London man vows to visit ‘must visit’ Erewash attraction

Mark Amos' posted image of the ever-popular 'Hole In The Wall' (Credit: Facebook Banana For Scale)

A London man has vowed to visit what is described as a ‘must visit’ attraction on a trip to visit the Erewash area.

Mark Amos took to social media to detail his plans having seen the ‘little tourist highlight’ he said had been the subject of a review by a ‘fellow dullster’, mentioning that the ever popular Nat West Bank ‘Hole In The Wall’ on Bath Street in Ilkeston ‘may be the town’s answer to the mysteries of the universe, although wondering why it was there with its perfectly  circular and beautifully aligned brick work.’

Writing on the ‘Banana For Scale’ Facebook page, he said that the review had immediately prompted him to add it to his itinery when he was set to visit Ilkeston during week commencing 22nd June 2026.

He added: “Unfortunately, I don’t think it will enthrall me for the whole day – probably less than five minutes – but it will be worth it.”

Mark sought clarity from fellow forum followers, doubting the accuracy of its online description on a high-ranking chart of the TripAdvisor website which said that it was open 24 hours a day, adding that he didn’t want to “…turn up and find it shut.”

A significant number of replies followed from around the country, comparing the Ilkeston hole to one in Christchurch Botanical Gardens, and with some posting their selfies with the Ilkeston hole in the wall, others stating they had climbed through it, and referencing the short period when a horizontal bar was installed but was soon removed after local protests.  Another jokingly referenced that Mark had posted a photograph of the hole but which had been taken from the other side and that Mark should ‘look into it’.

There was also a picture of the characters from the classic BBC television Children’s show ‘Play School’ and suggested Mark should look out for Big Ted, Little Ted, Hambel, Jemima and Humpty whilst looking through the round window.

Others theorised why the Ilkeston Hole in the Wall became a thing in the first place.

James Halford had perhaps the best summary when he posted a notable reply stating: “You can never claim to be a true ‘Ilsonite’ until you have made a passing.”