Is Wales closed?
Are there any lakes in the Lake District? Is Wales closed during the winter? When is feeding time for the Loch Ness monster? These questions are just some of the genuine inquiries from tourists visiting Britain.
Other questions put to staff at one of Britain’s busiest tourist centres have included: What is the entry fee to Brighton? In what month is the May Day demonstration? Are churches in England open at Christmas?
Every year, half a million holidaymakers drop by the Britain & London Visitor Centre, Regent Street, but, judging by some of the questions asked, it is a miracle some managed to reach Britain.
One visitor asked: “Do you have any information on (former Page 3 girl) Samantha Fox?” Another was perhaps making a subtle satirical point when he asked: “When is the changing of the guard at the White House?”
Encounters could be just as strange north of the border at VisitScotland, where questions included: “What time of night does the Loch Ness monster surface and who feeds it?” But for sheer optimism it is hard to beat: “My friend whom I have not seen for 12 years moved to Romford, please tell me where he is now?”
London is set to be the top destination for budget travellers this year. Searches for hostels on the HostelBookers.com website have put the UK capital No1 with Amsterdam and New York next.