One "terrible place" with a "brown sea" has been ranked one of the UK's "worst" seaside towns, in a national survey.

       Skegness scored 48% in a Which? survey for two years running, placing absolute bottom in 2023 and the UK's fifth worst in 2024, when Bangor dipped lower to take the booby prize.

       The survey ranked around 120 UK seaside towns, comparing factors such as the seafront, noise levels, food and drink and shopping.

       Skegness scored just one star for its scenery and noise levels for both years, but achieved a slightly higher two stars for its food and drink, shopping and tourist attractions.

       The forgotten beach town, which has dropped in popularity since its heyday in the 19th century, when a new railway line brought British holidaymakers to the seaside, scored four stars for one thing: parking.

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       One reviewer wrote: "The beach was horrible and we had to go 20 miles up the road to Mablethorpe to enjoy a decent beach. Overall terrible place with terrible people. I will never go there ever again."

       Another reviewer called it "the dirtiest place in England," adding: "Horribly smelly. The sea has a brown froth on the top. The streets are dirty. The roads are potholed."

       One reviewer gave a two-word warning to simply "run away".

       When Skegness came last in 2023, editor of Which? travel, Rory Boland, said the lower-ranking beach towns have the potential, but could benefit from investment.

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       He said: "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, Cleanipedia also found Skegness' beach to be the dirtiest in the UK. But local councillors defended the town's record on cleanliness, reminding people that Skegness' beach was handed a Blue Flag Award.

       Councillor Richard Cunnington added: "If the beach is messy then it shows the kind of people who keep coming here. It's not the locals dropping the rubbish and it makes our town look bad.

       "Skegness is one of the busiest resorts in the UK. If every person dropped a piece of litter then there would be thousands of it. We have groups and organisations that pick up litter but it's not all down to them.

       "We need respect from the people who visit our town. There is no need to be dropping pieces of litter. I have even heard about nappies being buried in the sand."

       Despite problems with litter, some visitors still loved the nostalgic beachfront of Skegness, with one praising it on Google reviews: "Nice old-fashioned beach experience that brought back many childhood memories, the beach itself is clean and well maintained and there are lots of attractions around to keep kids and adults amused."

       While another said they would definitely return, adding: "Hadn't visited for many years. I was pleasantly surprised by how well-maintained it is. The beach and town look clean and well looked after."