TripAdvisor flooded with fake Barnard Castle reviews after Dominic Cummings 'visit'

Barnard Castle is being bombarded with fake TripAdvisor reviews after Dominic Cummings and his family were allegedly spotted there.

Retired teacher Robin Lees, 71, has said that he believes he spotted the PM's aide walking by the river near Barnard Castle, Country Durham, on April 12.

The ex-teacher says he saw Cummings with his wife and child and noted down the licence plate.

He yesterday reported his sighting of Mr Cummings to the police.

Boris Johnson's most senior aide has been marred in controversy this weekend after the Mirror and Guardian revealed he had driven more than 250 miles up north to visit his parents while infected with Covid-19.

The trip, which Mr Cummings claimed was taken so he could secure childcare for his son, was a clear breach of lockdown rules.

Now a spate of tongue-in-cheek reviews have been left for the famous castle on TripAdvisor, poking fun at the political aide over the claims.

One 'D.Cummings' joked: "Had a lovely trip to Barnard Castle and Durham in general.

"I had a bit of a cough so thought I’d get away from the city and stroll about doing whatever I want.

"I know the law says not the travel unnecessarily but I’ve got a mate in a high place so I’m not worried about adhering to rules.

"If all else fails I’ll blame the kids. Lovely spot though, I licked everything while I was there."

Another said: "Travelled here instinctively and doubt I’ve ever ever seen anywhere so quiet, even the roads up from London were deserted.

"Unfortunately I was suffering from a dry cough and fever at the time, so my experience was somewhat mixed."

And one person wrote: "It was well worth the 260 mile trip a beautiful place and a good escape from self isolation.

"My wife (who also had the symptoms) and children loved it too."

Another one joked: "Such a lovely place to go, can’t believe I saw Dominic Cummings there!

"He was a really lovely guy but didn’t seem to stop coughing and was sweating profusely? Other than that, great day out to break lockdown."

The Sunday Mirror and Observer exclusively broke the allegations that Mr Cummings had broken lockdown rules for a second time.

Ministers insisted that Mr Cummings had “stayed put” at his family property in Durham during his 14-day self-isolation period.

But Robin Lees, 70, a retired chemistry teacher from Barnard Castle, claimed he saw Mr Cummings and his family walking by the River Tees in the town before getting into a car around lunch time on April 12.

Although he may have completed his period of self-isolation, strict lockdown rules were still in place and the family were 30 miles from his parents’ home.

Now one reviewer has given the venue five stars, adding: "Recently went to Durham for a trip. It was quite dead for a tourist destination, to make the most of it i went out walking along the Tees.

"I chatted to a man with his family there, he recommended Barnard Castle.

"We had a fantastic trip here and were able to witness the bluebells.

"My new acquaintance said if i was in Durham the following week he would be back up this end as his parents were having a garden party.

"Highly recommend it mid April, no tourists!!"

Another user, falsely named 'Big Dominic C', joked: "Had a lovely day with my family on 12th April.

"Was nice and peaceful so didn't see many people around Can't think why. Think I got away with it."

And another reviewer dryly added: "Great day out noting number plates and spotting Cummings and goings.

"Shouldn't have been there but it was great fun."