Top Ten Winners 2024

The Art Deco New Palace and Adventureland Funfair was completed in 1939, commissioned by W H Wilkie, the present owner’s grandfather. ‘Purveyors of merriment since 1912’, the Wilkie family have been at the forefront of seaside family entertainment in New Brighton through four generations. During World War Two amusements gave way to an ammunitions factory, still partly preserved, and the New Palace became US Army depot O616. Recently, when developers approached with plans to demolish, more than 7000 people signed a petition to save ‘the beating heart of New Brighton.’ With so many key monuments to New Brighton’s resort history already gone, Cathy Roberts of the Wilkie Leisure Group says ‘we are working to preserve this last remaining monument of our seaside heritage.’

Voters said:

I have been visiting the New Palace since I was 5yrs old & now take my grandchildren who love it, the building is iconic & very little has changed in 65 years it is part of New Brighton’s heritage.

From an era when New Brighton was the place to be seen. It has everything quintessentially seaside, amusements, ice cream, beach ware, cafés, candy floss.

David Wilkie, owner and manager of the New Palace and Adventureland said: 

All the fun of the fair is one phrase that reflects the Wilkie family's commitment and dedication to providing New Brighton with an unforgettable attraction. To be awarded first place in the Seaside Heritage Network Bucket and Spade list is the icing on the cake - not only for the resort's tourism - past, present and future - but for all the generations who have taken the Palace to their hearts.

Paddling pools have long been an attraction for young seaside visitors but the example at Ventnor on the Isle of Wight is unique. Since the 1940s this ankle-deep pool, close to the popular beach, has been a favourite spot for visitors and locals alike because of its special design. In the middle of the bright blue pool is an island, shaped like the Isle of Wight, complete with roads and hilly contours. Take a look from the cliffside above and you’ll see the island in the pool is orientated in the same way as the real thing. Is this the smallest island on the UK’s largest island?

Voters said:

Because it’s so place specific and gives everyone who sees it or better still paddles in it a sense of local geography that jogs memories.

I first enjoyed this pool in the 60s and it is still as popular as ever. Free and well used whatever the weather with Ventnor beach just yards away.

Councillor Steve Cooper, Mayor of Ventnor Town Council said: 

Ventnor Town Council were delighted to take part in the Seaside Heritage Network competition and very humbled, but proud that our sea front island paddling pool has achieved the runner-up slot. It is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike and by all ages and to be recognised is to say thank you to all that maintain and keep the asset looking so bright and welcoming.

Twice in its history, the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare has risen phoenix-like from the ashes and after a fire in 2008 it now boasts an award-winning pavilion at the end of its walkway. Parts of the pier date back to 1904 and Katie Robertson, PR & Marketing Manager, describes it as a ‘symbol of timeless charm offering a mix of nostalgic experiences and modern attractions. It’s a popular tourist destination with stunning views of the Bristol Channel but we also have a wide range of amusements from thrilling rides to traditional arcades which provide endless fun for families and visitors of all ages.’

Voters said:

I love the beautiful architecture which invokes the rolling waves of the channel waters.

Traditional seaside fun. Everywhere is spotlessly clean with super friendly staff.

Katie Michael, PR & Marketing Manager at The Grand Pier said: 

We are so proud to be recognised as one of the top 3 seaside experiences in the UK! This is a huge achievement, and we owe a big thank you to everyone who voted for The Grand Pier. We look forward to many more memorable days ahead!

Stuart Robertson brought beach huts back to the seafront at St Annes in 2012 and has worked hard to ensure his charming, colourful huts combine traditional seaside nostalgia with modern comforts. The resort’s old beach huts had been demolished in the late 1980s but, with interest in huts growing nationwide, Stuart spotted an opportunity. ‘Our beach huts are a celebration of the timeless charm and beauty of Lytham St Annes and a cherished spot for creating lasting family memories. It’s wonderful to hear that people appreciate the facilities we offer.’

Voters said:

‘A superb amenity that really makes a day at the seaside special. Very well equipped and looked after. Going to the beach huts has now become a regular pilgrimage.

What is more British and nostalgic than a beach hut!? And St Anne's do it brilliantly.

The Kent seaside town of Folkestone is about to return another seaside institution to its heritage portfolio with the reopening of The Leas Lift in 2025. The Lift, which was constructed in 1885 and closed in 2016, is one of three remaining Victorian water-balanced lifts in the UK. With the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund as well as numerous trusts, local businesses and individual benefactors, renovation works on the Lift commence this summer with a new café space added to the existing Victorian lower station. Once operational, the funicular lift will connect Folkestone’s Leas Promenade with the beach and Coastal Park as well as the newly renovated Harbour Arm. The charity behind the Leas Lift is working closely with the local community, whose memories and ideas will shape the way the story of the Lift will be told.

Voters said:

It's bringing back to life a wonderful historic feature of a beautiful seaside town.

I love Folkestone in general, it has a brilliant mix of the old and new and to see the Leas Lift working again - I can’t wait.

Punch and Judy at the seaside; it’s a key part of our national identity just like London buses or Stonehenge. Despite this, the practice of performing on the beach is critically endangered. Since 2016 the Swanage Punch and Judy show has been operated by Prof. Joe Burns; ‘My show has all the traditional ingredients but is comfortably a 21st century show, for a 21st century audience.’ With a much-loved cast of characters, Punch and Judy has evolved with every generation, providing an inclusive, value-for-money attraction that people of all ages can enjoy in the open air. ‘I’m delighted Punch at the seaside has been nominated for the Bucket and Spade List,’ says Prof. Joe, ‘and especially my show at Swanage.’ That’s the way to do it!

Voters said:

It's a delight to see all generations crying with laughter at this wonderful performance!

‘Because Joe is a very traditional and funny guy … the show is just Swanage.’

In 1928 a large outdoor pool and boating lake opened at Cleethorpes with the dual goals of attracting tourists and preventing coastal erosion. It proved so popular that it was quickly doubled in size. Today, people can take out rowing boats and meet the wildlife or enjoy the family-friendly paddling pool and sandpit. Helen Thompson, Strategic Lead for Tourism at North East Lincolnshire Council said: ‘Cleethorpes lakeside area is a great place to visit, with something for everyone, from young to young at heart.’ Nearby, there’s the Greenwich Meridian Line, Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, a miniature railway built in 1948, retail, food and beverage outlets and indoor attractions, alongside the Meridian Showground arena that hosts festivals and gigs throughout the summer.

Voters said:

Family friendly, very accessible for mobility restricted disabled people. Calming and great for mental well-being. Spacious.

.Showtown is Blackpool’s brand new, all-singing, all-dancing museum! Located next door but one to Blackpool Tower, Showtown’s Stakeholder and Engagement Coordinator, Rachel Sykes, describes this museum of fun and entertainment as ‘an immersive experience that captures the spirit of an amazing town. It tells the extraordinary stories of the UK’s first mass seaside resort and its role in the development of British popular entertainment.’ Showtown is an attraction full of star quality, where all the family can get up close with the entertainers who put Blackpool on the map; ‘The comedians, dancers, acrobats, performers and larger-than-life characters who turned a seaside resort into the home of show business. Our six galleries showcase the very best of the seaside, magic, circus, Illuminations, shows and dance. This is a museum not just to be seen, but to be experienced close up!’

Voters said:

It is all about how the seaside exploded in Blackpool. It’s fun and nostalgic and wonderful!

Scarborough’s Grand Hotel has been a towering presence over the resort’s South Bay since it opened in 1867 and is now a grade II* listed building. Designer Cuthbert Brodrick was inspired by Parisian architecture and as Dr George Sheeran, author of The Golden Age of Yorkshire Resorts, points out ‘The Grand was among a group of emerging international luxury hotels and should be recognised as such. It dominates the skyline, and in its day was the largest hotel on the English coast.’ Though many other landmark Victorian hotels have been demolished The Grand still welcomes visitors and Scarborough would not be the same without it.

Voters said:

A beautiful landmark on Scarborough's iconic front, which needs to be valued, cherished and enjoyed once again.

Passengers have been travelling to the summit of the Great Orme on Wales’s famous tramway since 1902. It is the only cable-hauled funicular to run on public roads and many thousands of holidaymakers have enjoyed the mile-long climb, looking out for Llandudno's famous Kashmiri goats as they go. For years these goats, descended from a pair originally given by the Shah of Persia to Queen Victoria, kept to the slopes of the Great Orme but during lockdown they became more daring. Huw Pritchard of Llandudno Museum recalls how they ventured into the town centre, attracting international publicity. ‘They've got the taste for it now, and can often be seen on grass verges, roundabouts and even in private gardens. Who'd have thought that such a bleak period as lockdown could introduce these cheerful characters to the wider world.’

Voters said:

A trip on a train, open sided and open vista, steep slopes (almost a fairground ride in itself) and wild, smelly goats. A trip to the top, through the streets to the stars. Proper seaside.