Sainsbury's car park rated UK seaside town's top tourist attraction on Tripadvisor
When planning a seaside staycation, most people will look at a town's proximity to beautiful beaches, the choice of pubs and chippies on offer, and whether there are many attractions to keep the whole family busy.
While Bude in Cornwall may be right by some gorgeous coastal walks and offer plenty of seaside charm, there's a quirky reason why Brits are flocking to the town to snap photos.
In what is an example of British humour at its best, a Sainsbury's car park has become the town's top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor, with a rating of 4.7 stars.
It's not entirely clear when it started, but UK tourists started leaving hilariously generous reviews of the Bude Tunnel, describing it as "magnificent" and "magical", and comparing it to the likes of Lapland or London.
It's gained such a cult following that Tripadvisor reportedly briefly switched off comments at one point because the reviews weren't truthfully reflecting what it actually is; a perspex tunnel, in a car park.
"A life-changing stroll through plastic grandeur – loses half a star because our epic trek lacked a soundtrack," one jokester wrote on the review site. "Maybe it would've been better at night when it's lit up."
Another added: "Forget Harry Potter. If you want a magical experience, this is it. This is our second visit to the tunnel in as many years. You will NOT be disappointed."
It could also turn out to be quite the romantic hotspot. One holidaymaker and their partner survived what must have been a rough time for them both as they wrote: "Doesn't disappoint, it brought me and my partner closer together after a disagreement over Sainsbury's opening times. Stronger than ever, thank you Bude tunnel."
Locals have also been getting in on the joke, with one resident saying that "this South Western Wonder is a wonderful landmark which we are all sure to be proud to have in Cornwall", quipping that they felt "so inspired and motivated" while they walked through the tunnel. Meanwhile Sainsbury's has embraced the attention, and has even decorated the tunnel with some Christmas lights during festive seasons.
Luckily for tourists (and to be honest, locals), there's a lot more that Bude has to offer. Other highly-rated attractions on Tripadvisor include the town's natural sea pool, as well as some of the picturesque beaches such as Summerleaze Beach with its pirate ship model and Sandy Mouth Beach. Water sports fans won't be disappointed either with a host of offerings from kayaking and bodyboarding to surfing. Meanwhile back on land, hikers can lace up their boots and take on a stretch of the South West Coast Path.
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