Bognor Regis residents have leapt to the defence of their town, after it was ranked the UK's worst seaside destination once again, in a new Which? survey.

The West Sussex resort came last out of 135 coastal destinations in Which?’s biggest-ever seaside survey, receiving an overall score of 41 per cent.

The consumer organisation asked almost 12,000 people to rate seaside towns, cities and villages across categories including beaches, seafronts and piers, food and drink, tourist attractions, scenery, shopping, peace and quiet, parking and value for money.

With a ‘destination score’ of 41 per cent, Bognor Regis received one-star ratings for its beach, seafront and pier, food and drink, tourist attractions, scenery and value for money.

Bognor Regis residents have leapt to the defence of their town, after it was ranked the UK's worst seaside destination once again, in a new Which? survey. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

placeholder image — Bognor Regis residents have leapt to the defence of their town, after it was ranked the UK's worst seaside destination once again, in a new Which? survey. Photo: Eddie Mitchell

It scored two stars for shopping and peace and quiet. The survey also recorded an average hotel price of £110 per night in Bognor Regis.

The report prompted dozens of comments from readers, many arguing the survey failed to reflect what makes the town special.

While several acknowledged that parts of the resort could be improved, many said Bognor Regis' strong community spirit, seafront and ongoing regeneration were overlooked.

Maria Embleton wrote: "Bognor Regis and surrounding areas are fabulous. Yes, of course there are problem areas and the town centre could be improved but soon the new theatre will be a boost to the area.

"Our town centre has a good mixture of shops... the promenade and the seaside with that old-fashioned family feel – and not forgetting the great community."

She added: "Bognor gets a bad press so be it, but we know differently don't we."

Lorraine Humphrey also pointed to the resort's attractions, saying: "I love Bognor... maybe when the theatre is finished, the front would look better, but there is a lot going for Bognor – crazy golf, the Waverley, the Navigator, the beach is lovely, plenty of places to eat and drink in town, Hotham Park. A great place to live."

Some readers suggested Bognor's reputation could even work in residents' favour.

Jason Peter wrote: "Excellent – more Bognor goodness for us locals... We know what we have. No survey will tell us any different."

Julie Osborne echoed the sentiment, saying she enjoyed being able to appreciate the town without the crowds found at larger resorts.

"I thought to myself how lucky I was to live in this little gem called Bognor," she wrote. "Keep moaning about Bognor because us lucky locals get the lovely little place all to ourselves."

Others acknowledged there was room for improvement while insisting the town was moving in the right direction.

Miriam Stenning said she was ‘fed up with people running down Bognor’, highlighting Hotham Park, the promenade, Marine Gardens and the town's forthcoming theatre, while adding that the pier ‘definitely needs attention’.

Angela Willcock, who regularly visits family in the area, said the town centre had declined over the past two decades but added: "The seafront is lovely... You have the arcade on the pier and playpark and crazy golf on the front and a great chip shop. We will still be calling by for a walk."

Jacky Barugh also pointed to investment in the town, writing: "Lovely old Bognor – it's getting better with all the new work going on."

For Liam Griffiths, the survey only strengthened his affection for his hometown.

"Reading the comments reinforces the pride I have for my hometown," he wrote. "Bognor born and raised. The best thing about this blessed plot is the people that live here. Unmatched community spirit."

The latest snub for Bognor comes after the town failed to make the shortlist for the Government's UK Town of Culture 2028 competition

Bognor has faced criticism in previous Which? surveys, with visitors previously describing the town as lacking attractions and feeling run-down.

Last year, a spokesperson for Arun District Council said Bognor’s reputation is ultimately a matter of perspective, writing: “Yes, like many seaside towns, Bognor faces its share of challenges.

"But what sets it apart is the strong sense of community and the genuine effort being made to improve and evolve. The town is full of people who care-who volunteer, support local events, and welcome visitors with open arms.”

Readers can continue to share their views on the Bognor Regis Observer Facebook page.