The beautiful seaside town is perfect for a winter getaway. The town has a pier, sandy beaches, a number of attractions and is famous for its crabs.
Cromer Pier is a famous landmark in the town(Image: Getty)
The summer season has come to an end, and many Brits are now setting their sights on a winter escape. While seaside towns are a hit for holidays during the balmy months, they also offer fantastic getaways during the colder, darker days.
Winter visits provide a unique ambiance, ideal for tranquil seaside strolls, snug pubs, and fewer crowds. The town of Cromer, situated 23 miles north of Norwich, has been hailed as the perfect alternative to more frequented spots like Brighton or Bournemouth.
The Norfolk Coast Path, which offers sweeping views of the rugged Norfolk coastline, is easily accessible from Cromer and is an ideal route for families to explore. The historic Grade II listed Victorian Pier, home to the world’s last end-of-pier theatre, hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including a Christmas Show that always draws both locals and visitors alike, reports the Express.
Cromer is also renowned for its Cromer crab, celebrated for their sweet and flavourful meat, caught in the chalky waters off the North Norfolk coast. The town honours its unique seafood heritage with the annual Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival.
Within the town centre, visitors will discover numerous shops, restaurants and pubs. The 14th century St Peter and Paul church dominates the skyline, boasting Norfolk’s tallest church tower at 160 feet.
History enthusiasts frequently visit Cromer Museum, which offers captivating exhibits about the area’s past, including the Cromer Shoal Chalk Bed, known as “Britain’s Great Barrier Reef”, and the wartime story of how the Government planned to destroy the pier to prevent it being used as a landing strip by Britain’s enemies.
The town also houses a Banksy artwork that materialised on a sea wall in 2021, forming part of the elusive artist’s Great British Spraycation tour of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Referencing Cromer’s crab fishing heritage, the piece depicts hermit crabs, with one occupying a shell whilst displaying a placard reading “luxury rentals online” – believed to comment on local housing concerns. The council has protected it with resin coating against weather damage.
TripAdvisor reviews from tourists are overwhelmingly favourable, with many highlighting the town’s charm and available amenities.
GrahamN66 said: “First visit to Cromer, summer 2025. It is a gem, as it says itself! Excellent, long sandy beaches with shingle at the top. Just great, even if loads of people are using it, there is always space and it is just lovely. Amazing sunsets, facilities, all within easy walking distance – would totally recommend.”
Anglian Wanderer shared: “Cromer is one of those places I return to time and again, and it never loses its charm. The beach is as beautiful as ever, with wide stretches of sand, fascinating rock pools at low tide, and postcard-worthy sunsets.
“What I love most about Cromer is an unspoiled seaside town full of character, charm, and community. If you want fresh sea air, real coastal beauty, and a town that feels like a well-kept secret, Cromer will win your heart.”
Cutiepie19 said in: “Stayed at Hotel facing pier in Cromer. The place is beautiful. Visited its museums and church. Coffee shops are delightful. Lots of places to stop off and enjoy. Quaint little streets full of delightful independent and main street shops.
“Lots of cute food places and pubs. Very, very clean too. Gorgeous pier which is very well maintained. Beautiful prom to walk along and admire the view out to sea. Spotless beaches. Highly recommended.”
I felt like a child again as I wandered down to the riverbank to look at crawdads.
“Oh, the L.A. River folks posted on Instagram about this, but I didn’t know they were right here,” my walking partner said.
Dozens of bright red crustaceans swam and fought and hid in the warm shallow water of the Glendale Narrows of the Los Angeles River. A Cooper’s hawk swooped down to grab a branch presumably for a nearby nest. A black-crowned night heron accidentally dropped its lunch, perhaps a frog, back into the water.
Crawdads, or crayfish, fight each other, eat and bask in the sun in the L.A. River.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
Later, I’d witness Canada geese arriving in formation before landing on the river for their evening dinner and rest.
In all honesty, I hadn’t expected such abundant life less than a quarter of a mile from the 5 Freeway. But that’s what you’ll discover along the sandy, soft bottom segments of the L.A. River where nature rejected concrete and instead built back life.
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Jason Wise, an L.A.-based conservationist, was my walking partner who spotted the crawdaddies, as I was raised to call them in Oklahoma. I had asked Wise, who regularly hosts educational hikes, if we could walk along the river and explore one of its soft bottom segments.
Since moving to L.A., I’d wondered why certain parts of the river were lush and beautiful. My wife and I had biked a few times from Koreatown to the river trail, usually eating at Spoke Bicycle Cafe. Why did this segment look like an actual river and not the concrete flood channel featured in the 1978 film “Grease”?
Ducks stand on rocks in the sandy bottom of the Los Angeles River.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
We’ll get to that precise answer, but first, a bit of geography and history.
The L.A. River has existed for thousands of years and was the site of Indigenous villages for more than 1,000 years. It is, in its current iteration, a 51-mile “engineered waterway” whose banks were channelized with concrete starting in 1938 and finished by 1960, according to the county public works department.
Three portions of the river, though, remain unpaved:
As we watched its waters flow by, Wise explained that the L.A. River was a wild, free-flowing river that often changed course.
The Glendale Narrows area of the L.A. River.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
For example, as Times columnist Patt Morrison pointed out: “From today’s downtown, it coursed west and southwest all over the Los Angeles Basin until around 1825, when another flood redirected it toward where it flows today, more or less south from the original pueblo.”
This was a problem for L.A.’s developers. And not only that, Wise said, but the river flooded seasonally throughout the 1930s. At the same time, L.A. was growing rapidly, with lots of money to be made in building industry and homes as close to the river as possible.
In 1938, L.A. experienced a great flood — which in today’s meteorological lingo, we’d explain as essentially back-to-back atmospheric rivers hitting in 4½ days, bringing about 16 inches of rain, which is on average how much the area gets in a year. At least 96 people died (although experts say the number is probably higher).
The flood was the impetus for controlling the river, especially given that officials wanted to keep building near it.
At that time, two plans emerged, Wise said. This moment, dear Wilder, would be a good one to correct if you perhaps have a time machine on hand.
A beautiful evening at the Glendale Narrows of the L.A. River.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
In a report titled “Parks, Playgrounds and Beaches for the Los Angeles Region,” designers recommended the region create an “emerald necklace,” or a series of parks along waterways, including the L.A River, the Rio Hondo, the San Gabriel River, Ballona Creek and Compton Creek. Officials could engineer the river with slopes to better handle flooding, and parks would soak up water and replenish the water table.
Areas near the river still might flood, and “we might have to replace some picnic tables or a playground, but otherwise, the whole city has all these parks, and a connection to nature and our wild river that is actually the foundation of the city, the reason that L.A. exists,” Wise said.
We didn’t do that.
Instead, officials asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a faster, simpler (and, in other words, cheaper) solution, Wise said. “Not that it was cheap to dig up and concretize a river, but if you locked this into place … you can then develop right up to the edge,” Wise said.
But in certain places, including the Glendale Narrows, the plan didn’t work. The Glendale Narrows has a higher water table than other areas of the L.A. River, and the engineers realized the concrete wouldn’t set because of the high amount of water and springs bubbling up.
White-faced ibises mingle on rocks at the Glendale Narrows of the L.A. River.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
With the soil exposed, seeds could take root, plants returned, and wildlife came back. The ecosystem, as best it could, rebounded.
“It was an amazing mistake,” Wise said of the Corps’ inability to lay concrete over the entire L.A. River. “I’m so grateful that the Army Corps screwed that up.”
And now, there’s momentum to rethink the landscape of our river’s design.
My first question about that was: “Would we have to tolerate flooding again?” Wise told me that’s a common misconception. For one, it’s arguably impossible to “rewild” the entire river.
“You can’t get rid of this right now because there are homes right there,” Wise said. “We can’t completely undo the mistakes of the past, but we can find a way to create a better future and learn from those mistakes. The best thing to do with a mistake is to learn from it and do things better. It’s harder now, but what can we do to bring some wild back?”
Geese and other birds float along the Glendale Narrows of the Los Angeles River.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
A few days after my visit with Wise, I returned to the L.A. River for sunset. I parked again at Elysian Valley Gateway Park and walked about a third of a mile south to an area of the river where heaps of rocks make it easier to cross the still-concrete part of the river to reach the natural area.
And then for an hour, I stood in awe as a concert of birds performed their evening serenade. White-faced ibises stood perfectly balanced on rocks among the calm river. Great blue herons passed by overhead. American coots submerged themselves underwater in search of food. A few large fish popped up to eat bugs.
Then I heard honking. Not the kind from the nearby 5 Freeway, which for this moment in time, didn’t exist. Four Canada geese appeared above in formation, swooping down to land together on the water. They floated over to the bank, just 15 feet or so from me, where one goose stood watch, protecting its three flock members as they ate and rested. I felt lucky to witness that, like I was living in a Mary Oliver poem.
A Canada goose watches out for its flock members as they eat and rest on the L.A. River.
(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)
It grew darker, and I soon left — only to hear more honking as nine more geese landed.
On my way home, traffic felt less obnoxious. My empty fridge felt less of a problem. Even the Trader Joe’s parking lot left me unaffected. Instead, I felt connected to not only our river and our city, but to the humans around me. As Wise reminded me:
The L.A. River “is the foundation of the city. Nature is all around us, and it’s even there within the city. There should be more of it … and through that connection, we realize we are nature. We are also animals on this planet, that everything is connected. We’re all one big living, breathing organism. Nature is a conduit to the rest of community and supporting each other and building each other up and helping each other out.”
3 things to do
Children’s paintings of P-22, L.A.’s late lion king who lived in and around Griffith Park for more than a decade, at the 2022 P-22 Day Festival.
(Save LA Cougars)
1. Keep P-22’s memory alive in L.A. 🦁🕯️ The #SaveLACougars campaign will host its annual P-22 Day Festival from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday in Shane’s Inspiration (4800 Crystal Springs Drive) in Griffith Park. The event honors the legacy of P-22, a male mountain lion who inspired countless Angelenos into advocating for our local wildlife. Several local conservation and Indigenous groups will host tables with information about how attendees can get more involved in protecting our public lands. Guests can also meet the people behind the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, take home native plants, enjoy art, crafts and food-trucks and check out the latest P-22 merchandise. Learn more at savelacougars.org.
2. Prowl for the phantasmal in Pasadena L.A. Fright Club, a horror-themed fitness group, will host its spooky hike club at 7 a.m. Sunday at the Lower Arroyo Seco trail. The group will meet at the trailhead in the San Pascual Stables parking lot (221 San Pascual Ave. in South Pasadena). Costumes are encouraged. Learn more at the group’s Instagram page.
3. Embrace the eerie in Elysian Park We Explore Earth will host Forest Bridges Day Camp, a Halloween-themed community celebration, from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday in Elysian Park. Attendees can participate in guided hikes, workshops, pumpkin carving, cornhole and more. Participants should bring a blanket, camping chair and/or pillows for the movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
The must-read
Spanish mountaineer Kilian Jornet climbed 72 summits over 14,000 feet in the contiguous U.S. in 31 days this fall. Jornet is pictured here in the Sierra Nevada range known as the Normans 13, which connects 13 summits over 13,000 feet (3,962 meters).
(Andy Cochrane)
In just 31 days, Spanish mountaineer Kilian Jornet recently climbed all 72 summits in the contiguous United States that stand over 14,000 feet tall — a feat similar to climbing Mt. Whitney 2½ times per day, every day, for a month, writes Times staff writer Jack Dolan. Jornet’s journey included California’s “Norman’s 13,” which is 13 summits over 14,000 feet in remote alpine terrain between Lone Pine and Bishop. My first question, reading Jack’s piece was: “Why?” Jornet said he doesn’t do it for the glory. “I do these things because I love them, because they bring me joy and happiness, not because I think they’re very important,” he said.
Happy adventuring,
P.S.
For fans of one of California’s silliest native animals, I have great news! Reservations opened Monday for guided elephant seal tours at Año Nuevo State Park, which is about 6½ hours northwest of L.A. Every December, these massive sea mammals migrate to the beaches of Año Nuevo for their breeding and birthing season. There is fighting — drama! — along with lots of vocalizing and “galumphing,” the park said on its Instagram page. To reserve your spot for a tour, visit this website, and from the “category” dropdown menu, choose “guided seal walks” before choosing which day you’d like to go. Reservations are available 56 days (eight weeks) in advance of your desired walk date.
For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected an appeal from conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and left in place the $1.4-billion judgment against him over his description of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting as a hoax staged by crisis actors.
The Infowars host had argued that a judge was wrong to find him liable for defamation and infliction of emotional distress without holding a trial on the merits of allegations lodged by relatives of victims of the shooting, which killed 20 first-graders and six educators in Newtown, Conn.
The justices did not comment on their order, which they issued without asking the families of the Sandy Hook victims to respond to Jones’ appeal. An FBI agent who responded to the shooting also sued.
A lawyer who represents Sandy Hook families said the Supreme Court had properly rejected Jones’ “latest desperate attempt to avoid accountability for the harm he has caused.”
“We look forward to enforcing the jury’s historic verdict and making Jones and Infowars pay for what they have done,” lawyer Christopher Mattei said in a statement.
A lawyer representing Jones in the case didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment. During his daily show on Tuesday, Jones said his lawyers believed his case was “cut and dry,” while he had predicted the high court wouldn’t take up his appeal.
“I said no, they will not do it because of politics,” Jones said.
Jones mocked the idea that he has enough money to pay the judgment, saying his studio equipment, including five-year-old cameras, was only worth about $304,000.
“It’s all about torturing me. It’s all about harassing me. It’s about harassing my family. It’s about getting me off the air,” said Jones, who urged his listeners to buy merchandise to keep the show running.
Jones filed for bankruptcy in late 2022, and his lawyers told the justices that the “plaintiffs have no possible hope of collecting” the entire judgment.
He is separately appealing a $49-million judgment in a similar defamation lawsuit in Texas after he failed to turn over documents sought by the parents of another Sandy Hook victim.
In the Connecticut case, the judge issued a rare default ruling against Jones and his company in late 2021 because of what she called Jones’ repeated failure to abide by court rulings and to turn over certain evidence to the Sandy Hook families. The judge convened a jury to determine how much Jones would owe.
The following year, the jury agreed on a $964-million verdict and the judge later tacked on another $473 million in punitive damages against Jones and Free Speech Systems, Infowars’ parent company, which is based in Austin, Texas.
In November, the satirical news outlet The Onion was named the winning bidder in an auction to liquidate Infowars’ assets to help pay the defamation judgments. But the bankruptcy judge threw out the auction results, citing problems with the process and The Onion’s bid.
The attempt to sell off Infowars’ assets has moved to a Texas state court in Austin. Jones is now appealing a recent order from the court that appointed a receiver to liquidate the assets. Some of Jones’ personal property is also being sold off as part of the bankruptcy case.
Sherman writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Susan Haigh in Hartford, Conn., contributed to this report.
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to pause his payments on a $1.44 billion defamation judgment entered after he claimed the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn., was a hoax. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Oct. 9 (UPI) — InfoWars publisher Alex Jones wants the Supreme Court to pause a $1.44 billion defamation judgment against him for making false claims about a 2012 school shooting.
Conservative conspiracy theorist Jones on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to pause his payments to the surviving families of the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims, according to The Hill.
The families successfully sued Jones for defamation after he claimed the school shooting was a hoax and are readying to take control of InfoWars, which they intend to turn over to the satirical news site The Onion.
In Thursday’s emergency filing, Jones says the pause is necessary to stop his InfoWars site from being “acquired by its ideological nemesis and destroyed,” NBC News reported.
A Connecticut court in 2022 ordered Jones to pay $1.44 billion to the surviving families of 20 schoolchildren, who were shot and killed by Adam Lanza on Dec. 14, 2012.
Jones filed for personal bankruptcy soon after several judgments were entered against him, but his petition was denied.
He earlier was fined $25,000 per day by a Connecticut judge for refusing to submit to a deposition in the matter.
Lanza, 20, murdered his mother and used her firearm to shoot and kill 20 school children and six adults at the same elementary school he once attended in Newtown, Conn.
He shot and killed himself when law enforcement arrived at the school, which since has been razed and replaced.
With temperatures of 25C in September and crystal-blue water, this underrated holiday hotspot is a must-visit for those looking to escape the crowds in September.
(Image: Paolo Graziosi via Getty Images)
Italy is a favourite destination for late-summer and early-autumn beach holidays, thanks to its warm weather and status as one of the world’s most visited countries. Even during the shoulder season, top spots like Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast are teeming with tourists.
However, there’s an under-the-radar region in this southern European country that remains largely untouched by international crowds – but probably not for much longer. This stunning part of Italy boasts sandy beaches so pristine they’re likened to the Maldives and enjoys balmy weather with average highs of 25C in September.
While Italians are well-acquainted with Puglia, it’s not usually the first place that springs to mind when planning a beach holiday in Europe.
Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas and shaped like the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia has a vast coastline peppered with dreamy coves, limestone cliffs and picture-perfect bays.
Among them is Polignano a Mare, a delightful coastal town perched on cliffs. Its small cove beach, Lama Monachile, is famous for its crystal-clear water and white pebbles, all framed by dramatic, rugged cliffs, reports the Express.
Polignano a Mare is uniquely beautiful(Image: Getty)
Further down south, Santa Maria di Leuca is the southernmost point of the region where two seas converge.
It’s an ideal spot for a sunset cruise or paddleboarding into caves before enjoying dinner at a local trattoria serving fresh seafood, orecchiette pasta, and robust Salento wine.
Inland, you’ll find the enchanting town of Alberobello, renowned for its UNESCO-listed trulli – traditional whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. Many have been transformed into luxurious holiday accommodations, offering a truly local experience.
Just a short drive away, the dazzling white town of Ostuni, also known as La Città Bianca, boasts cobbled lanes and panoramic terraces. Nearby Brindisi provides easy access to the region, often with cheaper flights than other Italian hubs.
Alberobello is famed for its UNESCO-listed trulli(Image: Getty)
Puglia also serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the incredibly popular Matera in the neighbouring Basilicata region.
It’s the third-oldest city in the world, after Aleppo and Jericho, boasting over 10,000 years of history, and is famous for its ancient cave homes and rupestrian churches with hand-painted walls.
Naturally, no visit to Puglia would be complete without delving into its food culture. This is the land of burrata, orecchiette, and full-bodied wines like Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Salice Salentino.
An underrated UK seaside town boasts stretches of sandy beaches, rock pools for the kids and a picturesque harbour – and the bonus of not being packed with crowds
There’s a tidal pool for families to enjoy at low tide(Image: Julie Delahaye)
Brits looking to get inspired for their next staycation may want to check out one underrated seaside town with a pretty marina, sandy beaches and a lido at low tide for kids to enjoy.
North Berwick in Scotland isn’t a hidden gem but it has all of the perks of a seaside town, without having huge crowds of tourists that you might find in other UK holiday hotspots.
I visited the town in early August when it was hot, sunny and the town was hosting the Fringe by the Sea festival, so I was fully prepared to deal with a mass of fellow tourists. However I was pleasantly surprised; although it was a little busy no doubt because of the festival, there was still plenty of breathing space to enjoy a stroll around the town and along the waterfront. (It has more of a buzz than England’s cheapest seaside spot full of abandoned £40k homes ‘nobody wants’).
Despite it being a heatwave day, the sandy stretches of beach were not too crowded either. There were plenty of families set up for the day with their towels, sandcastle tools and picnic baskets at the ready, but there was still plenty of space if you wanted to set up camp yourself.
Low tide reveals an enclosed tidal pool with shallow waters which was a hit with families, especially those with young children. There were also plenty of rock pools for them to explore, and of course those all-important ice cream trucks just a stone’s throw away.
Along the beaches sits a long promenade lined with waterfront homes, and it’s an easy stroll from one end to another (the whole thing took me about half an hour to walk).
Julie in front of the beach in North Berwick(Image: Julie Delahaye)
For bird watchers, there’s plenty you’ll want to explore. For a start North Berwick is home to the Scottish Seabird Centre, while the beach offers views across the water to the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock, which plays host to the world’s largest northern gannet colony.
As for the town itself, it’s got that quintessential seaside charm. There’s a pretty marina full of boats, cobbled streets lined with colourful buildings, plenty of cafés and a host of ice cream parlours. We were told by locals that Alandas Gelato was a must-try, but sadly the queue was just a bit too long.
Those queues were no doubt because the town was hosting the annual Fringe by the Sea festival. This brilliant alternative to the main Fringe festival in Edinburgh has a very laidback vibe and it’s family-friendly. There were heaps of food and drink stalls, a crafts tent for kids, and included a big top tent where you could book tickets to watch a series of talks and performances. For those who like to pick up a souvenir or two, there were local shops selling some of their merchandise too. This year’s festival has come to a close but you can find out more on fringebythesea.com.
It’s definitely one I’ll be returning too; the laidback atmosphere, the festival and the pretty beach made for a brilliant day out, and the fact it’s around an hour’s drive away from Edinburgh means it’s easily doable as part of a wider Scottish road trip.
The weekly service will start from May 26, 2026 and will run every Tuesday until October 20, 2026 giving travellers the opportunity to enjoy the sun-soaked hotspot
The stunning greek island blends history with buzzing nightlife(Image: Getty Images/AWL Images RM)
Scots and those living in the north of England dreaming of a Greek escape can fly directly to an island famed for its sandy beaches and rich history. From next summer, Jet2.com will operate flights from Glasgow Airport to Kos.
The weekly service will commence on May 26 2026 and will run every Tuesday until October 20 2026. This gives travellers the chance to soak up the sun in this hotspot, which is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician considered the father of modern medicine.
Greece has seen a boom in tourism after nearly going bankrupt a decade ago following the 2009 global recession. In fact, the country was recently ranked as the world’s second top destination in a poll by TrovaTrip, a group travel platform, losing out only to Italy. It comes as news emerges that UK beachgoers risk £2,500 fine for causing common problem.
Now Scots have a direct route to the island of Kos, making it Jet2.com’s sixth Greek destination from Glasgow, which also includes Corfu, Heraklion (Crete), Kefalonia, Rhodes and Zante.
Holidaymakers can seize the opportunity to explore Kos’s diverse range of historical sights, stunning scenery and golden beaches, reports the Daily Record.
Part of the breathtaking Dodecanese Islands, Kos has long been a favourite for sunshine holidays. Holidaymakers can choose from lively party towns, relaxed seaside resorts and traditional fishing villages – all boasting beautiful beaches and serving up traditional cuisine.
Kos, with its rich culture and history, is an island where ancient relics sit side by side with vibrant bars and bustling promenades. Passengers can also benefit from the airline’s generous 22kg baggage allowance.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, has said that the popularity of Greek getaways shows no signs of waning. He stated: “Demand from customers and independent travel agents in Scotland is telling us that flights and holidays to Greece are very popular for Summer 26.
“As the largest airline and tour operator to Greece from Scotland, we have responded quickly to that demand to give customers even more choice from Glasgow Airport.
“Kos is a magical destination, and we know its appeal, coupled with our award-winning customer experience, will make it an extremely popular option for holidaymakers looking to book a welcome escape to Greece.”
Matt Hazelwood, chief commercial officer at AGS Airports, also expressed his delight at the announcement, saying: “We are delighted to see Jet2.com announce its sixth Greek destination from Glasgow to the sun-soaked island of Kos next summer.
“Expanded flight options to Greece have been sought after by Glasgow passengers for some time and the market dynamics clearly show the increasing trend of people in West Scotland searching for travel to this part of Europe.
“We are delighted to see Jet2.com respond to this demand with an expanded Greek programme for Summer 2026. Glasgow Airport looks forward to welcoming even more Greek-bound passengers from the city and the wider West Scotland region travelling from their local airport next year.”
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This incredible European coastal town south of Bordeaux in France is home to immaculate beaches, Europe’s highest sand dune and a beloved annual oyster festival
One travel blogger described this as the “French coastal town you haven’t heard of but have to add to your bucket list”(Image: Getty)
Jetting off on holiday offers a blissful escape from the daily grind, and nothing beats the thrill of discovering new places. Tourist hotspots often dominate travel wish lists, but sometimes it’s the lesser-known treasures that truly captivate. This incredible European coastal town is said to be totally worth a visit – and not many people know about it.
Tucked away just south of Bordeaux on the French coast lies an enchanting seaside haven. Arcachon Bay, nestled in Pays de Buch between the Côte d’Argent and the Côte des Landes in Aquitaine, is a stunning coastal town boasting jaw-dropping scenery, pristine beaches and a touch of coastal elegance.
A beautiful sunset over the Arcachon Basin(Image: Getty)
The Bay is a true gem of France’s natural and cultural heritage, home to by oyster ports and a famous dune. The 10 towns and villages that make it up – Arcachon, La Teste-de-Buch, Gujan-Mestras, Le Teich, Biganos, Audenge, Lanton, Andernos-les-Bains, Arès and Lège-Cap Ferret – offer a wealth of diverse experiences.
Arcachon Bay in particular is shaped by fishing and oyster farming. Some of the finest oysters can be enjoyed in this region, which also hosts its very own Oyster Festival each summer.
The town is brimming with activities, whether you fancy jet skiing, kayaking, cycling, or zipping around on an electric scooter. Shoppers will be charmed by quaint independent boutiques, while foodies can indulge in the delightful local cuisine.
Visitors are also drawn to the Dune du Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune, for an unforgettable experience, reports the Express. London-based travel blogger Anna recently explored this gem and was utterly enchanted.
In her TikTok video, Anna showcases the allure of Arcachon, describing it as: “A French coastal town you probably haven’t heard of…but you absolutely have to add to your bucket list…Arcachon.”
She further expressed her love for the town, saying: “This is such a charming town.”
Arcachon is approximately an hour’s drive from Bordeaux Airport(Image: John Elk III via Getty Images)
One commenter wrote: “Going in May, we stayed there last year and loved it! PS you can’t take dogs on the beach.” “I was there a few years ago and it is so pretty,” added another commenter. “Adding to my list to visit,” declared another user.
Another TikToker user seconded Anna’s assessment: “I was there in summer, insanely beautiful”. One other visitor also highly recommended a stop at the Dune du Pilat, describing it as “something special”.
How to reach Arcachon
According to Trainline, you can get a high-speed train from London to Arcachon in as little as 6 hours and 6 minutes on the fastest services from Eurostar, Ouigo and TGV.
Alternatively, you can catch a flight to Bordeaux Airport. From there, it’s roughly an hour’s drive to Arcachon. You also have the option to catch a train from the airport which takes approximately an hour and a half.
Sandgate, in Kent, has 4.3 stars on TripAdvisor with people saying it’s great to have a lovely walk or bike ride next to the coast
Panoramic views of the coastline at Sandgate from one lucky homeowner(Image: Lawrence and Co of Hythe)
This quaint seaside village in Kent is brimming with charm and personality, boasting vibrant quirky homes, crystal clear waters, and a laid-back vibe. It’s our county’s very own Riviera – there’s even a sign ‘The Riviera’ to confirm it – and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Welcome to Sandgate, a perfect spot for leisurely exploration if the weather holds up. You can stroll through the town, taking in the picturesque properties and flower-laden gardens, and spotting delightful ‘holiday vibe’ details like hanging baskets, eccentric windows, and intriguing balconies.
If you’re seeking inspiration for house painting, this coastal village nestled between Folkestone and Hythe will have you reaching for your paint roller in no time.
The houses are painted in a true spectrum of colours, ranging from bright green, to a soft lavender, to aquamarine and sun-bleached terra cotta reminiscent of Spain. The sea at Sandgate’s pebble beach boasts ‘excellent’ rated bathing water quality, a status it has maintained for the past eight years.
However, in May, swimmers were advised by the Environment Agency to steer clear of the beach due to sewage pollution caused by a damaged pipe. Southern Water, however, assured that it had not affected the bathing water, reports Kent Live.
The beach has also consistently held a Seaside Award for the past 12 years.
The shingle beach at Sandgate which is near to Folkestone(Image: Getty Images)
Amenities such as toilets, shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants are conveniently located on the High Street just a few minutes away. There’s also a promenade where you can enjoy a 1.5-mile walk to Folkestone or a three-mile stroll to Hythe.
There are three council car parks available: Castle Road and Wilberforce Road, where charges reach £4.50 for up to four hours; and Gough Road, which comes free of charge but offers just six spaces.
Last year, Rightmove crowned Sandgate as one of the 10 priciest seaside locations in Britain for house purchases, with average sale prices hitting £495,009.
It hasn’t featured in the newly released rankings, though Whitstable and Hythe have made the cut. Anyone considering property investment in Sandgate now would be looking at an average of £435,995 for the past year.
Overall sale prices climbed six per cent compared to the previous year, yet dropped 21 per cent from 2022’s peak. The majority of transactions involved flats, which commanded an average of £233,438.
Some of the most stunning properties perch on hillsides with sweeping Channel views. Housing also extends along the Esplanade and stretches towards the interior.
There is a lovely mix of unique properties in the village which add to its charm(Image: Kent Live )
The area buzzes with activity, as Sandgate’s High Street boasts an array of restaurants, cafés, bars, and pubs. The beach earns 4.3 stars out of five from 199 Tripadvisor reviewers.
Whilst the most recent pair of reviews partly grumble about public music playing, one visitor’s said: “I’ve always loved Sandgate beach and frequent this area a lot over the summer. It’s great to have a lovely walk or bike ride next to the coast.
“Lovely views, and feels like you’re somewhere else. Great to just take your mind off everyday issues, to relax and take in the lovely sea air, sound of the sea and birds. Love this place.”
On a day when the skies are clear, you can feast your eyes on the coast stretching towards the enigmatic Dungeness, with France occasionally peeking through the horizon. Sandgate Park, too, has upped its game with fresh play surfaces introduced last year, complete with hopscotch for the older generation to share some old-school fun with the kids.
The seaview at Sandgate(Image: Google Street View)
Then there’s The Famous Ship Inn, a beloved community haunt that dishes up freshly netted fish and chips, boasting a top-deck terrace with breathtaking views.
Don’t forget about the cosy log fire – a perfect spot to remember when the leaves start to fall. And if you’re strolling along Granville Parade, pop into the Boat House Café, which commands a stunning view of the beach.
With an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor from 126 reviews, it’s a hit for scrumptious lunches and breakfasts. A recent review gushed: “I’ve been here a few times now and the first time I had their hot dog with onions and wow, it was lovely.
“The second and third time I went I had their Greek salad and oh my goodness, it is spectacular and the owners are very welcoming. I’m definitely recommending this place and 100 per cent going back, so much so I’m literally on my way there in 10 minutes with my daughter.”
One of Sandgate’s most celebrated former residents was the beloved actress Hattie Jacques, and you’ll quickly spot a blue building bearing a commemorative plaque marking her birthplace as you stroll down the High Street. She remains the cherished English comedy star best remembered for her appearances in the iconic Carry On film series, though her talents graced stage, radio and television throughout her prolific career.
The village was also home to author H. G. Wells, hailed as “the father of science fiction”. Beyond his imaginative novels, he penned non-fiction works and established himself as a respected journalist, sociologist and historian.
Delving deeper into history, you must explore Sandgate Castle, constructed during Henry VIII’s reign to guard the beach and coastal route to Dover rather than protect a harbour. This Grade I-listed fortress boasts an extensive defensive heritage.
By 1808, the central tower had been converted into a Martello tower design. Roughly one-third of the original fortress has since been lost to time.
The village also houses the Shorncliffe Redoubt, a Napoleonic-era earthwork fortification linked to Sir John Moore and the 95th Regiment of Foot, famously known as the 95th Rifles. Don’t miss St Paul’s Church either, whose striking tower soars from the hillside – it’s absolutely stunning.
Abersoch is a beautiful coastal village on what’s known as the ‘Welsh Riviera’ – boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and one of the UK’s best ice cream parlours
Abersoch is a beautiful coastal village on what’s known as the ‘Welsh Riviera’ – boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and one of the UK’s best ice cream parlours(Image: wellsie82 via Getty Images)
One of Wales’ best coastal towns, boasting sandy beaches, resident dolphins and a chic ice cream parlour recently crowned as one of the UK’s top spots for ice cream by the Sunday Times, is nestled on the Llŷn Peninsula. Situated on Pen Llŷn, the seaside town of Abersoch is among the most picturesque locations along the Llŷn.
This northwestern Welsh peninsula is brimming with natural splendour, rich cultural heritage, and idyllic beaches. Flanked by the crystal-clear waters of the Irish Sea on one side and Cardigan Bay on the other, this Welsh region offers an ideal alternative to a holiday abroad, complete with a plethora of activities, accommodation options, and independent eateries and cafes.
Visitors can explore remnants of Iron Age forts and islands, expansive stretches of sandy beaches, and numerous charming coastal villages and historical sites.
This coastal bolthole is also renowned for its water sports(Image: Daily Post Wales)
Dubbed the ‘Welsh Riviera,’ Abersoch, located on the southern part of the Llŷn, is renowned for its sandy beaches, internationally acclaimed sailing waters, and a bustling high street lined with trendy bars, restaurants, major brands, and independent shops, reports Wales Online.
Visit on a warm day when the skies are clear and the sea glistens, and you’ll understand why Abersoch draws thousands to this scenic corner of Gwynedd each summer. This coastal hideaway is also famed for its water sports, particularly paddle boarding. If fortune favours, you might even spot resident dolphins gliding through the transparent waters.
The protected bay offers ideal conditions for novice and seasoned paddleboarders alike, with the village staging numerous events and competitions throughout the year, drawing enthusiasts from across the UK.
You can reserve a SUP session through Abersoch Watersports, where skilled instructors will lead you around the stunning coastline, highlighting marine wildlife and coastal landmarks.
Beautiful Porth Ceiriad beach lies on a remote stretch of coastline on the Llŷn Peninsula(Image: Google)
Fresh to paddle boarding? You can plunge into the #SUP lifestyle and master paddle boarding with their ISA-certified instructors using premium Red Paddle Co paddleboards.
You’ll receive coaching in the bay and master proper paddle methods to boost confidence and enhance your SUP abilities so you can emerge from the water and begin searching for dolphins.
Another major attraction in the town is the expansive sandy shoreline, which the AA has previously recognised as one of the ‘finest seaside destinations’.
The AA characterised Abersoch Beach as a scenic Welsh location: “The top place goes to this sandy beach, which is dog-friendly and also manned by lifeguards. There are two nearby tourist attractions: the Porth y Swnt Interpretation Centre and Nant Gwrtheyrn, which is home to the National Welsh Language and Heritage Centre.”
Close by sits Harbour Beach, a stretch of sand along the River Soch nestled between the harbour and Warren Beach. For those seeking adventure, Porth Ceiriad is an isolated beach that can prove challenging to locate.
Despite its proximity to the bustling Abersoch, this heavenly location stays relatively undiscovered, something that devoted visitors surely cherish. According to North Wales Live, its misleading nearness to Abersoch and the surrounding clifftops contribute to the enigma of locating this hidden gem.
The quest to uncover Porth Ceiriad has become legendary amongst locals. It gained the nickname “Porth Ceiriad Mystery Tour” due to the peculiar phenomenon of vanishing holidaymakers misguided by faulty Satnav systems and baffling maps.
Following your exploration of Abersoch’s stunning shores and coastline, be sure to treat yourself to ice cream at Two Islands, a artisanal ice cream parlour recently crowned as one of Wales’ finest frozen dessert destinations.
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Both residents and visitors have been singing the praises of this delightful ice cream haven since its 2018 launch, and the Sunday Times has now bestowed its official endorsement. Their journalists declared it amongst the premier locations for a cornet and advised readers, “Don’t miss the raspberry ripple.”
Jack Pollitt from Two Islands Ice Cream in Abersoch(Image: Daily Post Wales)
This artisanal ice cream parlour crafts their frozen treats on the premises using regional and natural components, including Welsh free-range eggs and organic and fair-trade ingredients sourced from SUMA, a cooperative that champions exemplary and equitable employment practices. Taking a leaf out of the book from ice cream parlours they visited on the west coast of America, this small enterprise is on a mission to whip up indulgent textures and innovative flavours, all with a nod to their Welsh roots.
Their dynamic menu is a testament to their commitment to seasonal produce, but rest assured, you’ll always encounter a quirky twist on some classic favourites. The Salted Coffee flavour is a hit among Two Islands fans, boasting a unique fusion of Coaltown espresso and HALEN MôN sea salt, while the mascarpone and blackcurrant combo becomes an instant highlight whenever it features.
Two Islands doesn’t just serve up delicious treats; they’re also dedicated to green practices: “Everything they are involved in – from pod picking to package recycling – is as sustainable, ethical and conscientious as possible.”
Proudly proclaiming on their website, “We use real vanilla from LITTLE POD,” they celebrate the independent company’s recognition with the Queen’s Enterprise Award for sustainability.
Ranking top of the list for overall dog-friendliness is the beautiful Perranporth Beach, located on the North Cornwall stretch of coast. It offers plenty of rock pools to nose about in and waves to splash in
The beach and park are all dog friendly(Image: Getty)
Perranporth Beach in Cornwall has been named the best dog-friendly beach in the country.
In pursuit of helping dog owners finding the best beach destinations to visit ahead of the summer, the Canine Cottages team looked into beaches across the nation to reveal the UK’s most dog-friendly beaches based on factors such as traveller reviews, dog-friendly activities, car park accessibility and terrain.
Ranking top of the list for overall dog-friendliness is the beautiful Perranporth Beach, located on the North Cornwall stretch of coast. It offers plenty of rock pools to nose about in and waves to splash in. It is a haven for dogs and their seaside-loving owners, the beach is dog-friendly all year round. However, dogs are required to be on leads in July and August on the main beach area, but this still leaves a wide expanse of dunes and beach where they can be let off, particularly at low tide.
There are also plenty of dog-friendly eateries for owners to choose from, including The Watering Hole for handmade burgers and Cornish craft ales. Or, if you fancy a spot of afternoon tea, head to The Tea Room, where you’ll even find pup-friendly ice cream.
Perranporth beach has been named one of the best beaches in the UK(Image: Getty )
Perranporth Beach also recorded the highest average temperatures of the beaches analysed, at 11.5 degrees, perfect for catching some Vitamin D. However, make sure you keep your pup hydrated and allow enough time in the shade when the weather heats up.
Perranporth is a favourite amongst UK beachgoers, renowned for its breathtaking Atlantic vistas, three-mile stretch of golden sands, and superb surfing conditions. It was named the sixth most beautiful beach in the UK by Iglu Cruise, based on Tripadvisor reviews, and offers a variety of activities from swimming and snorkelling to horse riding.
Haven Holidays provides family-friendly escapes at picturesque UK coastal spots, offering a plethora of activities and entertainment. One of its most frequented parks, Perran Sands, is just a stone’s throw away from Perranporth Beach.
Perran Sands boasts a wide array of activities, including two heated swimming pools and a private beach that’s perfect for surfing. There’s also an activity hub brimming with sports and leisure options to keep everyone amused.
In close proximity, you’ll discover some of Cornwall’s top attractions, such as the Eden Project, home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest, and Paradise Park, a popular wildlife sanctuary housing tropical birds and animals.
On location, guests can relax at the Surf Bay restaurant with a traditional Cornish cream tea, savour chicken accompanied by blues music at Slim Chickens, or enjoy beverages at the Coast Sports Bar.
With various lodging options available, a four-day midweek getaway begins at £170 for a budget caravan in June. Guests can alternatively embrace glamping in a safari tent, yurt, or geodome for £119, or opt for chalet accommodation at £175.
As another option, Sykes Cottages offers an extensive range of self-catering holiday properties situated along the Heritage Coast, featuring delightful dog-friendly retreats near the shoreline.
For travellers seeking luxury treatment, the renowned Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa serves as an exclusive adults-only sanctuary beside the ocean. Located just 20 minutes down the coast, visitors have described it as “an amazing place” in a “beautiful location.”
Hi, and welcome to another edition of Dodgers Dugout. My name is Houston Mitchell. Sorry we are a day late, asthma, plus a cold, plus smoke in the air from fireworks equals bad breathing.
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Ask Jaime Jarrín
For the next part of our “Ask….” series. Jaime Jarrín, the Spanish-language voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, for 64 seasons before retiring after the 2022 season, will answer selected questions from readers. Jarrín is in the Baseball Hall of Fame as a broadcaster and was the longtime interpreter for Fernando Valenzuela. Please send your questions to [email protected] before 10 p.m. Friday.
Koufax or Kershaw?
When Clayton Kershaw reached the 3,000 strikeout mark, Bill Plaschkewrote a column saying it clinched Kershaw being the greatest pitcher in Dodgers history, greater than Sandy Koufax.
I could give you pages of stats and biographical information on both men, but I’m guessing most of you already know about them. Books have been written about Koufax, and books will be written about Kershaw.
A few weeks ago, I wrote “Kershaw and Koufax are the two best pitchers in Dodgers history,” and I got inundated with emails from angry Koufax fans, wondering why I would mention them in the same sentence, let alone list Kershaw first (um, alphabetical order). So, I broach the topic very carefully.
The thing to keep in mind is they are both great pitchers. Both first-ballot Hall of Famers. Both have won World Series, Cy Young Awards and MVP awards.
So how do you determine who is the best? It depends on how much you value certain things. Let’s look at some arguments.
1. Koufax had only five great seasons, and they all came when the rules of the time favored the pitcher.
2. In his prime, Koufax pitched 300 innings a season and had multiple complete games (Koufax had 27 complete games in 1965 and 1966. Kershaw has had 25 complete games in his career and never pitched more than 236 innings in a season). Keep in mind that Kershaw never wanted to come out of games, he was really an old-school pitcher stuck in modern times.
3. Koufax is the best postseason pitcher in history with an 0.95 ERA in eight postseason games, all in the World Series. Of all pitchers with multiple Cy Young Awards, Kershaw is easily the worst in the postseason, going 13-13 with a 4.49 ERA. If we just limit it to the World Series, it’s not much better, as he is 3-2 with a 4.46 ERA.
4. Koufax pitched in three World Series that the Dodgers won. Kershaw pitched in only one.
5. Koufax didn’t have to pitch in multiple postseason rounds like Kershaw did. If he had to pitch in three rounds just to get to the World Series, his numbers likely wouldn’t be as good.
6. Kershaw had a much, much longer career where he was one of the best pitchers in baseball. Depending on what you call a great season, it’s 10, 11 or 12. Koufax had “just” the five.
7. Kershaw has a career ERA+ of 155, meaning he was 55% better than a league average pitcher in his career. Koufax’s was 131, meaning he was 31% better. Of course, Kershaw didn’t pitch into the eight and ninth all that often, helping save his ERA somewhat.
Those are just a few of the arguments. As to what I think? If I had to pick one, in their prime, to start a winner-take-all game, I’d pick Koufax. If you said “You can have this guy’s regular-season career, starting from Game 1, for your team,” I’d go with Kershaw. So, it depends on what you consider great. They were both great.
Read Plaschke’s column, which has several good arguments, by clicking here.
Have you read it? Then please vote in our survey, “Who was better, Clayton Kershaw or Sandy Koufax?” Heck, you can vote even if you didn’t read Plaschke’s column. You can vote by clicking here.
Swept by the Astros
Of all teams to be swept by, it had to be the Houston (no relation) Astros? They did expose some problems the Dodgers have had all season: Banged-up players and bad pitching.
Max Muncy, who was their best hitter in the last six weeks, is on the IL (more on that below). Tommy Edman has a broken toe. Teoscar Hernández fouled a ball off his left foot Saturday, and is still plagued by the groin injury that put him on the IL earlier this season. He isn’t close to 100%. Kiké Hernández went on the IL Monday with elbow inflammation. Mookie Betts hasn’t seemed to recover from losing 25 pounds just before the season and is hitting a paltry (by Betts’ standards) .252/.324/.397. Last season he hit .289/.372/.491. He is currently on track for the worst offensive season of his career. Add in the fact that Teoscar is just a brutal fielder in right, and you have to wonder if a move back to right is being considered, not that they’d talk openly about it. I mean, it was so bad that Michael Conforto hit fifth Sunday.
Pitching wise, Ben Casparius is suddenly having trouble getting people out. Noah Davis, with a career ERA of 8.95 was on the staff and gave up 10 runs Friday. Most of the guys in the bullpen are having bad seasons compared to their career norms. The bullpen ERA (4.41) is 24th of the 30 teams. In the rotation, they have one reliable guy (Yoshinobu Yamamoto), two erratic guys (Dustin May and Kershaw), one guy who might be solid, but it’s too soon to tell (Emmet Sheehan), one guy who pitches well but hasn’t gone more than two innings (Shohei Ohtani) and a bunch of wishes and prayers for everyone else.
We keep hearing that Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell are returning soon (Glasnow perhaps this week), but I’ll believe it when I see it, and given their history, how long before they get hurt again?
Does this mean it is time to panic? Of course not. Despite all of the above, the Dodgers have the second-best record in baseball, a six-game lead over the Giants and seven-game lead over the Padres. They will make the postseason. If you recall, they struggled at times with similar issues last season, and that season ended OK if I remember correctly.
Andrew Friedman has shown that he is not afraid the make moves at the trade deadline. You can count on a move or two before the deadline this season (July 31 at 3 p.m. PT). The roster right now will not be the roster on day one of the postseason. So, let’s see what happens.
Max Muncy injured
You have to feel bad for Max Muncy. He finally had turned things around and was one of the team’s best hitters again. Then, his knee is injured when Michael Taylor of the White Sox slides into it while trying to steal third. It looked terrible, as your knee isn’t designed to bend that direction. It looked like he had torn everything in his knee and would be out for the season.
However, the Dodgers say an MRI exam showed just a bone bruise and he should be back in six weeks. Hopefully, that’s what happens and he doesn’t lose his swing while he’s recovering. However, the Dodgers have been historically vague when talking about injuries. If you remember, Muncy hurt his elbow on the last day of the 2021, in a similar situation, only the runner collided with his elbow at first instead of his knee at third.
After that injury, the MRI was described as the best-case scenario, and Dave Roberts said, “I just don’t want to, we don’t want to, close the door on a potential down-the-road postseason appearance.” Muncy and the club kept insisting he could return for the postseason if the Dodgers advanced to the World Series.
A month or so after the Dodgers were eliminated from the postseason, Muncy said he had torn the UCL in his elbow and knew he wasn’t going to play in the postseason.
So, hopefully his new injury is the best-case scenario, but I’m not holding my breath. With this injury, the Dodgers said they won’t be actively exploring a deal for a third baseman since Muncy will be back, meaning we will know a lot more about the accuracy of what they are saying if they actually don’t trade for a third baseman.
All-Stars
The five Dodgers who will be on the All-Star team this season:
Starters Freddie Freeman Shohei Ohtani Will Smith
Pitchers Clayton Kershaw Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Kershaw was named as the commissioner’s “Legend Pick.”
Christian Walker
Christian Walker continues to be a Dodger killer. He had a big series for the Astros, and is one of only nine opponents with at least 20 homers at Dodger Stadium. The list:
Barry Bonds, 29 George Foster, 23 Henry Aaron, 22 Dale Murphy, 22 Mike Schmidt, 22 Willie Stargell, 21 Paul Goldschmidt, 20 Dave Kingman, 20 Christian Walker, 20
In his career against the Dodgers, Walker is hitting .259/.318/.563 with 10 doubles, 28 homers and 64 RBIs in 340 plate appearances. Some have emailed wondering if they should just intentionally walk Walker in every at bat. No. That would be foolish. Just walk him when the situation calls for it (second and third, one out, for example, depending on who is pitching). There is no one in baseball history you should walk every at bat.
Have a comment or something you’d like to see in a future Dodgers newsletter? Email me at [email protected], and follow me on Twitter at @latimeshouston. To get this newsletter in your inbox, click here.
The slider was sizzling. The hitter was frozen. The strikeout was roaring.
With an 84-mph pitch on the black in the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox Wednesday at a rollicking Dodger Stadium, Clayton Kershaw struck out Vinny Capra looking to become the 20th player in baseball history to record 3,000 strikeouts.
As impressive as the pitch itself was the cementing of a truth that has taken nearly two decades to become evident.
How dare you diss our Sandy! Koufax won more championships! Koufax never choked in the postseason! Koufax was more dominant!
All true, Koufax being a tremendous human being worthy of every syllable of praise. But as Wednesday so clearly proved in front of a history-thirsty crowd at Chavez Ravine, Kershaw has done something that any defense of Koufax can not equal.
He’s endured. He’s taken the ball far more than Koufax while outlasting him in virtually every impact pitching category.
The Dodgers’ 5-4 victory Wednesday was the perfect illustration of the grinding that has lifted Kershaw to the Dodger heavens. He didn’t have his best stuff, he was battered by one of baseball’s worst teams for four runs on nine hits, but he fought through six innings to dramatically record his third strikeout and end his quest for 3,000 on his final hitter with his 100th pitch.
“I made it interesting, for sure,” Kershaw said afterward. “I made it take too long.”
When he took the mound at the start of the sixth, just one strikeout shy of 3,000, the crowd erupted in deafening screams previously only matched by a World Series win. When he breathtakingly struck out Capra — this was his last hitter regardless — he stalked off the mound and sighed and offered the thunderous crowd a sweaty wave.
“It’s a little bit harder when you’re actually trying to strike people out,” said Kershaw with a chuckle. “Running back out there in the sixth and hearing that crowd roar was up there for me, special moments…It was an amazing night.”
A young Dodgers fan holds up a sign that reads “3,000” to celebrate Clayton Kershaw’s strikeout milestone.
(Luke Johnson/Los Angeles Times)
In all, it was pure Kershaw, and it has been unmatched even by his legendary predecessor.
Koufax was a meteor, streaking across the sky for the greatest five seasons of any pitcher in baseball history.
Kershaw, meanwhile, has become his own planet, looming above for 18 years with a permanent glow that is unmatched in Dodgers lore.
Koufax was an amazing flash. Kershaw has been an enduring flame.
When this was previously written, manager Dave Roberts waffled on the question of whether Kershaw was the greatest Dodger pitcher ever.
This time, not so much.
“Obviously, Sandy is Sandy,” he said Wednesday. “You’re talking about 18 years, though, and the career of the body of work. It’s hard to not say Clayton, you know, is the greatest Dodger of all time.”
When one talks about the GOAT of various sports, indeed, a key element is always longevity. Tom Brady played 23 seasons, LeBron James has played 22 seasons and Babe Ruth played 22 seasons.
One cannot ignore the fact that Kershaw, in his 18th season, has played six more seasons than Koufax while pitching 463 more regular season innings. With his 3,000 strikeouts he has also fanned 604 more batters than Koufax, the equivalent of 22 more games composed solely of strikeouts, an unreal edge.
In the great Koufax debate, Kershaw is clearly being punished for his postseason struggles, and indeed his 4.49 postseason ERA doesn’t compare to Koufax’ 0.95 ERA.
But look at the sample size. Kershaw has pitched in 39 postseason games while Koufax has appeared in just eight. Kershaw has had 13 postseason starts that have lasted past the sixth inning while Koufax has had five.
Kershaw has pitched in multiple playoff rounds in multiple seasons, while Koufax never pitched in more than one playoff round per season, greatly increasing Kershaw’s opportunity for failure.
Kershaw has indeed stunk up the joint in some of the most devastating postseason losses in Dodger history. But he has taken the mound for nearly five times as many big games as Koufax and, in the end, he has just one fewer World Series championship.
“I’ve been through it, a lot, ups and downs here, more downs that I care to admit,” said Kershaw. “The fans … it was overwhelming to feel that.”
In the end, the strongest argument for Koufax supporters is the seemingly obvious answer to a question. If you had to win one game, would you start Koufax or Kershaw?
Of course you’d pitch Koufax … if your parameters were limited to five years. But if you wanted to pick a starter and you had to do it inside a two-decade window, you would take Kershaw.
Then there are those rarely recited stats that further the argument for Kershaw over Koufax: Kershaw has a better career ERA, 2.51 to 2.76. Kershaw has a better winning percentage, .697 to .655. And despite playing in an era where individual pitching wins are greatly cheapened, Kershaw has 51 more wins than Koufax.
How rare is 3,000 strikeouts? More pitchers have won 300 games. Only three other pitchers have done so left-handed. Only two pitchers in the last 100 years have done it with one team.
Now for the intangibles. If this is indeed the golden age of Dodger baseball — as Andrew Friedman so deftly described it — then the guardian of the era has been Kershaw.
The clubhouse culture is borne of his constantly present professionalism. The work ethic starts with him. The accountability is a reflection of him. For 18 years, through injury and embarrassment as well as fame and fortune, he has never complained, never blamed, never pointed fingers, never brought distraction.
And he always shows up for work. Every day. Every game. Every season. Clayton Kershaw has always been there, which is why he will be there forever on a statue that will surely be erected in the center field plaza next to the bronze figures of Jackie Robinson and, yes, of course, Sandy Koufax.
It is unlikely the Dodgers would ever script the words, “The greatest Dodger pitcher” on the base of his statue. They are understandably sensitive to Koufax and his legacy and importance to a legion of longtime fans.
But they know, just as those fans lucky enough to be at Dodger Stadium Wednesday know it.
They weren’t just watching greatness. They were watching The Greatest.
Bournemouth has been named the most in-demand coastal location for buyers, with its stunning natural beauty, extensive green spaces, and appealing property market all contributing to its popularity
Bournemouth beach in Dorset is a very popular spot for tourists(Image: John Harper via Getty Images)
Bournemouth, the charming coastal town situated on England’s southern coast, has recently experienced a significant increase in popularity among property buyers. The latest figures from Rightmove reveal that Bournemouth has become the most sought-after seaside location for purchasers, a trend fuelled by its breathtaking natural beauty, abundant green spaces and attractive housing market.
Bournemouth presents a unique mix of attractions that make it an irresistible choice for potential homeowners. The town is home to seven miles of stunning sandy beaches, ideal for a variety of activities from sunbathing to water sports.
These beaches, along with 2,000 acres of green space, offer a perfect equilibrium between coastal and city living. Adding to its allure, Bournemouth is conveniently located near the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic cliffs, historical importance, and natural splendour.
This close proximity allows inhabitants to experience the best of both worlds: the serenity of seaside living and the thrill of exploring ancient landscapes.
Bournemouth’s property market has witnessed substantial growth over the past five years. The average asking price for properties in 2024 stands at £360,298, representing a 22% increase since 2019.
The surge in property values is a clear indicator of the surging demand and Bournemouth’s escalating allure. The town is becoming increasingly sought-after due to several enticing attributes.
Crowds of sunseekers flock to the sandy beach(Image: Richard Fairless via Getty Images)
With its stunning beaches and lush parks, Bournemouth offers an abundance of outdoor leisure activities and spots for unwinding, reports the Express.
Its vibrant cultural landscape is dotted with festivals, theatres, and a selection of eateries, contributing to an enriched living experience. Excellent transport links mean Bournemouth is well-placed for those wishing to commute to metropolises like London.
Educational institutions, including highly-regarded schools and Bournemouth University, increase the town’s attraction for families. Locals have voiced their joy over the area’s burgeoning popularity.
On Trip Advisor, an enthused resident remarked: “Living here feels like being on a perpetual holiday. The community is welcoming, and there’s always something to do. The rising property values are a testament to how wonderful this place is.”
Bournemouth’s rising fame as a residential hotspot augurs well for its economic prosperity, with potential upticks in investment and tourism.
Yet, this popularity boom poses hurdles, notably in ensuring growth is handled responsibly and the town’s scenic charm is preserved.
In spite of these challenges, the outlook for Bournemouth remains promising as it cements its status as one of the UK’s most coveted living destinations.
Par Beach on the Isles of Scilly has been dubbed the ‘greatest beach’ in the UK and is popular with families and dog walkers as it stretches for half a mile long
15:49, 28 May 2025Updated 15:54, 28 May 2025
The pretty Par beach on the Isles of Scilly(Image: Fiona Graham/REX/Shutterstock)
A sandy beach off the coast of the UK mainland is rated as one of the top beaches in the country. Par Beach on the Isles of Scilly, a crescent-shaped beauty stretching for half a mile, has previously been crowned the ‘greatest beach’ in the UK. Boasting light sandy dunes and sweeping views of the uninhabited Eastern Isles, Par Beach is a hit with families and dog walkers, offering a plethora of activities from kayaking to sailing, alongside traditional seaside pastimes like bathing and swimming.
“I tripped over it [the beach] during the pandemic, in that time when we were all meant to be discovering our own country,” shared Chris Leadbeater, travel correspondent at The Telegraph, who dished out the award.
“And it did feel like a discovery, as I approached by water – and found myself staring besotted at this largely unadorned crescent, with its little jetty and handful of rowing boats.”
Nestled on St Martin’s Island, visitors are spoilt for choice with nearby accommodation options, including the charming shepherd huts at St Martin’s Vineyard and Winery.
Far from the typical cramped and basic shepherd huts, these hand-built havens boast mains water pressure showers and extra width for comfort, ensuring a cosy stay just a stone’s throw from the beach.
To enhance your appreciation of the stunning surroundings, all power for the hut is sourced from solar panels and battery storage on the farm or via its renewables-only energy provider.
The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago off the coast of Cornwall with five inhabited islands(Image: Getty Images)
The huts are priced at £820 per week, but savvy guests can snap up a deal in February, March and November when the rate drops to £670 for two adults per week.
Alternative lodgings can be discovered at Carron Farm and Scilly Farm Holidays or if you’re partial to a yurt, Scilly Organics has one available for booking from £450 for a week.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled with Seal Snorkelling Adventures’ 2.5-hour excursions where guests can have an intimate encounter with Atlantic grey seals. Wetsuits, snorkels, masks and the boat trip are all bundled into the cost, which stands at £65 per person.
For those who’d rather avoid the chilly ocean waters, there’s a plethora of cafes scattered across the island. Open between Easter and October, The Island Bakery whips up handmade treats using local and Cornish ingredients.
The local Polreath Guest House also boasts its own tea room, a fixture since the 1950s and family-run for the past 21 years.
Venturing further inland, visitors will stumble upon The Seven Stones Inn, a charmingly rustic family-run pub offering breathtaking views across the island. All produce at the pub is locally sourced as much as possible.
Par Beach presents the ideal staycation spot, particularly for those who prefer to stay close to their accommodation and immerse themselves in the local community.
