The UK beach has been slammed by holidaymakers in reviews
Bournemouth beach has been named among the most overrated(Image: Peter Dench/Getty Images)
Despite the UK’s renown for its picturesque coastal retreats, one of its famed beaches has unfortunately found itself on a global list for less than flattering reasons. Bournemouth Beach has been ranked among the world’s most overrated beaches, drawing criticism from both British and international tourists.
Cloudwards experts scrutinised TripAdvisor reviews for 200 of the globe’s most frequented beaches. They explained their methodology: “We used complaint-related keywords like ‘dirty’, ‘overcrowded’, ‘long queues’, ‘noise’, and ‘disruption’ to filter the reviews, then looked at how frequently they were applied to each beach to calculate an overall ‘complaint score.”
Bournemouth Beach, nestled in Dorset, landed in the top five of this less desirable ranking. The beach is known for its seven-mile stretch of sand, crystal clear waters, and striking cliffs. The beach even boasts its own micro-climate, offering some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK.
Whether you’re lounging on the sand, exploring the pier, savouring local cuisine, or engaging in water sports, there’s something for everyone throughout the year. However, this recent study has labelled the beach as “overrated”, reports the Express.
Bournemouth beach ranked fifth on the list(Image: (Image: Getty))
Bournemouth beach received a total complaint score of 65.1/100 (with 100 being the worst). The study revealed that 31.7% of reviews claimed the beach is dirty, 52.5% complained it is overcrowded, 10.2% grumbled about long queues, and 5.6% remarked on high noise levels.
However, Bournemouth Beach fared better than some US beaches, with Waikiki Beach in Hawaii earning a complaint score of 100/100, making it the “most complained-about beach worldwide”.
The expert’s assessment of Waikiki Beach highlighted overcrowding as the main issue (67.3% of complaints), followed by cleanliness concerns (15.9%), and to a lesser extent, long queues and noise.
According to TripAdvisor, Bournemouth beach boasts an average rating of 4.5 bubbles from over 9,000 reviewers. However, a glance at the comments reveals a less rosy picture, with the most recent review (June 2025) being decidedly negative.
Bournemouth Beach fared better than some US beaches
The disgruntled visitor wrote: “Dirty rundown, no pride in the area. Also got fined £100 for putting a cigarette on a planter full of buts, no bins, little jobsworth won’t be going again, nothing like it used to be.”
Another reviewer remarked: “Great beach, but some tourists are animals, leaving litter everywhere. I was helping out with beach clean for Marine Conservation for my daughter and as soon as the beach was done, it was covered in beer cans, plastic debris, vapes, and numerous wet wipes, broken glass, Cigarette ends everywhere.”
One visitor expressed their disappointment with Bournemouth’s main beach, noting the overcrowding issue. They commented: “We’ve been to Bournemouth many times and love the area in general but really disappointed with the main beach area on our last visit.
“We’d gone late afternoon, having spent the day at one of the smaller beaches (which was lovely), so I realise the beach and facilities will have taken a hammering over such a busy day, but it was smelly and dirty.”
The top 10 most overrated beaches in the world
Waikiki Beach received number one in the ranking(Image: (Image: Getty))
CHOC-lovers are fuming after Cadbury reduced the size of its Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks by a third.
New packs of four are being sold for £1.40, even though packs of six cost the same last month.
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Choc-lovers are fuming after Cadbury reduced the size of its Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks by a third
The change has been blasted by shoppers, including many parents who bought them as kids’ snacks.
One fumed on the Tesco website: “Advertised as new, only thing new is you get 4 instead of 6!! For the same price. Disgusting!”
A second said: “Stop reducing how much is in the packet and charging the same price!!!”
A third added: “Was a six pack now a four pack for the same price, a third less chocolate, unacceptable shrinkflation.”
Read More on SHRINKFLATION
It comes after Cadbury reduced packs of Freddos from five to four and Cadbury Dairy Milk multipacks were cut from nine bars to seven.
Cadbury said: “We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and any changes to our product sizes is a last resort for our business.
“However, as a food producer, we are continuing to experience significantly higher input costs across our supply chain, with ingredients such as cocoa and dairy, which are widely used in our products, costing far more than they have done previously.
“Meanwhile, other costs like energy and transport, also remain high. This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges
“As a result of this difficult environment, we have had to make the decision to slightly reduce the weight of our Cadbury Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks so that we can continue to provide consumers with the brands they love, without compromising on the great taste and quality they expect.”
Dan Coatsworth, analyst at the investment firm AJ Bell, explained: “The cost of producing chocolate has gone up a lot in recent years, driving up prices and prompting firms to make products smaller.
We’ve outdone ourselves with this one’ say Cadbury Ireland as they reveal new limited edition bar ‘coming soon
“When production costs rocket, companies only have a limited range of options.
“They can pass on the costs to the customer through higher prices, which is difficult with a product like chocolate where people are often looking for a cheap treat.
“Another option is to reduce the size of the product in order to reduce the manufacturing cost for each bar of chocolate. Or they can try a combination of the two.
“As a last resort, companies may have to tolerate lower profit margins, especially if consumers refuse to tolerate price rises and stop buying.”
The British Retail Consortium said global cocoa prices are around three times higher than in 2022, after being badly affected by poor harvests in parts of Africa.
Emmerdale’s April Windsor actress Amelia Flanagan told The Mirror at the British Soap Awards all about a return to the ITV soap, which had been announced by bosses a while back
Emmerdale’s April Windsor actress Amelia Flanagan told The Mirror at the British Soap Awards all about a return to the ITV soap(Image: WireImage)
One Emmerdale favourite’s return to the show could be imminent, with Amelia Flanagan who plays April Windsor spilling all.
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, the actress, who won the award for Best Young Performer at this year’s event, finally spoke out about the big news that a comeback was on the cards. The return had been announced by boss Laura Shaw months ago, but no details were given and no date was revealed either.
April star Amelia has spoken for the first time about the looming return of Dylan Penders, played by actor Fred Kettle. The character debuted earlier this year as part of the teen’s huge storyline that saw her living on the streets after running away from home.
Dylan ended up following April to the village but after an overdose, he went to rehab and appeared to leave the show. The character proved a hit with fans though, and bosses decided to bring him back.
It’s now thought he will cause trouble for April and will feature in a big storyline in the village. He appeared to be filming already too which means he could be back onscreen within weeks.
April star Amelia has spoken for the first time about the looming return of Dylan Penders(Image: WireImage)
Speaking to us about the return for the first some, Amelia shared she was thrilled and was excited to explore Dylan and April further. She also teased there was some “big” stuff ahead, while revealing all on growing up on the soap after more than 11 years in the role.
Amelia told us: “April has had an incredibly tough year with what she has been through, with the pregnancy and the homelessness storyline. April and Dylan didn’t leave things on the best terms, but I think what is important now is that he’s back.
“Who knows what will happen. It will be great to explore that relationship further, I think fans want to see that which is great.” Viewers have seen April having a tough time recently, struggling to adjust to life back in the village after the heartbreaking stillbirth if her daughter.
Her and her dad Marlon Dingle have been at each other’s throats for months, with Marlon struggling to get through to her and April trying to find her way. But there’s positive scenes ahead, with “big” storylines teased too.
Amelia told us: “I think hopefully the future is looking bright for all of them. They have been through so much with recent events. She’s been dealt a hard hand in life in the last year or so, and we’re gonna see more of April’s journey.
One Emmerdale favourite’s return to the show could be imminent(Image: ITV)
“She has been in the village for a long time now. She’s been growing as a person and it’s an incredible thing to explore with the show. I am excited for the bigger storylines to stick my teeth into.”
On her time on the show, she added: “I’ve been on the show for 11 and a half years now. It’s been a long time. With April’s journey, so much has happened, it’s important to remember what has led her to be the way she is now, as far back as Donna’s death. I think it’s brilliant exploring new things.”
Amelia also praised her co-star Mike Parr, who plays Ross Barton, for his support towards her. She said: “Ross is like a big brother to April and it’s very true to real life. I always say Mike is like a big brother. I love him to pieces, he’s incredible and we have the best time together. Hopefully we see more of them onscreen.”
A COASTAL town was treated to free chips with a twist – the chippy was powered by an electric car.
In the aptly named Kent town of Deal, National Fish and Chip Day was celebrated with 300 portions of chips given away, as well as a limited run of battered fish.
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The chippy was fronted by two electric cars and fronted by TikTok’s ‘Chip Shop Diva
But it wasn’t your ordinary chip shop, with the chippy being powered by two electric cars and fronted by TikTok’s ‘Chip Shop Diva’, Destiny Harold.
The Dacia Spring, which its makers say is the cheapest electric vehicle currently on the market, was the power behind the frying, in partnership with local chippy, The Blue Mermaid Fish Bar.
It comes after a poll of 2,000 adults found fish and chips is the most popular treat on a British holiday, as well as cream tea and hot doughnuts.
Others to feature in the top 20 list include Mr Whippy ice cream, Cornish pasties and mussels.
Quintessentially British foods, such as fish finger sandwiches, strawberries and cream and a pie and mash also featured in the ranking.
A spokesperson for car brand Dacia said: “It was fun treating passers-by today and showing the power of our electric car, Spring, using its vehicle to load technology, which allows you to power external devices off the car’s battery.
“It’s no surprise we have a national day dedicated to the iconic meal that is fish and chips and the study shows just how much we love it and associate it with holidays by the seaside.
“Playing on the phrase ‘cheap as chips’ in line with our affordable car and being in the appropriately named Deal, was a great way to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day.”
The research also found 41% of adults describe such foods as nostalgic, while 45% feel satisfied after eating them.
When ordering a classic fish and chips, cod (48%) and haddock (19%) were the most popular choices, but 69% simply order a portion of chips.
It also emerged 44% believe fish and chips is the ‘food of the people’ and 39% said class doesn’t impact how people eat it.
While 46% feel there is something nostalgic about eating the British staple with a wooden fork, which 33% typically do, although 38% opt to eat it by hand.
Food psychologist, James Cornish, said: “There are few things that unite the British public quite like fish and chips.
“Golden, salty, comforting, and steeped in history, this timeless dish is more than a meal – it’s a national treasure.
“Loved across generations, social classes, and regions, it’s one of those rare things that truly brings us together.
“There’s a certain kind of magic in fish and chips – a simple meal that somehow carries the weight of memory, comfort, and delight.
“Maybe it’s because we don’t expect too much from humble food, but our delight is excelled through the delivering of more than we expected.”
BRITS TOP 20 UK HOLIDAY TREATS
1. Fish and chips 2. Mr. Whippy ice cream 3. Cream tea 4. Ice lolly 5. Hot doughnuts 6. Cornish pasty 7. Strawberries and cream 8. Chip butty 9. Fudge 10. Battered sausage 11. Candy floss 12. Pie and mash 13. Stick of rock 14. Crab sandwich 15. Fish finger sandwich 16. Mussels 17. Cockles 18. Lobster roll 19. Pickled egg 20. Crab sticks
TESCO has axed a popular product, leaving customers devastated.
Its store brand southern fried chicken instant flavour noodles has now permanently disappeared from supermarket shelves.
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Tesco shoppers have been wondering where the popular snack had goneCredit: REDDIT
The snack, which can be made with boiling water, was a fan favourite with shoppers.
It cost around 50p and was available in store and online.
Confused customers have taken to social media to find out where the popular snack had gone.
Writing in a Reddit thread one shopper said: “These are my go to quick food and my local Tesco has none on the shelf and they’ve disappeared off of the website too.
“I’ll be gutted if they’ve discontinued them.”
Another fan replied: “Probably, if you liked them, these stores always stop what people like!
The Sun reached out to Tesco to find out what happened to the savoury snack
The supermarket confirmed the product was no more, adding that it had been replaced with a Chicken flavour that customers could buy.
The news will come as a blow to customers who in the past said it was the only noodles they “enjoy” to eat.
Some customers said Super Noodles make a similar product for a quid, but the upset shopper said they were too dear.
I’m 5’3 and a size 10 – Tesco is killing it with their summer co-ords, my haul was amazing & I got 25% off everything too
Another said Pot Noodles lost the pot chicken champion, could be an alternative and also costs 50p.
It’s not the first time that Tesco has axed a popular product.
Shoppers were heartbroken when Tesco cut its own-brand tomato and basil soup from its chilled range.
Tesco stated that it adjusts its soup range throughout the year to reflect seasonal demand.
The supermarket will expand its offering again in the autumn.
Tesco is not the only supermarket that has shaken up what it sells in stores.
Asda also recently confirmed it has discontinued its store-brand Creamy Peppercorn Sauce.
The Sun revealed that Alpen cereal bars have permanently disappeared from supermarket shelves.
The snack, usually topped with chocolate or yogurt, has been a staple in many Brits kitchen cupboards since the early noughties.
Alpen bars were also loved by many watching what they eat or following a Slimming World or Weight Watchers diet plan, as the treat was low in calories.
Alpen’s entire cereal bar range, which includes Alpen Light and Alpen Delight has been discontinued.
However shoppers can continue to buy it’s range of muesli, which costs around £3 from major supermarkets.
The water off the shore of Playa Dorada in the resort town of Playa Blanca was judged to be too contaminated for people to swim, with officials forbidding people from entering the water
Swimming off the beach is now forbidden(Image: Getty Images)
A beach in Lanzarote has been closed to swimmers over fears they could fall ill.
Official carried out tests on the water quality off the shore of Playa Dorada in the resort town of Playa Blanca. They discovered that the water had microbiological contamination, leading the public health body to make a health alert and shut the beach on Tuesday.
Water samples taken on Monday showed signs of pollution, prompting Yaiza Town Council to impose a temporary ban on bathing, Canarian Weekly reported. Further investigations will now be carried out in a bid to work out the cause of the contamination.
La Voz reported that the contaminant was Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, and streptococcus bacteria. E. coli bacteria are most commonly present in the intestines of animals and humans, while streptococcus can cause various infections in humans.
Yaiza recommends residents and tourists enjoy other beaches, such as those located in the Los Ajaches Natural Monument, known as Papagayo Beach; Playa Flamingo; or even the small beach in Playa Blanca.
The beach will only reopen once tests confirm the water is safe for swimming.
Dead rats were seen bobbing around in the sea(Image: SOLARPIX.COM)
Playa Dorada is far from the only beach in Spain that has had issues with water contamination in recent weeks.
Last month, sunseekers were left horrified when dozens of dead rats ended up floating in the sea. Following a heavy downpour, the bloated rodents began to bob off a beach in Spain’s Costa Blanca. The overburdened local sewage system has been blamed for the disgusting scenes facing beachgoers near Alicante’s Coco and Urbanova beaches.
Rats were pictured lying dead on the sand at Urbanova beach, three miles south of Alicante City Centre. Others were filmed floating lifeless in the water. Dead rats were also spotted near the sailing school at Alicante’s Real Club de Regatas.
The ugly scenes provoked the anger of an opposition councillor for the popular holiday resort, who worries that mixing tourists and dead rats is not a good idea. Trini Amoros, deputy spokesperson for Alicante City Council’s socialist group, said: “Alicante cannot allow rats floating off our beaches.”
A week later, the sea off a popular Costa del Sol holiday resort turned an alarming brown colour, leaving tourists aghast.
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Council officials quickly raised a yellow flag as a warning to sunbathers as the large brown blotch spread across the water. The bizarre incident occurred around midday at a stretch of beach in Benalmadena, near two hotels – the Globales Los Patos Park Hotel and Hotel Spa Benalmadena Palace.
Council chiefs said that the yellow warning flags had been raised when the sea started turning brown, attributing the discolouration to a broken water pipe and assuring the public that there was no danger to public health.
Mersea Island, located in Essex, is a popular destination for holidays and family days out – but many visitors may miss out on the ‘hidden gems’ of the East side
06:00, 01 Jun 2025Updated 12:37, 01 Jun 2025
Mersea Island is located to the east of Colchester in north Essex(Image: Anna Willis)
Mersea Island, with its rich history, tranquil ambience and stunning views, is a favourite spot for holidays and family outings. Despite its small size, housing around 7,000 residents, visitors are often spoilt for choice on which part to explore.
The island is divided into East and West, with the latter traditionally attracting more tourists due to its well-developed infrastructure, including a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. However, those in search of ‘hidden gems’ and willing to venture off the beaten path will find East Mersea a delight.
The stunning shoreline at West Mersea on Mersea Island(Image: Getty Images)
Located at the easternmost tip of the island, further from the mainland and the main road linking Mersea to the Essex coast, it feels more secluded.
This remoteness can make East Mersea seem less accessible than West Mersea, which is nearer to the causeway. But its limited amenities make it an attractive destination for those seeking a more secluded, nature-centric experience.
It’s home to Cudmore Grove Country Park, offering beach visits, wildlife spotting, and walking trails, reports Essex Live. East Mersea Flat Nature is a hit among adventurous walkers and explorers. Mind your step, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenes.
Additionally, East Mersea boasts the Essex Outdoors activity centre and the Mersea Island Vineyard, adding to its appeal.
Beautiful and multicoloured huts in Mersea(Image: Getty Images)
Mersea Boating Lake, nestled on the East side, is a hit with families. Lauren H shared her delightful experience on TripAdvisor this month: “We had an amazing day out.
“The staff are sooo friendly and helpful. Great fun! Thank you. We will be back…hopefully when the sun is shining.”
Dining options on the East side aren’t lacklustre either, with The Dog and Pheasant East Mersea, Mersea Barns Shop and Café Restaurant, and Starkfood beckoning patrons with their culinary delights.
Brighton Beach has been a firm favourite with Brits looking for classic sea, sun and sand, thanks to its bustling pier, long promenade and easy access to restaurants, bars and shops
Brighton beach is rated as one of the world’s best(Image: Getty Images)
The UK is brimming with stunning beaches that could give the Caribbean a run for its money, but one seaside gem stands out not only for its natural beauty but also for its wealth of attractions and cultural offerings, making it an ideal spot for Brits planning a staycation.
Brighton Beach has long been a favourite among Brits seeking the classic combination of sea, sun and sand, thanks to its lively pier, extensive promenade, ample beach space and the convenience of having restaurants, bars and shops just a stone’s throw away.
The city itself boasts a plethora of must-visit spots including the magnificent Royal Pavilion, the Lanes where you’ll discover unique boutiques and bars, and family-friendly locations like SEA Life Brighton.
The beach is popular with both locals and tourists, lined with cafes, fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours. Plus, you can hire loungers to bask in the sunshine or take a dip in the swim-friendly waters.
It’s so picturesque that it’s been bestowed with a ‘Golden Beach Award’ by the folks at BeachAtlas, although it’s worth mentioning that the main beach is pebbled, not sandy.
The team’s rankings are based not just on a beach’s beauty but a number of factors including the local community, lifestyle offerings and cultural significance.
The team shared: “Brighton Beach, a picturesque five-kilometre stretch along England’s southern coast, offers breathtaking views of the English Channel and is a cultural symbol of the UK.
Brighton beach buzzes with activity – especially during summer(Image: Getty Images)
Nestled on Brighton’s lively seafront, this beach is a famed retreat for Londoners in search of a seaside break. Furthermore, Brighton is renowned for its inclusive and diverse community, notably housing one of the largest LGBT communities in the UK.
Frequently dubbed as the “gay capital” of the country, Brighton’s rich LGBT history dates back to the early 19th century, contributing to the city’s reputation as a welcoming and progressive seaside resort.”
On Tripadvisor, some visitors have cautioned that due to the beach’s popularity, it can become quite packed on sunny days, and seaweed can be a problem in the waters during spring.
However, generally, holidaymakers have been left awestruck by the iconic coastal spot. One satisfied holidaymaker wrote: “Lovely walk along the beach. There are pebbles and stones, no sand. Nice and clean. Some shops along the actual seafront too which is nice. One of my favourite UK beaches.”
Another person commented: “It’s a lovely walk along the beach and the board walk. However, the fantastic Victorian benches, shelters and the mid level walk all look very run down and decrepit – which is a shame.
“It’s fun to walk to black rock and the marina and then walk back on the top road and admire the magnificent houses. You can do all of this with a dog but please note the pier does not allow dogs..”
However, the change strangely didn’t include an option to upgrade for those wanting to avoid the ads.
But thanks to a new update, Sky customers can now choose an ad-free option instead.
What’s more, customers get money off compared to subscribing directly to Paramount+.
“Finally no ads so I can get back to watching South Park and Nobland with no interuptions!” one viewer wrote on Sky’s forum.
“This is good news,” another commented.
Sky customers can subscribe to Paramount+ standard – which has no ads – for £3 extra per month.
Usually, the standard plan costs £7.99 per month.
For those who want 4K quality as well as a screen allowance boost and no ads, it’s £6 extra.
You’re throwing away money on Netflix – I found three common mistakes sending your bill soaring but the fixes are easy
That’s instead of the £10.99 you would have to pay for it directly.
Sky Cinema costs £10 per month and comes with two free cinema tickets for Vue Cinemas each month.
PARAMOUNT+ PRICES AND PERKS
In November, Paramount+ announced a new pricing structure.
Before then, there was just one standard plan costing £7.99.
Since November, there have been three.
The cheapest is £4.99 with ads, the ability to watch on one device at a time and only full HD quality – you also don’t have the privilege to download shows offline.
Paramount+’s new standard plan is £6.99 per month, allowing up to two concurrent streams in full HD and you can download content to watch on the go.
The premium plan is £10.99 per month, with up to four devices allowed to watch at the same time, as well as 4K UHD, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on selected titles.
The town, which has been dubbed the Pearl of Dorset, is a popular holiday destination throughout the year – but some locals say it has become too busy and expensive
Chris Ford owns The Old Forge Fossil Shop(Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Lyme Regis, often described as the ‘Pearl of Dorset‘, is grappling with the issue of overtourism, leaving a sour taste for some local residents at peak holiday times. While Spanish coastal towns are facing heated protests over the mass influx of sun-seeking Brits, discontent is simmering in this picturesque UK town.
As a prime spot with stunning views over the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyme Regis attracts throngs of visitors to its quaint streets lined with thriving independent shops and tasty little cafes and eateries. Yet, despite the obvious charms and a clear love for the town, locals can’t help but feel the pressure from the surge of visitors.
Union Jacks flutter above Broad Street’s decline, screen-printing the sky with vibrant bursts of colour as people enjoyed their time outside the local haunts. But beneath this idyllic surface, there’s a brewing frustration among residents.
Local Chris Irving, 72, whose home lies just a stone’s throw from the town centre, reflected on his weekly visits: “It’s a lovely place but there should be some more ordinary shops – butchers, greengrocers and things like that. I feel sorry for the locals a bit really.”
Without skipping a beat, when asked whether overtourism is taking a toll on Lyme Regis, Chris said: “Yeah there’s too many people. We pick our days. We don’t come in on bank holidays, as a rule, and some weekends we avoid it as it’s too crowded.”
Lyme Regis is hailed as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’(Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
During the peak season, Lyme Regis sees its population soar from 4,000 to an estimated 20,000, with day-trippers flocking in on bank holidays and weekends, leading to severe traffic jams and parking woes, reports the Express.
The closest railway station is Axminster, situated about six miles away, after Lyme Regis lost its own station on November 29, 1965, following the Beeching Report which led to the axing of many miles of railway deemed unprofitable.
Chris refers to car parking as a “delicate issue” while Matthew Blueberry, who runs the Blueberry shop on Broad Street, laments that parking turns into a “nightmare” when summer crowds descend upon the town.
“It’s a small town and people like the independent shops,” he says. “It can get too busy in the summer. The parking is a nightmare – it’s too expensive.”
Lyme Regis boasts a combination of town council-run and privately owned car parks, with hourly rates ranging from £1.50 to £1.90, alongside options for longer stays.
Yet, according to Matthew, these car parks simply can’t cope with the tourist influx during the high season. The 25 year old points out: “Most people drive in but they can’t find parking. They then go ‘oh I’m going to go somewhere else’. We then lose potential business.
Chris Irving says he avoids the town centre on bank holidays and weekends(Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
“The main car park is expensive and getting a spot on the road only lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. People also caravan or camp down here, which brings a lot of people in. But overall the town needs to do a lot more to help us out.”
John Smith, who manages Primary Colours in the town centre, says the summer holidays are “chokka” in Lyme Regis. He also agrees parking is a big issue in the town and said local bus services could be more efficient.
The 60 year old says: “There are buses but, like everything else, they’re not as good as they could be. Most people just drive in.
“It would be lovely if people came without their cars as parking is a big issue in town. There is a park and ride though which operates in the summer. But in the summer holidays the town is just chokka. It can get too busy at times.”
Lyme Regis Town Council says it has invested in public transport and parking facilities in a bid to relieve the stress of overtourism. According to its website, this includes bus services, a park and ride service and the creation of electric vehicle charging points.
Residents and visitors of the charming coastal town of Lyme Regis are voicing their sentiments about living in and visiting what’s often described as a quaint, old-fashioned British seaside resort.
John Smith says the town gets ‘chokka’ in the summer(Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Mr Smith, a local, described his home with fondness: “It’s a quaint, old-fashioned and traditional British seaside resort,” he noted.
“It’s also a great place to visit out of season for the grandparents and older people. We’re so lucky to live here.”
Margaret Quinlan, a frequent visitor from Bedfordshire, expressed her feelings about the bustling nature of Lyme Regis: “It’s a lovely place but it does get very busy. It’s not that busy today luckily so we can just walk around. We try and come down when it’s a bit quieter.”
She went on to add concerns about accessibility: “As we’re getting older, it’s not easy to access now. Luckily our flat is the other end of the town so we don’t have to use the main car park which always gets full.”
When discussing the transport links, she mentioned: “Yeah being able to get a train would make it easier.” Reflecting on past visits she said: “We’ve been coming for 20 years and have never been able to get a train in.
“If there was a train station we’d definitely consider getting one. We’re thinking about getting the bus up the hill which would save us a big walk.”
Chris Ford, who runs The Old Forge Fossil Shop on Broad Street, touched on the economic benefits of the town’s popularity: “I’m not going to complain about how busy it gets. It makes the town a great place all year round. It’s a very friendly place to visit for families,” he asserted.
Chris, a local resident, has expressed his scepticism about the feasibility of adding a train station to attract more visitors to the town. He said: “People don’t use the trains to come this far down. We’re three hours from London and people can’t get across the country or even from Bath. So a lot of people are driving or come to caravan parks.”
He further added: “I’m sure (a train station) would bring more people down but it’s getting the trains down into the valley from Axminster.
“I know there’s a track but there’s a big viaduct they’ve got to get across. And, it hasn’t been well maintained over the years.”
Lyme Regis Town Council has acknowledged the town’s heavy reliance on tourism. They stated that “it must strike a reasonable balance between responsible tourism and protecting the environment”.
The council also highlighted the various sustainable travel options available to and around the town. They said: “There are many ways to travel sustainably to and around the town, helping to limit the impact on our local environment.
“Lyme Regis is accessible by rail, coach, road, air and sea and we would encourage, where possible, use of public transport to help reduce carbon emissions, air pollution and congestion on roads.”
They further added: “Lyme Regis is a small town and most places are easy to get to on foot or by bike. Many of the streets in the town are narrow and were not originally built for modern vehicles so congestion is an issue and parking can be a challenge.
“A park and ride operates on the outskirts of the town during the peak season and is an ideal way to take the hassle out of your visit, while also reducing the amount of vehicles and congestion in the town centre.
“The 71 town bus is a convenient way to get around town, stopping off in residential areas, in the town centre and near the medical centre.
“Operated by Damory, the service runs from just after 9am until just after 2pm, Mondays to Fridays, except bank holidays.”
You may think you are safe in a tourist hotspot like Barcelona
Holiday season is almost in full swing with just weeks until we hit the peak summer travel window, and millions of people will head from the UK to familiar locations in the sun. Each year we make more than 55million holiday trips abroad, with places like Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Portugal topping the list of destinations.
People from the UK usually travel to familiar locations, believing they will be safe from crime and disease, while shunning places they think may be more ‘trouble’. But travel experts have warned some of the most familiar spots are actually the most dangerous – where you are most likely to experience things like becoming a victim of crime.
Those destinations include familiar favourites such as Spain, France, Italy and Turkey.
France is renowned for crime such as pickpocketing
Diana Peng from Just Wanderlust said: “Places that are regarded as safe but aren’t include popular places such as Paris and Barcelona. I’ve heard so many horror stories from travelers to those cities and I’ve also been the target of crime in those cities – it is rampant and yet, it’s barely discussed.
“Groups of pickpockets and scammers frequently work the tourist crowds in these popular cities. They are also easy targets: preoccupied, lost, or trying to get photos more so than paying attention to their surroundings.”
Patrick Farrell of Viceroy Bali added: “Regions like Cancun and Acapulco in Mexico make me think they are safe, when in fact, they are not. I have received clients who booked luxury wellness retreats there, only for them to experience unforeseen safety concerns outside the resort areas.
“Furthermore, cities like Paris and Barcelona are pretty in their own right, but they do pose some level of safety concern. The two cities have a high risk of pickpocketing and scamming tourists. My advice always is to look at government-issued travel advisories, and talking to someone who knows the city is very useful.”
Ross Thompson at Covac Global said: “Places like Naples, Italy and Tokyo, Japan sit on massive seismic and geologic risks. Naples sits near Mt Vesuvius which is an active volcano that last erupted in 1944. While it’s closely monitored it sits near a highly dense population and is closely monitored for a reason.
Barcelona in Spain, the most popular country for UK holidaymakers
“Tokyo sits on a major seismic zone where an earthquake or tsunami can strike not only Tokyo but many other highly visited Japanese cities without warning causing massive destruction.”
He added: “Hidden risks can manifest politically, even if they say it is welcoming to Western tourists, they may have less noted political or civil strife either internally or externally. Think about the attempted coup in Turkey in 2016 where the opposition actually seized airports, bridges and media entities and both tanks and fighter jets filled the cities and skies.”
Ross also warned about ‘kidnapping in Mexico’s most popular cities’ and the risk of illness in Western Africa, Thailand and Brazil.
He highlighted Bali in Indonesia as a particular risk – surrounded by active volcanoes, at threat of political upheaval and home to ‘a host of exotic diseases including Dengue Fever, Malaria and Typhoid’
He said: “And when disaster does strike – you’re on an island and you and everyone else wants out.”
Christian Petzold, travel expert at BCN Travel, said: “Mexico is the proverbial example. Cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are tourist havens: splendour and creation in concert. Yet, in the past few years, intermittent conflicts of criminal gangs have touched even these sanctuaries of tourism, some directly in the proximity of tourist zones.”
Thailand brings risks of crime, political problems and disease in some areas
He added: “Paris, on the other hand, although arguably one of the most visited cities, is known for petty crimes around Gare du Nord, Montmartre, and near the Eiffel Tower. Pickpocketing is almost a fine art there, whereas protests and strikes disrupt transport and city services with unpredictability. I always recommend guests carry crossbody bags, beware of strangers who get too friendly too fast, and keep eyes and ears open for local news updates.
“Rome has a similar ambience. Whereas it is rich in history and culture, Termini Station and some venues near the Vatican attract scams and thefts: from fake helpful locals to those touting friendship bracelets or petitions, the usual distraction-and-robbery routine.
“Thailand poses a curious case. Generally safe and world-renowned for hospitality, guests should be wary of certain transportation modes, especially tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis, which are often unregulated. Some islands like Koh Tao have been in the spotlight due to a string of deaths of tourists that went unsolved amidst rumblings of local corruption. When it comes to political differences in Bangkok, protests tend to escalate relatively quickly, thereby promptly throwing an alienated tourist into the midst of demonstrations.”
How to stay safe on a foreign holiday
Staying safe on a foreign holiday involves a mix of preparation, awareness, and common sense. Here’s the best advice broken down into key areas:
Before You Go
Research the Destination Check travel advice from the UK Foreign Office: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Understand local laws, customs, and any safety concerns (crime, weather, political instability, etc.).
Get Travel Insurance Make sure it covers health emergencies, cancellations, theft, and adventure activities if applicable.
Copies of Important Documents Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, travel insurance, visa, and emergency contacts.
While You’re There
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded places (tourist hotspots, public transport).
Protect Your Valuables Use a money belt or hidden pouch. Leave expensive jewellery and unnecessary tech at home or in a safe.
Use Reliable Transport Use official taxis, ride apps (e.g., Uber), or public transport where safe. Don’t hitchhike.
Be Cautious with Alcohol Drink in moderation and never leave drinks unattended. Avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
Local Laws and Etiquette Respect dress codes, especially in religious or conservative areas. Know what’s illegal – e.g., vaping in Thailand, chewing gum in Singapore.
Health & Emergency
Know Emergency Numbers Not all countries use 112 or 999. Look up the local emergency number.
Medications Bring enough prescribed medication with a copy of your prescription. Check if your medication is legal in your destination country.
Vaccinations & Health Risks Visit a travel clinic for any necessary jabs or malaria tablets.
Avoid Unsafe Food/Water In higher-risk areas, stick to bottled water and avoid street food that isn’t freshly cooked.
Tech & Communication
Stay Connected Get a local SIM or roaming plan. Share your itinerary and daily check-ins with someone back home.
Billie Piper’s drama Secret Diary of a Call Girl is leaving Netflix and fans only have a few days left to watch the sexy drama.
Netflix fans only a short time left to enjoy a Billie Piper drama before it’s permanently removed from the streaming giant’s vast catalogue of shows.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl first graced our screens in 2007, airing on Showtime and ITV2, with actress Billie Piper taking the lead role just a year after her departure from Doctor Who as Rose Tyler.
Piper portrayed Hannah Baxter, a woman leading a double life as a prostitute named Belle, a secret kept from her family and friends until her personal and professional worlds collide.
The drama enjoyed a successful four-season run before being cancelled, and in mid-June 2024, Secret Diary of a Call Girl was added to Netflix in its entirety.
Regrettably, its tenure on the streaming platform is coming to an abrupt end, with Piper’s risqué drama set to depart next week.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl stars Crazy Rich Asians actress Gemma Chan and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again actress Lily James.(Image: SHOWTIME/ITV)
Secret Diary of a Call Girl will be removed from Netflix on Thursday, May 29, leaving less than a week for viewers to binge-watch the series before it disappears for good.
The series boasts a star-studded cast featuring big names early in their careers, such as Baby Driver and Mamma Mia star Lily James and Crazy Rich Asians’ Gemma Chan.
Other recognisable faces include Revenge actress Ashley Madekwe, Excalibur star Cherie Lunghi, and Agent Carter actor James D’Arcy.
Fortunately, there’s an alternative for fans wishing to continue watching the popular series once it leaves Netflix.
All four seasons of Secret Diary of a Call Girl can also be streamed for free via ITV’s streaming service, ITVX.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl, consisting of four seasons, will be taken off Netflix on Thursday, May 29.(Image: SHOWTIME/ITV)
Reddit users have been expressing their fondness for the series, with one fan posting: “I watched it years ago on TV and loved it.
“It was fascinating to see inside the life of a call girl. Billie Piper was great!”
Another fan echoed the sentiment, highlighting the star’s performance: “It had Billie Piper and was my reason to watch it back in the day.”
Someone else reminisced: “This was a very educational series when I was a teenager.
“The fact we had a character break the fourth wall and talk to us while she performed was very interesting.”
Secret Diary of a Call Girl is leaving Netflix UK on Thursday, May 29.
Science and technology ministry accuses messaging app of not cooperating in combating alleged crimes committed by users in Vietnam.
Vietnam has ordered the country’s telecommunication service providers to block the messaging app Telegram for not cooperating in combating alleged crimes committed by users of the platform, in a move that Telegram said was surprising.
A report on the government’s news portal on Friday said Vietnam’s telecommunications department at the Ministry of Science and Technology sent letters to internet service providers warning that there were “signs of law violation” on Telegram.
The ministry said internet service providers should “deploy solutions and measures to prevent Telegram’s activities in Vietnam”.
The letter dated May 21 ordered the providers to take measures against Telegram and report back to the ministry by June 2.
Almost 70 percent of 9,600 channels on Telegram in Vietnam contain “poisonous and bad information”, the government said in its report on the app, quoting police. Groups and associations on Telegram, involving tens of thousands of people, had disseminated “antistate documents” and were involved in “reactionary activities”, the government added.
The government also claimed that some groups on Telegram also used the app to sell users’ data, and were involved in drug trafficking or had “terrorist” links.
Vietnam’s hardline administration generally moves swiftly to stamp out dissent and arrest critics, especially those who find an audience on social media.
New rules came into force in Vietnam last year that required platforms such as Facebook and TikTok to verify user identities and hand over data to authorities, in what critics described as the latest attack on freedom of expression in the communist-ruled country.
In a statement to the Reuters news agency, a representative of Telegram said the company was “surprised” by the Vietnamese government’s move.
“We have responded to legal requests from Vietnam on time. The deadline for the response is May 27, and we are processing the request,” the Telegram representative said.
An official at Vietnam’s Science and Technology Ministry told the Reuters news agency that the decision followed Telegram’s failure to share user data with the government as part of criminal investigations.
Telegram was still available in Vietnam as of Friday.
According to the Data Report website, there were 79.8 million individuals using the internet in Vietnam at the start of 2025, and according to the data extraction company SOAX, there were 11.8 million Telegram users.
With close to one billion users worldwide, Telegram has been involved in controversies across the world related to security and data breach concerns.
Telegram’s Russian-born founder and chief executive, Pavel Durov, was detained at a Paris airport and later charged with several counts of failing to curb extremist and “terrorist” content on the app. He reportedly remains in France and is unable to leave without authorisation from authorities.
As concern around over-tourism continues to spread across Spain, local authorities in the Balearics deployed a rather unusual strategy – which it now admits massively backfired
The Balearic government has admitted its plan to stop over-tourism has backfired(Image: Getty Images)
The Spanish government has suddenly u-turned on a pro-tourism policy following major backlash. Local authorities in the Balearics (which include the postcard-worthy islands of Majorca, Menorca, and Ibiza) had recently revealed plans to alleviate the strain on popular hotspots by making use of selfie-addicted influencers.
The rather unusual strategy pushed those with a huge social media following to start plugging attractions in the Balearics that have failed to enter the tourist limelight. However, it seems the power these Instagram and TikTok pros have should not be undermined, as the plan worked. In fact, it worked too well…
Take Caló des Moro, for example, an incredible bay tucked away in the southeast corner of Majorca. This idyllic slice of paradise feels worlds away from the bustling streets of Magaluf – boasting 40 metres of sugar-like sand, turquoise waters, and rugged cliffs. For years, it remained a true hidden gem, with travellers often being able to enjoy the spot to themselves if they were willing to get there early.
The cove was once a true hidden gem – until influencers started promoting it(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The cove can accommodate around 100 people, before it would start to feel like you’re being sardined next to a stranger on the beach. But, after a slew of influencers started raving about the destination – an insufferable amount of tourists were flocking their en masse.
The Guardian reports that last June, María Pons, the local mayor, held a press conference saying that a whopping 4,000 people and 1,200 vehicles were visiting Caló des Moro every single day. She reportedly begged travel tour operators to not mention the cove again, or offer Brits excursions to the hotspot.
“It’s had the completely opposite effect to what was intended and runs contrary to government policy on containing tourism,” a government spokesperson added. Local authorities have since scrubbed all images of Caló des Moro from their official website, hoping the hype will eventually die down.
The beach has become oversaturated with tourists following the government’s questionable influencer strategy(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
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The influencer-driven boom won’t have been well received by fed-up locals, who blame tourists for the country’s worsening housing crisis. In fact, just last weekend – thousands of frustrated residents flocked to the streets to call for major reform, armed with banners ordering Brits to ‘go home’.
The u-turn comes amid rising anti-tourist rhetoric across Spain(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
As anti-tourist sentiment gets louder and louder – Spain’s crackdowns become harsher, even if it puts Brits out of pocket. Earlier this week, the government sensationally ordered Airbnb to remove more than 65,000 holiday listings from its website – a move that could spike hotel prices and reduce accommodation availability during the upcoming summer.
An estimated 65,935 Airbnb properties will be delisted for breaking strict regulation rules. This could be because owners failed to include their licence number, didn’t specify whether they were running as an individual or a company, or because their listed numbers did not match official records.
But, Fury has started to tease a comeback with glimpses of his return to training while the success of his series could factor into his decision to fight again.
Netflix bosses will be keen to centre a series around Fury’s preparation for what would be the nation’s biggest-ever fight.
And with the streaming service now in the boxing business – they could even make a play to broadcast the mega-bout.
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul had 100 MILLION watch his fight in November with Mike Tyson – who controversially made a return aged 58.
The stream crashed amid the demand and Netflix also home to Katie Taylor’s July 11 trilogy against Amanda Serrano.
Eddie Hearn teases Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury in 2025?! + Allen KOs Fisher | Split Decision | Sun Sport
Joshua, 35, and Fury, 36, are both exclusive to DAZN per the deals their promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren signed.
But DAZN gave permission for Irish star Taylor, 38, to rematch and beat Serrano, 36, on Paul’s undercard.
It would take quite some convincing for DAZN to allow a similar pass for AJ and Fury but the streaming giants are making an aggressive push in live sports.
They have exclusive UK rights to the WWE and Monday Night Raw in America while also pushing to take over UFC coverage from ESPN.
White unspoilt sand, almost deserted coastlines and gripping flora and fauna gives this cove a ‘secluded’ feel in the Canary Islands, away from the maddening throngs of tourists
Thousands of travellers will be heading to the crystal waters of the Canaries this summer(Image: Getty Images)
Thousands of Brits will be heading to the crystal waters of the Canaries this summer to admire the area’s stunning coastline and temperate climate.
The best part? Apart from the popular hotspots that everyone and their mother knows, the archipelago also has several secret spots that are situated away from the maddening throngs of tourists, just waiting to be explored. One such hidden gem with unspoilt sands, almost deserted coastlines, and a ‘secluded’ feel is Lanzarote’s Playa de Papagayo.
Playa de Papagayo belongs to a set of six beaches that make up the Los Ajaches Natural Monument(Image: Getty Images)
Due to its location deep inside a nature reserve — which makes it even more exciting to discover — this ‘secret cove’ of white sand with its unique flora and fauna will make travellers feel like they’re in their own personal paradise.
Away from the noise of large resorts and crowded beaches, Playa de Papagayo offers the perfect respite. However, before heading out in search of this cove, it’s important to make sure you’re carrying the necessary equipment: comfortable walking shoes to traverse the rocky patches, water, food, and sunscreen, as well as any essential beach accessories you may require. Since hidden locations are usually not well equipped with sun loungers and too many cafés or restaurants, it’s vital to ensure your own comfort.
In the south of Lanzarote lie the Papagayo beaches, widely recognised as the most beautiful in Lanzarote. There are a set of six beaches in total at Papagayo, and Playa de Papagayo belongs to that set. Together, they make up the Los Ajaches Natural Monument.
The Papagayo beaches lie at the southern tip of Lanzarote(Image: Getty Images)
Playa de Papagayo is situated in a secluded gully, so one has to go down some steps (offering spectacular views of the beach) to get there. And while Playa de Papagayo is the most well-known in the region, it is surrounded by several uncrowded coves and caves on either side.
Located in a wild area on the southern tip, Playa de Papagayo is nature’s paradise. Access to the beach is either via a bumpy track (cars can be parked at one of the nearby parking lots for £2.5), on foot, or by boat.
Shaped like a shell and situated in a hollow, Playa de Papagayo is extremely well sheltered from Lanzarote’s prevailing winds and will win you over with its pristine, soft sand and crystal clear, emerald green water — perfect for snorkelling and laid-back marine adventures. Ensure that you’re carrying snorkeling goggles or any other necessary equipment in order to enjoy your time to the hilt.
Due to its local popularity, Playa de Papagayo has a couple of beach bar restaurants perched on the hillside overlooking it, giving travellers the opportunity to grab something to eat, drink, and get some respite from the sun.
Shaped like a shell and situated in a hollow, Playa de Papagayo is extremely well sheltered from Lanzarote’s prevailing winds(Image: Getty Images)
Leaving the beach without seeing the gorgeous sunset would be a travesty, so make sure to stick around and catch the magical moment.
Tripadvisor reviews warns Playa de Papagayo can get quite packed during the peak summer months of June, July, and August, however it’s still recommended for its breathtaking scenery and opportunities for snorkelling and swimming. But there’s more to Papagayo than just lounging on the beach. The surrounding area boasts hiking trails that offer awe-inspiring views of Lanzarote’s unique volcanic landscapes.
Just a short drive away, the charming town of Playa Blanca beckons visitors to browse its quaint shops and indulge in tasty cuisine at local restaurants.
Lanzarote is conveniently accessible from the UK, with nonstop flights available from numerous airports. It takes roughly four hours to reach this sun-drenched destination, so you know where to head next.
Coronation Street and Emmerdale fans are in for a treat as ITV have announced a special crossover episode between the two popular soaps – with some iconic characters expected to return
23:34, 14 May 2025Updated 23:56, 14 May 2025
Denise in her first soap role as Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street in the 90s(Image: Granada TV)
The Loose Women star is now 13/8 to walk the cobbles, a fall which comes just as ITV has announced a special crossover episode of its two soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Chatter among fans on social media includes hopes favourite characters will return – but ITV has kept tight-lipped about who will star in the episode.
It is understood, though, one character – potentially past or present – from each drama will meet face to face. Although Carla Connor from Corrie and Charity Dingle from Emmerdale are currently the favourites (11/8) to meet face to face, odds suggest Denise’s character Natalie Barnes may be in the running.
But Carla’s potential meeting with Kim Tate (Claire King) is placed at (2/1). Could there be a business deal brewing between Yorkshire and Manchester?
Denise appeared in Emmerdale as Heidi late last year, and is also known for appearing as Alison Slater in Eastenders(Image: BBC)
It seems that the Cobbles might witness the return of Loose Women star Denise Welch (13/8) for this crossover event. Denise played Natalie in Corrie between 1997 and 2000, and made an appearance in Emmerdale as a juror named Heidi late last year.
James Leyfield, Entertainment expert at Gambling.com, suggests another popular pairing could see Corrie’s Kirk Sutherland (Andy Whyment) and Dales legend Sam Dingle (James Hooton) team up, with odds of 6/4 for them to meet, reports the Daily Record.
Denise also played Alison Slater in EastEnders back in 2016. She’s also well-known for her role as Steph Haydock in the BBC school drama Waterloo Road, a role she is set to reprise this year in a reboot.
ITV chiefs have yet to reveal how fans will vote for which two characters, one from each soap, they would like to see interact in the crossover episode. One of the most anticipated pairings between Corrie and Emmerdale is Corrie’s Carla Connor, portrayed by Alison King, and Emmerdale’s Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins.
It would be a delightful nod to soap history if Ken Barlow, played by Bill Roache, were to share a scene with Emmerdale stalwart Eric Pollard, portrayed by Chris Chittell There are odds of 5/2 for the duo to join forces, but it’s nearly as probable for Corrie and Emmerdale’s villains to share a scene. Gary Windass, played by Mikey North, and Cain Dingle, portrayed by Jeff Hordley, have odds of 3/1 to meet.
Steve and Jai have odds of 6/1 to encounter each other in the crossover episode, and a similar scenario could occur between Corrie’s Nick Tilsley, played by Ben Price, and Dales matriarch Kim Tate. Claire and Ben had an on-screen romance on the cobbles when their characters Erica Holroyd and Nick got together. The odds are 8/1 that they’ll reunite from separate soaps in the special episode.
Natalie Anderson’s new Corrie character Danielle Silverton has odds of 10/1 to meet up with Emmerdale’s Jacob Gallagher, played by Joe Warren-Plant, after Natalie previously played Joe’s mother Alicia Gallagher in the Dales.
BUYING a used car involves lots of decisions. What size and style do you want? Are you petrol, diesel, hybrid or EV? Should you buy as cheaply as possible or invest as much as you can?
We can’t answer any of these questions, but we can tell you what the UK’s most popular car for sale on Sun Motors is.
When it was launched, this compact crossover SUV pretty much defined the category. It’s nearly 20 years old but remains as popular as ever.
I’ve driven the Nissan Qashqai and I’ll give you my honest opinion of its good points, bad points and anything else I can remember that’s relevant.
What are the most popular used cars?
Sun Motors is a nationwide marketplace that connects thousands of buyers and dealers. We keep track of every purchase and can reveal our list of the 10 most popular used cars in the UK.
You already know that at the top of the charts is the Nissan Qashqai. Here’s a list of the rest…
Nissan Qashqai
VW Golf
Mercedes A-Class
Mini (all models)
Kia Sportage
BMW 1 Series
Ford Kuga
BMW 3 Series
Audi A3
Hyundai Tucson
Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here.
Nissan Qashqai used car review
The Nissan Qashqai may have a name that you’ll struggle to spell, but its appeal isn’t hard to spot.
It’s a crossover SUV, which means it looks like a car that’s capable of running off-road and has an elevated driving position, but in reality, it’s a pretty refined and reliable city car.
We’re going to talk about the second-generation (and subsequent) models that launched in 2013.
With this version, Nissan ironed out all the faults and created the UK’s favourite (sort of) SUVs.
It’s now beloved by middle managers, school-run mums and dads and anyone for whom a MINI was just a little bit too small.
Modern versions are even more aggressive-looking but, for our money, don’t look as good.
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Models such as this Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi n-tec+ SUV 5dr Diesel Manual 2WD Euro 6 can be found on Sun Motors for as little as £130 per month – it has 68K miles and is from 2015
The high-up driving position offers great visibility, and the responsive handling makes the car manoeuvrable enough to slide into that supermarket parking spot.
OK, so it’s not going to knock your socks off or make you smile too much, but it’s a family car, so we never expected it would.
Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today
If you’re part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start
*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue
Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience.
Enjoy:
A choice of fuel type whether it’s petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid
A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more
A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW
There have been far too many engine variations (including petrol, diesel, hybrid and the latest e-POWER powertrain) for us to run through them all.
Reviewers seem to favour the 1.3-litre DIG-T 140 mild-hybrid petrol engine, and we won’t argue.
Bad points are, as you’d expect, few and far between. The Qashqai is quite expensive as a used car, with other makes and models perhaps a little cheaper to buy, run and insure.
The Qashqai is, like lots of crossovers, a bit of a fake too. It’s not really an off-roader like the Range Rover, but not many people need that sort of performance (or can afford the price).
Are Nissan Qashqais reliable?
The Nissan Qashqai isn’t quite as reliable as the bullet-proof Nissan cars of old, with the 2014-21 diesel models in particular suffering from engine and exhaust problems.
Overall though, it’s a sturdy family motor that shouldn’t leave you stranded by the roadside.
Try to buy one with a full service history, ensure all recalls are done and check receipts for any work.
How much is a Nissan Qashqai?
Nissan Qashqais start from £5,000 for a 10-year old (2015) model with over 100,000 miles on the clock. Nearly new models, including the e-POWER version, can cost over £35,000.
As a ballpark, expect to pay around £15-17,000 for a 2020 Qashqai.
It’s not the cheapest car on the market, with some used models that are as expensive as a new Dacia Duster, for example, but it’ll hold its value.
Is Nissan Qashqai a 4×4?
The Nissan Qashqai isn’t a true 4×4 like a Land Rover, Range Rover, etc, but you can find both front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (AWD) models on the market.
In off-road mode the 4×4 Qashqai will tackle difficult terrain like mud and gravel, more much more confidently than the 2WD version.
Most drivers who really need 4WD performance should look elsewhere. In the end, they probably already were.
Used Nissan Qashqais for sale
We’ve scoured Sun Motors to find three top used cars for sale. You’ll need to get in quick to secure these…
This isn’t the cheapest Qashqai on the market, but it’s arguably one of the best-value used motors we’ve seen.
Don’t let the 60,000+ miles on the clock put you off. This Acenta Premium model comes with 17” alloys, a good touchscreen and parking sensors.
It’ll do 55mpg all day long, too. That’s why this is our bargain buy.
Awesome auto: Nissan Qashqais SUV 1.3 DIG-T Tekna
5
Reviewers love the 1.3 litre DIG-T petrol engine for its power, control and reliability.
This automatic Qashqai is in Tekna trim, featuring cool 18-inch alloy wheels, a Bose sound system, and a head-up display. Nice.
High-class hybrid: Nissan Qashqai 1.5 E-Power Acenta Premium 5dr Auto
5
The 2024 Qashqai is a thoroughly modern car. Its petrol/electric hybrid motor produces an impressive 188bhp.
It’s quiet, quick and has the mean look of the new Qashqai.
This particular car has fewer than 5,000 miles on the clock, so it’s as nearly new as it gets.
Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
A POPULAR Amazon gadget has been urgently recalled over fears it could give users a deadly electric shock.
A universal power supply, sold under the Wefomey brand, has been banned from entering the UK.
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A power supply sold on Amazon under the Wefomey brand has urgently been recalledCredit: Getty
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The Wefomey Universal Power Supply fails to meet UK legal safety standardsCredit: Amazon
The dodgy device, model LGY-363000, was flagged by border officials and stopped from reaching British customers.
The plug-in gadget is advertised on Amazon as a “universal power adapter” that “fits almost all DC input sockets”.
The product is made in China and was being shipped to UK buyers.
However, it was found to be “inadequately earthed”, according to an advisory issued by the UK government.
The advisory reads: “The product presents a serious risk of electric shock due to a lack of protection from access to its live parts.”
It adds: “The insulation may break down during normal use, meaning the metal parts accessible to the consumer may be live.
“If a consumer were to touch the product during use, they may receive an electric shock.”
Officials confirmed that the product breaches the UK’s Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.
As a corrective measure, the import was rejected at the border to prevent it from entering the UK.
Owners have been urged to stop using the product immediately.
Supermarkets urgently recall iconic Scottish snack over health risk
It comes as Amazon has issued an urgent product recall over fears an item of clothing could catch fire.
Customers have been urged to return the iHEAT Heated Jacket for Women.
According to an advisory issued by the UK government, the product presents a serious risk of fire as the lithium-ion battery pack is poorly constructed and does not provide sufficient protection to prevent thermal runaway.
The advisory reads: “Additionally, the power supply is fitted with a non-compliant plug, with the plug pins too close to the edge of the plug face, exposing the user to live parts.
“The product does not meet the requirements of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 or the Plugs & Sockets etc. (Safety) Regulations 1994.”
Owners have been urged to stop using the product immediately and contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.
Meanwhile, a bedroom lamp sold on Amazon has been urgently recalled over fears it could spark a house fire.
The Murcher Bedside Table Lamp, sold under models WDF-YW-02 and WDF-FX01, poses a high fire risk due to a critical design fault, according to a new safety alert.
The issue lies in the lack of proper cord anchorage inside the lamp.
Over time, the power cord can shift and place dangerous strain on the lamp’s internal connections.
This can cause wires to detach, short-circuit and overheat – which could trigger a fire.
Your product recall rights
Chief consumer reporter James Flanders reveals all you need to know.
Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action.
But it’s often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer’s website to see if a safety notice has been issued.
When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you – the customer – to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don’t there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault.
If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer.
They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice.
In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
You should not be charged for any recall work – such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item
