The British seaside towns that face being 'swallowed' by the ocean within 25 years
As an island nation, the Brits love nothing better than a trip to the seaside. Whether it's for a day out or a holiday, we naturally gravitate to our beaches in the good weather.
But some of our most popular seaside destinations could be underwater as soon as 2050, according to projections. Coastal spots that we have enjoyed for many years are under threat from rising sea levels and these places could be swallowed by the sea in just 25 years.
Data from Climate Central's risk map shows that areas near Peterborough could be among the hardest hit, with significant water infiltration predicted. Further south, London is also expected to feel the effects, with the River Thames potentially overflowing its banks.
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And while it is worrying, many seaside towns are already prepared and have coastal defence systems in place to avoid damage to local areas, reports the Express. But without these defences, there are places which could be consumed by the sea.
Weston-Super-Mare, off the coast of Bristol, is a seaside favourite and has nearly 750,000 visitors annually. But predictions claim that in just 27 years, the beach and parts of the surrounding area will be claimed by the sea.
The Bristol coast faces damage to extensive areas as far north as Gloucester. Another seaside town at risk of being lost to the sea is Poole.
The coastline, comprising eight unique islands and a striking peninsula, offers numerous ways to make the most of a precious weekend getaway. But Poole's seafront railway station will also be engulfed by the rising tide.
Portsmouth also faces an uncertain future and is expected to be severely impacted by rising sea levels. By 2050, it's anticipated that the majority of this popular beach city could be submerged, leaving only a small strip of land untouched by the tide.
The beaches of East and West Wittering could also be consumed by the sea. West Wittering tends to attract more visitors, especially in the summer, but both offer breathtaking views out to sea, particularly at low tide when miles of sand are exposed.
Eastbourne in East Sussex is just an hour and a half from London, and is fast becoming a popular destination for summer day trips. However, by 2050, the historic seaside town and nearby beaches like Pevensey Bay are expected to be significantly affected by rising sea levels. The sea is predicted to encroach far inland, reaching as far as Herstmonceux Castle within just 27 years.
Another favoured summer destination for Londoners is Southend on Sea, which is just under an hour's train ride away. And while maps show it won't see the impact, neighbouring beaches such as Roslin Beach, East Beach and Shoebury Common beach could be swallowed by the sea by 2050.
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