I see this perception a lot on Reddit and other online travel communities.
I fully understand the history of British seaside towns, and the fact that many have indeed seen better days. Yes, there is some crumbling infrastructure, reduced tourism, and faded or boarded-up hotels that once had grandeur.
But I’ve travelled around many coastal spots on the island, and I’ve found they’re certainly not all like that.
Some seaside towns are still bustling with a lot to do, a lot of beauty, decent transport links, and a lot of visitors. Even if the visitors are mostly British (we do have a large domestic population, after all….). I’m thinking of places like St Ives, Torquay, Swanage, Broadstairs, Alnmouth, Whitby, Lytham St Anne’s, the Bournemouth/Christchurch/Poole area.
I’ve also learned that not all the seaside towns share the same character. Some have their own subculture/atmosphere, and don’t fit the mainstream stereotypes.
Why are the varied experiences of these towns universalised as “bad”? Is it media representation, or is there some unspoken standard I’m missing? Just curious about people’s perceptions, really!
Edit: oh, and I’ve found there’s a lot of socio-economic problems/decline inland as well. It’s not just a seaside town thing.