Last week AOL ran a little feature listing the 10 worst destinations for tourists in the UK. Apart from 1 in Wales (Holyhead) and 1 in Scotland (Cumbernauld) all were in England. (Well done Northern Ireland in not making the list.)
Some of them seem a little unfair. Wolverhampton has a lot going for it, Bantock House and wandering through West Park on a nice bright Sunday spring to mind and Hackney has a very vibrant feel to it with some good restaurants that beckon. Nearly everywhere has something going for it if you look. And hidden gems can be much more appealing.
How did AOL choose?
Was there one of those online polls so beloved of the media where only those who feel so motivated to do so vote. Is it by those who live there and loathe it or is it voted for by those who just see the publicity but have never been there. I could vote for Worcester where I went to school and hated the place. But the hate was for the school, not the place. (the school doesn’t exist any more, it’s long been torn down) The place is very nice with some good character and good shopping and if I had not explained, would have been maligned for ever in this blog
Remember last year when we asked you to vote in the British Travel Awards? Some of the awards can only be voted for if the service had been used and maybe that should apply to polls like these.