Holidaymakers review of The Statue of Liberty is “just a statue in the middle of the water”, while one visitor is disappointed that Ben Nevis is “too steep”.
Travel experts at eShores have collected some of the funniest 1-star reviews on Trip Advisor, which show that even the world’s most-loved attractions can’t win everyone over. Plus, to help those planning a trip, founder of eShores, Gavin Lapidus, offers top tips to get the most out of each attraction.
1. Ben Nevis – “Steep and covered in snow”
Ben Nevis, in Scotland, is the highest mountain in the UK and brings in over 130,000 visitors a year. However, it didn’t impress one disgruntled reviewer who found the mountain “too steep” and was irritated to find the summit “covered in snow”. A lack of man-made amenities, such as toilets and shops, at the top of this natural wonder, was also a pain point for this reviewer.
Experts say:
“Ben Nevis has a summit 1,345 metres above sea level, meaning the ascent will sometimes be steep. We’d always recommend visitors are well-prepared for the hike, which will take strength and endurance, and dress appropriately for the cold conditions at the top. As Ben Nevis is a site of natural beauty, remember you won’t find shops or amenities on the mountain, so bring along essentials like water, snacks and a packed lunch.”
2. Statue of Liberty – “Just a statue”
Standing proudly in New York Harbor since 1886, the Statue of Liberty is an instantly recognisable symbol of freedom and democracy in the US. The attraction draws in visitors from around the world – however, some are less pleased than others. One reviewer seemed shocked to find the Statue of Liberty is, in fact, “just a statue in the middle of the water” and not quite as big as they had expected.
Experts say:
“Many pictures of the Statue of Liberty are taken with the distant Manhattan skyline in the background, and this perspective may make the statue seem larger than it actually is. While still impressive, the Statue of Liberty stands at 305 feet – just slightly smaller than Big Ben. More important than its size, however, is the rich history the Statue of Liberty represents. We’d recommend visitors consider a guided tour, where they can gain knowledgeable insight into the significance of this iconic landmark.”
3. Big Ben – “Could go to my nan’s house and see a clock”
Since being built in 1859, Big Ben has become the iconic symbol of the London skyline – but some reviewers aren’t easily impressed. One took to TripAdvisor to rant that the landmark is “nothing special” and akin to “just going to my nan’s house to see a clock, except Big Ben is 10x bigger”.
Experts say:
“Big Ben – which refers to the Great Bell inside the Elizabeth Tower – is a historic landmark in a culturally significant area of London. Big Ben is surrounded by other notable landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, so we’d recommend visitors explore the entire area and immerse themselves in the history and stunning architecture. As for the name ‘Big Ben’ – its origin isn’t officially clear, although many theorise the bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation.”
4. The Great Wall of China – “Too old”
While over 10 million people flock to this impressive feat of human architecture each year, The Great Wall of China hasn’t won over everybody. Standing proudly for centuries, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has a history dating back 2,000 years – too far back, it seems, for one reviewer, who dubbed the Wall “too old”, “terrible”, and a “shambles”.
Experts say:
“To make the most of your visit to The Great Wall of China, it’s important to understand the weight of its history. Its original purpose was to protect against invasions, and the construction took intense labour and craftsmanship that was even more impressive at the time than it is today. The Wall has many different sections spanning different landscapes, so some are extremely well preserved while others show the effects of time. For those wanting to hike the wall, we’d recommend researching and ensuring you’re visiting a well-maintained section, such as Mutianyu.”
5. Tower of London – “Didn’t know the king thing was happening”
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Tower of London, dates back almost a millennium and remains a popular choice for history enthusiasts visiting the UK capital. But not every visitor has a seamless experience, as one reported feeling “ripped off, royally” by the absence of the Crown Jewels due to the 2023 coronation – or, as they put it, “the king thing”.
Experts say:
“The Tower of London is an iconic landmark in London and a key symbol of British history. The Crown Jewels are exhibited here and are a significant attraction, although they are occasionally removed for special occasions, such as coronations. If the Crown Jewels are a dealbreaker, we’d always recommend checking for any upcoming events or closures that could impact your visit. However, even without the Crown Jewels, the Tower offers a wealth of historical exhibits that are well worth exploring.”
To make the most of the expert advice and plan your next trip, visit https://www.eshores.co.uk/
