TOURIST attraction owners and hoteliers break their backs to get spotless reviews online, often going above and beyond to please demanding customers.
But it turns out all you really have to do is…. nothing. Because there’s a place in Wadhurst, East Sussex, with a faultless run of five-star reviews – called simply the ‘Magic Bench’.
The pictures online show an ordinary-looking bench, a memorial one, and one that’s perhaps seen better days.
But bizarrely, it has five stars on Google and gleaming reviews spanning back three years.
Is this a targeted campaign by a bunch of locals or an in-joke among mates? Quite possibly, but three years is an impressive length of time to keep a campaign going.
Someone who visited this year wrote: “The most magical bench I’ve ever sat upon. Beautiful view, lovely serene setting and magic all round!”
They visited on a weekday, experienced no wait time, but did recommend reservation.
Other visitors wrote: “If sitting is your thing, then this bench is a must.”
Also: “A wonderful place! An absolutely magical view over the lake! The highlight in the UK.”
And: “Believe the hype! Truly magical!”
Baffled by such positive words, I had to go check out the bench for myself, to see if it truly was magical or just an online hoax.
The bench can be found by Bewl Water – a location attraction which is a great place for walks or water activities.
The best way I found to get to the bench was to park at The Old Vine pub and to follow the track there leading down to the reservoir.
The walk takes about 20 minutes, and once you reach the circular track that goes around the water and start walking anti-clockwise, you’ll find a small opening between the bushes and trees.
It was easy to find and a welcome sight after a tricky walk down in wellies.
I took a seat and waited to see if some ethereal feeling came over me.
It didn’t.
But with no other benches nearby, and after a fast-paced walk down to find it, it was a great place to perch and rest and admire the view.
The bench is tucked in close to the bushes, so feels very much secluded.
And the view is amazing overlooking the still stretch of water, with nothing but the sound of birds and the wind rustling through the leaves…
Maybe this is what everyone meant when they described the bench as “magic”.
Whether the online reviews are a joke or actually real I think is yet to be determined.
Nonetheless, if you’re looking for some beautiful walks and cosy pubs to warm up in this Autumn, I definitely recommend visiting Wadhurst – named ‘Best Place to live in the UK’ by The Sunday Times last year.
Tunbridge Wells
A 17 minute drive away from Wadhurst is Tunbridge Wells – the closest big town if you’re looking for more shops and restaurants. The Pantiles walkway is an iconic feature in the town, famous for its Georgian architecture and independent shops and restaurants.
Hastings
Not far away is the seaside town of Hastings. You can hop on the train at Wadhurst and it’s at the end of the line (about 30 minutes away). Hastings’ medieval Old Town is a main attraction, with its narrow streets, antique shops, boutiques and cafes. The beach is pebbly, but the perfect place to sit down and enjoy some fish and chips.
Bodiam
Less than half an hour away is Bodiam, a small village but with a rather large castle. The castle is owned by the National Trust, and it another good place to head for an Autumn walk. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, there’s the Castle Inn across the road or The Hub @ Quarry Farm, which has the Kent & East Sussex Railway nearby.
