Which? ranks Southwold ahead of Lowestoft, Felixstowe, and Aldeburgh as Suffolk's best seaside town
Southwold is Suffolk's best beach, according to a Which? survey which also found Lowestoft was the worst seaside town in the county.
Based on data from more than 4,000 user experiences, the comparison service placed Southwold as the ninth best in the UK with Bamburgh in Northumberland topping the list.
But while locals agreed Southwold was worth a visit, viewpoints expressed regret that Lowestoft had come to be viewed as the least desirable.
1. Southwold
Overall rating: 80 per cent
Average hotel cost: £135
Beach rating: 3 (out of five)
Attractions: 4
Scenery: 4
Peace and quiet: 3
Value for money: 2
Among the (apparently) many to have been charmed by Southwold is Andy Wood - chief executive of Adnams, a brewery synonymous with the town.
He said: "This is really great news for Southwold. It really has something for everybody, great fish and chips, the fashion, amazing delis, and, of course, the pier.
"I dare say there are some good pubs as well!"
He added: "I think everybody will be pleased to hear this news.
"It is a very accessible place. People come here from Ipswich, Norwich, and London. You can get here in less than an hour."
According to Carol Critoph, who works at Southwold Gallery, the 'old fashioned' nature of the town marks it out as the best.
She said: "There is something really different about Southwold, it feels like a lovely step back in time. It is quite old fashioned.
"I have worked here for 15 years and it has changed quite a lot - a bit has been taken away from the high street, but I think it is still quaint.
"It still attracts people in from bigger towns. People say they like to bring their children here."
2. Aldeburgh
Overall rating: 78 per cent
Average hotel cost: £122
Beach rating: 3
Attractions: 2
Scenery: 4
Peace and quiet: 4
Value for money: 3
3. Felixstowe
Overall rating: 69 per cent
Average hotel cost: £62
Beach rating: 3
Attractions: 1
Scenery: 2
Peace and quiet: 3
Value for money: 3
4. Lowestoft
Overall rating: 57 per cent
Average hotel cost: £73
Beach rating: 3
Attractions: 1
Scenery: 1
Peace and quiet: 3
Value for money: 3
Carol Critoph, who lives closer to Lowestoft than Southwold, said: "It is a shame. Lowestoft used to be a really nice town but everything has gone. It is sad.
"I'd prefer to visit the pier now in Southwold than in Lowestoft."
A spokesman for East Suffolk Council said: “We are fortunate to have numerous beautiful beaches in East Suffolk and it is great to see Southwold, Aldeburgh, Felixstowe and Lowestoft listed amongst the best beaches in the country.
“More people are looking to visit UK locations for their holidays this year and with its idyllic coast, picturesque countryside and historic market towns, East Suffolk is certainly a destination to consider.”
Read more: All the latest news from Suffolk
Read more: All the latest news from Lowestoft
