14 February 2023 , 15:30
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The Cotswolds is known for lots of things - its stunning scenery, historic towns and quintessential British charm. As England's largest designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, tourists flock to its idyllic villages each year to take a break from life's stresses. But it seems some American visitors have been left disappointed by what it has to offer, claiming it's "lacking in activities".
When reviewing the Cotswolds on TripAdvisor, one visitor from Texas felt cheated after finding out there is no 'actual castle' at Castle Combe. He wrote: "There is NO CASTLE in Castle Combe. No castle but there are remains of a castle, but you won't see it. It is overgrown and on private property."
One visitor left annoyed because there's no 'actual castle' at Castle Combe (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)The village of Castle Combe, in Wiltshire, is built on the grounds of a demolished castle - and is regularly used as a film location thanks to its picturesque charm. It has been featured in The Wolf Man, Stardust, Stephen Spielberg's War Horse and the original Dr Dolittle.
Despite this, a tourist from Nevada, who was oblivious to the fact she was already in one of the most famous parts of the Cotswolds, took one look at Castle Combe and decided to give it a miss. She said: "We were going to walk the town but after we saw what little it had to offer besides a steep walk down the hill to get there and the return, we decided we would pass and wait for the Cotswolds."
They found the area boring with little to do (Getty Images)However, another from Alabama actually took the time to walk around Castle Combe before deciding it has nothing of excitement to stay for. He said: "After a long walk from the car park up on a hill on a Wednesday afternoon, the village appeared to be closed.
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"The short section of main street that was shown in War Horse is very attractive, but is that all there is? The one pub that was open seemed to have the only town's activity." A similarly disappointed visitor added: "The walking tour suggests you 'imagine what it was like 400 years ago when...' I guess we didn't have enough imagination to find Stow worth the time." Elsewhere, a New York tourist couldn't help but share her disappointment after visiting Highgrove Gardens, the private residents of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla.
They said: "Although Charles has 12 gardeners it appeared as if he needed many more." A statement on Highgrove Garden's website reads: "His Majesty The King Charles III came to Highgrove in 1980 and the house and gardens have since undergone many thoughtful innovations.
"When His Majesty first arrived, Highgrove possessed little more than a neglected kitchen garden, an overgrown copse, some pastureland and a few hollow oaks. Today, after the hard work of many people, an interlinked series of gardens now unfolds in a succession of personal and inspiring tableaux, each reflecting HM The King's interests and enthusiasms. Highgrove now welcomes up to 40,000 visitors a year. Above all, Highgrove is the family home of Their Majesties The King Charles III and The Queen Consort."