The beach is very popular with residents and visitors alike, it is shingle in nature with sandy stretches at mid and low tide. The existence of its pier, bandstand, promenade and famed floral carpet gardens is the most obvious manifestation of its resort heritage. Unarguably a member of the premier league of British seaside resorts, having received the Industry Awards 2005 &2001 winners certificate for the 'Best UK Resort' voted 'Most Group-Friendly UK Destination' at the Group Travel Awards 2003, 2002 &2001 and awarded the Silver Quality Award in the coveted Britain in Bloom trophy for 2003.