The 'unsafe' UK seaside town full of empty shops and people 'high on drugs'

The UK has plenty of beautiful that welcome millions of visitors every year - some more hidden and others well known. However, this particular renowned town that boasts a beautiful beach, nightlife and a famed town centre, has been faced with some critisim as some visitors who took a trip there experienced quite the oppositie.

located in Dorset, sees flocks of people head of the coastal resort every year for day trips, , and longer breaks - and it's also a university town home to around 19,000 students. The town which is home to a coastline that stretches for miles and plenty of things to do, including golf courses, museums, theatre shows, pier amusements, and wildlife parks, has been branded "unsafe" by visitors.

Reviewing the town on TripAdvisor, one person who went in March said: "Run down town centre. Lots of closed shops and empty shops. Very unsafe feel about town in day time and especially at night.

"Asked for change by people clearly high on drugs. Groups of drug and drink and generally annoying people shouting at each other and people passing by. Don't go. We will not be returning. Christchurch beautiful though 5 miles away."

Another said: "I have been visiting Bournemouth since a child, my dad was born here, we hadn't been able to visit for 5 years but managed a few days in September to see our family In Wimborne. The terrible change that has happened here was a total shock to us, mainly how unsafe we felt going out for a walk in the evenings."

The which is described as "bustling", seems to be the opposite to some. One person who labelled their visit as "a huge disappointment" said: "The town centre used to have a good variety of shops but many, including M&S and Beales department store are now closed and left derelict."

They added: "It's hardly an inviting place to be: being constantly asked for money, dodging the fast moving bikes and scooters in pedestrianised areas and avoiding the drunks and drug addicts as they stagger by. We will fondly remember the wonderful place Bournemouth used to be, but we certainly won't be ever returning."

Although faced with critcism, Bournemouth's Beach has a 4.6-star rating on TripAdvisor and ranks as the best beach in Britain on the popular review website - and, incredibly, one of the best in the world.

One visitor who recently visited actually praised the area. They said: "Great beach to visit. Loads to do including; aquarium, shops, pier and food venues. Lifeguards available on the beach. Clean and tidy layout, nothing negative that we found. Great facilities close by, would highly recommend."

Cllr Millie Earl, Leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, told : "Each year around 10 million visitors come to see our 15 miles of sandy coastlines, three vibrant town centres, and 1,500 hectares of natural open spaces - and we're committed to ensuring everyone has a positive and safe experience."

She added: "It would be wrong to base a general perception of Bournemouth on an extreme minority of TripAdvisor comments when the overwhelming majority are positive about what we have to offer; and, indeed, TripAdvisor reviews have listed our beach as the 12th best in the world, and the top beach in the UK.

"This is borne out through facts. We have seen a year-on-year reduction in anti-social behaviour and violent crimes - across our three towns - thanks, in part, to excellent joint working between ourselves and the police.

"Rough-sleeping is at its lowest since April 2023 and we've invested £9.2million into homelessness prevention through a range of early interventions.

"We've also committed funding to ensure RNLI lifeguards have returned to our beaches this year - helping people stay safe whilst enjoying our stunning coastline.

"Like all tourist destinations we face challenges but we aren't shying away from this and have staff present on the ground to make sure residents and visitors can continue to enjoy Bournemouth and the rest of our beautiful region."