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Travel
I visited the underwhelming ‘magic bench’ that’s now a 5-star tourist attraction – to see what all the fuss was about
TOURIST attraction owners and hoteliers break their backs to get spotless reviews online, often go above and beyond to please demanding customers.
But it turns out all you really have to do is…. nothing. Because there’s a place in Wadhurst, East Sussex, with a faultless run of five-star reviews – called simply the ‘Magic Bench’.
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The pictures online show an ordinary-looking bench, a memorial one, and one that’s perhaps seen better days.
But bizarrely, it has five stars on Google and gleaming reviews spanning back three years.
Is this a targeted campaign by a bunch of locals or an in-joke among mates? Quite possibly, but three years is an impressive length of time to keep a campaign going.
Someone who visited this year wrote: “The most magical bench I’ve ever sat upon. Beautiful view, lovely serene setting and magic all round!”
They visited on a weekday, experienced no wait time, but did recommend reservation.
Other visitors wrote: “If sitting is your thing, then this bench is a must.”
Also: “A wonderful place! An absolutely magical view over the lake! The highlight in the UK.”
And: “Believe the hype! Truly magical!”
Baffled by such positive words, I had to go check out the bench for myself, to see if it truly was magical or just an online hoax.
The bench can be found by Bewl Water – a location attraction which is a great place for walks or water activities.
The best way I found to get to the bench was to park at The Old Vine pub and to follow the track there leading down to the reservoir.
The walk takes about 20 minutes, and once you reach the circular track that goes around the water and start walking anti-clockwise, you’ll find a small opening between the bushes and trees.
It was easy to find and a welcome sight after a tricky walk down in wellies.
I took a seat and waited to see if some ethereal feeling came over me.
It didn’t.
But with no other benches nearby, and after a fast-paced walk down to find it, it was a great place to perch and rest and admire the view.
The bench is tucked in close to the bushes, so feels very much secluded.
And the view is amazing overlooking the still stretch of water, with nothing but the sound of birds and the wind rustling through the leaves…
Maybe this is what everyone meant when they described the bench as “magic”.
Whether the online reviews are a joke or actually real I think is yet to be determined.
Nonetheless, if you’re looking for some beautiful walks and cosy pubs to warm up in this Autumn, I definitely recommend visiting Wadhurst – named ‘Best Place to live in the UK’ by The Sunday Times last year.
Equally great places near Wadhurst to visit
Tunbridge Wells
A 17 minute drive away from Wadhurst is Tunbridge Wells – the closest big town if you’re looking for more shops and restaurants. The Pantiles walkway is an iconic feature in the town, famous for its Georgian architecture and independent shops and restaurants.
Hastings
Not far away is the seaside town of Hastings. You can hop on the train at Wadhurst and it’s at the end of the line (about 30 minutes away). Hastings’ medieval Old Town is a main attraction, with its narrow streets, antique shops, boutiques and cafes. The beach is pebbly, but the perfect place to sit down and enjoy some fish and chips.
Bodiam
Less than half an hour away is Bodiam, a small village but with a rather large castle. The castle is owned by the National Trust, and it another good place to head for an Autumn walk. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, there’s the Castle Inn across the road or The Hub @ Quarry Farm, which has the Kent & East Sussex Railway nearby.
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Travel
Where the millionaires holiday! The luxury hotels crowned best in the world – and one is in the UK
EVER wondered where the rich and famous stay on holiday? Well we’ve been given an insight into their absolute favourite hotels around the world and they are pretty spectacular.
Paces with the most unforgettable food, cutting-edge design, and immersive experiences have been awarded a place on Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Best Hotels list for 2024.
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These are the top eight hotels on the list:
1. The Lodge at Bodego Bay, California
A relaxed hotel along California’s Sonoma coast, guests here like to take day trips to local vineyards and stroll the empty beaches.
The property came in for high praise for its ocean shell massages, signature breakfast sandwich and thoughtful details like a pair of binoculars in every room for guests to take in the ocean views.
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Doha
Qatar’s newish Ritz Carlton was number two on the list thanks to its sea view gym, indoor tennis courts and luxury hammam spa.
But also for the jaw-dropping flashiness in the interior, including the largest chandelier in the Middle East.
3. Hermann Bungalows, Palm Springs, California
This chic Mid Century ‘hotel within a hotel’ was described as being ultra-luxe and uber stylish.
The stunning resort in the desert also has mountain views while you’re lounging by the pool.
4. The Thief, Oslo
This chic hotel in the Norwegian capital was loved by guests for its super fancy taste in art, with pieces from heavyweights like Antony Gormley and Andy Warhol lining the rooms and corridors.
Also a highlight was the secret underground tunnel leading to the hotel’s gym and spa.
5. The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
Clearly the Ritz Carlton knows how to impress guests – the second of the brand’s hotels on the list ended up there thanks to its exceptional views of the Kamogawa River and Higashiyama mountains.
It has its own Japanese Zen Garden, naturally, and is known for its extra touches like the handmade soaps and Imabari bathrobes.
Meanwhile in Britain…
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The first London hotel to make the cut was Raffles London at The OWO – one of the most talked about hotels in London this century, according to Conde Naste Traveler.
From 1906 to 1964 the hotel’s building served as the War Office where D-Day was planned.
Influential political and military leaders of the time walked the corridors, and spies, notoriously, had their own entrance.
In 2016, Mumbai-based Hinduja Group purchased the building’s lease and invested almost £1.6 billion in refurbishments. They also brought Raffles on board.
Refurbishments took seven years, but there’s now 120 rooms and suites, four restaurants, three bars, a Guerlain spa, and a 65-foot subterranean pool.
State offices have now become suites, which all honour the building’s Edwardian heritage.
Rooms are adorned with marble fireplaces, chandeliers and geometric carpets.
The Haldane Suite used to be Churchill’s former office.
Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco heads up three of the restaurants – one for fine dining, one with a private table option, and Saison by Mauro Colagreco, which is a space that offers Mediterranean cuisine.
The Guard’s Bar, the hotel’s main bar, offers sixteen signature drinks that pay homage to British ingredients, local producers or international influences in a nod to the Raffles locations found across the globe.
There’s also a tiny Spy Bar, which occupies old MI5 and MI6 interrogation rooms in the basement.
Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond, was a regular visitor to the Old War Office building, which is where he conjured the idea for 007.
The Spy Bar is located in two rooms that were numbered 006 and 007 in the early 20th century.
They acted as high security storage vaults for identity papers and mission reports of MI5 and MI6 agents.
Guests can head to the speakeasy-style bar for a nightcap and to marvel at an Aston Martin DB5 mounted on the wall.
It seems there’s a price for luxury, as room rates at the hotel don’t come cheap.
For a one night stay in a room for two adults, you’re looking to pay around just shy of £3,500.
Full list of Best Hotels in the World 2024 – Conde Naste Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards
- The Lodge at Bodego Bay, California
- The Ritz-Carlton, Doha
- Hermann Bungalows, Palm Springs, California
- The Thief, Oslo
- The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
- Viceroy, Washington D.C.
- Colony Palms Hotel, Palm Springs, California
- Gravity House Breckenridge, Colarado
- The Hazleton Hotel Toronto
- Hotel Zena Washington D.C.
- La Mamounia, Marrakesh
- Le Meridien Essex, Chicago
- The Godfrey Hotel Chicago
- The Peninsula Hong Kong
- Conrad Dubai
- Limelight Hotel Denver
- JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
- Hotel Bennett, Charleston
- COMO Castello del Nero- Barberino Tavarnelle, Italy
- Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection, Aspen Colarado
- Il San Pietro di Positano, Italy
- The Weston, Vermont
- Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel, Berkeley, California
- The Sukothai, Bangkok
- Dunton Town House, Telluride, Colorado
- Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, Canada
- Palacio Duhau, Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
- Babylonstoren, South Africa
- Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown
- Grace Hotel Auberge Resorts Collection, Santorini
- Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
- Katikies, Santorini
- Raffles London at The OWO
- Sofitel Philadelphia
- Faena Hotel Miami Beach
- Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
- Hotel Jamaica, Montego Bay
- InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, an IHG Hotel
- The Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City, Utah
- InterContinental Washington D.C. The Wharf, an IHG Hotel
- The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne
- Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel
- The Ritz-Carlton Georgetown, Washington D.C.
- Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
- Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portifino, Italy
- Four Seasons Hotel Montreal
- The Colony, Palm Beach, Florida
- Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburg
- Park Hyatt Aukland
- The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto
The hotel placed 33rd on the list out of a list of 50.
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