When planning a British getaway, travellers often turn to Tripadvisor for inspiration, expecting to find the usual suspects like the London Eye or Big Ben. However, the platform's highest-rated attractions include some truly unexpected gems that defy conventional tourism. These bizarre locations have captured the public's imagination, earning glowing reviews and impressive ratings. Here is an in-depth exploration of Britain's most peculiar top-rated attractions on Tripadvisor.
Mother Shipton's Cave and Petrifying Well in Knaresborough
Mother Shipton's in Knaresborough holds the distinction of being England's oldest visitor attraction, welcoming guests since 1630. This site is steeped in history and mystery, appealing to those interested in prophecy and spirituality. Mother Shipton's legendary predictions are said to have foretold events like the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the Great Fire of London. The cave, reputed to be her birthplace, features the Petrifying Well, a remarkable geological formation where a cascading waterfall gradually turns objects to stone through mineral deposition.
On Tripadvisor, it boasts a solid rating of 3.9, with numerous enthusiastic reviews. One visitor exclaimed, 'If I could give more than five stars I would', while others described it as an 'enchanting and magical place steeped in history and wonder'. This combination of folklore and natural wonder continues to draw curious tourists.
The Bude Tunnel in Cornwall
In the picturesque Cornish town of Bude, known for its rugged coastline and historic castle, an unlikely attraction has emerged as a top-rated spot. The Bude Tunnel, a covered walkway linking a Sainsbury's store to its car park from Crooklets Road, has become a sensation on Tripadvisor with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Hundreds of tongue-in-cheek reviews have flooded the platform, with 1,367 out of 1,554 total reviews rating it as 'Excellent'.
One reviewer hailed it as the 'eighth wonder of the world', and remarkably, a couple even chose this location to get engaged under the plastic walkway. This humorous take on tourism highlights how everyday structures can become celebrated landmarks.
A Big Rusty Pole in Gloucestershire
Last year, a 19-foot rusty pole situated on Littledean Hill Road in Cinderford, Gloucestershire, unexpectedly became a tourist hotspot. Reported by Gloucestershire Live, this unassuming feature attracted attention for its quirky appeal. One fan humorously noted, 'Easier to find than the Loch Ness monster and imbued with similar ancient myth. The solstice alignment with the distant Haresfield Beacon has been the subject of many academic studies. Parking is a nightmare.'
Another reviewer praised it as 'Straight and reasonably long … the best pole I've seen in years'. This example shows how even the most mundane objects can capture public interest and generate online buzz.
Pizza Express in Woking, Surrey
The Pizza Express in Woking gained notoriety following Prince Andrew's claims during a BBC interview. He stated he was at this location for a children's party on the day he was accused of misconduct, famously remarking, 'I'd taken [Princess] Beatrice to a Pizza Express in Woking for a party at I suppose sort of four or five in the afternoon', and adding, 'I can't sweat, you see'.
Visitors quickly turned this into a tourist attraction, with one writing a satirical review: 'I went to pizza express in Woking and ordered an extra spicy pizza. It was delicious, and I remember it exactly as it was, detail for detail. The odd thing was: I didn’t sweat! I’m very alike Prince Andrew, aren’t I!' This blend of royal scandal and casual dining has made it a must-visit for those seeking a slice of contemporary British culture.
The Wedge: Britain's Narrowest House in Ayrshire
Located on Great Cumbrae Island in Ayrshire, The Wedge is widely regarded as Britain's narrowest house, measuring just 47 inches (1.2 metres) at its front. With an impressive 4.4-star rating on Tripadvisor, this quirky attraction draws visitors intrigued by its unique architecture. Although it is noted that Keret House in Warsaw holds the global record for narrowness, The Wedge remains a popular British curiosity.
A former resident shared on Tripadvisor: 'My mum and dad owned this house when I was between the ages of nine and 14', adding they 'loved living there'. A visitor commented, 'Something to see - it's quite unbelievable how small this house looks from outside', while another advised, 'If you blinked you'd miss it! To find it, look for the board The Wedge located along the High Street.'
The NatWest Hole in Ilkeston, Derbyshire
In Ilkeston, the top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor is the 'NatWest Hole', literally a hole in a wall near a NatWest bank branch on Bath Street. Since December 2018, glowing reviews have propelled it to the top of the town's rankings. One review reads, 'Move over Stonehenge, step aside Eiffel Tower — Ilkeston has its own architectural marvel: The NatWest Hole.'
Recently, locals were surprised when a metal bar was placed through the hole, sparking hundreds of comments on social media. By Monday afternoon, the bar had been removed, with a NatWest spokesperson telling the BBC the hole had been restored and 'customer and community feedback is very important to us'. This incident underscores the hole's status as a beloved local oddity.
Victorian Public Toilets on the Isle of Bute
The West Pier Public Convenience, also known as the Victorian Toilets, is a public toilet on a pier in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute. Built in 1899 by the Rothesay Harbour Trust and opened in 1900, it was renovated in 1994 and remains open today. With a 4.4 rating on Tripadvisor, its marble and tile interiors attract visitors appreciative of Victorian architecture.
One fan described it as 'the most amazing gents' toilet on earth', while another noted, 'Amazing Victorian architecture, it was like going back in time. Absolutely well worth a visit for a wee and wee look around.' This attraction proves that historical preservation can turn even functional facilities into tourist destinations.
These bizarre top-rated attractions on Tripadvisor demonstrate that Britain's tourism scene is full of surprises. From geological wonders to everyday structures, these sites have earned their place through unique charm and public engagement, offering travellers an alternative to traditional hotspots.
