When planning a trip to the UK, it’s tempting to visit all the famous spots you’ve heard so much about, but not all popular destinations live up to the hype. In fact, some are outright tourist traps that can leave you feeling disappointed and out of pocket. Here’s a guide to help you avoid the 21 worst tourist traps in the UK.
Stonehenge
In a survey, “21.3 percent of Stonehenge reviews were apparently poor, terrible or average,” according to Time Out. Stonehenge is one of the UK’s most famous landmarks, but it often leaves visitors underwhelmed. The ticket prices are steep, especially considering you can’t get close to the stones. Many visitors are disappointed to find they’re restricted to viewing the monument from a distance.
The London Eye
While it offers some impressive views of the city, the London Eye experience can be marred by long queues and high prices. On a cloudy or rainy day—which is quite common in London—the view is not as spectacular as you might hope. The pods are often packed with other tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the ride.
Madame Tussauds London
Madame Tussauds might be fun if you enjoy wax figures, but it’s pricey and usually packed with tourists. The queues to get in can be long, and once inside, you often have to jostle for a decent photo opportunity. The figures themselves can also be hit or miss.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Located on Baker Street, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is a magnet for fans of the famous detective. However, many visitors find it overpriced and underwhelming. The museum is quite small, and although it’s quaint, it doesn’t take long to see everything.
Buckingham Palace
Yes, it’s iconic, but the experience of visiting Buckingham Palace can be a letdown. Most of the time, you can only view the exterior unless you happen to be there during the few weeks in summer when the State Rooms are open to the public. Even then, the ticket prices are high, and the crowds can make it difficult to enjoy the visit.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is famous for its legendary monster, but the reality is far less exciting. The loch itself is beautiful, but the area is heavily commercialised, with numerous shops selling kitschy souvenirs. Boat tours promise sightings of the elusive Nessie but usually end with disappointed tourists.
The Roman Baths
An impressive piece of history, the Roman Baths in Bath are often ruined by the sheer number of visitors. The narrow walkways can get crowded quickly, making it hard to enjoy the ancient architecture and exhibits. The admission price is high, and some visitors feel it’s not worth it for the limited amount of time you can spend inside before being moved along.
The Cliffs of Dover
The White Cliffs of Dover are undoubtedly stunning, but they’re often shrouded in mist and rain, which can spoil the view. The area is not well-maintained, and the paths can be muddy and difficult to navigate, while parking is expensive, and the visitor facilities are minimal.
The Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a geological wonder in Northern Ireland, but the visitor experience can be lacking. The site is often crowded with tourists, making it hard to fully appreciate the natural beauty, not to mention that the visitor centre is expensive.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, is a charming town, but it can feel overly commercialised, because the town is full of tacky souvenir shops and themed attractions. The Shakespearean sites also charge high admission fees, and the crowds can be overwhelming, especially during peak tourist season.
Blackpool
Often touted as a classic British seaside resort, Blackpool leaves many disappointed. The town has a faded glory about it, with many attractions feeling rundown and dated. The beach itself can be crowded and littered, while the famous Blackpool Tower offers a view less than impressive.
Land’s End
Land’s End is marketed as the southwesternmost point of mainland Britain, but the experience is often underwhelming due to the area’s heavy commercialisation. Numerous gift shops and attractions feel out of place in such a natural setting, and while the views are beautiful, the admission fees are high.
Tintagel Castle
Linked to the legend of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle in Cornwall can actually be a letdown. The ruins themselves are not very extensive, and the climb to reach them is steep and challenging. As well as this, the high ticket prices and the often-crowded paths can make the visit less enjoyable.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of the official royal residences, but the visitor experience can be hit or miss. The admission fees are high, and the queues can be long, especially during peak tourist season. Once inside, the rooms open to the public are limited, making this a bit of a tourist trap.
The Black Country Living Museum
Aiming to recreate the industrial past of the West Midlands, the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley can feel a bit staged and artificial. The admission fees are high, and while the exhibits are interesting, the overall experience can feel a bit underwhelming.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street in London is known for its shopping, but the reality can be exhausting because the street is often packed with people, making it difficult to move around. The shops themselves are mostly large chains that you can find elsewhere, and the constant crowds and noise can make for a stressful shopping experience.
Brighton Pier
A classic British seaside attraction, Brighton Pier can nonetheless feel dated and overcrowded. The amusements and rides are often overpriced, and the pier itself can be packed with tourists, especially in the summer. At the same time, the beach in Brighton is pebbly and can be uncomfortable for sunbathing or swimming.
The Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark in Greenwich is an iconic ship, but the visitor experience can fall flat thanks to the fact that the admission fees are high, and the ship itself, while impressive, doesn’t take long to explore. The interactive exhibits are geared more towards children, so adults might find the experience underwhelming.
The Cotswolds
Often portrayed as the epitome of English countryside charm, the reality of the Cotswolds can be different as the area is heavily marketed to tourists, making many of the villages feel overrun with visitors. Prices for accommodation and dining are high, and the crowds can make it hard to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Portmeirion
Portmeirion in Wales is famous for its picturesque village, but it can feel more like a film set than a real place. The village was designed to look like an Italian resort, and while it’s certainly unique, it can feel a bit artificial.
The Shambles
Lastly, the Shambles in York is a charming, historic street, but it can be ruined by the crowds. This narrow street gets packed with tourists, making it difficult to appreciate the medieval architecture. The shops are mostly souvenir and gift shops, which can feel a bit commercial, too.
