Land’s End in Cornwall has been slammed as a cash cow (Image: Getty)
Lands End Landmark in celebrated for its breathtaking ocean panoramas as England’s most westerly point, is facing backlash online, with visitors branding it “the worst” UK spot to “avoid like the plague”.
Besides boasting impressive coastal views, Lands End has diversified into a holiday complex with attractions including mini golf, a 4D cinema, and a farm.
Yet, the destination has drawn criticism from online reviewers, particularly for its pricing and the perceived value of the experience.
On Tripadvisor, Lands End holds a middling three-star rating, with a worrying number – upwards of 1,000 people – giving it a minimum one-star review, largely put off by the cost of parking.
In response to these critiques, a Heritage GB spokesperson said: “The car parking fees at Land’s End are set at rates that are comparable or in line with other parking options in the local area.
“These charges contribute directly to the ongoing maintenance and preservation of this 100-acre iconic location, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy the facilities for years to come.”
Adding to the landmark’s charm, Lands End’s famous signpost, a favourite among tourists, points out distances to various global destinations such as New York and the Isles of Scilly.
The signpost has served as a backdrop for photographs featuring notable personalities like Professor Brian Cox and James May, reports .
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Land’s End cliff top (Image: Getty)
Visitors to the iconic Land’s End are now faced with a £10.50 fee if they wish to snap a photo in front of its famous signpost, as reported by disgruntled guests.
A Tripadvisor user expressed their frustration, saying: “Firstly the parking charge is outrageously expensive with a minimum charge of £8.
“Recommend trying to find a free parking spot on the lanes prior to arriving at Land’s End if travellers can manage a 20 minute walk.
“The landmark is blighted by what looks like a tacky theme park which we bypassed to get to the ‘Post’.”
Another visitor lamented the lost opportunity for a free photo, stating: “Once you could walk up to the sign post and take a photo. Not anymore.
“For an extra £10 you can queue up for someone to take your photo at the sign post. Alternatively one could take a picture from a bit of a distance and photo shop it.”
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The iconic sign post at Land’s End (Image: Getty)
One particularly irate reviewer branded the situation an “absolute rip-off,” they added: “We were there for about 40 minutes. Car parking £8. The view is amazing but such an iconic location has been desecrated by commercialisation.”
Echoing the sentiment, a user advised: “Avoid like the plague! It’s an over-commercialised dump. £8 to park or you have 20 minutes free parking!
“But the ANPR cameras are on the main entrance/exit, so the time you drive up to the car park and find a space and then work out if you need to get a ticket your 20 minutes is virtually gone.
“You then drive back to the main entrance and end up with a ticket for exceeding the 20 minute period, it’s almost as if it has been designed that way.”
“To cap it all they charge £11 to have a photograph taken with the famous signpost! ! ! ! Everything on the site is designed to make them money. There is NOTHING to even justify going there.”
Land’s End is a famed tourist destination (Image: Getty)
Another said: “They may as well grab you and shake you upside down over the cliff until all the cash falls out of your pockets. At least it might add some excitement for your money.”
Furthermore, in a stinging conversation about the worst UK holidays, Land’s End received the dubious honour from the top contributor, stating: “Not so much accommodation, but Lands End for a day trip is absolutely dire.”
The scathing criticism didn’t stop there with one commenter laying bare their disdain: “It’s a cash cow from the second you enter the car park. Pay for parking, pay extortionate amounts for food, souvenirs and even want your money for a photo of the sign”.
Not everyone had the same issues, however, others said they didn’t think the prices were unreasonable.
“There is so much to do at Land’s End for kids and adults alike. We didn’t participate in any entertainment designed for families. We had a photo taken with the famous signpost, which cost £10.99 for one photo, which we didn’t think was unreasonable”
Another person said: “Plenty of things to do, it’s been made into a proper experience with shops, eateries, attractions. Could spend hours here!”