The once-charming UK seaside spot that's in a 'run-down' sorry state

Viking Bay in Broadstairs, Kent, once celebrated as a charming seaside spot, has come under fire from visitors for its 'brown water' and 'run-down' state. A TripAdvisor user expressed their disappointment: "Horrid graffiti. Run down beach chalets with rusty metal doors. Squalid concrete buildings. Beach covered in sea weed. Brown sea water."

They continued, voicing concerns about the water quality: "Dunno if that's what the sea is like around here or if there has been a massive sewage overflow, but my family did not go into the water."

The user also criticised the town itself: "Like most of Broadstairs, a bit of a dump. Only visit if you want to go to an overpriced restaurant." Another visitor described Viking Bay as "has to be the worst beach" they've seen in the UK, lamenting the "mounds of seaweed" that spoiled their visit.

They suggested: "These days you have to have a nostalgic love of the area to return as for most people one visit would be enough," reports the Express.

They also proposed that fees from TV adverts and films shot at Viking Bay could be used to restore the beach: "You see a lot of TV adverts and films using Viking Bay - perhaps some of the fees they pay for this could be reinvested directly into the beach area to bring it back to its former glory."

A spokesperson for Thanet District Council previously told the Express: "Thanet has 19 miles of beautiful coastline and the council along with its partners works hard all year round to try and keep it in the best condition possible. Thanet has six Blue Flag beaches. Blue Flags are the gold standard for cleanliness, bathing water quality, beach facilities and safety. Viking Bay in Broadstairs has a Seaside Award. These beaches are awarded good and excellent bathing water quality by the Environment Agency (EA)."

While Broadstairs has at times received mixed reviews from visitors, the coastal town has garnered considerable acclaim as well, even earning the nickname the "Jewel of Thanet".

With seven beaches to select from, it's a veritable holiday haven. Morelli's Ice Cream shop has been scooping sweetness on the seafront since the 1930s.

Plus, there's an abundance of pubs and cafes to enjoy – including The Charles Dickens pub, which offers striking coastal views from its two-storey building. In response to the varied opinions, one local resident affirmed told The Sun that Broadstairs is undeniably "beautiful" and praised its "lovely" beach walks, noting "It's a bit of a cliche round here but it is true, it does feel like you've stepped back in time."