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Original poster

Places that have exceeded your expectations

57 replies

Turtletumy · 26/04/2023 14:49

Following on from the places you have been to and been disappointed in, tell me the places you have been with low expectations and have been blown away by 😀

OP posts:
Gtsr443 · 26/04/2023 14:50

Bradford. Love it.

AmandaHoldensLips · 26/04/2023 14:58

Asda.
The product range was a lot better than I had anticipated.

SOMumm · 26/04/2023 15:05

Dungeness - eerie, forsaken, atmospheric.

JustFuckingTired · 26/04/2023 15:12

Verona.

A much, much nicer, less bustling and cleaner version of Rome.

Granted that there isn't quite as much to do/see but wonderful for beautiful architecture, great food, lovely cafe culture and fantastic accommodation. And it's only half hour from Lake Garda. Absolutely wonderful place.

postitnot · 26/04/2023 15:17

Blackpool pleasure Beach. Kids really wanted to go so we went. It was great! Much shorter queues than alton towers and chippy tea afterwards.

I am never ever going on the Big One again though, I was terrified.

maddy68 · 26/04/2023 20:41

La Palma. Not a fan of the canaries but loved it

tunainatin · 26/04/2023 20:43

Mablethorpe, not the town itself but the beach is beautiful.

CarolinaInTheMorning · 26/04/2023 20:49

Glasgow. Not sure exactly what I was expecting, but so much to see and do, and the friendliest people in the UK.

MrsTerryPratchett · 26/04/2023 20:49

China.

Wonderful people, beautiful place.

infinityminusone · 26/04/2023 20:52

Portmeirion - I didn't realise it was by such a beautiful beach.

LeavesOnTrees · 26/04/2023 20:52

Pompeii
Guilford
Dubrovnik

SilentHedges · 26/04/2023 21:06

Highlands of Scotland, West Coast, particularly Mellon Udrigle Beach. Probably helped that it was miraculously hot and sunny all week, but it was breatakingly beautiful.

THisbackwithavengeance · 26/04/2023 21:12

Southport. Lovely beach, nice fun park, nice town centre, did a day trip to Liverpool. Had a great time.

Shetland islands. Loved everything about it. Would move there if DH hadn't vetoed it.

Conductpolicy · 26/04/2023 21:19

Amsterdam! Expecting grotty seedy place and was so impressed by beautiful smart streets, gorgeous houses, shops and the happy buzzy feel of the place and wonderful olde bars.

BammBamm · 26/04/2023 21:21

That's nice to hear @THisbackwithavengeance as we live on the outskirts and love it.

Melbourne exceeded my expectations but it was 20 years ago!

Mumma · 26/04/2023 21:29

Stonehenge. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

And sutton hoo.

OldHouseLover · 26/04/2023 21:33

Dublin 😁

waterlego · 26/04/2023 21:36

The Oregon coast. I think I had expected it to be a bit dull, but I saw some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. Also, the people were extraordinarily friendly and hospitable.

thaisweetchill · 26/04/2023 22:23

Brean - great for children!

Soproudoflionesses · 26/04/2023 22:56

JustFuckingTired · 26/04/2023 15:12

Verona.

A much, much nicer, less bustling and cleaner version of Rome.

Granted that there isn't quite as much to do/see but wonderful for beautiful architecture, great food, lovely cafe culture and fantastic accommodation. And it's only half hour from Lake Garda. Absolutely wonderful place.

Totally agree - much preferred it to Rome

CakeIsNotAvailable · 26/04/2023 23:07

BammBamm · 26/04/2023 21:21

That's nice to hear @THisbackwithavengeance as we live on the outskirts and love it.

Melbourne exceeded my expectations but it was 20 years ago!

I love near Southport too and absolutely love the Sefton coast. Great beaches, Formby pinewoods, close proximity to Liverpool, decent state schools, relatively inexpensive housing even in the "naice" areas - it's a fantastic place to live.

As for places I've been positively surprised by - Leicester. Lovely little city. Lots to do. Very friendly people. Great for a weekend away with kids.

I have a soft spot for Leeds, too.

GiveUsACoffee · 26/04/2023 23:15

tunainatin · 26/04/2023 20:43

Mablethorpe, not the town itself but the beach is beautiful.

We love Mablethorpe beach too! Can't wait to go back for a day

BammBamm · 26/04/2023 23:21

@CakeIsNotAvailable great to see there's another vote for Southport Grin. Yes it is pretty affordable, I think maybe because it's not that accessible to the motorway network, as I would say that's the only drawback for us.

We definitely need to utilise Liverpool more, we moved in lockdown and haven't made the most of it yet, but we love an evening on the beach!

bizzey · 26/04/2023 23:26

Benidorm !
Went 10-12 ish years ago with young DC's around ages 9 - 12 years

The old part of Benidorm is fantastic to walk around.

Boat out to the Rock and swimming with the fish tickling your toes .( If you like that sort of thing !)

and finding the hotel that they filmed the Benidorm program in !.

Much more to Benidorm than stag/hen weekends 🤣

Icequeen01 · 26/04/2023 23:56

Dartmouth. Was expecting a dreary naval town for some reason but found a beautiful, picturesque town which was a delight to walk around. Totnes also surprised us. Lovely shops!