Latest news with #Which?Magazine
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK's seaside town branded 'hellhole' set for £23m overhaul to bring tourists back
A Lincolnshire town is confirmed for a multi-million pound renovation, predicted to bring in a flurry of tourists after locals declare the coastal town a 'hellhole' This seaside town previously been described as a 'vulgar hellhole' with a 'brown sea', has now confirmed plans for a £23 million investment. Skegness, in the East Lindsey District of Lincolnshire is splashing the cash in the hope of attracting tourists again. In the 19th century, Skegness was a seaside hotspot that drew visitors from all over the country. Still, in recent years, a severe lack of investment and infrastructure development has deterred new visitors. In 2023, Skegness was ranked last in Which? Magazine 's British seaside resort ranking. Visitors gave Skegness just one star for its scenery and noise levels, and two stars for its food, drink, shopping and attractions. Despite its overwhelmingly low scores in multiple categories, Skegness consistently performed well in one area. Most visitors were impressed with the parking availability. The Editor of Which? Travel, Rory Boland, said following the 2023 poll: "Clacton, Skegness, and Southend all received one star from visitors for the lack of peace and quiet, and some visitors complain that the boisterous atmosphere can tip into feeling unsafe." Rory added: "That's a shame, because what Clacton, Skegness, and Southend offer is exactly the sort of seaside break many of us want." However, he concluded with a call to action for the town, saying: "Big beaches, big entertainment, and small prices. More should be done to help them level up and become first-class holiday resorts." However, things are now set to change for this coastal town, as East Midlands Railway (EMR) has announced an impressive £23 million investment in the tramlines leading into Skegness. On April 15, Baggy Shanker, Member of Parliament for Derby South, officially unveiled the new EMR Class 170 train at an event at Derby station. These improvements and refurbishment projects are set to increase travel to Skegness on the Nottingham to Skegness via the Grantham line. The journey, which will take just under two hours, will cost merely £4.05 if booked in advance. The new and improved trains feature comfortable seats, refurbished toilets, and new flooring. Each carriage is also equipped with power sockets, USB charging sockets, and a bike storage area. The Class 170 fleet of 44 is to undergo these makeovers. The next train in the programme is scheduled to be refurbished next month. Following that, a newly renovated unit is expected to join the expanding railway network each month. Will Rogers, Managing Director of East Midlands Railway, said: "This refurbishment is more than just a lick of paint, it's a complete transformation that puts our customers first.' Rogers continues: "We've focused on creating an environment that is comfortable and functional – and it's just the beginning. Over the next year, customers will start to see real, tangible improvements across our network."
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Major £23 million upgrade coming to Britain's seaside town
A Lincolnshire town - once labelled the 'worst' seaside hotspot in the UK - is set for a major transformation as part of a £23 million investment aimed at drawing in more tourists. Skegness, which has been described as a 'vulgar hellhole' with a 'brown sea,' ranked bottom in Which? Magazine's 2023 poll of seaside resorts in Britain. The following year, the once-popular holiday destination placed fifth in the survey which featured 120 UK seaside towns. Visitors gave Skegness just one star for its scenery and noise levels, and two stars for its food, drink, shopping and attractions. Despite its low scores in a number of categories, one area where Skegness consistently rated well was parking - an unlikely silver lining for visiting drivers. The town once thrived in the 19th century when railways first made it a popular escape for working-class families - but in recent decades, a lack of investment in tourism services and infrastructure has seen its appeal decline. However, the town's luck might be about to change, as a new rail upgrade by East Midlands Railway (EMR) is expected to bring a wave of improvements to the area. On April 15, EMR unveiled its first fully refurbished Class 170 train, part of a wider £60 million investment into its fleet, according to Lincolnshire World. These upgrades are set to enhance and increase travel to Skegness on the Nottingham to Skegness via Grantham line - a journey that takes just under two hours and can cost as little as £4.05 if booked in advance. The refurbished trains come with a range of modern features, including brand-new seating, updated flooring and refurbished toilets. Each carriage also includes a mix of 230V power sockets, Type-C and dual USB charging points, plus a dedicated bike storage area. The interiors have been redesigned to match the sleek aesthetic of EMR's upcoming Aurora trains, which are expected to enter service later this year. The Class 170 trains were formerly operated by West Midlands Railway and are now managed by the UK's leading rolling stock financier, Porterbrook. Will Rogers, managing director of EMR, called the upgrades 'just the beginning,' adding that visitors should expect to see more noticeable improvements across the network over the coming year. In addition to the new trains, the town's own railway station is receiving a £3.3 million redevelopment, due to be completed by May 25. Editor of Which? travel, Rory Boland, said following the 2023 poll: 'Clacton, Skegness, and Southend all received one star from visitors for the lack of peace and quiet, and some visitors complain that the boisterous atmosphere can tip into feeling unsafe.' 'That's a shame, because what Clacton, Skegness, and Southend offer is exactly the sort of seaside break many of us want. Big beaches, big entertainment, and small prices. More should be done to help them level up and become first-class holiday resorts.' In 2023, locals in Skegness defended their hometown , although families said a day out had rocketed in price.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Britain's 'worst' seaside town getting £23 million upgrade
A Lincolnshire town - once labelled the 'worst' seaside hotspot in the UK - is set for a major transformation as part of a £23 million investment aimed at drawing in more tourists. Skegness, which has been described as a 'vulgar hellhole' with a 'brown sea,' ranked bottom in Which? Magazine's 2023 poll of seaside resorts in Britain. The following year, the once-popular holiday destination placed fifth in the survey which featured 120 UK seaside towns. Visitors gave Skegness just one star for its scenery and noise levels, and two stars for its food, drink, shopping and attractions. Despite its low scores in a number of categories, one area where Skegness consistently rated well was parking - an unlikely silver lining for visiting drivers. The town once thrived in the 19th century when railways first made it a popular escape for working-class families - but in recent decades, a lack of investment in tourism services and infrastructure has seen its appeal decline. However, the town's luck might be about to change, as a new rail upgrade by East Midlands Railway (EMR) is expected to bring a wave of improvements to the area. On April 15, EMR unveiled its first fully refurbished Class 170 train, part of a wider £60 million investment into its fleet, according to Lincolnshire World. Visitors gave Skegness just one star for its scenery and noise levels, and two stars for its food, drink, shopping and attractions These upgrades are set to enhance and increase travel to Skegness on the Nottingham to Skegness via Grantham line - a journey that takes just under two hours and can cost as little as £4.05 if booked in advance. The refurbished trains come with a range of modern features, including brand-new seating, updated flooring and refurbished toilets. Each carriage also includes a mix of 230V power sockets, Type-C and dual USB charging points, plus a dedicated bike storage area. The interiors have been redesigned to match the sleek aesthetic of EMR's upcoming Aurora trains, which are expected to enter service later this year. The Class 170 trains were formerly operated by West Midlands Railway and are now managed by the UK's leading rolling stock financier, Porterbrook. Will Rogers, managing director of EMR, called the upgrades 'just the beginning,' adding that visitors should expect to see more noticeable improvements across the network over the coming year. In addition to the new trains, the town's own railway station is receiving a £3.3 million redevelopment, due to be completed by May 25. Editor of Which? travel, Rory Boland, said following the 2023 poll: 'Clacton, Skegness, and Southend all received one star from visitors for the lack of peace and quiet, and some visitors complain that the boisterous atmosphere can tip into feeling unsafe. 'That's a shame, because what Clacton, Skegness, and Southend offer is exactly the sort of seaside break many of us want. 'Big beaches, big entertainment, and small prices. More should be done to help them level up and become first-class holiday resorts.' In 2023, locals in Skegness defended their hometown, although families said a day out had rocketed in price.
