Disapointing sites

[Paul mabbott]

All depends a bit on how you define 'site' and what your expectations are to start with. I'm never disapointed by the country parks and mansions of the rich because I don't expect anything of them in the first place!

A problem with Stonehenge and similar is the tourists - get there when nobody is around and they can be impressive but you can get no sort of feeling for them with hundreds of people milling around - go to one of the smaller sites that nobody else visits!

The 'Angel of the North' is a sculpture not a site so the same rules don't apply.

The Tour d'Eiffel is a building and an astonishing piece of work in its day - it also gives stupendous views and exercise (if you walk up). As were the buildings on the Acropolis in Athens but, getting back to the earlier point, if you visit that in mid-summer you will be very disappointed

Originally Posted by kshotton45

I caught the end of an item on local radio where they had been discussing the list of the 10 most disapointing sites in Britain. I can't find any mention of it on the web. Anyone know of it.
Apparently Stonehenge was the top disapointing site. I've been there and like it. It's a bit pricey, but it's a lovely area.

One other point mentioned, was that the Eiffel Tower was Europes most disapointing site!

Keith.

[rscott74]

Re Angel of the North.
I live fairly close and should point out it's not a visitor attraction - it's a piece of public art. It may not be worth visiting but its nice to see. It makes a statement to Geordies 'you're home' or to outsiders that we in the north east don't live in caves and eat coaldust.
It was a gamble to have it erected but I think it's worthwhile.

[galanthus]

i've driven past stonehenge but never wandered among it's stones...although i have been to a smaller stone circle nearby (aylesbury?) and loved it, felt a real energy there...[/quote]

I've been to Avebury a few times now. The National Trust rip you off the second you park your car and you have to pay to go into the gallery. I loved this place a long time ago but now it's full of peeps with heels and handbags.

Glastonbury Tor .... wow, now there's a place to be

[turkeyneck]

Many moons past I can remember whilst serving in the Army having to patrol around Stonehenge during the solstice? Even back then I can remember thinking this is nuts. I'm here having a good old chat with all these nice 'New Agers' whilst some terrorist was planning to blow up one of the local Army camps dotted around. That was the only time I'd seen the sunrise during the solstice. There I was stood in full combat gear, tin helmet and rifle in my hand in complete silence with hundreds of other people. A breath taking experience for sure AND I didn't have to pay!

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by rscott74

Re Angel of the North.
I live fairly close and should point out it's not a visitor attraction - it's a piece of public art. It may not be worth visiting but its nice to see. It makes a statement to Geordies 'you're home' or to outsiders that we in the north east don't live in caves and eat coaldust.
It was a gamble to have it erected but I think it's worthwhile.

personally I'd have said the statement it makes is " look at this monstrous waste of money - we could have spend it doing something worthwhile on deprived estates but instead we built a huge metal angel "

looking on the brightside i remember when it first went up some right wing oaf (borris johnson maybe ?) predicted that the geordies would nick it for scrap within a week so at least they've proved him wrong

[kshotton45]

Think of the feeders they could have hug from it !!!!

Keith.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Originally Posted by eeyore

yep - unless like me you trespass under the cover of darkness to get some sunrise shots then get nicked by two large , agressive and impolite security guards once the sun is up (sample conversation - "no you cant confiscate my camera , touch me and i'll have you for assault" )

of course you can also see it for free by either

a) turning your head as you whiz past on the 303
or
b) standing on the side of the 303

the trouble with b is that you stand a good chance of getting obsquatchalated by those practicing the a) technique

You can also get in for free and walk amongst the stones after hours if you're a member of the Pagan Society.

Cheers,

Adam