The seaside town of Ayr was formerly a flourishing holiday hotspot, with families travelling enjoy the coastal atmosphere. Yet like numerous Victorian seaside resorts, it has become weary over the decades despite efforts to rejuvenate it.
In fact, it was recently named among the ‘worst’ in the UK. Consumer watchdog Which? assessed numerous seaside towns throughout the UK, awarding them marks out of 100 to determine their standing. Ayr found itself as Scotland’s lowest-scoring location on the list. Positioned along the Firth of Clyde coastline, the town managed only 57%, with its retail offerings performing particularly poorly, securing merely one star.
Nevertheless, it achieved three stars for both its beach quality and value for money, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
Accommodation prices ther average £94 per night, with it ranked among the nation’s more affordable hotel destinations.
One resident said it had been “destroyed from the bustling, busy popular seaside town I knew growing up to an empty, drug-ruddled mess”.
Recent reports indicated that South Ayrshire Council had erected anti-terrorism and traffic bollards, much to locals’ frustration as they condemned them as ‘unsightly’.
However, despite claiming Scotland’s bottom position, Ayr still outperformed many celebrated seaside locations nationwide, ranking above destinations such as Blackpool, Skegness and Morecambe, whilst Bangor in Wales occupied the very bottom spot.
At the opposite end of the scale was St Andrews, which claimed the crown as Scotland’s finest seaside destination and secured third place nationwide.
The prestigious Home of Golf achieved an impressive 82% rating and earned perfect scores for its stunning beaches, picturesque seafront, captivating tourist attractions and breathtaking scenery.
Bamburgh in Northumberland was named the best in England, while the list of the best spots also included the idyllic Portmeirion in Wales.
Which? polled more than 4,700 proplr about their recent experiences of Britain’s coastal destination, seeking their opinions on various factors including beach quality, dining and beverage options, visitor attractions and overall value for money.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “From wild, unspoilt stretches of remote coastline to charming traditional bucket and spade resorts, the UK’s seaside towns offer something for everyone.
While you may have your own favourite coastal spot, this year’s survey shows that it’s worth looking beyond the most famous resorts this summer, to the lesser-visited hidden gems in every corner of the UK.”
