Often-ridiculed English seaside city that’s being hailed as the British Miami

Located on along the Thorpe Bay coast, the seafront hotel has plenty of details that are reminiscent of the American metropolis, including palm-tree prints, pale interiors and views overlooking bobbing boats. Last year, Tory councillor Daniel Nelson told the Southend Echo that tourism events played an important role “in the reinvigoration of the city and that Southend has the potential to become a Miami-on-Thames.”

Southend-on-Sea (pictured) has been likened to the American city by both travel experts and locals alike
Southend-on-Sea (pictured) has been likened to the American city by both travel experts and locals alikeCredit: Alamy
Both Southend and Miami (pictured) are home to sandy beaches
Both Southend and Miami (pictured) are home to sandy beachesCredit: Alamy
One travel writer likened the Roslin Beach Hotel to Miami
One travel writer likened the Roslin Beach Hotel to MiamiCredit: Alamy

Cefn Sidan, in Wales, was given the prestigious award for its cleanliness and safety, with more than eight miles of sand.Southend-on-Sea has been compared to the American city by both travel experts and locals alike. Adventure Island is one of the few theme parks in the UK that’s free to enter, with guests paying for ride passes instead.The light-up billboard became an internet sensation with tourists flocking from across the globe to take a photo in front of the flashing lights.

Read More on UK Travel

It is said to have more than 300 shipwrecks along the coastline, dating back as far as 1668.Dubbed “Skeg Vegas” by locals, the town of Skegness in Lincolnshire has slot machines and a busy nightlife with cabaret performances.The landmark attraction is home to prime selfie spots, wildlife-watching spots and a tiny Pier Railway that runs from the shore to the Pier Head.The Time Machine ride, which didn’t open last year, is returning to the park with an “all new look“.

Most read in Travel

It was renamed over the years, becoming Peter Pan’s Playground, later Peter Pan’s Adventure Island before becoming Adventure Island, which is now home to 36 rides.Meanwhile, in Portugal, a number of sandy beaches have been dubbed the “California of Europe”.

Seven underrated towns you need to visit

Holidaymakers will also find a string of amusement arcades opposite Adventure Island. And Southend isn’t the only location in the UK that’s been compared to an American holiday destination. The seaside theme park has launched a new ride for 2024 too. The traditional seaside town of Skegness has been likened to Las Vegas because of its arcades, nightlife and sandy beaches.The Humberside port city started to get recognition last year, and it has a thriving nightlife scene – if that’s something you’re after. Festivals and events like City Jam (a street art festival), the Lazydays Festival, the South East Dance Festival, the Halloween Parade and the city’s seafront fireworks are responsible for the comparison. Just like Miami, Southend also has its own seaside theme park. Over the years, locals have shared several photos on Facebook groups comparing Southend’s promenades to Miami. But the festivals and events are just the tip of the Miami iceberg for the seaside city.Cefn Sidan Beach has been compared to the coastline of California.Southend has long been a magnet for British holidaymakers, thanks to its beautiful coast – but it has also been the butt of a number of jokes. A SEASIDE location in the UK has been likened to Miami because of its musical festivals, amusement arcades and beautiful stretches of sand. There’s also Chalkwell Beach – a long sandy beach that’s located close to the pier. Earlier this month, The Times travel writer Cathy Adams compared the two cities after a recent visit to Southend. But it is enjoying something of a renaissance with tourists and one councillor has even christened it “Miami-on-Thames.” “The ambition is there, and the boost that such a reputation would give our local economy would make it all worthwhile.

Skegness

Just off the Cornish coast, it’s easy to see why the archipelago made it into the top three.In the Times, she wrote: “Our first stop is Southend, one of the UK’s newest cities, and the Roslin Beach Hotel — a slice of Miami on the seafront of Thorpe Bay.” Earlier this year, a video by the YouTube channel Turdtowns charting ‘the worst places in Essex’ said it was “grimy and full of strange people.” “Whilst we have a tourist industry like Miami does, which we should support and cherish. As a city we now need to look at our entire city and ensure that it is an economy we are looking at.” 1. Bristol

Cefn Sidan, Wales

Having first opened in 1918 as the Sunken Gardens, just a few rides targeted at children were part of the grand opening.The old town is crawling with history and classy buildings, whose walls have many stories to tell and The Deep is a fascinating aquarium attraction.The arty harbour city was the top spot on the list and is bursting with culture and trendy cafes scattered along the River Avon.He added: “[Southend is] somewhere people flock for glamour, glitz, fun, and entertainment.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

The seaside city can also be reached on a direct train from London Fenchurch Street, with journeys taking 70 minutes. 3. Isles of Scilly

Best staycation locations for 2024

2. Hull
There’s also Southend Pier, which claims to be the world’s longest pleasure pier.
Southend-on-Sea is an hour’s drive from London, and it’s a 35-minute drive from Chelmsford.
In honour of the town’s title, a local business owner spent £36,000 installing a replica Las Vegas sign with the inscription: “Welcome to Fabulous Skeg Vegas, not in Nevada.”
Here, you can expect golden sandy beaches where you will be able to spot dolphins beyond the shoreline, as well as seafront pubs serving up hearty grub.
A bubbling hub for creatives, Bristol is the birthplace of street artist Banksy, and you can admire some of his best early works on a free walking tour.
According to ITV News, Skegness Raceway Stadium said: “We decided to put a smile on everyone’s face and put something back into the community, oh and also light up the sky!”
And here’s another UK seaside resort with golden sands and the “best beach bar in the country”.
The Welsh beach was even given the first Blue Flag in the country, as well as often being named one of the best beaches in Europe.
Both Miami and Southend have brightly-lit facades
Both Miami and Southend have brightly-lit facadesCredit: Alamy
Southend-on-Sea is an hour's drive from London
Southend-on-Sea is an hour’s drive from LondonCredit: Alamy

Leave a Comment