Weston-super-Mare has just been ranked as one of the worst seaside towns in the UK - but has it really "gone to the dogs" or is it a thriving tourist destination.

Which? asked 3,000 people to rate their favourite seaside towns, with Weston coming in at 94th on the list.

The resort was given just a two-star rating for its beach, attractions and scenery and a three-star rating for its accommodation. In a final blow, Weston was given a one star rating by visitors for value for money.

But, it turns out less than two per cent of people surveyed had been to Weston in the past year - so it's unsurprising they didn't rate its scenery.

North Somerset Council spokeswoman Zoe Briffitt said the Which? survey was released just days after the town was ranked the 11st best seaside town in the UK, in 'A Day Out With Kids' survey of 2,000 families.

She added: "We are therefore surprised to find ourselves in the bottom 10 per cent in a Which? survey.

“Weston is a fantastic seaside town that offers nearly 3kms of sandy beach, a variety of attractions and entertainment and an array of cafes and restaurants for all tastes.

“The town has seen over £75m invested into the town centre in recent years, creating a vibrant and diverse town focused around living, learning and lifestyle.”

Here's what we think there is to love about Weston-super-Mare...

Its seaside traditions

Despite some locals claiming Weston has "gone to the dogs" the resort still attracts eight million visitors a year.

Many make the arduous journey down the M5 to sample the delights the town has to offer - including its miles of sandy beaches.

And, despite some people slating Weston, over the past few years the resort has seen something of a renaissance.

Traditional seaside favourites such as the donkeys, Kiss Me Quick hats and candy floss are still very much a part of the experience of a summer holiday.

Its food and drink

Steak at Hadley's in Weston-Super-Mare

Fish and chips, anyone? There's nothing quite like it at the seafront. Papa's fish and chip shop in Waterloo Street has secured legendary status, while Hadley's – which Bristol Live reviewer Mark Taylor described as the "best independent restaurant" in Weston – would also be a strong choice.

New eateries and attractions are continuing to popped up along the prom alongside long-running restaurants like Il Michelangelo, which serves up some of the best Italian food you can get your hands on from its restaurant in Knightstone Road, and Greek restaurant Dimitris Taverna mean you don't need to head to Bristol to get good food.

Major businesses continue to invest in Weston with the regeneration of Dolphin Square with a new eight-screen cinema and leading names such as Nando's moving in.

Its arts and culture

Dismaland at Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare

The resort has even attracted some A-list visitors in recent years - with Bristol street artist Banksy putting the town on the world stage when he used the Tropicana for his Dismaland 'bemusement park'.

The exhibition attracted more than 150,000 visitors over its five-week run and brought an economic boost of an estimated £20million to the local economy.

A list stars including actor Brad Pitt and controversial comedian Russell Brand were among those to make a visit.

And while millions across the globe will probably remember the Tropicana for Dismaland, the seafront attraction's success has continued since Banksy's arrival.

The council has pumped hundreds of thousands on improving the Tropicana to make it into what is now a favoured and thriving entertainment venue in the resort.

Last year it was used to house the UK's biggest outdoor ice rink and a theme park in the summer.

The Bay Cafe has opened along with The Reaper Bar. The one time lido has seen a packed programme of music and theatre - including ballet

It has also welcomed some big names in the music industry, including 10cc and Sophie Ellis Bextor and Craig Charles.

An blossoming town centre

Weston has seen a staggering £75m invested in its town centre in recent years - and further major regeneration is planned.

The seafront has undergone a major overhaul as part of the flood defence improvements and the Italian Gardens have been transformed into a town centre garden and entertainments space.

Its events

Red Arrows at Weston Air Festival 2018

Huge events like Weston Carnival, the air festival and the beach race see thousands of people flock to Weston for (largely free) entertainment.

Tens of thousands each year pack onto the seafront for the annual festival and for years the resort has hosted Europes's biggest illuminated carnival.

This year, the air festival will see a mass balloon ascent from the beach for the first time, as well as displays from the Red Arrows.

Leading business people in the town have also been quick to come forward and defend Weston for all it has to offer.

Michelle Michael, co-owner of Weston’s Grand Pier, described the Which? survey as "disappointing".

'A lot of the negativity may be historical'

Mrs Michael said: “Our own visitors on the pier, following a £39million investment in its rebuild, dwell longer and spend more than they did prior to the fire and continue to come to Weston from at least a 90 minute drive time to enjoy the seaside.

The Grand Pier in Weston-Super-Mare

“As well as our investment, the town has had more than £30million invested in a new promenade and sea defences with beautiful granite benches and artwork and a £9million refit of Princess Royal Square, which has a fountain and more seating for public enjoyment.

“Private investment has continued in our vicinity, with Bistro Pierre and Brunello Lounge being two of the new eateries, a second Japanese restaurant Sakora opening as well as five branded restaurants and a brand new state of the art eight-screen Cineworld opposite the pier.

“There is a part of me that believes that a lot of the negativity may be historical and if you haven’t visited us in the last at least five years, all you are remembering is what was there before."