September 23rd 2024.
The Bude Tunnel has been gaining quite the reputation lately, being hailed as a "marvel of engineering". It's just one of the many free tourist attractions scattered across England that prove you don't always need to spend money to have a good time. From the grand halls of the Natural History Museum in London to the quaint streets of The Shambles in York, there's something for everyone to enjoy without breaking the bank.
But it's not just museums and historic sites that are attracting thrifty visitors. In fact, a 70-meter-long tunnel in Bude, Cornwall has recently been listed as one of England's top free tourist spots. This impressive feat of engineering has landed itself at number 19 on TripAdvisor's rankings for 2024, with a staggering 1,288 five-star reviews. And the best part? It's completely free for anyone to visit.
The Bude Tunnel connects the Sainsbury's car park to Crooklets Road, providing a sheltered walkway for visitors while still allowing them to take in the breathtaking views of Bude. As one TripAdvisor reviewer puts it, the tunnel "protects visitors from the elements" while still offering a glimpse of the "spectacular surroundings" of the town.
During the festive season, the tunnel is often lit up, adding an extra touch of magic to the experience. But it's not just the lights that have earned this tunnel its prestigious ranking. Countless visitors have left tongue-in-cheek reviews, praising it as an "awesome specimen of architectural genius" and a "marvel of engineering and Perspex creativity." It's clear that this tunnel has left a lasting impression on those who have had the chance to walk through it.
Even locals like Charlotte F, who lives in Bude, can't help but rave about the tunnel. In her five-star review, she exclaims that it's a "must-see" site and that a single visit is not enough. "It's something you just need to see for yourself," she writes. "It will change your life." Charlotte even admits to visiting the tunnel once a week just to remind herself of the wonder that humans can create when they put their minds to it.
And it's not just locals who have been awestruck by the Bude Tunnel. Visitors from all over the world have marveled at its impressive 70-meter length and 36 metal arches. John H, a seasoned traveler from Brighton, jokingly calls the tunnel "a wonder of the modern world" and "perhaps of all time." He goes on to say that even after seeing some of the world's greatest wonders, nothing could have prepared him for the "overwhelming mind-blowing explosion" that is the Bude Tunnel.
Another visitor, David E, describes the tunnel as "unparalleled" and even mentions the resident cat that adds to the charm of the place. And for Nic G, who visited on a rainy day, the tunnel provided a beautiful view of the raindrops and the objects outside, thanks to its curved, transparent structure.
Of course, not everyone was as impressed. One visitor, SC, advises others not to bother with the tunnel, calling it "just a plastic covered walkway from Sainsbury's car park to the shop." But despite a few dissenting opinions, the Bude Tunnel has secured its spot as the 19th best free attraction in England, according to TripAdvisor.
The rest of the list is filled with more traditional tourist destinations, such as museums, parks, and markets. London, in particular, dominates the top 10, with attractions like The British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Sky Garden taking the top spots. But there is also representation from outside the capital, with places like York's National Railway Museum, Liverpool's Royal Albert Dock, and Manchester's John Rylands Library making the cut.
It's clear that there is no shortage of free things to do in England, and the Bude Tunnel is just one shining example of the wonders that can be found without spending a penny. So next time you're in Bude, be sure to take a stroll through this "marvel of engineering" and experience the magic for yourself. And who knows, maybe you'll have your own story to share about this incredible tunnel.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
