A group of hikers have vowed not to return to north Wales after experiencing what they described as an "anti-English" sentiment in a popular tourist village. Despite Wales being renowned for its hospitality, which often draws visitors to choose it over other destinations, Amy Hurst, 56, from Clitheroe, Lancashire, and her companions felt unwelcome during their stay in Llanberis, Eryri. Amy, who was visiting with six other women, expressed shock at the attitude they encountered.
The women aged between 55 and 70 are members of 'Women that Walk', a group founded in their hometown to inspire women to explore the outdoors. Amy, a florist and mother, stated: "The hatred for the English in North Wales is astounding, we will not be returning." Visitors across Europe have faced backlash amid concerns about over-tourism in recent years, leading to protests and anti-tourist sentiments.
While Wales has seen demonstrations regarding second homes, it's uncommon for tourists themselves to feel targeted. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter Read more: 'Out of control' council workers mix food waste with carefully separated recycling Read more: The date when torrential rain and gales will smash into the UK as startling maps show what's coming Llanberis, situated at the base of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), attracts thousands of English tourists weekly, reports North Wales Live . In response to the claims, Jim Jones, chief executive of North Wales Tourism, emphasised that the area is known for being "friendly and welcoming".
Amy, who runs a flower business, said the group first sensing something was off when they arrived at their Airbnb on Friday, August 30. She said: "When first arrived there, we were walking down the street when one of us remarked on there being a funeral care place. A guy walking past overheard us and said 'it's free for the English! ' It was a bit strange! ".
The following evening, Amy alleges that the group entered a pub where a man commented: "Let's not bother with these they're bloody English." Amy continued: "We had to tell them to leave us alone. We ended up leaving pub and one of our group challenged the man and asked him why he felt the way he did - he turned into a cowering little boy! We felt a bit scared, it just felt very threatening.
" In a restaurant the group visited the next day, Amy claims everyone was served except for them though she admits she has no proof this was due to them being English and concedes it could have simply been bad luck. She added: "The vibe was awful all round we were all shocked at how bad it was. I've been to Wales a few times but this was really anti-English and probably anti-women too - I will not be going back.
" "It's hardly Barcelona where they want the tourists out because there are too many," she said. "I wouldn't recommend going there to anybody. It's such a beautiful place but the people were just off - we basically just got abused.
" To add insult to injury, Amy claimed that on their last day, when a member of their group went to order last drinks at a pub, the establishment promptly turned off all the lights. "They clearly wanted us out as well I've never had an experience which has made me feel like this before," she expressed. Tourism boss Jim Jones commented: "I'm saddened to hear this group of ladies had this experience whilst visiting Llanberis.
We work so hard to promote North Wales, which has a reputation for being a friendly and welcoming region.".
