The UK's 'worst seaside town' with 'poo-filled beach'

The UK is home to many beautiful seaside spots that have golden beaches, lively piers and family-friendly attractions.

But not every coastal spot enjoys a glowing reputation. One seaside destination, which was recently granted city status, has divided opinion - with some calling it one of the worst in the country.

The place in question is Southend-on-Sea. The Essex seaside resort has been branded one of the UK's "worst seaside towns", with frustrated locals claiming they won't leave their homes and visitors reportedly defecating on the beach due to a lack of public toilets, as per The Mirror.

The Essex coastal city has also faced criticism over rising crime, anti-social behaviour, and poor public facilities.

It ranked 41st out of 50 in Which? magazine’s survey of the UK’s best seaside destinations last year, with some visitors slamming it as "grimy" and "overrated."

Local Green Party councillor Simon Gittus said the city’s inadequate toilet provisions were making life difficult for both residents and tourists, EssexLive reported.

He said: "Southend has inadequate toilet provisions causing anxiety to visitors to our city.

"I have heard some of our residents won't even leave their houses due to the stress of trying to find a loo in our city centre."

Independent Councillor Ron Woodley also warned that some people had resorted to using private gardens and alleys as makeshift toilets.

"Residents, especially along the seafront and on roads near to the city centre, will often suffer anti-social behaviour through people using their gardens and alleys as a toilet," he said.

Woodley added: "We need more toilets along Thorpe and Eastern Esplanade for sure.

“There’s lots of toilets along the western side, but we’re very limited in the east of the city. It does deter people from going for a walk, and we want people to walk, especially as they get older."

He also claimed that the lack of facilities had led to an alarming problem.

"Eastern Esplanade is getting more and more popular and they start using gardens," he said. "We've also had defecation on the beach itself."

However, not everyone agrees with the criticism. Councillor Martin Terry, responsible for community safety, insisted Southend has plenty of facilities, boasting "200 toilets across more than 15 locations."

He also pointed out that extra portable loos are available along the seafront.

"The city benefits from a positive relationship with our businesses, and in the city centre and seafront, many locations including the Victoria shopping centre allow toilet use without purchase," he said.

Despite its mixed reputation, Southend has been gaining popularity in recent years, with festivals and nightlife attracting more visitors.

Events such as City Jam, Lazydays Festival, South East Dance Festival, and the Halloween Parade have drawn crowds.

Some have even compared Southend to Miami in the USA.

Councillor Daniel Nelson told the Southend Echo: "[Southend is] somewhere people flock for glamour, glitz, fun, and entertainment.

“The ambition is there, and the boost that such a reputation would give our local economy would make it all worthwhile.

“Whilst we have a tourist industry like Miami does, which we should support and cherish.”

Even travel experts have made the Miami comparison. Last year, The Times' Cathy Adams described The Roslin Beach Hotel on Thorpe Bay as "a slice of Miami on the seafront," pointing to its bright interiors, palm-tree prints, and ocean views.

However, visitors to Southend have mixed opinions. One unimpressed TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: "This is by far the worst seaside town I’ve ever been in. Smells and not much to do there. Very overrated."

A YouTube video listing the "worst places in Essex" also described Southend as "grimy and full of strange people."

But others have fond memories of the resort. One happy visitor wrote: "Lovely day out on the beach and plenty of amusements. We try to come back every year."

Southend’s attractions remain a major draw, including Adventure Island, which has over 40 rides and is one of the few UK theme parks with free entry, charging only for ride passes.

Southend Pier, stretching 1.3 miles, is the longest pleasure pier in the world.

For those looking for a more relaxing experience, Chalkwell Beach offers a long, sandy coastline close to the town’s main attractions.

Southend is also easily accessible from London in just 70 minutes by train or a 35-minute drive from Chelmsford.