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BRILLIANT sunlight flickered against a blue, cloudless sky. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for my 10km hike around Derwentwater, the third largest lake in the Lake District.

Trundling along the grassy trail with a flask of coffee in hand, every direction I turned in offered impressive sights of sweeping mountaintops and the motionless body of water below.

The views are simply spectacular and should have been reward enough for my valiant hiking efforts.

But I was already thinking about the pint waiting for me back at the newly refurbished Royal Oak.

Slap bang in the middle of Keswick, this pub with rooms re-opened only a few months ago following a £1million facelift by its owner, Thwaites. And what a good job they’ve done.

Downstairs, the bar area is full of cosy nooks with huge armchairs to relax in, while the dining area is awash with indoor plants and countryside- inspired touches that make it feel more like a home than a pub.

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Add a roaring fireplace and dog-friendly bedrooms to the mix and you’ve got a proper ramblers’ paradise.

I was staying in one of the upper-floor bedrooms, where the piping-hot showers are a soothing antidote to aching muscles after tackling the surrounding hilly landscape.

Each of the 18 rooms reflects a similar ambience to the main pub, with rustic wooden headboards backing plump beds and autumnal coloured curtains that give the space a woodland feel.

Modern bathrooms feature fancy toiletries from Lake District company Bath House, while flat-screen smart TVs make it all too easy to enjoy a lazy lie-in.

Make sure you don’t sleep too late, though, as you wouldn’t want to miss out on breakfast.

The kitchen dishes up cracking homemade grub, most of which is sourced locally. Think loaded fry-ups with fat, juicy sausages and pub classics like fish and chips with mushy peas.

I kept things simple at dinner with a 10oz rib-eye steak which came with a roasted vine tomato, mushroom, rocket and chunky chips that were very moreish – all washed down with a bottle of red.

If the food and decor aren’t enough of a selling point, then the location of the Royal Oak sure will be.

At the centre of a charming high street, the pub is within walking distance of quaint wine shops, boutique clothing stores and excellent bakeries, including the newly opened Snack Shack.

I’ve never seen more sausage rolls stacked in a window before! That was all the persuading I needed to buy one. A great idea – the pastry was buttery and flakey and the caramelised onion filling was a delicious touch.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, take a wander to Keswick market, where you’ll find stalls selling all sorts of local food, products – and more flat caps than you’d see in an old folks’ home.

If you prefer to carry on rambling, I’d recommend making the journey to Cat Bells fell.

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But only if you’re up for a challenge, as the summit is equivalent in height to ten Big Bens stacked on top of one another. I reckon I was about seven high when I decided to give up.

People in the Lakes are made of sturdier stuff than I – it’s probably those sausage rolls.

Totnes in Devon is known for its independent shops, art galleries, antiques and its vibrant high street that’s lined with an array of colourful buildings and a market

A Devon town boasting its own castle and a wealth of independent retailers is a hidden gem for tourists.

Art galleries, antique stores and fantastic gift shops are flourishing along the high street of Totnes – whilst the charming little town sits amid beautiful countryside.

If you’re seeking a break from Devon’s bustling coastal resorts or fancy some distinctive shopping then a trip to Totnes is an excellent choice.

There’s a market operating most days in the heart of this vibrant town’s high street, which radiates positive energy.

This location is famous for its independent enterprises – and you’re guaranteed to discover quirky treasures in shops that are worlds apart from the typical British high street, reports the Express.

This southwest England town is celebrated for its alternative atmosphere, artistic residents and mystical ambience – it sits upon a ley line, unseen ancient spiritual pathways believed to connect important locations throughout Britain.

This has attracted hippies and new-age enthusiasts to the town since the 1960s and 70s, with the otherworldly reputation persisting today – and residents even managed to oust Costa Coffee.

One tourist wrote about the town online: “The high street throbs with trails of diverse colourful locals and tourists commingling.

“People are so friendly that everyone calls you love or darling, there’s something down to earth and authentic about Totnes that makes you want to go back again to return to the trail.”

Visitors can also explore Totnes Castle – a well-preserved ancient Norman motte and bailey castle, home to an old tower that dates back to the 12th century.

The town boasts a unique shop, the Magical Earth Emporium, known for its crystals and ‘witchy’ items, alongside traditional Devon bakeries offering an abundance of traditional pasties.

There are several pubs scattered around the town, along with numerous cafes and restaurants where you can indulge in a Devon cream tea if you fancy it.

It’s easy to venture out into the countryside too, with river walks at the nearby Dartington Estate where wildlife and stunning views are plentiful.

The Dartington Estate website paints a picture of what you can enjoy not far from the town of Totnes: “Boasting over 800 acres of verdant forests, abundant wildlife and clear rivers, the Dartington estate offers the perfect backdrop to walks of all lengths and difficulties.

“Experience a sense of tranquillity at our impressive Grade II listed gardens, which have been shaped and inspired by the remarkable custodians of this special place for over 1,000 years.

“On your visit to the 26 acres of tended grounds, you’ll find a range of stunning features with beautiful vistas and creative sculptures, including ancient trees and impressive plant species.”

Ever wondered why you have to put your phone on airplane mode during a flight? Here, people share the real reason behind the long-standing rule, and it may surprise you

As your plane ascends, you’re well aware that your mobile phone must be switched to airplane mode. But have you ever pondered why this is necessary, especially considering your phone probably wouldn’t function at 42,000 feet anyway? One curious traveller took to Reddit’s ‘ask’ forum to find out what could possibly go wrong if they used their phone mid-flight and whether it could lead to disastrous consequences.

And they finally uncovered the true reason behind the need to switch off your phone on a plane. They queried: “Why do they ask us not to use our phones during flights? I am just curious, what are the stakes here? Will it go boom?”

A response came: “No. There are two reasons for this:

1. Against popular thinking, the main reason is that it was feared that as the plane is taking off and landing, the phones would be connecting/disconnecting to multiple phone towers rapidly, which would cause issues with those towers. However, this isn’t really a problem in this day and age, especially. It was a precaution anyway.
2. It could mess with flight instrumentation, especially the radio. Ever had a speaker or radio open and when you get a call, you can hear sounds from the speaker? This does still happen, but is more rare nowadays as you need to receive GSM call really”.

Another Redditor chimed in: “And to have a better chance that people will listen to the safety briefing. Pay attention, people! It might just save your lives!”

“Honestly, that’s probably 100% the reason. Using your mobile on a plane shouldn’t interfere with any instruments. Doesn’t even make sense. We are surrounded and being bombarded and flying through all sorts of electronic signals. Plus they offer WiFi ON some planes,” someone else added.

Another person shared: “It’s for peace and quiet and to control a herd of people. It’s the only place left on earth where you can disconnect and nobody cares. I hope it never changes”.

One bloke stated: “I’ve read it largely has to do with potential interference with the pilot’s headset”.

When somebody responded saying it’s been tested and showed no interference, he replied: “That small sample size doesn’t dismiss the risk, nor does it take into account future headsets. I’d rather play it safer than sorry during the statistically most dangerous parts of flying”.

What is the real reason you can’t use your phone on a plane?

The genuine reason you’re told not to use your phone for calls or texts during flights is chiefly down to regulations and potential interference concerns, rather than any immediate threat to the aircraft.

Previously, there were worries that signals from numerous phones might potentially disrupt the delicate navigation and communication systems on board, particularly during take-off and landing.

Today’s aircraft are well-protected, and the likelihood of interference is now deemed extremely minimal.

Nevertheless, rules have stayed cautious.

Another factor is that at flying altitude, your mobile would attempt to link with several ground-based cell towers, potentially creating network issues for phone companies and rapidly depleting your battery.

Furthermore, airlines and aviation authorities wish to preserve a peaceful cabin atmosphere, and permitting voice calls might disturb fellow travellers.

For these reasons, you’re usually required to activate aeroplane mode, which switches off cellular connectivity whilst still enabling Wi-Fi access if the carrier offers it.

Therefore, it’s advisable to turn off your phone, or activate flight mode, whenever you step aboard an aircraft.

Michael, 64, and Kathryn, 72, Roper were enjoying a drink in the departure lounge at Leeds and Bradford Airport when they found the sharp knife in her bag, prompting alarm

A British couple inadvertently caused a security stir when they breezed through airport checks with a 10-inch steak knife in their luggage.

Michael, aged 64, and Kathryn Roper, 72, were left gobsmacked after sailing through Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) security, only to discover the sizeable blade nestled in her bag while sipping pints in the departure lounge, eagerly anticipating their flight to their Spanish holiday home.

The sharp discovery, featuring a six-inch blade, was made as the couple from Oxenhope, near Bradford, Yorkshire, were about to embark on their sunny getaway. Kathryn recalled how the knife ended up in her possession after using it to slice some cake during a visit to her stepfather earlier that day, an innocent oversight that led to the alarming find.

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Upon realising the blunder, the Ropers promptly alerted the security team, who confiscated the blade.

Michael criticised the effectiveness of the security process: “It’s pretty rubbish, either the scanners were not working properly, or the bloke looking at the bag station has not been paying attention.

“My wife had been down to see her elderly step-dad, she took a knife and some cake for him. She put the knife in her bag, picked up our passports, bags, etc. and off we went. We went through security, sat having a beer and she pulled it out and she was like ‘oh my God’. Both of us fought it was shocking no one noticed – we couldn’t believe it.”

The pub-owning pair noted that upon their arrival at LBA, they passed through modern scanners designed to allow passengers to keep liquids inside their carry-ons.

After discovering what they’d brought through with them, the couple were initially uncertain about how to proceed, but ultimately Michael decided to pocket the knife, return through security, and alert the head of security.

Michael recounted: “We were stuck with an offensive weapon, a sharp steak knife, airside. You can’t put it into a bin, you’ve got a responsibility, it could get into the wrong hands, we all know what can happen. You can’t just give it to a member of the public there.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), located in Yeadon, confirmed that an internal investigation is currently in progress. An airport spokesperson said: “As the incident is under investigation internally, we can’t comment any further.”

This summer hoolidaymakers have been urged to plan ahead and do their research before travelling abroad to avoid being caught out by hand luggage rules. The Transport Secretary has told air passengers to assume the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage remains in place, after two airports changed their policies.

To avoid confusion, make sure you check out guide of the UK’s major airports and their security policies.

Experts from an Australian airline and the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre have been looking into the best ways to help beat jet lag – and it turns out that chocolate is one of the key elements

A sweet surprise awaits holidaymakers as researchers suggest that tucking into chocolate could be just the treat to boost your mood on long flights.

The recent study has revealed chocolate as one of the “key elements” in beating jet lag, particularly if it is filled with some spicy options like chilli.

Qantas, in collaboration with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, embarked on ‘Project Sunrise’ to investigate how certain foods could minimise jet lag during long-haul travel.

As Qantas gears up for their direct London to Sydney flights slated for late 2025, the findings of their study come at an opportune time. In 2019, Qantas conducted three research flights for Project Sunrise, tweaking meal times and leveraging specific dietary choices to help sync passengers’ biological clocks, including pairing proteins like fish and chicken with swiftly-digested carbs, alongside comforting delights such as soups and milky desserts.

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Part of the tactic involved increasing travellers’ tryptophan levels, an amino acid known for its sleep-inducing properties. Peter Cistulli, a professor of Sleep Medicine from the University of Sydney, conveyed optimism about the ongoing study, highlighting “clear signs” that the gastronomic strategy can alleviate some of the strain of extended air travel.

Researchers travelled on the aircraft and monitored 23 volunteer customers who were fitted with wearable device technology during the 20-hour flights as they followed specially designed menu, lighting, sleep and movement sequences.

The inflight trials involved tailored cabin lighting schedules to facilitate adaption to the destination time zone and integrating simple stretch and movement activities.

They also adjusted the timing of meal services to align the passengers’ body clock and encouraged waking and sleeping by using specific menu items including fish and chicken paired with fast-acting carbohydrates, as well as comfort foods like soups and milk-based desserts to encourage sleep.

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Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce has expressed excitement about the potential to reduce jetlag and transform international travel for all passengers.

“Given our geography, Qantas has a long history of using imagination and innovation to overcome the tyranny of distance between Australia and the rest of the world,” said Mr Joyce.

“Now that we have the aircraft technology to do these flights, we want to make sure the customer experience evolves as well, and that’s why we’re doing this research and designing our cabins and service differently.

Meanwhile, there are numerous tips and tricks available to combat jet lag and secure a decent amount of sleep on flights.

A woman’s ‘clever’ hack for better sleep on planes recently took the internet by storm, requiring just an armrest and a jacket. In her TikTok video, she demonstrates how she folds a jacket or blanket and uses the armrest to fashion a makeshift headrest, insisting that “it doesn’t matter if you have an aisle seat or a window seat it works everywhere”.

The comments section was abuzz with travellers commending the ingenious method, calling it “so smart” and “perfect” for lengthy journeys.

One commenter shared: “I’ve been doing this for years and it’s so much better than sleeping on the food tray”. Another traveller, who apparently had a less-than-comfortable flight experience, remarked wistfully: “This would’ve been helpful about 2 days ago,”.

June 20 (UPI) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have discovered and closed a tunnel carved into the ground between San Diego and Tijuana that stretched more than 1,000 feet into the United States, the agency announced Thursday.

The agency said the tunnel, located near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, had an exit point near a commercial warehouse. The tunnel entrance was discovered in a residential area in the Mexican border town of Tijuana, and had been concealed with freshly laid tile, CBP said.

“The investigation revealed the tunnel was equipped with electrical wiring, lighting, ventilation systems and a track system designed for transporting large quantities of contraband,” a CBP release said.

The tunnel stretched nearly 3,000 feet, spanning the United States and Mexico border and measured nearly 4 feet high and more than 2 feet wide.

It is the latest in a long series of tunnel discoveries in the Southwest.

Drug and human smugglers have used clandestine, underground tunnels along the U.S.-Mexico border for decades and routinely use them to move drugs and people into the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has discovered more than 95 tunnels in the San Diego area alone since 1993. They are also routinely discovered in other border states, including Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

“Contractors will pour thousands of gallons of concrete into the tunnel, preventing the tunnel from use by Foreign Terrorist Organizations,” the release continued.

CAPTAIN COOK’S ship, HMS Endeavour, which the adventurer used to explore Australia, has been identified after a 250 year long mystery.

The vessel was the first European ship to reach Eastern Australia, in 1770, and went on to circumnavigate the main islands of New Zealand.

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It was then sold, renamed the Lord Sandwich and was last seen in the US in 1778, during the American War of Independence.

During the war, the ship was scuttled (intentionally sunk) to create a blockade to prevent French ships from entering the harbour and supporting the American forces. 

And it has now been confirmed that a shipwreck off Newport Harbour, Rhode Island, USA, called RI 2394, is in fact the HMS Endeavour.

In a new report the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) announced the verdict, after 25 years of studying the wreck.

“This final report is the culmination of 25 years of detailed and meticulous archaeological study on this important vessel”, said museum director Daryl Karp.

“It has involved underwater investigation in the US and extensive research in institutions across the globe.”

“This final report marks our definitive statement on the project.”

The ship was hard to identify because anything that would have been of value, such as a bell, would have been stripped from the boat before it was intentionally sunk.

However, experts were able to determine that the shipwreck is the lost ship by comparing it with plans for the Endeavour.

For example, they discovered timbers which matched with the placement of the main and fore masts of the ship.

Additionally, measurements from the wreck corresponded to those taken during a 1768 survey of the ship.

Analysis of the ship’s wood also revealed that it had come from Europe, which is consistent with records show that the Endeavour was repaired there in 1776.

ANMM archaeologist, Kieran Hosty, said: “We’ll never find anything on this site that screams Endeavour. You’ll never find a sign saying ‘Cook was here’. 

“We will never see a ship’s bell with Endeavour crossed out and Lord Sandwich inscribed on it.

“We’ve got a whole series of things pointing to RI 2394 as being HMB Endeavour. 

“The timbers are British timbers. 

“The size of all the timber scantlings are almost identical to Endeavour, and I’m talking within millimetres – not inches, but millimetres. 

“The stem scarf is identical, absolutely identical. 

“This stem scarf is also a very unique feature – we’ve gone through a whole bunch of 18th-century ships plans, and we can’t find anything else like it.”

However, the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project previously said the identification is “premature” and has not yet ruled out that the Endeavour could be another shipwreck .

Only 15 percent of the ship remains and researchers are now focused on what to do to preserve it.

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Gorgeous Frome has a historic centre, burgeoning crafts scene and beautiful walks. Many people are flocking to the market town for a more affordable and quieter lifestyle

A delightful market town set in the heart of Somerset’s countryside offers something for everyone. The charming town of Frome boasts a historic core, a thriving arts and crafts scene, and picturesque walking routes. Situated a mere 13 miles from Bath, it’s becoming a hotspot for those seeking a more affordable and tranquil way of life away from the bustling city.

Once Somerset’s largest market town, surpassing even Bath until the mid-17th century, Frome was a hub for the wool and cloth trade, as well as metalworking and printing industries, which have all dwindled over time. Nevertheless, this heritage-rich town has managed to retain much of its past, with numerous buildings gaining listed status.

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A significant portion of the town centre is designated as a conservation area, inviting tourists to meander through its quaint streets, home to nearly 30,000 residents.

Frome is dotted with an array of independent art spaces, retro boutiques, grand gardens, and cosy cafés that beckon visitors to explore or simply relax and take in the scenery, reports the Express.

Exploration is further rewarded by the town’s labyrinth of narrow alleyways and hidden nooks waiting to be discovered. Among Frome’s treasures is Nunney Castle, dubbed a “hidden gem” and one of Somerset’s “most romantic castles” by TripAdvisor.

This medieval fortress, complete with its own moat, is maintained by English Heritage and welcomes guests free of charge to delve into its storied past.

Every first Sunday of the month, from March through November, Catherine Hill bursts into life with the Frome Independent, an acclaimed street market that has won hearts and awards. This monthly mini-festival entirely captivates the town, drawing in throngs of people.

The Frome Independent is a cornucopia of local culinary delights, artistic talents, fresh produce, plants, flowers, retro finds, vintage goods, collectables, homewares and lively street performers.

Featuring this bustling monthly market and the well-known yearly bash, Frome is cementing its status as a mecca for the creatively inclined.

Summer visitors have the added treat of the nationally celebrated Frome Festival, a ten-day extravaganza in July glorifying community spirit and the arts, literature, music, and local history.

Time Out, which hailed it as one of the top weekend getaways from London in 2019, dubbed it “Somerset’s answer to Versailles”. Further acclaim came in 2021 when The Sunday Times honoured it as one of the “best places to live in the UK”.

CHELSEA have finally discovered their final Club World Cup opponent — thanks to a dramatic late winner created by one of their former stars.

The Conference League champions head to the US this summer to take part in the newly-expanded tournament.

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Chelsea already knew they were going to be facing Brazilian side Flamengo and Tunisian team Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the group stage.

However, their third and final opponent remained unknown after Mexican outfit Club Leon were booted out due to Fifa’s multi-club ownership rules.

Fellow Liga MX side CF Pachuca — also owned by Grupo Pachuca — had already qualified for the Club World Cup, forcing Leon to withdraw.

And it meant that another Mexican side, Club America, were handed a dramatic playoff against MLS club LAFC.

The Americans were trailing 1-0 with just minutes to go when they equalised in the 89th minute.

LAFC then scored an amazing winner in the 115th minute through Denis Bouanga, with former Chelsea star and Champions League winner Olivier Giroud creating the goal for 2-1.

Now, the Frenchman will face his former side with LAFC in the opening group stage game on June 16.

Chelsea will then play Flamengo four days later on June 20.

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And five days after that, on June 25, Chelsea end their group stage experience against Esperance.

The Club World Cup will be one of the most lucrative tournaments going, with the winner set to bank a mind-blowing £100million.

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And Chelsea will be desperate to keep the good times rolling after ending a three-year trophy drought against Real Betis on Wednesday.

The Blues came back from a goal down to win 4-1 in Warsaw.

It came just days after they secured a fourth-place finish to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

And new signings are already inbound, with Chelsea reportedly beating Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton in the race for £30m Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

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May 18 (UPI) — Capital One Financial services has completed its acquisition of former credit card rival Discover Financial Service, the companies announced on Sunday.

Capital One announced its intentions to acquire Discover in February 2024, stockholders of both companies voting in favor of the $35 billion deal a year later and federal regulators approving it in April.

“This deal brings together two innovative, mission-driven companies that together are poised to deliver breakthrough products and experiences to consumers, businesses, and merchants,” Capital One CEO and founder Richard D. Fairbank said in a press release.

Fairbank added in the statement that the new company will continue its quest to “change banking for goods for millions of customers.”

Capital One expanded its board of directors from 12 to 15 to handle the expanded company, and added that Capital One and Discover cardholders do not need to take any action and would be advised them of any future changes, “and will continue to be served through their respective Capital One and Discover tools and channels,” the release said.

The statement said the company will continue to issue both Capital One and Discover cards for the foreseeable future, in addition to the other cards it already makes available.

“The combination of our two companies will increase competition in payment networks, offer a wider range of products to our customers, increase our resources devoted to innovation and security, and bring meaningful community benefits,” Interim CEO and President of Discover, Michael Shepherd said when federal regulators approved the deal in April.

The deal could expand the number of places that accept the Capital One card, as it will move to the Discover network, allowing it to be more competitive with Visa and Mastercard, especially outside the United States.

A report by the customer watchdog J.D. Power showed that both Capital One and Discover score high approval ratings among their card holders.