Belgian Tourists' St Ives Surprise: Seagulls Steal Show at Top UK Beach
Seagull raid shocks tourists at Cornwall's St Ives beach

Two Belgian tourists on a road trip across southern England received a "big surprise" during their visit to the picturesque Cornish seaside town of St Ives, famed for having one of Europe's top 10 beaches.

From London Disappointment to Coastal Road Trip

YouTubers Naick and Kim, who were not particularly impressed with London, decided to explore what else Britain had to offer. Their journey in January 2026 took them through destinations including Rye, Exeter, the Jurassic Coast, and Wiltshire before their arrival in Cornwall.

Their first impression of St Ives was overwhelmingly positive, with Naick describing the environment as "magical" and questioning why Britons holiday abroad when such scenery exists at home. The duo were "really excited" to sample authentic British fish and chips for the first time in the historic fishing village.

The Seagull Ambush on the Beach

Choosing Harbour Fish and Chips for its use of locally sourced fish and potatoes, the pair took their meal to the beach. It was then they understood the purpose of the prominent seagull warning signs displayed in the area.

As they began to eat, they were quickly surrounded by birds eyeing their food. "I have seagull anxiety," remarked Kim, before numerous gulls began swooping around them. The situation escalated, forcing the tourists to abandon their picturesque spot. "I think we're going to have to make a run for it," declared Naick, as they swiftly rushed to a quieter location to finish their meal.

Scammed and Robbed? The Tourists' Verdict

Speaking to the camera while hiding from the birds, Naick humorously reflected on their first 48 hours in the country: "I can't believe... we got scammed and robbed by locals here. What is this? The people are fine it's the wildlife." Kim quipped that the seagulls were like "the pirates of the shoreline."

This wasn't the pair's first unexpected experience; earlier, they felt "scammed" after buying a macaroni pie from a Morrisons that didn't meet their expectations.

Despite the avian interference, the food itself received high praise. As a Belgian, Naick felt qualified to judge the fries and confirmed they were "pretty good." Kim was equally pleased with her "really good" fish and chips, particularly enjoying the crunchy cod accompanied by curry sauce.

Their visit underscored the dual reality of the UK's beautiful coastal gems: stunning landscapes and views recognised by TripAdvisor, coupled with the notoriously bold local wildlife that can turn a tranquil meal into an unexpected dash for safety.