It’s a coastal thing…
Suggested by DianaYeboah on Thu, 14/05/2009 - 10:57
Last night, Scarborough (2008 Enteprising Britain winner) was crowned Europe’s most enterprising place at this year European Enterprise Awards! With their win and last nights Apprentice (the teams tried to re-brand Margate to comic effect) I’ve been thinking, what is the best seaside town in Britain and why?
Scarborough best in Europe
Thu, 14/05/2009 - 17:14 – Jane Walton
Well Yorkshire does it again. Congratulations to Scarborough. So what makes Scarborough an enterprising place - is it the fact that even the donkeys can access t'internet on the beach or that entrepreneurs at Wood End can check the surf whilst doing business. If you haven't visited yet then it's a must.
Whitley Bay all the way
Thu, 14/05/2009 - 14:37 – Emma
hasn't been the same since the demise of the spanish city though
Faded Glamour
Thu, 14/05/2009 - 11:21 – lucbenyon
Coincidently The Apprentice last night featured the contestants attempting to rebrand Margate which is apparently a place in Kent. It highlighted the diffiuclties in selling the old-fashioned style seaside town to a modern day audience. Whilst faded seaside galmour may have its retro appeal (see The Delays debut album...) it is hardly 'sexy'. One team opted to go for the 'gay' market, which seemed hasty considering Brighton is just down the raod and pretty much has this covered. The other opted for Families, a safe bet but hardly revolutionary.
Blackpool has retained its cheesy edge whilst continually introducing some of the UKs most extreme fairground rides and some stunning modern sculptures. but until they get rid of those tacky illuminations and homophobic/sexist "comedians" playing at the end of piers it will never be trendy.
Newquay definately has my bet, it manages to feel liek an East coast Australina surf town whilst retaining English charm (and having the best pasties in the country). And surrounding towns such as Bude have massively inflated property prices, and of course Jamie Oliver.
For a great expeience try East Lothian, especially North Berwick for sandy beaches and clear waters, plus a fine ice cream and cracking Fish and Chips.
Devon is a place on Earth...
Thu, 14/05/2009 - 11:18 – jamesmsandy
As I grew up there and still have family lurking on its placid shores- I vote Teignmouth (pronounced TIN-MUTH for the unknowing). Why? Well, it has that faded grandeur and plucky spirit that many of our "resorts" retain. It also does a good line in cockles from a shack near the Point Car Park (book early).
James Sandy
My fav = Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland
Thu, 14/05/2009 - 11:14 – eimear
Why?
(Just don't let any of those apprentice types near it please!)
http://twitter.com/makeyourma
Thu, 14/05/2009 - 11:02 – DianaYeboah
http://twitter.com/makeyourmark follow us!
Brighton Rocks
I know what my doubting colleagues would say and yes it is definitely the answer of a born Londoner but I think the best seaside town is…Brighton! Close to home, full of quirky (silly) shops, and plethora of silly boys in silly hats? What’s not to like? It’s like Covent Garden but it’s by the sea! Hurrah!
It's all about the beaches
Thu, 14/05/2009 - 12:31 – Martha
Clearly the re-branding of the seaside town is what it's all about the moment. Check out this brilliant re-brand video for Blackpool!
Having been born in Brighton, worked in Blackpool and holidayed in Cornwall my loyalities to seaside towns are pretty spread out. But I think overall my vote has to go to to an area not a town and that's North Cornwall, great fish and ships, amazing coastline, sandy beaches, yummy cream teas and generally not bad weather...the yuppy in me just loves those Rick Stein Fish and Chips!