Visitors to the seaside town of Morecambe,once a bustling gem of the Victorian and Edwardian holiday scene, has been branded a “hellhole” in a damning takedown of the Lancashiretown.

While some hail its natural beauty and charm others paint a grim picture of neglect and decay, urging others to avoid the town altogether.

Morecambe was once a magnet for holidaymakers who arrived in droves via its grand railway station was known for its chic accommodations like the iconic Midland Hotel and its vibrant civic architecture.

However, as the advent of cheap flights and package holidays whisked British tourists away to sunnier climes, seaside resorts like Morecambe have seen their fortunes dwindle.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Victorians and Edwardians certainly appreciated this seaside jewel… Contemporary photographs remind us of its once grand and imposing Civic architecture, mostly now carelessly and thoughtlessly neglected or demolished.”

The visitor went on to describe the town as resembling a “deserted Hollywood film set,” suggesting that Morecambe may have reached a point of no return.

For some, the town’s current state is an outright disappointment.

One reviewer lamented: “Dreadful, dreary, and the only redeeming feature is the view from the seafront.”

Another added: “The town, it’s a hell hole. Avoid.”

Yet, despite the criticism, Morecambe Bay’s natural beauty remains a consistent draw. One visitor praised the stunning views but cautioned against venturing too far inland: “Morecambe Bay is stunning. Don’t turn around as the town is utterly disgraceful.”

Others, however, were more optimistic, with one reviewer calling it a “lovely family day out” and applauding the array of activities on offer.

Amid the polarized reviews, Lancaster City Council has stepped in to defend the town’s reputation.

Councillor Catherine Potter, who oversees leisure and tourism, said there’s more to the appeal of Morecambe.

She said: “Anyone who lives in Morecambe knows how special the resort is, as do the tens of thousands of visitors that we welcome every single year, many of whom speak positively about their visit.”

Morecambe’s fortunes may be on the cusp of transformation as the town prepares for a substantial boost with the arrival of Eden Project Morecambe.

The ambitious initiative, inspired by Cornwall’s globally renowned Eden Project, is set to reimagine the historic seaside resort as a vibrant 21st-century destination while fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.

The UK Government has pledged a £50 million investment toward the £100 million project, which is anticipated to create a wave of new job opportunities and invigorate the local economy.

A statement on the project’s website said: “Eden Project Morecambe, a major new attraction, re-imagines Morecambe as a seaside resort for the 21st Century, inspiring wonder and a connection with the natural world drawing on the Eden Project’s focus on education, ecology, and community.”