A fishing village and popular holiday spot has hit back at nearly 300 one-star reviews online that complain of “extortionate” prices at the “cobbled hellscape”.
Clovelly in North Devon is famous for its cobbled streets, donkeys, steep hills that lead to a quay, and its view of the English channel.
It was the UK’s third most searched-for location on AirBnB in April and has been called the country's most 'instagrammable' place in 2020 according to Google, with 147,785 tags on Instagram.
It has also received 1,080 five star reviews on the website TripAdvisor.
But not everyone is happy, as disgruntled holidaymakers have taken to the website to complain, with 288 one-star reviews, according to Devon Live.
One reviewer deemed it a "cobbled hellscape" and criticised its lack of accessibility, adding that he would "highly recommend this trip for people full of self-loathing and hatred".
A solo guest who visited in May shared these frustrations and wrote: "You have to park at the top of a heart-bursting climb of a hill because that’s where the visitor centre is, what a surprise!”
One reviewer, who visited Clovelly in June, was furious that visitors are required to pay.
She wrote: "Don’t bother. £37 for a family to descend and climb a hill, stone beach at the bottom, really difficult to walk on.
"Extortionate price for what you get.”
She added: “The beer garden was the best part of the day."
Some speculated the village was trying to recoup money lost during the Covid pandemic.
However, a representative from Clovelly Village has hit back at these claims.
They wrote: "Hi, Thank you for your feedback. A few points to clarify. Adult admission is £8.25.
"We offer a go safe pack for £5, that contains a mask, sanitiser and wipes. We do aim to make money in order to pay our teams wages, support the local economy and preserve a unique way of life.
"Thank you for helping contribute to this goal. While Covid-19 has had a detrimental effect on us as a tourist attraction we have not increased in order to 'make money back'. Best wishes"
There were far more reviews celebrating the unique and historical charm of the village.
One wrote: "Beautiful village and so well run a total joy.
"My third trip to this amazing place and helped by glorious sunny day and spectacular views.”
Another wrote: "Ok so you have to pay to get in but I’m that respect no different from seeing other historical or culturally rich locations, and it’s the money that keeps them maintained."
They added that they loved their visit and would highly recommend it.
