The nation's beauty spots have declared war on coach tours
The National Trust has banned coaches from parking or dropping off passengers at Birling Gap, a popular beach in East Sussex, amid fears of rising visitor numbers and coastal erosion.
The news caught my eye not just because this is 12 miles away from my front door, but because it represents the latest move in a nationwide war against coach tours. A war which isn't as straightforward as it might seem.
Last year, the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water banned coaches (nicknamed the 'cruise ship of the Cotswolds') after record crowds descended on its cobbled streets. In a new trial, coaches will be forced to park a 10-minute walk away from the village centre. Nearby Bibury is pondering a similar coach ban after more than 50 per day arrived during peak periods.
The argument at both Birling Gap and the Cotswold villages is that they are simply not equipped for dozens of galumphing coaches descending every day, nor for the thousands of tourists who they airdrop into the thick of things during peak months. Clearly, something needs to change. But is banning coaches the answer?
'Time and again it feels like the coach industry has been victimised or discriminated against,' argues Robert Shaw, director of Harry Shaw and Chairman of the Coach Tourism Association.
One of Shaw's concerns is that banning coaches will negatively impact passengers with mobility requirements.
'A lot of coach passengers do have mobility issues, that's why they're using coaches, because they know there's guaranteed assistance. They're being chauffeured, effectively, so this will affect their ability to go and see places of national interest,' says Shaw. Some coach firms say they have now dropped Bourton from their itineraries entirely, for this very reason.
I am sure some locals will be celebrating the ban on coaches. But are they accidentally shouldering out the wrong tourists? It strikes me that one of the biggest challenges, whether in a chocolate-box village or on the Seven Sisters cliffs, is that people have forgotten how to behave. There is a new type of tourist who is very concerned with getting a perfect photograph or video to post on social media, rather than spending money on some local handicrafts or fudge.
In the case of Bourton, locals regularly complain of tourists gazing through residential windows. At Seven Sisters, it is people standing perilously close to the crumbling cliff-edges.
Have a quick browse online and you will find dozens of independent, London-based operators which offer 'day tours' to Birling Gap or the Cotswolds. Some of these use full-sized coaches, but many use small minibuses. I fear there is a scenario where these coach bans will restrict access for high-spending, culturally intrigued passengers, while continuing to welcome TikTokers who are fixated only on creating 'content'.
As to where the coaches will go instead? I saw one coach operator changing its itinerary to include Stow-on-the-Wold instead of Bourton.
'Coach operators will provide alternative destinations,' muses Shaw. 'But it's nice not to be forced to do so, it's nice to do it by choice. And how long until they're complaining about overtourism as well, if everyone moves to the same places?'
The problem with coaches is that they are big. They are cumbersome. Like cruise ships, they are amongst the most visually straightforward ways for news outlets to depict overtourism (even if the scale – 5,000 passengers versus 50 – is slightly different). But the truth is that coaches produce far lower emissions per passenger than cars. And, as a bonus, drivers or tour leaders can educate passengers en route on the local sore points and behavioural issues they should avoid when they arrive.
The war on coaches will reduce visitor numbers, and will remove a fleet of very large vehicles from often rural locations. Maybe that, in itself, is all that needs to be said on the matter. But I refuse to believe that banning coaches is a cure-all for the myriad overtourism concerns at the UK's beauty spots. And – whisper it – the coach passengers might just be missed by the businesses who depend on them.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Jet-Setters Can Indulge In Bespoke Luxury When Visiting Wimbledon
Opulent properties can be rented through Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes Over half a million tennis fans from around the world will visit southwest London beginning June 30 for Wimbledon, the grand dame of tennis tournaments. Founded in 1877 and held each year at the time-honored All England Club, Wimbledon is the sport's oldest tournament. From its famed strawberries and cream to the all white dress code, Wimbledon honors tradition unlike any other sporting event. Whether you're a tennis enthusiast or not, Wimbledon is a venue that should be on everyone's 'must see' list. The world's greatest tennis players all congregate at Wimbledon. Getty Images Wimbledon is much more than a tennis tournament. It is an event where royalty and celebrities gather with everyday sports fans to witness tennis played on iconic grass courts. Wimbledon can turn a relatively unknown into a superstar as it did for a young John McEnroe and an even younger Maria Sharapova. The Village of Wimbledon, a quaint enclave where Indie boutiques and chic cafes line the streets, serves as the perfect setting for this storied tournament. The vast fields of Wimbledon Common draw walkers and cyclists, while smaller Wimbledon Park attracts families with its playgrounds and lake. Visitors who wish to experience London at its finest during their stay can opt for a wide variety of accommodations, ranging from high-end hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Home to both the Regents Park Mansion and Regent Park Avenue properties, St. John's Wood, London is only minutes from Regent's Park and within easy reach of the All England Club. These opulent properties can be exclusively rented through Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes and offer a rare glimpse into the kind of spaces the ultra-wealthy retreat to during the London social season. Affluent travelers can attend Wimbledon and stay in luxurious accommodations. Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes This affluent neighborhood is known for its lush green spaces, magnificent architecture and proximity to some of London's most popular attractions. The beautiful rose gardens of Regent's Park are within walking distance and gorgeous views of the city can be enjoyed from Primrose Hill. Nearby restaurants include The Ivy St John's Wood. From modern British cuisine to cafe-style classics and fantastic vegan and vegetarian dishes, you'll find something for everyone to love. Experience dining in a chic setting at Boulevard which features both indoor dining and a large outdoor terrace. The inspired menu is a creative collection of dishes from the West with a touch of the East. Although not within everyone's budget, these two Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Home properties include the following: Lavish interiors include a Parisian dining room. Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes 5+2 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | 10+4 Guests Pricing available through Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes. This 25,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion in St. John's Wood offers refined grandeur behind gated gardens just a short walk from Regent's Park. Lavish interiors include a Parisian dining room with hand-carved gilded chairs, a Chinese Art Deco games room and plush velvet drawing rooms. Amenities include an indoor pool, sauna, home cinema and five en-suite bedrooms. Meticulously designed, the impressive home is set on a secluded estate enveloped by exquisite gardens, concealed from public view to ensure total privacy. Each room boasts opulent decor inspired by cultures from around the world. The Parisian dining room features hand-carved gilded chairs, the games room resembles a Chinese Art Deco hideaway and the drawing room offers plush sofas in Claremont silk velvet. Exquisitely crafted to perfection, the mansion offers a remarkable range of amenities from the heated indoor pool and sauna, to the games room and state-of-the-art home cinema. Each room is meticulously designed for bespoke luxury. Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes 5+2 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | 10+4 Guests Pricing available through Mandarin Oriental Exceptional Homes. Set on a private 12,000-square-foot estate, this elegant home features lush, landscaped gardens, a 14-meter outdoor pool and year-round entertaining spaces like a marble bar and al fresco dining under a grand pergola. Indoors, guests enjoy a spa level with pool, sauna and steam room, plus a cinema-equipped club room. The home includes five en-suite bedrooms—two master suites—and two additional suites for staff. Each room is meticulously designed, blending contemporary style with modern amenities. The grand reception room, adorned with exquisite details, opens through double French arched doors to the garden, while the formal dining room, nestled in a glass conservatory, overlooks the serene outdoor spaces. The spa level offers a 15-metre indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room for relaxation. For guests seeking entertainment, the luxurious club room features a cinema, bar and dance floor.
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Land snorkeling? Townsizing? A user's guide to the latest travel lingo
For your next trip, have you considered townsizing? What about choosing a detour destination? And instead of forest-bathing, maybe it's time to give land snorkeling a try. If the terms sound odd, you might need a travel translator. Agencies, online platforms and sometimes travellers themselves have been flexing their creative language skills by labelling trends in travel — some new, some tried-and-true (such as 'bleisure,' a trip that combines business with leisure time). Here are some terms to help you keep up with travel's shifting lexicon: Detour destinations: Last year's destination dupes became this year's detours in Expedia's 2025 trend report. Detour destinations are 'less well-known and less crowded than tourist hot spots,' according to the report. They can be destinations on their own or side trips from a bigger target … for example, pairing Reims with Paris. This practical two-for-one trip concept bundles an appealing neighbour with the closest major airport destination. Townsizing: If there were awards for Wordsmith of the Year, consider Priceline for its addition of 'townsizing.' Your next vacation is townsized if instead of big-city buzz, you opt for small-town vibes in easygoing destinations. Land snorkeling: Think of forest bathing — slow, mindful walks in the woods — and remove the forest, and you have something like land snorkeling. Coined by Montana-based artists Clyde Aspevig and Carol Guzman, land snorkeling in the context of a walk (which could even be in a city) is paying attention to where you are, not necessarily where you're going. It encourages a focus on minute details, the way you might hover over a reef when snorkeling to view the comings and goings of tropical fish and the current's effect on sea fans. 'When you snorkel, you don't go with a destination in mind but go with the water and let (what you are seeing) take over,' Guzman said. 'You wander and you wonder,' Aspevig added. JOMO travel: How to fight FOMO, or fear of missing out? Change your point of view with JOMO — joy of missing out — by embracing a vacation that prioritizes relaxing and ditching your phone. Vacation rental company VRBO proposed this mindset switch, citing 85 per cent of respondents to a company survey who declared an interest in taking a vacation to unplug. Live tourism: In its 2025 trends forecast, travel news site Skift came up with 'live tourism' to refer to the increase in the number of people booking trips around live events in entertainment, sports and natural phenomena. In 2024, few events were bigger travel motivators than the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, the Paris Olympic Games and the total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse is expected to pass over Iceland, Portugal and Spain on Aug. 12, 2026. Start planning now! Mystery tour: The magic of mystery tours, according to operators, lies in surrendering to the unknown and avoiding the quandary of choice. High-end agency Black Tomato has a Get Lost service that offers clients journeys to unspecified destinations and the opportunity to find their way out of the wilderness (under a safe watch from afar, they say). The company has organized mystery trips — which are fully customized, but tend to run five to seven nights — in Mongolia, Morocco, Norway and Guatemala. EF Go Ahead Tours launched its Mystery Tours last year and said it sold out within three hours. Past trips have included Bali and Java in Indonesia. The 2025 slate of unspecified trips are on sale now (from $3,016 for an eight-day tour). Noctourism: If it's a travel adventure you have at night — from swimming in phosphorescent bays to stargazing — then it's also known as noctourism. While it's hardly new, trend forecasters are finding renewed interest in after-dark activities, sometimes as a strategy to beat the heat. cited noctourism in its 2025 forecast, noting that 54 per cent of travellers surveyed in a recent study planned to increase their nighttime activities to avoid daytime temperatures. 'No matter the outing, the cover of darkness adds a sense of adventure and mystery,' said Stephanie Vermillion, the author of the new book '100 Nights of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Adventures After Dark.' Noctourism activities she covers include catching 'moonbows' or lunar rainbows seen through a waterfall's spray at places such as Victoria Falls in southern Africa, seeing a lava flow in Indonesia, and browsing night markets in Taiwan. Phenomenon chasing: Separate natural phenomenon from live tourism and you have phenomenon chasing. Black Tomato cites rising interest in natural events such as the northern lights and solar eclipses among travellers willing to go far and wide to see them in person. 'In a world that can feel overly digital and predictable, there's something incredible about witnessing a rare natural event,' said Rob Murray-John, the head of special projects at Black Tomato. 'These moments let us strip away the noise and immerse in something that feels both intimate and vast, like you're a small part of something much bigger.' This article originally appeared in The New York Times .
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Spain launches another tax raid on British holidaymakers
Are you a holiday let owner affected by the Spanish government's new tax? Get in touch money@ Spain's socialist government is planning a tax raid on British holiday let-owners in the country. The ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party wants to charge 21pc VAT on stays of less than 30 days – more than double the rate paid by hotels. It comes as Madrid lawmakers take aim at foreign property investors as part of efforts to tackle high housing costs. Draft legislation put before the Spanish parliament would raise taxes on owners of short-term tourist rentals from the current rate of zero. The suggested 21pc levy is more than double the 10pc paid by hotels. Unveiling the new bill last month, housing minister Isabel Rodriguez said: 'Homes are for living in [...] the measures seek to guarantee the right to rental housing for families.' The proposed change is part of the same legal push to impose a 100pc purchase tax on the sale of Spanish property to non-European Union buyers and also includes higher taxes for second homes and vacant properties. Alex Radford, partner at Spain-based law firm English Solicitor & Abogado, said: 'The VAT has got more chance of being implemented than the 100pc tax on a property bought by a non-European.' He said that if approved, the bill would likely increase the cost of holidays and lead to fewer available holiday lets in Spain. 'We would envisage that the rental [market] is going to be slightly more expensive. If owners have to add 21pc VAT to the cost of a rental, then we would expect rentals to decrease and people will look at other countries.' 'It's still early days and we don't know what will get approved and what will not,' Mr Radford added. Millions of Britons who visit and live in Spain face losing out because of the new laws, which will undergo scrutiny and potentially amendment before being voted on in the second half of this year. There were more than 260,000 British expats living in Spain at the last official count in 2020, while it received 1.6 million tourists from the UK – more than any other country – during the busy April period last year, according to the Spanish statistics agency. Robert Amsterdam, partner Amsterdam & Associates, a law firm that has campaigned against higher Spanish taxes, said: 'The Spanish government is diverting the attention of the Spanish people away from the government's behaviour and they're coming up with the British as enemy number one.' Most estimates place the number of British people who own property in Spain between 800,000 and one million. A figure for the number of British holiday let-owners in the country was not available. British non-residents bought 3,480 homes in Spain in the first half of 2024, making up 38pc of a total of 9,166 properties sold to non-resident non-EU buyers, according to the latest available figures from the General Council of Spanish Notaries and Spanish Property Insight. Growing anti-tourist sentiment in Spain has already seen cities like Malaga and Madrid capping new licences for holiday lets, while Barcelona will ban them completely by 2028. Spanish media reported in January that Barcelona's plans would cost €1.9bn (£1.6bn) and lose the city around 40,000 jobs, based on a report by consultancy PWC. The country's minority coalition government has defended a crackdown on foreign property investors and holiday let-owners as necessary to make more housing available for Spanish people. There is a deficit of 450,000 homes across Spain, according to a Bank of Spain report published this week. In popular tourist destinations like the Canary and Balearic Islands half the housing stock is either holiday lets for tourists or homes owned by foreigners, it said. Javier Peñate, a legal adviser to a holiday homeowners association in the Canary Islands, told Reuters: 'The sole objective is to put an end to these activities and leave [tourism] in the hands of hoteliers.' Short-term rentals in the province already pay 7pc VAT, as do hotels.
