BRIGHTON has topped the list as the most photographed coastal city in the UK on Instagram.

Premier Inn conducted research to uncover the top 30 most popular seaside towns on social media.

The hotel chain found Brighton has more than a quarter of a million hashtags in 2018 so far. The city has four times as many hashtags as Bournemouth, which is second on the list.

Other Sussex towns have also made the top 30. Eastbourne is sixth, followed by Hastings. Worthing sits in ninth and Seaford ranked 29th.

Councillor Alan Robins, chairman of the tourism, development and culture committee, said: “Brighton and Hove is one of the UK’s top seaside destinations, welcoming over 11 million visitors each year.

“We are not surprised to learn that Brighton is one of the most tagged locations on Instagram as our stunning city offers residents and visitors lots of opportunities to take fantastic shots.

“Whether it’s the classic beachfront images of the Brighton Palace Pier or the starling murmuration over the remains of the West Pier, panoramic views from the BA i360, the domes of the exotic Royal Pavilion or the street art in the North Laine there are plenty of spots.

“And with Brighton Pride taking place this weekend I’m sure there will be many more photos added.

“To see more stunning shots of Brighton make sure you follow the official Instagram account for the city @visit.brighton.”

Anne Martin, chief executive of Brighton Palace Pier, said: “The result is not at all surprising.

“The pier is the most popular Instragram attraction outside of London so it doesn’t surprise me the city is high up on the list.

“The pier isn’t the only popular place, we have lots of other attractions.

“Brighton beach is also one of the first things people think about. When national papers talk about summer holidays or a heatwave, they often mention Brighton.”

Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Labour MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the city. This just proves how popular we are to tourists.

“With Pride Week coming up, I am sure we will get even more hashtags.”

The Palace Pier was recently ranked eight in the TripAdvisor’s 2018 Travellers’ Choice Awards.

The Argus asked residents if they think Brighton is the best seaside city in the country.

Patrick Foy, 48, of Ventnor Villas, Hove, who works on Brighton at Palace Pier, said: “I was born in Brighton, it’s not a bad place to live in.

“I’m surprised it’s the best seaside city in England but only because I wasn’t aware of the Instagram posts. Brighton is a young person’s place, it’s good for nightlife and well catered for.”

Lana Simane, 34, who lives in Crawley, said: “I’m not surprised it’s the best as it’s a big, pretty place and there’s lots to do, the cabaret is very good.

“It’s not far from where I live so it’s easy to get to by bus.

“I am originally from Latvia and I think Brighton is simply amazing.”

Anastasija Simane, 19, visiting from Latvia: “I’m not surprised it’s the best seaside town in England as I love it.

“I love the pier attractions and being by the sea.

“It’s also easy to reach with good transport communication.”

Betty Bidwell, 81, from Bristol, said: “I’m not surprised it’s the best seaside city in England.

“It’s my first time visiting in six or seven years and seems a lot cleaner and there’s more happening.

“Last time I was here it was raining. I just like everything, I enjoy the whole ambiance of the town.”

Top ten most photographed seaside cities and towns in England

1. Brighton – 250,035 posts

2. Bournemouth, Dorset – 62,960 posts

3. Newquay, Cornwall – 27,480 posts

4. Southsea, Hampshire – 26,420 posts

5. Blackpool, Lancashire – 26,250 posts

6. Eastbourne – 23,250 posts

7. Hastings – 22,130 posts

8. Margate, Kent – 21,540 posts

9. Falmouth, Cornwall – 18,950 posts

10. Poole, Dorset – 17,650 posts