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’.
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.
Travel
Quintessential British seaside town that’s my favourite spot for a caravan holiday in the South West
SWANAGE has been named one of the best caravanning spots in the country thanks to its Blue Flag beach, colourful beach huts and steam railway.
Known as The Caravanning Mummy, travel expert, and mum-of-two, Rachel shares travel tips and destination guides on Instagram, including the best places to go on a caravan holiday in the UK.
Rachel purchased her caravan back in 2019, with her family spending the school holidays and weekends exploring the UK in their Bailey Of Bristol Phoenix 650 caravan.
The mum-of-two started holidaying in Dorset in the 1990s with her parents and has spent the last few years returning to her childhood haunts with her own kids.
And she recently named Swanage as her favourite caravanning destination in the southwest.
She told Sun Online Travel: “Swanage is the quintessential British seaside town. It’s got Punch and Judy shows, colourful beach huts, Blue Flag Beaches and Corfe Castle. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
“Swanage is such a brilliant staycation location because it takes adults back to their childhood visits with old-timey beach attractions.
“I just think it’s a brilliant little place. While it’s not necessarily unknown, it is just a very special place.”
One of the top attractions in the coastal town is the Swanage Railway – a full-size steam train that ferries passengers from Norden to Swanage, passing sites like Corfe Castle.
Swanage Railway runs themed experiences throughout the year, including a Polar Express service and a Spooky service.
Adult return tickets start from £18, with children’s tickets coming in at £9 for a return.
There are several beaches in and around Swanage for holidaymakers to visit like the Blue Flag Swanage Beach, which is known for its fine sand, cleanliness and amenities.
Other nearby beaches include Studland Beach.
Back by a wildlife reserve, Studland Beach is regarded as one of the finest beaches in the country.
There’s also Chapman’s Pool, a small cove that’s similar to Lulworth Cove, and Sandbanks Beach.
Located in Poole, Sandbanks Beach has held its Blue Flag status for the last 35 years and is known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
Facilities at the beach include toilets, showers, a beach cafe, a mini golf course and a beach volleyball net.
Swanage Pier is another popular attraction in the seaside town.
The pier is popular with divers because it’s one of the few sheltered sea diving sites on the south coast.
Entry onto the pier costs £2 for an adult, with a £5 charge for any adult who wants to dive under the wooden structure.
Holidaymakers can hire equipment from Divers Down – the oldest diving school in the UK.
Other attractions include Swanage Museum, Prince Albert Gardens and the chalk hills on Purbeck Heritage Coast.
Even though it’s a village in its own right, Corfe Castle is another must for holidaymakers visiting Swanage, with Rachel adding: “Corfe Castle is brilliant for my boys – and kids in general – because they can run around the ruins of a castle and pretend to be knights.”
Located halfway between Wareham and Swanage, the skyline of the Dorset village is dominated by the remains of Corfe Castle.
Built by William the Conqueror and partially demolished in 1646 during the English Civil War, Corfe Castle attracts visitors from all over the world.
Managed by the National Trust, entry costs £12 for an adult and £6 for a child.
There are loads of places to grab fish and chips in Swanage, including the Village Inn, the Fish Plaice, which has been running since the 1970s, Harlees Fish and Chips Swanage and the Hungry Shark, to name a few.
Swanage has plenty of pubs too like the Black Swan Inn, the White Horse Inn Swanage and the Ship Inn.
Later this month, Rachel will be sharing more Dorset caravanning tips at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Rachel’s Favourite Campsites in Swanage
IN THE last five years, Rachel and her family have stayed at three campsites in Swanage – here’s what they’re like…
Haycraft Club Campsite
Located near Harmans Cross Train Station, holidaymakers can board a train on the Swanage Railway line to reach Swanage. The site is currently closed for refurbishment but is set to reopen in March.
Touring pitches start from £17 per pitch.
Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite
Set in Wareham, Hunter’s Moon Club Campsite is slightly further afield with holidaymakers needing to drive to reach the seaside.
Touring pitches start from £15.60 per night.
Norden Farm Campsite
The family-run campsite is Rachel’s favourite place to bag a pitch in Dorset because it is also a working farm, adding a touch of rural and rustic charm. Located on the Wareham-Swanage Road just outside of Corfe Castle, the campsite is close to famous beaches like Studland and Sandbanks. The site is open until October 31 – depending on the weather. Touring pitches start from £23.
Meanwhile, these are the top-rated holiday parks with on-site waterparks and pools.
And this holiday park has been named as one of the best in the country.
Travel
Whitbread to build 693-room hub by Premier Inn next to Charing Cross station
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Travel
Ibiza and Majorca to hit tourists with extra fees for travelling in peak season from next year
HOLIDAYMAKERS travelling to the Balearic Islands will see the tourist tax rise next year.
In a bid to combat overtourism, local government officials in the Balearics announced a tourist tax rise.
Brit holidaymakers heading to Majorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera will pay more tourist tax in June, July and August.
While the exact figure hasn’t been announced, the tourist tax in the high season is set to increase, according to the Balearic President, Marga Prohens.
The new measure, which has been dubbed an “eco-tax” was announced during the General Policy Debate of the Community.
Local government officials have yet to determine the exact increase in tourist charges.
This is because the Balearic Government is looking for formulas so that residents will not pay the “eco-tax” through tax deductions.
Tourist tax charges during the low season (December, January and February) could be reduced in a bid to encourage more visitors to the islands in the colder months of the year.
It is not yet known if the low-season tourist charge will remain at its present level (making it lower than the proposed charge) or be reduced further.
Visitors to the Spanish islands currently have to pay the same level of tourist tax throughout the whole year, whether low or high season.
Current tourist charges cost anything up to €5 a night extra, payable on arrival, depending on the quality of the accommodation.
Balearic President, Marga Prohens also announced other tourist restrictions, such as limiting the number of rental properties for holidaymakers.
All new tourist rental places in all multi-family homes are set to be banned as part of the tourism measures.
Properties that already rent to tourists won’t be impacted by the announcement.
In a statement, Marga Prohens added: “The discomfort of residents due to the externalities of tourism is increasingly unanimous and transversal.
“This summer‘s demonstrations are a test, and we cannot put ourselves in profile because we listen to everyone.”
Despite the measures, the Balearic President stressed the importance of the tourism sector for the islands, by adding: “we are a hospitable land where tourists are welcome”.
A law is set to be approved in February, which will bring the measures into force.
The news comes after a series of anti-tourism protests took place on the Balearic Islands throughout the summer.
In May, over 15,000 locals took to the streets in Palma, Majorca to campaign against tourists visiting the island.
OTHER TOURIST CHARGES
Earlier this year, Greece introduced a new levy for overnight visitors in a bid to combat the damage caused by extreme weather conditions.
Holidaymakers traveling to Greece during the high season (from March to October) are required to pay an additional tax on overnight stays.
Just like the previous tax, the rate will vary depending on the type of accommodation tourists have booked, and it will range from €1 (£0.86) to €4 (£3.45) per night.
The new tax will be added to the country’s existing accommodation tax, with charges rising as a result.
All holidaymakers heading to Tunisia will be forced to pay a new tourist tax under plans outlined by the country’s government.
What is a tourist tax?
- A ‘tourist tax’ – also known as a ‘transient visitor levy’ – is a fee applied to short-stay accommodation.
- They are often imposed in cities with strong tourist economies, in countries such as Canada, Spain, Germany, Belgium and France.
- A tourist tax normally takes the form of a charge per occupied bed or room per night, within short-term accommodation providers.
- The charge can be set at a flat rate or a series of flat rates (for example, €2 per bed per night), or it can be set as a percentage of the price of the bed or room.
- Tourist taxes are sometimes set at different rates for different times of the year.
- Some cities exempt, or give discounts for beds occupied by children or those travelling for medical reasons.
- Others impose different rates on campsites, bed and breakfasts, non-serviced accommodation, or hotels with different star ratings.
Source; commonslibrary.parliament.uk
Meanwhile, this popular tourist destination is also planning to increase its daily tourist charge.
And this UK seaside town became the first to tax tourists this year.
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