Travel

I visited the underwhelming ‘magic bench’ that’s now a 5-star tourist attraction – to see what all the fuss was about

Published

3 hours ago

October 3, 2024

The 'Magic Bench' is located by Bewl Water and is tucked next to the bushes

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 bench doesn't look too special, slightly weathered, but it's in a prime spot for viewing the water — The bench doesn’t look too special, slightly weathered, but it’s in a prime spot for viewing the waterCredit: Katrina Turrill

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.

I live in a village named one of the best places to live in the UK

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.

The bench offers incredible views of the water at Bewl Water and is a lovely quiet spotCredit: Katrina Turrill

The bench is definitely a welcome place to rest after a long walkCredit: Katrina Turrill

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Travel

Ibiza and Majorca to hit tourists with extra fees for travelling in peak season from next year

Published

40 mins ago

October 3, 2024

NewsAdmin

The rates of tourist tax are set to increase in the Balearics

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.

Overlooked Spanish city Tarragona known for it’s amazing beaches and Roman history

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.

Uber is launching a limited-time safari experience in Cape Town, South Africa, available from 4 October, 2024, to 25 January, 2025, as the latest experience in their ‘Go Anywhere’ series of travel products

Continue reading Uber to launch limited-edition safari experiences in South Africa at Business Traveller.

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