The UK’s ‘best seaside town’ that was cruelly branded ‘chav paradise’

Many of the UK’s seaside towns are famous for their charm, sandy beaches, and fun-filled arcades.

But not all visitors come away impressed, with some sharing harsh reviews of their experience.

One famous resort town has found itself at the centre of scathing criticism, despite still being loved by many.

Scarborough in North Yorkshire was once crowned as the UK’s best coastal resort but is now drawing mixed opinions from visitors. It was also praised as one of the UK’s top destinations by Time Out in 2023.

Many still associate the town with huge beaches and a lovely day out, but some have a very different view, The Mirror reported.

One TripAdvisor review warned: “The Main Street was a chav paradise, loudmouths, slot machines, and a general air of grubbiness.

“Went for a coastal walk the next day and yes it was just as bad, bus back to North Bay. It’s no great surprise that places like Scarborough struggle, the place needs a good clean up and that includes a lot of the clientele.”

Another visitor wrote: “We last came here 15 years ago, and it’s changed dramatically from a vibrant seaside town to nothing more than a dump.”

A third added: “Just walking round the town, lots of empty shops, and what shops there are are pretty crummy charity shops, tattoo parlours, vape shops. Depressing stuff.”

Others pointed to closed shops and rough sleepers as signs of decline.

Some locals have also voiced concerns about rising crime. Vic Harris, a 70-year-old civil servant, told The Sun: “There is a high level of violence, especially at weekends, and there is also a real drug problem which you can see in the town centre.”

Scarborough also hit headlines last year when sewage was released near South Bay beach after heavy rain, prompting warnings from the Environment Agency to avoid swimming.

But despite the criticism, many visitors remain loyal to the town. One TripAdvisor user described it as “a beautiful place on the Yorkshire coast, perfect for a weekend getaway”.

Another praised its unique attractions, saying: “We went for a concert and fell in love with the place – Victorian trams, pirate boat trips, and charming cobbled streets.”

Scarborough’s history as a seaside resort dates back to the 1600s when its spa waters made it famous.

Landmarks such as the Grand Hotel and Scarborough Castle are still popular today, and the council has announced plans for new investments to improve the town’s infrastructure.

North Yorkshire Police also say they are “working collaboratively” with the North Yorkshire Council to address crime and have increased patrols in key areas.

Express.co.uk has reached out to North Yorkshire Council for further comment.