Wright’s Food Emporium, is a cafe, deli, and wine store that’s rarely not busy – and it’s easy to see why
Wright’s Food Emporium has become a firm favourite among local residents(Image: Robert Melen)
The UK is packed full of towns and villages with hidden gems, whether that’s cafes, restaurants, or bars. One such spot is Wright’s Food Emporium in Llanarthne.
Writing for WalesOnline, reporter Kathryn Williams has recalled a recent visit to this food outlet, sharing how it’s quickly become a must-visit destination. She wrote: “Wright’s Food Emporium is a cafe, deli, and wine store in the heart of the village and is rarely not busy, but even I’ll navigate their tight car park for one of their Cubano sandwiches.”
Wright’s opened at the start of 2014 by food industry experts Simon and Maryann Wright inside a former Brains pub – which was a prominent feature in the small village but had been yet another rural local to shut its doors.
Cubano Sandwich(Image: Kathryn Williams)
Kathryn writes: “When you walk in you’re confronted with a dining space to the left but turn right and it’s business time. A bustling, well-stocked deli with fresh, local fruit and veg, wine, Welsh cheeses, meats and the best shelves of condiments west of Wally’s in Cardiff.
“But, you want to know about the sandwich. The Cubano is so good I don’t think I’ve seen it off the menu – which rotates weekly thanks to what’s fresh or fancied that week – in a good few years.”
So, what’s in a Cubano? At Wright’s, their ciabatta is generously filled with pork belly, Hafod cheese (from Lampeter), Myrddin Heritage ham (sourced just eight miles away in Tanerdy), pickles, Sriracha and mayo.
A fancier picture of the Cubano(Image: WalesOnline)
Kathryn continues: “The pleasing chew of the bread and pork belly is offset by the fresh pickles and sharp, creamy dart of the mix of mayo and Sriracha runs through each bite. And as you [me] try, but ultimately fail, to keep the whole shebang together, the bonus of the hidden ham comes through at the end a winner as you switch the sticky, dense and lovely pork belly to a side portion.
“It’s a bloody triumph of a sandwich – all in one go, and if or when it falls apart. The individual components work hard to stand out but also marry as harmoniously as they should.
“Wright’s Cubano is not the only winner on the ever-changing menu; you’ll do well do try their amazing salads that feature items from Blaencamel Farm, a past favourite of mine featuring charred nectarines, walnuts and Brefu Bach cheese all delicately decorated with edible flowers.
Wright’s proving that salad is NOT boring(Image: WalesOnline)
“Veggie sides come in shapes like aubergine fritters, patatas bravas, Welsh asparagus. If I really want to ensure a taste of Wright’s in the moment I usually insist my other half – or anyone else I can coerce – into sharing half a Cubano and half the salad. It’s a bloody win-win.
“And if you’ve already had lunch, don’t like sandwiches (not sure who those type of people are) and fancy coffee and cake, there’s still a reason to stop off at Wright’s. Earlier this year I bought one of their apple and cinnamon pastries and, not to be over the top, it was so heavenly up my street I’ve been waiting for it to be back on their Instagram ever since. The fact there is no photographic evidence of this proves how irresistible it was.”
The picturesque village is home to miles of sandy beaches and stunning coastal walks, as well as a number of historical sites that have been featured in artwork
Heysham Village is a stunning coastal town that has a fascinating history, dating back to Viking times(Image: James Maloney/LancsLive)
This quaint seaside village is located less than two hours from a major city – and you might recognise it from this very famous album cover.
Heysham, a seaside village less than two hours’ drive from Liverpool, is a hidden gem that music fans will find familiar. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from Lancaster, this small but mighty village boasts stunning sandy beaches and a rich history.
Despite its size, Heysham offers sprawling grasslands, lush woodlands, and dramatic coastlines that have graced artwork and even a famous album cover. One of the most visited spots in Heysham is St Peter’s Church, a historical marvel dating back to the Saxon period. Believed to be one of Lancashire’s oldest churches, it’s a must-see for history buffs.
Heysham is less than a two hour drive from Liverpool(Image: Robert Czyzewski via Getty Images)
Open throughout the week, the church provides free guided tours from Monday to Thursday between 11am and 3pm. It also houses significant artefacts, including the Viking gravestone known as the ‘Heysham Hogback’.
Just a short stroll from St Peter’s Church, you’ll find Heysham’s rock-cut tombs. These water-filled stone-hewn graves were famously featured on the artwork of Black Sabbath’s Best of Black Sabbath album in 2000, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Thought to have been created around the eleventh century, these graves served as the final resting place for high-status individuals.
These graves are located adjacent to the ruins of St. Patrick’s Chapel, which overlooks the breathtaking coastline of Morecambe Bay.
The village featured in an album cover(Image: Robert Czyzewski via Getty Images)
The chapel holds a Grade I listing in the National Heritage List for England, signifying its importance and the extra protection it receives due to its age and condition. Despite this, the site, managed by the National Trust, welcomes visitors.
According to local folklore, Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, was shipwrecked and established a chapel here in the fifth century. The striking sandstone building is believed to have been constructed at least two centuries after the original.
Apart from its captivating history, the village boasts stunning coastal views that are ideal for a seaside stroll.
The National Trust suggests visiting its coastline to witness the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets as the sky transitions from blue to vibrant oranges and pinks.
British landscape artist JMW Turner was reportedly inspired by the village’s remarkable scenery when he painted ‘Heysham and Cumberland Mountains’ in 1818.
The coastal village provides all the expected amenities, including independent cafes and restaurants.
If you’re looking for a charming UK village that looks like it’s straight out of a Mediterranean film, then this pretty spot should be at the top of your travel bucket list
Portmeirion should be on your travel bucket list (Image: Getty)
If you’re seeking a destination in the UK boasting distinctive Italian charm, then look no further than one breathtaking location in Wales. Portmeirion village, nestled on a private peninsula with magnificent coastal views, blends Italian Riviera elegance with Welsh countryside and resembles something plucked directly from a movie set.
Bursting with colour and remarkable architectural design, this north Wales village was created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and stands as one of Britain’s most spectacular architectural achievements of the twentieth century. Crafted in the manner of a Mediterranean coastal piazza, it’s absolutely worth experiencing.
Nevertheless, there’s one snag – there is a charge to enter, reports the Express.
This beautiful village is in the UK(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
The settlement was assembled using salvaged structures and discarded treasures from across the globe, which were shipped to Wales and reconstructed to form this vivid Mediterranean corner within the UK.
Sharing footage of the decorated archways and stone-paved pathways on TikTok, UK Hidden Gems declared you ‘won’t believe’ this location exists in Britain, noting: “This colourful village feels like stepping onto a film set, with pastel houses, cobbled lanes, and lush gardens framed by stunning views over the estuary.”
Beyond the delightful central plaza of the settlement, which boasts a fountain pool, a Gothic pavilion and even a giant chessboard, visitors can explore Y Gwyllt Woodlands – a remarkable 70 acres of magnificent natural splendour.
Here, you’ll discover stunning walking trails that span 20 miles, leading you past unique attractions such as a Dog Cemetery, Ghost Garden, and a serene Chinese lake.
There’s also a hilltop gazebo boasting an impressive viewing deck where visitors can soak up panoramic views of the village and estuary below.
Whether you fancy a day trip or a longer stay, Portmeirion should be on your travel bucket list without delay.
There are several accommodation options, including the four-star Hotel Portmeirion, the roomy and chic Castell Deudraeth and self-catering cottages too.
Portmeirion should be on your travel bucket list (Image: Getty)
If you’re planning a day visit to Portmeirion, it’s open from 9.30am until 6.30pm during the main season, and tickets can be booked online. It’ll set you back £20 for adults, with seniors and students priced at £17.50 and children aged 5-15 costing £13.
Children under the age of five can enter for free.
You can also pick up annual memberships, or if you’ve reserved a three-course lunch at Castell Deudraeth, you can explore the village for free after your meal.
We land on a white sand beach under jagged black mountains. A sea eagle, surprised to see humans, flaps away over the only house with a roof on it – the rest are in ruins. “Hundreds of people used to live here,” says Vidar. “In the days when you had to sail or row, it was important to be near the fishing grounds. Now there’s just one summer cabin.”
Jumping out of the boat, we walk along the beach. My daughter, Maddy, points out some animal tracks. “The fresh marks are wild reindeer,” says Vidar. “The older ones could be moose – they come along here too.”
Beyond the end of the beach are the small fields that the inhabitants once cultivated, now covered in wild flowers. In winter this would be an inhospitable place, but at the height of summer the flora and fauna are booming under a sun that never goes down. The people hunted a special type of cod, Vidar explains, the skrei, which migrates west from the Barents Sea to breed off Arctic islands such as this one, Skogsøya. This is the extreme edge of north-west Europe, isolated from the rest of Norway by a maze of twisting fjords and snow-capped inner islands. Head west from this beach and the first landfall is Greenland.
“When did everyone leave?” I ask, watching an otter swimming around the cove and diving into the kelp beds.
“It started with the terrible Arctic storm of 1893 that killed many people. Then the marine diesel engine came and they didn’t need to live out here. By 1952, they were all gone.”
The spectacular nine-mile Dronningruta hike is a major draw for visitors. Photograph: Christian Roth Christensen
Rudolf Diesel probably never meant to redefine the meaning of “remote”, but that’s what his eponymous engine did. Patented in that same year of 1893, his invention would inadvertently redraw the map of this coast. Places once inaccessible up long fjords could now prosper as sheltered havens, but exposed outer-island fishing villages, inhabited only for their accessibility to sailing and rowing boats, were left to return to wilderness.
Jumping back on the boat, we head northwards, weaving between rocky islets and rafts of puffins. Three sea eagles watch us warily. Then Maddy spots a group of black fins slicing towards us through the waves. Vidar cuts the engine. “You’re in luck,” he grins. Seconds later four orcas come rolling past, blowholes blasting – three adults and one calf, heading for a local seal colony. “Mostly they eat herring,” says Vidar. “But some do know how to catch seals.”
After a few precious minutes watching the orcas, we head back to Vidar’s base, the village of Nyksund, carving a tight bend through a narrow gap formed by a pair of craggy islands, then into the little harbour. The two sides of this tranquil haven are lined with clapboard houses, fish warehouses and rusting cranes. There are clamouring kittiwakes nesting on every available ledge; the wharves and decking have gaps; much of the paint is peeling. But this is a pretty spot, not gentrified – not yet. Nyksund is another abandoned fishing village, but with a difference. The people are coming back.
On the quayside, I meet Dan and Johanna, who will be our guides. They came here in the 1990s, finding only one aged resident remaining. The rest had left in the 1970s, tired of the awkward tiny harbour and crunching winter storms, but now the population is back up to more than 20.
A close encounter with orcas off the island of Skogsøya. Photograph: Kevin Rushby
That afternoon, we set out with Johanna on the Dronningruta (the Queen’s Route), a spectacular nine-mile (15km) hike that is Nyksund’s biggest attraction. The route leads up on to a ridge where I begin to see why this path is a favourite of Norway’s Queen Sonja. First, there are views south to the soaring mountains of Skogsøya, then a vast panorama of snow-capped peaks and islands opens up to the north. The lower slopes are emerald green all the way down to the azure sea. Under our feet is a thick carpet of leaves and flowers. On the windswept summits, juniper bushes grow horizontally, sheltering behind 5cm-tall crowberry bushes.
Finally we descend into the fishing port of Stø, taking a detour to see the church at Langenes, a rustic wooden masterpiece, parts of which date back to the 16th century. On the wall, in Gothic script, is the Lord’s Prayer in Old Danish, a reminder that Norway was under the control of Copenhagen for many centuries, achieving full independence only in 1905, after being ceded to Sweden in 1814.
We skip the return leg along the coast, opting for the boat service that shuttles us back to Nyksund. There is no second sighting of orca, but the ride is still an exciting rollercoaster through the swell, with an audience of seals and black guillemots. Back in Nyksund, we drink a beer in the cosy Holmvik Brygge bar, then eat a plate of local seafood in the Ekspedisjonen restaurant. Specialities include tørrfisk (skrei cod, air-dried then soaked in running freshwater for a week before cooking), black halibut and torsketunger, tempura-style cod’s tongue.
The rocky islets are populated by puffins among other sea birds. Photograph: Hans Petter Sorensen
Dan and Johanna are wondering what kind of future their village might have. “It needs some development,” says Dan. “But what? There were plans for a five-star hotel, but that fell through. Whatever happens, Nyksund wouldn’t be able to cope with crowds.” The sense of community, however, is strong: they recently called a dugnad, a Norwegian tradition of collective voluntary action, in order to pave the village square.
Next morning, at the scheduled kelp-forest swimming session, there are no crowds, only myself, Maddy and our guide, Richards. A swim in the Arctic might sound intimidating, but the water, we discover, is not that cold when you’re inside 7mm-thick neoprene. We snorkel for an hour through a startlingly colourful world of bronze kelp fronds and vast schools of fish. Bright pink sea urchins cling to golden stalks of seaweed and, in the indigo blue distance, we glimpse the shapes of large grey cod. Beyond them, unseen, are the orcas, dolphins, seals and whales that inhabit this fertile world, a world that rolls onward, for the time being, unaware of human machinations over its future.
I dive down into the forest, pushing through the golden stems of kelp and turning over to watch air bubbles sliding up the silky fronds to the glittering surface.
Later, warming up in the cafe that also serves as an antiques shop, I meet the unofficial custodian of the town’s spirit, Atle Valland. Born here in 1944, Valland remembers a harsh environment where children were expected to work from the age of seven, their nimble fingers handy for slicing out the prized cod’s tongue. Having left, aged 16, to become a ship’s engineer, Valland returned in 2022 to find a few brave souls moving in. He shows me his prized collection of Russian porcelain. “I’m not a collector,” he chuckles. “I just take care of old things.” That care extends to a vast assortment of whalebones, tools, paintings, furniture and photographs, which he plans to turn into a museum.
On our last night, we join a good-humoured group for dinner, including the vicar, Gry, and her husband, Radar, who comes from the Lofoten Islands, about 100 miles to the south. When talk turns to the future of Nyksund, Radar has a warning: “Lofoten has so many tourists now, people are complaining that sometimes they can’t leave their houses. The streets are too full.”
The diesel engine altered the layout of this coast for a previous generation and now another technological innovation is driving more change. The Lofoten tourism tsunami powered by social media is bringing vast crowds to villages unused to visitors. Nyksund art gallery owner and photographer Svein Erik Tøien was moved to create a surrealistic collage of a giant cruise ship squeezed into Nyksund’s diminutive harbour. “I wanted to ask a question,” he says. “Is this what we want?”
When Maddy and I leave, we drive across the bumpy Nyksund causeway, then down 5.6 miles of narrow gravel track on the island of Langøya before we reach asphalt. In the past, perhaps, remoteness was as plentiful as the fish. Now the challenge is to make this most capricious of commodities into something sustainable.
Travel was provided by Discover the World, which offers a seven-night self-drive journey, Around Vesteralen, from £1,227pp including B&B accommodation (three nights in Nyksund), car rental and whale-watching. Further information from the Northern Norway tourist board
Leila Dean, from Manchester, urged people to visit the small village after saying it was one of the best places she ever visited. The traveller posted her advice in a TikTok video
The village has been described to be the perfect place for a getaway (stock image)(Image: Thomas Faull via Getty Images)
For several people, the arrival of September equals the beginning of autumn, meaning sunny ice cream treats could give way to cosy cups of tea beside crackling fires while listening to rainfall pattering against windows. The autumn season also presents an excellent chance to discover various British towns and villages, as shifting weather conditions can make them feel even more enchanting – sometimes in quite literal ways.
Manchester local Leila Dean turned to social media to chronicle her visit to Burley, a charming village nestled in Hampshire’s New Forest. Through her video, she documented highlights from her trip, describing it as the ‘perfect’ English village.
“I ended up in a village called Burley and it has to be one of the best places I’ve ever visited in the UK,” she declared at the beginning of her footage.
“It’s situated in the New Forest, and it’s known to have horses everywhere,” she explained while showing horses roaming freely through the streets.
She continued by revealing glimpses of her selected lodgings, having chosen to reserve a room at a local manor house surrounded by expansive natural grounds for exploration.
“And in the town, it is full of horses, lovely people, and witchcraft,” she revealed.
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During the 1950s, a Scottish woman called Sybil Leek made Burley her new home. She quickly earned the title ‘the witch of Burley’ after declaring herself as a white witch. Following the decriminalisation of witchcraft in 1951, she rose to become Britain’s most famous witch.
She established her own mystical shop in the village, named A Coven of Witches, which continues trading today and stocks witchcraft-related merchandise.
Though Sybil eventually relocated to America due to not wanting to be the centre of attention anymore, Burley has preserved its witchcraft connections, with shops and attractions celebrating this eccentric past and attracting visitors fascinated by its supernatural legacy, according to the New Forest’s website. Surely it sounds like the ideal destination for a Halloween getaway?
Leila was subsequently spotted stroking a horse, explaining all the horses were gentle as they simply wandered around the village, searching for the finest grass for their next meal.
She continued by describing the activities she’d enjoyed, which included browsing the local shops, including the renowned fudge shop, before hiring bicycles to discover the surrounding countryside.
“And honestly, it was such a wholesome day,” she remarked.
She added in the video’s caption: “Burley you have my heart. The best place for couples, besties or children! Bike rides, horse rides and so much more.”
Leila then posted a second clip documenting their adventure from day two in the village, which featured a stroll alongside a herd of alpacas, followed by a visit to a farm where visitors can harvest their own flowers and berries.
“I literally cannot recommend this place enough,” she said at the end of the video.
It has a name that’s hard to forget, and the quaint village tucked away in the South West of England certainly lives up to it.
South Pool is an enchanting village in south Devon(Image: Keith Lockstone/CC BY-SA 2.0)
Hidden away in the heart of South Devon sits the enchanting village of South Pool, a genuine gem boasting idyllic rural beauty, ancient architecture, and easy access to the area’s spectacular coastline. CN Traveller named it Britain’s most stunning village in 2023, noting its serenity feels like ‘another world’ compared to the hustle and bustle of Salcombe just a few miles downstream.
The settlement has seen a surge in digital fame, mainly thanks to the jaw-dropping beaches on its doorstep. Within just thirty minutes by car, Bantham Beach has been praised by one holidaymaker as the “most beautiful beach without leaving the UK”, for example.
Yet some locals would rather maintain South Pool’s secret status, with one resident cheekily remarking: “Shhh, don’t tell anyone! We locals want to keep it a secret!”
South Pool captures quintessentially English appeal: time seems suspended along its winding, slender roads whilst its period stone houses create a perfect postcard vista, reports the Express.
Locals want to keep South Pool a secret and let it remain unknown(Image: No credit)
Amongst its most treasured features stands the Church of St Cyriac and St Julietta, a Grade I listed building dating from the 13th century.
This place of worship is celebrated for its stunning medieval architecture, boasting an exquisite Norman font and an elaborately designed rood screen.
Local watering hole The Millbrook Inn also lies at the heart of South Pool’s charm, providing cosy welcome and an outstanding selection of regional ales and ciders.
The pub’s cosy interior, complete with open fires and wooden beams, offers a warm atmosphere where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a hearty meal or a pint.
The village has some great pubs and shops to enjoy(Image: Derek Harper/CC BY-SA 2.0)
Perched at the head of South Pool creek, which extends all the way to Salcombe Estuary, the village is a hub for outdoor activities such as sailing, kayaking and fishing.
Its picturesque surroundings of rolling hills and lush fields also make it a paradise for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
South Pool’s prime position makes it an ideal base for exploring other attractions in the South Devon region.
Nearby towns like Salcombe, Kingsbridge, and Dartmouth offer a range of shops, eateries, and cultural experiences that are a hit with holidaymakers.
Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat, outdoor adventures, or a slice of traditional English village life, South Pool has something to suit everyone.
One resident of the coastal village said the demolition plans amount to ‘social cleansing’ as the regeneration project gathers pace
Emily Heward and Grace Piercy
10:15, 25 Aug 2025Updated 10:16, 25 Aug 2025
Durham County Council wants to purchase properties on Third Street(Image: Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)
Plans to demolish historic homes in the UK’s most affordable seaside village have been labelled as ‘social cleansing’ as a local authority pushes forward with its proposals.
Durham County Council has submitted a planning application to tear down 100 properties in Horden’s ‘Numbered Streets’, an area that was established in the early 1900s and originally provided housing for the coal mining community.
The proposed demolition zone stretches from First Street to 13th Street and is part of a £10.7 million regeneration project that it is hoped will breathe new life into the area. Homeowners have been asked to sell their properties to the council so new housing can be built.
However, local residents are resisting the plans, which they claim to have largely opposed since a consultation was first launched in 2019, according to the Express, reports Chronicle Live.
Joe, a community organiser for Shelter, said it was “immediately obvious it wasn’t what people wanted” when he first arrived in the area, adding that there was palpable anger at a parish council meeting.
Campaign group Fair Deal For Horden found that 72 percent of the community preferred refurbishment, with only 2pc supporting demolition.
Joe added: “The council says there’s widespread support. I beg to differ.”
Shelter’s research shows that buying and renovating empty properties for social rent can require roughly 20pc less grant funding than new builds, when clearance and compensation costs are taken into account.
Raymond Bellingham has lived with his sister in a mortgage-free home on Third Street since he was nine years old. This year marks his 60th anniversary at the address.
He opposes the plans, saying locals want restoration to breathe new life into the area rather than bulldozing people’s homes. A similar scheme was implemented in The Green in Hartlepool, restoring crumbling Victorian houses rather than knocking them down.
Raymond said: “There was originally talk of other plans – renovation, refurbishment, etc. But all of a sudden, all other options disappeared, and the council has gone down the path of total demolition. They’re totally ignoring the people living here, refusing to do another consultation.”
Raymond Bellingham (left) with other members of the Fair Deal for Horden group, which is campaigning against the demolition of the village’s ‘Numbered Streets’(Image: Fair Deal for Horden)
He insisted the streets’ terrible reputation is baseless, “a misrepresentation”, saying people view it as “gang-laden – people carrying machetes with dangerous dogs” – but this “couldn’t be further from the truth”.
Joe pointed out the irony that this year marks the 125th anniversary of Horden as a village: “What better way to celebrate than by wiping out the historic homes of the people who built that community, the people who contributed to British industrial progress?”. Raymond said “there’s not much to celebrate”, declaring: “The council wants to wipe out this community, to build new houses and obliterate heritage and history.
“It’s affecting people who still live here. They want to clear the area, trying to buy homes for £30,000-£35,000, way below market price. That’s what actually makes the area undesirable. Exactly what they’re supposed to be avoiding.
“It might sound drastic, but it’s a form of social cleansing. Good people live here, and they’re being driven out of their own homes, their village, their community. They don’t care about the people here; they have no sentiment for this community.”
Joe revealed that Horden features amongst the nation’s most deprived areas, explaining: “Locals do need something to happen. It does need regeneration, but what cost does that come at?”.
“This plan shouldn’t come at the cost of people’s lives being torn apart. If the council went the refurb route, it could do more for the Numbered Streets.”
Horden’s beach(Image: Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)
Although a relocation package is available for residents selling their properties to the council, Joe insists “many feel they’ll be financially worse off”.
Leaving Horden would prove expensive, he said, alongside the heartbreaking impact of breaking community bonds and family ties.
Joe contended this simply “perpetuates a cycle of instability for lots of people”.
Durham County Council claimed the Horden Masterplan had attracted “strong support” throughout several years of comprehensive consultation. Michael Kelleher, the head of planning and housing, stated: “We have worked hard throughout the process to ensure residents feel heard and represented.
“Following our consultations in 2018, 2019 and 2022, the demolition, clearance and provision of new housing was consistently ranked higher than refurbishment by residents.
“The aim of the masterplan is to regenerate the village and improve life for local people by tackling issues such as the high number of empty properties in the Numbered Streets, supporting those with housing needs, enhancing community facilities and paving the way for new council housing that is truly affordable. All while respecting the history and heritage of Horden.
“We understand this is an unsettling time, and we are working closely with owners and landlords to negotiate the purchase of their properties and help people to find alternative accommodation should they need it.”
It’s no surprise that this stunning village has been given quite a few accolades
It’s been described as England’s loveliest village(Image: Getty)
Holidaying on British soil has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why.
Our coastline is dotted with charming fishing villages that are among the most beautiful in the world, and one in particular stands out as a must-see destination that’s well worth the journey.
Cornwall has unsurprisingly become a hotspot for staycations, with its sparkling turquoise waters, pristine golden beaches and scenic harbours making visitors feel as if they’ve been whisked away to a far more exotic location.
Nestled in the western corners of Cornwall, just 12 miles from the bustling hub of St Ives, lies the enchanting village of Mousehole, which is no stranger to praise.
The community first gained fame after being hailed as “the loveliest village in England” by Welsh poet and author Dylan Thomas following his honeymoon visit there, according to the Express, reports Cornwall Live.
Boats moored in the clear water of Mousehole(Image: Getty)
More recently, it featured in Conde Nast Traveller’s list of the best seaside spots in England for 2025, where it was described as “one of the county’s most picturesque fishing villages” and an ideal place to “escape the hustle and bustle of city life”.
The community boasts a picturesque harbour, breathtaking coastal panoramas and stands as a paradise for culinary enthusiasts – housing not one but two venues that have captured Michelin’s attention. The delightful village is decorated with enchanting whitewashed homes that border its slender, twisting cobbled lanes.
An abundance of craft boutiques and intimate tea rooms greet tourists, whilst the pristine waters invite those yearning for a peaceful kayaking excursion. And what superior method exists to restore vitality than indulging in a classic Cornish cream tea?
Visit Cornwall explained: “Mousehole is considered one of Cornwall’s prettiest fishing villages, with two small sandy beaches inside its harbour quays, only accessible at low tide, and a long pebble beach running east toward Penlee Point.
Mousehole at night(Image: Getty)
“For keen swimmers, there’s the Mousehole Rock Pool; a natural tidal pool and the perfect spot for a wild sea swim and a chance to spot seals out in the bay.
“There’s an assortment of car parks in and around the harbour, free parking on the road coming into the village, and a good bus service from Penzance.”
On TripAdvisor, the village has received glowing testimonials, with one five-star review saying declaring: ” A beautiful place to enjoy the local food, scenery and history. We visited several villages/cities in Cornwall prior to visiting this location so the expectations were high, spending the day here didn’t disappoint.”
Another visitor, in search of peace and quiet, said: “We really enjoyed our visit to Mousehole harbour, watching the boats go and out. Very relaxing, with plenty of place to sit down.”
A holiday in the UK to the likes of County Durham should be on everyone’s bucket-list, according to this traveller who looked back on her stay in one of its beautiful villages
Tucked away in a tiny village named Mickleton, there’s a real gem that offers spectacular nature trails – and let’s not overlook the extraordinary waterfall close by. Emma Gill, from Manchester Evening News, visited Cobblers Barn with a “multi-generational” party of 10, a beautiful stone-constructed, standalone 16th century barn transformation available via Sykes Holiday Cottages.
“It’s a part of the country we haven’t visited before and, to be honest, knew very little about,” she admitted. “We didn’t really know what to expect.”
Following a two-hour drive, they eventually arrived at their charming and tranquil holiday retreat and what a reception they got. Whether it was the aroma of freshly baked bread, biscuits, cake and milk courtesy of “helpful guide” and owner Karen, or the Blacksmiths Arms village pub, there was plenty that truly raised excitement levels.
At first glance, it appears Mickleton has precious little beyond a collection of stone dwellings, a petrol station, plus a selection of walking and cycling paths. Yet Cobblers Barn is a distinctive property, rich in heritage, that provides classic lodging.
‘The most wonderful sight’(Image: MEN)
From the expansive lounge with ample room for unwinding, the enormous and fully-fitted kitchen/dining area, to the roomy bedrooms. It proved a perfect base, particularly appropriate for families with small children or four-legged companions.
Then there’s the outside space. A private courtyard garden provides the ideal sanctuary for children and pets, complete with barbecue facilities, comfortable seating, and a six-person bubbling hot tub ensuring year-round enjoyment regardless of the conditions.
“But we soon discovered there’s a lot more to this part of the country than we realised,” said Emma. Just a brief journey away lies High Force waterfall, a three-mile trek from Bowlees Visitor Centre, offering a delightful spot for dogs to splash about.
Perfect for furry friends and families with young children(Image: MEN)
Whilst predominantly level terrain, visitors will encounter some stairs, inclines, and a narrow single-file bridge during the route. “The grandparents still managed it,” Emma added.
Upon reaching the cascade itself, everyone stood mesmerised as they watched the River Tees tumble 21 metres into the dramatic chasm beneath. It became immediately apparent why this spectacular location has graced numerous television programmes and films, including Emmerdale and Apple TV’s sci-fi thriller The Gorge.
Following their expedition, they’d certainly earned a pit stop at the High Force Hotel, a quintessential countryside pub offering an array of freshly prepared meals. Sophisticated, magnificent and tranquil were amongst the terms Emma used to describe the establishment, with the roaring fires and abundant rustic appeal clearly capturing their affections.
Emma shared: “We were more than happy with the view we’d had from the other side, but this would probably be the better option for the less able – offering a more gentle and pretty woodland walk leading to the spectacular sight at the base of the falls. At £2.45 a ticket for kids, £3.95 for adults, or £10 for a family of four, it’s not too expensive either.”
Barnard Castle(Image: MEN)
The group had an entire day left to explore and they chose Barnard Castle. “It’s not a full castle – some of the stone from it was taken and used to improve Raby Castle, in nearby Darlington – but it’s impressive nonetheless,” she expressed.
After a stroll around the town including a stop at a chocolate fair, where all enjoyed ice creams and coffees in the garden behind the café. Then it was time to say goodbye, with everyone returning home with a piece of County Durham in their hearts.
Tickets to Barnard Castle are cheaper when purchased online in advance and cost £9 for adults and £5 for children, including donations. English Heritage members go free. Emma and her family were guests at Cobblers Barn, with Sykes Holiday Cottages, which is hosting its Great Summer Sale.
US President Donald Trump last month returned to Scotland, a country he often references as part of his family heritage. But the island village where his mother was born has long held mixed feelings about the president
President Donald Trump has family ties to Scotland (stock image)(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Last month, US President Donald Trump returned to a nation he frequently cites as part of his family roots – Scotland. And there’s one tiny village that is particularly significant to the 79-year-old.
During the visit, which ran from July 25 until Tuesday, July 29, the President visited both of his Scottish golf courses, Trump Turnberry in South Ayrshire and the Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, and held talks in Aberdeen with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney.
Trump has consistently highlighted his deep personal ties to Scotland through his late mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, who was born and brought up on the Isle of Lewis in the breathtaking Outer Hebrides.
Donald Trump visits the house where his mum grew up in Tong, Isle of Lewis, in 2008(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
According to VisitScotland: “With dramatic landscapes, a unique Gaelic culture and fascinating history, Lewis and Harris are a great place to start your Hebridean adventure. You will be blown away by wild mountains, immense white beaches, rugged coastlines and lunar landscapes.”
Like countless Scots in the early 20th century, Mary Anne emigrated to America seeking greater prospects, reports the Daily Record. Born in 1912 in the village of Tong, roughly three miles from Stornoway, she departed the island at the age of 18 to seek employment as a domestic servant in New York.
In 1936, she married Frederick Trump, a prosperous property magnate and the son of German immigrants. The pair had five children together, with President Trump—known locally as Donald John—being their fourth child.
Mary Anne gained American citizenship in 1942 and passed away in 2000 at the age of 88. Despite his regular mentions of his Scottish heritage, the president hasn’t always received a warm welcome from inhabitants of his mother’s birthplace.
Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born and raised on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.(Image: Cathy Brett/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
Her relatives came from the surrounding region, with the MacLeods on her paternal side hailing from Vatisker, situated just north of Tong. Tong itself boasts a distinctive heritage of political and cultural identity.
From 1919 to 1921, the village, alongside neighbouring Coll and Gress, witnessed a sequence of land raids where local men confronted absent landowners by sowing crops and splitting sheep-grazing properties into agricultural plots.
Tong’s inhabitants were considered amongst the island’s most radical. In a 1990s compilation of the Stornoway dialect, Tong’s residents were still dubbed “Bolshiveeks.”
Village folk in Tong have previously expressed annoyance over Trump’s absence of backing for the community, drawing comparisons with his sister’s and mother’s contributions.
President Trump visited Scotland just last month(Image: Robert Perry/Getty Images)
“He never gave a penny,” residents have previously remarked, highlighting that Mary Anne MacLeod Trump helped finance the village hall’s construction during the 1970s. His elder sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, also made a significant donation of £155,000 to a local care home and the Bethesda hospice.
Locals have claimed that the president is “feeding off” the legacy of his mother and sister without giving back to the island that shaped their early years.
Tong remains a traditional crofting village, located about four miles northeast of Stornoway. Crofting, weaving of Harris Tweed, and peat cutting are still part of daily life on the island.
The area is also renowned for hosting the annual Lewis Highland Games and the Western Isles Strongman competition. Historically, Lewis was part of Norway until the 13th century, and by the 1800s, Tong’s economy relied heavily on fishing, farming and weaving.
The small village of Tong is a short way north of Stornoway, the biggest settlement in Lewis(Image: Alastair Lamont, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)
However, widespread land clearances in the late 19th century saw many tenants displaced in favour of large-scale sheep farms and deer forests.
In Clovelly in North Devon, life moves at a slower pace, with goods hauled on wooden sledges and donkeys still making occasional appearances on the cobbled streets
It can feel as if time has stopped in Clovelly (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Cars are banned in a UK village where locals have decided to do things the old-fashioned way.
Perched on the cliffs of North Devon lies Clovelly, a village where it can feel as if time simply stopped. Here, cars aren’t just discouraged — they’re completely banned. Instead, life moves at a slower pace, with goods hauled on wooden sledges and donkeys still making occasional appearances on the cobbled streets.
The village is still owned privately (Image: Getty Images)
The absence of cars isn’t the result of modern environmental policies but centuries of practicality — the roads are too steep and narrow for vehicles. Deliveries are made on sledges dragged by hand, inching goods down the cobbles to shops and homes. Rubbish is hauled back up in the same way, keeping the village running as it has for generations.
For hundreds of years, donkeys were the workhorses of Clovelly. They carried fish from the harbour, hauled building supplies, and transported luggage for visitors. Today, they’ve retired from hard labour, but you can still meet them in the stables at the top of the village.
Meanwhile, the wooden sledge has taken over most of the donkey’s workload. Each one is handmade by locals, often adapted to carry everything from crates of food to furniture.
Clovell was once owned by the Queen of England, the estate having originally been owned by William the Conqueror, King of England, and then gifted to his wife.It had many royal associations until 1242 when first acquired by the Giffard family. Until the middle of the 19th century Clovelly was all-but-unknown to the outside world, such was the private way in which the village was run.
Motoring experts at Show Plates World say Clovelly is a fascinating contrast to the UK’s car-obsessed culture.
“Britain has always been a nation on the move, but Clovelly shows us what happens when the car is taken out of the picture. The village thrives on tradition and community, proving that life without traffic isn’t just possible — it can be beautiful. While cars dominate almost every aspect of modern life, Clovelly’s charm comes from rejecting them altogether,” a representative of the company said in a statement.
“It’s also a reminder of how much cars shape our environment. Walking through Clovelly, you notice the peace, the clean air, and the sounds of people and nature instead of engines. That’s an experience you don’t forget.”
Clovelly’s history stretches back to the Domesday Book. For centuries, it’s been privately owned and carefully maintained, ensuring its streets, cottages, and harbour retain their unique character. Visitors pay a small entrance fee of around £9.50 for adults and £5.50 for children, which helps maintain the village, its museums and gardens — keeping the cobbles and cottages in pristine condition.
Throughout the year, Clovelly also hosts festivals celebrating its maritime roots, including herring, lobster and crab fairs. These events fill the car-free streets with music, food and laughter, reinforcing its strong ties to the sea and its heritage.
With its cobbled lanes, flower-draped cottages and sweeping sea views, Clovelly is often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Britain. What sets it apart is not just its looks, but its atmosphere — a sense of stepping out of the modern world into something slower, calmer and more magical.
Seoul/Mokpo, South Korea – In 2018 when Kim Ji-ung lived in the South Korean capital, Seoul, he felt alone all the time. Single and in his early 30s, the salesman spent most of his day at work or holed up in his apartment.
“I pondered about dying during my morning commute,” Kim told Al Jazeera.
“The most difficult thing was that I had no one to talk to. After work, I would be at home scrolling through TV channels or playing video games,” he said.
Finding it difficult to make connections at work, Kim was feeling increasingly desperate and isolated. Then a close friend of his collapsed at their workplace and died.
“That’s when I really started to ask myself, ‘Will I be next?’” he said.
It was then that Kim made one of the toughest decisions of his life – to pack his bags and move away from Seoul, a city of 9.6 million people that offered him the best chance of a career and a stable salary.
The capital’s population, which peaked at 10.97 million in 1992, has been decreasing steadily in recent decades, sparking alarm among officials. The city’s population of those aged 19 to 39 has been on the decline as well, falling from 3.18 million in 2016 to 2.86 million in 2023.
While Seoul continues to draw people with its promise of high-paying corporate jobs, census figures show the city is failing to retain its young population with nearly as many leaving it as moving to it over the past decade.
‘Hell Joseon’
This trend comes despite South Korea’s capital becoming a technological and cultural powerhouse that is consistently ranked among the world’s most exciting cities by international travellers.
Fortune 500 companies such as LG, Hyundai Motors and SK Group employ thousands of young professionals in their headquarters in the bustling downtown. The ultra-fashionable Gangnam district hosts one of the premier art fairs in the world, Frieze Seoul, and the country’s cosmetics and beauty industry, pop culture and cuisine are popular worldwide.
Seoul’s international allure is also evident in the hip bars, eateries and clubs in the Hongdae and Seongsu neighbourhoods, where foreign tourists flood the streets seven days a week.
But Seoul’s young adults – disillusioned by a housing bubble that has made homes unaffordable and a competitive work culture marked by long hours and low pay – have branded the capital’s work-to-survive lifestyle “Hell Joseon”. The term references the ancient kingdom that was once based where Seoul is today.
“Our society is known for its infamous jobs that force employees to work long hours, cut off the careers of women who give birth and make it hard for men to apply for paternity leave,” said Yoo Hye-jeong of the think tank Korean Peninsula Population Institute for Future.
“Seoul’s abnormally high costs for housing and child education translate to difficulty in creating a stable economic foundation for families,” Yoo said, describing an incompatibility between work and having a family life in the capital.
Located in Mokpo, ‘Don’t Worry Village got its start from a deserter of Seoul [David D Lee/Al Jazeera]
‘Don’t Worry Village’
For Kim, his chance to move away from Seoul came by coincidence when he spotted an online ad for a getaway programme at Don’t Worry Village.
Located in Mokpo, a city tucked away in the southwestern corner of the country with a population of 210,000 and an abundance of abandoned buildings, the village got its start from another deserter from Seoul, Hong Dong-joo.
After receiving his high school education in Seoul’s upmarket Daechi-dong neighbourhood, Hong was destined to enter a top university in the capital and work for a major corporation – a direct route to the upper echelons of South Korean society.
But when he turned 20, he knew that “life in Seoul, working at a high-paying job was not the life I wanted,” the 38-year-old told Al Jazeera. “I didn’t want to spend long hours at the office every day.” And so, when Hong became a mechanical engineering major at a Seoul university, he did the improbable: He moved away from the city.
He came up with the plan to create Don’t Worry Village after setting up a travel agency and meeting hundreds of young adults who shared stories of isolation and struggling with corporate and social life in Seoul and elsewhere.
“The blueprint for our village was to make a hometown that would act as a community – something that so many people in our country lack in their lives,” he said.
“In some ways, I was in the business of providing protection for people in our society who needed it.”
Hong Dong-joo says he set up Don’t Worry Village to give young people a sense of community[David D Lee/Al Jazeera]
‘National emergency’
Analysts describe the situation for many young people in the country as a “national emergency” that is being largely overlooked.
“In the process of becoming a developed nation really fast, our society forgot to establish a support net for our young population,” said Kim Seong-a, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA),
“The side effects of a society going through extreme industrialisation in a very short amount of time was the gradual disappearing roles of families” in the modern lifestyle and work becoming its primary focus, she said.
Findings from a 2021 Pew Research Center survey support her assessment. Participants from 17 advanced economies were asked: “What makes life meaningful?” The most common answer for people from 14 of the 17 nations – which included Japan, the United States and New Zealand – was family. South Korean respondents, however, chose material wellbeing as their top answer. For them, family came in third place.
Kim, the KIHASA researcher, said South Korean society now prioritises “money over people”.
“We’ve seen significant improvements in the country’s GDP, life expectancy and other areas that can be improved through policy changes,” she said. “But social factors like faith in others, trust in society and generosity towards others have relatively been less developed in our country.”
In surveys of satisfaction with life, South Korea ranked 33 among 38 member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), scoring 6.4 on a 10-point scale in 2023. It also has the highest number of suicides among OECD countries with a suicide rate of 24.3 per 100,000 people. Compare that with Lithuania, which came in at a distant second place with 18.5 per 100,000 people.
In the ensuing years, the South Korean suicide rate has only increased, reaching 28.3 per 100,000 people in 2024, a 13-year high.
Young people account for a significant number of the suicides. Of the 14,439 cases of suicide reported last year, 13.4 percent of the cases were people in their 30s.
“In our country, there are many young people who bear all the social risks that they accumulate from failing to get a job, struggling in school and going through family troubles,” Kim Seong-a said.
“They’re by themselves, so there’s a great chance that they can become isolated. They need someone around to talk to or ask for help when they’re going through a setback. This way, they can deal with it or overcome it,” she said.
Official figures, however, show the number of young people living alone in Seoul is on the rise. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, more than a third of the city’s population lives alone with young people accounting for 64 percent of single-person households, up from 51.3 percent a decade ago.
A recent survey of 3,000 single-person households in the city by The Seoul Institute, a leading think tank, found that 62.1 percent of respondents experienced persistent loneliness. Another 13.6 percent were identified as socially isolated, a term that refers to individuals with no support network during times of emotional distress, physical illness or sudden financial problems.
‘Seoul Without Loneliness’
South Korea’s government is well aware of the issues of social isolation and a punishing work culture in Seoul and has moved to address the issue in recent years.
Last year, it launched its “Seoul Without Loneliness” plan, which is investing 451.3 billion won ($322m) over five years in initiatives such as a 24-hour emotional support hotline and community centres called Seoul Maeum Convenience Stores, where people can seek counselling and drop in for free bowls of ramen noodles.
Authorities in Seoul have also promoted special date nights for singles in the city, and the government has introduced numerous stimulus packages for newlyweds and new parents to address South Korea’s declining birthrate, which is currently ranked the lowest in the world.
The government is also looking for solutions outside Seoul’s gates.
In fact, Don’t Worry Village was one of the first prototypes for inclusive communities outside Seoul that could potentially develop into youth-centred regions that create homes and jobs for young adults while populating rural regions.
With sponsorship from the Ministry of Interior and Safety, applicants to Don’t Worry Village receive financial assistance to relocate to Mokpo and attend workshops organised by Hong on useful skills required in the local community and networking with fellow residents.
Kim Ji-ung, the former salesman from Seoul, attended one such workshop in 2018 and then eventually moved there. After he did so, he said he was surprised by how easy it was to form social connections.
“Because the city is quite small, it’s likely that you’ll meet other young people through one way or another,” Kim said. “People ask favours to each other, and you make friends here by just saying ‘hi’ to them.”
That was such a stark contrast to Seoul, where people do not have time to greet each other and do not want to become involved in other people’s businesses, he said.
Kim worked various jobs in Mokpo until 2022 when he put his university degree to use and started a one-person interior design company. Hong is his neighbour, and the pair frequently grab lunch together. In addition to doing what he loves, Kim said the biggest change he has experienced is starting to enjoy leisure time.
“On random nights, I’ll just go down to the ferry terminal and get on a midnight boat to Jeju Island,” he said. “I’ll just stay there for the morning, but it’s the small things like this that tell me that I’m having a good time here.”
Looking outside Seoul
Hong’s life, too, has changed dramatically.
Back in his days in Seoul, he did not think too much about getting married. But he soon met the woman who became his wife in Mokpo and is now a father as well.
“In Seoul, the individual has to sacrifice so much of their own lives for their companies, to make a living and for the good of society as a whole,” Hong said. “But in Mokpo, I have control over my time. I’m able to do what I want for work, and money is not that intimidating to me any more.”
Two other residents in Don’t Worry Village, husband and wife Park Myung-ho and Kim Min-jee, also gave up lucrative careers in Seoul for what they described as a more “relaxed life” in Mokpo.
Park, 38, worked for one of South Korea’s biggest arms manufacturers while Kim was an employee at the country’s largest advertising company.
The couple married after meeting in Don’t Worry Village.
“There’s just too much competition in Seoul. It seemed like only people who possessed a lot of capital succeeded in starting a business,” Park said. “As someone who wanted to start my own business, it was more reasonable to look outside of Seoul.”
Park is now the CEO of a local property development company while Kim runs a guesthouse in downtown Mokpo that was developed by her husband’s company.
Kim, 35, also gave birth to a son more than a year ago whom she did not expect to have so soon.
“I always pictured having a child late in my years or being married without kids,” she said.
“Working for a major company meant nearly no time at home and weekends spent in the office. It’s almost impossible to raise kids in Seoul without the help of parents or childcare services, and finding an affordable housing arrangement is even harder,” she said.
Park Myung-ho, now a father, gave up a lucrative career in Seoul for a more relaxed life in Mokpo [David D Lee/Al Jazeera]
‘You’re judged for literally everything’
While Don’t Worry Village has become a prototype for more than 50 youth-centred communities around the country that the government has created in recent years, the reality for young adults moving away from Seoul to live in rural regions has proven to be difficult.
Workplaces, jobs and key infrastructure are still concentrated in Seoul.
And that is why, despite Hong hosting more than 21 workshops for people considering moving to Don’t Worry Village and attracting more than 2,000 visitors, only 20 people have remained there.
The Ministry of Interior and Safety, which helped start the youth villages, said about 10,000 people have participated in workshops at youth-centred communities across the country, but only about 900 ended up moving to them.
For many South Korean youth, starting a second chapter in life outside the country has become increasingly popular.
Brianna Lee is one of the tens of thousands of young adults who apply every year for working holiday visas to live and work abroad for a set time.
“Life in South Korea is just too intensive,” 30-year-old Lee said.
“You’re expected to get a job, get married, buy a house and have an amount of money at a certain age. And you’re judged for literally everything,” she said.
Working as a nurse in Ilsan, a city just north of Seoul, Lee said there is widespread discrimination inside hospitals, where people are critical towards nurses and view them as socially inferior.
“On top of working 11-hour shifts, we would be asked to do tasks that we weren’t required to perform,” she said.
After facing burnout, Lee applied for a working holiday in Canada, where she worked at restaurants and attended classes at an English-language academy for about a year.
Today, she is back home preparing to take a test to become a nurse in the US.
“They pay much better, and people give a lot of respect towards nurses in the US,” Lee said.
“Most importantly, people aren’t nosy,” she said.
“I think people care less about what you do for work and how you choose to live your life there.”
Alnmouth in Northumberland is a beautiful seaside village with a dog-friendly beach, independent shops, and wildlife – and it’s just a stone’s throw away from Alnwick
The village is known for its colourful houses(Image: Getty)
A stunning coastal village mere minutes from the renowned Northumberland town of Alnwick has been praised by tourists for its peaceful shoreline, delightful independent retailers, and abundant wildlife.
Alnmouth is nestled within one of the county’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its canine-friendly coastline ranks among most visitors’ preferred destinations.
Adventure seekers can enjoy rambles along St Oswald’s Way and Northumberland Coast Path, where a varied collection of wildlife can be observed.
The shoreline’s sand hills provide an excellent spot for birdwatching, and the location has even featured in Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes.
Alnmouth has also been captured on television as the imaginary settlement of Mardle in the ITV detective series Vera, reports the Express.
Dogs are allowed onto the beach, which visitors love(Image: Getty)
History enthusiasts can explore the Ferryman’s Hut in Alnmouth, recognised as the tiniest museum in Northumberland.
The Old School Gallery, dubbed a “hidden gem” and situated in a renovated village schoolhouse from 1872, displays fine art, printmaking, and illustrations.
Tourists celebrated the serenity of the coastline, with one posting on TripAdvisor: “Really lovely beach! Was nice and quiet when we went so was so peaceful. Great place to chill on a day out. Good fun wading in the water!”.
Another said: “Picturesque and peaceful beach. Great place for a long stroll on the beach and a walk round the village. Always love visiting here!” A third described it as an “amazing expanse of beach”, adding: “You can enjoy a lovely bracing walk along the sands. There are some great birds among the rocks at one end.”
Someone else posted: “We recently had the pleasure of stopping in Alnmouth for a week. We walked our dog every day on Alnmouth beach, the beach is simply stunning. It is one of the most beautiful I have ever been to, the sand is very soft and the scenery is amazing. It really is a great beach for dog walking and is dog friendly all year round.”
St Cuthbert’s Cross overlooks the estuary in Alnmouth(Image: Getty)
Alnmouth is also renowned for its row of vibrant houses, called Lovaine Terrace, which prove irresistible to photographers.
The village’s railway station provides a picturesque glimpse of these homes as your train arrives in Alnmouth, whilst you can also travel to Berwick-upon-Tweed from the station or catch a train southbound to Newcastle for a day out.
The high street features coffee shops, eateries, pubs, and gift shops whilst the Alnmouth Golf Club sits close by in Foxton Bay.
It was founded in 1869 and ranks as England’s fourth oldest golf club.
The famous town of Alnwick lies nearby, where tourists can explore its castle, the Alnwick Garden, and the archway of Bondgate Tower.
Alnwick also hosts a farmers’ market which takes place in the town square on the last Friday of every month.
There are plenty of reasons to visit the charming UK village but most tourists admit they’re there purely because of the destination’s memorable name
The name was created by the Victorians as a publicity stunt that still works to this day (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Usually when planning a staycation, most people will look at the hotels, attractions and restaurants on offer in a destination; but there’s one tiny village in Wales that’s catching people’s attention purely because of its name.
While Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is hardly a new destination, in recent years thanks to social media it’s continued to become increasingly popular for UK holidays, as people flock to the spot to get photos next to the village’s station signs.
After all, at 58 letters long it’s not one you’d see every day! The name is so lengthy that some signs have to be specially made to accommodate it. As a result, tourists are flocking there to snap a photo by the signs, with visitors having to now queue for the photo opportunity. It’s a far cry from the UK’s five worst seaside towns including a resort with a one-star beach.
Locals have embraced the fame with shops selling mugs, magnets and other souvenirs emblazoned with the full name.
Travel experts at walking holiday specialists Mickledore say that that name was “deliberately lengthened in the 19th century as a publicity stunt to attract visitors and boost trade”. They added: “The Welsh language is known for its compound words and descriptive place names, often drawn from local geography, landmarks, or saints. In this case, the name loosely translates to ‘St Mary’s Church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio of the red cave’.”
The sign has become a must-visit photo opp for tourists from around the world(Image: Dukas/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Clearly those Victorians had the right idea, as centuries later and that publicity stunt still works. In fact, it’s estimated that around 200,000 tourists visit the village every year, just to snap photos right by the signs and say that they’ve been able to tick it off the bucket list.
“You have to visit here, just to get a photo of the signs.. There is one on the station building, and one on the platform. The station is still in use today, and there is free parking next to a small mall, where there is a nice gift shop,” one happy holidaymaker wrote on Tripadvisor.
Another added: “This is the most interesting place that you mustn’t miss if you visit Anglesey. The longest train station name that you can never find anywhere else, in Welsh language.”
Luckily for tourists who turn up, there’s more to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch than just its name. Because of its popularity, you can find everything from cosy cafés to boutiques and budget-friendly hotels in the area, not to mention it’s right by the Menai Strait so it’s ideal for hikers and ramblers who want to do some exploring.
Oh, and as for how you pronounce it? The Mickledore team have put together a handy explainer. They added: “The generally accepted pronunciation in Welsh is: [ɬanˌvairˌpuɬˌɡwɨnˌɡɨɬˌɡɔˌɡɛrəˌxwɨrnˌdrɔˌbʊɬˌɬanˌtəsˌɪljɔˌɡɔˌɡɔˌɡoːx]. For English speakers, that’s ‘clan-vire-pooll-gwin-gill-go-ger-uh-kwin-drob-ool-llan-tis-il-io-go-go-goch’.”
Drumnadrochit is a small village in the Scottish Highlands that is famous for being the home of the Loch Ness Monster, but it has so much more to offer than that.
Drumnadrochit is home to the “picturesque” Urquhart Castle(Image: MG Photography via Getty Images)
Many tourists heading to Scotland aren’t chasing sunshine. They flock to these shores seeking breathtaking scenery and fascinating heritage – with some grub and tipples on the side.
There’s a tiny Highland village that manages to deliver on virtually every front for holidaymakers – yet most Scots likely couldn’t even tell you what it’s called. Drumnadrochit has earned fame as the supposed dwelling place of the Loch Ness Monster, but there’s more to it than that – it’s also home to one of the globe’s most celebrated and recognisable fortresses, provided you’re an Outlander fan.
The village itself houses barely 1,100 residents, though numbers balloon each year as monster seekers arrive hoping to spot the legendary beast, reports Scottish Daily Express.
Visit Scotland’s website hails Drumnadrochit as amongst the finest spots for discovering the Highlands. It states: “The village is surrounded by the glens, Glen Urquhart and Glenmoriston, as well as the Great Glen that reaches across from Inverness in the east to Fort William in the west.
The Highlands village is home to the mythical Loch Ness monster(Image: Getty Images)
“The area is rich in things to see and do with activities ranging from exploring Urquhart Castle, a classic romantic ruin jutting out into the loch, horse riding, cycling, cruising the length of Loch Ness and fishing trips.
“Loch Ness, the largest and most famous loch in the Great Glen, is a top UK holiday spot that draws crowds each year hoping to spot Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness monster.
“The Nessie replica might be as close as you get to the real deal, but you can also delve into the eerie history of monster hunting facts and folklore at the centre.
“Nessieland lets you watch a documentary about monster sightings over the years, and explore the Nessie caves to uncover the legends and mysteries. The attraction also boasts an adventure playground and offers cruises on Loch Ness.”
Urquhart Castle, with its stunning views and rich Highland heritage, has been the backdrop to some of Scotland’s most dramatic historical events.
It saw intense military action from the 1200s until 1692 when Edward I of England – known as the “Hammer of the Scots” – seized the castle in 1296. The fortress was later retaken by the Scots and once again fell into English hands.
The castle has an impressive 4.3 rating on TripAdvisor (Image: TomasSereda via Getty Images)
Urquhart Castle has a 4.3 out of five rating on TripAdvisor with one visitor posting: “I came to Loch Ness for Urquhart Castle. The place transcends words, and inspires paintings. It’s so gothic and romantic, I loved the fact that it overlooks the deepest part of the loch and called out to Nessie from the beach next to the castle. The best views up close is definitely to be had on castle grounds.”
Another said: “The magnificent Urquhart Castle is on the shore of Loch Ness and a beautiful and short drive from Inverness. We left Inverness around 9am and had a very pleasant drive to Urquart Castle stopping once at a popular viewing point to see the Loch Ness.”
A third added: “The Urquart Castle was a great experience! We spend around an hour and a half there and we were lucky enough to get great sunny weather so we weren’t too cold and got great photos!
“We really appreciated that we didn’t need to go on an organized tour and we could just go through at our own pace and read all the information. The castle isn’t very big so you can really see everything they have there pretty quickly and see the amazing views. Our experience was probably made better our lucky weather but we would go back again for a peaceful walk.”
Hunters Quay Dunoon Holiday Village is located near the town of Dunoon on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute, approximately 90 minutes from Glasgow
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Aerial view of Toward Point Lighthouse near Dunoon in Argyll and Bute(Image: richard johnson via Getty Images)
A Scottish family holiday village near a stunning beach is currently on offer with a whopping 50 per cent discount.
Hunters Quay Dunoon Holiday Village can be found close to Dunoon town on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute, roughly 90 minutes from Glasgow. And it boasts sweeping views across the Holy Loch and has plenty to keep adults and children busy.
Each caravan features central heating, a complete kitchen setup, a flat screen television, and fresh bed linen, reports the Daily Record
Holiday guests will also gain complete access to Hunters Quay’s recreational amenities. These feature two swimming pools – including one exclusively for adults – a fitness centre, a sauna, a steam chamber, and various on-site entertainment options.
Activites on offer include axe throwing, aqua run, ‘superhero academy’, sand art, and a teddy bear hunt. Additionally, there’s evening live shows and a children’s play zone and there’s an on-site pub serving “delicious meals” according to Wowcher.
Visitors can opt to dine in or request a takeaway and enjoy their meal back at their caravan. The Wowcher package also features a complimentary late checkout of 11am. Pet owners can bring their furry friends along for an additional £15 per dog per night.
While holiday parks remain a favourite for staycations, some travellers might fancy a traditional hotel instead. Popular nearby alternatives include the Royal Marine Hotel and the SGE Argyll Hotel.
Hunters Quay Dunoon Holiday Village has received largely favourable reviews from visitors. The resort boasts a 4.1 out of five rating on Tripadvisor based on 1,074 reviews.
One guest wrote: “The park was lovely and clean. Lodge was very clean and spacious. We had a great stay. Staff were friendly and worked hard.”
Another delighted holidaymaker commented: “This was our first proper family holiday and I couldn’t have wished for anything better. Everyone was so amazing and kind. Nothing was too much for anyone!”.
Another visitor said: “Caravan lovely and clean, quiet location at the bottom of the hill. So [it’s a] trek to the facilities. Very busy as [it was the] height of season.
“Would avoid restaurant due to length of time it takes to serve food after ordered. We had dog and granddaughter with us, who wre both fed up.”
However, another five-star guest gushed: “Amazing holiday at Hunters Quay, highly recommend this park. The staff are so helpful and friendly. The food was really nice and we enjoyed the evening entertainment.”
For further details on the Hunters Quay Dunoon Holiday Village offer, head over to the Wowcher website.
Tourists have been raving about a picturesque UK village that could make you believe you are in Italy. It boasts colourful buildings, secret gardens and so much more
This beautiful village is in the UK(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
People have been wowed by this beautiful village said to be “like walking though a storybook” which is often mistaken for Italy – but it’s in the UK. While travelling abroad is amazing, it can be expensive, especially in popular tourists spots in Italy. However, just a train ride away or short flight is the peaceful village of Portmeirion in Gwynedd, north Wales, that looks like Lake Como.
The amazing spot, which has been inundated with five star reviews on Tripadvisor, boasts breathtaking scenery, sub-tropical gardens and adorable cottages as well as plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants – and even an authentic Italian-style gelato shop.
The hidden gem boasts colourful buildings, palm trees, and plenty of outdoor seating and hospitality spots overlooking the beautiful seafront.
Tripadvisor describes the spot as a “dreamlike world, full of surprises” full of rich history. The picturesque location has been used as a backdrop for a number of films and TV shows.
The welsh village boasts beautiful, peaceful gardens(Image: ITV)
A couple, who call themselves Cez and Gaz and love travelling, shared a viral video of the spot and their review on TikTok recently. Cez said: “Would you believe me if I told you this isn’t an Italian village but it’s actually somewhere in the UK.”
She added: “This dreamy village was designed in the 1920s by a Welsh architect to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to Britain and it took nearly 50 years to build. It’s tucked away on the coast, it’s full of colourful buildings, secret gardens, sandy beaches and even a giant chessboard.”
She added: “It honestly feels like walking through a storybook. It’s the perfect spot for summer photos, getting your steps in or enjoying some delicious food.”
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“My mum got married here, it was so special,” added one. “How have I never heard of this?” commented one other. “No way, really I can’t believe this,” added another.
One other said: “I had a mini holiday there last year and I stayed in the castle upon entry.” Another shared: “Well worth the entry price. We got there early and it wasn’t too busy. If it looks familiar it was the backdrop for the show The Prisoner in the ’60s.”
You have to pay to visit the village. It is priced at £20 per day for adults, £17.50 for students and visitors over 60. Children between ages five and 15 can visit for £15, while children under five can visit for free. Visitors can also get family tickets. All tickets can be purchased from the Portmeirion website.
How to get there
If you are travelling from England, a train from London will take you a minimum of five hours and 50 minutes. From Manchester it takes around five hours, and generally about four hours and 45 minutes from Birmingham on a train. Many people opt to drive or travel by coach when holidaying to Wales.
If you would prefer to fly, you can catch a plane to Anglesey Airport – 30 miles from Portmeirion. The hub hosts twice daily flights from Cardiff Airport on weekdays.
The nearest major international airports to Portmeirion are Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport, both approximately two hours away by road.
The journey from Manchester airport and Liverpool airport is around 100 miles, and takes about two hours. So if you live down south, it might be a good idea to fly up to northern England first if long car or train journey are not for you.
Do you have a travel-related story? Get in touch at [email protected].
Tucked away in a picturesque enclave, the village is an oasis in the middle of a city and a hit with tourists who stumble upon it
Laura Mckenna Audience Writer and Ketsuda Phoutinane Spare Time Content Editor
15:24, 10 Aug 2025Updated 15:49, 10 Aug 2025
Edinburgh’s scenic Dean Village(Image: ewg3D via Getty Images)
Dean Village, a peaceful and enchanting oasis in Edinburgh beside the Water of Leith, merely moments from the vibrant Princes Street.
Originally the centre of grain processing during the 12th century, it has evolved into a residential area rich in heritage and charm, with traces of its manufacturing past still evident through scattered millstones and commemorative plaques featuring images of baked produce.
This picturesque village in Scotland proves popular amongst visitors who make the effort to discover it. The UK Tour Guide, a travel content creator on Instagram, holds special affection for this corner of Edinburgh, reports the Express.
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In a social media video, he declared: “Next time you visit Edinburgh, you have to take a 15 minute walk to the quiet, hidden village inside the city. Dean Village with its wonderful flowing water, cobbled streets and picturesque buildings, it’s a must to add to any bucket list. I know I have posted about Dean Village before, I just really like it there!”
The famous Dean Bridge, an architectural triumph by Thomas Telford finished in 1831, links the settlement to the city centre through its magnificent sandstone spans rising 39 metres from the valley floor.
The Water of Leith runs through Dean Village(Image: jenifoto via Getty Images)
Upon arrival you’ll discover Well Court, a significant Victorian structure at the village’s core. Built in 1886 as exemplary accommodation for labourers, it was crafted by Sidney Mitchell featuring striking red sandstone design, towers and a delightful central yard.
After undergoing restoration work during the 2000s, Well Court remains a residential building today, perfectly marrying its fascinating heritage with modern-day living.
The property serves as a major draw in Dean Village, providing guests with a glimpse into Edinburgh’s industrial heritage alongside breathtaking scenery.
Boasting magnificent architecture and peaceful cobblestone lanes, this charming settlement sits along the waterfront within a quiet stretch of The Water of Leith Walkway.
Dean Village is an oasis in the middle of Edinburgh(Image: Mytruestory Photography via Getty Images)
The impressive 12.75-mile route runs from Balerno through to Leith Docks, featuring numerous landmarks such as St. Bernard’s Well and the Royal Botanic Garden.
Dean Village has received glowing reviews on Tripadvisor, with one visitor describing the location as a “Hidden gem in the middle of the city”, whilst another remarked, “Absolutely gorgeous little spot and easily walkable from the centre of town.”
A third visitor noted: “We discovered this village as it was only a short walk from our hotel. It really is so worth a visit, you can’t believe that you are so close to the city centre.”
Residents of Pampa Clemesí, in southern Peru, rely on flashlights to make their way through the darkness
Each morning, Rosa Chamami wakes to flames licking at cardboard scraps in a makeshift stove in her yard.
The boxes she brought home once held 800,000 high-tech solar panels. Now, they fuel her fire.
Between 2018 and 2024, those panels were installed at Rubí and Clemesí, two massive solar plants in Peru’s Moquegua region, about 1,000 kilometres south of the capital, Lima. Together, they form the country’s largest solar complex – and one of the biggest in Latin America.
From her home in the small settlement of Pampa Clemesí, Rosa can see the rows of panels glowing under white floodlights. The Rubí plant is just 600 metres away.
Yet her home – and the rest of her village – remains in total darkness, unconnected to the grid the plant feeds into.
The Rubí solar plant can be seen from various spots throughout the town
Power from the sun, but not at home
None of Pampa Clemesí’s 150 residents have access to the national power grid.
A few have solar panels donated by Rubí’s operator, Orygen, but most can’t afford the batteries and converters needed to make them work. At night, they use torches – or simply live in the dark.
The paradox is striking: the Rubí solar power plant produces around 440 GWh a year, enough to supply electricity to 351,000 homes. Moquegua, where the plant is located, is an ideal site for solar energy, receiving over 3,200 hours of sunshine annually, more than most countries.
And that contradiction becomes even sharper in a country currently experiencing a renewable energy boom.
In 2024 alone, electricity generation from renewables grew by 96%. Solar and wind power depend heavily on copper due to its high conductivity – and Peru is the world’s second-largest producer.
“In Peru, the system was designed around profitability. No effort was made to connect sparsely populated areas,” explains Carlos Gordillo, an energy expert at the University of Santa María in Arequipa.
Orygen says it has fulfilled its responsabilities.
“We’ve joined the government project to bring electricity to Pampa Clemesí and have already built a dedicated line for them. We also completed the first phase of the electrification project, with 53 power towers ready to operate,” Marco Fragale, Orygen’s executive director in Peru, told BBC News Mundo, the BBC’s Spanish-language service.
Fragale adds that nearly 4,000 metres of underground cable were installed to provide a power line for the village. The $800,000 investment is complete, he says.
But the lights still haven’t come on.
The final step – connecting the new line to individual homes – is the government’s responsibility. According to the plan, the Ministry of Mines and Energy must lay about two kilometres of wiring. Work was slated to begin in March 2025, but hasn’t started.
BBC News Mundo tried to contact the Ministry of Mines and Energy but received no response.
Residents gather for dinner in darkness, illuminated only by a solar-powered torch
A daily struggle for basics
Rosa’s tiny house has no sockets.
Each day, she walks around the village, hoping someone can spare a bit of electricity to charge her phone.
“It’s essential,” she says, explaining she needs the device to stay in touch with her family near the border with Bolivia.
One of the few people who can help is Rubén Pongo. In his larger home – with patios and several rooms – a group of speckled hens fights for rooftop space between the solar panels.
Rubén works at the Rubí plant and lives in Pampa Clemesí
“The company donated solar panels to most villagers,” he says. “But I had to buy the battery, the converter, and the cables myself – and pay for installation.”
Rubén owns something others only dream of: a fridge. But it only runs for up to 10 hours a day, and on cloudy days, not at all.
He helped build the Rubí plant and later worked in maintenance, cleaning the panels. Today, he manages the warehouse and is driven to work by the company, even though the plant is just across the road.
Crossing the Pan-American Highway on foot is prohibited by Peruvian law.
From his rooftop, Rubén points to a cluster of glowing buildings in the distance.
“That’s the plant’s substation,” he says. “It looks like a little lit-up town.”
The Rubí solar plant produces electricity for around 350,000 homes in Peru
A long wait
Residents began settling in Pampa Clemesí in the early 2000s. Among them is Pedro Chará, now 70. He’s watched the 500,000-panel Rubí plant rise almost on his doorstep.
Much of the village is built from discarded materials from the plant. Pedro says even their beds come from scrap wood.
There’s no water system, no sewage, no rubbish collection. The village once had 500 residents, but due to scarce infrastructure, the majority left – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Sometimes, after waiting so long, fighting for water and electricity, you just feel like dying. That’s it. Dying,” he says.
The light poles for electrifying Pampa Clemesí lie in an open area of the town
Dinner by torchlight
Several houses made of wood or brick are part of the landscape in Pampa Clemesí
Rosa hurries to her aunt’s house, hoping to catch the last of the daylight. Tonight, she’s cooking dinner for a small group of neighbours who share meals.
In the kitchen, a gas stove heats a kettle. Their only light is a solar-powered torch. Dinner is sweet tea and fried dough.
“We eat only what we can keep at room temperature,” says Rosa.
Without refrigeration, protein-rich foods are hard to store.
Fresh produce requires a 40-minute bus ride to Moquegua – if they can afford it.
“But we don’t have money to take the bus every day.”
With no electricity, many in Latin America cook with firewood or kerosene, risking respiratory illness.
Pampa Clemesí’s residents don’t cook at night due to lack of lighting, and using candles or wood-burning stoves can be dangerous
In Pampa Clemesí, residents use gas when they can afford it — wood when they can’t.
They pray by torchlight for food, shelter, and water, then eat in silence. It’s 7pm, their final activity. No phones. No TV.
“Our only light is these little torches,” Rosa says. “They don’t show much, but at least we can see the bed.”
“If we had electricity, people would come back,” Pedro says. “We stayed because we had no choice. But with light, we could build a future.”
A soft breeze stirs the desert streets, lifting sand. A layer of dust settles on the lampposts on the main plaza, waiting to be installed. The wind signals that dusk is coming – and that soon, there will be no light.
For those without solar panels, like Rosa and Pedro, the darkness stretches on until sunrise. So does their hope that the government will one day act.
Like so many nights before, they prepare for another evening without light.
But why do they still live here?
“Because of the sun,” Rosa replies without hesitation.
Hundreds of travellers have descended on woodlands around Lyndhurst, Hampshire, for a huge pony and trap ‘drive’Credit: Solent
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All bar one pub closed in the village due to the weekend’s festivitiesCredit: Solent
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Many of the travellers set up in fields in LyndhurstCredit: Solent
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The event is controversial for the impact it has on the local villagersCredit: Solent
The sole bar manager has boasted about owning the “bravest pub in the village” as he opened his doors this weekend to the travellers.
Nearly every pub for miles around the village have closed signs plastered outside other than The Stag Hotel.
Manager Jake Ellis said: “I don’t know if we are brave, or mad!
“To be honest I feel it’s no different to a large group of stags, or hens, turning up.
“You can have all sorts of trouble with them, and we have a simple rule here, if you’re lairy you leave.”
Owner of the popular high street pub, Maria Harris, said one main factor behind her staying open was because a “task force” being set up around this year’s event.
Comprised of the local council, the police and Forestry England, dozens of people kept a close eye on the drive to keep everyone safe.
It comes after the 2024 pony and trap drive in the New Forest was described as “complete carnage”.
Maria said: “If it wasn’t for the task force, we would be shutting like most pubs.
“There have been meetings with all the businesses where they outlined the plans, they had to keep control of it, what was being done to ensure the welfare of the ponies and what support we will have if any trouble starts.
Moment French farmers use tractors to spray hordes of squatters with manure
“The drive is a heritage event which should keep going. But respect is a two-way thing.
“I am giving my trust to the travellers by saying they are welcome here, but I am also asking them to behave – hopefully they will.”
Many travellers heading down for the annual get together were left upset by the lack of pubs open – especially the one they normally congregate at.
The Happy Cheese – just up the road from the The Stag Hotel – won’t be open for business across the two days.
Their owners have plastered big signs saying “No tethering of horses” to fences surrounding the establishment as an extra message.
In response, the travellers carried out a drive by the pub in their pony and carts.
Some even left piles of horse manure behind as a calling card.
Organiser of the drive Tracy Cooper – which the event is named after – slammed the pubs which have shut as “being guilty of disgusting racism“.
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The travellers have given two fingers to one of the pubs they normally congregate at – The Happy Cheese – after it closedCredit: Solent
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A yellow CCTV pole has been set up on the field where the travellers often gatherCredit: Solent
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Part of the police initiative around the village includes the involvement of a ‘Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Liaison Officer.’Credit: Solent
She said: “It is total discrimination. We have so much hate directed at us. It’s ignorance of our ways.
“To be honest I am so sick of the abuse I get over this I think this will be the last one. I just can’t take it anymore.”
Last year’s gathering was marred by the death of a horse that was driven over a cattle grid.
Witnesses said the animal had “died in agony” and there were calls for the drive to be banned.
Tracy responded: “That pony and trap wasn’t even part of our drive. It was nothing to do with us.
“We care for our animals; anyone can see for that themselves.”
She was also happy over the introduction of the task force and welcomed them to patrol the event.
She said: “We have been working closely with it. We are glad the police are around, it shows people we are doing nothing illegal.”
Part of the police initiative includes the involvement of a “Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Liaison Officer”.
PCSO Steve Hull, who is part of a travelling fair community, is visiting all major traveller and Gypsy events in the UK, including the world famous Appleby Horse Fair.
He wants to “help break down barriers between us and them”.
Pointing at his uniform he said: “The biggest problem is this, they see it and think ‘Oh police’ and the mistrust comes in.
“But then the see the sign on my back which states what I am, and they start opening up.
“My aim is to build links between us and them and educate the police about what their communities are about.”
Steve, who is a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police force, gives talks to police bosses about Gypsy, Roma and traveller communities.
He said: “They are an ethnic minority like any other. The more trust we can gain with them the easier it is to police events like this.
“We can work together to ensure they run safely and without incident. I am not saying they are all law abiding but a lot of what is said about them on social media is false.”
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The roads were full with horses and travellers over the weekendCredit: Solent
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Two of the hundreds of horse and cartsCredit: Solent
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One of many signs up in the vilageCredit: Solent
Apart from Steve other new measures this year include tall temporary yellow CCTV towers which have been placed on Lyndhurst high street and at “hotspots” where the travellers gather.
These include beside a river near the Balmer Lawn hotel in Brockenhurst where they go to wash their horses after a drive.
Last year angry locals scattered glass and metal screws on the riverbanks to stop the travellers doing it.
The area then had to be closed for over a week while a clear up operation to prevent harm to wild animals was undertaken.
Some residents of the New Forest, while not agreeing with that action, can understand why some locals have been driven to it.
Local Evelyn Warren explained: “It’s a shame because the drive is actually wonderful to see with all the ponies and the carts.
“But then they go to a pub, get drunk and do all sorts. I don’t think the drive should be banned but it needs to be controlled more.
“There are so many travellers it can get scary at times.”
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PCSO Steve Hull has been called in to help police the eventCredit: Solent
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There are calls for the annual two-day event to be scrappedCredit: Solent
