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‘Beautiful’ UK road trip features seven gorgeous coastal stops

If you’re looking to get the most out of the final weeks of the summer, look no further than this road trip which stops at a number of coastal towns in one of the country’s most beautiful counties

Aerial view of the town and beach of Padstow on The Camel Estuary in Cornwall, UK which is a popular vacation destination on a sunny Summer day
One couple say they’ve cracked the perfect way to explore Cornwall’s stunning coastline (stock image)(Image: Teamjackson via Getty Images)

A travel influencer has shared her ultimate guide to exploring Cornwall’s stunning coastline, featuring seven gorgeous towns along the coastal county. Char, who runs the TikTok account CJ Explores alongside her husband Cory, has mapped out the perfect week-long road trip across North Cornwall in a video that’s prompted discussion among locals and tourists alike.

The couple have dubbed their itinerary the “Cornwall road trip you have to do ONCE in your life”, featuring a different town or village for each day of the week. Starting at Boscastle, the journey winds through breathtaking locations including Tintagel and Mother Ivey’s Bay before concluding in Newquay. Day two sees the duo recommend a visit to Tintagel, followed by stops at Port Isaac and then Padstow.

The beach at Bedrutheran Steps in Cornwall
The beach at Bedrutheran Steps in Cornwall (stock image)(Image: 1111IESPDJ via Getty Images)

The adventure continues to Mother Ivey’s Bay, then Constantine Bay and Bedruthan Steps, before wrapping up at their final destination. Viewers have been quick to save the travel tips, with many gushing about Cornwall’s undeniable charm.

One follower reminisced: “I was very lucky to go to Cornwall every weekend as a child with my parents, and it is one of the most beautiful places.”

Another appeared to have already tested the route, sharing: “Just done it on my motorbike with my son. Beautiful part of the world.”

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Some suggested additional gems worth visiting, including St Michael’s Mount and Kynance Cove. However, numerous commenters have been unanimous in their response to one specific location that Char and Cory highlighted.

One forthright comment from a viewer simply stated: “Don’t come to Padstow”, a feeling that was shared by others. Another user responded: “We drove through it was the busiest place we went to last week.

“Must be such a nightmare being local, feel for you. It was a ridiculous amount of tourists.” Despite some comments on Padstow’s charm, the exasperation felt by residents is palpable.

Padstow Harbour at blue hour, Cornwall, with reflections of the boats and lights in and around the harbour.
Locals in Padstow fear the effects of overtourism on house prices (stock image)(Image: mick blakey via Getty Images)

The town’s growing appeal has sparked a housing crisis. Locals struggle to afford homes as overtourism drives up property prices or turns them into holiday lets. As of March, Rightmove reported the average house price in Padstow was nearly £700,000.

While not an isolated issue in Cornwall, Padstow faces becoming a “ghost village” during off-peak seasons according to Cornwall Live. Properties remain vacant in the colder months, owned by tourists who only use them as second homes in the warmer periods.

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Gorgeous UK seaside town where you’ll always hear waves crashing

The seaside town in Norfolk has an award-winning beach and a fresh sea breeze that will make it difficult to leave behind. Most holidaymakers quickly change their mind about it once visiting

High Street in Sheringham, Norfolk, UK
This seaside town in Norfolk combines old-time charm and breathtaking natural beauty(Image: Getty)

You don’t need to travel overseas to soak up gorgeous sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, as Britain boasts magnificent coastal destinations that offer everything you could wish for and more. One such destination is this unassuming town in Norfolk.

While it may appear unremarkable initially, with just 7,367 residents recorded in the 2011 census, visitors quickly discover its hidden magic. The charming town of Sheringham sits along the Norfolk coastline, merely an hour’s drive north from Norwich.

Most holidaymakers quickly change their mind about Sheringham after visiting. Countless tourists have claimed it feels like stepping into a bygone era when they arrive in this enchanting destination for a day out or getaway.

READ MORE: Gorgeous UK seaside village where you can walk all the way up a castle towerREAD MORE: Abandoned seaside village started crumbling into sea when they removed beach

The sun slowly emerges out of the North Sea casting a golden glow over Sheringham Beach Huts.
Colourful coastal huts are a staple of Sheringham and many other UK seaside destinations(Image: David Robinson via Getty Images)

The settlement brims with activities, boasting a prize-winning shoreline, stunning countryside and parks for exploration, plus fascinating local and military heritage centres. On TikTok, one visitor chose to document her trip to this quaint location, describing it as a place ‘where time slowed down’.

“Sheringham – a cosy seaside town where time slows down. Colourful cottages, fresh sea breeze, and the sound of waves – it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer,” she penned in the caption of her video.

She proceeded to share footage beginning with a lady in a blue dress and sun hat strolling along the train station platform. The clip was captured from inside what appeared to be a vintage carriage, instantly creating the sensation of journeying through history.

The TikTok creator then proceeded to showcase brief clips from their trip to Sheringham, featuring the high street adorned with vibrant bunting strung across the sky, followed by scenes of a procession of elderly ladies dancing and parading through the town.

Close-up of the Sheringham sign on the platform of Sheringham Railway Station in the coastal town of Sheringham in Norfolk, UK.
In 1975, Sheringham’s original train station was re-opened as the main station of the North Norfolk Railway(Image: chrisdorney via Getty Images)

They went on to showcase the stunning seafront, where visitors could be seen relishing the scenery and engaging in water activities despite the overcast conditions. And what seaside excursion would be complete without indulging in an ice cream?

They strolled past pastel-hued buildings before reaching their chosen ice cream parlour and purchasing a chocolate-dipped cone filled with ice cream. The quintessential coastal resort trip also calls for an encounter with some seagulls, which the creator captured with one perched on a town wall, watching the pedestrians as they wandered by.

Viewers were swift to comment with their reactions, with many expressing astonishment at how tranquil and charming the town appeared to be, reports the Express. “I love Britain one of my favourite countries,” one person wrote. Another viewer said: “This is not just a video. It’s like opening up to a brand new dimension of extraordinary power!”

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Europe’s most stunning seaside walk goes through 5 towns with gorgeous beaches

Via dell’Amore, also known as the “Path of Love”, is a UNESCO-listed coastal walk in Italy that is considered the most romantic in the world and is said to be one of the best walks in Europe

Via dell'Amore, walking path between Riomaggiore and Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy
The path offers stunning views of the sea and majestic cliffs(Image: Getty)

Celebrated as amongst Europe’s finest coastal walks, this picturesque route guides you through stunning villages and spectacular vistas.

Via dell’Amore isn’t dubbed the “Path of Love” without good reason – and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re after a scenic spot. According to AllTrails, this UNESCO-listed trail is regarded as the globe’s most romantic walk, thanks to its dramatic clifftops, delightful villages and panoramic views of the sparkling waters beneath.

Situated in Cinque Terre, along Italy’s northwestern coastline, this famous pathway links the region’s two most southern settlements – Riomaggiore and Manarola – and has earned recognition as one of Europe’s premier three walks by travel blog, The World is Waiting.

READ MORE: ‘My AI boyfriend proposed – I was surprised but the ring he chose is stunning’READ MORE: ‘Most beautiful’ Italian town is frozen in time with hardly any tourists

Italy's 'Path of Love' reopens after 12 years
The path reopened last year after being closed for 12 years(Image: Getty)

Initially carved out during the 1920s whilst building the coastal railway, legend tells that the route swiftly became a romantic rendezvous spot for sweethearts from the adjacent villages, reports the Express.

Nowadays, the tunnel linking both communities throughout the journey brims with love proclamations and padlocks deposited by couples from across the world who come to visit the iconic spot.

Among the most striking features stands a sculpture depicting a pair locked in an embrace against the ocean backdrop, which becomes particularly enchanting as twilight falls and the sun’s rays dance across the water.

Roughly midway along the trail, there is a delightful café which provides a peaceful spot to savour the scenery whilst enjoying a cooling beverage. Riomaggiore, the trail’s starting point, is a 13th-century village ingeniously built into the steep, rocky terrain. The tall houses have two entrances – one at street level and another higher up to accommodate the hillside.

The town is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, stone staircases, and vibrant buildings that seem to defy gravity as they ascend from the cliffs. Riomaggiore also boasts a breathtaking beach just a stone’s throw away from the harbour, with turquoise waters framed by the dramatic cliffs of the Liguria coastline.

Manarola, similarly, is dramatically situated on a high rock about 70 metres above sea level. This village features a tiny harbour and a quaint square surrounded by multicoloured houses all overlooking the sea.

After being shut for 12 years due to a landslide, the Via dell’Amore officially reopened in 2024. Access is restricted to certain times of the year, and visitors are advised to book a time slot in advance via the official Cinque Terre website. From June 1st to October 25th, the path stays open from 9am to 9.30pm, with the last admissions at 9pm.

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The gorgeous Greek island left ‘on the brink’ by tourism as locals ‘left with nothing’

The Greek island was once a “model of co-existence” but has been left with “nothing but bars” as tourism has sucked the life out of it, a local has claimed

Beach of Foinikas on Syros island, Greece.
The island of Syros’ beautiful Foinikas beach.(Image: Getty)

A stunning Greek island once “teeming with children and shops” has been left with nothing but bars due to tourism, according to a local resident.

Iosif Stefanou, an architect, urban planner and professor at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), has spent decades working to preserve traditional Cycladic architecture on Syros, and shared his concerns with Greek publication ekathimerini.com about how the tourist industry has drained the area of its character.

Speaking to the publication during a stroll through the neighbourhood, Stefanou lamented that whilst the island’s capital Ermoupoli had previously been “self-sufficient”, it now “only has bars — in summer, it’s crowded with people; in winter, it’s dead”..

The academic previously viewed the island as “a model of co-existence. A mother would hear her neighbor’s baby crying and would run there first”, but properties now sit empty for months whilst their proprietors are elsewhere, he said.

“Now most houses are closed for most of the year because they’ve been bought by foreigners or Athenians,” Stefanou explained, according to the Express.

“Fortunately, most of them respected and saved the houses. Many of the locals think about easy profit, which is why only bars have sprung up recently. They don’t understand they’re cutting the branch they’re sitting on. They see Mykonos on the horizon and envy it, but they don’t learn from its current state.”

Ermoupoli cityscape from the ferry
A local of a beautiful island says it’s no longer ‘self-sufficient’ due to tourism.(Image: Getty)

Local music teacher, Aristos Vamvakousis, told the outlet: “We are fighting, and as long as such efforts exist, Syros won’t become just a tourist destination.”

In addition to his school, he said “there are many theatre groups, dance groups, sports clubs, and groups of people who fight to provide variety and stimuli during the months outside the summer season. That’s what saves us, life in the winter.”

Vamvakousis expressed concern that graduates from his music school struggle to find places to play traditional music, with many rembetiko venues now shut.

“After October, you can hardly find a taverna to eat in,” he revealed to the outlet. “The reason is that catering businesses are now owned – after the Covid pandemic – by non-locals who don’t care about keeping the shops open during the difficult months.Syros major Alexandros Athanasiou has been contacted for comment.Popular Greek holiday spots like Mykonos and Santorini are among the most impacted by overtourism in the country.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a commitment in June to address overcrowding and manage the number of visitors on the islands, including limiting the number of cruise ships allowed to dock.

GREECE-TOURISM
Throngs of tourists in Santorini(Image: Getty)

Mr Mitsotakis acknowledged that the Cycladic Islands were “clearly suffering”, amid complaints from locals about the effect on their daily lives and the cost of living, according to Bloomberg reports.

The Greek Prime Minister has highlighted Santorini as the “most sensitive” to overcrowding, with around 800 cruise ships docking last year, closely followed by Mykonos with 750 in 2023.

In April last year, Athens was rocked by furious protests, with demonstrators reportedly shouting: “They are taking our houses while they live in the Maldives”.

Anna Theodorakis, a local resident, told France24 about being forced out of her home in the Metaxourgio neighbourhood of Athens, stating: “I think the answer is to go in the streets and block everything and just not do something because people are losing their homes. It is very depressing.”

Ms Theodorakis criticised the surge of Airbnbs in the city for “wiping out the traditional places”, expressing that she felt like “a foreigner in my own country”.

Meanwhile, Dimitri, a property developer converting a former warehouse into Airbnbs, conceded that excessive tourism was causing harm to Athens.

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Remote UK island village with gorgeous views where Donald Trump’s mum was born

US President Donald Trump last month returned to Scotland, a country he often references as part of his family heritage. But the island village where his mother was born has long held mixed feelings about the president

US President Donald Trump speaks to the press after arriving on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 27, 2025. Trump is returning to Washington after attending the funeral of Pope Francis and spending part of the weekend at his Bedminster resort. (Photo by Annabelle GORDON / AFP) (Photo by ANNABELLE GORDON/AFP via Getty Images)
President Donald Trump has family ties to Scotland (stock image)(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Last month, US President Donald Trump returned to a nation he frequently cites as part of his family roots – Scotland. And there’s one tiny village that is particularly significant to the 79-year-old.

During the visit, which ran from July 25 until Tuesday, July 29, the President visited both of his Scottish golf courses, Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire and the Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, and held talks in Aberdeen with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney.

Trump has consistently highlighted his deep personal ties to Scotland through his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born and brought up on the Isle of Lewis in the breathtaking Outer Hebrides.

READ MORE: Idyllic town with great pubs and stunning gardens named best in whole of Scotland

Donald Trump outside the house where his mum grew up in Tong, Isle of Lewis, in 2008
Donald Trump visits the house where his mum grew up in Tong, Isle of Lewis, in 2008(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

According to VisitScotland: “With dramatic landscapes, a unique Gaelic culture and fascinating history, Lewis and Harris are a great place to start your Hebridean adventure. You will be blown away by wild mountains, immense white beaches, rugged coastlines and lunar landscapes.”

Like countless Scots in the early 20th century, Mary Anne emigrated to America seeking greater prospects, reports the Daily Record. Born in 1912 in the village of Tong, roughly three miles from Stornoway, she departed the island at the age of 18 to seek employment as a domestic servant in New York.

In 1936, she married Frederick Trump, a prosperous property magnate and the son of German immigrants. The pair had five children together, with President Trump—known locally as Donald John—being their fourth child.

Mary Anne gained American citizenship in 1942 and passed away in 2000 at the age of 88. Despite his regular mentions of his Scottish heritage, the president hasn’t always received a warm welcome from inhabitants of his mother’s birthplace.

A picture of Donald Trump's mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, at home in Lewis
Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.(Image: Cathy Brett/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)

Her relatives came from the surrounding region, with the MacLeods on her paternal side hailing from Vatisker, situated just north of Tong. Tong itself boasts a distinctive heritage of political and cultural identity.

From 1919 to 1921, the village, alongside neighbouring Coll and Gress, witnessed a sequence of land raids where local men confronted absent landowners by sowing crops and splitting sheep-grazing properties into agricultural plots.

Tong’s inhabitants were considered amongst the island’s most radical. In a 1990s compilation of the Stornoway dialect, Tong’s residents were still dubbed “Bolshiveeks.”

Village folk in Tong have previously expressed annoyance over Trump’s absence of backing for the community, drawing comparisons with his sister’s and mother’s contributions.

A picture of Donald Trump at Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire from 2023
President Trump visited Scotland just last month(Image: Robert Perry/Getty Images)

“He never gave a penny,” residents have previously remarked, highlighting that Mary Anne MacLeod Trump helped finance the village hall’s construction during the 1970s. His elder sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, also made a significant donation of £155,000 to a local care home and the Bethesda hospice.

Locals have claimed that the president is “feeding off” the legacy of his mother and sister without giving back to the island that shaped their early years.

Tong remains a traditional crofting village, located about four miles northeast of Stornoway. Crofting, weaving of Harris Tweed, and peat cutting are still part of daily life on the island.

The area is also renowned for hosting the annual Lewis Highland Games and the Western Isles Strongman competition. Historically, Lewis was part of Norway until the 13th century, and by the 1800s, Tong’s economy relied heavily on fishing, farming and weaving.

A picture of Tong, Isle of Lewis
The small village of Tong is a short way north of Stornoway, the biggest settlement in Lewis(Image: Alastair Lamont, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

However, widespread land clearances in the late 19th century saw many tenants displaced in favour of large-scale sheep farms and deer forests.

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READ MORE: Autumn-ready wide-leg jeans with a ‘flattering’ high-waist get axed from £45 to £18

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Sainsbury’s gorgeous £13 summer dress is great for bigger busts, can be worn until winter & even has pockets

SHOPPERS are rushing to snap up a £13 Sainsbury’s summer dress, that is super flattering on all body types.

With just a few weeks left of the school summer holidays, many Brits are likely hoping to make the most of the hot weather, with days out at the beach and last-minute trips abroad.

Woman wearing a mustard yellow maxi dress with pockets.

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Shoppers are raving about this gorgeous summer dressCredit: Sainsbury’s
Model wearing a mustard yellow midi dress.

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The stylish frock is already sold out in some sizesCredit: Sainsbury’s

And what better way to get yourself excited for summer plans, than to treat yourself to a brand new frock.

Sainsbury’s Tu is one of the best-loved brands on the high street, and is constantly wowing us with its stylish but affordable fashion.

From cute dresses to on-trend work attire, the supermarket fast-fashion range always hits the mark, and its summer collection is no exception.

Elegant summer dress

One dress in particular that has caught the eye of fashion fans is the Yellow Square Neck Poplin Midaxi Dress which has been slashed from £26 to £13, a saving of 50%.

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The stunning frock is perfect for those with bigger busts, as it has chunky straps, meaning you can wear a supportive bra underneath.

It is made with a lightweight fabric, which will keep you cool on hot summer days, and even has pockets, so you don’t even have to take a bag out with you.

Pair the bright-coloured gown with chunky wedge sandals and eye-catching accessories for a statement holiday look.

The dress is available in a wide range of sizes, from size six to size 24.

However, it has proved so popular with fashion fans that it is sold out in some sizes, so you better be quick to snap up the deal.

Shoppers have been raving about the summer frock on the Sainsbury’s website.

Sainsbury’s scraps in-store changing rooms leaving shoppers furious

One customer said: “I really like the cut and colour of this dress and it has thick shoulder straps so you can wear your regular bra.”

A second said: “I loved this dress from the moment I spotted it in store and thus I purchased it the second I was able to!

“Fabric wise this dress is very much a summer wear, though I suspect if you layer just right you could well push it into winter.”

A third shopper wrote: “This is a lovely dress. Lovely material.

“I’m a size 12 and it fitted perfectly.”

A fourth remarked: “This lovely dress is made out of quality material, in a triumphant colour and cut beautifully.

Is supermarket fashion the new high street?

DEPUTY Fashion Editor Abby McHale weighs in:

The supermarkets have really upped their game when it comes to their fashion lines. These days, as you head in to do your weekly food shop you can also pick up a selection of purse-friendly, stylish pieces for all the family. 

Tesco has just announced a 0.7 per cent increase in the quarter thanks to a ‘strong growth in clothing’ and M&S has earnt the title of the number one destination for womenswear on the high street.

Asda’s clothing line George has made £1.5 million for the supermarket in 2023, 80 per cent of Sainsbury’s clothes sold at full price rather than discounted and Nutmeg at Morrisons sales are also up 2 per cent in the past year.

So what is it about supermarket fashion that is becoming so successful?

Apart from the clothing actually being affordable, it’s good quality too – with many being part of schemes such as the Better Cotton Initiative.

A lot of the time they keep to classic pieces that they know will last the customer year after year. 

Plus because they buy so much stock they can turn around pieces quickly and buy for cheaper because of the volumes.

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Gorgeous European destination with barely any tourists, £16 flights and 50p wine

Znojmo, a town in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic, is one of the most pleasant yet overlooked places in Europe and the flights are so cheap.

Paradise vineyard in Znojmo town, Czech Republic
Znojmo is a town in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic(Image: Getty)

A stunning European destination where you can visit for merely £16 and savour a glass of wine for just 50p ranks among the continent’s most undervalued gems. You’ll want to visit it.

Znojmo, situated in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic, stands as one of Europe’s most delightful yet overlooked locations.

Frequently likened to Tuscany for its wine tourism and vineyard landscapes, this hidden European treasure also boasts numerous vineyards and breathtaking vistas. In other travel news, a woman claims ‘I work in a hotel – you should never turn your lights on when entering your room’.

READ MORE: Jet2 launch new route from UK airport to Greek island loved for its sandy beachesREAD MORE: Popular town ‘on the brink’ as hundreds of cruise ships bring tourists flooding in

Vineyards around Znojmo, South Moravia
Visitors can enjoy over 120 samples of local wines from leading winemakers for as little as 50p(Image: Getty)

With 34,000 residents, Znojmo represents one of Czechia’s most ancient municipalities, tracing its origins to the 11th century. Established by King Ottokar I of the Premyslid dynasty, this enchanting Royal settlement continues to radiate its abundant heritage from every cobbled lane, reports the Express.

Znojmo has earned recognition for its viticultural traditions, which have flourished since mediaeval times. Within Znojmo’s historic heart sits Enotéka, a wine establishment featuring a contemporary café.

Positioned on the grounds of the Znojmo brewery, offering spectacular panoramas of the settlement and Dyje river valley, guests can sample over 120 varieties of regional wines from prominent local vintners for as little as 50p. Nevertheless, Znojmo offers far more than viticulture. The settlement features a complex maze of tunnels beneath the town centre, known as the “underground passages”.

Guests can participate in a 60-minute guided exploration, discovering the settlement’s history and its tunnels, which have generated numerous theories regarding their purpose. Some reckon these were once used as storage spaces and for transporting goods, while others suggest they served as hideouts from foes.

READ MORE: Easyjet, Ryanair and Jet2 passengers urged to ‘pack a roll of cling film’ in luggage

Don’t miss out on visiting the Znojmo castle, Louka Monastery – one of Europe’s most significant monastery complexes dating back to the 12th century, now housing millions of wine bottles – and Podyjí National Park, nestled between the towns of Znojmo and Vranov nad Dyjí.

Despite its relatively small size, the park is teeming with natural beauty. It tempts travellers with its stunning vistas, untouched charm, pervasive tranquillity, and hundreds of rare animal and plant species. Podyjí is a must-visit for every nature enthusiast.

With Ryanair flights starting at just £16 from the UK to Brno, a nearby airport, you can reach this delightful destination in merely two hours. Brno, the country’s second-largest city, is just over 70 km away from Znojmo, while Vienna, Austria’s capital, is less than 90 km away. The short distance from these two popular cities makes Znojmo an ideal day trip destination.

If you’re planning a journey to the south of Czech Republic or even to Vienna, make sure to include Znojmo in your travel plans!

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‘Love every single pair’ shoppers cry as Sainsbury’s launch ‘gorgeous’ range of autumn PJs

SAINSBURY’S shoppers are going wild after spotting a “gorgeous” new autumn pyjama collection.

The supermarket’s in-house fashion label Tu is one of the best-loved brands on the high street, and is constantly wowing us with its stylish but affordable fashion.

“I need these” cry shoppers after spotting “gorgeous” autumn pyjama line in Sainsbury’s, , , https://www.tiktok.com/@life.of.pops/video/7536251224719379734?_r=1&_t=ZN-8ymNNa695oE

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Shoppers are in a frenzy after discovering Sainsbury’s pyjama lineCredit: TikTok/ @life.of.pop
“I need these” cry shoppers after spotting “gorgeous” autumn pyjama line in Sainsbury’s, , , https://www.tiktok.com/@life.of.pops/video/7536251224719379734?_r=1&_t=ZN-8ymNNa695oE

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A TikToker posted her finds in a now-viral videoCredit: TikTok/ @life.of.pop

TikToker Jasmine Poppy sent fashion lovers into a frenzy when she posted a clip of her latest TU Clothing purchases.

The TikToker showed off Sainsbury’s new range of cosy sets perfect for snuggling up as the nights draw in.

Among the finds was the Mini Me Women’s Halloween Pink Pumpkin Print Slinky Pyjama set, priced at £16, with the rest of the line retailing at £20.

And while Halloween PJs usually mean garish orange and purple prints, Sainsbury’s has gone for something a little different this year with pretty designs in soft pinks and cute patterns that shoppers say are “perfect for autumn”.

The line includes a pink jersey pasta printed set, cosy pin-striped pumpkin set and a fun cherry cake printed set, with plenty of other cute designs for shoppers to pick from.

“I need these” cry shoppers after spotting “gorgeous” autumn pyjama line in Sainsbury’s, , , https://www.tiktok.com/@life.of.pops/video/7536251224719379734?_r=1&_t=ZN-8ymNNa695oE

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The collection features fun, pastel printsCredit: TU

The playful pumpkin prints, soft fabrics, and matching sets have quickly earned a spot on people’s must-buy lists.

“I LOVE TU pjs, they’re so comfy,” raved one fan in the comments.

Another wrote: “Never have I run to order something so quickly.”

A third added: “These are gorgeous, I want all of them.”

One shopper had their eyes on a particular set, gushing: “I need the cherry pumpkin ones.”

I work in Sainsbury’s – my picks from new autumn collection, 1920s trend is back

While another insisted: “Sainsbury’s pjs top all others, honestly.”

It’s clear Sainsbury’s is coming into the colder months well prepared, with styles that feel seasonal without being over-the-top spooky, perfect for anyone who wants to nod to Halloween without going full fancy dress.

So, if you’re already dreaming of hot chocolate, candles, and a fresh pair of matching PJs, you might want to make your next supermarket trip a pyjama haul.

It comes after a Sainsbury’s fashion boss sent shoppers into a frenzy after giving them a sneak peek of their new autumn arrivals.

Hannah Pountain, Director of Merchandising at Tu Clothing, revealed her top five picks from the new range in an Instagram video over the weekend.

And she rounded up her five top picks from the new range – including a staple buy which proves a classic 1920s trend is returning.

The autumn drop follows a wave of excitement over other high street nightwear launches.

Just last week, Primark had shoppers swooning with a Clueless-themed pyjama line, inspired by the iconic 90s rom-com.

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“I need these” cry shoppers after spotting “gorgeous” autumn pyjama line in Sainsbury’s, , , https://www.tiktok.com/@life.of.pops/video/7536251224719379734?_r=1&_t=ZN-8ymNNa695oE

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The retailer is selling Halloween pyjamasCredit: TU
“I need these” cry shoppers after spotting “gorgeous” autumn pyjama line in Sainsbury’s, , , https://www.tiktok.com/@life.of.pops/video/7536251224719379734?_r=1&_t=ZN-8ymNNa695oE

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Shoppers say the sets are ‘perfect for autumn’Credit: TU

Is supermarket fashion the new high street?

DEPUTY Fashion Editor Abby McHale weighs in:

The supermarkets have really upped their game when it comes to their fashion lines. These days, as you head in to do your weekly food shop you can also pick up a selection of purse-friendly, stylish pieces for all the family. 

Tesco has just announced a 0.7 per cent increase in the quarter thanks to a ‘strong growth in clothing’ and M&S has earnt the title of the number one destination for womenswear on the high street.

Asda’s clothing line George has made £1.5 million for the supermarket in 2023, 80 per cent of Sainsbury’s clothes sold at full price rather than discounted and Nutmeg at Morrisons sales are also up 2 per cent in the past year.

So what is it about supermarket fashion that is becoming so successful?

Apart from the clothing actually being affordable, it’s good quality too – with many being part of schemes such as the Better Cotton Initiative.

A lot of the time they keep to classic pieces that they know will last the customer year after year. 

Plus because they buy so much stock they can turn around pieces quickly and buy for cheaper because of the volumes.



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Gorgeous European train journey between two spectacular cities

One spectacular train route, on the highest railway track in Europe and the steepest in the world, offers passengers a breathtaking journey between two beautiful European cities

Bernina-Express Railway, Graubünden, Switzerland
A train route connecting two gorgeous European destinations offers a stunning escape (Image: Getty Images)

Rail travel across Europe is one of the finest methods for discovering the continent’s hidden beauty, with one route offering a breathtaking journey.

Europe features countless railway journeys that provide sweeping panoramas of the continent’s most magnificent attractions. Numerous routes wind through spectacular countryside and awe-inspiring mountain ranges, delivering thrilling and picturesque vistas unlike anything you’ve witnessed previously.

Yet, when it comes to selecting just one, one particular route connecting two gorgeous European destinations could well be the ultimate choice. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of the UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.

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Sunglasses and smartphone by passenger train window, Chur, Switzerland
The journey begins in Chur, Switzerland(Image: Getty)

The Bernina Express holds the distinction of being Europe’s highest railway line and the world’s steepest, reports the Express. This extraordinary expedition runs from Switzerland’s alpine hub of Chur to Tirano in northern Italy, passing through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges while delivering passengers an absolutely stunning rail experience.

Gazing from the carriage windows, travellers encounter brilliant azure lakes, imposing viaducts, and expansive meadows that transform into magnificent snow-capped peaks as the journey progresses through the diverse terrains spanning both nations. The 76-mile voyage requires four hours to finish, and passengers can board the train in either direction.

The service features carriages with panoramic windows, plus an additional Bernina Express coach service linking Tirano and Lugano, which passes through gorgeous scenery and alongside Lake Como.

One traveller wrote on TripAdvisor that they “recommend everyone to go on the train,” describing it as a “fantastic experience ” and noting that the “adventure was beautiful.”

Bernina Express
The Bernina Express train at the White Lake in Ospizio Bernina, Switzerland(Image: Getty Images)

Another shared: “Once we mastered how to effectively book this train (train ticket first, later on seat reservations) the whole route from Chur to Tirano is spectacular. Observation cars are where most of the seats are, affording fabulous views.

“The train makes a stop for 15 minutes at a mountain viewpoint, so you can have a leg stretch. At Tirano we had 1.15 hours to have a potter and grab a drink. The engine runs round, so I.T. changes ends, so if you were sat on one side outwards you will be on the opposite side going back. Excellent day out.”

Ticket options include second class, first class, second class return, and first class return. Prices range between 66 CHF (£61.50) and CHF 226 (£210) for the full route from Chur to Tirano. Seat reservations are compulsory for the train and can be purchased on the official website.

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Gorgeous UK castle is ‘world’s most beautiful’ in a very ‘Instagrammable’ city

The world’s most beautiful castles have been ranked and there’s good news for Brits as top of the list is one gorgeous UK spot that’s in a very ‘Instagrammable’ city

Edinburgh Castle from a variety of different viewpoints during autumn
It’s been named the world’s most beautiful castle(Image: Getty Images)

The world’s most beautiful castles have been revealed with one gorgeous UK staycation spot topping the list.

Edinburgh Castle is already a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike thanks to its breathtaking location overlooking the Scottish capital and therefore offering up some of the best views of the city. Highlights include the Royal Palace as well as the impressive Great Hall, including artefacts such as the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Then of course there’s the fact that the entire city was recently named the world’s ‘most Instagrammable city’ thanks to the plethora of breathtaking locations to be found.

Want to see it for yourself? Adult tickets start from £21.50 online and child tickets from £13. You can find out more and plan your visit on edinburghcastle.scot.

READ MORE: UK botanic garden named ‘most beautiful in Europe’ with over 50,000 plantsREAD MORE: Charming UK fishing village by beaches and waterfalls ‘flies under the radar’

Oh, and listen out at 1pm every day when the castle’s iconic One O’Clock Gun is fired as an impressive way of letting everyone know the time! (It’s worth noting that the field gun doesn’t go off on Sundays if you are planning a weekend visit).

Edinburgh Castle sits right on the Royal Mile, the cobbled street that runs through the city’s postcard-worthy Old Town, complete with quirky boutiques, and a plethora of restaurants and bars. It’s also just a short walk down to Victoria Street, a curved street with colourful buildings that’s believed to have provided inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.

To determine the world’s most beautiful castles, the team at Iglu Cruise analysed 40 of the most popular castles in Europe and used Instagram data to discover which ones had the highest number of tags on the social media platform.

A view of Edinburgh Castle
The castle boasts incredible views across the city(Image: Getty Images)

They added: “In first place, with 774,000 tagged photos on Instagram, is Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks, with its ancient stone providing a striking contrast to the Georgian architecture of the New Town below. Perched atop Castle Rock, a formation left by a volcanic eruption, it can be observed and photographed from miles around.

“Dating back to the 11th century, it has served as a royal residence for generations, hosting notable monarchs such as Mary Queen of Scots. Today, visitors can experience a daily timeless tradition of the firing of the iconic One O’Clock Gun, a cherished part of the city’s heritage for over 160 years.”

It wasn’t the only UK hotspot to make the top 10 rankings. While Edinburgh Castle took the gold spot on the podium in the top 10 rankings, Windsor Castle closely followed in fourth spot, while Warwick Castle landed ninth place in the rankings. You can check out the top 10 rankings below.

  1. Edinburgh Castle, UK
  2. Prague Castle, Czech Republic
  3. Neuschwanstein, Germany
  4. Windsor Castle, UK
  5. Castello Sforzesco, Italy
  6. Palazzo Vecchio, Italy
  7. Palace of Versailles, France
  8. Quinta da Regaleira, Portugal
  9. Warwick Castle, UK
  10. Schönbrunn Palace, Austria

Do you have a story to tell us? Email us at [email protected].

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Gorgeous UK city is often named one of Britain’s most underrated

A charming city in Cheshire has been dubbed the UK’s most underrated and the ‘world’s most beautiful’, thanks to its sandstone walls and charming canal, likened to Venice

Chester, UK
Chester is one of Britain’s most overlooked gems(Image: Getty Images)

A compact yet exquisite city is frequently hailed as one of Britain’s most overlooked gems and has even been dubbed the “world’s most beautiful city”.

Chester, which boasts over 2,000 years of heritage, has been recognised for its beauty based on a mathematical principle that artists and academics have recognised since ancient times. Stooped in history, the city in northwest England has witnessed Roman occupation, Viking raids, and Norman conquest

Today, it welcomes thousands of far more pleasant tourists, but when it comes to essential UK destinations, it doesn’t rank as highly on travellers’ wish lists as places like York, Oxford, Bath or Cambridge. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of the UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.

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Chester, Cheshire, England
Chester has even outshone Venice in terms of its Golden ratio score(Image: Getty Images)

Due to Chester’s charm, travel specialists at Wanderlust magazine have crowned it Britain’s most undervalued city. The Telegraph similarly described it as “a touch underrated” – dubbing it “the surprising city that’s better than Oxford and Norwich”.

Chester is renowned for its ancient red sandstone walls and a retail quarter brimming with spectacular half-timbered Tudor structures. It’s been declared Britain’s most haunted city – and houses the nation’s second most popular zoo, trailing only London Zoo, reports the Express.

This north-western treasure is also an excellent destination for retail therapy, tourist attractions and dining experiences. In addition, Chester showcases stunning architecture.

Recent studies found that a significant proportion of its buildings conform to the “golden ratio” – the mathematical proportion believed to be most visually appealing. Incredibly, the research revealed that Chester outshone even Venice in terms of its Golden ratio score, crowning it as the most beautiful city globally.

Chester boasts the most intact Roman city walls in Britain and houses one of the UK’s oldest churches – St John’s, established in AD689 by the king of Mercia. The city also features an 11th-century castle and a 16th-century Cathedral, which played host to a Royal wedding earlier this year.

Eastgate Clock, Chester, Cheshire
The city in Cheshire has a charming appeal with Roman walls(Image: Getty Images)

If you’re not particularly enthralled by architecture or history, perhaps a scenic cruise along the stunning River Dee might be more appealing. For those who prefer retail therapy, Chester is a paradise for shopaholics.

The Rows, 700-year-old two-tiered timber-framed galleries lining the city’s main streets, are brimming with independent shops, boutiques, and eateries. Chester’s award-winning market also offers a colourful array of produce and goods.

For those seeking high street brands, the Grosvenor Shopping Centre has got you covered. This large shopping precinct is undercover, but like the rest of Chester, it radiates historical charm. After a day of shopping, you can recharge at some of the city’s finest eateries, as Chester is famed for the quality of its restaurants.

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You can visit gorgeous ‘real-life Disneyland’ that inspired the legendary films

These two picturesque villages in France could be straight out of a Disney animation. But, despite their distinct charm and proximity to a popular tourist spot, they remain relatively under the radar.

Image of Eguisheim showing colourful houses on a sunny day
Both historical and charming destinations are in close proximity to the beautiful town of Colmar(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Two picture-perfect cities rumoured to be inspiration for Disney settings have been revealed – but they won’t stay under-the-radar for long. If you’re keen to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots, a trip to one of these picturesque destinations should be the next stop on your travel itinerary.

French River cruise operator European Waterways has revealed two lesser-known destinations that supposedly inspired Disney animation. Located 20 minutes from the tourist hotspot Colmar, both Eguisheim and Riquewihr are worth exploring.

Located in the wine-making region of Alsace, both destinations are members of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France – or The Most Beautiful Villages in France. Formed in 1982, Les Plus Beaux Villages de France is an independent body that promotes must-visit rural locations. As of 2024, it numbers 176 member villages. This comes after a warning to Brit tourists planning all-inclusive holidays to Spain.

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Picture of the main square of Eguisheim across the water
Eguisheim has previously been named ‘France’s Favourite Village(Image: Getty Images)

Maryanne Sparkes, French Rivercruise expert at European Waterways, explains their distinct charm. “Eguisheim’s secret lies in its unique layout — concentric circles of narrow lanes surround a central château, each lined with meticulously preserved half-timbered houses.

“This design, dating back to the 13th century, is rare in Europe and creates a magical village atmosphere, amplified by vibrant window boxes bursting with blooms in spring and summer,” she explains.

The village also institutes regulations to ensure the preservation of its distinct layout. According to Maryanne: “Local laws strictly protect the village’s architectural heritage, meaning no building facade can be changed without official permission.

“This careful preservation maintains Eguisheim’s medieval character, which helped it win the title of “France’s favourite village” in 2013.” Similar to Eguisheim, Riquewihr is “frozen in time” to preserve its atmosphere and architecture.

Maryanne explains: “A slightly different, but equally beautiful Riquewihr is a medieval fortress frozen in time by local experts. Only five kilometres from Eguisheim, Riquewihr charms visitors with its intact defensive walls, cobbled alleys, and medieval watchtowers.”

Image of main shopping area in Riquewihr showing colourful buildings
Homes in Riquewihr are notable for their highly stylised wooden facades(Image: Getty Images)

She says that Riquewihr’s houses — some dating as far back as the 16th century — are notable for their traditional painted wooden facades decorated with geometric patterns and floral motifs. Walking through its narrow streets feels like “entering a living museum” and is particularly magical during Christmas time when fairy lights adorn the walls.

Maryanne says that despite Riquewihr and Eguisheim’s proximity to the popular destination of Colmar, both towns remain “delightfully undervisited”.

“They provide the perfect alternative for travellers wanting fairytale charm without the crowds, plus easy access to world-class Alsace wines and local gastronomy,” she says.

Colmar has achieved notoriety on social media for its pastel-hued traditional homes and picture-perfect canals. With its relatively small population of 67,000, Colmar maintains a “country town” vibe, drawing visitors into its quaint atmosphere amplified by centuries of dedicated preservation.

Disney fans might even mistake Colmar for Belle’s hometown from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The area’s distinctive architecture, including timber-clad homes, supposedly served as the direct inspiration for the movie’s fictional setting in Alsace.

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Beautiful UK seaside town is ‘chippy capital’ with gorgeous golden beaches

Scarborough, a picturesque seaside town in North Yorkshire, England, is renowned for its stunning coastline offering breathtaking views of the North Sea

York, UK - May 20, 2024:Historical buildings at summer holiday town  of Scarborough near York England UK
Scarborough is the place to go for chippies(Image: tekinturkdogan via Getty Images)

As summer draws near, countless Brits are plotting their getaways. Yet there’s no need to travel abroad for a magnificent coastal break.

That is because the UK is not only home to some of the most beautiful seaside towns in the world, but it is also the home of the world’s premier coastal snack, fish and chips. And one place more than any other is an exponent of the delicious, deep-fried treat.

Scarborough, the charming seaside resort in North Yorkshire, England, is celebrated for its dramatic shoreline, providing spectacular vistas across the North Sea, and its embrace of the chippy tea.

The Yorkshire town has 85.35 chippies per 100,000 residents, meaning it blessed with by far the highest concentration of fryers in the country – beating East Lindsey and its 62.23/100,000 firmly into second place. This is according to a study by Suomikasinot.

READ MORE: ‘I stayed up until 2am to see iconic attraction but it was still horribly busy’

Ruins of old castle and architecture of city of Scarborough, located in North Yorkshire, UK.
The North Yorkshire town is a fish and chip haven(Image: Michal Sleczek via Getty Images)

This classic seaside town has long drawn visitors with its harbour views, sandy beaches and love for proper fish and chips. With fresh North Sea catch on the doorstep and plenty of hungry tourists, Scarborough has a chip shop for nearly every 1,200 residents.

It has much else to offer. The town sits close to the North York Moors National Park and features towering cliffs, sandy shores, and Scarborough Castle, positioned atop a headland gazing out over the waters. In 2023, Time Out magazine declared it amongst Britain’s finest places to visit.

CN Traveller has also crowned it the “most beautiful seaside resort in England” thanks to its fascinating heritage.

The publication wrote: “The dramatic castle occupies the headland which separates the two main bays – steep cliffs stretching away in both directions. The old town ascends the slope to the castle in a maze of crooked streets, with buildings dating back to Tudor times.”

What distinguishes Scarborough are the distinctive experiences on offer whilst taking in the scenery. One essential stop is the colourful Scarborough Fair Collection, housing Europe’s most extensive array of vintage rides and transport.

This attraction delivers not just an unusual perspective on history but features dodgems, slot machines, a carousel and the opportunity to savour afternoon tea whilst enjoying a theatrical performance. Scarborough’s Rotunda Museum is a must-see, offering a journey back 65 million years with its impressive collection of fossils, dinosaur footprints and even a Speeton Plesiosaur skeleton.

Entry is free for under 18s and only £5 for adults, which also includes admission to the Scarborough Art Gallery. But no seaside holiday would be complete without a visit to the beach, and Scarborough boasts two stunning ones – North and South Bay.

Summer scene on Scarborough Beach.
Scarborough is perhaps best known for its long sandy beach(Image: thenakedsnail via Getty Images)

South Bay Beach is ideal for a family day out. Loved since Victorian times, it still offers attractions like donkey rides and a bustling promenade brimming with activities. North Bay Beach, however, is a quieter spot perfect for relaxation or a leisurely stroll. With its rock pools and charming vintage beach huts set against a backdrop of beautiful hills and cliffs, it’s a dream for photographers.

The two beaches are separated by the ruins of the grand Scarborough Castle. This 12th-century castle has weathered Viking attacks and played a significant role as a royalist stronghold during the Civil War.

After a day of exploration, the Scarborough Castle Great Tea Room is a must-visit, boasting breathtaking views of both beaches and offering homemade cakes, jams, and other cosy treats.

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Gorgeous UK beach is ‘hidden gem’ with no tourists that ‘goes under the radar’

A beautiful UK beach that wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard has been named one of the UK’s best hidden gems as most tourists don’t make the detour to see it

Aerial view of Lannacombe beach at sunset
The beach is a must-visit for those who like to escape the crowds(Image: Alamy Stock Photo)

A spectacular beach in the UK boasts fine golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and yet most tourists aren’t even aware that it exists.

The breathtaking Lannacombe Beach in Devon has been described by locals as ‘rugged, wild and unspoilt’, what with the rocky outcrops and rolling green valleys that make up the surroundings, while the beach itself has fine sands that wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard.

However, despite its undeniable beauty, the beach is rarely visited by tourists, because of its remote location. It sits about an hour’s drive away from popular spots like Torquay, and even when you reach the coast, you’ll need to take on a narrow lane to get to the beach itself.

It’s therefore no surprise then that Lannacombe Beach has been named the UK’s best hidden seaside gem. The shore spot topped a list created by the team at Simply Sea Views, who praised it for being “wonderfully under the radar”.

A general view of Lannacombe beach
Lannacombe Beach isn’t a tourist hotspot(Image: Alamy Stock Photo)

The insiders wrote of the picturesque spot: “Down a winding single-track lane, Lannacombe Beach goes wonderfully under the radar. With no shops, no crowds, and no distractions, it’s a quiet spot to unwind and reconnect with nature. With a combination of stunning green hills and beachy shoreline, it’s perfect for peaceful picnics, coastal walks to neighbouring coves like Start Point for jaw-dropping views, or stay in the nearby village East Prawle, visiting Pig’s Nose Inn for some live music.”

There aren’t any amenities at the beach but there is a small car park nearby, although this can fill up quickly. When describing the beach on their website, the Visit South Devon team have explained: “There’s a small car park just behind the beach with room for up to 15 cars, so you’ll need to get there early to bag a space, but if you leave it too late there is further parking just a short stroll away. You can bring dogs to Lannacombe beach at any time of year, making this an ideal spot for the whole family.”

However, before you pack up your towels and picnic basket, it’s worth taking note of the tides. The insiders added: “Before you get to Lannacombe beach, it’s a good idea would to pick up a tide timetable from the local Post Office or Tourist Information Centre. The tides here can cover the sands very quickly and you don’t want to get caught out. But if you fancy exploring the area then there are a number of attractions very close to Lannacombe, such as the ruins of the Lannacombe water mill, which can be seen on the low cliff edge by the beach.”

Do you have a travel story that you want to share with us? Email us at [email protected].

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Gorgeous UK seaside town that tourists love but the locals ‘have no hope’

Beyond its beautiful whit-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and charming high-street – this popular UK seaside town is facing a spiralling issue impacting swathes of locals

St Ives
All isn’t what it seems in this stunning UK seaside town(Image: Ben Pipe Photography via Getty Images)

Despite its sugar-like beaches and quintessential charm, there’s a much darker side to one of the UK’s most famous seaside towns. If there’s one picture-perfect coastal resort that epitomises Cornwall – it has to be St Ives. Renowned for its pristine beaches, cobalt waters, vibrant high-street and impressive art scene – the town attracts a staggering 540,00 day trippers and 220,000 overnight visitors every single year, bringing an estimated £10 million to the area.

In the summer months, St Ives becomes particularly busy, with social media videos revealing the extent of the town’s popularity. Quaint cobbled alleys become filled with selfie-stick-waving tourists, while picturesque beaches turn into a row of sardine-stacked sun loungers.

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St Ives is picturesque but many of its residents are struggling and poverty and child poverty is high
St Ives is extremely popular in the summer months – but looks complete different in the winter(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If you head towards the iconic row of Instagram-worthy houses by the end of the harbour, you’ll find that they’ll all be occupied. However, it’s not locals that live here – and most of these grand properties have been snapped up by landlords who rent them out as holiday homes.

Come September, most will stand vacant – and by the time winter comes – the resort will be left a ghost town. “It’s all second homes and holiday lets,” Rev Chris Wallis, who set up the St Ives Foodbank over ten years ago, told Cornwall Live.

A former Pentecostal minister who officiated in the town until three years back, Chris launched the food bank in 2012 following a request from the mayor and town council who wished to take action to support local residents grappling with food poverty. 13 years on, the food bank remains a lifeline for many.

Today, its shelves are brimming with tins of baked beans, custard, and soup, alongside packets of pasta and long-life UHT milk. It’s a stark reflection of St Ive’s darker side: where harbourside homes worth millions lie mostly vacant, while residents depend on food banks for survival.

“Locals who have been here a long time have no hope,” Chris said. “They have no hope of a good job paying decent wages. So they are stuck in a rut. Their kids leave in the hope of finding better jobs but the adults stay behind and continue to be stuck.”

Rev Chris Wallis has been running the St Ives foodbank since 2012
Rev Chris Wallis has been running the St Ives foodbank since 2012(Image: Olivier Vergnault / Cornwall Live)

The area also attracts retirees drawn by the allure of sunshine, stunning light, and serenity unavailable in bustling cities. But, St Ives has few care homes, leaving many elderly residents to fend for themselves at home. For medical care, locals rely on West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance or St Michael’s in Hayle, but serious conditions like cancer require a trip to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske in Truro.

“I can’t afford to live in St Ives,” Chris added. “Instead I live with my son, daughter-in-law and their children in Penzance. A single bedroom flat here costs £850 a month in rent. How is any family expected to afford that on low wages and seasonal work?”.

Initially, when the food bank opened its doors, it saw four families, comprised of 16 people, in need. Today, the food bank assists 180 individuals weekly, with numbers rising to 240 during the Christmas period. The food bank, supported by approximately 10 volunteers, caters to residents within the TR26 postcode, including those from surrounding villages near St Ives, but not areas like Penzance or Hayle which have their own food banks.

The St Ives foodbank
Demand for the St Ives food bank has soared in recent years(Image: Olivier Vergnault / Cornwall Live)

It also aims to support families with energy expenses such as gas and electricity. However, with rising costs, the food bank itself is under financial strain. Until it moved to what used to be the Edward Hain Memorial Hospital, which is now a community hub, it did not have to pay rent but the church where the food bank was located was damp and the food would spoil.

The organisation now faces a hefty £13,000 annual rent, which takes a significant bite out of its budget. However, the new space offers more room and is dry.

“Most of the clients we help are locals,” Chris said. “They tend to come from the two major estates at the top of the hill. There’s great poverty in St Ives. Once they’ve paid for rent and bills, they have no money left for food. That’s the tragedy of seasonal work. Now, even that’s drying out.”

St Ives was one of the first towns in the UK to ban second homes. From April 1, second home owners are also subject to 100 per cent council tax premiums, effectively doubling their council bill.

St Ives in West Cornwall
St Ives was one of the first UK towns to ban second holiday homes, reports Cornwall Live(Image: Olivier Vergnault / Cornwall Live)

As a result, many second homes have hit the market at reduced prices compared to the pandemic peak, yet they still remain unaffordable for locals. The retreat of second home owners is also causing a downturn in the holiday rental market, leading to less demand for service workers. “Locals are struggling even more,” Chris remarked. “Demand for the food bank is up.”

Residents cannot simply arrive and pick up a bag of fresh food or tinned goods. All visitors are referred through the NHS or social services. Nevertheless, there is a Food Share initiative in the town where supermarket food nearing its sell-by date is salvaged and given to anyone who shows up.

“We have more families come through the doors,” Chris added. “Many have two or three children. We have three families with six children.”

He revealed that 50 per cent of users are long-term disabled and unable to work. The remaining half may be employed but still struggle to balance their budgets.

“Over the last three years demand has grown incredibly,” Chris said. “It’s all down to the cost of living crisis. More people simply can’t manage anymore. Low incomes and the cost of rents and property are hitting people hard.

“It’s harder for us too. Costs are up. Demand is up but donations are down. It’s the middle-income people who were just about coping who tended to donate. Now they don’t because they are not coping anymore.”

He provided an example of food items the food bank typically purchases – such as frozen minced beef. He noted that recently it would cost £1.80 a packet, but now it’s £3.30.

“We don’t tend to do sanitary products or cleaning products or pet food so much,” Chris said. “Other food banks do and there is demand for it but we concentrate on people having food. Our main focus is on getting people fed.”

Supermarket giant has spotted the growing rise of food security across the nation, and has recently launched its Fair Share initiative within its stores in collaboration with the Trussell Trust. Chris revealed that initially, the local branch would only back food banks affiliated with the Trust, which meant St Ives’ donations ended up supporting residents in different regions.

“Why should donations in the local store go to Camborne? he asked. “The people who need them live here.” Chris noted that under new management, the store now gets the picture, leading to a much-improved partnership between the food bank and Tesco which ensures the seaside town’s inhabitants also reap the benefits of Tesco’s summer generosity.

This contribution is part of Tesco’s Stronger Starts campaign, launched to tackle the pressing issue of feeding children who usually depend on free school meals during term time and might otherwise go hungry over the holidays. To lend a hand, Tesco is introducing pre-packed food donation bags across all its larger outlets.

The bags, which are priced between £2 and £3, come pre-packed with a selection of wholesome, long-lasting food items and can be easily grabbed in-store and paid for at the till. The food contributions are directly channelled to FareShare and the Trussell Trust, from where they’re distributed to various charities and food banks across the UK, aiding families in dire need.

Claire De Silva, Tesco’s head of communities, said: “Too often, families with too little support during the holidays worry about their children’s physical and mental health, particularly if they’re not getting the good food every child deserves.”

She further urged community action, saying, “If we all pull together over the summer, whether that’s popping a few tins into a food collection point, picking up a food donation bag in our stores or rounding up our grocery bill, we can make a difference to the lives of thousands of children, who, without support, could have a tough summer holiday.”

But in St Ives, its seasonal dependency remains. “St Ives is not a thriving town,” Chris said. “That’s the illusion of summer… It’s also a shame that most of the income from tourism goes to people outside of the town.

“No one wants to see food banks. There shouldn’t be any need for them. But it is a worldwide issue. I visited this old church in France about four years ago and they had a food bank there. There was a plaque saying there had been a food bank there since 1680… We will always have a part of society that’s poor. It is a problem everywhere. The solution is better incomes for everyone [and] better housing..

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Gigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty to divorce after six years of marriage

Gigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty are calling it quits after six years of marriage.

In a joint statement to PEOPLE, representatives for the former couple said: “Gigi Gorgeous and Nats Getty confirm they have amicably decided to part ways and officially file for divorce. While they have decided to end their marriage, they remain friends and have the [utmost] love and respect for each other.”

According to documents obtained by E! News, Nats filed for divorce on 2 July, citing irreconcilable differences. 27 February was also listed as their date of separation.

A day after the news was announced, Gigi took to her Instagram to give further insight into how she is taking her split from Nats, describing it as an “ending [that] didn’t come overnight”

“After nine transformative years, my marriage has come to an end. A sentence I never thought I’d have to write. And even though this ending didn’t come overnight, the heartbreak still hits like a wave I never quite learned to brace for,” she wrote.

“Our journey has always been grounded in love, authenticity, and resilience. We held each other through things the world never saw, but who we were becoming could no longer fit inside the shape we had made together. This isn’t the end of my heart. I still believe in love. ‘The beauty of a moment isn’t in its duration, but in its existence.’”

Gigi and Nats, the heir to the Getty fortune, began dating in 2016 after meeting at Paris Fashion Week. They announced in March 2018 that they were engaged, with Getty popping the question at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

“I wanted to personally share it with you guys here first on my channel that WE ARE ENGAGED!!!!! I can’t believe it, I am over the moon,” the trans activist wrote in a YouTube video titled: “The Proposal.”

A year later, the pair tied the knot in a larger-than-life wedding at the Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, California.

During their marriage, Gigi and Nats – who came out as trans and non-binary in 2021 – were open books about their desire to start a family.



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UK’s ‘most Instagrammable city’ has gorgeous views ‘prettier than Santorini’

A UK city has been named prettier than spots in Greece, France and Italy according to a new study that determined Europe’s prettiest places for an Instagram photo

(Image: Getty Images)

Santorini and the Amalfi Coast may be the kind of beautiful places you see all over your social media feeds, but one UK city has just beaten both destinations in new rankings of Europe’s ‘most Instagrammable locations’.

Despite Santorini being famed for its whitewashed buildings with blue dome ceilings, gorgeous ocean views and cobbled streets, it’s actually Edinburgh that’s been proving more of a hit with those in search of that perfect Instagram backdrop.

Considering the Scottish capital has a historic castle, cobbled streets, beautiful surroundings and a plethora of independent shops and eateries, it’s not difficult to see why it’s so popular with the Instagram crowd.

For example, Harry Potter fans regularly flock to Victoria Street, lined with colourful terraced buildings that have often been credited as the inspiration behind Diagon Alley, not to mention nowadays there’s a wizarding shop or two that you can explore.

Aerial view of the famous colorful Victoria Street in the Old Town of Edinburgh
Victoria Street is a hit with wizarding fans(Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile those who want to be #smug about getting up early for a hike will no doubt want to head to the top of Arthur’s Seat, where you’ll be treated to unrivalled views of the city. Then of course there’s Edinburgh Castle which makes not only for a great selfie backdrop, but it’s well worth a visit if you want to while away a couple of hours and learn all about Edinburgh’s fascinating history.

Back down on the cobbled streets, you can delve further underground and explore the expansive network of tunnels under the city, which boast a turbulent history full of crime and reported hauntings, with many a walking tour on offer to guide you and teach you about some of the city’s spookiest stories.

Then there are the quirky boutiques on offer, the plethora of restaurants (and yes, plenty of options if you want to try haggis), and the countless events on throughout the year including the iconic Edinburgh Fringe Festival, literary festivals and the Instagram-worthy Hogmanay celebrations complete with candlelit walks and Christmas markets.

It’s therefore no surprise that Edinburgh featured so highly in the rankings of Europe’s most Instagrammable destinations, released by FerryHopper. The team behind the study looked at six different hashtag templates for each location to determine the winners, with factors such as how many posts are tagged across destinations, and the quality of photos.

Edinburgh came ninth in the overall rankings, beating out a number of destinations in France, Greece and Italy. (The top spot went to Paris, followed by Nice and Barcelona). You can check out the full rankings below:

Europe’s 15 most Instagrammable locations

  1. Paris, France
  2. Nice, France
  3. Barcelona, Spain
  4. Valencia, Spain
  5. Ibiza, Spain
  6. Majorca, Spain
  7. Porto, Portugal
  8. Lisbon, Portugal
  9. Edinburgh, Scotland
  10. Santorini, Greece
  11. Provence, France
  12. Mykonos, Greece
  13. Bergen, Norway
  14. Amalfi Coast, Italy
  15. Cappadocia, Turkey

Looking for more staycation inspiration? Check out our UK holidays page that’s packed with destination recommendations, travel tips and deals we think you’ll love.

Do you have a holiday story you want to share? Email us at [email protected].

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Dunelm shoppers rush to buy ‘gorgeous’ chair scanning at just £20 instead of £100

SHOPPERS are racing to Dunelm to get their hands on a “gorgeous” chair which is 80% off.

The popular homeware store is selling the pink Elsie Velvet Cocktail Chair for just £19.99 – down from £99.

Pink velvet cocktail chair on sale.

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Dunelm Coctail Chair Original price – Elsie Velvet Cocktail Chair £99 – £69.30 Credit: DunelmCredit: Facebook

The chair is currently being advertised on the Dunelm website for the reduced price of £69.30, but one shopper spotted it in their local store with the even bigger discount.

Posting a picture of the chair reduced to £19.99, the savvy shopper, Liyana Leena, wrote in the Bargain Lovers Facebook group: “Always worth going to Dunelm”.

She claimed to have spotted the massive discount in the Cannock branch of the homeware store.

Shoppers were quick to respond to news of the discount, with one saying they “need to go have a look”. 

Another said: “Love the colour if my room was big enough I would go hunting.”

Shoppers also shared other deals they’ve managed to snap up in the Dunelm sale, with one writing: “I got my curtains in the sale in Dunelm, meant to have been £160 6ftx6ft blackouts got them for £10.”

Another wrote: “I got a £60 rug last year for £6!”

The stylish chair is made from a soft-touch velvet fabric, with a soft foam seat and solid wood legs, and is available in a rhubarb colourway.

It’s 73cm high with a width of 54cm and a diameter of 64cm.

Dunelm describes the chair as boasting a “compact design perfect for adding a modern stylish touch to any room”.

Molly-Mae swears by £22 Dunelm buy she ‘can’t go anywhere without’ for great sleep & says it’s the ‘best thing’ she owns

While the item is displayed on the Dunelm website, customers will still need to visit their local store store as it’s not available for home delivery or for Click and Collect.

To find your nearest Dunelm store visit https://www.dunelm.com/stores.

How to compare prices to get the best deal

JUST because something is on offer, or is part of a sale, it doesn’t mean it’s always a good deal.

There are plenty of comparison websites out there that’ll check prices for you – so don’t be left paying more than you have to.

Most of them work by comparing the prices across hundreds of retailers.

Here are some that we recommend:

  • Google Shopping is a tool that lets users search for and compare prices for products across the web. Simply type in keywords, or a product number, to bring up search results.
  • Price Spy logs the history of how much something costs from over 3,000 different retailers, including Argos, Amazon, eBay and the supermarkets. Once you select an individual product you can quickly compare which stores have the best price and which have it in stock.
  • Idealo is another website that lets you compare prices between retailers. All shoppers need to do is search for the item they need and the website will rank them from the cheapest to the most expensive one.
  • CamelCamelCamel only works on goods being sold on Amazon. To use it, type in the URL of the product you want to check the price of.

Save on furniture at Dunelm

Dunelm often has sales and promotions offering up to 75% off, especially at certain times of the year.

It’s worth keeping an eye out for Black Friday and Boxing Day sales to bag a bargain.

You can also check the clearance page on the Dunelm website to find the latest discounts.

Other money-saving websites, such as cashback sites like TopCashback and Quidco, may also help you save by allowing you to earn money back on your spending.

Plus you can save by opting for free click-and-collect to avoid being hit with delivery fees.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

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