Residents of the Royal Crescent in Bath, Somerset, have reported that the influx of tourists to their iconic street often results in uninvited visitors entering their homes. The Royal Crescent, a row of 30 Grade I Listed terrace houses, is renowned for its stunning architecture and picturesque setting, drawing millions of tourists annually, particularly fans of period dramas like "Bridgerton."

Michelle Little, a resident since 1997, highlighted her ongoing struggle with tourists erroneously believing they have free access to her home, noting that many simply "walk in" when her front door is open. Little recalled, "The thing that threw me when I first moved here... you could be unloading your car at the front and tourists will just walk in and walk around. It happened loads of times to the point that my sons were trained to get tourists to come out."

She further commented on the peculiar interactions she has had with visitors, including an American man who ventured upstairs to "check" whether her home had running water and electricity. "You find yourself having this polite argument with a total stranger in your home," she remarked, conveying a blend of amusement and disbelief at the tourists' behaviour.

Despite the challenges posed by the constant stream of visitors, many Royal Crescent residents express an appreciation for the unique lifestyle afforded by their famous address. Little shared a more nuanced perspective, stating, "It is an interesting place to live... the street is a bit like a village – it is just condensed into one street."

Jack Betenson, 40, who has lived in the Royal Crescent for two years, offered a different view on the tourist presence. He stated, "I really enjoy it, I like being around people – it feels busy and for me it is quite exciting." His fiancée, however, is not as fond of the crowds. Betenson acknowledged that the tourists predominantly visit the busier end of the street, contrasting it with quieter areas further down.

Ownership dynamics on the street have changed significantly over the years, with many properties now functioning as second homes, leading to an inconsistent resident demographic. Elizabeth Pickett, 82, inherited her property from her grandfather and returned to Bath after living abroad. "I had been living in a ski resort... and I thought that at 80 it was not the best place to be," she noted, highlighting the diverse motivations that bring residents to this historic locale.

The juxtaposition of lively tourists and the day-to-day lives of residents paints a complex picture of life on the Royal Crescent. As the area continues to thrive as a significant tourist attraction, the long-time inhabitants grapple with balancing their cherished home life with the perpetual curiosity of visitors.

Source: Noah Wire Services