'I'm an Australian tourist in England – my trip to the seaside left me stunned'

Brits are known for their love of sun-soaked beaches abroad, but what happens when the tables turn and international visitors check out our shores?

An Australian tourist has taken to TikTok to share her less-than-impressed take on the Essex and East Sussex coastlines. The user, Celeste (@chelestee), journeyed from Down Under to explore the British seaside, only to find her expectations falling short. From the sands of Southend, Celeste expressed her surprise at the North Sea's calmness.

"I just arrived in Southend and thought I'd check out a new beach, but something crazy has happened," she said in disbelief. Her confusion continued as she questioned: "People tell me this is a beach, but I'm just wondering who the heck stole all the water. Where are the waves?" She then showcased the tranquil sea to her followers, asking: "What in the UK is going on here?"

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Reflecting on her visit to Brighton the day before which resulted in sunburn, Celeste acknowledged one positive. "Well I'm thankful that there is sand," she quipped in acknowledgement to Brighton's shingle beach.

Taking further issue further with her Brighton experience, Celeste also hit out at the wildlife on the south coast. "They were so mad that they've given me PTSD," she said of the seagulls. "I bought fish and chips and I was so excited, but a seagull just plucked it straight out of my hands and I looked at my bank account and that fish and chips cost me $30 (£22.60 approx.), which to me is just mad."

Celeste also revealed she'd spent $60 (£45.20) to travel to Southend after being unable to visit, Bournemouth, Dorset, where she had previously intended to head. "It was $150 (£112.95) just to go to Bournemouth. You might as well go to Ibiza. Jump on a plane, go to Spain."

The video, which has racked up an impressive 2.3 million views, prompted a flurry of comments from Brits offering advice. One empathetic viewer suggested: "You chose the two worst beaches," before recommending Cornwall, Devon, or Holland-On-Sea in Essex as superior alternatives.

One enthusiast gushed about the northern shores, adding: "Not sure if your staying put in the south or travelling, but if it's beaches you're after then come up north to the Northumberland coastline for best fish/sea/beach/dunes and views." While a third TikTok user advised: "I feel like tourists need to realise in the UK you have to Google the beaches so you know what you're going to get and you can pick what you want."

An a fourth appeared to be adamant about her spot, penning: "West Wittering is the UK's best beach, it's the only beach I want to go to, when you arrive keep going right past the crowds and you'll feel like you're abroad, super soft sand."