The UK has a soft spot for its seaside towns and cities. With the boom of the railway during the Victorian era they became popular holiday destinations for families living in urban areas.
This popularity may have waned in the 1960s due to the arrival of affordable air travel, but many locations still see an influx of tourists during the holiday season.
And though they are seen as great vacation getaways, some are also desirable places to live.
A survey carried out by floral delivery service Flowercard, which determined the best locations in the UK for residents’ wellbeing, actually ranked three seaside locations among the 10 best places to live.
The study took into account seven different factors across the UK’s biggest cities, including air quality, gyms per 100,000 people and average life expectancy.
As reported by Country Living, a spokesperson for Flowercard explained: “We wanted to investigate how easy it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and look after your wellbeing in different parts of the country.
“Is there a perfect place for making wellness a central part of your life?
“And are there certain places where wellness is that much more difficult to achieve?
“We’ve looked at seven different factors across the UK’s biggest cities to find out which location is the country’s wellness capital.
“So, from the number of gyms and spas in the area to local life expectancy, which city will see you living your best life?”
Taking the top spot was the seaside city of Brighton on the south coast.
Another seaside destination, Bournemouth, came in at number three. And placed eighth was Southend-on-Sea in Essex.
With its seven miles of coastline, it’s easy to see why this town – which is commutable to London – is popular with both residents and visitors alike.
There are all the traditional trappings of a British seaside town, including a pier and amusement arcade as well as plenty of history and culture to enjoy.
Visit Essex says: “Enjoy traditional seaside fun in the shape of award-winning beaches and family attractions from the world famous pier and its mile long railway, Adventure Island fun park with its range of rides and rollercoasters, Sealife Adventure plus of course all the amusement arcades and the popular fountains on City Beach.
“You’ll also discover a thriving cultural scene with museums, historic houses and a range of art spaces.
“Size up the old masters and exhibitions at the Beecroft Art Gallery or contemporary art at Focal Point Gallery.
“Step into the half-timbered Tudor Southchurch Hall and 12th century Prittlewell Priory for an insight into the past.”
It adds: “There’s also an increasing range of fine dining and restaurants as well as two theatres, casinos and a vibrant nightlife on offer.”
Southend’s neighbour, Leigh-on-Sea was also named among the happiest places to live in the UK as part of Rightmoves’s 2023 Happy at Home Index survey.
According to Rightmove, properties in Southend-On-Sea had an overall average price of £359,905 over the last year.
The majority of sales in Southend-On-Sea during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £215,948. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £422,168, with terraced properties fetching £340,532.
