Can maths really prove what makes a good shoreline? If so, then Blackpool is one of the best

An equation has been used to determine the planet's most attractive waterfronts - with some surprising results

The world's second best shoreline: Blackpool (Getty Images)

Royal Caribbean has come up with what it claims is a mathematical formula to determine what makes a good shoreline – “scientifically proving” that Blackpool is among the world’s best.

Psychologist Dr David Holmes devised the formula for the cruise line, taking into account the clarity of the horizon; sea colour; sand quality, cleanliness, interesting features, air quality and weather.

Though many of these elements are subjective, Royal Caribbean claimed that “consensus of opinion prefers white or near white very fine sand that is deep and soft to the touch”.

“It is good to have some discrete point of interest to break the predictable scene slightly but not obscuring the sea, sand and horizon. This may be a natural feature such as a distant mountain or a piece of stunning architecture even a lighthouse,” it added.

The equation Dr Holmes came up with is below; it's unclear what the 21.33 is for.

(SC+CH) x (IF+SQ) x 100/21.33
AQ+C+W

Travel blogger Laila Swann applied the equation to her recent travel destinations. While most of the results, such as Krabi, western Thailand, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, have classically attractive beaches, the biggest surprise comes from Blackpool, which came in at number two, behind the heavily built-up shoreline of Dubai. But who are we to argue with "science"?

The full results:

1. Dubai, UAE
2. Blackpool, UK
3. Gulf of Mexico, US
4. Cape Cod National Seashore, US
5. Inchydoney, West Cork, Ireland
6. Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia
7. Cape Town, South Africa
8. Cavelossim, Goa, India
9. Krabi, Thailand
10. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia