Venture slightly away from the usual tourist routes and you’ll discover this charming town, perfect for a peaceful coastal retreat, boasting picturesque strolls and breathtaking vistas.
Whitehead presents all the appeal of a Victorian seaside resort, featuring period architecture and meandering pathways that overlook the tranquil azure waters. Like any worthwhile destination, it boasts an array of delightful bakeries, cafés and public houses, all providing refreshments and a welcome break after a day spent discovering the coastline.
However, the Lighthouse Bistro and Bakehouse truly stands apart from the rest, earning the top spot for dining on TripAdvisor in the locality. Patrons keep returning for the delicious seafood chowder, fresh bakes and the lovely panoramas whilst enjoying a drink overlooking the ocean during summer months.
One delighted visitor said: “What a great find! This bakery/restaurant is excellent. We each had a delicious bowl of soup accompanied by freshly baked bread. Perfect lunch after our Blackhead Beach walk.”
Outdoor enthusiasts frequently find themselves drawn to explore this region, renowned for its trails, including the legendary Gobbins Cliff Path. Rich in heritage, this route offers more than simply a stroll but rather a voyage through the ages, where you’ll encounter all the natural forces and feel more connected to the ocean than ever.
You can peer down into the thundering waters of the North Passage whilst standing on a metal bridge suspended between clifftops, providing unparalleled panoramas. A passionate adventurer documented their visit on TripAdvisor, saying: “The views are spectacular, and the history is so interesting. Keep your eyes open in the water – we saw several seals in the water. “
The location is temporarily shut following recent rockfall, though it’s expected to welcome visitors back shortly. However, there are numerous other routes to appreciate the stunning Northern Irish coast, such as the Blackhead Path.
Renowned for its charming white lighthouse backdrop, this route attracts walkers of all kinds, being a manageable trail suitable for various fitness levels. One hiker said: “You’ll enjoy stunning views across Belfast Lough of North Down, Scotland and nearby islands. You can walk up to the lighthouse in a circular route – through the caves and up the back steps – or take a left up across the Golden Steps. Incredible views and all free!”.
Railway enthusiasts or those seeking educational experiences should definitely visit Whitehead Railway Museum. Here, guests can climb aboard a locomotive featuring a 140 year old engine and enter a genuine 1950s carriage, all maintained by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s collection.
Punters can wander through the venue independently or absorb fascinating insights from the knowledgeable staff stationed at the museum. When the weather’s playing up, it’s a perfect spot for some indoor entertainment. One visitor confessed they “nearly didn’t call in” but were “so glad” they did, even expressing a wish to have allocated more time.
SwimQuest’s annual Isles of Scilly challenge is a 15km island-hopping swim, broken into five sessions with walks in between. The longest swim is the 6km leg from St Agnes to Bryher; the shortest is 600 metres from Bryher to Tresco; and the island walks in between are no longer than 45 minutes. Swimmers can opt to complete the challenge in one tough day, or space it out over two – there is a party after both events. Entry is £299 for the one-day challenge on 20 September or £379 for two days (17 and 18 September), no minimum fundraising, scillyswimchallenge.co.uk
Ultra Challenge, across the UK
Those who take part in Ultra Challenge treks can tackle walks, runs or cycles of various lengths in a wide range of locations across the UK
With 18 annual events, Ultra Challenge is one of the UK’s biggest series of treks and trail runs. Fundraising is optional but popular – there are 600-plus charities to choose from and the events raise more than £12m a year for good causes. Despite the name, it doesn’t have to be ultra-challenging; beginners can try a 10km taster trek, and build up to 25km, 50km or even 100km, and participants walk or run at their own pace. There’s lots of support, too, from a training app to shuttle buses to the events, plus a medal, massage and meal at the end. Locations include coastlines and countryside in England and Wales; new this year is Scarborough to Whitby. Registration and recommended fundraising varies; next events are London Winter Walk, 24 and 25 January and the Bath 50, 28 March, ultrachallenge.com
Ride the Route, London loop
Railway Children is a charity that helps young people living on the street, or at risk of it, in the UK, India and Tanzania. Its annual Ride the Route event is a three-day group cycle ride covering more than 200 miles, requiring a “moderate to good” level of fitness and enough training to withstand six to eight hours a day in the saddle. The route changes every year and always follows a railway line. This year it is a circular route following the High Speed 1 line from London to Folkestone, continuing along the coast to Brighton, then back to London. £50 for one day’s cycling with £150 fundraising pledge, or £75 for all three days, with a £350 fundraising pledge, 3-6 September, railwaychildren.org.uk
Race the Sun, England
Race the Sun challenges combine cycling with kayaking and hiking. Photograph: James Vincent
This is a team challenge for two to four people across three disciplines: cycling, hiking and canoeing/ kayaking. It’s not a relay – all team members must cycle 23-34 miles, hike 6-10 miles and paddle 2 miles. The fastest teams race around the course in five hours; others take from dawn to dusk. There are five races: a new one on the South Downs (25 April), plus Cheddar Gorge (11 July), the Jurassic Coast (27 June) and two in the Lake District (13 June and 15 September). All events are in aid of Action Medical Research. £120 for two, £240 for four, minimum fundraising £1,000/£2,000, action.org.uk
Lake 24 Peaks Challenge, Cumbria
This Hatt Adventures event is a tough challenge that requires a high level of fitness: climbing 24 Lake District peaks in 24 hours, all of them over 700 metres (2,400ft). Groups tackle 10 mountains on the 14-hour first day (including Scafell Pike, England’s highest) and 14 mountains over 10 hours on the second day. The cost includes a 12-week fitness plan; transport from Manchester, Birmingham, London or Brighton; two nights’ bunkhouse stay; two buffet breakfasts, packed lunches and pub dinners; and a qualified mountain leader. The company also runs Yorkshire and UK Three Peaks Challenges. £5,600 for groups of eight to 12, April to October, fundraise what you can for a charity of your choice, thehatt.co.uk
SupBikeRun, England and Wales
Beautiful countryside is a feature of SupBikeRuns. Photograph: Jake Baggaley
This is a triathlon with a difference: instead of open-water swimming, it starts with paddleboarding, followed by either mountain biking or road cycling, then a trail run. The shorter race is a 3k paddleboarding, 15k mountain biking (or 21k on road) and a 5k run; the longer one is double and there is also a three-person team relay. The events take place at lakeside locations in mid-Wales (16-17 May), Devon (11-12 July) and the Lake District (12-13 September) – camping and family and friends welcome. From £65pp (team) or £123 (individual), board hire £16, camping extra, fundraise what you can for a charity of your choice, supbikerun.co.uk
Great River Race, London
London’s “river marathon” is an annual 21.6-mile boat race from Millwall in the east to Ham, Richmond, in the south-west, passing under 28 of the city’s famous bridges. It is for fixed-seat rowing boats only, and the 2,500 competitors range from record-breaking athletes to friends in fancy dress. Crews can camp at the Thames Young Mariners campsite, a few minutes’ walk from the end of the race, from Thursday to Sunday (the race is on Saturday). There is a barbecue and bar on the Friday night, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and a transfer bus to the starting point. Entry £80 adults/£60 under 18s, fundraise for a charity of your choice, entries open on 1 April, race on 12 September, greatriverrace.org.uk
SuperHalfs, Europe
SuperHalfs marathons are held across the year in six European cities: Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen (pictured), Cardiff and Valencia. Photograph: Joe Miller
If one half marathon isn’t enough of a challenge, how about six? The SuperHalfs series rewards runners who complete the Cardiff, Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen and Valencia half marathons with a SuperMedal. More than the medal, the series is “For the fun of running. For the thrill of travel. And for the joy of saying ‘I did it!’” In return for a minimum fundraising target, entrants can pick a charity from an extensive list for guaranteed entry into their chosen race or the entire series. £175 refundable deposit for entry into all six races, minimum fundraising target £1,950; 8 March Lisbon;28 March Prague;29 March Berlin; 20 September Copenhagen; 4 October Cardiff; 25 October Valencia; superhalfs.com
24-hour skiing relay, French Alps
There are lots of cheering spectators at Glisse en Coeur. Photograph: David Machet
The ski resort of Le Grand-Bornand in the French Alps hosts an annual 24-hour nonstop skiing challenge in aid of children’s charities. Teams of eight to 10 ski relay laps of an easy intermediate slope, which is suitable for anyone just above beginner level, from 2pm on Saturday to 2pm on Sunday. Each team must complete between four and 12 laps every hour. In 2025, 158 teams took part, and since it began in 2008, Glisse en Coeur has raised almost €5.5m for four charities. There is a carnival atmosphere, with a concert on the slopes, celebrity appearances and lots of cheering spectators. €690 for a team of 10, plus €500 minimum fundraising, 20-22 March, legrandbornand.com
Hyrox fitness races, worldwide
Hyrox has taken in off in popularity – 550,000 keep-fitters competed in around 85 indoor races in more than 30 countries around the world last year. The format is the same globally, comprising a 1km run followed by a “functional workout station” (various pushes, pulls, jumps, carries, etc), repeated eight times. It is open to “everyday fitness enthusiasts”, with no entry qualifications or time limits. The UK events are in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support; £64 entry plus £400 minimum fundraising; 21-25 January in Manchester, 11-15 March in Glasgow, 24-29 March in London and 29 April to 4 May in Cardiff; hyrox.com
A “masterpiece” biopic starring Robert De Niro is streaming on Netflix in the UK
A “masterpiece” biopic featuring Robert De Niro is available to stream on Netflix in the UK as of this week.
Raging Bull (1980) stands as a biographical sports drama adapted from world champion boxer Jake LaMotta’s memoir.
De Niro portrays LaMotta, whose “violence and determination led him to the very top inside the ring but destroyed his relationships outside it”, according to the BBC’s synopsis.
The cast of this Martin Scorsese-directed picture, a frequent De Niro collaborator, features Joe Pesci as Jake’s younger sibling and former manager, plus Cathy Moriarty as Jake’s long-suffering spouse Vickie.
The production secured two Academy Awards, with De Niro claiming Best Actor honours and Thelma Schoonmaker earning Best Editing recognition, cementing its status as a timeless classic, reports the Express.
Film blog Taste of Cinema declared it the “greatest biopic of all time” in a glowing post, celebrating both its performances and “surrealist” boxing sequences.
Devotees have flocked to IMDb to heap praise upon the picture, with one branding it a “masterpiece” whilst commending Scorsese’s directorial prowess.
“The fight scenes are famous for their brutal realism and it’s easy to see why,” they penned.
“He puts you right in the ring with the fighters and you cant help but admire their technical brilliance. However, the most stunning aspect of all is Thelma Schoonmaker’s editing.
“It’s some of the best editing I’ve ever seen especially during the fight scenes where it’s positively breathtaking.”
Another viewer praised: “Besides the legendary performance of Robert De Niro, there are many things in this film that will remain in my heart forever: the splendid black & white, the contrast between the slow moving scenes and the frenetic ones, the choice of the music and the sense of loss which entangles the whole movie.”
A third fan hailed the fight scenes as “are the most brutal that I have ever seen on film even though there’s only like 12 minutes of them and the editing is simply brilliant”.
They lamented: “It should have earned Scorsese a best director Oscar but at least they had enough sense to award de Niro the best actor Oscar,” adding: “I’ll come back to this film forever.”
Watch Stranger Things on Netflix for free with Sky
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things.
A fourth critic, who rated the film a perfect 10/10, enthused: “Terrific performances by the leads, particularly De Niro and Joe Pesci. Overall this is rightfully one of the greatest films ever made!”
The film carries a 15 certificate and includes strong violence, domestic abuse, sex references, and very strong language – so viewers are advised to exercise discretion.
Raging Bull is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard, who starred as Rovers landlady Liz McDonald, has hit back at accusations she has taken weight loss medication to get into shape
Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard has shown off her weight loss (Image: ITV)
Beverley Callard has insisted she has not been using jabs to lose weight. The actress, 68, who is best known for her legendary portrayal of former Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald on Coronation Street, is also a qualified fitness instructor alongside her television career and took to social media on Friday to show off her trim new figure.
But some followers did not believe that she had simply adopted a healthier diet and exercise regimen to drop the pounds and accused her of turning to “skinny jabs” as a quick fix.
In the video, Beverley said: “No girls, I am not on a skinny jab. I have worked out my whole life and I have been working my a** off, literally. Although I must say, I would not knock anybody who is on it. Just do what you’ve got to do.” The former I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! star, who was last seen in her signature soap role in 2020, also used the caption of her post to quash the accusations.
She wrote: “Just addressing some of the comments I’ve been getting recently about my weight… as there have been quite a few! I’ve spent my whole life doing fitness and working my arse off… literally! Each to their own when it comes to weight loss, but I’m not on any weight loss jabs. Just clearing that up!”
During the height of her television fame in the mid to late 1990s, Beverley released a series of workout videos and also wrote a fitness-themed column for the Mirror. Fans of the Two Pints of Lager and A Packet of Crisps actress rushed to the comments section to throw praise on the star.
One wrote: “You have always looked amazing @beverleycallard ignore all the comments those who love you and follow you know you’ve done this with healthy eating & good exercise happy new year to you & keep doing what your doing xx”
Another said: “I still use your exercise DVD, it’s still fab! You need to upload it or do a new one!” and a third wrote: “I’ve been working out to your DVDs for years. Along with Rosemary Conley, you are my favourite fitness instructor. I’d love to train with you for real if you ever decide to hold some local classes.”
Since quitting her role as Liz, Beverley moved from Manchester to Norfolk with her husband Jon McEwan and quickly started offering exercise classes in her local area. When she launched them in 2022, she said: “I can’t wait to meet you all. Thank you to all of you who have been in touch already! Those of you who have emailed but not filled in the questionnaire yet, please send me them!
“If you’re interested in being one of my 25 strong women and part of my new fitness classes.” Beverley was an aerobics teacher before she was cast as Angie Richards in Emmerdale in 1983, and when she left Coronation Street for the first time in 1998, she decided to focus on her fitness career once again.
She then appeared as Liz again from 2003 until 2011, and then again from 2013 until 20202. Once she left for the final time, Beveley admitted she had worked six days a week and filmed from 7am to 10pm in the evening.
Beverley also took a swipe at the writers of the long-running ITV soap as she spoke of why she doesn’t think the “scripts are as good now”, in comparison to when she first made her appearance as Liz in 1989.
In an interview with The Sun, Beverley said of her decision to leave: “As an actor, you’re scared to say no to a job, but the scripts came and I thought I’ve just got to trust my instincts really. It’s not nine to five, it’s like seven until ten at night and it’s six days a week, it’s really full on and you have no life, like it used to be a lot harder years ago when the cast was smaller. I personally don’t think the scripts are as good now, I think we’re overloaded with soap operas, which is a shame.”
This valley in the Yorkshire Dales is home to charming villages, historic mining sites, scenic trails and England’s highest pub at 1,732 feet
The hidden gem is nestled within The Yorkshire Dales National Park(Image: daverhead via Getty Images)
Nestled at the northernmost point of the Yorkshire Dales, this dale is steeped in history from its mining past, with countless tales etched into its landscape.
Swaledale, a delightful Dale, is home to the River Swale, England’s fastest river, which gracefully meanders through its verdant fields. Tucked away amidst this natural beauty is the Tan Hill Inn, England’s loftiest pub, inviting guests to drop by as they traverse the undulating hills of Yorkshire.
Perched at an impressive 1,732 feet above sea level, this historic pub dates back to the 17th century and exudes a cosy charm. Adorned with exposed beams, a stone-flagged entrance and a crackling fire, it provides the perfect tranquil spot for a pint and a bite while exploring the region.
At the heart of the Dale lies Reeth, a central village boasting three popular pubs, charming arts and crafts shops, and a delightful bakery offering local pies and breads. Fridays are a highlight in the area, as the village transforms into a bustling market, with stalls lining the streets selling a variety of eclectic goods.
In Reeth, you’ll discover a museum that illuminates the fascinating rural life of the Yorkshire Dales and its rich local heritage. Here visitors can explore decades of the area’s heritage, with exhibits spanning geological specimens to prehistoric discoveries and, naturally, equipment linked to its rich lead mining past.
Following their trip, one delighted guest said on TripAdvisor that the museum was a “wonderful surprise”. They said: “I love a museum, and I have visited my fair share, but this was a truly surprising little gem.
“I have never seen quite so much variety crammed into such a small space, and the range of information covering the local community in its history was wonderful. A great amount of detail is provided in a clear and understandable manner, combined with humorous and heartwarming local stories.”
For those eager to experience the lush landscapes of the valley, the Swale Trail is an absolute must. Whether tackled on foot or by bicycle, according to enthusiastic explorers, it’s a destination that justifies the effort.
Following their adventure, one visitor said: “Amazing views. We did this by ebike, but imagine you’d need quite a high fitness level for the Gunnerside to Keld route on pedal power alone. Gunnerside to Keld, however, has the best views. This route overall is actually one of the best trails around but seems relatively undiscovered.”
The area’s traditional allure is evident throughout the year, but it’s particularly enchanting during spring and summer when the hardy Swaledale sheep graze and beautiful wildflowers bloom amidst the stunning hay meadows. Even on the chilliest days, the valley continues to reveal a wealth of trails and hidden treasures.
The 50-year-old has opened up about her impressive transformation
Alison Hammond(Image: Kate Green, Getty Images for the NTA’s)
Alison Hammond has worked hard to lose weight after being given some scary health news. The TV presenter made two huge lifestyle swaps, which led to remarkable results both inside and outside her body, helping her discover ‘new love’.
Aside from losing an impressive 11 stone, the beloved TV host known for her work on programmes like ITV’s This Morning and Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off also managed to ‘reverse’ her prediabetic condition through dedication and determination.
The 50-year-old first earned public fame during a brief appearance on Big Brother back in 2002. Alison stepped into the famous house at just 22 years old, and her brief fifteen days on the reality show led to a successful TV career that has spanned decades.
In recent years, the presenter has slimmed down and achieved an incredible 11 stone loss with the help of a personal trainer. However, alongside her fitness regime, she cut out two key items from her diet after receiving a prediabetic diagnosis.
Speaking to Women’s Health, she said: “My mum had Type 2 diabetes and she was worried for me, so when I then found out that I was pre-diabetic, that was frightening. I thought ‘I have to be an adult about this’. The sweets had to stop, and the fatty foods.”
Alison, who weighed 28 stone at her heaviest, maintains her fitness by working with her personal trainer twice weekly and keeps weights in her bedroom for additional workouts. She said: “I try to vary it so it’s not the same every day.
“If I miss a session or two with my trainer, I notice it. That kick you get out of the way you feel is so good.” Following a complete lifestyle transformation, according to a previous report by Surrey Live, the TV star revealed she’s no longer prediabetic.
She said: “Because my body’s working properly, I can allow myself a bit of sugar here and there. I love my new shape and although I still have areas I’m conscious of, such as my arms and tummy, it’s great being able to wear things I would never have been able to before. I mean, look at me, I’m a bombshell.”
What is prediabetes?
Diabetes UK reports that people may be classed as being pre-diabetic if their blood sugars are “higher than usual, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes”. It added that, for those who catch this condition before it gets over the limit, people can reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes, and it may be possible to prevent or delay the condition from developing.
Prediabetes doesn’t have any symptoms. If you start to have any of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, it means you have probably already developed it. Diabetes UK shared a list of signs people may want to look out for, including:
going to the toilet more often, especially at night
feeling more tired than usual
losing weight without trying
genital itching or thrush
cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
blurred vision
feeling extremely thirsty
Diabetes UK claimed that there are an estimated 6.3 million people at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the UK based on blood sugar levels. Specialists believe that 1.3 million people are currently living with type 2 diabetes but are yet to be diagnosed
The former This Morning guest shared how Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan treated her off-camera, following a “disastrous” moment on the show
Richard Madeley remains a familiar face on ITV (Image: ITV)
A former This Morning guest has revealed how her appearance on the show ended in disaster. Hosted by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan at the time, podcast host Louise Boyce said she was invited onto the show as a teenager for a live haircut, though was mortified by the outcome.
Joined by Richard and Judy’s daughter Chloe Madeley on her podcast, she told her: “Your mum and dad, it [This Morning] was the first TV show that I went on when I was 15. And, I really want to find the footage, it must be in the archives somewhere, but I went on there to have my haircut, a live haircut.
“I was 15 years old, I was still at school and very aware of how I looked and the haircut was disastrous.”
Recalling her immediate reaction, she said she instantly knew it was “horrendous” but politely told the hairdresser she “really liked it” with a shaky voice.
“But, your mum and dad were so kind to me because they must’ve seen or felt that I was just like, ‘I hate what you’ve just [done to me’]’,” she continued on the No Parental Guidance podcast.
“‘You have just violated my hair live on TV, my first ever TV [experience]’. And they were so, your mum and dad, even off-camera they were like, ‘Hair grows, it’s okay’.”
In response, Chloe gushed: “I can’t say it enough how kind he is and how fair of a man he is and how unbelievably good his values and [morals] are. I get really angry when people go for him because I’m like, ‘You don’t know how good this person is’.”
The fitness guru continued by revealing she’d also picked up valuable lessons from her mum, especially regarding being “a calm” and “well adjusted” parent.
Richard and Judy presented the ITV programme from 1998 to 2001. When previously asked about their decision to leave the show, they said it felt like the right moment to move on and explore new ventures.
The duo went on to front their own programme, Richard and Judy, which was broadcast during early evening slots on Channel 4.
Richard remains a familiar presence on ITV as a presenter on Good Morning Britain, while Judy has stepped away from the public eye.
The former broadcaster was most recently spotted on television during their daughter’s ITV documentary, Chloe Madeley: A Family Affair.
However, after running for just one series, it didn’t return following Chloe’s split from rugby player James Haskell.
The pair, who are parents to two-year-old daughter Bodhi, announced their separation in 2023 after five years of marriage.
During her recent podcast chat, Chloe revealed that the former couple are still navigating a “stressful” divorce.
Providing an insight into her love life situation, she said she’s content with being single after having a disliking her experience on dating apps.
