Travel Desk

There’s a massive hole in the ground at the top of Whinney Hill – a shale quarry that once supplied raw materials for Accrington’s famous Nori brickworks (as used in the Empire State Building and Blackpool Tower). It’s fitting, as there’s a chasm-wide gap in history when it comes to this unprepossessing spot on the edge of the West Pennine Moors.

On the morning of 24 April 1826, about 1,000 weavers met on the hilltop to plan their day and, no doubt, get the lie of the land and the weather before setting off. A banking crisis in December of the previous year – dubbed the Panic of 1825 by historians – had hammered the cotton industry. Lancashire’s weavers, who had already suffered years of declining wages and living standards, faced destitution and even starvation.

Desperate, they decided to carry out large-scale breakages of power looms to send a symbolic message to their employers and the government. On that fateful April day, the first of four days of action, they would split into groups to walk many miles to Clitheroe, Oswaldtwistle and Blackburn – mill towns where they were met by soldiers, cavalry and yeomanry with guns and swords. By the end of their protest marches, at least six people had lost their lives.

The views, once you get past the fencing around the old quarry, now a landfill, are extensive – especially on such a pin-sharp winter’s day as I had when I recced one of the weavers’ walks with local guide and historian Nick Burton, who is leading this year’s remembrance walks for the Weavers Uprising Bicentennial Committee (WUBC) charity. Eight guided walks, taking place across Lancashire between March and August, will follow the routes used by the 1826 protestors as closely as ipossible.

We could make out the moorlands around Darwen to the south, Burnley to the east and Pendle Hill in the north. Behind and below us was Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium, which has a terrace named after Whinney Hill.

We opted for the Clitheroe route, as it would take us near to home. Like the weavers, we began on the old turnpike road, now the A680, which is dotted with Victorian and earlier properties. I spotted several Mill Lanes, old access points to workplaces now turned into housing estates. There were also plenty of Moor Lanes. We passed through Clayton-le-Moors – best known for its fell running team, once presided over by the legendary Ron Hill – and Great Harwood, another textile hub, and birthplace of printing and dyeing innovator John Mercer.

Things got greener around the Grade II-listed Martholme (former) railway viaduct, where we looked down on the River Calder. I was on familiar ground, having learned to drystone wall in the shadow of this 10-arched beauty. The Calder takes wild meanders here, as it approaches the River Ribble. We followed what was probably an old limers way (packhorse routes used by traders to carry lime) before climbing to a shoulder of the Nab, a prominent, wooded hill above Whalley, with its stirring Cistercian abbey ruins and Lancashire’s longest viaduct. With views all the way back to Whinney Hill and dramatic wintry shadows, it was time for tea and a butty. We were soon at the summit and with even bigger vistas north. As the sun crept away, it turned chilly. We more or less raced across the last few fields to get to Low Moor, where there was one final disappeared mill and clash between unarmed weavers and soldiers to note – whence to the New Inn in Clitheroe for a warming ale.

A total of 415 power looms were broken on the first day of the uprising. It wasn’t the first time workers had smashed technologies, many of which had been invented and developed in Lancashire. The spinning jenny was invented in Oswaldtwistle; Blackburn and Manchester were testbeds for the power loom. But the workers had been pushed to the limit; after tramping 10 miles or more, sometimes encountering resistance, they had to hike all the way home.

My second walk, a week later – on a colder, even crisper day – started and finished at blue plaque sites. It began in Haslingden, this time heading south. The first plaque, on the former New Inn, recorded that on 25 April 1826, handloom weavers were arrested for destroying 100 power looms in nearby Helmshore. They were charged with riot but released when an angry crowd protested. Some were transported to Australia for life. A bystander called Mary Hindle was sentenced to death, later commuted to transportation.

This route – taken by the weavers on the third day of the uprising – passed some pitstops for coffee and culture, including the Whitaker museum and art gallery, which has a social history collection featuring a painted panel capturing the moment handloom weavers smashed power looms in the Whitehead family’s mill in Rawtenstall. They destroyed 96 looms in just half an hour. A new commemorative WUBC banner, Rise Up!, by textile artist James Fox is on display. On 16 April, a newly commissioned sound and film installation by Blackburn-based artist Jamie Holman, responding to the original painting, will be unveiled.

From the windows of the gallery you can see Hardman’s Mill, with its 49-metre (161 foot) high chimney, which postdates the uprising. Before it was bought by self-made textile magnate Richard Whitaker, the grand mansion containing the museum was the home of George Hardman. It’s said he liked to be able to see the mill from the windows.

The weavers took action at Hoyle and Ashworth’s Mill at New Hall Hey, and Longholme Mill – a site now occupied by an Asda. A lot of east Lancashire’s textile buildings have been razed, but you can see traces of foundations or old walls in some places, as well as repurposed mills used as offices or carpet shops. Wherever you see a big supermarket, it’s worth checking the old Ordnance Survey maps on the excellent National Library of Scotland website. There’s a good chance that a supermill once stood where now we buy groceries.

In the centre of Rawtenstall, we passed the famous Mr Fitzpatrick’s temperance bar (where I always take a pint of blood tonic) and a vintage chippy called Old Man Greenwood’s, which has been serving splits (chips and mushy peas) and babby’s yeds (steak and kidney pudding) since 1932 (it also sells fresh fish). After passing the terminus for the East Lancashire heritage railway, underneath the aforementioned chimney, and through a small industrial estate, we were on a path running along the side of the River Irwell (all the way to central Manchester if you’re so inclined). The busy A56 wasn’t far away, but it was peaceful and pastoral, with herons and mallards, and lots of songbirds; the all-day frost made the scene bewitching.

At the border with Greater Manchester, on Plunge Road, we went down into the woodland beside Dearden Brook. All that remained of the mill here were crumbling stone walls, draped, Angkor Wat-style, in a century of undergrowth. From Edenfield, we had distant views over the valley to Musbury Tor – a sort of miniature Pendle Hill, its pronounced profile standing out clearly amid the level moortops.

A hard-to-read small blue plaque on a house in Chatterton, bearing the specious title The Chatterton Fight, informs passersby that handloom weavers “were fired on by soldiers of the 60th Foot. Four men and one woman was killed. A fifth man, an onlooker, was also later shot dead.” The local magistrate, William Grant, had read the Riot Act, giving a green light to the violence. Soldiers fired 600 bullets into a crowd of 3,000 people over a period of 15 minutes. You can listen to actor Maxine Peake reading their names out loud here, on behalf of the WUBC.

Lancashire historians believe the significance of the April 1826 rising, and the Chatterton Massacre, have been unjustly overlooked. But the events of those four days – brave and tragic – are a historical bridge between the Luddite risings, Peterloo and Chartism. In the heartfelt words of Dr David Gordon Scott, founder and chair of the WUBC – who began organising remembrance walks in 2022 – “walking in the protesters’ footsteps and feeling the solidarity that arises by participating in their journey, deepens our understandings and sense of empathy with those courageous souls who 200 years ago risked their lives in a desperate attempt to ensure that their loved ones had enough to sustain them in the bleakest of times”.

See weavers-uprising.org.uk for more information on the history of the Weavers’ Uprising, plus dates and booking information for the guided walks

Chris Moss is the author of Lancashire: Exploring the Historic County that Made the Modern World, published by Old Street Publishing (£25). To support the Guardian order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply

This historic Shropshire market town is bursting with history and has more than 500 listed buildings to explore, plus a vibrant food scene and festivals

Brimming with heritage, this charming market town makes for the perfect weekend escape, boasting over 500 listed buildings to discover and its renowned culinary scene.

Numerous visitors flock to Ludlow for its closeness to excellent hiking and cycling spots, while history enthusiasts adore it for its ancient churches, castles and mediaeval landmarks.

As the town has developed through the years, it now provides a lively atmosphere with its own market, independent retailers and regular festivals showcasing local talent.

Ludlow is situated along the River Teme, with its most ancient area being the mediaeval walled town, tracing as far back as the 11th century.

This section of the market town lies on the eastern bank of the river, whilst the castle perches on a hill and the remaining streets slope downwards towards the water.

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Ludlow Castle

As one of the primary tourist draws in the region, Ludlow Castle stands as an uninhabited, partly ruined medieval fortification. Its origins are traced as far back as 1066 – subsequently, it became the residence of Prince Edward from 1473 to 1483, and for centuries it remained under the care of the crown.

By 1760, the government had contemplated demolishing the structure but, owing to substantial costs, opted instead to lease it, and thus the Earl of Powis started his residency in 1711.

From that point onwards, the magnificent castle started to draw tourists, with their appreciation for the picturesque style, and walking routes were established exploring the grounds and neighbouring areas.

Following the success of this venture, the Earl acquired the castle in 1811, and it has remained under the guardianship of the Trustees of the Powis Castle Estate ever since, who hold ownership on behalf of the family.

One visitor commented on TripAdvisor: “Lovely morning exploring the castle; so much to wander around even though it was very cold. The views were amazing from the top of the towers. You could feel the history come alive whilst walking around.”

Another said: “The main attraction in Ludlow – a site of enormous historical significance. The castle covers a very extensive area with amazing views from the top. In the castle shop do go upstairs to the gallery; it has some very interesting information.”

The fortress, perched proudly atop that very same hill, continues to welcome the public to discover and understand its significance to the town. Opening hours may fluctuate, though the castle can generally be expected to be accessible from 10am until 4pm daily.

Admission tickets can be purchased upon arrival – though advance booking online is usually recommended. Adult admission costs £10, whilst a child ticket is £5 and family tickets are £28.

Stokesay Castle

The remarkable buildings don’t end there, as Stokesay’s magnificent manor house continues to captivate passers-by with its timber-framed features.

Constructed like a fortress, though in reality it is a mansion, completed in 1291, and with minimal signs of alteration or modernisation ever since.

Owned by English Heritage, the protected structure has been meticulously maintained to reflect its original state and provides guided tours for those eager to discover more.

The property was originally established by Laurence of Ludlow, a celebrated wool merchant, actually one of the finest in the nation, and it stayed within his family until the 16th century.

The building’s architecture and design offer valuable insights into the period and continue to serve as a portal to the past. It welcomes visitors from Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, with adult admission priced at £9 and children’s tickets at £5.40.

One guest commented: “The castle that is not a castle! Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. The audio guide provided us with an amazing amount of useful information. A must-visit whilst in the area.”

Dining options

Ludlow boasts a strong reputation as a haven for food lovers, frequently dubbed the culinary capital of Shropshire. It’s earned this accolade through its excellent range of local produce, with countless independent suppliers and premium artisan food, all highlighted at the yearly food festival.

Taking place over one weekend in September, this year on 11-13, the festival features a vibrant programme of live events, including culinary demonstrations, workshops, talks and, naturally, showcases produce you can purchase to take away.

Naturally, the area also boasts numerous pubs and restaurants that garner considerable acclaim in their own right. Topping the rankings on TripAdvisor is The Blue Boar, a beautifully restored Grade II listed pub located on Mill Street.

A recent visitor commented: “Wonderful cosy, homely, friendly pub. Called twice on our little getaway, food was excellent, service was professional and friendly, and we would definitely recommend it to all our friends and family. Can’t wait for our next trip to Ludlow just to visit here again.”

Additional dining establishments include The French Pantry, Old Downton Lodge, The Queens, and the Michelin restaurant, known as The Charlton Arms Restaurant.

WHILE most Brits are busy planning their summer holidays right now, the clever ones are thinking further ahead.

Club Med has just launched its Winter 2026/27 Sale, and all you’ll need to pay right now is a £150-per-person deposit – but you’ll need to act fast.

Club Med Winter 2026/7 Sale: Pay £150pp deposit

The Club Med sale, which runs until midnight on Friday (27th March), offers tiered discounts across a huge range of sunny destinations for departures between November 2026 and May 2027.

Nobody can be blamed for not thinking ahead to next winter: we’re barely out of the last one, after all.

But this is a great chance to guarantee some much-needed winter sunshine and – just as crucially – futureproof your next big holiday against the rising costs that have been predicted amid surging prices and cancelled flights.

Club Med tends to run very short-term deals on its packages; the last one we spotted was back in February, on ski holidays in the Alps.

In this new flash sale, you can save up to 15% on Superior rooms, while Deluxe rooms, Suites and Villas are slashed by 20%.

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Club Med Winter 2026/7 Sale: Pay £150pp deposit

It is particularly good news for families, with kids under six staying for free and the largest discounts applied to high-capacity villas.

There’s also a brand-new South Africa resort available to book, where thrill-seekers can surf the waves or fly over sugarcane fields on a trapeze.

You can even add a safari at the Vikela Safari Lodge to spot Africa’s legendary Big Five game animals (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo).

Families looking for a tropical paradise may prefer Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, which features a dedicated acrobatics playground and white-sand beaches.

Parents can even treat themselves to the Tiara space, where free Champagne is served every evening from 6 pm.

Couples can escape to Marrakech La Palmeraie, tucked away in Morocco’s oldest palm grove, with tranquil courtyards and top-tier food.

If you want to dodge the noise of the city’s souks, the Riad Luxury Space offers a private oasis for an intimate getaway.

Best of all, you don’t need a huge layout to secure these rates.

A low deposit of just £150 per person locks in the current price, protecting your 2027 holiday budget against future price increases.

Club Med Sun resorts on sale this week

From gorgeous Caribbean islands to bustling desert retreats, there’s a massive selection of world-class resorts included in Club Med’s sale.

• South Africa: Beach and Safari – book here
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: All-inclusive paradise – book here
• Marrakech, Morocco: Gateway to the Red City – book here
• Cancun, Mexico: Luxury beachfront – book here
• Maldives: Ultimate island escape – book here

With the 20% discount applied automatically, these high-demand spots are expected to move fast.

If you want to bag a winter sun bargain without the eye-watering price tag, you’ll need to move fast before these deals vanish on Friday.

Amazon slashes Ryanair-friendly cabin backpack

Jetting off with Ryanair soon? Make sure you take the right hand luggage.

Amazon has slashed the cost of an underseat cabin backpack, which is designed in line with the airline’s new free luggage rules.

Pack your luggage in this to avoid getting hit with those pesky extra fees at the gate.

• Taygeer Underseat Cabin Bag, from £18.99 (was £29.99) – buy here

The UK’s ‘holiday park of the year’ has been revealed and it has everything including cosy glamping pods, beautiful beaches on the doorstep and incredible stargazing opportunities

An eco-friendly holiday park close to Morpeth in Northumberland was named the best in the region at last night’s (March 19) Destination North East England Tourism Awards.

At the annual ceremony, now in its 24th year, Tranwell Farm Holidays was named the winner in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category. The site is on a farm that has been cared for by the family for over 60 years, and since 2022 it has offered a range of unique glamping experiences.

Accommodation options include grass pitches, where you can camp surrounded by beautiful meadows, or you can bring your own caravan or campervan. There’s a cosy shepherds hut for two, a comfortable camping pod, and two woodland lodges surrounded by trees which come with a private log-fired hot tub.

Guests can also enjoy some unique experiences while they stay on the farm. There are sessions where they can meet the park’s rare breed lambs, and you may even get to bottle feed one or witness a birth. The park is also set in an area with an official ‘dark sky’, meaning it’s an incredibly spot for stargazing.

Guests can hire a stargazing kit including binoculars, hot water bottles, and a rug, and can even hire a telescope to help them explore the cosmos from Earth.

Less than a 10-minute drive away is Morpeth, a historic market town with the River Wansbeck running through its centre. It has a traditional high street with a mix of chains and independent shops, as well as the indoor Sanderson Arcade where you’ll find upscale boutiques.

Stroll along the riverfront Carlisle Park and spot historic buildings such as Morpeth Court. Once the town’s court and gaol, it now houses a colourful antiques centre and café, as well as holiday apartments. The Morpeth Chantry is another unique place to visit. This medieval chantry house, which once held church services, is now home to a bagpipe museum which often has live performances.

Northumberland is known for its long, beautiful and unspoilt beaches, and there are a few that can be explored nearby. About half an hour away is Blyth Beach, a sand and shingle beach that has a long promenade and colourful beach huts. Its waters have been rated as ‘excellent’ by the council, so you can take a dip or surf if the conditions are right.

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Cambois Beach is also just a short drive away and this sandy beach has pretty sand dunes and footpaths among the sandy dunes. It’s a quieter spot with fewer facilities, but perfect for a peaceful walk and popular with dog walkers. You may even share the beach with a few people who are fishing, as it’s a great spot to catch flounder and cod.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Time Out has ranked the 51 most beautiful places in the world, and the top spot goes to Spain’s Picos de Europa mountain range that’s just a two-hour flight from the UK with Ryanair

The world is brimming with extraordinary destinations to discover, and pinpointing the most stunning is no easy feat, but Time Out has tackled the task.

The publication recently unveiled a list of the 51 most beautiful places in the world, featuring everything from lakes to beaches, National Parks, libraries, vineyards, and historic towns. Yet, claiming the number one position is a breathtaking mountain range that provides remarkable hiking opportunities, and it’s merely a two-hour flight from the UK.

The Picos de Europa in Spain is a striking, rugged limestone mountain range that soars to a height of 2,650 metres. Located just over 12 miles from the coastline, the mountains ascend steeply, forming deep gorges to discover, reports Express.

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One route, the Cares Trail, ranks among the most sought-after walks in Spain, tracing a canyon and passing through craggy peaks and cascading waterfalls.

Spanning 13 miles in total, it’s not suitable for novices, though its gentle inclines make it achievable for walkers who can manage the distance. A straightforward choice is to board the Fuente Dé cable car, whisking you up the mountainside in moments and letting you relax and admire the verdant landscape below.

Upon reaching the summit, you can also explore additional hiking trails, including some demanding, steep climbs that provide spectacular vistas.

The mountains form part of the broader Picos de Europa National Park, and this region features the Lakes of Covadonga. These glistening blue waters are encircled by peaks and vegetation and resemble landscapes you’d encounter in Scotland or the Lake District, making it difficult to believe you’re in Spain.

This protected national park is abundant with wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, vultures, and eagles, and you’ll probably encounter mountain goats and vibrant butterflies amongst the limestone surroundings.

At the foot of the mountains, you can discover towns like the medieval Potes, brimming with centuries-old stone and half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets that lend it a rustic allure.

The town’s centrepiece is the Torre del Infantado, a 15th-century tower once the residence of medieval royalty, now a museum with a rooftop terrace providing sweeping views of the town.

Arenas de Cabrales on the park’s periphery is another favoured spot to stay. It’s renowned for producing Cabrales cheese, and has evolved into a gastronomic hotspot due to its plethora of acclaimed restaurants serving Northern Spanish cuisine.

Don’t expect to find paella on the menu. In this region, the dishes are hearty and rustic, such as bean stews and grilled meat, with ingredients sourced locally from the mountains.

The Picos de Europa is just under two hours from Santander Airport, and is serviced by airlines including Ryanair. Routes from the UK to Santander operate year-round from Edinburgh and London-Stansted, and seasonal flights operate from Birmingham and Manchester. Flights start from just £15 one-way and take 2 hours from the UK.

Got a story you’d like to share? Drop us an email at webtravel@reachplc.com

GREGGS sausage rolls are seriously taking off — as easyJet is serving free ones on board for the first time.

The budget airline is dishing out the popular flaky pastries to mark the opening of a base in the heart of Greggs country.

And passengers can dip them in a range of new sauces inspired by destinations around the world, including kebab.

The collaboration celebrates the launch of easyJet’s new hub at Newcastle International Airport — 75 years after Greggs’ first shop was opened in the city.

Holidaymakers flying from there yesterday were treated to a free sausage roll, and all week punters can scoff one from a special easyJet service landing in the city centre.

They will also be offered limited-edition dips, such as Turkish-style kebab, with aromatic choices of lemon, vinegar and smoky paprika.

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There is also Tunisian– inspired harissa ketchup, or Italy’s silky affogato flavour, with hints of deep-roasted coffee, cocoa and vanilla.

Flyers tucked into their favourites yesterday.

Easyjet’s new Tyneside base is the airline’s 11th in the UK, and will offer more than 80 flights a week to 22 destinations.

It will also support around 1,200 jobs, including 140 direct roles for pilots and cabin crew.

Garry Wilson, CEO for its holidays business, said: “This is a major milestone for us, so partnering with Greggs, a true Geordie icon and one of the city’s most famous exports, felt like the perfect way to ­celebrate our arrival.”

Greggs director Hannah Squirrell added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the local community, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a sausage roll.”

John Gregg founded the bakery in Newcastle in 1939, and its first outlet opened in the city’s Gosforth in 1951.