The North West resort named best UK seaside spot with iconic funfair attraction
A charming seaside town in in the North West has been named the UK's top destination this year, thanks to its iconic funfair.
New Brighton has been a staple of family holidays for generations, offering a range of classic funfair rides, arcades, and outdoor activities.
Located on the Marine Promenade, New Palace and Adventureland has been a firm favourite among visitors, who cherish the nostalgia and tradition of visiting this timeless destination. The Seaside Heritage Network, which compiles the Bucket and Spade List, has recognised New Brighton as the must-visit spot of the year, based on public opinion and sentiment.
Visitors have shared fond memories of their experiences at New Palace and Adventureland, with one recalling: "I have been visiting the New Palace since I was five years old and now I take my grandchildren who love it, the building is iconic and very little has changed in 65 years it is part of New Brighton's heritage."
Another visitor reminisced: "From an era when New Brighton was the place to be seen. It has everything quintessentially seaside, amusements, ice cream, beach ware, cafes, candy floss."
The Liverpool Echo reports that the attraction's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition among visitors. Beyond the primary lure, New Brighton offers plenty to discover and savour, drawing over a million visitors each year with its charms, reports the Mirror.
The end of summer doesn't mean the coastal fun has to stop. You can still enjoy beach time, paddle in the waters, and stroll along the sands under the gaze of Liverpool's famous skyline.
Home to the nation's longest promenade, New Brighton encapsulates a bygone era with classic amusement arcades.
Step away from the waterfront to find the Victorian Quarter brimming with unique bars, eateries, record shops, vintage boutiques, live music spots, and even a trail of street art.
A distinguished piece of Wirral's history stands tall in New Brighton the Lighthouse. Erected in 1830, the best sights are said to be seen at dawn or dusk.
Full of excitement, New Palace and Adventureland's owner-manager David Wilkie expresses his elation: "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.
"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."
The top 10 attractions included:
New Palace and Adventureland, New Brighton
Ventnor Paddling Pool, Isle of Wight
Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
St Annes Beach Huts, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire
Leas Lift, Folkestone, Kent
Punch & Judy booth, Swanage
Cleethorpes Lakeside Area, Lincolnshire
Showtown Museum, Blackpool
Grand Hotel, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Great Orme Tramway & Goats, Llandudno, Conwy