Belgian Tourists' St Ives Surprise: Seagulls Raid Fish and Chips on Top Beach
Tourists' seaside surprise as seagulls raid fish and chips

Two Belgian tourists on a UK road trip received a startling welcome from the local wildlife during a visit to a celebrated Cornish seaside town, turning a picturesque meal into a frantic dash for cover.

From London Disappointment to Coastal Discovery

YouTubers Naick and Kim, who were not overly impressed with London, decided to explore what else Britain had to offer. They embarked on a journey through southern England, visiting locations including Rye, Exeter, the Jurassic Coast, and Wiltshire. Their travels eventually led them to the renowned destination of St Ives in Cornwall on their first UK visit.

The pair, documenting their trip for their channel, were instantly captivated by the area. Naick described the environment as "magical", praising the sunny holiday vibe and even questioning why British tourists would holiday in France. Their plan included a quintessential British experience: eating fish and chips on the beach.

The 'Pirates of the Shoreline' Strike

Before the main event, a minor food-related confusion occurred. The duo stopped at a Morrisons supermarket, where Naick sampled a macaroni pie, holding it up to the camera to declare they had been "scammed" as it didn't look as expected.

Undeterred, they purchased their fish and chips from Harbour Fish and Chips in St Ives, noting the use of locally sourced fish and potatoes. They headed to the beach, located in a town famed for its art and coastal views and ranked among TripAdvisor's top 10 European beaches.

As they began to eat, they quickly understood the purpose of the prominent seagull warning signs displayed in the area. Kim admitted to having "seagull anxiety" as birds circled overhead. Moments later, their fears were realised when multiple gulls swooped down towards their food.

"I think we're going to have to make a run for it," Naick declared. The pair swiftly abandoned their spot, with Kim commenting, "This was not the best idea." Taking refuge elsewhere, Naick humorously reflected to the camera: "I can't believe in the first 48 hours, we got scammed and robbed by locals here. What is this? The people are fine it's the wildlife." Kim quipped that the birds were like the "pirates of the shoreline."

Verdict on the Food and the Experience

Despite the avian ambush, the Belgian visitors gave a positive review of the traditional British fare. As a self-proclaimed fry connoisseur, Naick confirmed the chips were "pretty good". Kim also enjoyed her "really good" fish and chips with curry sauce, particularly praising the "crunchy" cod.

Their visit to St Ives on 14 January 2026 ultimately provided the "big surprise" of their UK tour—a memorable, if chaotic, encounter with Cornwall's notoriously bold seagulls, contrasting sharply with the serene beauty of one of Europe's most acclaimed beaches.