Suffolk has two top seaside destinations – but Clacton comes last in national table

Clacton finished in joint-last on the list of seaside resorts - but pier owner Billy Ball says the town has a lot to offer holidaymakers Picture: CLACTON PIER (Image: CLACTON PIER)

In the annual Which? British Seaside Survey, more than 3,000 holidaymakers were asked to rank the coastal destinations - with the two Suffolk destinations finishing in joint-eighth place.

Community leaders in Aldeburgh were thrilled to hear about their town's result, with east Suffolk councillor TJ Haworth-Culf adding: "It's fantastic, if not unsurprising - it's a jewel in the crown of Suffolk.

"We have an award-winning carnival, fish and chips, a unique and independent high street with a brilliant cinema and community centre, the beach is beautiful.

"It really has the whole package and something for all ages."

Southwold was also in the top 10 seaside destinations on the Which? list Picture: SOUTHWOLD PIER (Image: Archant)

Southwold mayor Ian Bradbury was also glad to see the town he loved so much has proved popular with the public.

"Anything that brings more people to our town is a great thing," Mr Bradbury said.

"It's got a great beach, great pier, great people - it's the whole package."

However joint-bottom of the table, level with Bognor Regis, was Clacton-on-Sea in Essex.

Clacton Pier is the site of airshows as well as one of Essex's premier piers Picture: CITIZENSIDE (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

Clacton, which has an average hotel room cost of £116, was rated poor for value for money.

It also had the lowest available scores in the 'attractions', 'scenery' and 'peace and quiet' sections.

Billy Ball, managing director of Clacton Pier, said the seaside town attracts millions of people every year - and they can't all be wrong.

"It is about horses for courses and providing for an ever expanding variety of visitor tastes and choices," he said.

"People look for different things from their holidays, short breaks and days out nowadays. We concentrate on family fun and making memories together and that is what our customers love about us - and what we do best.

Mr Ball added: "Clacton Pier has spent £4million on its recent refurbishment and there is more to come. Other companies have also improved facilities and upped standards and we are all proud of the way things are moving forwards."

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel magazine, said: "These ratings won't make happy reading for some of those destinations many of us remember from childhood breaks of times gone by, which may have failed to keep pace with trendier destinations or those offering a better overall experience for our hard-earned cash."