The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in China has been officially opened and is now the highest bridge in the world – reducing the journey time for locals from two hours to just two minutes
The remarkable structure boasts a deck-to-surface measurement of 625 metres(Image: Getty)
China has unveiled a stunning new record-breaker after officially opening the world’s highest bridge in Guizhou province in the southwest of the country. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge has slashed journey times from two hours down to just two minutes, according to local state media.
The remarkable structure boasts a deck-to-surface measurement of 625 metres – more than half a kilometre – making it tower above the previous record holder. It beats the Beipanjiang Bridge (Duge Bridge), also in China, which stands at 565.4 metres, by nearly 60 metres.
China’s rapid construction capabilities have recently drawn admiration from figures including Reform UK MP Zia Yusuf, who publicly expressed frustration on social media about the lengthy timescales for smaller infrastructure schemes in the United Kingdom.
Work on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge commenced in January 2022 and was finished in under four years. The ambitious scheme resulted in a structure stretching almost 3km across a canyon dubbed the “Earth crack”.
The bridge measures 2,890 metres in total length and underwent rigorous testing before authorities gave the green light for public use.
As reported by ITV, before the bridge could be deemed safe for traffic, a dynamic load test was conducted, reports the Express.
This involved 96 lorries driving onto specific points of the structure in groups.
The new structure has now bagged the Guinness World Record for being the tallest bridge globally.
Now, globetrotters from all corners of the world are keen to witness the magnificent construction that officially opened its doors on 28 September 2025.
The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge boasts glass walkways for visitors to gaze down at the Beipan River, approximately 580 metres below.
It also features viewing platforms and a glass lift leading to its sky-high café, set to open in November this year.
For those seeking a thrill, they can bungee jump from the bridge.
State media have reported plans for professional BASE jumping events.
The New Forest destination lauded for its picturesque palace, renowned motor museum and stunning river has been dubbed of one of the top UK villages for a winter getaway
13:58, 17 Oct 2025Updated 13:58, 17 Oct 2025
Beaulieu Palace has been described by visitors as ‘fabulous’
A picturesque spot on the fringes of the New Forest has been crowned one of the top “prettiest villages for a cosy winter getaway”. Beaulieu, a “quintessential English village” in Hampshire, was bestowed this honour by National Rail, who described it as an “absolute gem”.
The village is lauded for its array of attractions, including a magnificent palace and motor museum, and a delightful river.
Beaulieu Palace is recognised as one of the UK’s ten ‘Treasure Houses’, marking it as an “architectural masterpiece” surrounded by “beautiful parklands and gardens”. The house, which has been the Montagu family residence since 1538, overlooks the Beaulieu River millpond. It’s hailed as a “fine example of a Victorian country house”, adorned with family heirlooms, portraits and memorabilia.
One visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor: “Fabulous and interesting especially when decorated for Christmas. Plenty to see and do, very worthwhile visit.”, reports the Express.
Another enthused: “Really excellent house full of historical memorabilia and family links to the owners and their forbears. Everything well displayed and the staff on hand helped bring things to life.”
A third reviewer posted: “Beaulieu Palace is maintained in splendid condition, with well-informed and costumed staff to explain how the house operated in yesteryear and exhibits from the generations who lived there bringing each room to life.”
At Beaulieu, guests can purchase a single ticket granting entry to both the Palace and the National Motor Museum. The museum boasts “one of the finest collections of cars, motorcycles and motoring memorabilia in the world“.
Beaulieu National Motor Museum holds a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, with one visitor commenting: “What a glorious place! Absolutely brilliant collection of cars in lovely grounds. My children (10 year old car enthusiast and a 3 year old) were kept entertained all day.”
Close by, situated along the banks of the Beaulieu River, lies the 18th century shipbuilding settlement of Buckler’s Hard, renowned for constructing warships for Nelson’s Navy.
Guests can explore the museum which recounts the tales of the vessels and the village’s inhabitants, or stroll down the main street to observe boats sailing on the waterway.
There’s also a picturesque, two-mile walking trail to discover, and tourists can embark on a cruise along Beaulieu River. One holidaymaker remarked: “A smashing place overlooking the river. Plenty of quaint old cottages from its shipbuilding past to walk around. And we also had a delightful trip on the boat down the river.” Another described it as like “stepping back in time”.
Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but it’s also one of the most walkable – and the city centre is just a six minute journey from the airport
Geneva’s city centre is close the the airport(Image: Getty)
Geneva is a stunning destination, not just for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures but also for its pedestrian-friendly layout.
Despite being one of the priciest places to visit in Europe, footloose tourists are spoilt for choice in this Swiss city. The city centre is a mere six-minute journey from the airport, making it an ideal spot for those on brief trips who don’t fancy a lengthy transfer.
According to geneva.info, Geneva airport is situated four kilometres from the city. A train ride between the Geneva Airport and the central railway station in the city (Gare Cornavin) takes six minutes, while a bus journey lasts about 20 minutes.
Visitors can utilise public transport around the city without shelling out a single penny and can freely hop on and off its comprehensive transport network. Anyone lodging in approved accommodation, be that a hotel, youth hostel, or campsite, is entitled to the city’s Transport Card for free travel throughout their stay, reports the Express.
Walkable city
The city centre of Geneva is relatively compact, meaning most of its top attractions are located within a short distance of each other. Whether you’re staying near the lake or in the Old Town, many of the city’s highlights are reachable on foot.
You can stroll from the famous Jet d’Eau, the large fountain, to the charming Parc des Bastions, a renowned park, without needing to catch a bus or tram. Geneva’s streets, particularly around the Old Town, are pedestrian-friendly with wide pavements, abundant green spaces and clearly marked crossings.
One of Europe’s largest lakes, Lake Geneva, is a major attraction in the city. The lakefront paths are perfect for leisurely strolls or brisk walks, offering stunning views of the water, distant Alps and the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain.
The city boasts numerous parks that offer tranquil walking routes. Parc La Grange and Parc des Eaux-Vives, both situated along the lake, are perfect for an afternoon amble. Another favourite is Jardin Anglais, conveniently located near the city centre and offering picturesque lakeside vistas.
For those seeking more adventurous treks, Geneva’s position at the foot of the Alps provides easy access to hiking trails just outside the city.
While Geneva is easily navigable on foot, its public transport system offers a welcome respite for weary feet. The city has trams, buses, and even water taxis (known as Mouettes) that can swiftly transport you to any part of the city.
Moreover, if you’re staying at a hotel in Geneva, you’ll typically receive a Geneva Transport Card for complimentary public transport during your stay. In line with its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Geneva encourages walking and aims to reduce car traffic. Several areas in the city have limited or no car access.
Weekly insights and analysis on the latest developments in military technology, strategy, and foreign policy.
Satellite imagery shows several GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealthy flying-wing uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAV) were deployed to a very active dual-use military-civilian airport in western China for weeks between August and September. This would be in line with an operational test and might point to the GJ-11 having reached a semi-operational state. The Sharp Sword is a prime example of China’s heavy investment in flying-wing uncrewed aircraft, which stands in ever more stark contrast to the U.S. military’s eschewing of such designs, at least publicly.
Imagery in Planet Labs’ online archive database shows three GJ-11s at Shigatse Air Base, also known as Shigatse Peace Airport, in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, from August 6 through September 5. The Sharp Sword has been in development for more than a decade and is understood to be designed to at least perform penetrating air-to-surface strike and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It also has the potential for use in air-to-air combat as an electronic warfare platform.
At least two of the drones seen in the images of Shigatse have overall gray paint schemes, as is commonly seen on other Chinese crewed and uncrewed military aircraft. At least one additional example is seen with a red/brown colored protective covering of some kind. A Planet Labs image of Shigatse taken on September 10, seen below, shows Flanker-type fighters with similar covers.
Though its location is remote, Shigatse occupies a strategic position along China’s southwestern flank with India. It is situated just around 90 miles northeast of the boundary with India’s Sikkim state, which is one of a number of border areas between the two countries that have seen sometimes violent skirmishes. In the past five years or so, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been steadily working to expand its ability to project airpower from multiple bases in the Tibet and Xinjiang Autonomous Regions, as you can read more about here.
Shigatse’s main runway is one of the longest in the world, stretching approximately 16,404 feet (5,000 meters) in length. An additional 9,840-foot (3,000-meter) auxiliary runway, with seven large aircraft parking spots attached to it, was also completed at the facility back in 2017. An expanded apron for military aircraft was also subsequently constructed at the eastern end of the base. Work to further enlarge that apron, and to build what looks to be at least five hangars and other supporting infrastructure adjacent to it, has been underway for around a year now.
In line with all this, Shigatse has a significant and active PLA presence. In terms of crewed aircraft, there is a continuous fighter presence at the base, which has included Flanker-type and J-10s over the years. Satellite imagery shows that other fixed-wing military aircraft, including airborne early warning and control planes, as well as helicopters, operate from there, as well.
Our latest Downlink looks at what appears to be a major uptick in unmanned aircraft and other aviation activities at China’s Shigatse Airport in Tibet near the border with India. It comes as new clashes along the border recently erupted: pic.twitter.com/SiWhD1Uonl
Shigatse is also a very well-established hub for drone operations, with various types, including members of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation’s (CASC) Rainbow family, having been continuously based there for years now. Shigatse was notably the first known operating location for the high-flying WZ-7 Soaring Dragon reconnaissance drone. WZ-7s, which also have a constant presence at the facility, are used to collect intelligence along the border with India.
Since the India/China standoff began, we’ve seen the redeployment of the WZ-7 to Shigatse. So far up to four have been observed along with the CH-5. pic.twitter.com/2IkWlGBQbz
The nature of the PLA’s activity at Shigatse strongly points at least to the GJ-11s having been sent there for some type of operational testing. Prior to this, Sharp Swords had been primarily spotted at test facilities, such as the sprawling and secretive base at Malan in Xinjiang province. The drones have been flying daily at Malan for more than a year now. Mockups have also been spotted at Chinese naval test and training facilities, as well as at parades.
Flying from Shigatse would offer a real-world opportunity to explore and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures for employing the drones operationally, as well as just how they might fit into existing force structures. The base, which lies at an elevation of nearly 12,410 feet (3,782 meters), also offers an especially high-altitude testing location, as well as one that is in proximity to an area of active tension with India and that country’s air defense overlay.
The GJ-11 has already been in development for more than a decade, with a prototype with a substantially less stealthy design having first flown in 2013. A mockup with a drastically refined low-observable (stealthy) configuration broke cover at a parade in Beijing in 2019. Continued work on Sharp Sword now also includes a naval variant or derivative capable of operating from aircraft carriers and big deck amphibious assault ships, which has been referred to unofficially at times as the GJ-11H, GJ-11J, or GJ-21. Just over a year ago, TWZ reported in detail on clear evidence that the development of the GJ-11, overall, was accelerating, pointing to the drone getting increasingly closer to an operational state, at least in its land-based form.
Via ACuriousPLAFan/SDF: 😮
Supposedly not a recent image, but still the carrier mock-up and test facility at Wuhan has gained some new aircraft: Visible now are clearly mock-ups of J-15, J-35, KJ-600 and a GJ-11H on the flight deck.
As noted, the GJ-11 is just one example of the PLA’s larger pursuit of multiple types of stealthy flying-wing drones for use as UCAVs and in other roles, especially high-altitude, long-endurance ISR missions. Three previously unseen flying-wing designs have emerged in China just this year. This includes the appearance of two particularly large types at Malan, which TWZ was first to report on in both cases. We had assessed years ago that an explosion of investment in flying-wing drones in China was likely to come, and that academic institutions tied to the country’s weapons development ecosystem would play a key role. The Chinese aviation industry has also been surging ahead, in general, in the development of new advanced crewed and uncrewed designs.
Chinese flying-wing UCAV developments, in particular, reflect something of a trend globally, with Russia, India, Turkey, and France also publicly pursuing this kind of capability to varying degrees. The U.S. military is pointedly absent from this space, at least that we know, despite decades of development work that looked for a time to be on the cusp of yielding operational platforms before various programs were abandoned. You can read more about that history in extensive detail in this past TWZ feature.
When it comes to China’s GJ-11, the imagery of Shigatse from August and September offers new signs that these drones are getting close to at least a limited operational state, if they haven’t already reached that milestone.
Tesla is set up for wild ups and downs in the coming quarters, but here’s what investors should focus on.
There are a whirlwind of things happening around Tesla(TSLA -1.41%) right now, both good and bad. On the one hand, the company is dealing with a talent exodus with multiple executives leaving, consumer backlash at CEO Elon Musk’s political antics, declining global sales, and an aging vehicle lineup, just to name a few.
On the other hand, the company believes it can be the most valuable company in the world as it transitions from vehicle production to a company based on artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and driverless vehicles. The question remains: Where will Tesla’s stock trade during all of this madness?
Falling behind?
One of the biggest developments for Tesla investors over the summer happened in Austin, Texas, where the company launched its robotaxi pilot. However, three months into its robotaxi pilot with a small number of Model Ys operating, it still requires a safety driver just in case, and it still only operates with invite-only passengers.
Image source: Tesla.
Sure, it was a step forward after the company had long promised such a service, but Tesla is still behind its primary rival, Waymo, which is moving into new cities and doesn’t require a safety driver to supervise its driverless vehicle.
While the slower and smaller initial test may have made investors cautious, Musk remains ambitious. During Tesla’s July 23 earnings call, he noted that the autonomous ride-hailing service would reach across most of the country and “probably” address half the U.S. population by the end of 2025 — lofty targets, to be sure.
No small matter
Make no mistake, this is a huge development for investors and the stakes are high. Tesla’s slow rollout has some onlookers pumping the brakes.
“It’s an acknowledgment that their software isn’t as mature as they thought it was and they’re going to need more time with a safety driver,” said Carnegie Mellon professor Philip Koopman, an expert in autonomous vehicle safety, according to Automotive News. “That’s OK for everyone except the people who invested thinking there’d be a million of these cars on the road by the end of the year,” he said.
Investors looking for a silver lining might have to squint to see it more clearly, but it’s there. One reason Tesla remains a serious threat to its rivals such as Waymo is because once the autonomous technology and robotaxi become fully autonomous, the automaker can easily produce tons of vehicles from its factories in California and Texas.
Long term, Tesla’s gigafactory production is an advantage. But the company also has a cost advantage over its rivals as it only uses cameras for its self-driving technology, rather than more expensive sensors such as radar and lidar.
Investors also have to keep in mind Tesla may be behind at the moment, but at the same time could make progress faster than its competitors. In fact, if Tesla can change to no safety driver in the next 12 months, that’ll be faster than any other robotaxi company that’s accomplished the feat. For context, Waymo tested for years with safety drivers before going fully autonomous, but that was back in 2020.
What it all means
Tesla’s progress with autonomous vehicles has been slower than desired, but investors should focus on if the company can do it without sensors, and do it effectively. At this point doing it right is much more valuable than doing it faster — that battle may already be over. That said, Tesla has seemingly gone all-in on its future transition from only producing vehicles to becoming an AI, robotics, and robotaxi service company, which could be lucrative if it’s all achieved.
Until then, investors are going to need plenty of patience, especially considering the third quarter is likely to be strong — remember the end of the $7,500 tax credit pulled demand into the third quarter. That should be followed by several rather bumpy quarters for not only Tesla but the broader electric vehicle industry.
Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment Management is forecasting a major shift in Tesla’s business.
Tesla(TSLA 7.21%) is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electric vehicles (EVs), but rising competition is slowly chipping away at its market share. EV sales are still the main driver of Tesla’s financial results, but CEO Elon Musk is trying to future-proof the company by steering its resources into new products like autonomous vehicles and robotics.
Ark Investment Management, which was founded by seasoned tech investor Cathie Wood, predicts autonomous vehicles will transform Tesla’s economics. In fact, Ark thinks a whopping 86% of the company’s earnings will come from self-driving robotaxis by 2029, paving the way for a stock price of $2,600. That would be a 615% increase from where Tesla stock trades today.
How realistic is Ark’s forecast? Let’s dive in.
Image source: Tesla.
Tesla’s EV business is sputtering
To meet Ark’s bullish 2029 forecast, Tesla will have to transition from selling passenger EVs to selling self-driving robotaxis, and it will also have to build new services like an autonomous ride-hailing network.
Unfortunately, Tesla is currently operating from a position of weakness, which is forcing this shift earlier than the company perhaps would have liked. After all, government regulators haven’t approved Tesla’s full self-driving (FSD) software for unsupervised use anywhere in the U.S. yet, which is a huge barrier to the success of its upcoming Cybercab robotaxi.
Tesla delivered 1.79 million passenger EVs during 2024, which was down 1% from the prior year, marking the first annual decline since the company launched its flagship Model S in 2011. The situation is much worse in 2025, with deliveries shrinking by a whopping 13% in the first half of the year. This led to a 14% decline in Tesla’s revenue and a 31% collapse in its earnings per share (EPS) during the same period, which is alarming to say the least.
A rapid increase in competition is a key reason for Tesla’s woes. Low-cost EV producers like China-based BYD are making serious inroads into some of Tesla’s biggest markets. Tesla’s sales sank by 40% across Europe in July, despite EV registrations climbing by 33% overall. BYD, on the other hand, saw a whopping 225% increase in sales in the region.
Simply put, Tesla is quickly losing market share in the passenger EV space. The company is launching a low-cost EV of its own in order to compete, but production just started so it probably won’t be a factor until next year at the earliest.
86% of Tesla’s earnings could soon come from autonomous robotaxis
Elon Musk is making a big bet on autonomous ride-hailing. The Cybercab, which will enter mass production in 2026, will run entirely on Tesla’s FSD software, so it’s designed to operate without any human intervention. In theory, that means it can haul passengers and even small commercial loads at all hours of the day, creating a lucrative new revenue stream for the company.
Scaling this business will come with challenges. I mentioned FSD isn’t approved for unsupervised use in the U.S. just yet, but Tesla will also have to compete with established ride-hailing giants like Uber Technologies, which has already partnered with 20 other companies in the autonomous driving space. Around 180 million people already use Uber every single month, so it’s in a much better position to dominate the autonomous ride-hailing industry compared to Tesla, which has to build an entire network from scratch.
However, Ark thinks Tesla will eventually make it work. Its forecasts suggest the company will generate $1.2 trillion in annual revenue by 2029, with 63% ($756 billion) coming from its robotaxi platform alone. Ark says that could translate to $440 million in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), with 86% attributable to the robotaxi because of its high profit margins — human drivers are the largest cost in existing ride-hailing networks, but the robotaxi won’t need them.
Don’t rush to buy Tesla stock just yet
In my opinion, Ark’s predictions are too ambitious. Wall Street thinks Tesla will generate around $93 billion in revenue during 2025 (according to Yahoo! Finance), so that figure will have to grow by almost 1,200% over the next four years to meet Ark’s forecast of $1.2 trillion — driven by a brand-new robotaxi product that hasn’t even hit the road yet.
Tesla’s valuation is another issue. Its stock is trading at an eye-popping price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 209, making it almost seven times as expensive than the Nasdaq-100 technology index — which trades at a P/E ratio of 31.6. Remember, Tesla’s earnings are currently shrinking, which makes its premium valuation even harder to justify.
Therefore, I’m hesitant to buy into the idea that Tesla stock could surge by another 615% over the next four years to reach Ark’s price target of $2,600. It might be possible if the company’s robotaxi platform becomes as successful as Ark predicts, but I think that’s unlikely in such a short period of time. After all, Elon Musk has promised unsupervised self-driving cars for the last 10 years, and Tesla still hasn’t delivered.
Footage shows cars parked in the Cornish seaside town of Polzeath as the tide rises around their tyres, with visitors rushing to rescue their vehicles before they are submerged.
A tourist who left their car at Polzeath beach got a nasty shock when they returned (Image: UCG, UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Holidaymakers visiting the Cornish seaside town of Polzeath were left stunned to discover their cars slowly disappearing beneath the waves over the bank holiday weekend.
Video footage captures vehicles parked in the town on Cornwall’s north coast as the tide creeps up around their wheels, with panicked visitors scrambling to save their cars before they vanished underwater.
Dramatic scenes showing a 2010 Subaru Outback in danger were filmed by 34-year-old Sam Peters, who witnessed the mayhem as good Samaritans rallied to help the motorist retrieve their vehicle.
He said: “Everyone was panicking and it caused much distress. Many onlookers were surprised and concerned, and some tried to help.
“Several cars got caught in the rising tide and became stuck on the beach. The car finally got pushed out by many supporters on the beach.”
This marks yet another occasion that tourists and residents have witnessed cars stranded by the waves at Polzeath, reports Cornwall Live.
People attempting to rescue one of the cars(Image: Sam Peters / Jam Press)
Further footage, filmed in May, revealed a Mini falling foul of the tide on the same stretch of sand. The clip, recorded by the Polzeath Beach Ranger Service, depicted the vehicle parked and encircled by water.
In a Facebook post, they cautioned drivers about the perils of parking on sand. They said: “If you drive over seaweed to get to your parking space, consider how the seaweed might have been delivered.”
Despite the cheeky comment, the service confirmed that the owner managed to rescue their car before it was carried off during one of the May bank holidays.
People attempting to rescue a car(Image: Sam Peters / Jam Press)
A spokesperson for the service, speaking to Cornwall Live, offered some advice to drivers on how to avoid a similar situation.
They explained: “On this occasion, the tide was at its highest that day, but we do sometimes have higher spring tides. Many factors affect the height of the tide, including sun and moon phases, wind, waves and atmospheric pressure.
“It’s a beach car park – one of the last in the region – and it serves as a valuable resource for tourism and the community. It also helps to raise money to pay for necessary services like lifeguards, beach cleaning, road sweeping, bin emptying and toilets.
“As with all coastal destinations, there are risks associated with tides, weather and the landscape, and we encourage visitors to be aware of that. There are visible warning signs.”
July 11 (UPI) —Ford Motor Co. has recalled 850,000 trucks, SUVs and cars, including the popular F-150 pickup and the S550 Mustang, due to issues with the vehicles’ fuel pumps, the company announced.
The recall covers models produced between 2021 and 2023 and includes truck models all the way up to the F-550 and various sport utility vehicles, such as the Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Expedition and Navigator produced for the U.S. market.
The vehicles covered in the recall all have Phinia-supplied fuel pumps that could fail unexpectedly, which can cause the vehicle to stall while in operation and increase the risk for a crash, the company said.
Ford began investigating the fuel pump issue in the fall of 2022 after an unusual number of warranty claims and customer complaints.
The investigation determined that the fuel pump openings were becoming clogged and not providing enough fuel to the engine.
The fuel pumps in question were installed in vehicles between July 2021 and December 2022. The company has said it is working on a replacement part, adding that owners and lessees would be notified of the recall by July 18.
Ford has said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the faulty fuel pumps.
The sun-soaked British Overseas Territory is a slice of the UK on the southern coast of Spain – and has been a popular holiday hotspot for Brits looking for a break closer to home
The Rock has red phone boxes, classic full English breakfasts, and a retro-style M&S(Image: Getty)
With its iconic red phone boxes, traditional full English breakfasts, and a vintage-style M&S, it’s like stepping into a 1970s British high street. But this isn’t a charming village in the English countryside – it’s Gibraltar.
Nestled on Spain’s southern coast, this British Overseas Territory offers all the home comforts of the UK, with just a few hints – such as scorching sunshine and a wandering monkey population – to remind visitors they’re over 1,000 miles from Blighty.
Gibraltar is home to familiar brands like Morrisons, Costa Coffee and Card Factory, while locals enjoy hearty roasts, afternoon tea and other British favourites, according to MailOnline.
Earlier this week, the UK reached a landmark agreement with the EU, securing a ‘fluid’ border with Spain – meaning travellers can cross the land border without checks, paving the way for a long-awaited post-Brexit deal.
However, those entering via land will enjoy seamless travel, anyone flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face two checks – one by local Gibraltarian authorities and a second by the Spanish acting on behalf of the EU, as the land border provides direct access to Europe’s Schengen area, reports the Express.
Despite the updated arrangement, the UK and Gibraltar have been quick to emphasise it does not affect the territory’s sovereignty. Locals still use the British pound and hold UK passports, even though they’re closer to Morocco than Manchester.
Perched on the southern coast of Spain, this British Overseas Territory boasts all the home comforts(Image: Getty)
Gibraltar could soon be a rising star in holiday destinations, with airlines considering new international routes to the British overseas territory. It promises visitors a unique blend of British charm and Mediterranean flair, as evidenced by countless TikTok expat and local creators.
Meg Leigh, a Yorkshire lass turned Gibraltarian, has been documenting her sun-kissed adventures on TikTok for four years, giving followers a peek into her idyllic life that includes seaside strolls and monkey meet-ups.
In a viral TikTok video, Meg reveals her love for her adopted home: “I wouldn’t move back to the UK. Four years on and I own my house, have a job for life and better quality of life. Three years later and as much as I miss my family & friends, I love my life in Gib,” while cautioning that Gibraltar can be “super expensive” and recommending job security before relocating.
Gibraltar has a a roaming monkey population(Image: Getty)
With Rightmove noting an average housing price at a steep £491,867 due to high demand and import costs, residents are feeling the financial impact, albeit tourists remain cushioned from this with no currency exchange worries and duty free shopping for luxuries like jewellery and perfume.
Another popular TikToker, Hannah (@lidbetterlidbetter) from the south of England, is racking up millions of views with snippets revealing her daily existence in this sunny sliver of Britain.
“It’s like the UK but actually in the sun,” she joked in one viral video, showcasing marching bands, traditional phone boxes, and familiar high street brands – not to mention sandy beaches, dolphin-watching excursions, and Gibraltar’s notorious monkeys.
“Welcome to living in the UK but in the sunshine,” she declared in another snippet.
She pointed out that while you’ll come across a McDonald’s, Burger King and Costa, the menus might vary – and that most locals are bilingual, blending English and Spanish in their daily chat.
“It’s small! But a real sense of community and excellent school and health systems,” she continued.
Perhaps the most peculiar feature?
The airport.
Hannah captured the moment cars paused to cross the runway, which oddly cuts through a main road. Traffic is stopped until planes have taken off or landed, before vehicles are given the green light to drive over.
“One of the craziest things about Gibraltar is probably the whole runway, airport scenario. It’s honestly so bizarre,” she remarked.
The town, which has been dubbed the Pearl of Dorset, is a popular holiday destination throughout the year – but some locals say it has become too busy and expensive
Chris Ford owns The Old Forge Fossil Shop(Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Lyme Regis, often described as the ‘Pearl of Dorset‘, is grappling with the issue of overtourism, leaving a sour taste for some local residents at peak holiday times. While Spanish coastal towns are facing heated protests over the mass influx of sun-seeking Brits, discontent is simmering in this picturesque UK town.
As a prime spot with stunning views over the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyme Regis attracts throngs of visitors to its quaint streets lined with thriving independent shops and tasty little cafes and eateries. Yet, despite the obvious charms and a clear love for the town, locals can’t help but feel the pressure from the surge of visitors.
Union Jacks flutter above Broad Street’s decline, screen-printing the sky with vibrant bursts of colour as people enjoyed their time outside the local haunts. But beneath this idyllic surface, there’s a brewing frustration among residents.
Local Chris Irving, 72, whose home lies just a stone’s throw from the town centre, reflected on his weekly visits: “It’s a lovely place but there should be some more ordinary shops – butchers, greengrocers and things like that. I feel sorry for the locals a bit really.”
Without skipping a beat, when asked whether overtourism is taking a toll on Lyme Regis, Chris said: “Yeah there’s too many people. We pick our days. We don’t come in on bank holidays, as a rule, and some weekends we avoid it as it’s too crowded.”
Lyme Regis is hailed as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’(Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
During the peak season, Lyme Regis sees its population soar from 4,000 to an estimated 20,000, with day-trippers flocking in on bank holidays and weekends, leading to severe traffic jams and parking woes, reports the Express.
The closest railway station is Axminster, situated about six miles away, after Lyme Regis lost its own station on November 29, 1965, following the Beeching Report which led to the axing of many miles of railway deemed unprofitable.
Chris refers to car parking as a “delicate issue” while Matthew Blueberry, who runs the Blueberry shop on Broad Street, laments that parking turns into a “nightmare” when summer crowds descend upon the town.
“It’s a small town and people like the independent shops,” he says. “It can get too busy in the summer. The parking is a nightmare – it’s too expensive.”
Lyme Regis boasts a combination of town council-run and privately owned car parks, with hourly rates ranging from £1.50 to £1.90, alongside options for longer stays.
Yet, according to Matthew, these car parks simply can’t cope with the tourist influx during the high season. The 25 year old points out: “Most people drive in but they can’t find parking. They then go ‘oh I’m going to go somewhere else’. We then lose potential business.
Chris Irving says he avoids the town centre on bank holidays and weekends(Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
“The main car park is expensive and getting a spot on the road only lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. People also caravan or camp down here, which brings a lot of people in. But overall the town needs to do a lot more to help us out.”
John Smith, who manages Primary Colours in the town centre, says the summer holidays are “chokka” in Lyme Regis. He also agrees parking is a big issue in the town and said local bus services could be more efficient.
The 60 year old says: “There are buses but, like everything else, they’re not as good as they could be. Most people just drive in.
“It would be lovely if people came without their cars as parking is a big issue in town. There is a park and ride though which operates in the summer. But in the summer holidays the town is just chokka. It can get too busy at times.”
Lyme Regis Town Council says it has invested in public transport and parking facilities in a bid to relieve the stress of overtourism. According to its website, this includes bus services, a park and ride service and the creation of electric vehicle charging points.
Residents and visitors of the charming coastal town of Lyme Regis are voicing their sentiments about living in and visiting what’s often described as a quaint, old-fashioned British seaside resort.
John Smith says the town gets ‘chokka’ in the summer(Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Mr Smith, a local, described his home with fondness: “It’s a quaint, old-fashioned and traditional British seaside resort,” he noted.
“It’s also a great place to visit out of season for the grandparents and older people. We’re so lucky to live here.”
Margaret Quinlan, a frequent visitor from Bedfordshire, expressed her feelings about the bustling nature of Lyme Regis: “It’s a lovely place but it does get very busy. It’s not that busy today luckily so we can just walk around. We try and come down when it’s a bit quieter.”
She went on to add concerns about accessibility: “As we’re getting older, it’s not easy to access now. Luckily our flat is the other end of the town so we don’t have to use the main car park which always gets full.”
When discussing the transport links, she mentioned: “Yeah being able to get a train would make it easier.” Reflecting on past visits she said: “We’ve been coming for 20 years and have never been able to get a train in.
“If there was a train station we’d definitely consider getting one. We’re thinking about getting the bus up the hill which would save us a big walk.”
Chris Ford, who runs The Old Forge Fossil Shop on Broad Street, touched on the economic benefits of the town’s popularity: “I’m not going to complain about how busy it gets. It makes the town a great place all year round. It’s a very friendly place to visit for families,” he asserted.
Chris, a local resident, has expressed his scepticism about the feasibility of adding a train station to attract more visitors to the town. He said: “People don’t use the trains to come this far down. We’re three hours from London and people can’t get across the country or even from Bath. So a lot of people are driving or come to caravan parks.”
He further added: “I’m sure (a train station) would bring more people down but it’s getting the trains down into the valley from Axminster.
“I know there’s a track but there’s a big viaduct they’ve got to get across. And, it hasn’t been well maintained over the years.”
Lyme Regis Town Council has acknowledged the town’s heavy reliance on tourism. They stated that “it must strike a reasonable balance between responsible tourism and protecting the environment”.
The council also highlighted the various sustainable travel options available to and around the town. They said: “There are many ways to travel sustainably to and around the town, helping to limit the impact on our local environment.
“Lyme Regis is accessible by rail, coach, road, air and sea and we would encourage, where possible, use of public transport to help reduce carbon emissions, air pollution and congestion on roads.”
They further added: “Lyme Regis is a small town and most places are easy to get to on foot or by bike. Many of the streets in the town are narrow and were not originally built for modern vehicles so congestion is an issue and parking can be a challenge.
“A park and ride operates on the outskirts of the town during the peak season and is an ideal way to take the hassle out of your visit, while also reducing the amount of vehicles and congestion in the town centre.
“The 71 town bus is a convenient way to get around town, stopping off in residential areas, in the town centre and near the medical centre.
“Operated by Damory, the service runs from just after 9am until just after 2pm, Mondays to Fridays, except bank holidays.”
Ian Dury’s son admitted in an interview that he had lost his driving licence after being reported to the authorities by BBC presenter Jeremy Vine
Jeremy Vine’s cycling advocacy has seen many road users slapped with penalties after being caught violating road rules by the BBC star(Image: Getty Images)
Cycling champion and BBC star Jeremy Vine caused the son of a British punk rock legend to lose his driving licence after snapping him engaging in a bad habit while behind the wheel, it has emerged.
The son of Ian Dury, Baxter, revealed the embarrassing information while being interviewed on BBC 6 Music by Huw Stephens. He explained that he had been looking at his phone in a traffic jam when Jeremy Vine cycled past and caught him red-handed.
Ian Dury was an innovator in the late 70s and early 80s’ burgeoning punk rock and new wave genres, frequently troubling government censors with countercultural and suggestive imagery, such as in his UK Number One chart topper ‘Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick.’
Baxter Dury has followed in his father’s footsteps. He was driving to his home in West London from producer Paul Epworth’s studio, where they had been working on his latest album, Albarone, when the BBC star recorded him.
Baxter Dury revealed the embarrassing information in a BBC 6 Music interview
Dury, 53, told Huw Stephens: “Do you know what? This is a tragic story, but I drove there for the first half (of making the record) and then lost my license.”
However, Baxter did not blame Jeremy Vine for reporting him, telling the BBC that he probably deserved it.
Baxter went on to explain: “I got caught in a traffic jam, and Jeremy Vine took a film of me looking at Instagram, which he deserves to, I’m not arguing about (it). “
Realising that Vine could catch him once again, he added: “Shouldn’t probably say that publicly, he’s probably in the other room, isn’t he?”
Ian Dury and the Blockheads in Tyneside, 1979(Image: Evening Gazette)
When the BBC Radio 2 presenter heard that he’d caught Ian Dury’s son red-handed, he shared his love of his father’s work, but did not apologise. He told the Mail: ‘This is very unfortunate. I would like Baxter to know that I love his dad’s music.
‘I’m afraid mobile phone use in cars in London, particularly the posher parts, is an absolute curse. So I am quite tunnel-visioned about it.
‘We have 1700 road deaths a year. Sorry to be serious about it. Best wishes to Baxter.’
Jeremy Vine has recorded countless numbers of drivers flouting road rules over the years, often posting examples on social media to raise awareness of what cyclists face every day. However, last month, he made the surprising decision to stop posting videos after receiving abuse.
The TV presenter has racked up hundreds of millions of views, without making a penny, across various social media platforms, which has also brought with it huge waves of online hate.
He said on X: “I’m stopping my cycling videos. The trolling just got too bad. They have had well over 100 million views but in the end the anger they generate has genuinely upset me.”
Vine also shared the serious death threats made against him for sharing videos of drivers breaking the rules, with online trolls branding him “England’s biggest ***hole” and calling for the Channel 5 debate host to be crushed by a lorry.
After making the decision to quit, the TV star said he would miss the conversations sparked by the videos, which could be about relatively small infractions.
“Some of the biggest videos were actually about the smallest incidents, like someone turning left in front of me,” he said.
“People are happy to discuss it and I actually think that we’d all be safer if we all understood each other. People are going to drive 4x4s in Kensington and whatnot but they need to have a bit of care for me on a bicycle.
“You might be in total control when you pass close by but the person on a bicycle doesn’t know that. I just hope I was part of a dialogue about it.”
New train lines running between European cities including Copenhagen and Hamburg, Tallinn and Vilnius, and Budapest and Belgrade will transform how passengers get around the Continent
Milo Boyd Digital Travel Editor and Commercial Content Lead
16:55, 14 May 2025
The train lines will transform rail travel in Europe(Image: Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
A series of massive rail projects is currently underway, with train travel in Europe likely to look very different in less than ten years from how it does today.
In the UK we are a little too used to rail projects dragging on and on, facing as many delays as a standard Sunday afternoon service. Phase one of the HS2 high-speed railway project, connecting London to Birmingham, is currently expected to open between 2029 and 2033. That will be up to 13 years after building work began.
While continental European rail projects are also liable to be hit by delays, there are a few big projects that are currently well underway that should be completed within the next few years.
Hamburg to Copenhagen
The vast undersea tunnel is being built and will carry two rail lines and a pair of two-lane highways under the Baltic Sea. Construction of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel has started on the shores of the Baltic Sea, in the south of Denmark. Once finished it will link the country and Germany. The project will be the world’s longest road and rail tunnel, and the world’s longest immersed tunnel, stretching 11.2 miles.
The tunnel will enable both freight and commuter traffic, reducing carbon emissions, freeing up capacity on the roads and railways, and moving freight from lorries to more environmentally friendly electric trains.
The tunnel is due to be completed in 2029(Image: Getty Images)
Currently, travellers heading between Hamburg in Germany, and Copenhagen in Denmark, have to take a five-hour train journey. However, when the tunnel opens, the journey time will be cut in half, with the tunnel stretching from the Danish island of Lolland to the German island of Fehmarn. In total, the project will cost €7.4 billion (£6.2 billion) and is set to be completed in 2029.
Budapest to Belgrade
It is currently possible to travel between these two great cities on the Danube, but it takes a while and three changes. Next year that will change when a high-speed line built with Chinese backing gets going. The difference in effort required as well as the length of journey will be significant. Passengers will be whisked between the two cities in just two hours and 40 minutes instead of seven.
Tallinn to Vilnius
By 2030, the two Baltic capitals will be connected by a high-speed line that will cover a huge distance. Right now it takes close to ten hours to get between Estonia’s Tallinn in the far north to Lithuania’s Vilnius in the south. It will also go through Latvia’s Riga on the way.
The travel time from Tallinn to Vilnius will be cut down to three hours and 38 minutes and cost €38. Trains will run every two hours, with two night trains each night.
Not only will the train line provide a fast and affordable way to get across the Baltic states, it will introduce a completely different gauge into the country. The three former Soviet republics will swap their 1,520mm tracks for 1,435mm, meaning integration with other European railways will be possible, the Telegraph reports.
The train line will make getting to Vilnius on the rails much easier (Image: Getty)
Turin to Lyon
This one will take a little longer to complete, with the launch date slated for 2033. While the destinations at either end may sound a little less hefty than other projects, this scheme is a big one.
It will see the construction of the longest rail tunnel in the world at 57.5km. The Mont d’Ambin Base Tunnel will cut through the Alps from the Susa Valley in Piedmont and Maurienne in Savoie, reducing the journey time between Paris and Milan to four and a half hours, a reduction of more than two hours.
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Spain to Morocco
The dream of linking the two continents is a longstanding one(Image: Getty Images)
A vast £6bn tunnel connecting Spain to Africa has been on the cards for years, but in the last few months it has seemed that it will become a reality. Studies are being conducted into the feasiblity of an underwater railway crossing linking Europe and Africa. And deadline for the completion of the project will be 2030 according to reports.
The £6billion tunnel will allow a high-speed railway service to run under one of the most famous cargo routes in the world, the Strait of Gibraltar, Moroccan National Company for Strait Studies is reportedly trying to source funding for the project.
It is estimated to span 28km with its lowest point 475m below sea level. The underwater crossing is tipped to connect Punta Paloma in southern Spain and Malabata, near Tangier, Morocco. Both nations want the tunnel built in time for the 2030 football World Cup which is expected to be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The football competition would be the first to be held in three countries and would cover two continents with Africa holding its first competition since 2010.
Just this week the Spanish government committed €1.63 million to a feasibility study on the scheme.
