THE ongoing heatwave has caused chaos at the UK’s airports with more than 1,000 flights either delayed or cancelled.
Airports affected on Saturday include Heathrow, Gatwick, and Edinburgh, with 1,019 flights delayed and 160 axed, as air traffic restrictions were put in place overnight.
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Passengers wait for their flights at the North Terminal at Gatwick Airport (archive photo)Credit: AlamyLightning strikes over London hitting Canary Wharf in the early hours of the morningCredit: Alamy
London Heathrow had 440 flights delayed, Gatwick 425, 120 at Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford had 20 and London City had 14, according to the tracking website FlightRadar.
Heathrow had 103 flights cancelled, while Gatwick had 46, there were six at London City and five at Edinburgh.
A British Airways (BA) flight from Santiago, Chile, was the longest delayed, it had been due to land at 10am but is now expected to arrive at 9pm.
London saw its skies light up as lightning hit and downpours came in following day of extreme temperatures that saw the month’s record temperature broken on three consecutive days.
London Heathrow had 103 flights cancelled and 440 flights delayed (archive photo)Credit: AlamyImpressive lightning storm over the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm late last nightCredit: Story Picture Agency
Thunderstorms forced airports to limit the number of flights that could take off and land, meaning holidaymakers were left stranded or facing severe delays.
BA put the delays down to London’s “weather conditions,” pointing to the Met Office’s amber “extreme heat” warning which covered the capital, the south-east and East Anglia.
This has now been extended by the Met Office to cover Sunday until 9pm.
Gatwick Airport urged passengers to contact their airline to check the status of their flight.
A spokesperson said that temporary air traffic restrictions had caused flight cancellations and delays “due to thunderstorms”.
A spokesman for London City Airport said: “Flights are gradually returning to normal following this morning’s weather-related air traffic restrictions.
“There have been some associated delays and cancellations.”
The thunderstorm also caused Edinburgh Airport to be hit by the air space restrictions with four arrivals and 15 departures delayed.
Leeds Bradford Airport also suffered with three departures delayed Saturday morning.
A spokesman for British Airways said: “Like other airlines, we’ve had to make some adjustments to our schedule today due to Air Traffic Control restrictions caused by adverse weather conditions affecting parts of UK airspace.
“While the vast majority of our customers will be unaffected, we apologise for the inconvenience caused and our teams are working hard to help those impacted get their journeys back on track.”
A spokesman for NATS, which runs air traffic control in Britain, said: “Forecasted severe weather across the south-east of England is causing disruption to flights today, with aircraft needing to avoid affected areas.
“Our teams are managing traffic safely and working to reduce delays, but weather disruption is expected to continue through the rest of today.
“Passengers should contact their airline for the latest information on their flight.”
While temperatures are predicted to fall over the weekend the Met Office still has an amber extreme heat warning in place until 9pm on Sunday.
An amber warning means officials expect significant impacts on health and social care services, with an increased risk of illness and deaths among older and vulnerable people.
The cooler weekend comes in the wake of several days of rare red heat warnings, the most severe warning where there is a danger to life.
Only competitions involving professional athletes will be held, with all other activities cancelled.
Published On 26 Jun 202626 Jun 2026
This weekend’s Diamond League track and field meeting in Paris will go ahead as planned despite the historic heatwave gripping the country and stretching emergency services, organisers said.
Hours after Paris police authorities said they wanted the event cancelled, the French Athletics Federation (FFA) confirmed on Friday that it would take place on Sunday at Charlety Stadium, in agreement with the police prefecture.
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Citing the exceptional heat that has affected Paris since June 21, the police prefecture had asked organisers of the meet, and other events scheduled this weekend, including a music festival and a Pride march, to cancel.
The prefecture said it would be forced to comply with the order if they didn’t agree voluntarily, as emergency services needed to concentrate their efforts on protecting the most vulnerable people.
Noah Lyles, Femke Bol and Mondo Duplantis are among the athletes expected to compete in Paris.
The FFA, which organises the meet, said it would be staged in “an adapted format designed to ensure the safety of all participants”.
Only competitions involving professional athletes will be held, with all other activities cancelled.
“Since the beginning of this extreme weather event, the French Athletics Federation has been closely monitoring the situation in constant coordination with government authorities. The safety of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, spectators and all staff involved remains our highest priority,” the FFA said.
Among the measures put in place to mitigate the effects of the heat, the FFA cited delaying the opening of the stadium gates to the public, reinforcing medical and emergency services, and providing additional drinking water stations and shaded areas.
The average temperature recorded at 30 weather stations by the Meteo France weather agency on Thursday reached 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) again, matching the record for the hottest day nationwide set the previous day.
More than three-quarters of France has been placed under a red weather alert for the first time.
This indoor UK attraction could just be the heatwave hack you’ve been waiting for as families swap hot beaches and overcrowded swimming pools for some cold snow
These attractions offer the ideal escape from the hot weather(Image: Birmingham Live)
As temperatures continue to rise, with no promise that the UK won’t be thrown into a heatwave again this summer, this unlikely family day out may just be your saving grace.
As much as the UK loves to complain about rain, as soon as those summer temperatures soar, we’re really not different. As the fans are pulled out of storage and paddling pools assemble, there’s somewhere even cooler that you can escape to.
Families can turn the sun into snow by visiting indoor ski slopes this summer. SnowDome, which has dubbed itself the ‘Midlands’s biggest fridge’, is a good place to start.
Smack bang in the middle of the country, based in Tamworth, just 30 minutes from Birmingham, the indoor activity centre offers a whole load of snow-based activities. From ice skating to slope activities such as skiing and snowboarding, as well as climbing and swimming, there’s plenty to keep you busy all under one roof.
Kirsty Tucker, the head of marketing at SnowDome, said: “The UK isn’t always prepared for extreme heat, and when temperatures climb, families are often looking for fun ways to stay cool. SnowDome offers a unique escape, where guests can enjoy everything from snow slides and skiing to ice skating and swimming.
“Combined with our June Sale savings, it’s the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a refreshing day out this summer.”
The indoor ski centre is offering 55% off selected activities in June for bookings made by 28th June for visits before 19th July 2026.
Having paid the place a visit in June, one recent skier shared on TripAavisor: “As we were visiting the area from Kent, we decided to book a beginner snowboarding lesson, having never tried before, and what an awesome 2hrs! Staff were friendly from the reception area right through to equipment hire helping guide us on correct equipment fitting.”
Alternatively, elsewhere in the country is The SnowCentre, which has two locations, one in Manchester and the other in Hemel Hempstead, for those both in the north and south of the country.
At both SnowCentre locations, visitors can enjoy a whole host of different ski and snowboard lessons, lift passes, and freestyle options.
The UK’s largest indoor snow centre can be found in Milton Keynes, called Snozone. The company has another site in Yorkshire, offering visitors a gateway from the warm summer, transporting them to a snow-filled day of fun. It works as the ideal space for sharpening up your snow-sports skills, all while providing a unique day out at this time of year.
It may not have been at the forefront of your mind, but it’s never too early to get the skis back on. In fact, there may be no better time to hit the snow as you find yourself slowly melting under the UK sun this month.
The extreme June temperatures would have been ‘virtually impossible’ 50 years ago, says the World Weather Attribution group.
Published On 26 Jun 202626 Jun 2026
The historic heatwave gripping Europe is part of a dangerous weather trend that can only be explained by human-caused climate change, scientists have said.
The extreme temperatures sweeping across much of Europe mark the region’s “most severe” heatwave ever tracked for the month, and would have been “virtually impossible” half a century ago, the World Weather Attribution group of scientists said in a report released on Friday.
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Millions in France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe have been experiencing blazing heat this week, with daytime temperatures topping 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in many places.
The heatwave was reported on Friday to be moving eastwards, threatening Germany and central Europe with similar conditions to those which killed dozens in the western reaches of the continent, strained medical services and stressed the economy.
The World Weather Attribution estimated that a heatwave with similar characteristics occurring in the climate of June 1976 – when Europe was also hit by persistently high temperatures – would have been about 3.5 degrees Celsius cooler.
During another episode in 2003, temperatures would have been about 2 degrees Celsius cooler, the research suggests.
The analysis shows that intense heat is increasing rapidly, even within living memory, “with such events tens to hundreds of times more likely since only 2003 and virtually impossible just 50 years ago,” the study says.
“This event would not have been possible in June without climate change,” the study’s lead author, Theodore Keeping from Imperial College London, told reporters.
Phasing out fossil fuels ‘critical’
The planet has warmed about 1.4C above pre-industrial times, driven by the burning of coal, oil and gas.
Scientists agree this is making extreme weather events like heatwaves more frequent and intense, and that limiting warming is vital to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Of the nearly 850 cities the World Weather Attribution’s study analysed in Europe, some 45 percent had broken – or were expected to break – their all-time heat stress records in June.
“The weather pattern itself is not particularly unusual, but the temperatures are – or at least they used to be without human-induced climate change,” said Friederike Otto, the cofounder of World Weather Attribution.
The June heatwave in Europe is the second such episode this year. An early-season period of heat in May brought temperatures more typical of high summer to central and western parts of the continent.
World Weather Attribution said the rapid phase-out of fossil fuels is “critical if we are to avoid even higher temperatures and their consequences in the future”.
Stephanie says she has also started sprinkling her seven-year-old daughter’s bed sheet with water and putting it in the freezer for about half an hour before bedtime – long enough for it to be cool for falling asleep on, but not long enough for it to actually freeze.
Gordon Cooper, 73, from High Wycombe, told BBC Your Voice that he hangs a wet bath towel in his bedroom and places his fan nearby to help cool down the room.
Others have been changing where they sleep to escape the stifling heat.
During the last heatwave, Anabelle Holschuh, 30, found it so hard to sleep in her attic bedroom that she picked up a blanket and cushion and slept on the floor in the hallway.
This time round, Anabelle, who lives in London, is sleeping on her living room sofa, which is north-facing and in a room with tall ceilings and an electric fan. “Last night I slept fairly well on the sofa, so no need to wander further downstairs to the hallway,” she says.
A NUMBER of iconic landmarks have closed around the country, as Brits brace for record-breaking heat.
Temperatures today have already broken June weather records, with highs of 36C seen in Surrey.
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London’s Tower Bridge will close today and tomorrow due to hot weatherCredit: Dario AmadeLondon Zoo is shutting at 4pm on both days to support wildlifeCredit: Shutterstock
Multiple British landmarks have completely closed or restricted public access today as the Met Office’s red weather warning takes effect.
This comes after over 1,000 schools shut doors across the South of England, West Midlands and Wales due to rapidly rising temperatures.
Tower Bridge, a London landmark that attracts nearly one million visitors annually, has shut entirely today and will remain shut tomorrow.
Operators have said the decision was made for “the welfare of our staff and visitors”, and plan to reopen the bridge on Friday.
Changing of the Guard ceremonies at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle are suspended for the rest of the week.
The Household Division said: “We take the wellbeing of our soldiers and military working horses very seriously.
“Whilst it may be disappointing not to experience the Ceremonial Operations in full, it is important the wellbeing of the public, our soldiers and military working horses is maintained at all times.”
The historic spectacle, taking place on alternative days at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, is a popular tourist attraction and “must see” for London visitors.
Changing of the Guard has been cancelled to protect the safety of soldiers and their horsesCredit: Getty
Major British landmarks closing this week
A number of British landmarks around the country have closed this week due to hot weather conditions
Full closures on Wednesday, 24 June and Thursday, 25 June:
Tower Bridge, Southwark
Changing of the Guard: Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle
Young V&A, Bethnal Green
Cutty Sark, Greenwich
The Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Longleat House, Wiltshire
Severn Valley Railway, Wiltshire
Wild Zoological Park, Wolverhampton
Various National Trust properties and stately homes
Part closures on Wednesday, 24 June and Thursday, 25 June:
London Zoo – closing at 4pm on both days
Chester Zoo – closing at 2pm on Thursday
London Wetland Centre – closing at 3pm on both days
The Natural History Museum, Kensington – DC Atrium and West Entrance closed
Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensington – Galleries on level 4, alongside glass and architecture rooms
British Museum, Bloomsbury – Potential temporary closure of some galleries
Royal Parks – Spaces and playgrounds in Bushy Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, St James’s Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Brompton Cemetary, and Victoria Tower Gardens
Hampton Court Palace, Richmond – Magic Garden
Greenwich landmarks the Cutty Sark and The Royal Observatory have also both announced their closures, with visitors of the area recommended to view the Queen’s House and National Maritime Museum as an alternative.
Away from the capital, various National Trust properties are operating on shortened hours, such as the Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire, Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire, and Mottisfont House in Hampshire.
Longleat House and the Severn Valley Railway in Wiltshire, alongside the Wild Zoological Park in Wolverhampton, have also closed today and tomorrow.
The UK’s most visited museum, Natural History Museum, alongside the Victoria and Albert Museum have temporarily closed certain sections of the building, with the Young V&A shutting entirely.
The British Museum has further said on its website: “We may also temporarily close some galleries in the Museum to ensure the comfort and safety of staff and visitors.”
Beloved family attractions London Zoo and Chester Zoo are also shutting early on certain days, with London closing at 4pm both days, and Chester Zoo closing at 2pm on Thursday.
Outside, playgrounds in London’s Royal Parks have shut to keep staff, wildlife and visitors safe, including popular sites in Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and more.
Hampton Court Palace has also shut its Magic Garden from 1pm today, continuing until the end of tomorrow as the hot weather continues.
The Met Office red alert is in place for swathes of the country until late tomorrow night, with warm weather anticipated for the rest of the week.
Paris and other European cities are experiencing temperatures above 40C (104F), reaching levels normally seen across the Middle East.
A blistering heatwave has gripped much of Europe, prompting the highest-level red alerts in parts of the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Italy.
Authorities have warned of health risks, wildfires and travel disruptions as extreme temperatures persist.
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With temperatures approaching record highs, officials have taken emergency measures, including a localised alcohol ban in parts of France under red alert, nationwide heat warnings in Germany and the cancellation of a World Cup fan zone screening in Madrid, where temperatures hit 39C (102F).
Why is it so hot in Europe?
A persistent area of high pressure, known as a heat dome, has trapped hot air over Western Europe, bringing clear skies, weak winds and prolonged sunshine. Hot air moving north from North Africa has added to the extreme temperatures.
(Al Jazeera)
Unusually warm seas around the UK, Ireland, France and the western Mediterranean have also helped keep coastal areas hot, especially at night. Coastal waters around Spain have reached record warm levels, according to Spain’s port authority.
In the worst-affected areas – western France, England and Wales – daily average temperatures have soared more than 12C above the 1991-2020 baseline, according to Copernicus data.
(Al Jazeera)
Scientists say the early-season heatwave is part of a broader warming trend. Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising by approximately 0.56C per decade since the mid-1990s, more than double the global average.
Climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, more intense and likely to occur earlier and later in the year.
How hot are European cities today?
To contextualise the temperatures Europe is dealing with, Al Jazeera looked at the maximum temperatures in five European capitals on June 24 and compared them with cities across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, where high temperatures are more typically experienced.
Europe is particularly vulnerable – much of its housing and infrastructure was not built for prolonged extreme heat, and only about 20 percent of European homes have air conditioning.
The graphic below shows how European cities’ maximum temperatures today compare with some other cities around the world:
(Al Jazeera)
How is temperature measured?
The temperature you see on the news or the weather app on your phone relies on a network of weather stations positioned around the globe.
To ensure accurate readings, weather stations typically use specialist platinum resistance thermometers placed inside shaded instruments known as a Stevenson screen.
Measurements are taken at a standard height of 1.25-2 metres (4-6.5 feet) above the ground. This provides a reading that reflects the air temperature that people actually feel.
(Al Jazeera)
There are two well-known scales used to measure temperature: Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Only a few countries, including the United States, use Fahrenheit as their official scale. Most of the world uses the Celsius scale, named after Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who invented the 0-100 degree freezing and boiling point scale, although originally inverted, in 1742.
Why does the temperature feel hotter than the forecast says?
Air temperature alone often doesn’t match how hot it feels to your body. That is why forecasts report a “feels like” temperature, which adjusts air temperature based on factors like humidity, wind speed and sun exposure.
(Al Jazeera)
Humidity
Humidity measures how much water vapour is in the air. This moisture slows the evaporation of sweat, so your body can’t cool itself as effectively.
Wind speed
In hot weather, a light breeze can help evaporate sweat, making it feel cooler.
Sun exposure
Even if the thermometer reads the same, direct sunlight adds extra warmth, which is why shaded areas feel cooler.
TRAIN passengers have been told to expect significant delays and cancellations over fears of rails ‘buckling’ in the hot weather.
Hundreds of journeys have been affected as temperatures of up to 40C could be recorded in the UK this week.
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Railway operators face cancelling services over hot weather warningsCredit: tupungatoRailway tracks can buckle if exposed to temperatures above 30CCredit: Kanda Peeraoranan
Railway operators have begun cancelling services, as red weather warnings have been issued in parts of England and Wales for the coming days.
Network Rail has urged passengers to only take essential journeys to, from or within areas affected by extreme heat, and to prepare for the conditions ahead of time.
They added: “For safety reasons, trains will operate at reduced speeds and to amended timetables, meaning journeys will take longer and there is a heightened risk of delays, cancellations and last-minute alterations.”
Several operators, including Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway and South Western Railway, have planned to run reduced services during the hottest days.
Between Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Chiltern Railways has also ceased more than half its services “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”.
This is over fears of rails “buckling” – a term used to describe steel rails expanding and curving as they heat up – which can occur as temperatures reach 30C.
Lineside fires create another risk to railways, as vegetation near tracks may be set alight from a combination of train sparks and dry conditions.
A number of tube lines, namely the Elizabeth and Mildmay Lines, have been further affected by flooding as a result of overnight thunderstorms as well as the hot weather.
This follows record-breaking temperatures expected this June.
Met Office spokesman, Grahame Madge, said: “The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East.
“It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39C.”
Northern Network – Reduced services between several routes
Cleethorpes and Barton-on-Humber – No trains
Transport for Wales – Reduced services between Wrexham General and Bidston, Coryton and Penarth. No services between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International, and services cancelled at 13.00pm between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay
Avanti West Coast – Reduced services
Great Western Railway – Reduced services
London Paddington and Heathrow Terminals – Severe disruption
Elizabeth Line – Partially flooded
MerseyRail – Speed restriction to Headbolt Lane line
CrossCountry – Routes affected
Chiltern Railways – Lines between Between Birmingham and London Marylebone, Oxford and London Marylebone, and Aylesbury and London Marylebone (via Amersham) severely affected.
The Met Office has issued a series of amber and red heat alerts this week as temperatures are set to rise close to 40C in some parts of the UK, with the RAC urging drivers without air conditioning to postpone non-essential journeys
An expert has spoken about driving in the UK this week (stock)(Image: CHUNYIP WONG via Getty Images)
Britain is being battered by a sweltering heatwave this week, with temperatures threatening to nudge close to 40C in some areas of the country. In response, the Met Office has issued a raft of amber and red heat warnings.
Britons are also being urged to keep their fluid intake up and remain vigilant for signs of heat-related illness brought on by the scorching conditions.
Some people may look to escape the heat by jumping into their car and cranking up the air conditioning. However, one motoring expert has cautioned drivers that even if their vehicle is available to them, they should think twice before getting behind the wheel this week.
In a statement published on the RAC‘s website, the organisation’s road safety spokesman Rod Dennis warned that motorists without air conditioning in their vehicles should consider putting off their journeys altogether.
Explaining his reasoning, he said: “Red extreme heat warnings are rare and we urge everyone to take them seriously this week. Drivers whose vehicles don’t have effective air conditioning should strongly consider postponing any non-essential car journeys until the Met Office’s weather warnings are lifted and temperatures drop.
“If this isn’t possible, our best advice is to travel during cooler times of day. This is especially important for anyone travelling with vulnerable people, including young children and older adults, who are at greater risk from the intense heat.”
Red heat warnings, set to take effect on Wednesday and Thursday this week, have been put in place owing to the exceptionally high temperatures forecast across the south and south-east of the UK.
Temperatures are expected to soar so dramatically that some forecasters believe records for June could be shattered. The current record for the hottest June day stands at 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976 and in Camden Square, London, in June 1957.
The last time Britain endured a prolonged spell of temperatures reaching as high as 40C was roughly four years ago, in July 2022.
In a statement addressing the warnings, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway made it clear that red warnings are not handed out lightly, and are reserved solely for the most extreme weather conditions.
He said: “Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat.
“The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity.”
Meanwhile, Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at the United Kingdom Health Security Agency, added: “We are urging health and social care services across the country to ensure they are prepared.
“A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population, but simple actions like staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool can make a big difference.”
A “heat-dome” settling over western Europe could bring temperatures of up to 40C by Wednesday, with this latest UK heatwave expected to surpass the June record set in Hampshire in 1976
Milo Boyd Deputy Travel Editor & Commercial Writer and Sam Hall, Press Association
15:30, 23 Jun 2026
A heatdome has settled over much of Western Europe(Image: ARNAUD FINISTRE, AFP via Getty Images)
The UK Government has issued an ‘extreme’ travel warning for Brits heading to France, Spain and Portugal as a heatdome settles over western Europe.
The weather front is predicted to deliver temperatures approaching 40C by Wednesday, with this latest heatwave anticipated to eclipse the June record established in Hampshire in 1976.
Red heat alerts have been issued in France, Spain, and other nations across western and central Europe as heatwave conditions are forecast to intensify in the coming days.
More than half of France’s regions are currently under the harshest weather warning. Tragically, two children aged two and four were found dead in their family car in the town of Carpentras in the south of France, in an incident believed to be linked to the weather.
In a section on the Foreign Office’s website titled ‘extreme weather’, an update for France issued today reads: “Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. In summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in France. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Meteo France website.”
And the Portugal advice reads: “In Summer months, there is a risk of higher than normal temperatures in Portugal. Check current weather forecasts and read about how to protect yourself on the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere website.”
Back in the UK, record high temperatures are forecast over the coming days.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: “The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East. Forecast temperature values are indicative and are subject to a slight range either side.
“It is possible we could see temperatures higher than the 39C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrow range. It is important to remember that the temperature value is only one element of this extreme heatwave story. The other major factor is the high humidity which for many will make the intense heat even harder to endure.”
Throughout the night, temperatures remained above 20C at nine sites across England, registering what the Met Office classifies as a tropical night. Scorching temperatures gave way to thunderstorms and lightning strikes across England in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Commuters also faced significant disruption across London’s transport network on Tuesday morning. The Elizabeth Line was hit by flooding caused by heavy rainfall, resulting in no service running between Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 and Heathrow Terminal 4, Transport for London confirmed.
Passengers on the Mildmay Line also faced severe delays, with the line operating a reduced service due to the sweltering conditions. On the national rail network, soaring temperatures are also forecast to cause sagging overhead electric wires, buckled rails and lineside fires, with passengers urged to avoid non-essential travel and, if a journey is unavoidable, to ensure they have a bottle of water with them.
Avanti West Coast announced it intends to operate fewer services than normal between Tuesday and Thursday, warning that “there’s a risk of further disruption”.
Chiltern Railways has scrapped more than half its services across those three days “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”. The operator said: “We strongly advise you to avoid travelling if possible.”
The RAC revealed it is handling 10% more breakdowns than usual at this time of year and expects demand to “increase significantly as temperatures peak”.
The scorching weather is also set to cause considerable disruption for parents as schools shut or close early to shield children from the heat. Pupils have been told they may wear PE kit rather than full school uniform, which typically includes long trousers and blazers. A number of after-school clubs have also been called off.
The travel specialist has issued a plea for anyone travelling by train over the coming days
11:50, 23 Jun 2026Updated 12:53, 23 Jun 2026
Simon Calder shared his advice on Good Morning Britain(Image: ITV)
Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a new alert for anyone travelling by rail this week, sharing his latest advice for millions of people across the country as a heatwave hits. His warning comes as train passengers face significant disruptions, with operators across Britain reducing services due to the hot weather this week.
According to the Met Office, temperatures could reach 40C in parts of the UK, with the weather agency issuing a red extreme heat warning. Britain is facing what could be its hottest June since 1976.
Appearing on today’s (June 23) episode of Good Morning Britain, the travel journalist and broadcaster offered a word of warning to viewers. He urged people to change their travel plans this week and, if possible, swap to another date due to the severe heat over the next couple of days.
He said: “My advice to anyone booked to travel by rail over the next few days is, please, if you can, move your journey to the end of the week, then do so. It will be much more comfortable and have a higher degree of actually working as it is supposed to. Otherwise, I’m afraid, just be prepared for delays and disruption.”
The rail industry is preparing for problems that can arise from extreme heat, such as sagging overhead power lines, warped tracks, and fires along the tracks. Travellers are encouraged to leave earlier in the day if they can and to bring a water bottle. Online journey planners may not display accurate schedules until the day of travel due to last-minute cancellations.
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What are my rights if my train is delayed or cancelled due to hot weather?
According to Citizens Advice, if your train is cancelled, you can receive a full refund if you can’t catch the next train or choose not to travel. If you’re delayed and reach your destination over 30 minutes late, you can typically get some money back.
Some train companies may even offer compensation if your train is late by more than 15 minutes. Make sure to keep your train tickets to request a refund. It’s best to file your claim within 28 days, although some train companies may allow a longer period.
For those who travelled with Transport for London (TfL), like on the London Underground, you can check its website to see how much you could receive and the process for claiming.
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What have UK railway lines said about the hot weather affecting services?
Avanti West Coast said it plans to run fewer services than usual between Tuesday and Thursday, and “there’s a risk of further disruption”. The company eased ticket restrictions, enabling passengers to use an earlier service than the one they booked at no extra cost. Those with tickets booked for departures between Tuesday and Thursday are eligible for a full refund if they no longer want to travel.
Chiltern Railways has axed more than half its services over those three days “to ensure the safe operation of the railway”. This affects London Marylebone services to and from Birmingham, Oxford and Aylesbury via Amersham.
The operator said: “We strongly advise you to avoid travelling if possible. Trains are running at greatly reduced levels to ensure everyone’s safety, which means you may experience significant delays and very busy conditions.”
Great Western Railway requested that people use its services only for “essential travel” on Wednesday and Thursday, coinciding with a severe red warning from the Met Office. The company explained that extended high temperatures can impact the equipment on its older regional train fleet, including engines and cooling systems.
It is operating fewer trains than usual between London Paddington and Reading until Friday. This is due to Network Rail not moving certain points—metal pieces that allow trains to switch tracks—on that route to reduce the risk of failures, which are more probable in high heat.
LNER said passengers travelling on Tuesday can board an earlier service, adding “we strongly advise that you do not travel across the LNER route” on Wednesday or Thursday. There is disruption across the Transport for Wales network, including between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay, and between Coryton and Penarth.
South Western Railway issued an alert stating it will run fewer services than normal between Tuesday and Thursday. Its services in Hampton, south-west London were also affected by flooding on Tuesday morning after heavy rain overnight.
Flooding also caused severe delays on the Elizabeth line between Heathrow airport and London Paddington. Several London Underground lines were suffering from major disruption on Tuesday morning. This included the entire Circle line being suspended because of a signalling failure.
The village was once a thriving community, but it was completely submerged to create a reservoir – and visitors can see its haunting memorial today and even spot the buildings if they’re lucky
Everything was taken from the village and its rich heritage (Image: Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
Once a thriving, proud Welsh-speaking community, this cherished village was entirely abandoned and left to disappear beneath the water without a trace.
The submersion of this much-loved settlement remains a deeply painful topic for those in the surrounding area, who fought with every ounce of strength to preserve their homes. Sadly, their determined efforts proved futile, as the UK government flooded the village entirely to provide water to a considerably larger English city.
In 1965, the village of Capel Celyn, tucked away in the Tryweryn Valley in North Wales, was lost forever when it was left to sink beneath the surface of a vast reservoir. It was a deeply contentious decision, to say the least, driven by the Liverpool Corporation to provide water to Liverpool and the Wirral.
For some, it may have appeared to be little more than a straightforward infrastructure project, but for the vast majority, the implications ran far deeper. The devastation it brought to the local area and the broader Welsh community had a profound political impact, fuelling a significant surge in support for Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru.
The fight for the village
It was in 1955 that the residents of Capel Celyn first discovered their homes had been earmarked for sacrifice to make way for a new reservoir, marking the start of a grueling decade-long struggle. Before long, the villagers banded together, forming what became known as the Capel Celyn Defense Committee, which debated, protested and condemned the scheme across the country and as far as Liverpool.
On several occasions, this led them to march directly to Liverpool to make their opposition unmistakably clear.
Despite their determined efforts, Liverpool councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of pressing ahead with the plans, and in 1957, a private bill backed by Liverpool City Council was brought before Parliament.
All 35 Welsh Members of Parliament who cast their votes opposed the bill, yet it was passed regardless in 1962. Three years on, the village and all its buildings, including people’s homes, were submerged beneath the water.
In total, approximately 800 acres of land were consumed by the reservoir, taking with it the school, the post office, the chapel and the cemetery.
Some 48 people lost their homes out of the 67 who had lived in the valley, with many forced to relocate to entirely unfamiliar areas and rebuild their lives from scratch.
What made this so deeply controversial was the wholesale destruction of a traditional Welsh community, as the village had stood as a living symbol of authentic Welsh culture and its endangered language.
The site today
Visitors continue to flock to the site to this day. During particularly dry periods if the water levels drop enough, you can occasionally spot some of the ruins of the houses, school and post office. One TripAdvisor reviewer described the place as “beautiful but sad”.
They wrote: “This wasn’t my first visit to this beautiful area, but after researching the flooding of the village and being Welsh, we spent more time around where the village once stood.
“There is no doubt the scenery is outstanding, but I also found it to be quite sad; people’s lives were completely upturned, and their entire village was drowned. Well worth a visit, especially if you read the history of the village.”
The reservoir offers a breathtaking backdrop, framed by the gently rolling hills of the valley, and many visitors opt to take a stroll around the area. A memorial chapel stands as a tribute to the village that once existed, offering a place for people to reflect on its history.
One visitor remarked: “Poignant and stunning. The heartbreaking history of this reservoir should never be forgotten.”
There is every chance the village could resurface this year, as it only emerges above the waterline during spells of extreme heat. The ongoing heatwave may cause water levels to drop sufficiently, much as they did in 2018.
Eurostar said in a statement: “Due to expected adverse weather on the Eurostar network, your train is cancelled.
“We’re so sorry for the disruption and any inconvenience caused.”
Passengers affected by the cancellations can move their booking to a later time and date.
Otherwise a full refund can be claimed, either with an e-voucher which can be used up to 12 months later, or a full refund (which doesn’t include booking fees).
The UK is set to high record temperatures for June this week, with highs up to 38C expected.
This would beat the previous hottest June temperature of 35.6C, which was in 1976 in Southampton.
Festivalgoers pass under a water spray to cool down during the heatwave at the Hellfest festival site in Clisson, Loire-Atlantique, France
Health warnings have been issued for peopel across Europe including in France, Italy, Spain and Germany. France has been cancelling trains, concerts and sports events and cracking down on public drinking as an exceptional heat wave unfurled across parts of Europe.
Multiple drownings were reported as people sought relief in whatever water they could find About a third of France is under “red alert″ heat and temperatures reached 40C in some areas, in a country where air-conditioning is not widespread.
The forecast for Monday is even hotter. The Eiffel Tower and other Paris venues set up misting stations to cool crowds, among a raft of measures introduced by authorities to minimise risks. Tourists in Rome dunked in fountains.
Spain’s Basque Country cancelled some sports and cultural events. More than 200,000 people across Europe died from heat-related causes over the last four years, and most of the fatalities were preventable, the World Health Organisation’s Europe office said this month.
More above-average temperatures are expected this summer, which can cause heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Human-caused climate change is tied to increasing extreme weather events and UN climate agency projections say the next five years should shatter more heat records.
A rapid study found that human-caused climate change was responsible for killing about 1,500 people in an unusually early European heat wave in May. In this latest European hot spell, French media reported that four children drowned on Saturday.
Summer drownings are an annual problem that health authorities say worsens during hot spells. France’s annual Music Day on Sunday was of particular concern. The nationwide summer solstice celebration involves thousands of concerts in village squares, rave venues and Paris clubs, bringing communities together and increasingly drawing British and other international visitors.
Some of the concerts outside Paris were cancelled. The French government banned public drinking in “red alert” zones, and ordered organisers of music day events to limit alcohol consumption to “preserve emergency services and allow medics to concentrate on taking care of the most vulnerable”.
Scores of French trains were cancelled, and the national rail authority dispatched thousands of extra staff to deal with potential problems as the heat threatened rails and electrical cables. Authorities are notably worried about people living in the baking streets, and elderly people in nursing homes or isolated in their homes.
About 15,000 older people died in France in a 2003 heat wave that became a national reckoning. The government mobilised emergency services and military forces for reinforced wildfire readiness, imposed tightened surveillance of water supplies to France’s many nuclear reactors, and ordered 845 schools to close on Monday.
Spain kicked off the summer with large parts of the country on alert because of temperatures expected to hover around 40C — even in the interior of Basque Country, a northern region that typically experiences cooler temperatures. Authorities have suspended outdoor sports and cultural activities in the region.
The heatwave is expected to scorch Spain at least until Wednesday. In Italy, authorities expanded heat warnings — referred to locally as “red flags” — to eight cities on Sunday in northern and central parts of the country.
Temperatures there are mostly in the upper 30s. At one farm outside Milan, owners set up fans and sprinklers to keep cows cool, while visitors to Milan Fashion Week huddled under parasols and clutched fans.
In Rome, tourists dunked their arms and occasionally their faces into the city’s famed fountain pools. The German Weather Service is forecasting temperatures of up to 37C for Monday and Tuesday, and up to 39C on Wednesday.
A 23-year-old man drowned on Saturday in a lake near Rheinstetten in the south-western region of Baden-Wurttemberg, the German news agency dpa reported. Three other people are missing after swimming in the Rhine River, a police spokeswoman told dpa.
Thunderstorms also threatened regions in Germany and Poland. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is convening a new government heat crisis meeting on Sunday, and ordered government ministers to plan for better adapting France to heat waves in the future — including “via air conditioning, if necessary”.
People cool off along the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris on Saturday. Photo by Yoan Valat/EPA
June 21 (UPI) — French police issued a ban on certain alcoholic drinks Sunday amid unusually high temperatures coinciding with one Paris’ largest street parties.
The order banned people from consuming certain high-alcohol content drinks after 8 a.m. Sunday along areas of Canal Saint-Martin and along riverside zones along the Seine.
Businesses were also banned from selling takeaway drinks after 1 p.m., with exemptions for restaurants and bars, Politico reported.
Paris hosts the Fête de la Musique (World Music Day) one of its largest street festivals, Sunday. Free concerts are held throughout the city, and residents are encouraged to play music outside in public spaces and neighborhoods.
This year’s festival is taking place during a heatwave that could see temperatures break 100 degree Fahrenheit in the coming week. The country issued Level 1 and Level 2 heat alerts Sunday for an area encompassing about 75% of its population.
“Very high temperatures are setting in for the long term,” the national meteorological service, Météo-France said, as cited by The Guardian. The agency said the heat would be of “exceptional severity and duration” and will likely break records.
Officials also put wildfire crews on alert in case of fire, and canceled some outdoor events. Some locations in France canceled concerts scheduled to take place before 7 p.m.
A sunny island with beautiful beaches, cosy pubs and an easy drive from the UK ticked all of the boxes for a recent family holiday
16:02, 17 Jun 2026Updated 16:15, 17 Jun 2026
(Image: Supplied)
I bet you – like me – have often dreamt of that perfect holiday destination that has it all within easy reach.
Good weather, a beach, great eating spots, cosy pubs, picturesque streets to potter around plus a hefty dose of history to keep the grey matter ticking over.
Sounds impossible. But I think I’ve found it and it’s St Peter Port on the tiny Channel Island of Guernsey.
With a population of nearly 20,000, St Peter Port could hardly describe itself as a city but it is the biggest town and main centre of Guernsey.
Thanks to generous tax allowances for residents, some quarters of the harbour town have a Canary Wharf vibe (plus seaside finance bros) but cast your gaze away from that and you will be met with nothing but bunting, cute cobbled shopping streets and harbour-front eating and drinking spots.
Guernsey has that hugely familiar British feel, with an ever so slightly French twist. There’s an M&S Food Hall but you can’t use your Sparks card (‘different franchise’ I am told) and even a Sports Direct. But beyond that you can feast every night on fresh crab, lobster and fish and you simply must find an excuse to indulge in some of the dairy produce the famous Guernsey cows produce.
Visiting St Peter Port as a family of four we were overwhelmed with options. Being history buffs we were in our element.
Guernsey was occupied by Nazi Germany for most of the Second World War, from June 1940 to May 1945. Across the island, and in St Peter Port in particular, there is a huge amount to see and learn relating to that time.
If you spend a day on foot in St Peter Port, you can start with a ride on the Petit Train, which departs at regular intervals from the Albert Pier and gives you a chance to get your bearings around the steep and winding streets.
From the pier it’s around a 20 minute walk to the top of town where you must visit the German Naval Signals HQ. This is the top-rated attraction in the town and my kids – 10 and 14 – were unanimous it was their top sight for the week we spent in Guernsey. Entry is just £13 for a family.
Invisible from the street and air, this perfectly-preserved underground bunker was the centre for all German naval signals during WWII.
Restored using many of the original fittings and based on advice from the former Naval Signals Officer himself, a visit here was undoubtedly brought to life for us by the extremely knowledgeable member of staff – or private tour guide as he became.
You can see where signals were received, where officers slept and even where they went to the toilet. Then before you know it, it’s out back onto the street and you can barely find where you just were.
Walking back into town, the Guernsey Museum at Candie is worth a look to give you the fascinating history of life in times gone by on the island. Surrounded by the lush Candie Gardens, a picnic here is ideal, overlooking the scenic harbour.
Back down at the harbour the world is your oyster. A trip to the beach might be on the cards (but watch out for the high and very quick tides!) or if you’re into your sea swimming, you can take a dip in one of the uber stylish La Valette seawater bathing pools.
We didn’t try them ourselves on this trip, but there are four pools to swim in, each with a changing area and a cafe and toilets by the ladies’ and children’s pool (anyone can swim in any of the pools).
Our reason to pass by the pools was for our next historical stop-off – the La Valette Underground Military Museum. We visited during the May heatwave and the cool cave of this treasure trove was extremely welcome.
The tunnels were originally built as a fuel storage facility for German U-boats during the occupation and are fascinating in themselves as an architectural phenomenon. They are now used to house a vast range of exhibits from Guernsey’s military history, including a truck used in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Family entry costs under £30 and opened our eyes to precisely what the Guernseymen and women went through during the difficult period of Occupation in WWII. All of this is probably more than enough for one day but there is much more to see.
The jewel in St Peter Port’s crown is Castle Cornet, which has sat on a spur guarding the harbour for 800 years.
Time your visit to catch the firing of the cannon by period uniformed soliders at midday, then explore the brick alleyways, high walls, four period gardens and four museums on site. That’s before I’ve even mentioned the stunning views out to the islands of Herm, Sark and Jethou.
Another fantastic way to get under the skin of St Peter Port and Guernsey is by taking a guided walk.
We were lucky enough to join Elizabeth Gardener-Wheeler of Guided Guernsey on a clifftop walk from the stunning Fermain Bay back to St Peter Port. What Elizabeth didn’t know about life on Guernsey probably isn’t worth mentioning but her stories really brought our trip to life. From the bomb found in bluebell woods, to the private steep bathing steps for the former Governor of Guernsey, you will discover some truly hidden gems.
Of course we all enjoyed noseying at the seaview, premium properties – many of them thatched – along our walk too.
For our evening meal, we dined slightly out of town (ok, a five minute drive…) at Nineteen Bar and Grill, situated on the St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort.
It’s ideal for a family trip because you can combine your meal with a quick round of Pirate Bay Adventure Golf – a notch above your usual crazy golf thanks to real-life rafts on pools of water…
The food here was excellent with a huge choice from fresh local produce like the Guernsey crab salad which I enjoyed, over to the classic burgers, pizzas and steaks. Everyone in the family was happy.
If you buy a museum Discovery pass, you can visit Castle Cornet, Guernsey Museum, Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum and the German Naval Signals Headquarters for just £24 per named adult with all accompanying children going free. The pass is valid for 12 months’ unlimited access.
We travelled to Guernsey with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth on their overnight service, staying in a cabin with breakfast on arrival.
While on the island, we stayed for the week at the wonderful, family run, La Bailloterie campsite. Sparkling clean showers and toilets, plus fresh pastries can be ordered for breakfast every day. If camping is not your thing, the site offers safari tents and wooden cabins too.
Book the holiday
Brittany Ferries offers Poole-Guernsey routes from £374 in July and £405 in August, based on two adults and two children travelling in a standard car on a Super Saver ticket. Find out more and book at brittany-ferries.co.uk.
KATIE Price put on an on eye-popping display in a tiny bikini as she stripped off in the heatwave.
Katie, 48, who used to go by her alter-ego name Jordan, looked like she was going back to her pin-up roots as she put all of her husband in jail drama behind her.
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Katie Price went back to her pin-up roots for her latest sexy selfieCredit: Backgrid / Katie Price / SnapchatThe star looked every inch her former alter-ego JordanCredit: Backgrid / Katie Price / Snapchat
It comes as Katie awaits for her husband Lee Andrews’ jail releaseCredit: mistraesthetics/InstagramAfter going ‘missing’, Lee was found at Dubai’s Al Awir jailCredit: Instagram
The next pic looked like she was about to burst out of the top, as she sunbathed in her garden.
Revealing that she was feeling happy that the sun was out, Katie told her fans: “The good thing about being here is it is just me, the swimming pool, the animals, no people, so I can walk around naked if I want, and I love it!”
The relaxing time in the sun comes after a VERY turbulent few weeks for the star due to ongoing speculation surrounding her relationship with her husband.
Next is offering this seasonal staple with fans singing its praises. The popular high street retailer is currently stocking the Blue Ecru Polka Dot Mini Dress for just £28, giving shoppers a stylish option for the summer ahead. It is available in sizes 6 through to 26. It also has selected taller fit options.
Whether you’re trying to stay cool at the office during a summer heatwave or dressing up for a holiday or city break across Europe, this versatile piece could be just the ticket. Its lightweight look and adaptable design mean it could easily take you from one occasion to the next throughout the sunny season.
The dress boasts a pretty light blue colour scheme with white polka dot detailing, lending it a timeless summery charm. Thin shoulder straps and a square neckline sit above a fitted bodice that flows effortlessly into a loose skirt falling above the knee.
The fabric looks lightweight and breathable, potentially making it ideal for soaring temperatures and trips abroad. Its unfussy design also means it could work just as well for a casual daytime look, a beach outing, or a relaxed evening out on the town.
Shoppers have shared glowing reviews on the products on the Next website. One customer wrote: “Beautiful colours, really good fit and so comfortable. It was perfect for an upcoming holiday.
“Can be dressed up with a pair of heels and a clutch or pair of flats or trainers for daytime. Will keep a look out for similar styles in Next as I would like another dress in other colour ways.”
Another added: “This dress is absolutely gorgeous – lovely quality material and has cute pockets. Knee-length on me (5 foot 3), it flows beautifully from the hips,” while a third continued: “Gorgeous little summer dress definitely recommend and can’t wait to wear it in the summer.”
Those keen to get their hands on the dress can opt for home delivery and find further details on the Next website. Click-and-collect is also on offer, with shoppers able to check whether their local branch has it in stock via the retailer’s online store finder.
Ministers in France are meeting to assess the country’s preparedness for heatwaves, while tennis number one Jannik Sinner bowed out of the French Open after suffering from the heat. Meanwhile,Italian authorities issued a red heatwave alert for the capital, Rome, where it topped out at 32C on Thursday.
Elsewhere, three-time former champion Novak Djokovic faced Frenchman Valentin Royer on Court Philippe Chatrier, which has a roof, and was on court for three hours and 44 minutes.
The 39-year-old Serb lost a tight third set on a tie-break but regrouped to win 6-3 6-2 6-7 (7-9) 6-3.
In his post-match press conference, Djokovic suggested scheduling matches at Grand Slams later in the evening could be “something to consider” as a potential alternative if extreme conditions are expected.
French Open organisers monitor the temperature through two wet bulb sensors – one on Chatrier and another on Court 14.
If the threshold is reached, a 10-minute break may be introduced after the second set of women’s matches and the third set of men’s matches.
If temperatures continue to rise, matches can be suspended until the heat drops.
No French Open match has ever been halted because of extreme heat.
Women’s 15th seed Marta Kostyuk said the conditions so far this week are not quite as bad as those she experienced when playing at the same venue for the Olympics in 2024, but added: “It’s still hot and it’s very dry. I always felt like I need to drink, I want to drink more and more. It was tough.”
On Monday, former finalist Casper Ruud said he felt he was “walking around like a zombie” and feared he had heat stroke after struggling with cramping in 33C temperatures.
One player who escaped the worst of the conditions on Wednesday was men’s second seed Alexander Zverev, who played in the night session when temperatures had dropped to about 18C.
A runner-up at Roland Garros in 2024, Zverev continued his bid for a maiden Grand Slam with a dominant display to beat Czech player Tomas Machac 6-4 6-2 6-2 in one hour and 48 minutes.
Nestled along the picturesque UK shoreline is a stunning beach with azure waters and stretches of soft sand – but it’s left visitors a little taken aback for one reason
This UK beach is a little slice of paradise, but there’s one aspect that has caught visitors off guard(Image: Getty Images)
A beautiful UK beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters is often dubbed the ‘Bali of the UK’, but there’s more than meets the eye.
Nothing says heatwave like a day out at the beach, and the UK is brimming with stretches of golden coastline, dramatic chalk white cliffs, and azure waters that could easily be mistaken for those found in the Caribbean. That’s if you know where to look. And one stunning beach might just stand out from them all, for more reasons than one.
Nestled on the south coast of the Penwith Peninsula in Cornwall is Pedn Vounder Beach, tucked away in a secluded, tidal cove, which could arguably be one of the most beautiful UK shores. The beach is characterised by crystal-clear turquoise waters and unspoilt, soft, golden sand, framed by towering cliffs in a UK oasis.
During low tide, shallow, aquamarine pools are formed – perfect for a dip during the warmer months, although people should be aware of the currents and the steep terrain to access the beach. However, it’s well worth the walk down, as those looking for a little slice of paradise will be rewarded with picture-postcard vistas of the beach, often dubbed the ‘Bali of the UK’.
It remains untouched, with stretches of pristine sand to enjoy and the lapping of azure waters in a secluded location away from the busier seaside resorts. But those taking the rugged route down to the breathtakingly beautiful beach might be caught off guard, as it’s often been known as an unofficial naturist beach.
One traveller commented on Facebook: “Beautiful but absolutely had a shock as we weren’t aware of what type of beach it was!”
Another agreed: “My partner and I also didn’t know this was a clothing-optional beach until we got down to it and saw much more than we were expecting!”
A third added: “Same until we got there.”
On TripAdvisor, one visitor also revealed: “This is a nudist beach, and the climb down is not for the faint-hearted. However, there are clear signs warning you of both of these on the way down.”
They later added: “One of the most breathtaking beaches I have ever visited. The waters were crystal blue and the beach beautifully sandy.”
Commenting further, another traveller shared: “There are clothed and unclothed bodies. Most of the nude people are on the left end of the beach, and everyone is very respectful.”
Other explorers issued a warning to those looking to access the secluded beach due to its challenging walk down.
One shared on TripAdvisor: “This beach cove really is gorgeous, the water is crystal clear and a stunning turquoise colour, you wouldn’t believe it’s in the UK! Only about a mile from the nearest parking lot, but it definitely isn’t a trip for the faint-hearted. It is a very steep hike/climb down to get onto the beach, virtually rock climbing. Make sure you take all the essentials too, as there is nothing around once you get there.”
Another commented: “A stunning beach it is quite a climb down over the rocks so you do need to be prepared for this. The beach is definitely worth the climb, especially when the tide goes out. The best beach I have been to.”
One more shared: “Totally amazing – but mainly writing this review for some advice for others, we’ve been going for 30 years, but due to social media, lots of people are now trying. “You need to be pretty fit, mobile and able to descend down a cliff face to access – getting down with buggies or people with mobility difficulties will find it difficult.”
They added: “Also, it is a nudist beach, has been for years and years – if people have an issue with this, it’s probably not the beach for you.”
Yet for those up for the challenge, who have checked the tide and planned a route, might just be met with some of the most stunning vistas that easily rival those found in the Caribbean or Bali.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com