Beach

We have been holidaying in the UK for the past few years, and recently returned for a break in Norfolk – which is a brilliant spot for family holidays, especially when you go to the free kids play park

“My kids are running with glee into a huge woodland playpark, with castle-like forts, giant sand pit, zip lines and water tower offering a dizzying choice of things to play on, as far as the eye can see,” shared Lifestyle editor Dianne Bourne, who visited a “magical spot” with her family this summer – and the best part of all, it’s completely FREE.

This isn’t your average playground either; it boasts a Royal endorsement. Nestled within King Charles III’s Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, this Woodland Playground is part of the rural retreat that the Royal Family have used as their holiday home for the past 150 years, reports the Manchester Evening News.

You’d typically expect to pay an entrance fee for a playground of this size, but here, you only need to cover the cost of parking. Additionally, there’s access to lovely woodland walks and bike rides across the estate’s 20,000 acres, which are open and free to the public all year round.

Dianne wrote, “It makes it one of the special things about this part of the world which makes it a brilliant spot for family holidays, as I have found with my two young boys over the past few years. We returned to Norfolk for our holidays this year, and struck gold with the weather in the ongoing heatwave.

“The base for our stay was a lovely holiday cottage booked with Norfolk Hideaways close to the Sandringham Estate, in the village of Tattersett. It made for the perfect location for exploring brilliant family attractions both inland and by the sea in North Norfolk.

“Sandringham made for a great day out during our stay, with the kids running off lots of energy in the Woodland Playground, and then a lovely stop off at the Sandringham coffee shop for snacks and ice cream.”

The free play area is open for as long as you wish. It features main equipment like wooden play forts, slides, and obstacle courses, suitable for five—to 12-year-olds. There’s also a dedicated woodland play spot suitable for younger children, along with a sandpit that toddlers particularly adore.

For those intrigued by the site’s Royal history, you can also pay to explore the Royal house and gardens on selected dates throughout the year.

Other activities for kids

What’s brilliant about this part of the world is the sheer number of things you can do with young children, many of which are free. Not least the fact that there is just one stunning beach after another along the North Norfolk coast, and here are some of our favourites.

Dianne went on to say, “We love Hunstanton as the more traditional seaside resort with funfair, chippies and ice cream, while neighbouring Old Hunstanton has a stunning stretch of sand and lots of starfish and crabs to find in the sea.

“Brancaster is another beautiful stretch of sand, owned by the National Trust, with a car park right next to the beach, which is handy for those not keen or able to walk all that far. Holkham is the most spectacular and epic beach you’re ever likely to see, but be prepared for the half an hour walk down to it, which in itself I personally find to be a really special experience.”

This is the beach adored by the Royal Family, likely due to its vast expanse and abundant sand dunes, giving you the feeling of having your own private beach even in the peak of summer. Cromer is another quintessential seaside resort, this one boasting a pier made famous in the Alan Partridge film.

She added, “We loved wandering along there where many people are crabbing. The beach is impressive, although does get very busy, and there’s also some pretty fabulous ice creams to be had, with a Mr Whippy shop right by the pier selling multi-coloured and even chocolate-dipped creations.

“Away from beach activities, we also discovered close to where we stayed an absolutely brilliant garden attraction called Pensthorpe at Fakenham. You have to pay for entry, but once inside, there’s a huge outdoor play area for kids, as well as an indoor playbarn that you can book a timeslot for on arrival.

“The gardens themselves were utterly stunning, with a rather comical ‘poo trail’ during the school holidays for kids to find, which, as you can imagine, the youngsters found hilarious.”

Where we stayed

Having previously lodged in a self-catering cottage in Norfolk, Dianne found this option more favourable when travelling with young children – it provides ample space for play and everyday living during a week-long getaway, complete with your own kitchen and washing machine.

Her family were guests of Norfolk Hideaways, which boasts over 550 properties scattered across Norfolk, ranging from cosy cottages for couples to larger accommodations suitable for big groups and multi-generational families.

For Dianne’s holiday this year, her family chose Mallard Cottage in the quaint village of Tattersett. It was an ideal location, featuring bunk beds that the kids adored upstairs, as well as a comfortable living area downstairs equipped with a lounge and dining area, plus a kitchen.

Short breaks can be booked from £453, or seven nights from £551, although our four-night stay in August, during peak school holiday time, cost us £772.

For those requiring more room and who favour being closer to the beach, last year they also stayed with Norfolk Hideaways at The Little House in Brancaster. This property can accommodate six or eight guests, with prices starting from £1,672 for a short stay, or £2,075 for seven nights based on eight people staying.

Getting there

“The only bad thing I have to say about Norfolk is the fact the journey there is not the easiet, as it is one of the only counties in England with no motorway,” said Dianne.

She went onto explain: “The fastest route from the north west in terms of miles (and usually time) is via the A50 through Stoke, Derby and then Nottingham, and then across Lincolnshire towards Kings Lynn in Norfolk and then on to the coast.

“You’re looking at a drive of around three and half to four hours from Manchester to North Norfolk depending on the day and time you go, and depending on what sort of vehicle you get stuck behind on the single lane roads.

“In terms of public transport, there’s a mainline train station in Kings Lynn, although from Manchester you’re looking at a four-hour trip with a change at Ely. But there is a decent Coastliner bus (the 36) that stops in all of the villages mentioned during our stay above.”

It’s sits on a beautiful 22-mile coastline and has one of the most unique natural environments in the country – but it’s not to everyone’s taste

Most Britons consider Spain and Greece when deciding where to head for a seaside getaway.

The reliable sunshine and balmy temperatures make these two nations a favoured choice for those tired of drizzle and overcast, grey skies as the autumn weather draws in.

Nevertheless, the UK boasts a stunning array of beaches that are perfect for a day trip or even an extended break.

According to The Beach Guide, there are 1,500 beaches scattered across the UK and Ireland.

The guide has assembled a list of Britain’s finest beaches, but one location is notably missing from the rankings, reports the Express.

Southport Beach forms the northernmost section of Sefton’s spectacular 22-mile shoreline and boasts one of the nation’s most distinctive natural habitats.

It provides sanctuary for thousands of migrating wading birds from their northern nesting areas and is renowned for staging the Southport Air Show.

Regrettably, numerous beach visitors have been far from satisfied, based on feedback posted on Tripadvisor.

One frustrated holidaymaker named Jessica raged: “Horrible, walked miles without seeing any sea, shells everywhere, it’s just sand and there are no cubicles to get changed.”

Another visitor, Suzie, agreed, posting: “Absolutely disgusting! One of my worst experiences ever.

“Walked miles on end for the sea just to realise that it was not clean and full of jellyfish.

“There were shells everywhere and my feet got cut with shells and sharp objects in the sand. Do not go to this beach for the sea because you will never find it!”

Which? magazine has named the beach as one of the worst seaside towns in the UK for two years running.

Yet, Southport beach isn’t all doom and gloom, scoring a respectable 6.7 on beaches-searcher.com..

Indeed, some holidaymakers have sung its praises, awarding it a perfect 10 out of 10.

One such visitor, Rajdwip Tapadar, commented: “A good place to hang out but if you are expecting some sea then you might need to walk more. Take a beer and relax in the lap of nature.”

FOR warm weather, beach resorts and mountain views, Tunisia is slowly becoming the hot new destination again.

The African country had been a popular spot with Brits for years up until the attack in Sousse 10 years ago – but numbers reveal it is rising in popularity once again.

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Tunisia has so much to offer for an autumn or winter break for Brits wanting sun, sea and sand.

In November, you can easily laze about on a beach in Tunisia as temperatures can still reach at 20C.

The most popular beaches in Tunisia include Hammamet which is known for its long sandy shores and Sousse, a lively resort town.

Ten years ago, the attack at the Bardo Museum in Tunis followed by the one on the beach resort in Sousse, resulted in plummeting bookings for Brits heading to Tunisia.

Now, statistics have revealed that holidaymakers are returning to the country in similar numbers.

Foreign arrivals to Tunisia have jumped by nearly 10 per cent this year compared with 2024, reaching 5.3 million through July 20, according to the National Tourism Office.

The government hopes to attract 11 million visitors by the end of the year – which is a million more than in 2024.

Back in 2014, there were 7.1 million tourists visiting the country, one year later in 2015, that dropped to 5.3 million.

The capital of Tunisia is Tunis, and is found on the northeastern coast.

Visitors to the city will find an ancient Medina and Roman Mosaics as well as plenty of bars and restaurants.

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Just outside of the capital is the pretty town of Sidi Bou Said which has a completely different feel with white coloured houses and cobbled streets.

It has lots of al fresco eateries and small art galleries with a marina on a sandy beach.

One writer visited the town last year and treated herself to a three-course meal for £10.

She also bumped into friendly locals and saw Ottoman-inspired architecture.

On a recent trip to Tunisia, Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot explored the island off the coast called Djerba.

Lisa said that one thing she noticed was that it had an uncanny resemblance to the Greek islands.

Like Mykonos and Santorini, Djerba has vibrant pink bougainvillaea and white-washed buildings with blue window shutters and doors – unlike Greece, coffee costs 25p.

Lisa said: “Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites.

“Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine.“

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The island is a great place to explore for any fans of Star Wars as the small town of Erriadh was used as a filming location.

Back on the mainland, the city of Tataouine was said to have inspired the location for Star Wars with its desert look and unique house exteriors.

George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, even called his fictional planet, Tatooine.

EasyJet runs flights to Tunisia from multiple airports across the UK – one-way flights from London Southend to Enfidha in November are as cheap as £26.

It launched year-round flights to the island of Djerba from both London Luton and Manchester with one-way flights starting from £35 in November.

EasyJet even runs multiple tours from Djerba, over the ancient Roman Road that crosses the sea to southern Tunisia. 

TUI also offer all inclusive holidays to Tunisia, as do Thomas Cook and On the Beach to name a few.

Read more on Sun Travel’s favourite TUI holidays from African beach resorts to European bucket list hotels.

Plus, discover the other two African destinations that Brits are heading to rather than Europe.

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One ancient town dubbed ‘the Pearl of the Black Sea’ has beautiful cobblestone streets, and affordable food and drinks

An ancient Bulgarian town has been crowned the cheapest beach destination for Brits – boasting white sandy beaches, UNESCO listing and pints costing less than £2.

Nessebar, on a small peninsula in Bulgaria, has been named the best-value beach in the new easyJet ‘Cheap Beach Index’ thanks to its dependable ‘shoulder-season’ deals on flights and hotels and affordable hospitality.

Dubbed the “Pearl of the Black Sea”, Nessebar blends together rich history, culture and seaside charm. It delights visitors each year with its charming cobblestone streets in its UNESCO-listed old town and a famous seafood scene.

Nipping at its heels is the Budva Riviera in Montenegro, which boasts a range of idyllic beaches along a 35 kilometre stretch of the Adriatic coast in western Montenegro.

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Cruising into third place is the Costa de Almería in Spain that’s known for Europe’s only desert Tabernas Desert and its golden beaches.

Further down the table, value keeps rolling in destinations like Zadar and Nin in Croatia, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol in Spain and Halkidiki in Greece.

These sun-soaked destinations pair clear seas with competitive apartment and hotel prices, meaning a seven-night stay rarely breaks the bank.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “With summer behind us, there’s plenty of opportunities to still find great weather in early autumn across Europe.

“With thousands of flights across hundreds of routes from the UK throughout September, it means great value beach breaks are still available across Europe.

“Our unrivalled network of flights across the continent provides direct links from many UK airports to a whole host of great value, sun-friendly beach breaks on a budget.

“Our Cheap Beach Index offers a great variety of value choices for passengers looking for one last dose of summer sun and fun.”

The top 20 table was compiled by analysing areas within easy reach of airports that offer affordable direct routes to the UK. Each destination is priced on the basis of a typical holiday ‘basket’ that includes criteria such as the price of beer, an ice cream and a family meal out.

The index comes ahead of the start of ‘shoulder season’, from mid-September through to October. With many European destinations still offering warm conditions and airline schedules still operating at near-peak summer levels, the ‘shoulder’ is proving a popular option for many who aren’t ready to see the summer go.

For more information, please visit easyJet – Book Cheap Flights and Holidays

Pontins Holiday Park in Prestatyn, Wales was once a thriving tourism hotspot, but now it lies dormant and soulless after it was closed permanently in November 2023

Countless memories were made by families up and down the country at Pontins Holiday Park in Prestatyn, Wales.

A once thriving tourism hotspot with its own private beach, swimming pools and playground — but now the “filthy hellhole” lies completely dormant, and a shadow of its former self.

Having been open since 1971, the park closed permanently back in November 2023, and speculation would continue to swirl about future plans.

There have been rumours of redevelopment into a new attraction, or perhaps to be knocked down for flats and houses, but no decision of any substance has ever truly been made, and it has been left to rot away.

Photos emerged over the years, showing an overgrown, sad and dilapidated site with run-down buildings dotted throughout.

News of the park’s unexpected closure hit the local community hard. Britannia Hotels, who owns Pontins, had not only brought the shutters down on the Welsh site, but also its Camber Sands park in East Sussex.

Local residents spoke to North Wales Live earlier this year where they explained what they would like to see done, with Pete Davis, who owns a cleaning business that once operated at Pontins, saying: “It ought to be used for something. I think it should be a holiday camp again. The council could issue a compulsory purchase order (to help that happen).”

Another agreed, adding: “It’s empty and I’d rather it was a holiday camp again. We moved here in 1973 and it was never any trouble to us.

“I don’t want it knocked down for more houses as I don’t feel there are enough doctors’ surgeries and schools, not enough infrastructure to support them.”

But a grandmother-grandson duo labelled it a “decrepit” and an “eyesore”, saying: “It’s quite decrepit and an eyesore for the local community. Something needs to be done. It should be reborn as a holiday camp or used for modern apartments.

“Something needs to be doing to it otherwise it’s going to become a drug den or a place for flytippers.”

The people are not the only ones who wish to see change at the abandoned holiday camp, with the Mayor of Prestatyn, Cllr Adrian West, adding: “I want to see the site brought back into some form of productive use again.

“For it just to be lying idle is doing nobody any good. I would not want it used for some sort of industry, given that it’s right next to the waterfront.”

He added how Pontins Prestatyn holds the keys to bringing life back to the town’s streets, increasing footfall which would be a mega boost for shops, as well as increasing the number of employment opportunities in the area.

But not everyone is upset the park has brought the curtains down after more than half a century of operation, with one Tripadvisor review admitting: “Thank god this rancid filthy cesspit has shutdown. Awful, worn out and really dirty. and it needed knocking down years ago.”

A second under added: “As time has gone by all the rooms are filled with mold, vomit, worse than a dog kennel. It looks like a garbage dump,” while someone else confessed: “There are no words to describe how awful this place is. A prison cell would be preferable to the chalet.

“The areas outside are overgrown, potholes in the car park, pavements cracked and overgrown. Concrete on stairs broken, support for stairs rotten, nails sticking out.”

In an early season showdown between two of the top girls volleyball teams in the state, Redondo Union took control over the last two sets to handle Marymount 25-23, 18-25, 25-21, 25-14 and prove it is a threat for its first Southern Section championship since 2019.

The squads entered their nonleague matchup with a 22-1 combined record this fall and could meet again down the road with the stakes even higher. The Sea Hawks’ triumph was all the more impressive given that it was accomplished without libero Rowan DeVore (sidelined with flu) and senior twins Avery and Addi Junk, who are skipping the indoor season to concentrate on beach volleyball, which both are committed to play at Florida State.

California commit Abby Zimmerman was almost unstoppable, pounding a match-high 26 kills, Leah Blair (committed to play beach at Washington) had 10 kills and UC Irvine-bound Taylor Boice added seven kills for the home side. Setter Marlo Libbey had 33 assists and served three aces.

Zimmerman led her school to the beach title in the spring.

“Indoor is my favorite and we’ve put in so much work, it would be great to go out on top my last year,” Zimmerman said. “This was a solid match for us and if we can bring the same energy and fight every game we have a good chance.”

Both programs were coming off successful trips to Hawaii. Redondo Union finished runner-up to national power Byron Nelson (Texas) for the second straight season at the Ann Kang Invitational, while Marymount did not drop a set on its way to the Hawaiian Island Labor Day Classic championship Saturday in Hilo.

Junior hitter Makenna Barnes had 16 kills, Washington commit Sammy Destler added 14, Olivia Penske had 36 assists and Declan Eastman recorded 11 digs for the Sailors, who were trying to avenge a five-set defeat in the first round of the CIF SoCal Open Division regionals last fall.

“I play on the same club team as Abby and Taylor… we’re best friends,” Destler said. “This was a much-needed wake-up call for us. We have practice at 5:45 a.m. tomorrow and I have to like it. Redondo’s a whole different level than the teams we saw in Hawaii.”

Tuesday’s nonleague match not only featured many of the Southland’s most talented players, but also two of its most successful coaches in Redondo Union’s Tommy Chaffins (who passed the 900 career wins milestone last year) and Marymount’s Cari Klein (who has led her Sailors to 30 or more victories in three of the last four seasons).

Klein said the trip back from Hawaii had a little drama as the plane had engine problems and had to divert to Oahu.

Marymount was off to its hottest start since 2021 when it finished 35-0 en route to its 10th section title and seventh state crown under Klein and the No. 1 national ranking.

The schedule only gets tougher for Redondo Union (14-1), which travels to reigning Division 1 champion Mater Dei on Thursday and hosts 2022 champion Sierra Canyon next Tuesday. Marymount (9-1) will try to shake off its first loss when it hosts the Sea Hawks’ Bay League rival, Mira Costa, on Thursday.

“We’re very close on and off the court and we bonded even more in Hawaii,” Boice said. “Tonight we simply wanted it more.”

Georgia Fowkes is a travel advisor who spends a lot of time in the UK and says there is one beach that is so special it gives her ‘goosebumps every single time’

A travel adviser has revealed the one UK beach that gives her goosebumps every time she visits. Georgia Fowkes, a travel advisor for Altezza Travel, which boasts a 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor with over 2,000 reviews, is an American based in Pittsburgh who frequently travels the globe and spends ample time with family in the UK.

She has declared Bamburgh beach in Northumberland as her personal favourite. “Bamburgh is the raw North in its purest form: endless sand with a castle rising straight out of the dunes”, she says. “You walk the shoreline and the dark fortress walls reflect in the wet sand, the sea stretching out like the castle’s extension.

“For me, Bamburgh is the best beach in Britain because it ties the vastness of the ocean to the weight of history. This isn’t just a holiday sea – it roars the same way it did centuries ago, when the castle walls faced the same waves I’m watching now. Standing there gives me goosebumps every single time.”

While Bamburgh Beach isn’t the only UK beach where a castle majestically overlooks the sea below, with other examples including Llansteffan and Harlech in Wales, as well as Tintagel in Cornwall, it still stands out as a unique feature of the UK coastline, boasting pristine sand, drifting sand dunes, and a magnificent view of the castle from almost every angle, reports the Express.

Bamburgh has been crowned the UK’s top seaside spot for five consecutive years, earning five-star reviews for its beach, seafront, scenery, and tranquil atmosphere.

One visitor to Bamburgh shared their love for the place with Which?, saying: “It’s a gem. The beaches are sandy, clean, and stretch for miles. There are walks galore, the food on offer is top-notch, the feel is of a time gone by, and there’s enough history to delve into to last several holidays.”

The castle, which boasts a history spanning 3,000 years, is now in the hands of Francis and Claire Watson-Armstrong.

“There is nowhere like Bamburgh. You can see dolphins, the sunsets, the sunrises. You just stand there and breathe in – the smell of the sea. It is unique. As it has been over the centuries, there is something about the soul of the place,” she expressed.

Despite the unpredictable British weather on the harsh North Sea coast, Bamburgh is increasingly becoming a worldwide attraction, drawing tourists from across the globe. It offers several dining and drinking options, including a seafood shack named Creel and Reel, the Victoria Hotel pub, and the Potted Lobster restaurant.

Georgia also mentioned Holkham beach in Norfolk as another favourite spot. She described: “Holkham is cinematic in scale. Dunes and a flat sweep of sand run to the horizon, so far you lose all sense of boundaries.

“It’s no surprise filmmakers chose it for Pride and Prejudice and Shakespeare in Love – standing here, you see why: the landscape itself looks like a film still. I’d call it England’s best beach because it turns a simple walk into a moment you want to hold on to. Empty yet majestic, it’s where sea, sky, and infinite sand shrink you down – but make you feel lucky to be part of the vast picture.”

TV STAR Jimmy Fallon, 50, has given fans an insight into his family life and shared a rare photo with wife Nancy Juvonen, 58, and their daughters.

The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon host posted the adorable picture on social media alongside his wife and their girls Winnie, 12, and Frances, 10.

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The family-of-four can be seen enjoying a lakeside getaway in the fun snap on their holiday wearing casual summer gear.

Comedian Fallon and his loved ones threw their arms in the air and struck some comedy poses in the playful shot.

His partner Juvonen flashed a peace sign and wrapped an arm around her daughter, wearing a pastel cross-over stripped dress.

“This is before my sister-in-law said, ‘a little less,’” Fallon joked in his caption.

Famous friends commented on the cute photo with a string of heart emojis, including Camila Cabello, Paris Hilton, while Ellen DeGeneres liked the snap.

Fans praised: “Beautiful family.”

A second added: “Awesome family post!”

A third agreed: “Such a joy to see a happy and loved Jimmy’s family.”

When Fallon is not in the studio, he can often be found at home, spending time with his wife, Nancy and Frances and Winnie.

The stand-up comedian, television host, actor, writer, and singer was born on September 19, 1974, in Bay Ridge, New York.

He first gained recognition as a cast member on Saturday Night Live but later became a household name in 2014 after taking over The Tonight Show following Jay Leno’s departure.

Fallon’s extensive career in the entertainment industry has helped him amass a $70 million fortune, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

He has also written several books and two comedy albums.

In 1998, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live and remained there until 2004.

Jimmy’s big break came in 2009 when he landed his own talk show, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.

In May last year The Tonight Show aired a special two-hour program to celebrate Fallon’s 10th anniversary on the show.

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This ultra-secluded British beach features red sand, cliffs and breath-taking coastal views. The one catch? It can only be entered through a centuries-old tunnel

If you’re looking to enter this stunning British beach you’ll have to go through a secret tunnel first.

Ness Cove in Shaldon, near Exeter looks like it was dreamt up in a storybook: a secluded beach, tall red cliffs and a secreted entrance. As one of Devon’s best kept secrets, many don’t even notice it’s there until they stumble through the dark, hidden tunnel and are greeted by the stunning view.

Known as the Smugglers Tunnel, it was thought to have been used by smugglers transporting their goods from the boats to the village in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, little else is known about its origins. It appears as a small entrance built into the rocky wall and, once inside, the passage is dark and winding, lit only by a string of lights on the ceiling.

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Regardless, this special feature only adds to the beach’s draw. While England’s southwest is normally filled with day-trippers and tourists, particularly in the warmer months, Ness Cove offers a rare feeling of privacy.

The beach is further protected by the fact that it takes a bit of a walk to get there. There are 86 steps, with the tunnel taking around five minutes, and at the end you’re met by a steep drop (which means a tough trek back up).

However, the reward is an untouched, quiet beach, featuring soft red sand. The surrounding cliffs also keep it well-sheltered, meaning it’s often warmer than other spots around the coast.

Since the beach is so concealed, you’re also protected from the noise of traffic, leaving you to enjoy the view in relative peace. Although, it is important to note that if you want to use the toilet, you will have to head back through the tunnel.

One TripAdvisor reviewer described the cove as “a hidden gem”. They wrote: “The access to the cove is through a tunnel. I was a bit apprehensive to go there but it was well lit and easy enough although we were a bit out of breath climbing up about 86 steps.

“Once you come out of the tunnel you are greeted with a most beautiful secluded cove with fresh water streams running down from the cliff and gentle waves of the sea in front. Not windy as it is protected by the cliffs on three sides.”

Another reviewer remarked on how quiet it was. They said: “The five-minute walk through the tunnel itself is it’s very own experience, but absolutely worth it for the views at the end.

“The beach is hidden away between two cliffs, but a great place to visit and a lot quieter than the surrounding tourist beaches.”

THE body of a man has been found on the shoreline of a popular UK beach.

Police raced to Rhossili beach on the Gower Peninsula on Wednesday evening after reports that a body had been discovered.

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South Wales Police said that the man’s next of kin had been informed.

The circumstances aren’t believed to be suspicious, the force added.

No formal identification process has yet taken place but it’s believed the man, 63, was from Bristol.

HM Coastguard revealed it had responded to an incident on Rhossili beach after receiving reports at around 19.30.

A rescue team from Rhossili Coastguard, a coastguard search, rescue helicopter and a lifeboat Burry Port RNLI were all at the scene.

From Benjamin Royer: Venice Beach carried all the traits of a party Sunday evening: 90s R&B tunes from DJs, social influencers — with tripods in tow — showing up to get a view of the basketball courts to find out what the fuss was all about and enough flashing lights to grab any European tourist’s attention.

Much of what you would have found during Legends Weekend in Venice — celebrating 20 years of basketball culture and community — had the classic hallmarks of the antics found on the boardwalks, down to the crowds surrounding performers such as “2K The Clown” and his posse dancing in clown makeup at the half-court logo as the blue and orange sunset faded from day to night.

Marcus Henry spins the golden ball he received after winning the three-point contest at the Veniceball’s 20th annual “Legends Weekend” at Venice Beach on Sunday.
At the center of all the madness, a weekend honoring Kobe Bryant — who once broke his wrist in 2000 attempting a dunk at the courts — and many other late street-ball icons who made their impact on the boardwalk was Nick Ansom. Ansom, who rollerskated up and down the basketball court with a plastic orange top hat atop his head, is the founder and chief executive officer of Veniceball.

Ask the legends — who have been playing physical, hard-nosed basketball on the courts for half a century — or up-and-coming basketball players who have made Venice their own with their slick style on the courts, Ansom is the heart and soul of modern-day Venice basketball, the man who’s kept the mission — of basketball and family — moving and growing year by year.

“This is the goodness of people right here,” Ansom said, before the finals of the Venice Basketball League kicked off on Sunday night. “Look where we are. We’re a legendary place, the most iconic basketball courts in the world. I call it the hoopers’ paradise.”

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DODGERS

From Kevin Baxter: The Dodgers continued their season-long celebration of last year’s World Series triumph by handing out championship rings Monday. The 49,702 people who brought tickets got replicas while Gavin Lux, who played for the Dodgers last season and is now with the Cincinnati Reds, got a real one.

If the team hopes to win more jewelry again this fall, the next five weeks will be key. Because after Monday’s 7-0 win over the Reds, the Dodgers lead the Padres by a game in the National League West with 30 left in the regular season for both teams.

And if the Dodgers (75-57) continue to play as they did Monday, when Andy Pages homered twice, driving in four runs, and Emmet Sheehan threw a career-high seven scoreless innings, they’ll be tough to catch.

The Reds nearly went ahead in the second after Lux doubled to the wall in right-center with one out. But Michael Conforto took extra bases away from Spencer Steer with a leaping catch in left field and Teoscar Hernández made a running catch of Ke’Bryan Hayes’ drive to the foul pole in the right-field corner to end the inning.

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Hernández: Repeat champions or October duds? Dodgers identity crisis keeps everyone guessing

MLB relief pitcher of the year award to honor an essential role — just ask the Dodgers

Dodgers box score

MLB scores

MLB standings

ANGELS

Zach Neto homered on the game’s first pitch and the Angels, with manager Ron Washington present for the first time in more than two months, beat the Texas Rangers and All-Star pitcher Jacob deGrom 4-0 on Monday night.

José Soriano (9-9) struck out six over 5⅓ innings and gave up four hits in his first start since coming off the paternity list. Four relievers finished off the Angels’ sixth shutout this season.

Washington hasn’t managed the Angels since June 19, and revealed before the game that he is recovering from quadruple bypass heart surgery eight weeks ago. He won’t return to managing this season, but wants to be with the Angels, and watched from a booth upstairs after being with them pregame.

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Angels manager Ron Washington says he underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery

Angels box score

MLB scores

MLB standings

RAMS

From Gary Klein: Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford appears on track to start the season opener against the Houston Texans — and now perhaps his primary protector will join him in the preparation.

Left tackle Alaric Jackson, who has been sidelined because of blood-clot issues in his legs, will participate in full-team drills for the first time next week, coach Sean McVay said Monday.

“We’ve got a good plan in place,” McVay said.

Jackson, 27, signed a three-year, $35-million extension in March. But in June, he was diagnosed with blood-clot issues for the second time in his career, and the Rams hurriedly signed veteran tackle D.J. Humphries.

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U.S. OPEN

That Venus Williams lost her first Grand Slam match in two years — and what she says will be her last match of 2025 — didn’t really matter Monday night.

Certainly not to the thousands of supportive spectators in the Arthur Ashe Stadium seats who roared for her best shots and, in a way, for everything her career means to them, before sending her off the court with a standing ovation after a 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 defeat against 11th-seeded Karolina Muchova at the U.S. Open.

The result also sure seemed beside the point to Williams herself, at 45 the oldest singles player at Flushing Meadows since 1981. She smiled and laughed and joked through her postmatch news conference — until, that is, a reporter asked something that made her think back to all of the injury and illness issues she dealt with for years.

“Oh, what did I prove to myself?” Williams began, repeating part of the question. “I think for me, getting back on the court was about giving myself a chance to play more healthy. When you play unhealthy, it’s in your mind. It’s not just how you feel. You get stuck in your mind too. So it was nice to be freer.”

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Breakdown: Russian player Daniil Medvedev’s epic U.S. Open meltdown explained

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

1933 — Helen Hull Jacobs captures the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association singles title when Helen Wills Moody defaults in the third set because of back and hip pain.

1950 — Australia wins its third straight Davis Cup by beating the U.S. 4-1.

1961 — The International Hockey Hall of Fame opens in Toronto.

1972 — The New York Cosmos win the NASL championship by defeating the St. Louis Stars 2-1.

1995 — Greg Norman sinks a 66-foot chip on the first playoff hole, to capture the World Series of Golf and become the leading money winner in PGA Tour history. Norman wins $360,000 in his third tour victory this year to raise lifetime earnings to $9.49 million and overtake Tom Kite.

1997 — Carl Lewis finishes his track-and-field career anchoring star-studded team to victory in the 400-meter relay to cap the ISTAF Grand Prix meet in Berlin. The team of Olympic 100-meter champion Donovan Bailey, former world record-holder Leroy Burrell and Namibian sprint champion Frankie Fredericks, win in 38.24 seconds.

1999 — Michael Johnson shatters another world record at the world championships — this time, breaking the 400-meter mark with a time of 43.18. He cuts 0.11 seconds off the record of 43.29 set by Butch Reynolds in 1988 and ties Carl Lewis for the most gold medals at the championships with eight.

2004 — Lindsay Tarpley and Abby Wambach score as the U.S. beats Brazil 2-1, maintaining an undefeated record to win the women’s soccer gold medal at the Athens Olympics.

2011 — The Tulsa Shock snap the longest losing streak in WNBA history with a 77-75 win over the Sparks. The Shock (2-25) had 20 straight losses before Sheryl Swoopes hit a jumper with 2.9 seconds left.

2011 — Kyle Busch records his record-breaking 50th NASCAR Busch Series victory, edging teammate Joey Logano in the Food City 250 at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Busch breaks a tie with Mark Martin for the record in NASCAR’s second-tier series.

2012 — Lydia Ko wins the Canadian Women’s Open to become the youngest winner in LPGA Tour history and only the fifth amateur champion. The 15-year-old South Korean-born New Zealander closes with a 5-under 67 for a three-stroke victory over Inbee Park.

2016 — San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick kneels in protest during the U.S. national anthem at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium while playing against the San Diego Chargers, objecting to racial injustice and police brutality in the U.S.

2016 — Dan Raudabaugh throws six touchdown passes and the Philadelphia Soul win their second ArenaBowl title, beating the Arizona Rattlers 56-42.

2017 — Kyle Snyder scores a late takedown of Olympic gold medalist Abdusalim Sadulaev in the deciding match, and the U.S. wins the world freestyle wrestling title for the first time in 22 years.

2017 — Floyd Mayweather Jr. stops UFC champion Conor McGregor on his feet in the 10th round in Las Vegas. The much-hyped 154-pound fight is more competitive than many expected when an unbeaten, five-division world champion boxer takes on a mixed martial artist making his pro boxing debut.

2020 — Milwaukee Bucks forfeit their NBA playoff game after the shooting of Jacob Blake, leading to the NBA postponing more games.

THIS DAY IN BASEBALL HISTORY

1916 — Philadelphia’s Joe Bush pitched a no-hitter, to beat Cleveland 5-0.

1939 — The first major league baseball game was televised as WXBS brought their cameras to Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field for a doubleheader between the Cincinnati Reds and the Dodgers.

1947 — Brooklyn’s Dan Bankhead became the first Black pitcher in the majors. He homered in his first major-league plate appearance, but didn’t fare well on the mound. In 3 1-3 innings of relief, he gave up 10 hits and six earned runs to the Pirates. Pittsburgh won 16-3.

1962 — Minnesota’s Jack Kralick pitched a 1-0 no-hitter against the Kansas City Athletics at Metropolitan Stadium. Lenny Green drove in the Twins’ run with a sacrifice fly off Bill Fischer in the seventh inning.

1987 — Milwaukee’s Paul Molitor went 0-for-4, ending his 39-game hitting streak, and the Brewers beat the Cleveland Indians 1-0 in 10 innings on pinch-hitter Rick Manning’s RBI single. With Molitor waiting in the on-deck circle for a possible fifth at-bat, Manning singled in the game-winner.

1989—Chris Drury pitches a five-hitter and Trumbull, Conn., becomes the first American team since 1983 to capture the Little League World Series, defeating Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 5-2.

1991 — Kansas City’s Brett Saberhagen pitched a no-hitter to lead the Royals to a 7-0 win over the Chicago White Sox. Saberhagen struck out five and walked two.

1993 — Sean Burroughs, the son of former major leaguer Jeff Burroughs, pitches his second no-hitter of the Little League World Series and hits two home runs, sending defending champion Long Beach, Calif., past Bedford, N.H., 11-0 in the final of the U.S. bracket.

1999 — Randy Johnson reached 300 strikeouts in record time, notching nine in seven innings to help the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Florida Marlins 12-2. Johnson achieved the milestone in his 29th start.

2004 — Ichiro Suzuki homered in the ninth inning for his 200th hit of the season, but Seattle fell to Kansas City 7-3. Suzuki became the first player to reach 200 hits in each of his first four major league seasons.

2007 — Dalton Carriker’s home run in the bottom of the eighth gave Warner Robins, Georgia, a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tokyo to win the Little League World Series title.

2007 — Boston defeated the Chicago White Sox 11-1 to complete a four-game sweep. For the series, the Red Sox outscored Chicago 46-7. Boston scored at least 10 runs in every game of the series, which is only the fourth time that has happened in a four-game series since 1900 and the first time in the American League in 85 years.

2008 — Major League Baseball announced umpires will be allowed to check video on home run calls starting Aug. 27. Video will be used only on so-called “boundary calls,” such as determining whether fly balls went over the fence, whether potential home runs were fair or foul and whether there was fan interference on potential home runs.

2010 — Albert Pujols of St. Louis hits the 400th homer of his career, off Jordan Zimmermann of the Nationals in the 4th inning. Pujols becomes the 47th major leaguer to hit that many and is the third-youngest to do so after Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr.

2018 — Mana Lau Kong homered to center field on the first pitch his team saw and Ka’olu Holt pitched a complete game to lead Hawaii to a 3-0 victory over South Korea in the Little League World Series championship.

2018 — Toronto’s Kendrys Morales became the seventh player in major league history to homer in at least seven consecutive games, going deep in the third inning of the Blue Jays’ 8-3 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.

2018 — Matt Carpenter tied a St. Louis record with four doubles, pitcher Austin Gomber had a two-run infield single in a six-run first inning, and the Cardinals routed Colorado 12-3.

2024 — Danny Jansen becomes the first player to appear for both teams in the same game. He had started the June 26th game between the Blue Jays and Red Sox at Fenway Park as Toronto’s catcher and was at bat with an 0-1 count when the game was suspended by rain in the 2nd inning. When the game resumes today, he has since been traded to Boston, and takes over behind the plate for Reese McGuire, who has been released, while Daulton Varsho steps in as a pinch-hitter to complete the at-bat he started. Toronto eventually wins the game, 4-1, and also wins the regularly scheduled game, 7-3, as George Springer homers in both contests. The only known minor leaguer to accomplish Jansen’s feat had been Dale Holman 38 years earlier.

Compiled by the Associated Press

Until next time…

That concludes today’s newsletter. If you have any feedback, ideas for improvement or things you’d like to see, email me at [email protected]. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.

A WOMAN has tragically died in hospital after she was pulled from the sea at a popular UK beach.

Emergency services raced to the scene on the Promenade, opposite the Belvedere Hotel in Blackpool yesterday.

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Lancashire Police, HM Coastguard and the town’s beach patrol all responded to the incident.

Officers have confirmed that a woman in her 30s was rushed to hospital after receiving treatment on the scene.

She has since sadly passed away and her next of kin has been informed.

Cops said the tragic death is not being treated as suspicious, a file is being prepared for the coroner.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called at about 10am today, August 25, following reports a woman had been pulled from the sea opposite the Belvedere Hotel at Blackpool.

“Despite the best efforts of emergency services at the scene and at the hospital, the woman sadly later died.

“Following enquiries, the woman, in her thirties, has now been identified and her next of kin has been informed.

“Our thoughts are with her loved ones.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.”

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Traditional towels can take ages to dry so even in the sunniest of spots they might not be ready in time for the next trip to the beach or pool, but one brand has a solution.

There’s nothing more frustrating than a soggy beach towel on your jollies. Traditional towels can take an age to dry, meaning even in the sunniest of spots, they might not be ready for your next trip to the lido or beach.

However, there is a solution as bargain hunters can snap up towels from the Dock and Bay Summer Sale, running from August 21-28 and offering up to 50% off its popular towels and accessories. Dock and Bay beach towels are crafted from 100% recycled plastic bottles and feature a fabric that is said to dry three times faster than cotton.

Sand is also able to shake right off due to the loopless weave, while the lightweight design makes them a doddle to carry. Each towel comes with a matching pouch so customers can pack it up neatly for trips to the beach, lido or lake.

Available in a variety of vibrant patterns, these towels are designed to stay fresh and absorbent even after being washed. Among the options on sale are the Quick Dry Towels – Sand to Sea, which is down from £28 to £19.59 and comes in a range of colours such as Tangerines and Greens, Cancun Green, Phi Phi Pink and a set of six Rainbow Shores with funky designs.

Touted as being perfect for travellers and explorers, they are also available in sizes large or extra large, with children’s beach towels also available which are foldable, lightweight and compact. These come in various colours including the Turtley Tropical (£18), Build-A-Beach (£18) or a simple Goa Grey (£20), reports the Daily Record.

Dock & Bay Summer Sale

Various

Dock & Bay

Buy Now on Dock & Bay

Shop the Dock & Bay Summer Sale from August 21-28.

If towels aren’t what customers are after, there are also beach pillows, ponchos, coolers (£55) and beach bags on offer through their website. For alternatives, smart shoppers could consider the Catherine Lansfield Two Pack Beach Towel (£16) from Argos, which showcases pink and orange hues with horizontal stripes and is machine washable and tumble dryer safe.

Another option is the Printed Microfibre Towel (£12.99) from Mountain Warehouse which is lightweight and said to dry up to four times quicker than a standard towel with extra absorption. But the Dock and Bay towels have received excellent reviews and achieved a 4.9-star rating from customers.

One happy shopper said: “Massive, lightweight, vibrant colours, super soft, very impressed.” Another said: “Absolutely love my Dock and Bay towel. Looks fab and it dried me super quick, so good I have just purchased the head towel.”

Not everyone was satisfied though, as one reviewer said: “Towel arrived in good time but sadly was sent back the same day.” While another satisfied customer said: “Bought for myself, love the stripes. Super quick drying and packs away very small in a nice pouch. 10 out of 10.”

The Dock and Bay Summer Sale is live now until August 28.

SUN-SEEKERS are challenged to test their IQ to the max with this mind boggling beach brainteaser.

With temperatures soaring this bank holiday Monday, many Brits are flocking to the beach to soak up the late summer sun.

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But do you have the skills to spot the two beach essentials hidden within this image in 10 seconds or less?

Whether you’re hoping to improve your problem solving skills or boost your memory, this puzzle is bound to be a challenge for many readers.

Put your observation skills to the test and figure out whether you have what it takes to spot beach essentials in just a few seconds.

Make sure to set your stopwatch before undertaking this challenge, to make it extra hard for yourself.

If you can do it in under 10 seconds, you are said to have the eyes of a hawk.

At first glance, it looks like the image provided by Super Label Store shows multiple of each of the beach essentials.

However, those with the sharpest eyes will immediately be able to tell that this is not the case.

This puzzle tricks your eyes into thinking that all of the beach items are duplicates.

However, there are two essentials that only appear once in the image.

Unless you’re lucky enough to find the odd one out immediately, we recommend analysing the pattern very closely to spot the answer.

The visual deception of this image will have you scratching your head trying to solve it, but the payoff is worth it.

If you need a hint, we recommend focusing on the bottom half of the image.

One of the hidden items can be found in the bottom left hand corner of the image.

If you’re looking for more of a challenge, this clever puzzle asks you to find the playing card suits that are the wrong colour.

And only those with the eyes of a hawk will be able to spot the two odd items out in this summer themed brainteaser.

Festival fans are challenged to spot the drummer hidden in this festival scene.

And finally, jewellery fans are urged to locate the diamond ring hidden at the beach in this summer puzzle.

Coming back to our challenge, were you able to solve it in under 10 seconds?

For those struggling to find the answer, we have marked the solution for you.

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North Korea’s brand new luxury holiday resort has been opened – but the only tourists allowed to visit are Russian and one woman has shared her thoughts after staying at the complex

A woman has shared her thoughts on North Korea’s ‘luxury’ beach resort that has been modelled off Benidorm.

The whopping Wonsan Kalma resort has capacity to hold around 20,000 guests, but all tourists except those from Russia have been banned from visiting. The new complex features a giant artificial white sand beach – once a missile test site – on the Sea of Japan, and was opened by Kim Jong Un himself.

However Russian guests who have visited have claimed the were ‘followed’ everywhere and believe there was a possibility their phones were bugged while visiting.

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Russian blogger Daria Zubkova visited the resort as one of the first tourists and shared her thoughts on her visit to the secret holiday destination.

The veterinary assistant had travelled from Saint Petersburg to Vladivostok in Russia and then to Pyongyang and revealed how she wasn’t left alone during her trip: “Even on the beach, there was someone walking with us, but it didn’t look like some kind of convoy, it looked more like sweet concern, they’re walking, they’ll chat with you, they’ll just walk behind you, that is, they’ll argue somehow that we’re worried about you getting lost or something.’

Yet apparently this is out of “concern” for guests rather than snooping and Daria said most people are afraid of “wiretapping everywhere”, but noted how she wasn’t afraid as she didn’t have anything to hide. However she managed to leave her room at 2am and walk along the beach alone and said there were “no problems”.

The huge resort also features over 40 hotels, guesthouses, and leisure facilities and as for the cuisine, Daria revealed there was a selection of places to eat at the retreat and she was served a range of different dishes that they “adapted to our interests” and “always wanted to surprise us” including a wide selection of meat available.

Daria also noted how there was “very cool infrastructure” surrounding the hotel, and said there were new houses and new buildings all around with “good decoration”.

The basic cost of this tour for Russians is £1,360 – once they have made their way to Vladivostok. All but £325 of this has to be paid in cash.

Other tourists have also claimed they were told sending emails cost £1.65 each and the tour company made clear that the secret police would have the opportunity to monitor their messages – and they would be sent from the hotel’s email box rather than their own.

Do you have a story to share? Email [email protected]

A bathing ban has been slapped on one of Northern Ireland’s most popular beaches just before the bank holiday weekend – after blue-green algae was detected over 100 times across the region this year

Beachgoers have been warned not to swim at one of Northern Ireland’s most popular seaside spots after “potentially toxic” blue-green algae was found in the water.

The bathing ban was put in place at Benone Beach in Co Londonderry by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) ahead of the bank holiday weekend. The north coast beach, with its seven-mile stretch of golden sand and stunning views of Benevenagh mountain and Donegal, is popular with tourists.

Daera said in a statement: “Blue-green algae was observed on part of Benone Beach on Thursday through the Daera monitoring programme for bathing waters.

READ MORE: ‘Gorgeous UK seaside town is better than than all the others – I visit every week’READ MORE: Lake District holidaymakers warned of harmful bacteria in pollution ‘hotspots’

“Analysis has confirmed high levels of blue-green algae and the department has issued the bathing water operator, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough council, an ‘Advice against Bathing’ notification.”

The department noted that no other north coast beaches are affected. Daera added that it “will continue to monitor these beaches for blue-green algae and provide advice to bathing water operators when required”.

The council confirmed a red-level warning had now been put in place. A spokesperson for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “A temporary Advice Against Bathing Notice has been issued for Benone Strand from Friday 22nd August 2025.

“This is an escalation from the amber to red level in accordance with the Inter-Agency Blue Green Algae Protocol. Daera will continue to monitor Benone Strand and advise of any changes.”

Blue-green algae has been detected more than 100 times across Northern Ireland since the start of the year, Deara previously said. Large algal blooms have also covered Lough Neagh for the third summer in a row, raising concerns for pets, livestock and wildlife.

Technically known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae are microscopic organisms naturally found in lakes and streams. They can multiply rapidly in warm, shallow, nutrient-rich waters, with some strains producing toxins.

These toxins are particularly dangerous for pets, livestock and wildlife. Humans exposed to high levels can suffer health effects such as diarrhoea, vomiting, throat irritation and breathing difficulties.

Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertiliser run-off and wastewater treatment are key contributors to the algae. The spread of invasive zebra mussels is also thought to play a role, as they clear the water, allowing more sunlight to fuel algal growth.

Rising water temperatures – linked to climate change – are another factor.

The Stormont Executive launched an action plan last year to tackle the environmental crisis at Lough Neagh. Earlier this week, Environment Minister Andrew Muir called for more support from colleagues to address both the blue-green algae problem and the broader environmental issues at the lough.

A gorgeous UK beach dubbed one of the best in the world and frequented by travel influencers has had its public access cut off due to health and safety concerns

A Cornish beach once dubbed among the best in the world and which featured in BBC’s Poldark has had its public access cut off.

Situated in the far west of Cornwall, Pedn Vounder is known for its turquoise waters, secluded cove and unofficial capacity as a nudist beach. However, tourists and swimmers looking forward to enjoying its pristine waters during the heatwave were met with a rope cordoning the beach off.

A red sign by the National Trust, which manages the path down to the beach but not the beach itself, reads: “Danger. No Access.” According to the National Trust, the path has been closed off due to erosion, which has made the path unstable and has now resulted in a “near vertical” six-metre climb down.

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It also added the sea at the beach is “dangerous due to rip currents” and that there have been “regular serious incidents involving the emergency services”.

Pedn Vounder has long been notorious for its difficulty to access, with a long walk from any parking spots followed by a steep pathway down.

The beach’s closure during the peak summer period has been met with dismay by locals in the nearby village of Treen, who said the beauty spot has been drawing a large number of visitors in recent years.

It was recently voted one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by EnjoyTravel.com, and has been a favourite stop for travel influencers.

Meanwhile, this July, the annual Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide featured it amongst its best beaches in the south west and it was also named the sixth best nudist beach in the UK, according to KAYAK.

The beach also featured on TV screens as the fictional Nampara Cove in the BBC’s historical drama Poldark, starring Aidan Turner. Rebecca Ley, 46, who visited the beach recently and grew up nearby, told The Times that the closure was “a real shame.”

She said: “Getting down was always a bit challenging, it’s definitely not one for flip flops, but I can’t say I noticed a massive difference from when I was a child.” She added that her nine-year-old had made it down “without difficulty”, as had about 100 other visitors that day.

A National Trust spokesperson told The Mirror: “Due to increasing coastal erosion, an unofficial and steep pathway across National Trust land leading to Pedn Vounder beach (not cared for by the National Trust) in Cornwall has become increasingly unsafe and is now temporarily closed.

“This decision has been made due to the significant increase in potential for serious injury and has been made in consultation with local authorities, emergency services and other partners.

“We understand this closure may disappoint visitors and the local community and have not taken the decision lightly. As a charity that promotes access to nature and culture we always try and maintain access wherever it’s possible to do so, but due to the increasing erosion undercutting the cliff we have made the difficult decision to close it.

“In the meantime, we encourage visitors to use nearby Porthcurno beach and to follow all local signage and safety advice. ”

A 59-YEAR-old Brit woman was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a popular holiday spot.

The shocking incident is alleged to have taken place earlier this month, but only came to light today.

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The Brit is said to have approached the teenager on a Costa del Sol beach.

She allegedly spoke to her in English to “gain her trust” before groping her.

The youngster, who is an Italian national, rushed to a nearby shop to seek help where a relative was working.

They subsequently called the police to report the incident.

Cops held the Brit, who allegedly has a history of sexual offences, in the same area.

The shocking incident happened at La Cala de Mijas near Fuengirola earlier in the month.

While the arrest was made by local police, Civil Guard officers are the ones who took her to court.

It is unclear today whether the Brit was a holidaymaker or an expat in Spain.

In addition, it’s also unknown if she has been remanded in custody pending an ongoing investigation or released on bail.

Local councillor Juan Carlos Cuevas described her alleged behaviour as “repugnant and intolerable”.

He added that, even though she has not yet been charged with any crime, it “deserves the strongest condemnation”.

The councillor further said the co-operation of locals and the rapid intervention of local police helped secure the arrest.

 “This case shows that when we work together, we manage to halt very serious situations,” he said.

Earlier this month, a Brit assassin who Spanish police say was on the run was arrested in Costa del Sol.

Pistols, ammunition and a silencer were found in his smashed-up Nissan Qashqai.

The suspected hitman had a run-in with two women at a petrol station – after which he crashed his car.

He reportedly began harassing two Dutch women after trying to get them to buy him cocaine.

The suspect tried to flee as cops arrived at the scene.

Sources told local paper Diario Sur that he ran out of the car “with visible injuries” before quickly being caught by police.

Porthor, known by some as ‘Whistling Sands’, is one of only two beaches in Europe where the sand ‘sings’ under your feet – and it’s a must-visit for Brits.

Nestled within North Wales’s Llŷn Peninsula lies one of Britain’s most extraordinary beaches, Porthor. Dubbed ‘Whistling Sands’ by many, this remarkable stretch of coastline boasts a peculiar characteristic – the sand actually whistles beneath your feet as you walk.

As one of merely two European beaches where this extraordinary phenomenon occurs, Porthor – or Porth Oer as it’s known locally – stands as an essential destination for any traveller. Walking holiday experts Mickledore have emphasised that Porthor captivates visitors with its unusual acoustic properties, spectacular scenery, and convenient accessibility.

The experts add: “Porthor’s gentle ‘song’ is rare and beautiful. It turns a simple walk into something magical. Where else can you step on the sand and have it sing back to you?”

Alongside its singing sands, Porthor offers stunning views of the small islands of Dinas Bach and Dinas Fawr, where grey seals are sometimes spotted.

The beach also sits in an ideal spot for Wales Coast Path walkers, acting as an excellent launching point for treks to Mynydd Anelog, another site offering spectacular panoramas.

Visitors hoping to witness the ‘whistling sands’ phenomenon must time their trip perfectly. Head there on a dry day, stroll above the high tide mark, and either shuffle your feet or tread gently – that’s when you might catch the distinctive squeak or whistle.

Beachgoers have been singing the praises of this unique spot on TripAdvisor. One visitor gushed: “This was our favourite beach on Llyn. Perhaps more of a ‘squeak’ than a whistling beach but sure enough if you walk across the sand bare foot you’ll hear it! Dramatic location, crystal clear waters, lovely soft squeaky sand!”

Another fan penned: “What a lovely sandy beach, great car park, lovely views with rock pools and a cave for the children to explore. Could hear the sand whistling under our feet, well worth a visit.”

However, one visitor who missed out on the ‘whistling’ still had positive words to share: “Beautiful beach well worth a visit. Lovely coffee and cake served in the cafe. Sand was quite wet so I didn’t get the whistling experience.”

Beachgoers love the ‘hidden gem’ swimming spot with clear water and stunning views

With more sunny weather on the way, beachgoers will be searching for the perfect spot to get away from it all. For anyone lucky enough to find themselves near Cornwall, a social media user has found a ‘hidden gem’ spot.

Of course, there is no shortage of stunning bays along the Cornish coast, and most will be familiar to locals. However, for those travelling from further afield, Treyarnon Bay Beach might be a lesser-known spot that’s well worth a visit.

Found in North Cornwall, the beach is approximately 11 miles from Newquay, and dogs are allowed all year. The Cornwall Beach Guide says: “Treyarnon Bay Beach is an excellent family beach with lots of sand and rock pools and can be used for surfing.”

The stunning spot was recently showcased in a TikTok video by @hannahrebecca__, who told followers: “You need to visit this hidden gem in the UK.” Meanwhile, her video showed families jumping off rocks into the clear water. An impressed commenter wrote: “Soooo blue.” Hannah replied: “Just so pretty.”

Treyarnon Bay Beach is popular with visitors on Tripadvisor, where it is ranked as one of the best things to do in St Merryn. One reviewer wrote: “What a stunning place. If food and drinks are your thing, visit Treyarnon beach. If diving into blue lagoons and rock pools is your thing, visit Treyarnon beach.

“If lounging around on beautiful sandy beaches watching the sea wash up onto the sand is your thing, visit Treyarnon beach. Rock pooling, building sand castles, swimming, relaxing, what ever you like to do – you don’t need to go on a plane to anywhere else in the world with places like this in England. Breathtakingly stunning. A must visit if you’re in Cornwall!!”

Another praised: “Incredible bay with beautiful beach and surfers worth watching! Dog friendly enabling our Staffy to have a great time chasing his football up and down the beach. With the tide out there are some amazing “secret” rock pools with some large and deep enough to swim in!”

A different response read: “What a fabulous bay. Great for wave watching/jumping/boards although strong currents so make sure you stay between the lifeguard flags. The tide goes out a long way revealing rock pools as well as a tidal pool.

“All day parking was £5 (June 2025) and there is a little shop, burger van (great burgers!) and ice cream van. Toilets were available at the YHA. Coastal path takes you round to Constantine bay which is also lovely.”

Someone else said: “Superb beach. Probably my fave beach along with Mawgan Porth, with Constantine a short yet beautiful coastal walk away. Great facilities, lots of rock pools to discover. A definite must to visit if you love sandy beaches and crystal blue sea and waves to surf/bodyboard in.”

The postcode for Treyarnon Bay Beach is PL28 8JR.