locals

The village has been crowned the world’s most beautiful by Forbes and receives 20,000 visitors on weekends – but overtourism has caused serious problems

A UK village crowned the most beautiful in the world has moved forward in the fight against overtourism, with a huge cash boost and a raft of new potential measures.

Bibury, nestled in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, is an undeniably charming spot. It boasts honey-hued stone cottages, a gently winding river, and a historic, fairytale-like atmosphere. Its allure led Forbes to name it the world’s most attractive village for 2025, approximately 150 years after poet William Morris declared Bibury “the most beautiful village in England.”

The cottages of Arlington Row are often hailed as the most photographed and breathtaking cottages in Britain. Built in 1380 as a monastic wool store, it was later converted into a row of weavers’ cottages in the 17th century.

It’s easy to see why Bibury garners such accolades, with accommodation options like the Swan Hotel and The Catherine Wheel pub both welcoming inside and festooned with climbing plants outside. The village’s charm has put Bibury firmly on the tourist trail. And now, some locals say, things are getting out of hand.

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Chairman of the local parking action group, Mark Honeyball, who has resided in Bibury for a decade, has had some rather unpleasant experiences with visitors. He revealed to the Express that he asked a coach driver to move on from some double yellow lines before drama unfolded.

He said last year: “I’ve been physically attacked four times now, but once really quite badly two weeks ago, I was kicked in the chest and stomach and kneed and punched in the face full force by a driver that I’d just asked simply to move on from double yellows at the top of the village.

“The coach drivers themselves are being pushed here by their coach companies, they don’t really want to be here, they find it really difficult to park. The tour operators are the key behind this, the coach operators are doing what the tour operators ask them to do, primarily with people from China, India, and South Korea at the moment.”

Up to 20,000 tourists flood into Bibury over weekends in the high season, with as many as 50 coaches arriving daily. That’s a staggering number for a village home to merely 600 residents.

This week, Gloucestershire County Council announced it was investing £175,000 in a project to combat ‘overtourism’ in Bibury, Punchline Gloucester reports.

Following the period of consultation, the county council is considering a series of measures to control the impact of tourism. They include:

• Permanent removal of coach parking bays and implementation of on-street parking restrictions.
• Additional enforcement of parking restrictions.
• Introducing pay-and-display parking.
• Restricting coach parking/waiting using enforcement officers to support traffic flow.
• Exploring if there are improvements that can be made to local bus services including options such as park and ride.

Restrictions on coaches entering the village were implemented in May last year. At that point, parking bays in the heart of the village were shut and new public bus stop clearways were established. The objective was to put a stop to “unsafe coach manoeuvres.” Following the summer trial period, Gloucestershire County Council decided to implement permanent restrictions on coaches entering the area.

Cllr Lisa Spivey, leader of the county council, said: “Hopefully we are getting somewhere. We did a trial last year which has been extended where we essentially removed the coach parking bays in the centre of the village and created drop off and pick up points for coaches, so we are now going to make that a more permanent solution.

“They have currently got some red and white plastic barriers which don’t look very nice in a historic village so we want to make that look nice. We are going to introduce pay and display parking so we can pay for more enforcement to make sure people aren’t parking where they shouldn’t be and causing an issue.

“We’ve been working alongside the coach operators and other stakeholders to really encourage the use of smaller vehicles to come into the village. There’s been a huge amount of engagement with the coach operators, Cotswold Tourism, the parish council, businesses, the police etc. Lots of people have been involved.”

ANGRY locals must wait to have a say on Alan Carr’s new castle renovation reality show after a meeting was delayed by “unprecedented” interest.

Producers behind the project planned to hold the gathering at a 120-capacity bowling club — but 600 people wanted to attend so it was held over.

Expectation TV are now looking for a larger venue to allow locals a chance to voice their concerns on the revamp and restrictions to their access to 19th century A-listed Ayton Castle in the Scottish Borders.

Comic Carr, 49, paid around £3.25million for the baronial mansion, which will feature on the Disney+ show.

He did so after winning the first Celebrity Traitors at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands.

Speaking about the upcoming series, he said: “Some men, when they have a mid-life crisis, buy a Lamborghini or grow a ponytail.

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“But me, I want my very own castle.

“I’ve always dreamt big and have always been enchanted with the history and romance of a stately home.

“As I turn 50, I feel that it’s time.

“All I want is a turret to call my own — get me over that drawbridge.”

Ayton Community Council revealed the meeting’s postponement in an online post.

It said interest from the wider public and press had led to the cancellation.

A production team source said the meeting’s new venue would soon be made known.

Visits to the Balearic Islands dropped in January of this year, and restaurant bookings are also down causing concern in the industry. However, plans to cap visitor numbers on one island are going ahead

Tourism bosses in Spain have been left concerned over dropping numbers in the hospitality industry amid a ‘disastrous’ start to the year for the Balearic Islands.

The islands, which include the popular destinations of Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca, saw a drop in international visitor numbers of 8.83% in January. While restaurants also saw a drop in footfall, attributed to rising prices, across 2025.

Overall, across the Balearic Islands there was a 3% drop in restaurant footfall across 2025. While the amount might sound small, the tight profit margins in hospitality and the islands’ heavy reliance on tourism mean that modest drops can have a substantial impact.

The decline in restaurant customer numbers is being partly attributed to rising prices across the islands, the Majorca Daily News previously reported. Data analysts pointed out that in areas where dining is the most affordable, such as the mainland regions of Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura, customer numbers grew.

The analysis concluded: “This behaviour suggests that consumers have reached a price ceiling, which limits price increases in the most expensive areas and reinforces the idea of a restraint in real spending, even in areas traditionally less price-sensitive.”

The restaurant industry is also concerned about the numbers for 2026. Juanmi Ferrer, president of the CAEB Restaurants Association, representing island outlets, remarked that the year kicked off with a “disastrous January” and predicted it would be “like last year, or at most a little worse”.

He explained: “The last thing a restaurant owner wants is to raise prices, because that means fewer customers. This year we’ll try to absorb those extra three to four percentage points of inflation as much as we can.”

One option being considered is a restaurant voucher scheme, similar to a recent initiative across the island that supported shops. The retail scheme gave all residents aged over 16 four vouchers worth €15 each, which could be used on purchases of €30 or more, to encourage people to shop locally.

During summer 2025, concerns emerged that certain Majorcan resorts had become “completely dead”, with Miguel PérezMarsá, chairman of the nightlife association, saying: “The tourists we’re interested in are being driven away; they don’t feel welcome and are going to other destinations.” His comments came as thousands took to the streets in overtourism protests.

At last year’s World Travel Market (WTM) in London, Ibiza’s Tourism Minister, Jaume Bauza, acknowledged declining visitor numbers, revealing that 20,000 fewer British tourists visited the renowned party destination during the 2025 peak season compared to the previous year. Industry experts have suggested this decline may reflect holidaymakers deliberately shifting their travel dates to October and November to capitalise on more affordable rates.

However, it should be noted that such a dip comes at the end of several record years for tourism on the island chain, with Brits and other Europeans flocking in huge numbers to the Balearics post-Covid.

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Despite the drop in numbers causing alarm, the islands are continuing with measures to tackle overtourism. Plans have been announced to slash the number of daily cruise ship berths from 8,500 to 7,500 between June and September in Palma, Majorca, meaning fewer cruise ship passengers arriving once the change is implemented between 2027 to 2039.

Only three cruise ships would dock in Palma each day, with only one of these vessels allowed to transport more than 5,000 passengers. Opposition party PSOE – a socialist party for the Balearic Islands – also put forward a proposal recently for visitor numbers to be capped across the islands at 17.8 million a year. However, its proposal was rejected.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

UNLIKE the likes of Rhodes, Crete, Corfu – Fourni is a Greek island that has managed to stay a secret paradise.

It’s one that’s a favourite of Greek locals, and few Brits will have even heard of it.

Fourni is the main island in the Fournoi archipelago found in the Aegean Sea.

It’s only 12 square miles with just over a thousand residents.

The population tends to grow during the summer months – mostly by locals who live in Athens and surrounding towns.

With it being lesser-visited, it has even been called the “last true paradise of the Aegean.”

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Getting to Fourni has to be by ferry which docks in the main port, which is also where the main town is.

The white-washed buildings are clustered around the water, with terracotta roof tiles and the classic bright blue doors and window frames.

These aren’t just houses, but winding cobbled streets filled with cafes and tavernas where you can get fresh seafood and meze.

Lots of visitors praise Nikos Taverna, O Miltos and O Ksenixtis.

As you’d expect, the island has beaches galore, its coastline is scattered with bright blue bays and hidden coves,

Some of the most popular include Psili Ammos Beach which is nearest to the main town.

Kassidi Beach is considered one of the best for swimming; Vlihada Beach is surrounded by high rocks and has lots of small coves for exploring.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Petrokopio is one of the best beaches on the island. The beach has crystal clear waters, smooth pebbles, and stunning surrounding cliffs.”

There aren’t hotels per se on the island; instead, there are lots of guesthouses, rooms, and studios.

Sun Travel found one holiday home that for a three-night stay in May works out at £155, or £77.50pp.

It has incredible views over the main town and main beach from a private balcony as well as its own sitting room, kitchen and bathroom.

Temperatures sit between 24C-29C from May to June, and can be as high as 32C in August.

One reason why Fourni and its surrounding islands aren’t as visited as the others, is that they’re not easy to get to.

The only way to reach the island of Fourni is by ferry.

There are ferries from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, and other islands in the Aegean Sea.

The closest airports are on Samos and Ikaria, both of which are then connected to Fourni by ferry.

In April, Brits can fly to Athens from £17 with a ferry over to Fourni starting from £42.

Here’s more on the ‘world’s best island’ which is in Greece – and has restaurants right on the beach…

One writer visited Paros, which was voted the world’s best island for 2025 – and here’s what she made of it…

“It’s got everything you want from a Greek destination with white and grey-lined pavements, chalky houses with blue window frames, all adorned with pink bougainvillea flowers hanging across from verandas – so I’m inclined to say it’s a must-see

“Paros had never been on my radar up until this summer when it kept popping up on social media – and now it’s been dubbed the ‘best island in the world’ by Travel + Leisure.

“The island is known for having beautiful beaches, traditional villages and a buzzing nightlife. Inspired by Instagram, I booked the tickets, confirmed an Airbnb, and was on my way.

“The journey wasn’t an easy one I’ll admit, my friend, Phoenix and I flew to Athens before getting on a connecting ferry to Paros, which took five hours.

“I was ushered into a taxi by a very friendly local who drove for 20 minutes across the island to Naoussa where I found paradise.

“It was completely different to Parikia, the streets were quiet, there were incredible beaches and I could hear the chatter of stall owners at the local shops selling jewellery, linen dresses and souvenirs.

“The food on the island was delicious, particularly the seafood – there were lots of sushi and fish risottos.

“Some of our favourites were Almond, Tsachpinis-Ouzeri ton Nautikon and Fotis All Day Bar. Luaz was especially popular as you get to eat dinner right on the water’s edge which is particularly impressive during golden hour.”

For more on Greece, check out this smaller Greek island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular.

And Jet2 boss reveals the three cheap holiday destinations that Brits are booking over Spain this summer.

Tripoli, Lebanon – Hossam Hazrouni points underneath a concrete staircase to the exposed foundation of the building where he lives.

“Inside, there, look,” the 65-year-old says. “The interior pillars are all broken. It’s covered in water. Everything inside is wet.”

A few metres away lies a pile of smashed concrete blocks and twisted metal. It is the rubble of a building that collapsed on February 8, killing at least 15 people.

In Tripoli, collapsed buildings are fast becoming common. This is the fourth building to collapse this winter alone. Today, hundreds of buildings are at risk of collapse due to a lethal combination of ageing infrastructure, unregulated construction, Lebanon’s 2019 economic crisis, the 2023 earthquake that fractured much of the local infrastructure’s foundation, and a relatively heavy rain season.

Locals like Hazrouni are afraid their buildings will be next.

“They told us that you should evacuate and you shouldn’t stay, but how are we supposed to leave when we are in a bad situation?” he asked, raising his palms to the sky. “Where are we supposed to go?”

Collapsing structures

In the 1950s, Tripoli, Lebanon’s second-largest city and the largest in the country’s north, was a hub for trade and shipping in the region. But in the intervening years, its status has fallen to become one of the poorest cities on the Mediterranean Sea.

It is also a city of massive disparity. Multiple billionaires live in Tripoli, including the former Prime Minister Najib Mikati and former Minister of Finance Mohammad Safadi, while about 45 percent of the city’s population lives in poverty, according to a 2024 World Bank report.

Over the years, most of Tripoli’s middle- and upper-class residents have moved to the southern edge of the city, leaving behind its impoverished classes to inhabit the decaying old city. Many of the poor know their concrete buildings are ageing and in poor condition, but have little means to fix them.

“The first problem is that the structures are old,” Fayssal al-Baccar, an engineer, told Al Jazeera from a restaurant in southern Tripoli. Al-Baccar is also the founder of the Tripoli Emergency Fund, a private initiative started in response to the collapsing building issue that has been fundraising to help the city.

“The lifespan of concrete is between 50 to 80 years,” al-Baccar explained, and in many of the buildings in central Tripoli, that lifespan is coming to an end. On a sheet of white paper with a blue pen, he drew a model of a building’s foundation.

“Through time, the pH [level] of the concrete will become more and more acidic,” he said, sketching lines around the base of his drawn wall. “Then it will corrode the steel – the steel will self-destruct – and the building will collapse.”

The issue has been exacerbated by a few incidents in particular. When a 2023 earthquake devastated northern Syria and southern Turkiye, it was widely felt in Tripoli as well. Local officials say that it damaged much of the infrastructural foundations of older buildings, many of which have had irregular or unregulated floors added to them, making them weaker. The area has also suffered from neglect and a lack of infrastructure for years, even before the 2019 economic and banking crisis.

Lastly, there is the issue of water damage. This year, Lebanon has received more rainfall than in the last couple of years. And in the days leading up to the collapsed building on February 8, it rained multiple times. “Water is infiltrating into the concrete and is also making the steel worse,” al-Baccar said.

That is why al-Baccar has recruited whom he described as some of the city’s “best and most successful” to help fill governmental gaps.

One of those people is Sarah al-Charif, the Tripoli Emergency Fund’s spokesperson and fundraising committee member. She is also the Lebanon director for Ruwwad Al Tanmeya, a nonprofit focused on youth and disenfranchised communities, and was appointed vice president of Tripoli’s Port Authority last year.

“You’re talking about areas where most, if not all, of the buildings are old and dilapidated, some of which are actually on the verge of collapse,” al-Charif said from her office at Ruwwad Al Tanmeya’s office in Bab al-Tabbaneh, less than a kilometre (0.62 miles) away from where the building collapsed on February 8.

“The fact that the problem is so big reflects decades of accumulated neglect by a state that hasn’t fulfilled its obligations towards this city,” she said.

Al-Charif said she doesn’t hold the current government – which took office a year ago – responsible, but that historically, “people who were in positions of power didn’t do anything, they weren’t fulfilling their duties”.

“There’s also a part that falls on the landlord, a part that falls on the tenant, and a part that falls on the merchants who are the builders. Maybe they’re using substandard materials,” she said. “So everyone has to take their share of the responsibility.”

Historical neglect

Standing on the street, Wissam Kafrouni, 70, points to the top floor of a building just a few doors down from the structure that collapsed on February 8. A crack runs zig-zagging down the building’s side, in the pattern of descending stairs. His nephew rents the top-floor apartment, he says, but the landlord is claiming that repairs are the responsibility of the tenant.

Locals in this neighbourhood say that many officials have visited the site in recent days, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. They also say that they’ve been told for years that the local municipality has plans to fix the infrastructure, but that little has come about from it.

The local government has known about the issue for years, but until now, little has been done. Deputy Mayor Khaled Kabbara is part of a new municipal government elected in 2025.

“The issue of cracked buildings is a very old issue in the city of Tripoli, and unfortunately, it has not been dealt with in previous periods,” he told Al Jazeera from Tripoli’s municipality headquarters. But this new municipal government that was elected in 2025, he said, has “raised its voice”.

Kabbara also said that Tripoli has been historically ignored by Beirut “since independence” in the 1940s, but that the current government was working with the local government to find solutions.

“Honestly, this is the first time that we feel that someone is listening and there is someone who is working with us,” he said.

A group of engineers are currently inspecting buildings around the city to decide if damaged buildings can be repaired or must be evacuated and demolished. Evacuation warnings have been issued for 114 buildings, though that number is expected to rise substantially.

Families that evacuate should receive a one-year shelter allowance to secure alternative housing. Religious institutions have opened their doors to evacuees, while Turkiye has also promised to donate about 100 prefabricated houses.

A call centre has also been set up for residents to report suspected issues with their buildings. The hotline has so far received reports on approximately 650 different buildings, Kabbara said.

One of the buildings previously reported to the call centre was the building that collapsed on February 8. Locals had heard a creaking sound coming from the building.

Kabbara acknowledged that the report was received and that the residents were afraid. However, he said, the engineers had not inspected it before it collapsed because nothing in the report indicated it needed an urgent inspection.

What comes next?

Back in Bab al-Tabbaneh, numerous locals expressed frustration and fear. They said many officials and associations have visited the site, but few have delivered on promises to help them.

“We’ve been told there is a plan to fix the infrastructure since the Siniora government,” Samir Rajab, 56, said, referring to Fouad Siniora, the prime minister of Lebanon from 2005 to 2009. “But nothing happens.”

Next to the destroyed building site, Mustapha al-Abed, 54, repaired a broken washing machine out of a small workshop. He said his work was not very fruitful lately, as poverty forced many in this area with broken appliances to wash their laundry by hand.

He looked over at the site where the building had gone down just days earlier. “The problem is not here any more. These people are already dead,” he said. He then pointed across the street to a bustling neighbourhood, where people were doing their Ramadan shopping.

“The problem is all the other buildings.”

A TRIP to Devon isn’t complete without visiting a pub and luckily, the county has plenty.

Whether you prefer a pub garden or being by a cosy fireplace or have a dog with you, Devon is full of great pubs.

Though, it can be overwhelming to choose a spot, so here are some of the best pubs in the county from someone who has tried and tested them as a local…

Church House Inn, Marldon

The Church House Inn in the village of Marldon, South Devon is a gem not many stumble across.

The pub is out of the way from the main tourist spots in the area, but if you have a car it is well-worth the drive too.

Inside you will find traditional beams and exposed stone walls, as well as a large open roaring fire.

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In the summer, the garden is a tranquil spot to enjoy a spritz, with nothing but the hum of birds nearby and the church watching over the garden.

The Drum Inn, Cockington

Nestled in the unique village of Cockington, you will find The Drum Inn.

I have been caught in here on both scorching hot days and snowy winter storms, making it the ideal pub for all seasons.

It is a large pub but still has a cosy vibe and it is the perfect retreat after exploring the thatched cottages and fields of Cockington.

The Old Rydon Inn, Kingsteignton

Run by a couple of 20 years, The Old Rydon Inn in Kingsteignton is a very pretty pub.

It’s a Grade-II listed farmhouse, which used to be part of Lord Clifford’s Manor way back during the reign of Henry II.

The pub even still has the original elm screens dating to the early 16th century.

In the sunny weather, try and sit outside – plants crawl all over the building and it is very peaceful.

Court Farm Inn, Abbotskerswell

The Court Farm Inn used to be a farmhouse and was built in the 16th century.

Today, beams still feature inside and so do exposed stone walls.

The ciders served here are always cold and crisp and don’t forget to try desert if eating, they are unfussy but the ultimate comfort.

Steam Packet Inn, Kingswear

Just before you get the ferry across to Dartmouth town, make sure to stop off in the Steam Packet Inn.

Inside, this spot has a more modern feel with chic striped benches and blue tones throughout.

Perhaps though, the best thing about this pub is that it overlooks Darthaven Marina and the railway, where you will often see the steam train chugging past.

Masons Arms, Branscombe

The Masons Arms in Branscombe dates back to the 14th century and sits in a picturesque village.

The pub itself has a thatched roof, and then on the inside the decor includes pine cladding, low ceiling beams and of course, a roaring log fireplace.

During the day, this spot is ideal for coffee but of course, the ales are great too.

The St Austell Burger for £18 is a delicious feat, with Mena Dhu stout onion marmalade, Monterey Jack cheese, beef tomato, gherkin, pickled red slaw, and skin-on fries.

The Thatch, Croyde

There’s a reason why The Thatch has over 2,000 four and five-star reviews…

Though the food isn’t cheap, it is super flavoursome and a lot of the dishes put a sophisticated twist on pub classics.

Croyde Bay is right on the pub’s doorstep as well, making it the ideal spot post beach walks or surfing sessions.

Fairway Buoy, Bideford

Sat on the promenade in Bideford, Fairway Buoy overlooks the sprawling, golden sands beach.

It’s pet friendly and has a large outdoor seating area which is the ideal spot for watching the sunset.

The food is more modern too, with pizzas often on the menu.

Definitely try their hot chocolate as well on cold beach days – it was bigger than my head.

Samuel Jones, Exeter

Sat on the edge of Exeter Quay, you will find the stylish pub Samuel Jones.

Inside, the decor features a more industrial style fitting in with the rest of the Quay.

In addition to serving their award-winning ales, the venue also broadcasts live sports.

Victoria Inn, Salcombe

Salcombe is loved for many reasons, drawing in hoards of tourists each year, but the Victoria Inn is another reason to love it.

Just a short walk from the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary, the Victoria Inn is full of cosy corners and a log fire.

On Sundays the pub hosts bingo, which is always a laugh.

And when it comes to the menu, sharing boards are a great option for a lunchtime sit down after exploring the town.

The Waterman’s Arms, Totnes

The Waterman’s Arms in Totnes feels like being in a fairytale storybook.

The pub sits right at the riverside, by Bow Bridge.

In the evenings, the 17th century watering hole often hosts candlelit dinners but if you are there in the day and it happens to be sunny, do not miss the garden terrace.

Kids also eat free during half-term!

Old Fire House, Exeter

The Old Fire House in Exeter is a super popular spot and with good reason.

The boozer is inside an old 19th century firehouse with a vaulted wooden-beamed ceiling and exposed stone walls.

This spot is especially loved for its late-night events with a good atmosphere and oversized 14-inch square pizzas.

You dog is allowed to come too…

Tinpickle And Rhum, Dartmoor

Tinpickle and Rhum is a gastropub located at the The Moorland Hotel by Haytor, on Dartmoor.

Inside the interiors feel a little luxury with rustic wooden cladding on the walls which match the tables and giant modern chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

Don’t miss their All Three Roasts for £23.95 with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, cheddar cauliflower cheese, season’s best vegetables and red wine gravy.

Head to the pub after a walk up to Haytor Rock, which is one of the most popular spots on the Moors for its breathtaking views and unique rock formations.

The Highwayman Inn, Sourton

Despite not having visited yet, I couldn’t miss out the quirky Highwayman Inn near Sourton.

Often dubbed Britain’s most unusual pub, The Highwayman Inn features its own minotaur and has a layout that is more like a maze.

The boozer dates back to the 13th century and inside it is full of unusual objects to feast your eyes on.

The Pilchard Inn, Burgh Island

Dating back to the 14th century, The Pilchard Inn offers amazing views of the sea and crashing waves.

It is actually one of England‘s oldest pubs, according to its website.

And to get to the pub you can either walk across at low tide, taking around 10 minutes or at high tide, hop on the sea tractor costing between £2 and £3 a way.

In other pub news, here are 10 of the UK’s cosiest pubs with bed and breakfast from £99.

Plus, Britain’s smallest town named one of the coolest spots in the country with cosy pubs and coastal walks.

Forgotten village in Wiltshire was evacuated in 1943 for US troops to train ahead of World War II, and residents were never allowed to return home

Just a stone’s throw from the ancient monument of Stonehenge, and roughly an hour from Bath, lies a hidden village frozen in time.

The abandoned village of Imber in Wiltshire stands devoid of inhabitants, its buildings crumbling into decay. This once-bustling parish on Salisbury Plain now remains eerily silent, cut off from civilisation and accessible to visitors for only a handful of days each year.

Similar to several other communities nationwide, Imber’s residents were forcibly removed from their properties in 1943 as war loomed. They received just 47 days’ warning before their village was requisitioned to provide training facilities for American forces preparing for the Second World War.

Locals are believed to have assumed they would reclaim their homes following the conflict’s conclusion, but permission to return was never granted. Salisbury Plain subsequently evolved into Britain’s most extensive military training facility, now spanning more than 94,000 acres.

History

Whilst evidence suggests a modest community existed at Imber from as far back as 967 AD, with documentation indicating habitation in the Domesday Book of 1086, the village housed over 150 inhabitants when evacuation occurred.

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During the 14th century, its population peaked at approximately 250 residents, declining to roughly 152 by the 1940s, and following the conflict, the village mourned 28 of its men who had been in service.

A correspondence sent to a resident, providing brief notice of evacuation, read: “Arising out of the decision that increased training facilities are to be made available in the Imber area, I regret to inform you that it is necessary to evacuate the major part of the Department’s Imber Estate, including your dwelling.”

Despite protests from villagers, their efforts proved unsuccessful, and authorities determined even years after the conflict that the terrain remained invaluable for military purposes and too hazardous for civilian habitation.

Initially, however, many people were prepared to leave, viewing it as their patriotic responsibility and wanting to support those serving on the battlefield.

Numerous structures within the settlement sustained damage from explosions during and following the conflict, as well as from military exercises, and subsequently deteriorated further due to exposure to the elements. Even had former inhabitants been permitted to return, the properties would have been uninhabitable.

Battle for the village

In 1961, following years of separation and discontent, over 2,000 individuals gathered to campaign for the villagers’ return. This triggered a public inquiry, though it ultimately ruled in support of Imber’s ongoing military utilisation.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that certain evidence finally emerged, resulting in an agreement permitting villagers to return, but by that point it was considerably too late.

It was subsequently determined that the church could be preserved and would welcome worshippers on the Saturday nearest to St Giles’ Day each year for residents and locals to gather. This tradition continues to this day.

Present Day

Whilst the remainder of the parish has fallen into decline, neglected and forgotten, St Giles’ church in Imber stands preserved as it always has been, safeguarded by the Diocese of Salisbury.

The church achieved Grade I listed status in 1987 and remains a meaningful site for those wishing to commemorate the village and its formerly thriving community.

Annually around St Giles’ Day, a service takes place which draws former inhabitants alongside soldiers who trained in the village and other members of the public. A further service occurs on the Saturday preceding Christmas, a custom established in 2009.

The Ministry of Defence must permit public entry to the village on these occasions, which are now restricted to merely three times annually. Honouring the village’s heritage, ImberVillage.co.uk commemorates the lives of former inhabitants and enables their stories and recollections to be preserved.

I’ve never dined at local celebrity chef restaurants on my doorstep, including The Fat Duck and The Hand and Flowers, due to the expensive menu prices.

I live mere minutes away from some of the finest eateries in the region, arguably amongst Britain’s best. This encompasses Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers and Heston Blumenthal’s establishments, yet I’ve remarkably never visited any of them.

Whilst it’s enticing to have such celebrated venues practically on my doorstep, they’re renowned for being rather expensive and upmarket.

Countless diners will journey considerable distances to reach these establishments and boozers, whilst locals such as myself have never crossed their thresholds. The Fat Duck, situated in Bray, Berkshire, is a haute cuisine restaurant owned by Heston Blumenthal.

It boasts three Michelin stars, having maintained them for a 21st successive year as of February 2025, and remains acknowledged as a premier gastronomic destination under the chef.

Marking its 30th anniversary, The Journey menu provides the most comprehensive voyage into “Hestonland and the gastronomic delights that await”. It showcases creations including Bacon & Egg Cereal, Hot & Iced Tea, Beef Royal, Tonic of Botanics and Cheese & Grapes amongst others, reports the Express.

Diners can experience this menu for an eye-watering £350.

Despite residing in and around Bray throughout my existence, there aren’t numerous locals who could manage to eat at The Fat Duck.

The village also houses The Hinds Head, which possesses a Michelin star and belongs to Heston Blumenthal. It’s more reasonably priced, naturally, than The Fat Duck, though still approximately £30 for fish and chips.

A portion of chips alone costs £9, whilst some bay buttered carrots as an accompaniment runs to £7. Nevertheless, it boasts glowing testimonials on TripAdvisor, with one diner visiting earlier this month claiming the dish and chips “didn’t disappoint”.

Another said: “The whole experience was flawless, we have never eaten better food, they listened and remembered my wife’s birthday. If you go, make sure you order the bread and butter with beef dripping sauce. This was outstanding.”

Tom Kerridge also runs a fine dining establishment, a brief journey from Heston’s, The Hand and Flowers, situated in Marlow. It became the first boozer in Britain to receive two Michelin stars.

The chef additionally operates The Coach Marlow, which presents beautifully elevated British gastropub favourites.

The Hand and Flowers maintains two Michelin stars and the establishment sources the finest available produce from independent butchers, fishmongers and greengrocers.

Whilst it comes at a premium, the venue currently offers a midweek lunch promotion where diners can enjoy £25 for two courses, or £32.50 for three from a fixed lunch selection.

Its signature menu is priced at £85 for three courses, Monday to Friday exclusively, or its tasting menu costs a substantial £195 per head. Dishes on the tasting menu feature Cornish halibut, a 30-day-aged beef fillet, and a vanilla crème brûlée for afters.

The menu selections sound mouthwatering, but they come with a hefty price tag.

On Sundays, patrons can also experience the venue’s Sunday lunch offering for £195 per person. The establishment boasts excellent feedback, though one reviewer suggests it ought to be impressive given what it costs.

Another patron praised: “Great night, staff and service, warm atmosphere, the food was out of this world.”

A third customer noted: “It has a fine choice of drinks from well-presented cocktails, beer and fine wines.”

So, whilst all three upmarket venues enjoy glowing testimonials, there’s considerable availability, which might be attributed to the price point.

A HOLLYWOOD A-lister stunned locals when he was spotted shopping at a cricket supplies store.

This twice Oscar-winning actor, 69, was seen browsing a store in Australia, with staff at the shop admitting that they “didn’t recognise him” at first.

The star in question is movie megastar, Tom Hanks.

The much-loved actor looked worlds away from his famous film roles as he browsed a cricket shop in Sydney.

The Forrest Gump star looked happy and relaxed as he posed for a photo with the delighted shop staff, who couldn’t believe their eyes.

Tom was dressed casually in just a grey T-shirt and black trousers, and was stood with his son Truman, 29.

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The gob-smacked shop workers shared the picture on Instagram of them with Tom, and penned: “Not your usual walk-in customer…

“We’re used to serving cricket royalty, but yesterday at GCCC North Sydney, we welcomed Hollywood royalty, with Tom Hanks and his son Truman stopping by the store.

“From Baggy Greens to big screens, you never know who’ll walk through the doors at GCCC.”

The shop’s followers went wild for the pic, with one person writing: “How exciting – well done for capturing the moment.

Tom is often spotted out and about with the general public, despite his star status.

Last autumn he was spotted taking a subway train in New York.

He even slipped a few dollars to a street musician before heading off into the crowd.

Tom shot to fame in the 80s and was known for comedies like Big, Splash and Turner & Hooch.

In the 90s he became well known for romantic comedies like Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, both of which he starred alongside Meg Ryan.

However, he went on to win two Oscars when he switched to more serious roles.

Tom won his first Academy Award for Philadelphia in 1994, and then for Forrest Gump the year after.

The star’s other big roles include Saving Private Ryan and Cast Away.

Despite being known as one of the kindest actors in Hollywood, fans will be surprised to hear that Mr Hanks previously admitted to being a diva on set.

He even compared himself to the stroppy character in his 2023 movie The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece.

Tom said: “I’ve had my tough days trying to be a professional when my life has been falling apart in more ways than one and the requirement for me that day is to be funny, charming and loving – and it’s the last way I feel.”

Away from the cameras, Tom is happily married to wife Rita Wilson, who he shares his son Truman with.