nation’s beloved baking icon and British Vogue fashion muse, Dame Mary Berry, who launched the event with her signature warmth and masterful raspberry ripple-making credentials. While leading a dessert-making masterclass, she explained: “In our garden we have autumn bliss [raspberries]. I picked some last night, filled my little bucket with them, breathed them in and they have got that fruity, light wonderful fragrance. It’s really very special – and that has all been bottled.”

The Jo Malone London Seaside Pop-up will run until 6 July at the Queen’s Walk, South Bank, London, SE1.