Commuters can expect travel chaos in the days ahead after the derailment of train on a major line, with the train operator issuing an urgent warning for anyone travelling by rail this week
A train has derailed, sparking police to declare a ‘major incident’(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Less than 48 hours after passengers were stabbed in a frenzied attack on a train near Huntingdon, Cambridge, police have declared a second ‘major incident’.
The incident occurred at 6.10 am this morning (November 3), and all passengers were safely removed from the train by emergency crews. Meanwhile, photographs show a train carriage in a crushed state, with pipework and wires exposed.
Four individuals suffered minor injuries following the derailment near Shap in Cumbria, North West Ambulance Service confirmed, but thankfully, after assessing 87 people, ambulance workers determined that “no one required further hospital treatment”.
However, while the major incident status has since been “stood down”, an operation remains in place as crews work to clear the scene, and Avanti West Coast have now warned commuters to expect significant disruption to its network in the days to come.
Warning commuters not to travel north of Preston, an Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “At 06.10hrs today, 3 November, the 0428 Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to Euston was reported to have derailed at Shap in Cumbria. Our priority is the well-being of everyone who was on board and getting them safely off the train. We are assisting emergency services who are on the scene.
“As a result, all lines are blocked north of Preston. Please do not attempt to travel north of Preston today. We’ll provide further information in due course, but it is likely there will be significant disruption to our network for a number of days.”
With the line from Glasgow to London Euston being the main route for services operating in the west of the UK, it’s expected that thousands of passengers will be impacted by this ongoing disruption.
Echoing Avanti West Coast’s warning not to travel north of Preston, National Rail stated: “Major disruption between Carlisle and Preston expected until the end of the day. A derailed train between Penrith and Oxenholme means all lines are blocked. Trains running between Carlisle and Preston may be delayed by up to 120 minutes or cancelled.”
Meanwhile, National Rail has also clarified that rail replacement buses are no longer in operation between Carlisle and Preston, “due to a limited supply of coaches”, while it’s anticipated that “replacement vehicles may be busier than usual”. The train company advised: “You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.”
It was previously reported that some 130 passengers have been taken to the nearby Shap Wells Hotel, with hotel director Shabeeh Hassan, revealing that the commuters arrived from 07:30am and seemed to have no injuries. He did however remark that some of the passengers were in shock, telling BBC Radio Cumbria: “I’m doing as much as I can just to make them comfortable.”
It comes after passengers on the 6.25pm LNER train from Doncaster to King’s Cross on Saturday night ended up running for their lives down the carriages as one of the biggest mass stabbings in British history unfolded.
A total of 10 people – including a man who was allegedly stabbed in the head while protecting a young girl – were rushed to hospital after the quick-thinking driver made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, allowing passengers to flee down the platform.
Anthony Williams, 32, of Langford Road, Peterborough, was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of Actual Bodily Harm and one count of possession of bladed article.
People who are planning to travel today (2 November) have been urged to check their train journey as major disruptions are expected following the stabbings on an LNER service to London
10:54, 02 Nov 2025Updated 12:55, 02 Nov 2025
The incident took place on an LNER Azuma 18.25 service from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, to London King’s Cross(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
A ‘major incident’ has been declared after multiple people were stabbed on board a train heading towards London, resulting in severe travel disruptions.
The shocking incident took place on Saturday, 1 November, during the LNER Azuma 18.25 service from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, to London King’s Cross. Police were alerted at 7.39pm to reports that “multiple people had been stabbed on a train”, and the service made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station for assistance from armed police, paramedics, air ambulances and transport police.
British Transport Police confirmed that 10 individuals were transported to hospital, with nine thought to have sustained life-threatening injuries. There have been no fatalities, and two suspects have been arrested over the stabbings.
As a result of the horrifying attack, there is disruption to the LNER, which operates East Coast Mainline services in the UK, between London Kings Cross and Peterborough today (2 November). People who were planning to travel today have been advised to check before travelling as there may be “cancellations or alterations to the services”.
In an update on their website, LNER said: “The emergency services are continuing to deal with a major incident between Hitchin and Peterborough. Whilst they carry out their work some lines are still closed.
“Services between London Kings Cross and Peterborough may be cancelled, revised or delayed.
“Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
“Grand Central and Hull Trains services are not impacted.”
In an update on X, formerly Twitter, LNER also stated: “Customers booked to travel today, 02 November, can defer their travel up to and including the 07 November. Please check our website for the latest advice and updates.”
For the Great Northern and Thameslink services, LNER confirmed on their website: “Lines have reopened between Hitchin and Peterborough and trains which run between London Kings Cross and Peterborough will be able to run.
“However, Huntingdon station remains closed, if you wish to travel from Huntingdon, you will need to take a rail replacement bus to either St Neots or Peterborough and from there you can take a train service towards your destination. All buses are advertised on journey planners.
“If you are travelling to Huntingdon from the direction of London / Hitchin, please alight the train at St Neots where replacement buses are running. There are also rail replacement buses running from Peterborough to Huntingdon.
“Additionally, no trains in the direction of Peterborough will be able to call at Arlesey until at least 09:00.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
For more information, you can check the LNER website for updates here. Alternatively, you can check the Thameslink services here and the Great Northern lines here.
Following the incident, a spokesperson for LNER said: “We are concerned for everyone affected by the incident that occurred on the 1825 service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on Saturday evening (1 November.)”
David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this serious incident, and our thoughts are very much with everyone involved.
“I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response and the care they have provided to those injured. Anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to police is urged to contact British Transport Police.
“The safety and wellbeing of everyone affected will remain our priority. We will continue to do everything we can to support our customers and colleagues during this difficult time.”
A spokesperson for the Rail, Maritime and Transport union also issued a statement: “We are horrified by the mass stabbing attack on an LNER train last night.
“Our thoughts remain with the train crew and passengers who were either at work or going about their business on a busy Saturday night during this awful incident.
“It is important we allow the emergency services and authorities to establish the full facts before commenting further.”
THE government has finally revealed the new operator that could run train services to Europe alongside Eurostar.
The Office for Rail and Road has announced that Virgin Trains will be allowed to access Temple Mills International depot in East London.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Eurostar is officially getting a new rival as Virgin is giving the go-ahead to launch trains to EuropeCredit: VirginBrits can currently only travel to Europe by train from London St Pancras with EurostarCredit: Alamy
This means Virgin will eventually join Eurostar to operate train services via the Channel Tunnel from the UK to Europe – and will be the first train service to rival Eurostar since it launched more than 30 years ago.
Virgin first announced plans to launch services rivallingEurostar in January 2025, and could start running trains from 2030.
This means direct routes to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with future plans for France, Germany and Switzerland.
Virgin also announced plans to restart trains from both Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International in Kent as well – which had Eurostar trains until the pandemic.
Earlier this month, the company even said that it if it won the bid, it could to run services from Manchester and Birmingham.
Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson said: “The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route.
“Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services, and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and rail, we’re ready to do it again.
“We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.”
Martin Jones, deputy director, access and international, said that Virgin’s plans were “more financially and operationally robust than those of other applicants”.
He added: “With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700million in private sector investment and stimulating growth.
“While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”
Signing an agreement with Alstom, Virgin will buy 12 Avelia Stream trains, and have secured funding from Equitix, a leading European investor.
This is alongside private equity firm Azzurra.
While the access to the Temples Mills depot is a step forward, it will be a while until trains can launch.
This is because Virgin must also secure access to the tracks.
But it is good news for a competitor on the HS1 line, as this could even mean cheaper fares in the future.
Virgin’s Richard Branson said it was going to ‘shake-up the cross-Channel route for good’Credit: Virgin
Virgin’s Phil Whittingham said: “Temple Mills has been a critical bottle neck in the process to launching a new cross-Channel service, so today’s news is a significant milestone for Virgin and a pivotal turning point for international rail.
“Building on the great success of Virgin Trains, Virgin will deliver a first-class cross-Channel service that will create hundreds of jobs and support the modal shift of short-haul journeys from air to rail.”
Eurostar has had monopoly of the Channel Tunnel since it first launched back in 1994.
And over the past months, a number of companies have stepped forward in bid to run services through the Channel Tunnel to Europe.
What does this mean for travellers?
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey weighs in.
EUROSTAR has long had the monopoly of the Channel Tunnel, being the only train operator since 1994 to use the lines connecting the UK to Europe.
The new arrival of Virgin Trains will see competition on the lines, which always a good thing.
This is because it could put pressure on Eurostar to up their game, which has already seen them announce new routes, new trains and the return to other stations.
It could also mean cheaper fares, as competition so often does – look at many of the budget European airlines with cheap fares.
Of course we have a while to wait. It is unlikely that Virgin will launch trains anytime before 2030.
But with ambitious plans for trains from Manchester, Birmingham and Kent – as well as new routes to France, Switzerland and Germany – it will be exciting to see how train travel to Europe progresses in the next few years.
This includes Italy‘s state-owned FS Italiane Group and Gemini Trains (recently partnering with Uber), as well as start up Evolyn.
Currently, the only destinations Brits can get to via direct train from the UK are Paris, Lille, Brussels Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Previous routes that have since been scrapped included Disneyland Paris, as well as Marseille and Lyon.
If you’re thinking of visiting a European Christmas market, this one isn’t well-known, but is packed with festive activities. Thanks to a special themed train, even the journey there is fun
Arezzo’s Christmas market will have a cosy traditional vibe(Image: Arezzo Intour Foundation)
While there are loads of incredible Christmas markets in the UK, visiting one in Europe is a whole other experience. Many European Christmas markets are bigger, and they often have unique features that make for a memorable festive outing.
One market that’s bound to appeal to Christmas-enthusiasts is in Arezzo, Italy, a historic city that’s surrounded by Tuscan hills and can be found just over an hour’s train ride from Rome.
While this train ride is already a picturesque journey, in the run up to Christmas the train company La Ferroviaria Italiana (LFI) will run their Espresso Assisi service with trains decked out in festive decorations. There will also be Christmas music playing, and a “small gift” for each passenger, getting you into the spirit of the season.
Once you arrive, you can browse a vast Christmas market in the heart of this charming medieval city. Arezzo’s Piazza Grande will host the Tyrolean Village market from November 15 to December 28, which is based on the traditional markets of the northern region of Tyrol, as well as having German and Austrian influences. Browse the small wooden huts and find hand-crafted items from handblown baubles to nativity figurines.
Visit between November 15 and January 6 and there’s also an additional Art Market, which will be full of artisanal crafts, as well as offering local speciality food stalls. The market opens until 9pm on some dates, which means you can see the streets lit-up after dark.
Arezzo will also have an ice rink, again with late opening hours, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere at night. After sunset, visit La Luna di Natale (Christmas moon), a giant model of the moon that lights up. You can also take a stroll through Il Bosco delle Emozioni (the forest of emotions), a Christmas light trail surrounded by pine trees with free entry. Or hop on the Ferris wheel for amazing views of the city.
The Arezzo Christmas Bus Tour is also a good way to explore the city. This small electric bus takes you through the narrow streets and squares, with the tour taking 40-minutes and costing 12 euros (approx. £10.57).
If you’re planning to stay in the picturesque spot for a little longer, you can also visit Arezzo Cathedral, which sits on a hilltop and has spectacular frescoes and stained glass. There’s also the Basilica di San Francesco, which is home of the famous Legends of the True Cross frescoes, which date back to early Renaissance times.
Casa Vasari is also a great place to see Renaissance artworks, sculptures, and more. Set in a historic home that once belonged to artist Giorgio Vasari, this collection includes his own works from the 16th-century, as well as artists he collaborated with.
Ryanair offer flights to Rome from London Stansted from just £18 one way, with flight times of two hours 45 minutes. You can also fly with airlines including Jet2, whose Manchester to Rome flights clock in at three hours and start at £35 each way.
THE Eurostar is getting a major upgrade with up to 50 new double-decker trains.
Eurostar has revealed a €2billion (£1.7billion) investment in double-decker trains that would become the first ever to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK network.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Eurostar is investing €2billion (£1.7billion) in double-decker trains that would become the first ever to operate through the Channel Tunnel and on the UK networkCredit: Getty
So far, the operator has confirmed it will have 30 double-decker trains, but could add a further 20 in the future.
The new fleet, built by the Alstom Group, will be called Eurostar Celestia.
The trains will each measure 200 metres long, and will be used across the five countries Eurostar currently operates in – the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
They are also set to be used for new destinations such as Geneva in Switzerland and Frankfurt in Germany.
On board each train, there will be around 540 seats – a 20 per cent increase compared to the number of seats on the Eurostar’s current trains.
Though if running in a 400 metre formation, as trains do currently through the Channel Tunnel, then there will be around 1,080 seats per service.
According to the operator, Eurostar Celestia will also have a “bespoke design to capture the unique, premium experience Eurostar customers expect”.
The name of the new fleet was decided by Eurostar staff and is derived from the Latin word ‘caelestis’, which means ‘heavenly’.
“It evokes the stars and the essence of travel, perfectly capturing the spirit of a company that links a constellation of cities across Europe,” Eurostar added.
The decision follows Eurostar’s aim of handling 30million passengers each year in the future.
The first trains are expected to join Eurostar’s fleet in January 2031, with services launching in May 2031.
The operator plans to launch six trains initially, which will run alongside Eurostar’s current fleet of 17 e320s.
In total, the fleet will grow to 67 trains – 30 per cent more than runs today.
The entire fleet would also be maintained at the Temple Mills depot in London, which would undergo an €80million (£69.6million) redevelopment to create space for the new trains.
In addition, 350 new jobs would be created at the depot.
The trains will be an all-electric fleet too, making them more sustainable.
The new trains would be used in the five countries Eurostar currently operates in and for new destinations in the futureCredit: Alamy
Gwendoline Cazenave, CEO, Eurostar said: “We’re particularly proud to bring double-decker trains to the UK for the very first time.
“Customers can expect a very special new train with Eurostar Celestia, which will offer exceptional comfort, a unique Eurostar experience and new surprises to be revealed.
“This is a golden age for international sustainable travel – and Eurostar is leading the race.”
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom, said: “This new-generation train, designed to meet the demands of international very high-speed traffic, embodies our vision of sustainable and competitive European mobility.”
The announcement comes as the Office of Rail and Road is set to meet on October 31 to make a decision on whether space should be created for a competitor operator at Temple Mills, such as Virgin or Gemini.
Recently, Virgin also announced that if it were to get approval to run cross-channel services, it would launch routes from two huge cities in the north.
And in other train news, the UK capital is set to welcome new £700million train line linking west and north of the city.
Each 200 metre train will be able to hold around 540 passengersCredit: PA
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is set to journey all the way from Paris to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Its inauguration will be on May 4, 2026. The train trundles out of the French capital for an overnight journey to Pompeii
14:53, 21 Oct 2025Updated 14:54, 21 Oct 2025
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has unveiled a new route(Image: VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The world’s most famous and fanciest train has announced a new route.
There are few, if any, rail operators as synonymous with opulent luxury and glamour as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE). Close to a century and a half since the original train launched, the new service, which takes inspiration from the original, continues to wow guests.
According to Travel + Leisure, the VSOE will travel from Paris to the Amalfi Coast in Italy and will be inaugurated on May 4, 2026.
The train trundles out of the French capital for an overnight journey to Pompeii. The going is leisurely, with guests able to enjoy food and drink in the painstakingly preserved 1920s carriages. It will feature cocktails and live piano music in the train’s famed Bar Car 3674.
Train travellers can disembark in Pompeii and explore the historic UNESCO site, which has been preserved by ash from Mount Vesuvius. Grand Suite guests can enjoy exclusive access to the rarely opened Casa del Larario Regio V, an archaeological treasure that Caruso supports through its preservation efforts.
A boat will then whisk guests to the lavish Caruso hotel in Positano for a two-night stay. The hotel is known for its history and its newly restyled La Piscina infinity pool, perched 1,000 feet above the sea.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express general manager Pascal Deyrolle told WWD: “This journey offers guests a unique way to experience one of Italy’s most celebrated coastlines — with its cliffs, villages and sea views revealed in a way that only the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express can provide.”
Before you book any annual leave, it’s important to note one thing. The trip is not cheap. The price tag for a ticket on the Paris to Amalfi service looks to set you back a hefty £8,600.
While that may sound pretty expensive (and it is), that fee does include all meals, transfers and excursions. It’s all relative at least. The priciest route could leave you more than £60,000 lighter for the Grand Suite on a five-day expedition travelling from Istanbul to Paris.
There are other luxury trains on offer.
Luxury brand Belmond is set to launch The Britannic Explorer, offering a three-night journey through Wales this year.
Passengers boarding the Britannic Explorer are advised to pack walking shoes and a dinner jacket or cocktail dress. This is the first luxury sleeper train to operate in England and Wales, complete with an onboard spa. Guests will slumber in stunning suites, indulge in world-class dining curated by a Michelin-star chef, and partake in excursions such as hikes in the Welsh countryside, visits to a luxury pub, and clay pigeon shooting.
Prices start at £11,000, based on a double cabin for three nights, inclusive of excursions, meals, wine, and alcoholic beverages on board.
A three-night route through Wales departs from London Victoria, stopping at Llandrindod Wells and Machynlleth, via Haverfordwest, Porthmadog and Barmouth, before returning to London via the Cotswolds.
The itinerary reveals that on the first day, guests will check-in and enjoy an afternoon tea crafted by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, featuring Welsh teacakes and Bara Brith, reports Wales Online.
Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/
The procession attracts thousands of visitors with transport, accommodation and even drinks difficult to come by on the big night.
The event begins with a torch-led procession, before bonfires are held across the town.
Firework displays are also conducted towards the end of the evening.
Ahead of the event on November 5, a multi-agency group has issued a series of advice for the public.
Transport restrictions
Transport restrictions are also being put in place to prevent visitors from attending the event.
In a statement, the group, which includes Sussex Police and the British Transport Police, said: “We ask that you do not attend Lewes Bonfire unless you are local because the crowds and narrow streets can present unique safety challenges.
The event also marks the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefsCredit: REUTERS
“The decision to bring in travel restrictions has been made in the best interests of safety, by limiting the number of people attending.
“It is hoped that those who are inconvenienced will understand that and have time to make alternative arrangements where possible.
“It is recognised this will impact motorists and train passengers who are not planning to attend the event.”
Locals have been reacting to the news on Facebook.
One said: “Lewes is in lockdown for the bonfire, so you can’t get there.”
Another posted: “The more you tell someone not to do it the more they do.”
For the last several hundred years, Lewes Bonfire has taken place in the small Sussex town.
The event marks both Guy Fawkes Night and the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake for their religious beliefs.
There are thought to be more than 3,000 bonfire society members who take part in the procession each year, while up to 80,000 people have been known to watch the town’s parade.
The population of Lewes town is just more than 17,000.
A series of road closures will also be in place from 4.45pm on November 5, with residents advised to get any vehicles to their homes before 4pm to avoid disruption.
From 5pm that day, no trains will stop at Lewes, Falmer, Cooksbridge, Glynde and Southease.
MANCHESTER and Birmingham could soon get Channel Tunnel trains.
Virgin has revealed that it wants to operate services from Manchester and Birmingham to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, if it wins the bid to run cross-channel services.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Manchester and Birmingham could both get train services to Europe if Virgin wins the bid to operate cross-channel servicesCredit: Alamy
If the routes were launched, the trains would need to run via the West Coast Main Line and then divert across north London to join the Channel Tunnel route at Stratford.
A Virgin spokesperson said: “Reopening the stations to be able to accommodate international services requires commitment and resources from all parties and potential competitors involved.
“But if the stations are opened, Virgin will stop in Kent.”
Virgin has also pledged to reopen Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International stations, which have both been closed since 2020.
Virgin would then run 20 services each day from London St Pancras to Paris and Amsterdam via Brussels, within the next five years.
In the future, Virgin said it could also add services to Germany and Switzerland too.
In August, Virgin signed a deal for 12 new high-speed trains.
The “binding exclusivity” with Alstom means Virgin would get a dozen Avelia Stream trains to use for journeys into mainland Europe.
Virgin is just one of several companies bidding to run services across the channel; other companies include Gemini Trains and Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS).
The latter has said they would look to restart train routes from Ashford International Station as well.
Services would operate from the stations and head through Kent before heading to EuropeCredit: Getty – Contributor
If Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane was successful in its bid to gain a Channel Tunnel contract, they’d launch trains from between London and Paris from 2029 onwards, with a stop in Ashford.
Meanwhile, Gemini Trains has revealed plans to launch 10 trains from the UK to Europe, including routes to Paris and Brussels.
The ORR will make a decision about the future of cross-channel services, by either allowing a new operator to run services or allow Eurostar to grow its services.
If Eurostar did expand, the operator has expressed that it would like to run services to a number of new destinations, such as Frankfurt and Geneva.
A final decision is set to be made on October 31.
Why Virgin taking on Eurostar is good for consumers…
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains how this is good news for UK travellers
WHILE a second operator on the channel tunnel could only be a positive move for travellers, there are significant challenges before this could become reality.
Eurostar currently has a monopoly on the route and competition would potentially bring more choice, lower prices and new routes.
Eurostar itself is a shadow of the company it was in its glory days with direct routes to Disneyland Paris, Lyon, Avignon and Marseille plus its fabulous ski train to the Alps.
While the pandemic brought the company almost to its knees, it has been steadily getting back on its feet and the merger with Belgian operator Thalys has opened up fast train services to Germany.
But the constrictions on space at St Pancras and the maintenance depot at Temple Mills plus the potential disruption when the new European Entry Exit System finally arrives mean there are still significant problems that need to be addressed.
The announcement comes as the Office for Rail and Road will make a final decision on which company will become the Eurostar’s rival on October 31Credit: Getty
Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane has expressed interest in running trains between London and Paris with a stop in the southeastern county of Kent, meaning an extra direct train route to Europe
12:31, 16 Oct 2025Updated 13:52, 16 Oct 2025
Passengers from Kent could soon be in Paris before they know it(Image: Daria Kulkova/Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A new train service would provide a second direct route from the UK to Europe.
At the moment, if you want to get from the UK to Europe by train (and you aren’t in your own vehicle), the only option is to go on the Eurostar from St Pancras International in London.
Eurostar trains used to make stops in Kent, but service was halted in 2020. Services stopped operating at Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International because of the coronavirus pandemic, but they never returned when international travel did.
Earlier this year, Eurostar said just 4% of passengers travelled from Ashford, or Ebbsfleet, which is also in Kent. At peak times, it says there were 50 passengers from Ashford on each 900-seat train.
That hasn’t stopped the Kentish people from expressing their dismay at the scrapped service. Around 80,000 of them have signed a petition to get their European link back. Jean-Claude Cothias, a Frenchman who moved to Ashford due to its connections with the Continent, has even considered leaving the town now that Eurostar doesn’t stop there.
“That connection, if it’s not there, it is hugely detrimental to the economic environment in the town and to its attractiveness,” he told the BBC.
It seems that their protests have worked. Italian operator Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane has expressed interest in running trains between London and Paris with a stop in the southeastern county.
The competitor is one of several train companies competing to run a cross-Channel route. Its plans include a £1 billion investment into the British economy, and the construction of an ‘innovation hub’ at Ashford station, according to the Times.
Virgin, German-owned organisation Deutsche Bahn, and startup Evolyn have been gearing up to make bids for access to the Channel Tunnel.
A Virgin Group spokesperson said: “Virgin is talking to Kent County Council and other stakeholders about stopping at both Ebbsfleet and Ashford as it set out in its ORR submission. Reopening the stations to be able to accommodate international services requires commitment and resources from all parties and potential competitors involved – but if the stations are opened, Virgin will stop in Kent.”
In January Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “keen” to see international services reinstated to Ashford “as soon as possible”, when responding to Ashford MP Sojan Joseph’s question in the House of Commons. Like Ashford and Ebbsfleet, Eurostar no longer stops at Calais’s international station – Calais Frethun.
Ashford Borough Council invested £25m for the infrastructure of the town’s international station, which opened in 1996. It also spent £8.5m more to upgrade signalling in 2020, so newer Eurostar trains could access the station.
Council leader Noel Ovenden has been a vocal critic of both Ashford International and Ebbsfleet stations lying unused by direct European services. “We want it open now, not in another five years. We need to keep banging the drum, louder and louder, and push hard to get this station reopened,” he told the BBC.
The Bentham Line, nestled in the scenic northern English countryside, offers more than just a train ride; it’s an opportunity to immerse oneself in an almost three hour train ride to the coast
14:50, 15 Oct 2025Updated 15:03, 15 Oct 2025
The Bentham Line is tucked away in the picturesque northern English countryside(Image: The Bentham Line)
Lonely Planet, the renowned travel guide experts, have just unveiled their much-anticipated Best in Travel guide for 2025. The guide features 30 must-visit destinations for the upcoming year and reveals the top 10 travel trends.
One of these trends is the simple joy of train hopping, turning a regular train journey into an exciting adventure by getting off at different stops along the way. The Bentham Line, tucked away in the picturesque northern English countryside, offers more than just a means of transport; it’s a chance to embark on a nearly three-hour journey to the coast.
Labelled as a “near-secret” by the experts, this lesser-known 75-mile train route is predicted to be one of the UK’s best train journeys for 2025, reports the Express.
This historic line, which stretches between Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe, meanders through charming villages, rolling hills and historic towns, encouraging travellers to step back in time.
For over 170 years, The Bentham Line has been a crucial link for local communities.
The 75-mile (120 km) trans-pennine journey starts in the heart of West Yorkshire, crosses stunning valleys, passes the Ribblehead Viaduct and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, before ending at the scenic shores of Morecambe Bay.
The Bentham Line, a gem in Scenic Rail Britain’s crown, is managed by a community rail partnership (CRP), bringing together local community groups and organisations to enhance the passenger experience.
Setting off from Leeds Station, the journey winds its way westwards, swiftly trading the city’s frantic energy for the peaceful countryside of the Yorkshire Dales.
The service calls at Shipley, Bingley, and Keighley before arriving at Skipton, dubbed the “Gateway to the Dales.”
Boasting a 900-year-old castle and a historic cobbled High Street, this town serves as a beloved day-trip spot encircled by stunning landscapes.
Another favourite destination to disembark is Giggleswick.
This charming village, nestled just beyond the market town of Settle, boasts numerous elegant properties and a historic church featuring captivating architectural details.
The distinctive copper dome of Giggleswick School’s Chapel dominates the horizon, creating a striking landmark across the region.
Every station along this route provides its own enchanting experience.
Step into yesteryear at Carnforth, where the railway station served as the backdrop for the most memorable moments in the 1945 classic Brief Encounter, or alight at Lancaster to discover the Edwardian butterfly conservatory in the ‘Taj Mahal of the North’ alongside Lancaster Castle.
Travellers can marvel at the classic Yorkshire stone architecture and the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct, a remarkable example of Victorian craftsmanship.
Beyond this point stretches the tranquil Lune Valley, an unspoilt expanse of countryside that traces the River Lune, providing breathtaking panoramas around every bend.
The journey concludes in Morecambe, a seaside town where the vast horizon meets the Irish Sea.
Known for its Winter Gardens, the iconic art deco Midland Hotel and its broad sandy bay, visitors are drawn here to enjoy fish and chips on the seafront after a charming train ride.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or simply in need of a breath of fresh air, The Bentham Line offers an effortless route through some of England’s most captivating landscapes.
It serves as a reminder that the finest travel experiences aren’t always about the destination, but the journey itself.
So, hop on board, and let the rhythm of the rails carry you away.
The Caledonian Sleeper offers overnight train journeys from Birmingham International for the first time in 30 years, meaning we can explore some wild, stunning landscapes without the long journey to London
The train has a fresh new route(Image: Construction Photography/Avalon, Getty Images)
The Caledonian Sleeper has announced its overnight train journeys from Birmingham International for the first time in 30 years, starting from January 2026.
This means that travellers wishing to experience Scotland’s famous sleeper service no longer need to travel to London to board.
With fares starting from just £60 one-way, passengers can enjoy some of the most breathtaking landscapes en route to Fort William, including Ardlui at the head of Loch Lomond, Rannoch, the village of Dalwhinnie (famed for its distillery) and the Bridge of Orchy.
Those opting for the Aberdeen route will be treated to views of the stunning seaside haven of Lunan Bay.
The train journey itself is an experience, winding through beautiful landscapes on the way north.
Onboard, there are rooms with double beds, ensuite bathrooms and breakfast, as well as bunk bed rooms and accessible rooms.
Budget travellers can opt for a less expensive spot in the seated coach, which offers a seat tray table, a footrest, a safe and a sleep kit. There is also an individual reading light for comfort during the long journey.
These tickets start from £60.
Destinations such as Dundee, Inverness, Perth and the Cairngorm National Parks will now be within reach for Brummies, with a club car available for late-night drinks and snacks, reports Birmingham Live.
You can secure your spot on the Caledonian Sleeper by booking directly through their website.
Laura Teagle, who enjoyed a “gorgeous” day trip to a European city, has shared a money-saving hack that will help you travel to abroad for less than it costs to get around the UK
16:43, 10 Oct 2025Updated 09:19, 13 Oct 2025
A social media influencer has revealed her top tip for saving money on Eurostar journeys (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
France is synonymous with its sun-drenched vineyards, bustling boulevards and medieval castles. A trip over the British Channel is one many make from the UK for a weekend break or longer. But one influencer has taken the extreme route and managed to find a genius way to make a day trip to France affordable.
While the Eurostar is famed for offering easy travel to places like Paris and Brussels, there’s one underrated gem in France that TikTok personality Laura Teagle says foodies and day-trippers must visit. While train fares continue to soar, making enjoyable days out across Britain increasingly costly, Laura has a handy trick to make a day trip to France easy and friendly on the wallet.
Posting under @teagleeats, Laura shared with her audience how she managed to secure discounted Eurostar fares. The influencer nabbed £39 railway tickets to a French destination she described as “gorgeous” at a lower cost than journeying between major British cities.
Laura chronicled her excursion to Lille, a “charming” city situated just inside the border with Belgium. She opened her post declaring: “When a day trip to France is cheaper than a day out in London you best believe I’m going.”
Laura – who also operates her own confectionery enterprise called Teagle’s Treats – outlined how she obtained the budget-friendly train fares. In a TikTok video following her post showcasing her adventure to Lille, she revealed: “Okay I didn’t realise this wasn’t common knowledge but I’m gonna tell you the best life hack for travelling to France for cheap.
“So I’m always going straight to the Eurostar website, then once I’m there instead of typing in a date, a time and location, I’m gonna go down and I’m gonna search for this – the book now button for Paris for £39. When you get there you’ll see this: all these different locations all from £39 each way.
“The next trick is to go all the way through the calendar and see where all of these £39 dates are and choose the one that’s most appropriate. So in this case I choose January 17 and then obviously to return on the same day, I’m gonna click the same date.
“Then we’re gonna choose ‘get times’ and we’re gonna be presented with this screen. Then I’m gonna swipe through all of the different times and choose the cheapest or the best time available.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
“So in this case it’s a 7:04 train for £44 and for the return, I’m gonna do the exact same thing. I’m gonna swipe choose the best cheapest price for the latest train so the 7:35pm.
“And that’s literally it. That is how you travel to France for the day for so cheap.”
Throughout her adventure in Lille, Laura and her mate explored numerous bakeries to taste the regional delicacies. Following her 7am departure from London aboard Eurostar, she and her companion popped into a Lille supermarket to grab some brie for €1 (87p).
She described the “gorgeous” stroll to a patisserie, where she tasted pain au chocolat that she dubbed “literally the best” and declared she craved “75 more” of the bakery’s eclairs. Following that, it was a morning exploring the Palais des Beaux-Arts museum.
Laura branded it a “must go” destination for merely €4 (£3.5). Another bakery visit ensued, where she sampled Lille’s renowned brioche and suggested tourists should also savour the wonderful cuisine available. She continued: “Being close to Belgium we obviously had to check out beer shops” before making a beeline for Méert, a bakery that’s become an internet sensation for its delectable treats.
Laura enthused: “I don’t care that this is hyped up online and the queues are long, you have got to go.” She posted a snap of a vanilla tartlet from the bakery, confessing she “literally dribbled” while capturing the shot.
She reiterated: “I’ll say it again. God! Bless! The! French!” Laura and her companion then enjoyed an alfresco lunch, featuring a cheese board that left her “speechless” and saucisson, a French sausage she dubbed “our actual fave”.
After sampling some local booze, they made their way to the Lille flea market which she declared was “100% worth the visit”. Their next stop was Au Point Central, a bistro offering €5 glasses of Pinot Noir.
Come dinner time, Laura and her friend hit Cafe de Paris for a “perfect” sirloin steak, fries and a salad at a cost of €25 (£22). Laura’s final verdict was unequivocal.
She declared: “I will absolutely be continuing to advocate for getting the first train out/last train back on Eurostar on all and any occasions.
“£150 all in return trains, all food, drinks and activities like London could just never? Grab your passport, grab your girls and go flirt with the French, eat their food and drink their wine.”
The £175m Beaulieu Park train station in Chelmsford is finished well ahead of time, and will open for passengers next week – it’s the first station on the Eastern main line for 100 years
New railway station arrives months early
The first new train station on the Eastern main line for 100 years will be arriving … four months early. Rail chiefs are delighted with the £175m station which will open its doors next week.
Beaulieu Park is the first station on this part of the UK rail network network since the 1920s. And because it’s months ahead of schedule passengers will be able to use it from October 26th.
The station is part of a new super green initiative project near Chelmsford, Essex. Martin Beable, Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, said: “We are really looking forward to the opening of Beaulieu Park station, the first new station on the Great Eastern Main Line in over 100 years.
“Beaulieu Park station will benefit from a regular and reliable service of up to four trains per hour during peak times and two trains per hour during off peak periods, making rail travel simple and convenient for passengers.”
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader at Essex County Council, said: “Essex is pioneering the type of infrastructure-supported growth that’s on the national agenda, being bold and ambitious in our commitment to future-proofing the county and putting investment where it’s most needed.
“The new Beaulieu Park station is testament to this, and the role it will play in transforming travel in this part of Chelmsford and surrounding areas will have a positive impact for years to come.
“The progress being made to build the station is remarkable and I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work to get the project to this stage. I’m very much looking forward to the station opening.”
Council bosses hope the new station will transform travel north of Chelmsford as it will eases pressure on the existing busy Chelmsford train station and reduces car journeys into the city centre.
The station is a significant addition to the Beaulieu and Channels neighbourhoods in the north of the city, which form the first phases of the new Chelmsford Garden Community.
4,350 homes already have planning permission as part of the Garden Community. This includes 1,989 new homes which have already been built, along with the Beaulieu Square Neighbourhood Centre providing local shops, community and health services.
This is in addition to the Beaulieu Park School – the first all-through primary and secondary school in Essex.
Another 6,250 homes, a second all-through school campus, up to three primary schools with early years and childcare provision, up to four standalone early-years facilities, more than nine hectares of employment space and walking and cycling routes will also be delivered as part of the Garden Community in the coming years.
Beaulieu Park Station will provide easier and quicker access to jobs, helping the economic development of the area and encouraging further investment.
Beable added: “We expect the new station to be a very attractive and popular option for travellers from that part of Essex.”
When it was first published in 1975, “Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock ‘n’ Roll Music” was immediately recognized as something new. In six taut, probing, far-ranging essays about certain popular or otherwise forgotten musicians, author Greil Marcus cracked open a world of sojourners, tricksters, killers and confidence men — the lost subterranean underlife of America as inflected in the music itself.
“Mystery Train” was a landmark in cultural criticism that took on Rock ‘n’ Roll as a subject of intellectual inquiry. In 2011, Time magazine named “Mystery Train” one of the 100 greatest nonfiction books of all time. For the book’s 50th anniversary, a new edition has been published, with a wealth of new writing from Marcus that brings his book up to date.
On a recent Zoom call, I chatted with him on the 50th anniversary of his book about its lasting impact, the anxiety of influence and the staying power of criticism.
You’re reading Book Club
An exclusive look at what we’re reading, book club events and our latest author interviews.
(Please note: The Times may earn a commission through links to Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookstores.)
✍️ Author Chat
Book jacket of “Mystery Train” by Greil Marcus.
(Penguin Random House)
Congrats on 50 years of “Mystery Train.” Could you have possibly imagined that it would still have a life in 2025 when you wrote it in 1975?
For this book to have this kind of a life, you can’t predict it. I had a miserable time writing it. I’d never written a book before. I rented a room at a house near our little apartment, and just stayed there all day, trying to write or not trying to write, as the case may be. I didn’t have any hopes or ambitions for it. I just wanted it to look good.
This is the thickest edition of “Mystery Train” yet. Your “Notes and Discographies” section, where you update the reader on new books and recordings about the artists, among other things, is longer than the original text of the book.
That’s what’s kept the book alive. I mean, I still think the original chapters read well. I’m glad they came out the way they did, but for me, they opened up a continuing story, and that has sort of kept me on the beat so that I obsessively would follow every permutation that I could and write them in the notes section.
“Mystery Train” changed the way popular music was written about. Who were your literary antecedents?
Edmund Wilson, Pauline Kael, D.H. Lawrence’s critical studies. Hemingway’s short stories, just as a way to learn how to try to write. There was another book that was important to me, Michael Gray’s “Song and Dance Man,” which was a rigorous examination of Bob Dylan’s music. It was totally intimidating. His knowledge of blues, novels, poetry — I thought there’s no way I can write something as good as this. So I started doing a lot more reading, and listening more widely.
For many readers of the book, it was the first time they came across artists like Robert Johnson or Harmonica Frank. How did you discover these artists?
I was an editor at Rolling Stone magazine in 1969 when the Altamont disaster happened, when people were killed at a free Rolling Stones concert. It was an evil, awful day. I was drained and disgusted with what rock ‘n’ roll had become, and I didn’t want to listen to that music anymore. I found myself in this little record store in Berkeley, and I saw an album by Robert Johnson that had a song called “Four Until Late” that Eric Clapton’s band Cream had covered, so I took it home and played it, and that was just a revelation to me. It led me into another world. It became the bedrock of “Mystery Train.”
Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger signs autographs at Altamont Speedway. Later, on Dec. 6, the Stones gave a concert where one fan was stabbed to death by a Hell’s Angel.
(Associated Press)
Your book explores how certain myths transfer across vastly disparate cultures. Had you read the great mythologist Joseph Campbell prior to writing the book?
I read a lot of Joseph Campbell in graduate school. Probably a half-dozen of his books. In some ways they cover the same territory as “Mystery Train.” Campbell makes the argument that myths persist, they don’t even need to be cultivated. They cultivate us, and they are passed on in almost invisible ways. That really struck a chord with me when reading Campbell’s work.
You’re very good at explaining what music sounds like. Are you influenced by fiction at all?
I’d say fiction is part of my work. One of the books that hovered over me when I was writing “Mystery Train” was “The Great Gatsby.” Certain lines, they sang out.
What is the purpose of criticism?
My next book is about Bryan Ferry, the leader of the band Roxy Music. Now, you listen to a song like Roxy Music’s “More Than This” and you say, what makes this so great? How did that happen? What is going on here? That’s what criticism is, just wrestling with your response to something. That thing where someone has captured a moment so completely that you sort of fall back in awe. That’s what I’ve been doing my whole life as a writer. There is this urge to, not exactly take possession of something, but to become a part of it to some small degree.
Your book plumbs the murky depths, exploring the mysterious dream life of America as transmuted through certain music. Are there any mysteries left for you?
Oh, yes, absolutely. I remember when I met Bob Dylan in 1997. He was getting an award, the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, and I was to give a talk. We met and he asked what I was working on. I had just published a book called “Invisible Republic,” about his “Basement Tapes.” He said, “You should write a sequel to that. You only just scratched the surface.” Now, I’m not saying I did a bad job. He said that to me because certain music has infinite depth. So, yes, there are certainly more mysteries to think about.
📰 The Week(s) in Books
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Valerie Castallanos Clark loves Jade Chang’s new novel, “What a Time to Be Alive,” calling it “equal parts love letter to Los Angeles, narrative about being a first-generation Asian American, exploration of grief and love and a found-family novel featuring an adoptee that doesn’t put reunion as the emotional climax.”
With “Shadow Ticket,” Thomas Pynchon has delivered a late-career gem, according to David Kipen: “Dark as a vampire’s pocket, light-fingered as a jewel thief, ‘Shadow Ticket’ capers across the page with breezy, baggy-pants assurance — and then pauses on its way down the fire escape just long enough to crack your heart open.”
Stories Books & Cafe is on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park.
(Claudia Colodro)
Ever since it opened its doors in 2008, Stories Books & Cafe has been a community cornerstone. A snug yet carefully curated store, with loads of obscurantist art books and choice indie press titles, Stories also has a cafe tucked in the back that is always bustling. Owner Claudia Colodro runs the store as a creative cooperative with her five co-workers. I talked to the team about the shop on Sunset.
Stories is small, yet I always see titles in there I don’t see anywhere else.
Stories prides itself on its painstaking curation, influenced by every employee’s area of expertise. Much like the community we have garnered, Stories leans toward the eclectic, esoteric and even fringe. Over our 17 years in existence, Stories has been a bookstore that loves our local authors and independent publishers, and encourages readers to come in with an open mind more than a predetermined list.
Remarkably, you have endured in a neighborhood that has seen a lot of store closures, post-COVID.
In a world predominantly automatized and authoritative, we like our people and books to be a countermeasure to the mainstream creature comforts — in hopes to push people out of the path of least resistance and into the unseen abundance.
Here in the UK, many of our towns and cities are connected by an impressive network of trains. A Brit who used Australian transport system for the first time was wowed by one feature
Jess Flaherty Senior News Reporter
14:05, 10 Oct 2025
The Brit noticed an unexpected feature on trains in Sydney, Australia (stock image)
A British woman on a working holiday in Sydney, Australia was pleasantly surprised after getting on a train and spotting a “cool” feature – but many people were quick to point out it may not be as unique as she thinks. Despite both the UK and Australia sharing the same native language, there are many differences and culture clashes between the countries.
It can be an incredibly enriching and enlightening experience to live abroad, even in destinations that still speak the same tongue. Many people choose to go travelling around the world, or take jobs that offer them the opportunity to live in a different country, getting first hand experience of contrasting cultures and other ways of life.
Like lots of others, Megan has taken to documenting her experiences on social media, regularly offering snapshots of her new life on TikTok.
In one particularly popular video, Megan shared her awe over the Sydney trains, which feature adjustable seats that can be flipped so they face forwards, backwards, or sideways. This then allows passengers to sit facing others.
Over the top of the footage, captured from her point of view and showing how to easily adjust the train seat, Megan penned: “As a Brit in Australia, this has baffled me…”
In the caption accompanying the clip, she simply added: “Their trains are so much cooler here lol!!”
The video has so far racked up more than 4.6 million views. In the comments section, people were keen to share their thoughts – with many adamant this was a feature here in the UK.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
One person said: “This is very old technology. We used to have seating like this on trams over a hundred years ago. I know because I’ve been to Critch Museum.”
Another agreed: “Trains used to be like this in England”.
A third said: “British trams 100s of years ago did this” while a fourth echoed this: “Trams had this over 100 years ago in Scotland.”
One TikTok user simply said: “Blackpool trams were like this.”
Another shared: “I was on a literal steam engine built in the early 1900s last summer and they had this lol”.
Another joked: “When does this update drop in the UK?”
A local said: “As an Australian this has baffled me too because this is just a Sydney thing”.
Another local was surprised and commented: “TRAINS CAN DO THAT HERE..?”
Someone else observed: “Wait this is so cool”.
Another shared: “I (a Brit) once discovered this on a train in New York by accident and got the whole train of Americans doing it after hahaha”.
And another added: “As an American, I thought all trains did this”.
If there’s a scene that best encapsulates the tragically abbreviated career of John Candy, it’s not necessarily from his time on the sketch-comedy series “SCTV” or from movies like “Stripes” or “Uncle Buck.” It’s a moment in the 1987 comedy-drama “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” when his reluctant roommate Neal Page (played by Steve Martin) has spent several minutes berating him for his relentless storytelling.
With a lump in his throat, Candy’s wounded character Del Griffith replies that he’s proud of who he is. “I like me,” he says. “My wife likes me. My customers like me. Because I’m the real article — what you see is what you get.”
That moment proves pivotal to two new projects that retrace Candy’s life and work some 31 years after the actor died from a heart attack at the age of 43. The actor would have turned 75 this month.
A biography, “John Candy: A Life in Comedy,” written by Paul Myers (released by House of Anansi Press on Tuesday), and a documentary, “John Candy: I Like Me,” directed by Colin Hanks (released Friday on Prime Video), both rely on Candy’s friends, family members and colleagues to help tell the story of his ascent, his success and the void left by his death.
In their own ways, both the book and the film show how Candy — while not without his demons — was beloved by audiences for his fundamental and authentic likability, and why he is still mourned today for the potential he never got to completely fulfill.
A family photo of John Candy and his son, Chris, seen in “John Candy: I Like Me.” (Prime Video)
John Candy, left, and Steve Martin in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” (Paramount Pictures)
Explaining why it was still important to memorialize Candy all these years later, Ryan Reynolds, the “Deadpool” star and a producer of the documentary, said, “When it’s something people desperately miss, but they don’t know they miss it, it’s a beautiful and rare thing. John Candy is a person that they missed desperately.”
Since his death, Candy’s immediate survivors — his widow, Rosemary; daughter, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan; and son, Chris Candy — have weighed the pluses and minuses of sharing his life with audiences and the impact it might have on them (the three are co-executive producers on the film). “It’s a balancing act,” said Chris Candy. “You want to live your life and you also want to honor theirs.”
In recent years, Candy’s children said they were encouraged by documentaries like Morgan Neville’s “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” about the children’s TV broadcaster Fred Rogers, as well as Hanks’ film “All Things Must Pass,” about the Tower Records retail chain.
Hanks, whose father, Tom, acted with Candy in films like “Splash” and “Volunteers,” said he struggled at first to find a compelling way to tell the story of Candy, who had a seemingly charmed and uncontroversial acting career, first in his native Toronto and then in Hollywood.
But Hanks said he was drawn into Candy’s story by a particular detail: the fact that Candy’s own father, Sidney, had died from heart disease at the age of 35, right before John turned 5. “It doesn’t take much to think about how traumatic that could be for anyone at any age,” Hanks said.
Chris Candy, from left, Jennifer Candy-Sullivan and Colin Hanks, who directed the Prime Video documentary “John Candy: I Like Me.”
(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
Myers, a musician and journalist who has written books about the band Barenaked Ladies and comedy troupe the Kids in the Hall, said he was drawn to Candy as a fellow Canadian and an embodiment of the national comedic spirit.
“If you’re Canadian like I am, you never stop thinking about John Candy,” Myers said. Growing up in the Toronto area, Myers said he and his siblings — including his brother Mike, the future “Shrek” and “Austin Powers” star — were avid fans of sketch comedy shows like “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” and “Saturday Night Live.”
But “SCTV,” which launched stars like Candy, Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy, meant even more to them. “We watched it from Day 1 and we cheered a little bit harder for them because it was like they were shooting the show blocks away from our house,” Myers said.
Reynolds, who was born and raised in Vancouver, said that Candy’s essential Canadian spirit was crucial to his success as a comic actor.
“In comedy, Canadians typically don’t punch down,” Reynolds said. “It’s more of a self-effacing humor. Their favorite target is themselves. And John did that. On screen, I felt his willingness and joy in self-effacing humor that never really veered into self-loathing humor.”
Ryan Reynolds at the Los Angeles screening of “I Like Me” earlier this month. The actor was a producer on the film.
(Todd Williamson / January Images)
Candy parlayed his repertoire of “SCTV” characters — satirical media personalities like Johnny LaRue and real-life celebrities like Orson Welles — into supporting parts in hit films like “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “The Blues Brothers,” “Brewster’s Millions” and “Spaceballs.”
His penchants for drinking and smoking were well-known and hardly out of the ordinary for that era; they rarely impeded Candy’s work and, in at least one notable instance, seem to have enhanced it: Both the documentary and the biography recount how Candy indulged in a late-night bender with Jack Nicholson before rising the next morning to shoot a scene in “Splash” where his character fumbles, flails and smokes his way through a round of racquetball.
“That’s his work ethic, right there,” said Candy-Sullivan. “He showed up and he did the scene.”
Candy graduated to lead roles in comedies like “Summer Rental,” “The Great Outdoors” and “Who’s Harry Crumb?,” and he found a kindred spirit in the writer and director John Hughes, who helped provide Candy with some of his most enduring roles in movies like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Uncle Buck” and “Home Alone.”
But offscreen, Candy was contending with anxiety and he was sensitive to people’s judgments about his size — remarks which often came directly from TV interviewers who thought nothing of asking him point-blank whether Candy was planning to lose weight.
When he and his sister watched archival footage of these interviews in the documentary, Chris Candy said, “It was, for both of us, uncomfortable. I wasn’t familiar with what he was putting up with and how he would mentally jujitsu in and out of those conversations. He got more and more curt about it as time goes on, and you can see it in the interviews.”
But these psychic wounds didn’t make Candy a cruel or nasty person; he simply absorbed the hurt and redoubled his efforts to be a genial performer.
“If you’re looking for darkness in the story of John Candy, a lot of it’s just internalized pain,” Myers said. “His own coping mechanism was radical niceness to everybody — making human connections so that he would have community and feel like he’s making things better.”
In the early 1990s, Candy seemed to be working nonstop. He appeared in five different feature films in 1991 alone, a year that included duds like “Nothing But Trouble” as well as a small but potentially transformative role in Oliver Stone’s drama “JFK,” where he played the flamboyant attorney Dean Andrews Jr. He was preparing his own directorial debut, a TV film called “Hostage For a Day” in which he starred with George Wendt. Candy also became a co-owner and one-man pep squad for the Toronto Argonauts, the Canadian Football League team.
Eventually, the many demands and stresses in his life came to a head. Amid a grueling shoot for the western comedy “Wagons East” in Durango, Mexico, Candy died on March 4, 1994. He had a private funeral in the Los Angeles area, followed by a public memorial in Toronto that prompted a national outpouring of grief in Canada.
“He represented the best of us,” Myers said. “He was a humanity-centric person. He brought vulnerability and humility to his characters, which is not something you usually see in broad comedy.”
Candy’s films continue to play on television and streaming — both “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” and “Home Alone” have become year-end holiday staples. But for the people involved in chronicling Candy’s life, there is a creeping sense that the actor’s legacy will not tend to itself, and that the generations who did not grow up with Candy might need reminders of what made him worth remembering.
Hanks recalled a story from the making of “I Like Me” where he and some colleagues were dining at a restaurant where the hostess asked them what they were working on.
“We said we’re making a documentary,” Hanks said. “ ‘Oh, really?’ she goes. ‘Who’s it about?’ It’s about John Candy. She goes, ‘Oh, who’s that?’ No idea who it was. I said, well, have you seen ‘Home Alone’? Remember the polka guy that picks up the mom and takes her in the van? ‘Oh, I loved him. He’s great.’”
Part of his interest in making a film about Candy, Hanks said, is “wanting to showcase the man that people love and remind them why they loved them.”
But there is also the simple pleasure in introducing Candy’s work to people who haven’t seen it before. “If you’re lucky,” Hanks said, “you get to hopefully have them go, ‘God, I want to see those movies. I want to go watch ‘SCTV.’”
Travel firm Byway has mapped out a route to the Canaries solely by train and ferry. It takes 17 days and costs a pretty penny, but the journey takes passengers through some stunning parts of France and Spain at a leisurely pace
Lanzarote is a popular hotspot for many Brits (Image: David C Tomlinson via Getty Images)
Travel insiders have revealed how to get to the Canary Islands without taking a flight.
The Spanish island chain is one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. In 2024, approximately 6.3 million British visitors traveled to the Canary Islands, making them the UK’s most significant tourism market and accounting for over 40% of international arrivals.
And for good reason. The islands’ location off the northwest coast of Africa means they enjoy incredible year-round weather. The sun is almost always shining, and the landscape is a rich, dramatic mix of woodland, beaches, and mountains.
Those who try to limit the amount they fly or simply enjoy traveling a little more slowly may be surprised to hear that it’s possible to get from the UK to the Canary Islands without taking to the air.
Byway has mapped out a route to the Canaries solely by train and ferry:
London to Paris via train: Journey time: 2 hrs 21 mins Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. Relax with a drink and a good book or film as you watch the British fields turn into the French countryside from your carriage window.
Paris to Nîmes via train: Journey time: 3 hrs 5 mins Take the train directly from Paris Gare de Lyon to Nîmes. Enjoy views of rolling French countryside as you make the journey south. Home to some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world, Nîmes is often dubbed “the most Roman city outside of Italy.” Wander the picturesque streets before sitting down for a drink in one of the city’s beautiful squares.
Visit Les Arènes, a twin-tiered amphitheatre which is the best preserved of its kind in France. Over 2,000 years old, the arena once seated 24,000 spectators. Grab an audio guide to provide you with context as you explore the arena before viewing replicas of gladiators’ armour in the museum. Stay one night.
Nîmes to Madrid via train: Journey time: 6 hrs 50 mins Spain’s capital, Madrid, sits strategically at the centre of Iberia and is home to Europe’s largest palace, sprawling city parks, and a wealth of world-renowned museums and galleries. As the sun sets, the lively paseo weaves its way through the streets, and the city keeps going until sunrise. Stay two nights.
Madrid to Cádiz via train: Journey time: 4 hrs 37 mins Cádiz is an Andalusian port city surrounded almost entirely by water. The city is a maze of cobbled streets with Roman ruins and a thriving local food scene. Stay one night.
Cádiz to Arrecife via ferry: Journey time: from 12:30 pm to 4pm the following day Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, combines maritime destination charm with a laid-back island spirit. Stroll along its palm-lined promenades and golden beaches before discovering the lively harbour, historic fortresses, and colourful markets. At night, the waterfront comes alive with tapas bars and ocean views.
Byway offers the route as a package, which also includes the return journey, which takes roughly the same amount of time. The trip does cost just shy of £3,000, however, for that price, all travel is included along with accommodation for the duration of the 17 day trip.
People will be bale to easily access picturesque views of Scotland easier from the Midlands as the popular Caledonian Sleeper Train has announced a brand new route
The new route makes travelling to Scotland much easier for many people(Image: PA)
A popular sleeper train has announced a brand new route – offering the chance for more people to experience the journey to Scotland.
The Caledonian Sleeper has announced a band new route, making it the biggest timetable change in 30 years as it will now link Scotland with Birmingham.
According to the operators, Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William train services will travel to and from London via Birmingham, and have also assured the new stop won’t affect journey lengths or departure times either.
The Scottish government took over the Caledonian Sleeper in 2023 after its previous operator Serco had its contract ended seven years early and it came at the time when the government was looking to increase the number of people using the service.
According to BBC, Caledonian Sleeper’s interim managing director Graham Kelly said research suggested there was demand for Birmingham to be added to the route and it was hoped the change would help contribute to tourism in the north of Scotland and the West Midlands.
He told BBC Scotland News: “We are continuing to run our service in its existing and current format. It is about adding in Birmingham as that additional opportunity. So in terms of the length of the trains and the resourcing on board, it will all continue to remain.”
The new service will depart from Birmingham International on 15 January 2026 and will run six days a week, with no services departing stations on a Saturday night. The Lowland service that goes to Glasgow and Edinburgh is unaffected by the change.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This iconic service means people from across the West Midlands will soon be able to travel comfortably and sustainably to discover the stunning beauty of northern Scotland. But this also means our Scottish friends can come and explore the wonderful West Midlands. That’s a win-win for our tourism and hospitality businesses on both sides of the border.”
It comes after one of the most picturesque train lines in Britain is to get a new service for the first time in ten years. The West Coast Main Line will be blocked while Network Rail replaces the rail bridge over M6 near Penrith, which has led Avanti West Coast to divert its Class 805 Evero fleet onto the Settle to Carlisle line.
The stretch of railway, which is renowned for its beautiful scenery, will be used as a diversionary route when the West Coast Main Line is blocked between Preston and Carlisle for two weeks in the new year.
To keep customers moving on trains across the North West and into Scotland, Avanti West Coast is planning to run a shuttle service broadly every two hours between Preston and Carlisle non-stop via the Settle to Carlisle route.
The fastest high-speed train travels at a speed of 267mph and it’s the only one of its kind in the world. Recently, one woman decided to ride it just to see how rapid it was
Christine Younan Deputy Editor Social Newsdesk
08:43, 21 Sep 2025
The woman was impressed by her travels (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
The world’s fastest train is no joke as it travels at a top speed of 267mph (430km/h). It’s the world’s only high-speed commercial maglev line which runs between a city to the airport. Now one woman decided to board the rapid train – and was left amazed.
TikTok user Silvana, who boasts over 1,400 followers, had been travelling across China and during her 10-hour layover in Shanghai was able to hop on the train. Her caption read: “Took the world’s fastest train during my 10hr layover in Shanghai! This is the Maglev train in Shanghai China which stands for Mag (magnetic) & lev (levitation). It hovers above the train tracks and it can go up to 431 km/hr.”
This magnetic levitation (maglev) allows the train to “fly” above the tracks, resulting in a smooth, friction-free ride. It connects Shanghai’s Pudong airport to the city centre.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Silvana continued: “I wanted to explore Shanghai City for a bit and this seemed to be the fastest way to get there from the airport haha.
“It cost me 80 Yuan / €10,50 for a return ticket and it got me to Long Yang Rd. Station in under 8 minutes.
“From here I just took another metro ride for only 4 Yuan / €0,50 and I was right in the centre of Shanghai City!
“Such a crazy experience.”
Though it can reach a top speed of 267mph (430km/h), its current commercial operating speed is actually 186mph (300km/h).
The 30 km line, utilising German Transrapid technology, opened in 2006, offering a fast and efficient, albeit costly, airport transfer.
Silvana, who calls herself a backpacker on her TikTok, was currently travelling across Asia when she decided to take the train.
Since she shared it, one of her followers was left starstruck by her experience as the post scooped up dozens of likes and comments.
Meanwhile, one user kicked off a Reddit thread by asking people who have travelled on the world’s fastest train.
One said: “Incredibly smooth. Imagine flying but with no turbulence.
“Shame it’s basically a glorified gadget bahn with less riders than the actual metro lines to the airport.
“I can’t say it’s that much of an improvement over regular high speed rail though.”
Another added: “I was just there for the first time last month. It’s super smooth! You can feel a bit of tilt on the curves, in a fun way. Otherwise it felt similar to conventional HSR.”
