Don’t be fooled: These hilariously named UK destinations really exist
With April Fool’s Day on the horizon, Booking.com is paying homage to this day embraced by jokesters around the globe, by curating a list of fantastic places in the UK with the most amusing names. These destinations are not only going put a grin on your face, but with its mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, Booking.com is also committed to make you feel reassured when visiting these destinations thanks to its over 17 million listings which have implemented health and safety measures, to put your mind at ease once it is safe to travel again.
Beer, Devon – Contrary to what visitors might think, the name of this picturesque village is not derived from the drink but from the Old English word ‘bearu’ meaning ‘grove’, referring to the forests that originally surrounded the village. Despite the name-giving woodlands having disappeared since the village was founded, there are plenty of other attractions that visitors can enjoy. Situated along the Jurassic coast in Devon, Beer comprises a pebble beach lined with fishing boats and is encompassed by white chalk cliffs, providing breath-taking views for travellers to soak up. This is perfect for the 79%* of UK travellers who consider beautiful natural scenery to be an important deciding factor of where to travel.
Where to stay: Durham House – This cosy, characterful bed and breakfast offers a delicious à la carte or full English / Irish breakfast – the perfect fuel ahead of a day of exploring. The delightful property is situated on a high street in the heart of Beer, conveniently located just a short stroll away from restaurants, bars and the sea front.
Giggleswick, Yorkshire – While inhabitants of this charming parish in the Craven District surely like to have a giggle, the village was actually named after the Viking ‘Gigel’ who initially established this settlement. Have a giggle over tea and cake in one of the snug tea rooms nearby or admire the charming stone cottages and 12th-century church. For the 43%** of UK travellers who want to appreciate the nature/natural beauty of their home country that they normally overlook, Giggleswick also serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the spectacular Yorkshire dales.
Where to stay: Nestled away in a peaceful courtyard, The Stables is a renovated, spacious apartment in an 18th century coach house, 1.3 miles from Giggleswick. The well-equipped apartment boasts an ensuite bedroom, kitchen, dining area and cosy wood burner.
Barton in the Beans, Leicestershire – This tongue twister translates into ‘barley farm where beans are grown’, perpetuating that Leicestershire was once famed for cultivating the broad bean. The tranquil hamlet lies in the Hinckley and Bosworth district and is surrounded by beautiful walking paths, waiting to be explored. If all this talk about beans is making you peckish, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a variety of cafés, bakeries and pub restaurants in the nearby villages.
Where to stay: The quaint Old Ivy House Bed & Breakfast is located in the delightful rural village of Congerstone, just 2 miles from Barton in the Beans. Parts of this converted farm date back to the 13th century, which is reflected in its antique furnishings, oak beams and log fires. For travelers who are full of beans, there are many walking routes nearby, which are perfect for burning off some of that energy.
Dull, Scotland – Contrary to what the name might indicate, this village and parish in Perth and Kinross is anything but boring, with plenty of adrenaline-boosting outdoor activities on offer, such as white-water rafting and Highland safaris. An ideal getaway for the 19%* of UK travelers saying that they wish to take an adventure travel trip in 2021. It also boasts some of Scotland’s most impressive sceneries, such as magnificent waterfalls in the Birks of Aberfeldy. Proving its sense of humour, Dull paired itself with ‘Boring’ in Oregon and ‘Bland’ in New South Wales to form 'The Trinity of Tedium' in 2017.
Where to stay: Just a short drive away from Dull, The Kenmore Club By Diamond Resorts is a lavish resort made up of various cottages offering self-catering accommodation. Each cottage consists of a spacious lounge, dining area and a well-appointed kitchen. The resort also offers a vast swimming pool, tennis court, restaurant, and children's playground.
Gullible Gardens, Derbyshire – The first residents of Gullible Gardens chose this name to honour Sir Clive Langton, who was teased for being extremely gullible but ended up saving the village from destruction when a fire broke out. You’ll have to look hard to find this little gem of a village, which is hidden among Derbyshire’s radiant hills. True to its name, it has been awarded for having the most manicured gardens per square foot in the UK.
Where to stay: The Fool’s Inn is a vacation home filled with bright artistic décor, each room representing a different colour theme. Stacked with a variety of games, guests here will laugh until their stomachs hurt this April Fool’s Day.
METHODOLOGY
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 47,728 respondents across 28 markets (1,997 from USA, 1,987 from Canada, 1,999 from Mexico, 2,003 from Colombia, 1,996 from Brazil, 2,002 from Argentina, 1,994 from Australia, 985 from New Zealand, 1,993 from Spain, 1,993 from Italy, 1,993 from France, 1,984 from UK, 1,989 from Germany, 1,977 from Netherlands, 983 from Denmark, 986 from Sweden, 998 from Croatia, 1,997 from Russia, 999 from Israel, 1,997 from India, 1,992 from China, 991 from Hong Kong, 1,991 from Thailand, 1,977 from Singapore, 998 from Taiwan, 953 from Vietnam, 1,990 from South Korea, 1,987 from Japan). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in November 2020.
**Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who have traveled for business or leisure in the past 12 months, and must be planning to travel in the next 12 months (if/once travel restrictions are lifted). In total 20,934 respondents across 28 countries and territories were polled (including from 999 USA, 496 from Canada, 497 from Mexico, 997 from Colombia, 999 from Brazil, 499 from Argentina, 995 from Australia, 499 from New Zealand, 999 from Spain, 996 from Italy, 996 from France, 999 from UK, 996 from Germany, 498 from Netherlands, 499 from Denmark, 499 from Sweden, 498 from Croatia, 1001 from Russia, 498 from Israel, 997 from India, 994 from China, 499 from Hong Kong, 497 from Thailand, 496 from Singapore, 499 from Taiwan, 997 from South Korea, 500 from Vietnam and 995 from Japan). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2020.