Weston-Super-Mare! The UK's Dying Town 🇬🇧

Back in the day Western-Super-Mare was the hotspot for tourism in the UK, people from all around the country would come here for a weekend trip or a long holiday. However in recent years Weston has been on a steep decline! Half the town is boarded up and locals are leaving for a new life elsewhere.
I came here with ‪@JoefishJ‬ who showed me the reality of people here living in Weston-Super-Mare and to see why this once great holiday town has been completely forgotten about. Go check out Joe's channel to see his video on this as well, link below.
/ @joefishj
Thank you to ‪@_the_wessex_nomad_‬ as well for the chat and sharing your story on Western. Check out his channel
Instagram - / backpacker.ben
Contact me 📧 - [e-mail]

[@bernierose719]

The life we grew up in no longer exists

[@maurikid23]

by design

[@marcellogenesi6390]

I was in Weston Super Mare in 1960, a lot of people from Bristol used to descend, in the summer, on week end fights between mod an rockers were not unknown. I was working at the Webington country club about 6 miles away, the old pier was already a ghost that once was, as the boats trips stopped. I used to frequent a small cafe run by a Greek and a coffee bar named the four roses, which if you ask for a coffee they made it by using Nescafe in an espresso machine, the result of which, was not what to expect, There was the Goumont cinema were you could watch two movies for the price of one ticket. there was a big hotel the Atlantic. Yes it was still a place worth visiting, and drug was not yet a problem.

[@connect4glyn]

And we all say " THANK GOD WE'RE OLD " !

[@gregkareem9824]

All done by design from the elites depopulation agenda

[@Del213]

Fancy that!

[@JoefishJ]

HUGE THANKS TO YOU ALL regarding the video, had a blast filming with Ben! A top guy, looking forward to the next adventure! Thanks again to Ben & his viewers!

[@BackpackerBen]

Legend!

[@JoefishJ]

@@BackpackerBen been overwhelmed by the positivity and support from your viewers! Amazing, thanks again, see you soon amigo!

[@monicanath4859]

It was lovely meeting you! I must look up your channel!

[@martinmullen71]

Britain has become a dump !! How sad !!

[@sergioalmasy8722]

I wonder what became of the donkeys that children could ride on Weston beach.

[@nathanmerritt1581]

I swear we becoming a third world country in slow motion.

[@MattyEngland]

All by design. The polictians of the past 60 years haven't just mismanaged the country, they've actively sought to destroy it. Nothing will change until people realise this. All of the political parties are run by the same people behind the scenes, and none of them have our (native UK citizens) interests at heart.

[@jamesdean1148]

we import drugs and people from the 3rd world hey presto we get a 3rd world britain

[@garymangan2761]

By design

[@aryx8616]

15 years of tories that's why

[@MattyEngland]

@@aryx8616 Maybe you're too young to remember, but things were equally as bad under 15 years of Labour. They are all the same people behind the scenes, people like you need to realise that before we can sort this country out. We need people in charge who have actually lived in the real world, not 3 parties of posh, political puppets. If you think SIR Keir Starmer, (friend of Jimmy Savile and the Rochdale grooming gangs) is going to make anything better for normal people, you're out of your mind.

[@JackkTheClipper]

The dragon pub was a Wetherspoons and when a Wetherspoons closes down, you know your town is in trouble

[@BackpackerBen]

🫠

[@Jake-p5z]

Look up gangstalking! Many people actually take part in this here !

[@glyno77]

​@user-zz2yl3hb6b you are paranoid and need medical attention.

[@glyno77]

Actually wetherspoons took over cabot court hotel so??????

[@K200-m7h]

@@glyno77both were Wetherspoons

[@spitfire451]

I'm an RAF veteran, served over 20 years, and was sadly discharged due to an injury which I collected whilst serving overseas.... The man who said he done 5 years in thr Army. I really do feel sorry for him and his predicament. But, it counts for absolutely nothing. Nobody gives a toss. Get yourself back on the straight and narrow. Good luck..... Don't let them grind you down.......

[@Syd-r2c]

Look up gangstalking! its been going on here since 2017 !!!

[@ghosthdel3098]

Why were you overseas? was your job not protecting the Great Britainds island not looting other's country's wealth? Its called Karma

[@Nightfire1]

Were you based at raf locking? I lived there for a while 13 years ago. Big redevelopment there now.

[@johnsharman76142]

Respect, i was in WS in 2012 it was buzzing?!?

[@Syd-r2c]

​@@Nightfire1look up gangstalking! It goes on here!!!!

[@PaulinAsia_]

Crazy. There is a housing shortage and you have all these place rotting. There should be legislation that orders owners of derelict properties to sell, renovate or rebuild those properties within a certain timeframe. The owners should sell them to the government for public housing. What is the government doing? Where is the investment?

[@nathanferris2559]

Weston has huge housing projects all across the town and is growing in population massively. The town centre is a bit worn out but the town is more vibrant and isn’t dying!

[@garyfreeman896]

It's not as simple as that with properties and locations like WSM. Even if you move people into the properties there is nothing to sustain them. Without employment, shops, health centres etc you just create a government funded slum. Would you want to go on your holiday to a seafront full of homeless people? The fact of the matter is people don't want to holiday in the UK as much when Europe is affordable for lots of people and offers so much.

[@garyfreeman896]

​@@nathanferris2559It certainly looks like it.

[@brianherbert4485]

Iv been saying that for a long time

[@petermonaghan6749]

It's the same in Scotland we have a housing shortage but we have miles upon miles of unused land.

[@AJ_UK_LIVE]

Weston-Super-Mud :) This was my holiday destination as a kid. Good times.

[@AndriyValdensius-wi8gw]

The buildings though obviously neglected and boarded up, are actually very beautiful. It's a great shame.

[@dresterGTAIVplayer]

That's what i said, weston-super-mud :) all the kids would call it that

[@melgrant7404]

Tides out as usual.

[@fergusnn8066]

I always called it Weston super mutant

[@Syd-r2c]

​@@melgrant7404gangstalking

[@scoobydooz6575]

All the victorian seaside throughout the UK are dying. back in history we had factories and manufacturing, The factories would arrange coach trips, and weekend aways to these seaside towns and they were thriving, also factories would have the two week shut down, and people would flock to the seaside, in coaches, trains and some in cars, the decline started in the late 60's, 70's 80's when flights were getting cheaper to go to Spain. Today even those avid British seaside holiday makers avoid these towns and stat in the villages surrounding them. Such a shame to see our Victorian heritage falling into decay

[@Jake-p5z]

Look up gangstalking! Many people are actually doing this !

[@Syd-r2c]

Gangstalking

[@jjk9374]

I lived in Weston for a year, having spent 3 months in rehab for drug addiction there. Part of the problem is that people from outside the area go to rehab there, relapse, and because they have no ties to the area the local authorities have no obligation to house them should they become homeless. Hence the large homeless population and drug problem. There was also a wave of local migration related to the decline of farming - basically poor people from rural areas moved into the town and have struggled to find employment etc for a few generations now. In the summer Weston has beautiful sunsets, and it’s small enough to have a good sense of community. But in the winter it is pretty grim.. Hopefully things pick up for the place one day..

[@garypointing5825]

Local immigration...my back side...lots of brummies. Who holidayed there as kids and moved there when their life goes tits up. They don't show the actual grand pier...which is thriving

[@SuperTomtom1995]

I'd like to think that the huge construction project at Hinkley Point C will bring some wealth to Somerset. Hopefully a lot of the workers at the plant will holiday in Weston. I know -- at least -- it's brought in some development and wealth to the villages closer to Hinkley.

[@SilverfoxJB]

@@SuperTomtom1995 Lol, No one from Hinkley Point will holiday in Weston, they have Devon on their doorstep.

[@djhaynes99]

@@SilverfoxJBThat's true plus they earn so much they can afford to go abroad.

[@harrymottram2223]

Good insight .

[@daveshongkongchinachannel]

I haven't been back to the UK for about 20 years and that was only a brief visit. I find it shocking how bad things have become and I guess if you live there all the time you don't notice the decay creeping up on you so much. I spent many weeks during my childhood in Weston going back from the late 70s to mid 80s and although it was already passed its heyday, it was a pleasant town with nice, friendly locals and I have some fond memories from that time. Truly shameful that so many parts of the UK have been allowed to deteriorate to such an extent.

[@SilverfoxJB]

Same, I grew up in Weston, been out of the UK since 2008. Every time I visit the country, it's slipped a little bit further into the shit.

[@kashd4668]

In the 70's we used to have school trips to here - it was great then! I feel sad and upset how some of these seaside towns have deteriorated - including Blackpool! 😢😢

[@Syd-r2c]

Gangstalking goes on here!

[@SilverfoxJB]

@@Syd-r2c What does that even mean?

[@Syd-r2c]

@@SilverfoxJB look it up

[@JoefishJ]

Absolute pleasure mate, see you on the next adventure!

[@BackpackerBen]

Thanks again mate for showing me round!

[@seananon4893]

Dude, you are in the perfect area to bring the great replacement more into the light, dont waste your opportunity, thanks for showing us around.

[@vodkadave69]

Thx for showing us around Weston-right-mare,enjoyed the content. I used to go there as a kid but it’s unrecognisable now 🤢 Good colab with Joe,he’s good in front of the camera, I will be checking the channel out 😎

[@TTWGD3]

@@seananon4893see, Ben is intentionally appealing to stupid right wing Tories or Reform party

[@seananon4893]

What is a Torie and who are the Reform party? @@TTWGD3

[@_the_wessex_nomad_]

Was good to meet you, Ben! You've made a very eye-opening video of this once very thriving sea side town.

[@BackpackerBen]

Thanks for meeting mate and the chat 🤝

[@MatthewCounsell]

I left weston 15 years ago and didn't regret it, I regularly go back to see my daughter and have slowly watched it fall apart, I also I know Joe from back in the day so I agree with him the nightlife used to be amazing

[@jocknomore]

Is Weston-super-Mare a nice place to live? Weston-super-Mare was recently named among the best seaside towns to buy a property and has also been placed in the list of the UK's 10 most welcoming towns.Sep 13, 2021

[@StonyRC]

People homeless, living on the street while there are properties sitting vacant. It's not right.

[@russking7775]

I live on the outskirts of Weston-super-Mare. Plenty of opportunity and development all the way in from the motorway to the train station. Just seams to be a split of 2 towns. The sea front should be the thriving area but years of mismanagement and underdevelopment. The Tropicana is a classic example until Banksy did Dismaland and now its being used a lot more and got a multi million developement plan. The 2 piers owned by the Michaels family is the main bulk keeping the sea front going.

[@Syd-r2c]

Look up gangstalking! It goes on here

[@ceecee1876]

Good to see the other side of UK Ben! Good job mate!

[@BackpackerBen]

Cheers for watching!

[@colinblackshaw971]

Wow, remember being there with parents around 1982, it was lovely, so sad

[@lucaschapman2188]

Last time I went was 1983. Me and me family were staying in a Pontins not far away. Great memories. So sad to see it now.

[@Jake-p5z]

Gangstalking goes on here! Shocking

[@MadDogAdventures]

I loved the 2 Afghanis and the Bangladeshi who were so positive. They know what it's like to have a truly hard life. We are so spoiled in the West.

[@jimbotron70]

Of course they are positive, they know they will live on welfare checks for life 😊

[@bcccl569]

they're literally from failed states so anything is an upgrade.

[@MadDogAdventures]

@@bcccl569 And why did you feel the need to repeat what I said in such a negative way. Have you ever been out of England?

[@bcccl569]

@@MadDogAdventures yes i live in chile. not being negative just realistic

[@bcccl569]

@@MadDogAdventures yeah super friendly as well

[@caineashford4148]

Wow I lived here through my teenage years, 70s & 80s & loved it, loads of great memories. This video makes my soul cry, Plus makes me realise my move to Australia was so right! How Sad.

[@BackpackerBen]

☹️

[@Syd-r2c]

Gangstalking goes on here!

[@benchmarked7771]

@@Syd-r2c shut up

[@BristolMatt]

I'm just up the road in Bristol. As a kid we used to go Weston for the brilliant Tropicana. It was unbelievable and magical. Memories of my late Grandad, the best. Only can be topped by the time Tim Westwood was DJing in Weston back 20 years ago. I told him I was a big fan and he put his hand on my shoulder and said "I really appreciate the support man". 😂 Shame about the rumours now of course.😮😂

[@Jim-qm9xf]

Colston 😊

[@HomeSickAlienJayman]

Well done Ben for showing this, its an important documentation of our times, real and raw style.

[@KevPage-Witkicker]

Kinda untrue though... Weston is nowhere near as rough as he portrays

[@Jake-p5z]

Look up gangstalking!

[@MrDavidc]

I was in Weston, just over a year ago, in the Summer and it was OK, Pretty crowded, a good place for fish and chips opposite the pier and had a good walk round the pier and had a coffee, looking back towards the town, Then a walk round the town, while my wife spent hours in the charity shops. Winter is the worst time of year, pretty much anywhere on the coast in UK. I once spent 2 months of winter in St Ives and even that was depressing, 40 years ago. Maybe we should have our holidays in UK, instead of Benidorm, or Riviera etc, but it could be too late, as there's so many repairs needed.

[@KKTR3]

The worst fish and chips of my hole life came from WSM Even the pigeons would not eat them

[@ol1ver89]

Yeah I went on the summer for the day lasted a few hours max , I’m the summer it was still the worse place I been , WSM used o be good it’s now a lost place

[@SilverfoxJB]

Lol, There speaks a man who doesn't like decent fish and chips. There are actually a few decent places for F&C in the area, NONE of them are on or near the front.

[@KKTR3]

@@SilverfoxJB the 60s shopping precinct is where they came from . The ones in the front were Italian and yellowish

[@SilverfoxJB]

@@KKTR3 Greek, not Italian. Weston is basically owned by Greek Cypriots

[@System_Sega]

Your misleading people about the Cinema, making out it the only cinema in Western, when there's a far newer and nicer Cinema 5 minutes from where your stood.

[@Bluediamond200]

I lived there for 10 months+ in 1972, worked in a hotel on the sea front as temp reception then worked in a bingo hall , left to go hop picking, then went back home to Nottingham, I loved my short stay in Weston S Mare at the time.

[@SilverfoxJB]

That was a very different Weston to the one you would find now

[@glyno77]

Mate you walked up and down a couple of alleyways and pointed out a few closed boozers. Weston is an amazing place to live. I moved here 2 years ago from a posh part of London. I've travelled a lot and chose Weston when I could have moved anywhere. No regrets. Love it here. We have a thriving community with the same 1st world problems as everywhere else. ❤WSM

[@glyno77]

Also...... That old cinema has just been taken over from the Odeon and not had time to tart itself up yet. The old pier was privately owned by a person who was holding out for big money and left it to crumble. A compulsory purchase was made on it last year. All that looks bad may have a story. Learn facts before putting things down. All this from a Plymouth dweller. 😂

[@BackpackerBen]

Okay matey 👍

[@lauras245]

He always does this- England is the hell hole of the world apparently but Afganistan and Iraq the aspiration. Unless you're a woman, gay or atheist of course.

[@MattyEngland]

London is an even bigger crime-ridden shithole, so hardly a great comparison. Plus the fact that local people are sick and tired of rich londoners pricing them out of the housing market. You lot (posh rich kids) fucked up London with your Liberal BS, stay there and reap the rewards.

[@georgemulford2910]

@@BackpackerBenPlymouth x Weeston beef going down

[@hersonpuman3316]

He was right, 'disclosure'...... More people need to be made aware how people are being left homeless when there are loads of properties boarded up.....

[@oscaburns]

If they can put foreigners up in hotels, they can do the same for homeless Britons.

[@drumstick74]

Thanks for sharing this! I'm not from UK, so I was actually a bit shocked to see such decay. Seems like the local authorities have just given up? How about fixing those roads and buildings, perhaps renovate some flats for the homeless people you met...? Just a thought.

[@tomwilson5108]

It's the government.

[@vg9910]

​@@tomwilson5108 yeah

[@bcccl569]

no economy means no money to fix anything. it's a vicious circle.

[@nikkijayne4451]

​@@bcccl569 plenty of money for immigrants. Forgien aid and war tho.

[@harveybrant3352]

Local authorities are being defunded by central government. Partly this is due to the dire economic situation and partly due to political ideology. Local authorities try and make up the shortfall by increasing business rates, and the result is that shops, pubs and restaurants become unprofitable and close. The blame lies with the economic dogma of the last 45 years. The bad news is that most other Western countries adopted the same economic ideology too, so if it's not yet happening in the country where you live, chances are it soon will be.

[@pertuk]

have you had "Turkish" barbers, fried chicken eateries and phone shops spring up all over the place yet?

[@Lucy0809]

Of course 😡

[@PhillipGregoryMusic]

always demanding cash payments so they can launder it haha

[@Jake-p5z]

Gangstalking goes on here!! Evil

[@neondemon2509]

What?

[@riazhus2157]

Ooooh I smell a foul racist

[@fatmanfaffing4116]

I was a boy there in 1964-67. Lost a new pair of school shoes in the mud and nearly got flogged to death bymy mum. Dad was at RAF Locking and we thought we were so lucky living in a seaside town. It is tragic to see what Weston is like today.

[@Syd-r2c]

Look up gangstalking!

[@rumik-stahnke6512]

I'm shocked honestly man....😶Such a beautiful place 🤗but everything is closed and the people living in the street 🤐such a shame mate 😥Thanks for sharing and stay strong bro 😁👍

[@BackpackerBen]

Yep!! Thanks for watching mate

[@rumik-stahnke6512]

@@BackpackerBen 👍

[@akabill79]

Looks like Clifton Beach in Pakistan ..without the scammers..The UK has literally self imploded itself through immigration and bad political choices Brits just want to get out and move to Spain or Portugal ..love your vids Ben

[@JamesSmith-ny2gb]

Immigration has nothing to do with this.

[@grassytramtracks]

96.5% of Weston Super Mare is white, try again

[@akabill79]

@@JamesSmith-ny2gb 🤮 so the housing crisis the illegall immigrants have nothing to do with destruction of the UK? Step back and think about the great white migration out of these once beautiful seaside towns and how Europe has destroyed itself

[@bondmood]

​@@JamesSmith-ny2gbYes, it does. In part.

[@Teerifficgolf]

Immigration isn’t the issue, economies need immigration to grow. The problem is the people in suits telling you it’s the fault of immigrants

[@camelia9802]

Interesting architecture in the town. Good video. Thanks for upload 👍

[@bobbymozza]

The lockdowns and cost of living has finished lots of pubs.

[@paddyanglais91]

*towns

[@Jake-p5z]

Look up gangstalking! Then you'll understand...

[@CarlBland-tn1jo]

A Brexit but voters got there karma for that

[@barrywhite5899]

I live in North Somerset and Weston was a place we would visit multiple times as kids over the summer holidays. It would be heaving , nowhere to park, all the hotels had entertainment in the evenings and there would be people on the sea front selling tickets. In the 90s and 2000s there would be huge parties on the beach. I remember seeing Carl Cox DJ in front of 10000s of people. The Tropicana would host parties suck as Karanga and other club nights. Such a shame but this is the UK all over now. Not really sure when it all started, or I’m just looking back with rose tinted glasses but the late 90s were fantastic. As I enter my mid 40s I’m happy that I’m now in the second half of my life. It’s got to a point of no return now for the UK, you could throw money at these towns and refresh them but still no one will come. I’ll also add that some people have no pride in their surroundings. My parents would not dream of leaving their home in distress or throwing rubbish at the bottom of their streets. Why do many people do this now?

[@Jake-p5z]

Look up gangstalking!

[@adubzadventures8246]

I went there 20 years ago. Was a dump then. Can't believe how bad it is now. Shocking how the council and government let places go like this. I'm embarrassed to be British.

[@wimschmied3800]

At least you're not speaking German. Lol.

[@hundredpoundphotography]

That is so depressing. Used to have lovely summer holidays there back in the 90’s

[@Jake-p5z]

Gangstalking goes on here now!

[@the_trooper_72]

Personally, I love Weston,. I'm from the west midlands, me and my family stay in Brean and I cycle to Weston every day, up by that old rotting Pier (Birnbeck Pier) in the summer it's awesome!! 😎👌🏻

[@Reesycle]

I've never really understood why so many brummies love Weston & Brean. The place is full of them in the Summer. I get that Birmingham is landlocked and Weston is probably one of the closest seaside destinations to you but if you just drove for another hour south you'd find really nice seaside towns where the sea is blue not brown (that's if you can see it). The place is cheesy, tacky & full of undesirables. I live in Bristol & worked in Weston for over 10 years. The best part of Weston is the road out of it.

[@the_trooper_72]

@@Reesycle first of all, I ain't from Birmingham, I'm from a place just outside of Wolverhampton called the 'Black Country',. I love brean because it's an affordable holiday, I chose to cycle to Weston but I don't holiday in Weston, there's a difference.. And yes, like many places, it is a shithole in comparison but there's also other sides of it which ain't and I guess I haven't seen to many bad things to put me off...

[@Reesycle]

My apologies for assuming you were from Birmingham. I should have said West Midlands. I get that places like Brean offer an affordable holiday but I've been to Brean, and there are genuinely much nicer places to holiday a little further down the coast. They may be a little more expensive but they are a lot nicer. But, if you enjoy the place, then good for you.

[@the_trooper_72]

@@Reesycle no apologies needed mate..! me missus dad has a caravan in Brean, we look forward to going each year,. We have been to other places but we love it there.. I love walking up Brean down and the walk to Weston is brilliant.. 👍🏻😎

[@Jake-p5z]

Gangstalking!

[@jraglan]

Watched "Remains of the day" recently. Weston-super-Mare featuring in some iconic cinematic moments. The tired "nightmare" label is on the back of all the drug rehabs, crappy high st and bedsit land. But the woods, old pier, and much of the hillside area are gems. A place I enjoy visiting, just need to know where to go...... and avoid.

[@ged999]

The pier in question hasn't been used for over 50 years. It hasn't been demolished as it is a listed building

[@garypointing5825]

Not the main pier, but burbeck pier which North Somerset council are spending millions on to refurbish

[@jkutv]

There's actually quite of lot of western is fine. I've been there loads. You've really focused on the crap bits though!!

[@Syd-r2c]

Look up gangstalking!

[@jkutv]

@@Syd-r2c gangstalking? What?

[@jkutv]

@@Syd-r2c no

[@Jake-p5z]

Apart from the sick gangstalkers an petty ppl online

[@paulrhodesquinn]

There’s a lot of them to be fair!

[@davestarkie9977]

This is an example that can be found all over the country and not just the old seaside resorts. Years of funding cuts, rich getting huge bonuses while the lesser paid staff suffer salary freezes, lack of support and a general lack of community creates the perfect storm. Doesn't matter if its blue or red in charge i don't see how towns like this can recover without a massive power shift.

[@Jake-p5z]

Look up gangstalking! Then you'll understand!!..

[@vodkaphix]

Power shift back to the people! People are the solution.

[@Gary85Paul]

Mid winter isn't the best time to go to a seaside town. Parts of the seafront and town centre aren't great. But there's plenty of good stuff too. The issue with Weston is, as is often the case, some of the people. There are lots of lovely places on the periphery though. The pier was Birnbeck. The pool is Marine Lake. It's always closing and the council has wasted so much money on mismanaging it. The cinema is the old Odeon. Odeon closed it and a company that specialises in rescuing old cinemas recently bought it. It's mid refurb. It has a very rare organ inside - one of only two working examples in the country. A drive round the Bournville estate will never be good! 😂

[@1mazforall]

Ben it's time for a brainstorming session. People getting together can make the difference. Get a public transport system going. Get the landlords to rent or lease the spaces. Get the common amenities going. Use the available space for affordable housing. Get small businesses going by giving owners the necessary subsidies, etc. It's all about planning isn't it. What about ferries and boats bringing in people etc. The list is endless. Thank you Ben. Watching your videos from Toronto. Travel safe and sincere wishes to you and everyone and may success find you all. 🇨🇦❤️❤️❤️👍👍🥰🎉🎉🎉

[@7ofthem]

Nobody cares enough

[@Harassed247]

No money left to spend!

[@Paul_Lucas]

I was last in Weston about 7 years ago and I am shocked at this video. Honestly, so depressing. What an embarrassment we are.

[@russking7775]

I live in Weston and hes only pointed out the bad, the old odeon has been bought out and being developed, the old Prezzo is between a new cineworld, nandos and bowling alley. The sweet shop is between open cafes and shops where there has been a lot of development. The pier is open all day so shows how early in the morning in winter he filmed. From a local who's watched a lot of your videos, sorry you had to see this

[@lexyoutube5146]

To be fair every town has it's pros and cons. The rebuilt main pier is considered one of, if not the best in the country with the new rides/activities. Weston has nice parks with live music/acts for free when the weather is good! £4m was spent on a new bus terminal/infrastructure, easy access to visit Bristol, with the town having good transport links with both coach and train stations quite central to the town. It has 3 x theatre's, modern bowling alleys, escape rooms, gyms, lazer tag etc. Conventions including lego and a free access museum. Weston Marine Lake had money spent on it during the last 12-months, dredging, beach extended etc. The seafront promenade must be one of the best in the country after the redevelopment over recent years, slabs/ block paves stretching for much of the 2-mile sea front and is very popular with walkers, skaters, cyclists, electric scooters and runners etc. The town high street is ok, new shops do open even if old shops close, but of course improvements can always be made in one place or another. Birnbeck Pier has needed redeveloping for decades and the good news is finally £6m of funding has been granted to improve that area of Weston, along with the Sovereign shopping centre among others things. Weston of course has a football team and rugby club. The Tropicana has had a variety of uses over recent years with the 'See Monster' art exhibition making the national news in 2022. The Plaza Cinema (previously owned by The Odeon) change hands recently with Merlin Cinema's purchasing it and a huge improvements program to the building is already underway. The local retail parks are good and include, The Range, Halfords, Dunelm, B&Q, Costa, TK Maxx, Wickes, M&S food hall, Sports Direct, Clarks, Argos etc. The Weston carnival in November is hugely popular (view footage for this year on KZbin) and events like Weston Beach race are also hugely popular (again view footage for this year on KZbin). Any areas boarded up should be improved and put into good use again as Weston deserves better than being left like that. 👍 (The building behind the man you interview at 9.36 is currently under offer for £375,000, so hopefully a new owner with new ideas and plans to improve it.)

[@SuperTomtom1995]

Ah good, this is what I was hoping for. I knew Weston had been falling on hard times for a while now, but with regional developments like Hinkley Point bringing in employment, it hopefully has a ripple effect out, and that tax income can fund things like tidying up Weston.

[@niallwalsh6598]

I'm from Ireland and I've been to weston quite a few times. I like weston, i think there's lots of nice places here, including the beautiful, very long promenade.

[@Syd-r2c]

Look up gangstalking!! Many people take part in it here !!!

[@Syd-r2c]

Look up gangstalking ! it goes on here!

[@julesarthur4362]

It’s the rehab capital of Europe. I went there for it and swiftly moved to Bristol on completion.

[@Syd-r2c]

Look up gangstalking it goes on big time here !

[@TheMuddatrucker]

Isn’t this the place where they raced bikes on the beach? I remember watching vhs tapes of the races back in the 80’s - Dreaming about going to western super mare, never did make it tho 😢

[@jennyoshea1958]

Two men look through prison bars, one see the mud, and one see the stars. These guys see the mud everywhere they go.and maybe instead of running down the UK, they should leave it. I love it here and feel heartened that the immigrants appreciate my country and sees the beauty within ir.

[@Haydendriffill]

It’s annoying how people say there’s no where to build new houses and you have thousands of abandoned buildings

[@KardosoMedia]

Looks like Weston-Super-Mare needs a superhero to come save the day! Stay strong, Weston, we believe in you!

[@BackpackerBen]

Certainly do

[@Harassed247]

It certainly does need a super hero, problem is the council are the villains.

[@vodkaphix]

The 'SUPERHERO' Will be the people.

[@mattus1gig]

Yes the homeless do need help but when we have thousands of immigrants rocking up on dinghies day in day out, people like the ex soldier don’t stand a chance!

[@mrjones9915]

Totally agree - as do the silent majority in this country.

[@Ben-bb8mo]

That's bullshit. He is a drinker. That's how he became homeless.

[@mattus1gig]

@@Ben-bb8mo 1 guy! Is he the only Brit that’s homeless? Phew that’s ok then, keep letting anyone from around the come on in because Ben says there is only 1 homeless guy in the UK!

[@Ben-bb8mo]

@@mattus1gig letting immigrants in has no connection to homeless people. You are making that up. I never said there is only one homeless guy in the UK. Again you are making it up. Btw you were the one picking him as an example.

[@giraffesinc.2193]

You Brits need to get tough on immigration, just as America needs to do! It's insane!

[@nortonsub1]

I look at a lot of your videos and understand that you are aiming towards the worse aspects of an area, I moved to WSM 6 years and love it here, yes you are right about some of the closed shops and old Hotels etc, but I felt to help your narrative to didn't actually show the beach which is wide and sandy and the main pier which is a state of the art all year around facility. For a dying Town we have 4 main Theatres and over 200 eating places. The old pier you featured was privately owned and fell into disrepair, but the Council and the RNLI have purchased it and millions will now be spent bringing it back to life(they have just issued the contract to repair the building landside). The marine lake which your buddy mentioned was closed this month for silting works (and nothing to do with ecoli) it has been open all year for swimming and paddle boarding etc and is a real joy to those who use it and look after it. Your buddy also mentioned all the rehab, that is as out of date as his last visit to the Town 15 years ago. The TJ Hughes store featured in your video was brought by a developer who having got planning consent recently from the Council for a mix development is now trying to sell it on, hopefully soon! Yes the old Odeon Cinema is a mess, but it has new owners and they are keen to repair and improve it, Opposite were some brand new shopfronts which were paid for through a grant and they are now all occupied, but sadly you didn't turn to camera that way. So I do agree with you that there are parts of the Town that have been neglected, but WSM attracts 4m visitors a year, yes there are struggles and improvement required but it ain't dying. Anyway, love your videos.

[@eily_b]

The pier was closed, he tried to get on

[@giles123100]

Well Said. Totally agree.

[@IronScytheGamers]

as someone who used to live in W-S-M and moved to Ipswich now back to Plymouth... its the same story all over the country.... and they wonder why us Brits are becoming angrier to the point of going against the government, the police and councils. all have failed us on purpose. all we need is people who actually care about it.

[@lauralott2741]

It’s SO sad to see what has happened to Weston. I used to spend some holidays there as a child, 50 years ago!! I don’t understand why the UK government isn’t putting money into all these run down towns?! Why are they taking in massive amounts of migrants when they can’t house their own citizens, aren’t developing British towns, or making sure there is work. It’s madness!!

[@nmbileg]

absolutely love these uk series ! do more of these pls, greetings from your best ever place you've been to, Mongolia 😂

[@Jake-p5z]

Gangstalking!

[@debshipard1664]

All I can say from Australia is Jesus. I will avoid this dump on my trip to trip to the UK. Thanks Ben .

[@MattyEngland]

Stick to the lake district and the smaller towns of Devon and Cornwall, the rest of the UK is a shithole, especially London.

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

Now you know why so many people want to go to Australia

[@aymanla471]

@@alexanderstefanov6474 alot of places look like this in australia especially in victoria

[@user-jz1ht8ry2w]

Don't worry, coming to more Australian suburbs very soon.

[@debshipard1664]

As a P.S I avoid these types of places in Australia too!

[@simonjdouglass]

A couple of years ago we went for a brief holiday to WSM with the kids and loved it. Was in the height of summer and the pier was fantastic

[@philzvids3577]

Quite a biased video. In the street with the Playhouse, you said you wanted to show lots of pubs, but there weren't any. In that road we have the Black Cat micro pub, (you stood outside chatting but didn't even mention it), the Fathead micro brewery with tap room and the Brit Bar. All these venues are excellent and serve some of the best quality beer you will find anywhere. The Dragon pub is indeed closed and was a Wetherspoons pub. However 5 mins walk away is the Cabot which is another Wetherspoons pub / hotel over 3 floors. This is really quite good and has some great beers. The Marine Lake is closed for dredging work, not e-coli. The Plaza cinema has only just opened. Until recently it was the Odeon, but that closed and was boarded up. The Plaza is just getting started, so give it a chance. The people running that are enthusiasts and are doing a great job of restoring everything including the organ. Yes, the roads are full of potholes and there is a homeless problem. But this is true across the country. It isn't because it's a seaside town. Bristol (just up the road) is far worse.

[@Syd-r2c]

Look up gangstalking

[@Alex727Pasco]

Man waterfront properties in the US are super expensive, shocking how these beautiful seaside towns are derelict 😮

[@henrytudor8537]

They are in some seaside towns in the UK.

[@Alex727Pasco]

@@henrytudor8537 I'd love to visit some nice seaside towns if you recommend 😊

[@iainfletcher3066]

@@Alex727PascoSt Andrews in Scotland is lovely. Salcombe, Aldeburgh and padstow in England

[@Alex727Pasco]

@@iainfletcher3066 cheers Iain

[@saurabh2p]

Hey Ben, your videos always show the real side of places. Keep up the good work!

[@BackpackerBen]

Cheers mate!

[@no_soy_rubio]

Think he said 'not even a night' not 'not even a nice' 😂 great video mate. Some of our seaside towns are right dumps these days aren't they. Love how that lad said '19 years' like it was a prison sentence 😂

[@KnightyD4]

You just have to go to the correct places. I live in Weston. It is a nice place if you know where to go

[@G0UDG]

Thanks Ben i remember visiting weston as a 7 year old it was a lovely town we were staying just across the bay in Herne bay im now 61 sad to see how its deteriorated, im not a brit but still sad to see this. Great video by the way just found your channel

[@destrucktor8071]

It’s still lovely to visit - don’t let this video put you off. His goal was to make it look awful and he succeeded.

[@_DREBBEL_]

Dude, England is always just so GRAY.

[@BackpackerBen]

Every damn day

[@_DREBBEL_]

whyyy?? Whats the reason??@@BackpackerBen

[@adamlead]

You get used to it 😂

[@_DREBBEL_]

@@adamlead I guess so brother but I’m curious why. Is it just that the watcher there I always cloudy or is it factory pollution? I assume honestly it isn’t factory because y’all don’t have any 🤣 Oh jk forgive me

[@adamlead]

@@_DREBBEL_ I'm not exactly clued up on weather, but it's the only country in the world where you're not sure whether to take an umbrella out or wear shorts and t shirt, weather can change quickly here 😂

[@monkeyboy7981]

I've popped to Weston many times over the last 40 years. In the first 20 of those years it took a steady decline. Then there was a bit of a rebuild and rejuvenation over the next 10 years. Sadly it looks like things have taken a downward turn again, not helped by COVID. I heard that banksy had some installations over the last few years which gave the town a big financial boost but I'm guessing the councillors have blown that. And as a resident of a seaside town myself I understand the situation with drink, drugs and homelessness and non locals being drawn to the town. Or in Weymouths case dumped on the town by Bournemouth. Very frustrating.

[@mimi64231]

Brexit means brexit! All the best from Poland.

[@popitastic]

Brexit has nothing to do with it@@mimi64231

[@Pawel-rv1ek]

@@mimi64231 Nie rob siary. 👍🏻

[@steamedwhiterice]

This seems to be happening in much of the world. The wealth gap is becoming worse and the ability of average citizens, regardless of nationality etc, to live a 'normal' life is being destroyed. Meanwhile, divisiveness is stoked at every opportunity, keeping the masses at each others throats, while they are slowly bled of the ability to thrive. It is sad to watch and I hope people can somehow come together and realize there is power in unity. Thanks for this video.

[@marcd6897]

you hit the nail on the head. Ultra right wing driven media such Murdoch and other very willing helpers are pushing the people against each others, and pushing the poor people against the even poorer or against immigrants while the super rich keep laughing about this, sipping their drinks away in expensive golf clubs.

[@sibriers5254]

I'm shocked, is there anywhere nice left in the UK 😥 The Government have really let the UK public down, so sad to see. Remember going there in the 80s on a school trip and again in late 90s, was always a good day out...

[@anthonywynne0212]

Shocking that the UK is coming to this! I remember going on holiday in the 80’s to Weston and it was lovely, such a shame !!

[@BackpackerBen]

Brutal

[@SL-fg1cd]

I came to weston 25 years ago. Was vibrant and lively until after the recession in 2008, been going downhill ever since, is a shame, love weston,shame the way its heading.

[@Jake-p5z]

Look up gangstalking!

[@SL-fg1cd]

@user-zz2yl3hb6b I am aware of the term, can you elaborate further?

[@Ben-bb8mo]

I stayed Weston Super Mare in 2010 for two weeks and have a lot of good memories. The town was very run down already. Not completely sure if its even worse now or you mostly showed the bad spots. Although you left out one of the worst streets. ;-) But: the people there were really nice. I enjoyed going to restaurants, pubs and clubs. Had some beers with some legends (one is in the video - still in a similar situation it seems). Oh and I was visiting someone in one of the abandoned hotels you showed. I don't know if he legally lived there but it was an absolutely absurd atmosphere. The room looked originally like in a 60s movie. Well mantained, clean but so outdated and without electricity or running water. And btw, back then the Polish immigrants were the ones keeping the town alive. They opened lots of businesses: shops, restaurants, bars, even a club. A lot of them also doing long hour shifts in factories around. And in general very active in society (my friend gave swimming courses for example - sadly died 😢). British people on the other hand were mostly big alcoholics or even drug addicts (some of the polish that failed obviously, too). Still friendly but definitely not helping to run the place.

[@pjg_77]

Being from Birmingham Weston was the nearest sea side, but most folks I know go to Aberystwyth, west wales. I know a lot of people who retired to Breen just around the corner, but that’s a dump to

[@janimize-3066]

Looks lovely and grey mate perfect video of england

[@BackpackerBen]

☠️

[@manisteerocks7092]

great video Ben, thanks for sharing. and thanks to Joe for showing you around. It's a very sad video, but ppl need to know. I can't believe that town has more rehabs than anywhere in the UK. Thats just mind bending. Again, thanks for the content. Where are you off to next?..somewhere more cheerful and exciting i hope?..

[@lizrigby-jones3700]

How very sad, that the homeless are overlooked for personal help and housing. Indigenous before others.

[@JV-ks3eb]

I sold my Sierre Sapphire Cosworth to some from Weston-super-Mare. I regret ever selling it.

[@sutton513]

Backpacker Ben and a pint this Saturday afternoon, lovely! Cheers Ben!

[@BackpackerBen]

Enjoy! 🍻

[@Jake-p5z]

Look up gangstalking!

[@WestonSuperMan]

I moved to Weston super Mare over 12 years ago.. It was the best thing I have ever done. Like a lot of town’s it has it’s good and bad bits.

[@bradallen8909]

Towns. Why would you put an apostrophe there? Illiterate fool.

[@sfmm1454]

Just like in the U.S. our infrastructure is ignored, but plenty of money for wars and Ukraine/Israel

[@Burnzy_YT_]

I’m born and bred in Weston and I moved away just over 20 years ago. Apart from visiting family and friends I have very little reason to pop back which is a shame. I would love to go back in time to the late 90’s/early 00’s when nightlife was brilliant. Pop along to Riley’s for some pool, then onto The London, Cheers and Shooters for a couple. Then onto the seafront to Madisons and Joe Montanas before clubbing in Senoritas. Now places are either changed, boarded up or becoming Vape shops and cafes. The town council concentrate more in developing the outskirts of the town rather than filling the numerous empty shops that currently exist. Don’t get me wrong I’ve had some fantastic memories of Weston the home of my birth and I wouldn’t change them for the world. But Weston isn’t the same anymore hence why I moved to Devon. I sincerely hope things changed in the positive direction really soon. 🙂

[@stevensteve7618]

It’s not just the seaside towns. Many places all over the UK have the same issues. Cost of living crisis. Rent real estate. Homelessness.

[@simonbnyc]

Very sad. We had so many family holidays in Weston-Super-Mare during the 1960s with such lovely childhood memories. We also travelled on the paddle steamers from Cardiff to the Old Pier in Weston for day trips. Such a tragedy to see what has become of the place.

[@BackpackerBen]

Damn! Yes not good at all

[@Jake-p5z]

Gangstalking goes on here!

[@ianpownall4653]

I’ve set up a business in Weston lovely town it’s booming be positive 😊

[@paulrhodesquinn]

It’s a shithole. My condolences.

[@comptonsong1]

The town has loads of potential, lots of beautiful Georgian and Victorian building and plenty of friendly people. Go during the summer during Lions Weston Ale festival, very nice. The local council aren't very imaginative, but I've been there during the Air Festival a few years ago and there were thousands of people in attendance. Put a ferry service between Cardiff and Weston birnbeck pier and it will thrive again.

[@TimClatworthy]

I lived here in the early 1970s and it was a superb place for someone in their late teens & early 20s. Lively in the town and plenty of nature to explore locally, eg Worlebury Woods, Sand Bay, Brean Down as well as the beaches of course and the frequent beautiful sunsets. It was much smaller however, there wasn't the massive sprawl eastwards. I notice you don't generally film the nicer parts of places you visit, but going north up the hill past Grove Park there were some beautiful streets with great views along the coast and to the Mendip hills. But what you have filmed is a shock to me, it was much nicer in every way when I lived there. But as you & Joe said, the decline is true of most coastal places in the UK now. We seem to have lost our way here, and our values... Thanks for your videos :-)

[@pepescat6541]

Along time ago (70s) the seaside towns where affordable holidays for many people. Ordinarily people could afford a holiday back then. Maybe not abroad but an amazing memory for kids growing up.

[@orient1961]

John Cleese was born in Weston. It sounded nice when he was a kid doing his silly walks on the Promenade.

[@Jan-iq5sm]

Drugs , drink , and indolence. Weed And entitlement. The results .

[@_DREBBEL_]

The crouched soldier looked like Banksy art. Which someone has spray painted a smiley face on and the words “Trank”. Which I’m sure alludes to the dope being used locally. Fascinating truly.

[@dechannigan2980]

You even picked a grey gloomy day. . Its nice in sunny weather

[@lugiakane470]

im from weston super mare in worle area you havent travelled to worle or the oldmixon let alone uphill ive lived here since 1995 in and out of weston 8 times this is my home and things changed money low drug rehabs most like family here look after our own its a lovely town with potential wasted by conservative MP

[@dazfx]

I'm born and bred in portishead and it's actually quite shocking how better it is 2 town's down the road to weston, even clevedon is nicer. North somerset council need to step up their game and stop wasting taxpayers money like they do. However I visit weston beach in the summertime with my kids and you dont tend to see the dark side of weston. This was truly an eye opener.

[@jamesbreen8611]

Dont think the two Afghans were homeless, big surprise that.

[@CapybaraConnoisseur89]

I live in UK since 2010 and I remember going to Weston back then as I lived in Bath, so wasn't too far by bus from Bristol It used be nice back then but I noticed decline, been there few times afterwards but didn't enjoy it as much.

[@jay-nl3gk]

Rumor has it bob geldof is doing a song for the Uk this christmas

[@corneliuscornia3189]

😂😂

[@brendanclarke8393]

What is going on britain is terrible

[@stephenhayden2586]

I was born and brought up on the bournville council estate in Weston and the places you have shown make me cry the entire council needs to be sacked for allowing this to happen. This is a prime example of the reason to end town and county councils because they are run by old dears and wealthy idiots, the whole of UK young and city infrastructure and management needs to be brought into central government and not necessarily Westminster. Weston when I was a teenager was a thriving seaside destination now it's a tip and the council charge a fortune for rates its criminal

[@aarons3796]

I think it's about time you show the best side of the UK now. Bring these tourists in 😂

[@cohara7516]

Looks grim, but am curious to what it's like come July. Is there any difference? Do some of these shops open seasonally?

[@MikeDonoghue-oc7ny]

Totally different in the summer

[@nailer8984]

Hope the Prime Minister is watching the plight of the homeless some who served in the Armes forces

[@mrjones9915]

Ironic that the Afghan guys are probably being looked after by our government and the homeless ex-servicemen isn’t.

[@peterhoward8727]

The primister does give a hoot.

[@garyfreeman896]

​@@mrjones9915I also noticed the Afghan guy wasn't drinking on the street and slurring his words. Neither of these men are doing WSM any good.

[@nailer8984]

@@peterhoward8727 good to see backpacker Ben highlighting these issues

[@MattyEngland]

@@garyfreeman896 I also noticed how it's safe for Ben to walk the streets of Afghanistan, yet these lads somehow need to seek asylum here? 🤔 How does that make any sense in itself?

[@paulabevan]

It looks like Bangladesh if you ask me .and I have Bern there to photograph as well

[@nikkijayne4451]

Even more so is you go south ward in wsm. Its definitely getting blacker.

[@Thq-ff8wz]

looks nothing like bangladesh mate arguably some bits are worse, bangladesh cities might be a mess but at least they aren't being left to rot

[@Syd-r2c]

Look up gangstalking!

[@Jake-p5z]

Gangstalking goes on here

[@Jake-p5z]

​@@nikkijayne4451gangstalking

[@martincrabtree7378]

These videos should ALWAYS include a visit to the local Spoons

[@BackpackerBen]

Noted 👑

[@LewisM-111]

I second this.