French bulldogs, Crocs—even babies at times. However questionable their looks, some things are impossible not to love.
The same could be said of several towns and cities across the UK: they may be unattractive at first glance, yet packed with character, history and attractions. In fact, some of the country’s least beautiful destinations continue to draw tourists in huge numbers.
From heavily bomb-damaged Coventry to faded seaside resorts crying out for investment, Britain is filled with places that appear grey and uninspiring on the surface but prove surprisingly enjoyable once you explore them.
Often dismissed by locals and overlooked by other British travellers, these are some of the UK’s ugliest towns and cities that tourists still genuinely enjoy visiting.
Coventry
Much of Coventry city centre was reconstructed in the years following the Second World War
Yet the city also has striking sights, including the ruins of Coventry Cathedral
Coventry suffered extensive damage during the Second World War and was left in urgent need of rebuilding. Its revival came relatively quickly, although much of the reconstruction was carried out in the unmistakable style of post-war concrete architecture.
It is little wonder that Coventry was named among the UK’s worst places to live in a study published last year. According to CoventryLive, the city ranked 255th out of 284 local authority areas.
Visitors, however, appear far more interested in what Coventry has to offer beyond its concrete exterior.
The city’s visitor economy topped £1billion for the first time, with figures showing that 12.6 million people visited Coventry in 2025.
Visitor numbers rose by 6.5 per cent year on year, while the contribution made to the local economy increased by 9.3 per cent.
So what is there to see and do?
The ruins of the Old Cathedral are the city’s standout attraction. Nearby, the Sir Basil Spence-designed New Cathedral, which opened in 1962, features 200 stained-glass windows as well as an impressive collection of artworks.
The Coventry Transport Museum is another worthwhile stop, particularly for visitors interested in motoring and engineering.
VERDICT: Unremarkable at first sight, but far more appealing than its reputation suggests.
DAILY MAIL TOURIST RANKING: 7/10
Slough
Slough’s town centre has the familiar appearance of an average British city centre
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What makes somewhere truly worth visiting: its appearance, its history, or the emotions and memories it creates?
Britain’s most frequently mocked town is perhaps best known for its role in the beloved BBC sitcom The Office. Although the programme was not filmed there, its story is set in Slough and centres on the town’s notorious trading estate.
Dreary, grey and full of office blocks, it hardly bears the hallmarks of a great tourist destination. The Berkshire spot was once even named Britain’s ugliest town by the Telegraph.
However, thanks to a £3.5billion town centre overhaul, that could be set to change – and plenty of tourists are already visiting, due to its proximity to Windsor.
Last year, Slough Borough Council achieved accreditation as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership from VisitEngland, connecting it with the national tourist board and UK government and giving local businesses a bigger say and visibility in policy and funding decisions.
Berkshire has been back on the map ever since, and could grow even more.
So where to go? Slough’s new Mega City is an all-weather indoor activity centre where you can find a variety of activities including bowling, laser tag and karaoke rooms, and is popular among visitors.
Otherwise, you might want to head further afield to Windsor itself.
VERDICT: We can’t understand the hype. Exceedingly mediocre. Visit Windsor instead.
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DAILY MAIL TOURIST RANKING: 3/10
Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, has a rather dull high street, but some excellent sights nearby, such as the Cefn Coed Viaduct
Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales was ranked among the ugliest towns in the UK by The Telegraph in 2024 for its industrial appearance and traffic.
But the town is actually situated right next to a number of stunning natural landmarks and settings – and acts as a gateway to the Brecon Beacons.
Cyfarthfa Castle, a Gothic-style castle dating back to the 1800s, is one popular attraction, described as ‘one of Merthyr’s most unique attractions’ by a recent visitor.
Nearby, the Cefn Coed Viaduct, built in the 1860s for the Brecon and Merthyr Railway, is similarly impressive, with a dramatic setting and panoramic views.
Plus, Pen y Fan Horseshoe in Merthyr Tydfil was this year ranked among the top ten winter hikes in the UK.
VERDICT: Worth a visit for location and the famous viaduct alone.
DAILY MAIL TOURIST RANKING: 9/10
Blackpool
The Pleasure Beach amusement park, located in Blackpool, has lured in crowds from across the UK for the past 130 years
The Blackpool Tower, pier and coastline have provided the backdrop for many a British family holiday for generations – but in recent years, the town has gone from dynamic destination to hopelessly gauche.
Blackpool was at its best from the 1870s to the 1950s, when new railway links made it easily accessible – a win for those living in landlocked towns across the UK.
In the 1980s, it had a reputation for a vibrant nightlife – but unfortunately, competition from increasingly easy-to-book Mediterranean holidays became far more appealing than, well, a weekend by the Irish Sea.
Healthy life expectancy in Blackpool sits at around 54.5 years, roughly the same as that of African country Angola – where an estimated three in five live in extreme poverty.
That means not only has the town lost its glossy veneer – it has some pretty deep-rooted issues beneath the surface, too.
Nonetheless, it’s still a favourite among those seeking a return to days gone by. Just recently, Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach was crowned ‘best of the best’ in major theme parks awards.
VERDICT: Fine if you want to be reminded of childhood seaside holidays. Otherwise skip.
DAILY MAIL TOURIST RANKING: 6/10
Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth is a resort town on the east coast of England with a lively pier
Much like Blackpool, the invention of the railways in the 19th century saw an influx of visitors to Great Yarmouth. Nowadays, though, the resort town struggles with deprivation and decline.
The 32nd most income-deprived local authority in England, Great Yarmouth is also plagued by housing pressures, high unemployment, below-average salaries and poor education.
It’s undergoing long-term development, with local councillors aiming to revamp the town for the future.
Still, somehow it’s still luring in visitors.
Great Yarmouth attracts around 7.5 million visitors annually, contributing £700million to the local economy.
VERDICT: Run down, but lively all the same.
DAILY MAIL TOURIST RANKING: 7/10