I visited ‘one of UK’s worst’ towns getting a £25million facelift | UK | Travel

Seaside towns often receive unfair criticism. Admittedly, they’re not always the most attractive destinations, and it’s typically a shortage of investment and infrastructure that causes them to deteriorate.

However, despite not always possessing visual charm, I do believe they are sometimes unjustly criticised. After all, when you’re a child seaside towns are enchanting. The sand, the arcade machines, the ice cream – it all combines to create the ideal family day out.

When I had the opportunity to visit Lowestoft in Suffolk, I began by researching the place, and what I discovered wasn’t particularly complimentary. Back in 2021, Which? named it amongst the worst seaside towns in the UK, leaving me intrigued about what to expect. Nevertheless, the town has been challenging its reputation, with substantial investments including £25 million to revitalise the area and transform it into a cultural hub – and I was ultimately impressed.

Initially, we called at Jo Jo’s Kitchen for brunch, an independent local restaurant serving American-style cuisine. The menu features numerous soul food favourites, and even a burger named after Trump. We savoured US and Mexican classics such as stacks of pancakes, and some beautifully presented huevos rancheros which were ideal for Sunday morning.

Venturing onto the seafront, we watched boats drift into the harbour, with the town’s bridge periodically rising to allow them passage. The distinctly retro South Pier catches the eye immediately, housing an arcade and several stalls offering classic seaside treats such as 99s. The pier has undergone improvements, now boasting access to a smaller beach and stunning views across the town. One of our personal highlights was venturing into the bustling arcade for some spirited 2p machine action (though, regrettably, the jackpot of a small plastic dinosaur proved elusive).

A structure that truly commands attention is the East Point Pavilion, an impressive glass building that carries all the hallmarks of the Victorian era, despite having been constructed in the 90s. Inside, visitors will find a coffee shop alongside community spaces. We stumbled upon a charming pop-up plant shop, and the venue appeared to have a packed events calendar, with plenty of entertainment lined up throughout the forthcoming summer months.

A leisurely stroll along the promenade, with a brief playground detour, led us to picturesque terraced houses, leafy open spaces, and a delightful row of cafés and restaurants.

Naturally, no visit to a seaside town would be complete without hitting the beach. So how does Lowestoft measure up? It boasts a generous stretch of sand laced with shingle that is wonderfully flat and perfectly suited to families with children. While the sunshine was welcome, temperatures were somewhat brisk for a swim, though I would readily spend a full summer’s day on this beach and perhaps even take the plunge into the chilly waters. Are there aspects of Lowestoft that leave something to be desired? Certainly.

The roads proved somewhat confusing for those unfamiliar with the area, and the main shopping district failed to set pulses racing, feeling rather utilitarian much like countless other towns across the country. Not necessarily a drawback — but given the appeal of the beach, pier and welcoming residents, Lowestoft is a destination firmly on my radar.

Ultimately, the 2021 ranking feels rather harsh. It is evident that ongoing regeneration is genuinely helping the town shake off its former reputation, with considerable investment being channelled into new facilities, community spaces and local attractions. There is still a significant challenge ahead. Great Yarmouth, with its sprawling pier and glitzy arcades, sits just 20 minutes away — yet if Lowestoft embraces its nostalgic charm, it could certainly emerge as a formidable rival.

For further information, visit thesuffolkcoast.co.uk.