Several Sussex seaside towns are among the best and worst in the UK, according to a new survey.

Consumer champion Which? surveyed over 4,700 people about their experiences of UK seaside towns in the last year, asking their views on a range of criteria including the quality of the beaches, food and drink offerings, tourist attractions and value for money.

The survey results spotlight coastal gems from all four nations, with Bamburgh, Northumberland taking the top spot with a destination score of 86 per cent, Portmeirion, Gwynedd in second place with 83 per cent, St Andrews, Fife in third place with 82 per cent, in fourth place was Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear, with 81 per cent and in fifth place was St Davids, Pembrokeshire, with 80 per cent.

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Close behind was Sussex's first entry, Rye, which tied on a destination score of 79 per cent with Dartmouth in Devon and Southwold in Suffolk.

Respondents described Rye as “charming” and “atmospheric”, with visitors enjoying the opportunity to explore the former port town’s historic cobbled streets boasting a range of independent shops and restaurants, including the famous Mermaid Inn.

Eastbourne placed in a mid-table 65th place with 67 per cent.

However, Brighton, Littlehampton and Bognor were among the worst towns.

Brighton placed 83rd out of 126 with a destination score of 63 per cent.

Worthing placed 86th with a score of 62 per cent.

Littlehampton came 111th with a score of 55 per cent.

And Bognor came 123rd with a score of 47 per cent.

The very worst seaside town was Bangor, Gwynedd, with a destination score of 42 per cent.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “From wild, unspoilt stretches of remote coastline to charming traditional bucket and spade resorts, the UK’s seaside towns offer something for everyone.

“While you may have your own favourite coastal spot, this year’s survey shows that it’s worth looking beyond the most famous resorts this summer, to the lesser-visited hidden gems  in every corner of the UK.”