UK region's 'worst' seaside town with 'sad reputation' just 38 miles from region's 'best'

A seaside town in the UK with an expansive, stunning coastline has been branded the “worst” seaside town in Kent with a “sad” reputation.

Herne Bay in Kent was ranked the worst coastal town in a survey by Which? that named Deal as the best seaside town in Kent.

Herne Bay received an overall destination score of just 53 percent, making it the sixth-lowest destination on the list. It received consistent three-star out of five ratings for the assessed qualities including beaches, seafront/pier, scenery and peace.

Sharon Acteson, 63, who has lived in Herne Bay her whole life, told Kent Live: "I love Herne Bay, it’s diverse, there’s space, you can breathe, there’s beautiful architecture scattered around everywhere. It’s just a lovely place, it’s friendly.

"But, there’s always been bias against Herne Bay, I think because everyone says that it’s run down or seedy and as far as I’m concerned, let them keep thinking that way because it keeps our houses affordable." 

She does feel that there is a chance for some improvement in the town. 

She added: “Wherever you go, you can go to Kensington and there are improvements that can be made. 

“There are already improvements being made, all the lovely, individual shops that we’re getting now and the seafront is being smartened up as we speak. It’s all down to money, and the individuals that are doing it, I applaud them but it takes time."

She continued: “We have got some lovely little places where you can eat all around, you’ve just got to look, we are getting loads of things coming in. We have got some lovely cafes that do fantastic food, like The Green Door, all sorts of places."

Vic Kimpton, who run a menswear store Kimptons since 1908 told the publication: “The shopping scene here has always been poor, we’ve never had any department stores, never had any multiples, we haven’t got a McDonald’s or a Costa.

"We have never had a Marks and Spencer or anything like it, never an H Samuels and I can see why that would bring the town down. 

“My old boss years and years ago used to say ‘I wish they’d build a Burton opposite,’ because although it was a competitor, it would bring people past your window - that is the only problem here, you haven’t got footfall."

He continued: "I think the seafront is lovely, it’s clean, it’s long and as far as the seafront is concerned, the council should be applauded, the seafront is kept very nice. It’s a nice town to bring up children, it’s got low crime levels, of course, you’ve got a few ruffians but you get those in every town.

"Wherever you live, you’ve more or less got the sea at the end of your road and the countryside at the other. There are a lot worse places to live.

The town combines historical charm with modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

One user on TripAdvisor said: "There are some great places to have a coffee or entertain small children with amusements but walk east beyond the King's Hall and there are some amazing walks down towards and including Bishopstone glen, looking to Reculver Towers, absolutely beautiful and great for dogs, a secluded swim, headspace, hunting for sharks teeth, keep your busy places go here for some peace."

A second user commented: "I was in Herne Bay with my grandson following an overnight stay. We hadn't planned a beach day so didn't have all the usual stuff you take to the beach we just had an impromptu walk after being on the pier. So with shoes and socks off and jeans rolled up to the knees we stopped to search for sparkly stones and have a little paddle.

"You would definitely need sea shoes for this beach it is very pebbly. The hour we spent playing we had lots of fun. Not sure it is an area I would choose for a beach day as we like a sandy beach but the sea was clean and we enjoyed the time we did have there."