The Seaside Heritage Network is delighted to reveal its Bucket and Spade List of the Top Ten favourite seaside places and experiences as voted for by members of the public.
1. New Palace and Adventureland, New Brighton
2. Ventnor Paddling Pool, Isle of Wight
3. Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
4. St Annes Beach Huts, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
5. Leas Lift, Folkestone, Kent
6. Punch & Judy booth, Swanage
7. Cleethorpes Lakeside Area, Lincolnshire
8. Showtown Museum, Blackpool
9. Grand Hotel, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
10. Great Orme Tramway & Goats, Llandudno, Conwy
The Bucket and Spade List was announced in the Art Deco surroundings of the Plaza Cinema, Weston-super-Mare on 16 September at an event generously supported by North Somerset Council and Merlin Cinemas.
For more information and the full list of nominees, see our website Vote for 2024 Winners – Seaside Heritage Network
Dr Kathryn Ferry, a founder member of the Seaside Heritage Network, stressed how important it was to see people and communities getting behind the vote: ‘Our winners this year are not the usual suspects but that is a timely reminder that seaside heritage is not always grand or obvious. These are attractions that make their location unique, they are distinctive things that are highly valued by residents and visitors alike; it’s for that reason thousands of people took the
time to register their choice.
Several themes came out in the comments from voters and the sense of continuity these places and experiences provide was key. People have a great nostalgia for the things they enjoyed in childhood and they are grateful for the opportunity to pass that on to the next generation. Our winners were routinely praised for their family focus and friendly staff too. We firmly believe that embracing the power of seaside heritage to connect with people anew can help coastal places blighted by social and economic problems. It’s brilliant to have such a varied and cherished Top
Ten.’
WHAT VOTERS SAID of Cleethorpes:
Cleethorpes Lakeside Area, Lincolnshire
‘Family friendly, very accessible for mobility restricted disabled people. Calming and great for mental well-being. Spacious.’
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