Holidaymakers face anti-English hostility in Llanberis, Wales

A group of seven English women, aged 55 to 70, traveled from Lancashire to Llanberis, North Wales, for a four-day walking holiday. Upon arrival, they encountered significant hostility from local residents, which they described as 'astounding hatred for the English.' Incidents included being verbally abused in the street and feeling unwelcome in pubs and restaurants, where they were reportedly snubbed and ignored. One member of the group recounted a specific incident in a pub where a local patron openly expressed disdain for them, leading to a tense confrontation. Despite the negative interactions with locals, the women enjoyed the natural beauty of Snowdonia during their visit. However, their experiences overshadowed the scenic aspects of the trip. They felt threatened and uncomfortable, with one member stating that the atmosphere was 'awful' and that they were shocked by the level of hostility they faced. The group ultimately decided that they would not return to North Wales due to the treatment they received. On their final night, the group experienced further unwelcoming behavior when pub staff turned off the lights to encourage them to leave. This incident reinforced their feelings of being unwanted in the area. The women expressed disappointment, as they had previously visited Wales without encountering such hostility. The situation has raised concerns about anti-English sentiment in North Wales, prompting discussions about the impact of local attitudes on tourism. The group’s experience highlights the potential for negative interactions to deter visitors, despite the region's natural attractions.