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Joypurhat/Dhaka, Bangladesh, and New Delhi/Kolkata, India – Under the mild afternoon sun, 45-year-old Safiruddin sits outside his incomplete brick-walled house in Baiguni village of Kalai Upazila in Bangladesh, nursing a dull ache in his side.

In the summer of 2024, he sold his kidney in India for 3.5 lakh taka ($2,900), hoping to lift his family out of poverty and build a house for his three children – two daughters, aged five and seven, and an older 10-year-old son. That money is long gone, the house remains unfinished, and the pain in his body is a constant reminder of the price he paid.

He now toils as a daily labourer in a cold storage facility, as his health deteriorates – the constant pain and fatigue make it hard for him to carry out even routine tasks.

“I gave my kidney so my family could have a better life. I did everything for my wife and children,” he said.

At the time, it didn’t seem like a dangerous choice. The brokers who approached him made it sound simple – an opportunity rather than a risk. He was sceptical initially, but desperation eventually won over his doubts.

The brokers took him to India on a medical visa, with all arrangements – flights, documents, and hospital formalities – handled entirely by them. Once in India, although he travelled on his original Bangladeshi passport, other documents, such as certificates falsely showing a familial relationship with the intended recipient of his kidney, were forged.

His identity was altered, and his kidney was transplanted into an unknown recipient whom he had never met. “I don’t know who got my kidney. They [the brokers] didn’t tell me anything,” Safiruddin said.

By law, organ donations in India are only permitted between close relatives or with special government approval, but traffickers manipulate everything – family trees, hospital records, even DNA tests – to bypass regulations.

“Typically, the seller’s name is changed, and a notary certificate – stamped by a lawyer – is produced to falsely establish a familial relationship with the recipient. Forged national IDs support the claim, making it appear as though the donor is a relative, such as a sister, daughter, or another family member, donating an organ out of compassion,” said Monir Moniruzzaman, a Michigan State University professor and a member of the World Health Organization’s Task Force on Organ Transplantation, who is researching organ trafficking in South Asia.

Safiruddin’s story isn’t unique. Kidney donations are so common in his village of Baiguni, that locals know the community of less than 6,000 people as the “village of one kidney”. The Kalai Upazila region that Baiguni belongs to is the hotspot for the kidney trade industry: A 2023 study published in the British Medical Journal Global Health publication estimated one in 35 adults in the region has sold a kidney.

Kalai Upazila is one of Bangladesh’s poorest regions. Most donors are men in their early 30s lured by the promise of quick money. According to the study, 83 percent of those surveyed cited poverty as the main reason for selling a kidney, while others pointed to loan repayments, drug addiction or gambling.

Safiruddin said that the brokers – who had taken his passport – never returned it. He didn’t even get the medicines he had been prescribed after the surgery. “They [the brokers] took everything.”

Brokers often confiscate passports and medical prescriptions after the surgery, erasing any trail of the transplant and leaving donors without proof of the procedure or access to follow-up care.

The kidneys are sold to wealthy recipients in Bangladesh or India, many of whom seek to bypass long wait times and the strict regulations of legal transplants. In India, for example, only about 13,600 kidney transplants were performed in 2023 – compared with an estimated 200,000 patients who develop end-stage kidney disease annually.

Al Jazeera spoke with more than a dozen kidney donors in Bangladesh, all of whom shared similar stories of being driven to sell their kidneys due to financial hardship. The trade is driven by a simple yet brutal equation: Poverty creates the supply, while long wait times, a massive shortage of legal donors, the willingness of wealthy patients to pay for quick transplants and a weak enforcement system ensure that the demand never ceases.

The cost of desperation

Josna Begum, 45, a widow from Binai village in Kalai Upazila, was struggling to raise her two daughters, 18 and 20 years old, after her husband died in 2012. She moved to Dhaka to work in a garment factory, where she met and married another man named Belal.

After their marriage, both Belal and Josna were lured by a broker into selling their kidneys in India in 2019.

“It was a mistake,” Josna said. She explained that the brokers first promised her five lakh taka (about $4,100), then raised the offer to seven lakh (around $5,700) to convince her. “But after the operation, all I got was three lakh [$2,500].”

Josna said she and Belal were taken to Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences in Kolkata, the capital of India’s West Bengal state, where they underwent surgery. “We were taken by a bus through the Benapole border into India, where we were housed in a rented apartment near the hospital.”

To secure the transplant, the brokers fabricated documents claiming that she and the recipient were blood relatives. Like Safiruddin, she doesn’t know who received her kidney.

Despite repeated attempts, officials at Rabindranath Tagore International Institute of Cardiac Sciences have not responded to Al Jazeera’s request to comment on the case. Kolkata police have previously accused other brokers of facilitating illegal kidney transplants at the same hospital in 2017.

Josna said her passport and identification documents were handled entirely by the brokers. “I was OK with them taking away the prescriptions. But I asked for my passport. They never gave it back,” she said.

She stayed in India for nearly two months before returning to Bangladesh – escorted by the brokers who had her passport, and still held out the promise of paying her what they had committed to.

The brokers had also promised support for her family and even jobs for her children, but after the initial payment and a few token payments on Eid, they cut off contact.

Soon after he was paid – also three lakh taka ($2,500) – for his transplant, Belal abandoned Josna, later marrying another woman. “My life was ruined,” she said.

Josna now suffers from chronic pain and struggles to afford medicines. “I can’t do any heavy work,” she said. “I have to survive, but I need medicine all the time.”

‘In front of this gang’s gun’

In some cases, victims have become perpetrators of the kidney scam, too.

Mohammad Sajal (name changed), was once a businessman in Dhaka selling household items like pressure cookers, plastic containers and blenders through Evaly, a flashy e-commerce platform that promised big returns. But when Evaly collapsed following a 2021 scam, so did his savings – and his livelihood.

Drowning in debt and under immense pressure to repay what he owed, he sold his kidney in 2022 at Venkateshwar Hospital in Delhi. But the promised 10 lakh taka ($8,200) never materialised. He received only 3.5 lakh taka ($2,900).

“They [the brokers] cheated me,” Sajal said. Venkateshwar Hospital has not responded to repeated requests from Al Jazeera for comment on the case.

There was only one way he could earn what he had thought he would get for his kidney, Sajal concluded at the time: by joining the brokers to dupe others. For months, he worked as a broker, arranging kidney transplants for several Bangladeshi donors in Indian hospitals. But after a financial dispute with his handlers, he left the trade, fearing for his life.

“I am now in front of this gang’s gun,” he said. The network he left behind operates with impunity, he said, stretching from Bangladeshi hospitals to the Indian medical system. “Everyone from the doctors to recipients to the brokers on both sides of borders are involved,” he said.

Now, Sajal works as a ride-share driver in Dhaka, trying to escape the past. But the scars, both physical and emotional, remain. “No one willingly gives a kidney out of hobby or desire,” he said. “It is a simple calculation: desperation leads to this.”

Acknowledging the cross-border kidney trafficking trade, Bangladesh police say they are cracking down on those involved. Assistant Inspector General Enamul Haque Sagor of Bangladesh Police said that, in addition to uniformed officers, undercover investigators have been deployed to track organ trafficking networks and gather intelligence.

“This issue is under our watch, and we are taking action as required,” he said.

Sagor said that police have arrested multiple individuals linked to organ trafficking syndicates, including brokers. “Many people get drawn into kidney sales through these networks, and we are working to catch them,” he added.

Across the border, Indian law enforcement agencies, too, have cracked down on some medical professionals accused of involvement in kidney trafficking. In July 2024, the Delhi Police arrested Dr Vijaya Rajakumari, a 50-year-old kidney transplant surgeon associated with a Delhi hospital. Investigations revealed that between 2021 and 2023, Dr Rajakumari performed approximately 15 transplant surgeries on Bangladeshi patients at a private hospital, Indian officials said.

But experts say that these arrests are too sporadic to seriously dent the business model that underpins the kidney trade.

And experts say Indian authorities face competing pressures – upholding the law, but also promoting medical tourism, a sector that was worth $7.6bn in 2024. “Instead of enforcing ethical standards, the focus is on the economic advantages of the industry, allowing illegal transplants to continue,” said Moniruzzaman.

‘More transplants mean more revenue’

In India, the Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA) of 1994 regulates organ donations, permitting kidney transplants primarily between close relatives such as parents, siblings, children and spouses to prevent commercial exploitation. When the donor is not a near relative, the case must receive approval from a government-appointed body known as an authorisation committee to ensure the donation is altruistic and not financially motivated.

However, brokers involved in kidney trafficking circumvent these regulations by forging documents to establish fictitious familial relationships between donors and recipients. These fraudulent documents are then submitted to authorisation committees, which – far too often, say experts – approve the transplants.

Experts say the foundation of this illicit system lies in the ease with which brokers manipulate legal loopholes. “They fabricate national IDs and notary certificates to create fictitious family ties between donors and recipients. These papers can be made quickly and cheaply,” said Moniruzzaman.

With these falsified identities, transplants are performed under the pretence of legal donations between relatives.

In Dhaka, Shah Muhammad Tanvir Monsur, director general (consular) at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the country’s government officials had no role in the document fraud, and that they “duly followed” all legal procedures. He also denied any exchange of information between India and Bangladesh on cracking down on cross-border kidney trafficking.

Over in India, Amit Goel, deputy commissioner of police in Delhi, who has investigated several cases of kidney trafficking in the city, including that of Rajakumari, the doctor, said that hospital authorities often struggle to detect forged documents, allowing illegal transplants to proceed.

“In the cases I investigated, I found that the authorisation board approved those cases because they couldn’t identify the fake documents,” he said.

But Moniruzzaman pointed out that Indian hospitals also have a financial incentive to overlook discrepancies in documents.

“Hospitals turn a blind eye because organ donation [in general] is legal,” Moniruzzaman said. “More transplants mean more revenue. Even when cases of fraud surface, hospitals deny responsibility, insisting that documentation appears legitimate. This pattern allows the trade to continue unchecked,” he added.

Mizanur Rahman, a broker who operates across multiple districts in Bangladesh, said that traffickers often target individual doctors or members of hospital review committees, offering bribes to facilitate these transplants.​ “Usually, brokers in Bangladesh are in touch with their counterparts in India who set up these doctors for them,” Rahman told Al Jazeera. “These doctors often take a major chunk of the money involved.”

Dr Anil Kumar, director of the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) – India’s central body overseeing organ donation and transplant coordination – declined to comment on allegations of systemic discrepancies that have enabled rising cases of organ trafficking.

However, a former top official from NOTTO pointed out that hospitals often are up against not just brokers and seemingly willing donors with what appear to be legitimate documents, but also wealthier recipients. “If the hospital board is not convinced, recipients often take the matter to higher authorities or challenge the decision in court. So they [hospitals] also want to avoid legal hassles and proceed with transplants,” this official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, organ trafficking networks continue to adapt their strategies. When police or official scrutiny increases in one location, the trade simply moves elsewhere. “There is no single fixed hospital; the locations keep changing,” Moniruzzaman said. “When police conduct a raid, the hospital stops performing transplants.

“Brokers and their network – Bangladeshi and Indian brokers working together – coordinate to select new hospitals at different times.”

Porous borders and the fallout

For brokers and hospitals that are involved, there is big money at stake. Recipients often pay between $22,000 and $26,000 for a kidney.

But donors get only a tiny fraction of this money. “The donors get three to five lakh taka [$2,500 to $4,000] usually,” said Mizanur Rahman, the broker. “The rest of the money is shared with brokers, officials who forge documents, and doctors if they are involved. Some money is also spent on donors while they live in India.”

In some cases, the deception runs even deeper: traffickers lure Bangladeshi nationals with promises of well-paying jobs in India, only to coerce them into kidney donations.

Victims, often desperate for work, are taken to hospitals under false pretences, where they undergo surgery without fully understanding the consequences. In September last year, for instance, a network of traffickers in India held many Bangladeshi job seekers captive, either forced or deceived them into organ transplants, and abandoned them with minimal compensation. Last year, police in Bangladesh arrested three traffickers in Dhaka who smuggled at least 10 people to New Delhi under the guise of employment, only to have them forced into kidney transplants.

“Some people knowingly sell their kidneys due to extreme poverty, but a significant number are deceived,” said Shariful Hasan, associate director of the Migration Programme at BRAC, formerly the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, one of the world’s largest nongovernmental development organisations. “A rich patient in India needs a kidney, a middleman either finds a poor Bangladeshi donor or lures someone in the name of employment, and the cycle continues.”

Vasundhara Raghavan, CEO of the Kidney Warriors Foundation, a support group in India for patients with kidney diseases, said that a shortage of legal donors was a “major challenge” that drove the demand for trafficked organs.

“Desperate patients turn to illicit means, fuelling a system that preys on the poor.”

She acknowledged that India’s legal framework was aimed at preventing organ transplants from turning into an exploitative industry. But in reality, she said, the law had only pushed organ trade underground.

“If organ trade cannot be entirely eliminated, a more systematic and regulated approach should be considered. This could involve ensuring that donors undergo mandatory health screenings, receive postoperative medical support for a fixed period, and are provided with financial security for their future wellbeing,” Raghavan said.

Back in Kalai Upazila, Safiruddin nowadays spends most of his time at home, his movements slower, his strength visibly diminished. “I am not able to work properly,” he said.

He says there are nights when he lies awake, thinking of the promises the brokers made, and the dreams they shattered. He doesn’t know when, and if, he will be able to complete the construction of his house. He thought the surgery would bring his family a pot of cash to build a future. Instead, his children have been left with an ailing father – and he with a sense of betrayal that Safiruddin can’t shake off. “They took my kidney and vanished,” he said.

Reporting for this story was supported by a grant from Journalists for Transparency.

The small village in Wales is no typical UK beach location

Brits longing for an idyllic escape might consider jetting off to distant exotic destinations, but there’s an overlooked treasure right on our doorstep. Portmeirion, tucked away along the Dwyryd Estuary in North Wales, breaks the mould of your average UK coastal spot.

Wander into this village and you could easily believe you’ve landed in Italy, thanks to its captivating array of Mediterranean-style buildings, sun-kissed beaches, and charming boutiques. And the icing on the cake?

It’s reportedly home to some of the UK’s most reasonably priced fish and chips. Last year’s statistics show that visitors typically spend just £8.57 on this beloved dish, according to Capital on Tap.

This placed the coastal gem as the third most economical for fish and chips, trailing only behind Southwold in Suffolk and New Brighton in Wirral. What’s more, it’s got great TV history behind it, having been the location for the filming of hit British TV show The Prisoner.

Portmeirion has also caused quite a stir online, too. Influencer Meera Pankhania is among those smitten with its scenic beauty. “My boyfriend and I were meant to go to Portugal that weekend but as it went on Amber list, we visited here as an alternative and then climbed Mount Snowdon,” she said in a previous TikTok reported by the Mirror.

“We stayed there for two days and while I’ve never visited Italy myself, I felt like I was in Lake Como. To arrive at the place, you travel through some beautiful roads and beautiful scenery.”

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Located in the heart of Gwynedd, the enchanting village of Portmeirion was brought to life by visionary architect Clough Williams-Ellis, who devoted five decades to shaping the site after purchasing the land in 1925.

Today, the village boasts a remarkable assortment of nationally significant listed buildings, including the stunning Grade I Listed Portmeirion Town Hall, built in 1938. However, you might be shocked to learn that Portmeirion doesn’t have any permanent residents, as its primary focus is on catering to tourists and holidaymakers.

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In fact, the village operates on a schedule, generally opening its doors to visitors from 9.30am to 6.30pm, seven days a week, during the peak summer season. Beyond its impressive infrastructure and unbelievable chippy prices, tourists also sing praises about Portmeirion’s afternoon teas too.

In 2024, one visitor took to TripAdvisor to share their thoughts on this, writing: “The best afternoon tea in the world, in the one of the nicest places. The village is stunning and we really made the most of it, being amongst the last to leave.

“We had afternoon tea in the hotel, which was absolutely delicious.” Meanwhile, another added: “There is no other place in England like this, it is so SO unique and amazing.

“If you only visit ONE place before you die, hopefully not just yet! then come here. It is SO lovely! We spent hours here, we did have afternoon tea here and if the weather had been better and we could have gone on the coastal and woodland walks, we would happily have stayed from opening to closing time.”

So, it seems that for those seeking an affordable beach escape this summer, Portmeirion might just be the perfect destination.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below

Emmerdale’s Robert Sugden made another big move on the ITV soap on Wednesday, a day on from stealing Lewis Barton’s weed and selling it to new villain Ray, with a new accomplice too

Robert Sugden was back up to his old tricks on Emmerdale on Wednesday, as he made another deal with a new accomplice.

Just a day on from being revealed as the person who stole Lewis Barton’s weed stash from the farm, selling it to dealer and new villain Ray, Robert’s next plan was revealed. We’d seen him smugly confess he was ready to bring mayhem, and on Wednesday we learned exactly what he was up to.

He had a heart-to-heart with Moira Dingle, where it seemed he was using the money he’d got from the drug sale to buy some land off of Moira. The land was originally owned by Annie Sugden, Robert’s grandmother, and Robert’s family lived and worked there for a long time before the Barton family moved in.

A few years back Victoria inherited the land after Annie’s death and she sold it to Moira. But on Wednesday Robert claimed he was keen to get his grandmother’s land back into the family, telling Moira he had a proposal for her that would get her some much needed money.

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Robert said memories had come flooded back and he was different now, with him eager to buy back the land to start the Sugden legacy up again. Moira seemed keen, desperate for the money.

He said he had an investment policy and after a chat with the bank, he was able to offer a huge sum while it wasn’t the amount she hoped for. Moira told him she accepted as she could see how much it meant to him.

Robert then said: “You have no idea what this means,” before appearing to smirk after claiming it wasn’t about getting a cheap deal, or striking while Moira was desperate. It left Moira feeling positive amid the drug drama, telling Ross and Lewis “she could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel”.

But what she didn’t know was that Robert was plotting, and he wasn’t working alone. As the camera panned over to Home Farm, we saw Kim Tate getting out a bottle of champagne.

She then made it clear she and Robert were in cahoots, teaming up to get the farm using Kim’s money. Robert also made it very clear the legacy comments were all lies, and he had no intention of starting up the farm again.

He revealed to Kim, laughing as he did: “I gave her all this rubbish about how I wanted to live up to the Sugden name, dad’s legacy, but I only had a tiny budget.” Kim asked how much he had offered, but he refused to say.

Kim then said: “You do know I am only willing to pay market rate for that field, before you get any ideas.” He said: “It should still give me a decent profit.”

Kim then revealed they’d been talking for a while clearly plotting, as she said she was “impressed with how he operates”. Robert then warned: “Trust me, We’re only just getting warmed up.” But what exactly do Robert and Kim have planned, and what does this mean for Moira?

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Castle Combe in Wiltshire, England, is a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning medieval stone cottages, winding streets and surrounding natural beauty

With summer upon us, many are planning their getaways, yet there’s no need to jet off abroad when the UK boasts some truly stunning destinations. Castle Combe in Wiltshire is often lauded as one of the prettiest villages not only in Britain but across the globe, making it an ideal spot for those exploring the Cotswolds.

Visitors to this picturesque village might feel as though they’ve wandered into a storybook, with its ancient stone cottages and charming, twisty lanes remaining untouched by modernity – a dream for anyone keen on sightseeing. But Castle Combe’s allure isn’t just architectural; it’s also cradled by the natural splendour of the Cotswolds.

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Travellers will find themselves amidst enchanting woodlands, undulating hills, and verdant countryside, all contributing to the village’s magical vibe.

Described by Country Living as having houses “so pretty they should be on a postcard” due to its “ancient, honey-hued” cottages, Castle Combe has also earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveller’s list of “most beautiful villages in the world“.

CN Traveller praised the village, saying: “Castle Combe is a quintessentially English village located in the southwest county of Wiltshire. No new houses have been built here since the 1600s, so the town is a well-preserved stretch of Cotswold stone cottages and old pubs and churches.”

This idyllic village is the ultimate destination for photography enthusiasts, with the historic village bridge crossing the River Bybrook being a particularly picturesque spot to capture.

History buffs will be drawn to Castle Combe for its plethora of medieval structures, including the stunning St Andrew’s church, established in the 13th century, reports the Express.

The church houses the tomb of Sir Walter de Dunstanville, Baron of Castle Combe and a crusader who passed away in 1270. It also boasts a quaint shop renowned for its charming postcards.

Film aficionados will find Castle Combe intriguing as it has served as the backdrop for numerous iconic films, from the 1960s Doctor Dolittle to the more recent Stardust in 2007 and Steven Spielberg’s War Horse in 2011.

Castle Combe offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking a leisurely holiday, providing opportunities for nature walks, historical exploration, and cosy evenings at the local pub.

For those embarking on a nature walk, the village’s famed Little Picnic Shop provides everything needed for a delightful summer picnic.

However, for an authentic English countryside experience, a visit to The Old Rectory Pop-up Tearoom is a must. Here, guests can indulge in a traditional afternoon tea complete with homemade cakes, sandwiches, and a cuppa served in fine china.

The Old Stables offers a more laid-back yet snug setting for a coffee shop in the village, where patrons can indulge in a bacon sarnie or their hot drink of choice.

Castle Combe’s residences often feature quaint stalls outside, vending local and homemade delights like jams, bakes, or sweets – ideal for picking up as you wander through the village.

Travel aficionado Jamie, the brains behind Explore with Ed, suggests that those keen on visiting Castle Combe should do so promptly, especially as the village is at its most charming in midsummer.

He commented: “The prettiness of Castle Combe is perhaps at its peak in the height of summer when the honey-coloured cottages are graced with colourful climbing plants and overflowing window baskets.”

A tiny but insatiably popular seaside village has revealed a huge shakeup to one of its most beloved attractions, urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to acknowledge the difficulties it is facing

A tiny seaside village has unveiled a major shakeup directly affecting UK holidaymakers, as it confesses to a ‘crippling’ problem.

Renowned for its 3.2-mile-long golden sandy beach, rows of flashing arcades, and stellar fish and chip shops – Ingoldmells is a vibrant, no-thrills resort that has long attracted droves of tourists. Located in the East Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, and just a stone’s throw from the popular town of Skegness, this tiny village has one huge attraction: Fantasy Island.

The theme park boasts over 30 rides including the stomach-churning Volcano which shoots visitors vertically into the air, as well as the Odyssey and Millennium roller coaster. For younger adrenaline-seekers, the dodgems, Sea Storm, and Rhombus Rocket are great options. Fantasy Island also hosts Europe’s largest seven-day market – which sells everything from clothes to cosmetics, and delicious bakery items.

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“There are so many things to do at Fantasy Island!” the resort states. “Our exhilarating rides and roller coasters will test even the bravest thrill-seekers’ nerves, while those looking for something more family-friendly will have plenty to choose from. We have Discovery and Adventure for the thrill seekers and Little Explorer for the little ones.”

However, in a huge blow for the village – Fantasy Island has confirmed it is reducing its opening hours during the quieter periods, citing industry-wide struggles. According to Lincolnshire Live, the park will now shut its rides on Mondays and Tuesdays outside of the busy summer season, although the market and arcade will remain open daily.

A spokesperson from Fantasy Island told the publication: “Whilst our rides remain open every day during the summer, we have made the decision to restrict our opening outside of this peak period. This reflects the challenges currently facing the tourism and hospitality sector.

“The recent budget has had a crippling effect – particularly due to increased wage costs, soaring electricity prices, and a broader lack of understanding and support for our industry. This, coupled with growing caution in consumer spending, makes it increasingly difficult to operate sustainably outside peak periods.”

The spokesperson called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to acknowledge the difficulties that coastal attractions are enduring, emphasising their importance to local economies and job markets. This move follows the recent shakeup to employer national insurance contributions (NIC) which took effect in April.

MP for Boston and Skegness, Richard Tice, warned the hospitality and leisure industry in the region is ‘dire’. “I’ve just been with one of the biggest employers in Skegness, they are employing 40 less young people than they were this time last year,” he said in a video posted to social media.

“The knock-on effect of that for suppliers and the hoteliers, hearing of many more hotels closed, up for sale, theme parks, shut for two days a week to deal with the horrific national insurance increases. I think Rachel Reeves is in for a massive massive shock. The news on the front line in the coastal resorts in Skegness is dire.”

When approached by the Mirror about Ingoldmell’s blow, a government spokesperson for HM Treasury did not explicitly reference the village – but insisted it was a ‘pro-business government’. “Economic activity is at a record high with 500,000 more people in employment since we entered office,” they said.

“We are protecting the smallest businesses from the employer National Insurance rise, shielding 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure business properties from paying full business rates and have capped corporation tax at 25 per cent – the lowest rate in the G7. We delivered a once-in-a-Parliament budget last year that took necessary decisions on tax to stabilise the public finances and fund public services, including the NHS. We are now focused on creating opportunities for businesses to compete and access the finance they need to scale, export and break into new markets.”

The Mirror has contacted East Lindsey District Council for comment.

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Bibury in the Cotswolds is rightly described as the most beautiful village in England – but the sheer number of tourists who visit every day is off-putting

William Morris once hailed Bibury as “the most beautiful village in England”. Given his expertise in aesthetics as the esteemed poet and artist who spearheaded the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, I’m inclined to trust his judgement on such matters.

And he certainly wasn’t mistaken about this gem in the Cotswolds, a little north-east of Cirencester. Before my visit, I had seen numerous photos of Bibury and was half-convinced they were the result of some clever photographic manipulation — could it really be that beautiful in reality?

The answer is a resounding yes. Imagine the quintessential storybook British village with a dash of Harry Potter magic — even then you might not quite capture the sheer loveliness of the place. Bibury is enchanting, whimsical and could be considered the crowning glory of the Cotswolds, an area renowned for its beauty.

The tranquil river Coln meanders through the village centre, flanked by charming low stone bridges. Nearby, cows leisurely graze beside the road adjacent to the Swan Hotel, which looms over the village and boasts perhaps the prettiest beer garden in the country.

The Bibury Trout Farm nearby nurtures fish that grace the plates of restaurants throughout the Cotswolds, including those at Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, where I ate it — you can read what I thought here.

The true gem of Bibury is undoubtedly Arlington Row, a sequence of cottages initially constructed from the local stone in 1380 next to the River Coln as a monastic wool store, and later converted into weavers’ cottages in the 17th century. It’s probably the most photographed street in the Cotswolds — and potentially the entire country.

As you amble down the slender lane beside the cottages, having crossed a quaint stone bridge over the river to reach them, the weight of everyday life just seems to disappear. I strove to balance my respect for the privacy of residents with an irresistibly wide-eyed admiration for their astonishingly attractive homes. Hopefully, the people lucky enough to live here enjoy the fact that, like Buckingham Palace, thousands of people take pictures of their homes every day.

And that brings me to the one thing about Bibury that is a bit off-putting: the number of tourists here is way out of proportion to the size of the village and its ability to cope with them. The 600 or so people who live here are sharing these narrow lanes and pretty fields with coaches, tour groups and day-trippers every day — thousands of them.

One resident, Lynn Edward, who has lived in Bibury for six years, told The Guardian this year: “We have such a beautiful place that we want to share, but the level of tourism and the hordes of people that come has just made it entirely unpleasant, and the infrastructure doesn’t really cope with it.

“All they want to do is come and take a photograph. They don’t stay in the village. They don’t linger enough to really ingest the beauty and historic value of the place. It’s literally, I think, to take a selfie.”

I knew in advance that Bibury was a tourist attraction — and obviously I was here as a tourist. But I didn’t appreciate just how many people there would be on a random weekday afternoon.

But it was obvious even before I got to the village centre, with groups of tourists strolling in the middle of the road en route, long lines of parked cars beside the river, several different languages from all over the world to be heard and people of all nationalities standing on Bibury’s pretty stone bridges to grab a selfie. Some of them were not especially inclined to bother moving when it was clear others wanted to get across, instead taking their time to get that perfect shot for Instagram — and some claim the rocketing number of visitors to Bibury is down to the boom in travel and tourism influencers on social media.

There’s even a large car park on the outskirts of the village, where visitors are charged £5 to park before walking into the heart of the village. There is enough space for 300 cars but villagers say even this is not enough on some days, Express reports. The narrow lane between the car park and the village is a tight squeeze when trying to cope with two-way traffic as well as all the tourists on foot.

While you might assume that such a large number of tourists would also bring a significant economic benefit, people in the village don’t seem convinced. Victoria Summerley, a journalist and author who has lived here since 2012, says: “[The villagers] would say [the tourists] don’t put any money into the village.”

It is clearly a difficult balance. While tourism can bring benefits and people are often proud to share the beauty of where they live with visitors, it is understandable that villagers who call Bibury home are frustrated by the extent to which it has now become a tourist attraction. It is undoubtedly a staggeringly beautiful place, and lives up to its billing as “the most beautiful village in England”, even considering the amount of competition in the Cotswolds alone. So if you do visit, please try and be as respectful as possible of the people who live here.

Things to do in Bibury

Arlington Row

A row of cottages originally built of local stone in 1380, next to the River Coln, is probably the most photographed street in the Cotswolds, possibly even the country. A short circular route runs from the Swan Hotel to the cottages and back along a track to the hotel.

Bibury Trout Farm

Bibury Trout Farm is one of Britain’s oldest trout farms. Founded in 1902, you will find its trout on the menu in restaurants around the Cotswolds. It is open to the public while being a working trout farm producing hundreds of thousands of trout (brown, blue and rainbow) a year. It also has an on-site smokery. You can buy the trout on site and in the village shop. Entry to the farm costs £9 for adults.

Swan Hotel

The beautiful Swan Hotel is perhaps the most prominent building in Bibury, its walls covered in greenery. You can stay here or simply book a table for lunch or dinner. It also has arguably the most beautiful beer garden in Britain, with deckchairs set almost on an island surrounded by the tranquil River Coln.

Eleven Bibury

With interiors designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Eleven Bibury is a mixture of cafe, restaurant, art space and shared working space just across the main road from the river. Grab a brunch, a slice of cake or coffee and escape the crowds of tourists outside.

An abandoned village that was purposefully flooded to make way for a huge reservoir has exposed itself several times in the last 70 years – as visitors marvel at the remains

An abandoned village that was submerged underwater back in the 1940s mystically reveals itself due to a rare phenomenon.

For years, Derwent thrived as a vibrant village – one that seemed utterly irreplaceable to its residents. Situated in the heart of the Peak District, in Derbyshire, the tiny community boasted its own school, a stunning church, and an impressive country manor house with immaculately manicured gardens, ornamental trees and a large fishpond.

Locals resided on cosy streets in limestone cottages – with stunning views of the rolling countryside at their doorstep. However, between 1935 and 1943, plans to flood the entire village – along with the neighbouring community of Ashopton, were given the green-light.

READ MORE: Abandoned UK island untouched for nearly 100 years just yards from seaside town

Despite protests from locals, who had to evacuate the villages to the nearby Yorkshire Bridge estate, the entire area was transformed into a sweeping dam in 1943, just two years before the end of World War Two. Over time, rain and mountain-run off started to fill the valley, and Derwent slowly became completely submerged under water.

Now known as Ladybower Reservoir, this impressive sheet of blue can hold a whopping 27,869 mega litres of water – and serves the neighbouring cities of Derby, Sheffield, and Nottingham. It has become a popular site for walkers and nature lovers, and underwent major refurbishment during the 1990s to raise and increase the strength of the dam’s wall to reduce the risk of ‘over-topping’ in a major flood.

But, in 2018, the lost village exposed itself once again – following an ‘exceptionally dry and hot summer’ that drastically decreased the reservoir’s water levels. Images show the ruins of Derwent, which had long been forgotten about, still remain intact – including the foundations of the church and hall, along with some of the cottage’s walls.

The village appeared again in 2022, following similar weather conditions that lowered water levels in the reservoir. The phenomenon attracted swathes of tourists who flocked to the site to marvel at the remains of a railway that became temporarily visible.

At the time, a spokesperson for Severn Trent warned visitors to be ‘aware’ that the exposed reservoir bed was ‘extremely muddy and not safe to walk in’. “You can get a great view of both the chapel and the railway from the shoreline,” they added. “Please do not walk out to the ruins.”

If scorching temperatures continue to swelter the UK, the chances of Derwent revealing itself increases. However, with downpours of rain slated to brutally end the on-going heatwave – the village may remain underwater this year.

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A quaint seaside village that has recently welcomed a £150,000 upgrade has been praised for its pristine golden sand beach that stretches out for as far as the naked eye can see

A charming seaside village has been cast into the spotlight, after its 2.2 mile soft-sand beach was named as the best in Britain.

Sandwiched in between rolling hills of lush countryside and azure waters lies the often overlooked village of Hoklham. Touted as the ‘jewel’ of the North Norfolk Coast, this coastal gem is home to an impressive 25,000 acre estate which features perfectly manicured gardens and the grand Holkham Hall – an 18th century Palladian house, home to the Earl of Leicester.

Nearby, you’ll find Holkham National Nature Reserve, which is home to large flocks of wintering birds and is an important site for breeding Little Terns, Ringed Plover, and Oystercatchers. “During the winter large flocks of shorebirds can be found along the shore edge and on the developing saltmarsh in Holkham Bay,” Visit North Norfolk explained.

But it’s Holkham’s incredible coastline that really sets it aparts from the rest. Stretching out for as long as the naked eye can see, and sheltered by soaring pinewoods, this pristine beach makes you feel like you’re a ‘million miles away from civilisation’. It’s no wonder it recently came at the top of TimeOut’s league tables for the best UK beach.

READ MORE: ‘Unspoilt’ UK seaside town overshadowed by posh resort just 6 miles away

“Holkham would be flooded with visitors if it were just that little bit closer to London – or, like, anywhere,” the publication hailed. “It’s surrounded by a massive nature reserve of pinewoods and salt marsh, full of orchids, sea lavender and rare birds

“The beach itself is an enormous sandy stretch dotted with dunes, and it’s at least a half-hour’s walk from the car park to the shoreline, meaning you see nothing but nature and sea. Oh, and maybe the odd film crew: Holkham has deservedly starred in many a movie (Shakespeare in Love, for one).”

Earlier this year, work began on the boardwalk at Holkham beach – which runs from the beach car park through the forest and onto a viewing platform overlooking the sand, to make the nature reserve more accessible. Costing £150,000, the upgrade will allow wheelchair users and families with pushchairs to enjoy the area.

Dr Katy Owen, protected landscapes manager at Norfolk County Council, said: “We want more people to be able to experience the sound of the wind whistling through the pine woods, smell the salty sea air and experience Holkham Bay with as few barriers as possible… The boardwalk is the culmination of many years of collaborative work with the estate, and some time ago we recognised the need to upgrade the current facility.”

Located some 130 miles from London, driving to Holkham from the Big Smoke takes around three hours and 36 minutes. Alternatively, you can jump on a direct train from Kings Cross over to Kings Lynn, which takes around one hour and 45 minutes.

Once in Norfolk, you’ll need to catch the 36 Coastliner bus towards Wells-next-the-Sea and get off at Victoria. Then, you’re just a minute’s walk away from the stunning sand dunes and sea breeze. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £18.

Accommodation in Holkham is limited due to its small size, but The Victoria hotel offers 20 individually decorated rooms across two historical buildings. A weekend’s stay (Friday, 18-21 July) in a deluxe double room named the Hare Clump will set you back £330 per night. This is based on two people sharing.

If that’s too out your budget, the hotel’s smallest room – called Honk’s Pit – cost £210 per night over the exact same dates. All prices include breakfast.

*Prices based on Trainline listings at the time of writing.

This Cotswolds village stands apart from its popular neighbours with distinctly red-hued cottages and some impressive former locals including great writers and thinkers

Sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds is a village not as traditional as its neighbours. The ‘picture postcard’ destination is defined by cottages in a different shade but just as charming and impressive.

Great Tew is located five miles east of Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. The village overlooks the Worton Valley from a limestone ridge, offering a distinct perspective on the well-trodden UK holiday destination that is the Cotswolds.

One thing that distinguishes Great Tew from other Cotswolds villages is the predominant stone used in the construction of local cottages. While the yellow Cotswold stone has become synonymous with the region, Great Tew cottages boast a different style.

In this part of the region, ironstone dominates and has a much darker red hue. Furthermore, the cottages in Great Tew are thatched, which is not a particularly common feature in the Cotswolds.

READ MORE: Beautiful little UK seaside village looks like it could be in the Cotswolds

There is evidence that people lived in the landscape of Great Tew in pre-Roman times but the first sign of habitation is during the Roman occupation in the 3rd and 4th centuries. During the Saxon period, Great Tew acquired the name Ciric Tiwa, or Church Tew.

At one point, the famed Great Tew Estate was inherited by Lucius Carey, Second Viscount Falkland, during which time it gained notoriety because of the ‘Great Tew Circle’ of writers and scholars who often met for political and theological debates.

In 1914, the Great Tew Estate was held in public trusteeship for almost fifty years, during which time very little was done to maintain the Estate or its buildings. In 1962 Major Eustace Robb inherited the estate and immediately set about a gradual programme of improvements that made the village prosper and laid the foundations for its future health.

Farms were reclaimed, cottages were refurbished and a sewage system for the village was installed under Major Robb. Today, the Great Tew Estate belongs to the Johnston family who are just as committed to the village’s prosperity.

While Great Tew is an example of a thriving Cotswold village, it stands in slight contrast to its popular neighbours that are struggling under the weight of overtourism.

Bibury – often called the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ – sees thousands of tourists visit from across the world annually. Plans for a new car and coach park were withdrawn in the area earlier this year to deter more tourists from visiting.

Locals have grown increasingly unnerved by the massive tourist crowds descending on the area. To address the problem of overtourism, residents have formed a working group that includes councillors and police. Gloucestershire County Council has also announced plans to tackle overtourism in the village.

In 2025, reports emerged that coaches could soon be banned from stopping and parking in the village. Longer-term recommendations from the working group also include improving signs to direct coaches away from the village’s narrow lanes.

This village in Lanzarote is home to miles and miles of impressive beaches that are highly rated, however travellers are advised to steer clear of the water

This village in Lanzarote has one of the longest stretches of beach on the whole island, but think twice before jumping in the water.

While it has become a hub for exceptional surfers, swimming is not advisable on this famous beach. The fishing village of Famara is widely known as a surfer’s haven, located on the northwestern coast of Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands. Famara is located in the municipality of Teguise, occupying a large curving bay with many miles of beaches.

But while the waters may look inviting, they can be quite treacherous due to strong currents. For that reason, only experienced surfers typically brave the sea at Famara and swimming is not advised.

The strong winds in the area also make sunbathing unpleasant, but the beach is great for more active pursuits. Kitesurfing has become extremely popular on the beach, and travellers up to the challenge can try their hand at the sport.

READ MORE: Underrated Canary Island is so untouched and tourists don’t even know it’s there

There are also multiple surf schools where visitors can take lessons and test the waters under trained supervision. You can book a full-day surging lesson for beginners if you are completely new to the sport.

Lessons for beginners include instructions on how to paddle, how to stand up on your board and how to catch your first wave. As an extra perk, some schools even offer video analysis sessions so you can study and better improve your technique.

The smaller beach in the area, San Juan, has hosted many professional surfing competitions over the years. For instance, Famara has previously hosted the World Surf Championship which saw 200 participants descend to the Canary Islands from all around the world.

If you are keen on an active holiday outside the water, there are also plenty of great walking routes in Famara to explore. Travellers can walk along the Risco cliffs – though this can be quite treacherous as well.

Alternatively, hikers can walk to the capital of Teguise from Famara (or vice versa if you prefer to walk downhill). The high cliffs has also made the area a hubg for hangliders and paragliders in the off-peak seasons.

If you are really uninterested in any type of active holiday, Famara still has plenty to offer. Beyond stunning sunsets and scenery that can be enjoyed from almost anywhere in the village, there are also plenty of good eats to explore.

Restaurante El Risco is a farm-to-table establishment that has been acknowledged by the Michelin Guide. According to the Guide: “The decor here is simple but with a subtle maritime-inspired feel, but what stands out most of all are the magnificent views of the Playa de Famara, the surrounding mountains and, peering out across the ocean, the outline of the bucolic island of La Graciosa.”

The Guide advises guests to book well in advance due to El Risco’s heightened popularity. “Local fish and seafood as well as rice dishes are the main highlights on the menu, although we can also highly recommend the delicious daily specials. Best to book ahead as it is usually very busy!”

A ‘mercifully untouristy’ seaside town in Spain is filled with stunning beaches, secluded coves, and an 11th-century castle – and feels worlds away from the overcrowded streets of Barcelona

Avoid the over-crowded, bustling hotspots this summer by visiting this underrated seaside village renowned for its beautiful beaches.

Despite soaring anti-tourist sentiment, it appears nothing will prise Brits away from their beloved holidays in Spain. Amid national protests, brutal clampdowns on holiday rentals, and threats to unleash misery on tourists this summer – the country is still slated to hit record-breaking numbers of visitors this year.

In fact, in the first quarter of 2025, it is believed a staggering 17.1 million international tourists flocked to the country – lured in by its pristine coast, party-mad resorts, and balmy temperatures. This marks a 5.7 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, in what could easily be described as a huge blow for fed-up locals.

If you’re determined to get your sangria and paella fix in this summer, but don’t fancy being sardined next to strangers on the beach, you have to check out Begur. The medieval town, which remains ‘mercifully untouristy’, was described by the Telegraph as one of the prettiest in the Costa Brava region back in 2024.

“Although the town isn’t in front of the sea, it sits close to it, around 2km from the coastline,” hails travel experts over at Unexpected Catalonia. “On the emerald coves, you can spend the day exploring the seabed, sunbathing, hiking the coastal paths in the area, or kayaking to hidden caves. Back on dry land, you’ll find exquisite food and lovely boutiques.”

The village, which is noted to get busier in summer, doesn’t really compare with other Costa Brava resorts in terms of tourist overcrowding. According to TripAdvisor, Begur can start to quieten down in August, which is still deemed a part of the peak summer season for many other larger destinations.

It’s claimed the nearest beach, Sa Riera, never really suffers from wall-to-wall tourists even during its more bustling periods.

Even still, the village offers a lot to tourists with different interests. History buffs will have to visit Begur Castle, which is built on a hill that ‘strategically dominates’ the entire municipality and offers breathtaking views of the coast. It’s a steep trek up to the ruins, which are believed to date back to the 11th century, but it’s well worth the effort.

Begur is also a convenient base to explore nearby neighbourhoods in Costa Brava and is only 80 miles from the insatiably popular city of Barcelona. However, if you want true peace and quiet, head over to Platja de l’Illa Roja – a secluded beach set amongst lush pine trees and rugged cliffs.

You can fly to Girona- Costa Brava Airport from most major UK airports, including Manchester, Bristol, Belfast, and London Stansted. From here, you’ll need to take a 47-minute taxi ride over to Begur. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return flights for as little as £34 in July.

Accommodation in Begur is limited due to its small size, meaning you may have to stay just outside of the town to drive down the price. For example, a week’s stay (Monday, July 21-28) in a no-thrills apartment will set you back £1,124. This is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Triple Room with Sea View.

However, a one-bedroom apartment located in Pals, some 2.7 miles from Begur, costs £880 on the exact same dates. If you’re happy to rent a car or venture onto public transport – this can be a great option to keep the holiday on budget.

*Prices based on Skyscanner and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

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Aughton is a tiny village in Lancashire, which has become the UK’s Michelin Star capital after a fifth was awarded to Moor Hall in the latest Michelin Guide

Aughton, a quaint village straddling the border of Lancashire and Merseyside, may appear to be your typical English hamlet. With its tree-lined avenues, grand homes and expansive countryside, it’s an idyllic spot for peaceful Sunday walks away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Not only is it home to a university and a popular bi-weekly market, but Aughton also serves as the picturesque backdrop for Chorley-born chef Mark Birchall’s acclaimed Moor Hall restaurant. In 2017, just months after opening, Moor Hall bagged its first Michelin star, swiftly followed by another in 2018.

The Barn at Moor Hall, a more laid-back sister establishment, was also bestowed with a star that same year. In 2023, the area’s prestige was further elevated when So-Lo on Town Green Lane received a fourth star.

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And just this week, the village celebrated an extraordinary fifth Michelin Star, with Moor Hall receiving the honour for the third time.

This is an astounding achievement given the size of the village, equating to roughly one star for every 1,600 inhabitants, outshining even Tokyo, which prides itself on having more of these culinary awards than any other city worldwide, reports the Express.

While this might surprise many, Mark Birchall himself remains steadfast in his belief in Aughton’s unique charm. Speaking to LancsLive, he revealed his long-standing ambition to open a restaurant amidst the abundant resources of his home county.

Mark, hailing from Lancashire, was always passionate about opening a restaurant in his home county. He stated: “We’re surrounded by amazing producers, farmers, growers. If there’s anything we can’t grow, we’ll start on the doorstep and work our way out.”

The emotional moment unfolded as Mark was named the exclusive new recipient of the coveted Three Star honour during Monday night’s dazzling Michelin Guide Awards Ceremony.

Overwhelmed with joy at receiving the Three Stars, Mark expressed his astonishment with an expletive-laden exclamation: “F***ing hell!”.

Reflecting on his aspirations, Mark shared: “I think you kind of dream about these things,” and added, “You kind of almost act it out in your mind of how you will be, but the emotion is incredible.”

Recalling the elation of his first star in 2017, he conveyed how phenomenal this new accolade felt, saying: “We got our first star in 2017 and that feeling is incredible, but this is one of the best feelings ever, this really has destroyed it. Mega, amazing.”

Mark credited his success to a strong team ethos, elaborating: “A good team. The core team have been with me from the start, I’ve got a great core. We look after our guests, really try to make them feel special and focus around that and the quality of the food. We’ve got amazing surroundings. The support of my business partners, this is eight years and it’s incredible.”

Michelin inspectors heaped praise on chef Mark Birchall after their visit, stating: “At Moor Hall, chef Mark Birchall and his team have continued to hone their craft and have now achieved new levels of excellence. The ingredients, many from the kitchen garden, are outstanding; the chefs’ culinary technique is hugely impressive; and the judgement of flavours, of when to prioritise simplicity and when to add complexity, is exemplary.

“The inspectors particularly enjoyed the classically based turbot cooked in brown butter, with seasonal kuri squash and Mylor prawns.”

Hidden away inside a Grade-II* listed edifice from the 13th century, Moor Hall is where heritage meets modern gourmet prowess.

Since Andy and Tracey Bell commandeered the establishment back in 2015, they’ve reimagined it with a generous multi-million-pound refurbishment. With nearly eight years under his belt, Mark presides over a menu informed by a ‘farm-to-fork’ ideology, extolling Croftpak Nurseries’ tomatoes, strawbs from nearby farms, and the highly esteemed Mrs Kirkham’s Lancashire Cheese.

Occupying his current station as head honcho in the kitchen, Mark has previously sharpened his knives as the lead chef at the triple-starred L’Enclume in Cumbria, where he developed an acute appreciation for the calibre of local provisions.

“It’s just amazing,” he enthused. “I mean, Kirkham’s is world class, it’s unbelievable. We’re really, really fortunate, we’re on the edge of the Lake District which has fantastic meat. There’s brilliant beef and lamb up there.”

Moor Hall, now flaunting three Michelin stars, redefines dining with its dedication to sourcing extraordinary and sometimes surprising produce. Notably, within a mere stone’s throw from the restaurant, local grower Molyneux produces kale—an unusual crop for Lancashire but one that’s highly valued worldwide.

“It’s all about using the best ingredients or products that we can buy and turn it into something special,” he proclaimed. “And making those products shine.”

With its West Lancashire setting, Moor Hall promises more than premier produce; the location also offers guests an intersection of urban access and rural allure that Mark belts as “incredible” for both visitors and regional farmers.

He asserts: “The surrounding ancient agricultural landscape of West Lancashire we call home offers some of the most picturesque scenery in the country.

“When I set out on my Moor Hall journey with business partners Andy and Tracey Bell, we shared a vision to bring together the very best surroundings with an unrivalled dining experience. I truly believe that in the short space of time since we opened our doors, we have delivered just that.

“The stars, rosettes and accolades are indeed incredible achievements, and I will always strive to make things better. This said, it is the comfort and enjoyment of our guests that is the ultimate focus of everything we do here. It’s about making people want to come back. We want them to feel like they don’t want to leave, and they do so already planning their return visit.”

The UK’s three-Michelin-star restaurants.

A VILLAGE in Europe is so cheap, locals only pay £1 rent for the entire year – but there is a strict curfew in place.

Located in the city of Augsburg in Germany, the Fuggerei housing complex was created in 1521 by the Fugger family, to help residents in need.

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The complex, which is the oldest of its kind in the world, has 142 residences across its 15,000-square-metre site.

Today, there are 150 people living at the complex, and only Catholic Augsburgers who are in need of some help are allowed to live there.

For anyone who lives there, they only have to pay 75p for their entire year’s rent.

In return, they must pray three times a day to the current owners of Fuggerei.

They must also “perform small services for the common welfare,” according to MailOnline.

These jobs include acting as a night watchman or being a gardener, for example.

However, there is one rule that could make the residents pay more – they must not be home after 10pm.

If they do come home after this time, they must pay the watchman a 42p fee.

It gets worse if they are home after midnight, with the fee rising to 85p – more than the annual rent.

The homes in Fuggerei are around 60-square-metres with three rooms each and the ground floor flats tend to come with a small garden.

Tourists can visit the complex too though.

Each ticket costs £6.78 and includes entry into the Fuggerei’s museum and a display residence.

For visitors, there is the option to go on a tour of the complex including heading to St. Mark’s Church, the Founder’s Table, the Night Watchman’s Gate, the bunker and the museums in the Fuggerei.

If travelling with your furry friend, dogs are welcome too – as long as they are on a leash.

But the complex is still home for a group of people – and therefore visitors are asked to respect the green spaces in Fuggerei, and keep it clean.

A pretty German town also has the world’s oldest brewery – and Brits can easily visit.

Plus, the Eurostar has revealed future plans for trains from UK to Germany and Switzerland.

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The Lake District National Park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and charming villages, drawing visitors from across the globe — but this spot is a hidden gem

Renowned globally for its awe-inspiring landscapes and quaint hamlets, the Lake District National Park lures international visitors aplenty. Though hotspots like Ambleside and Windermere typically steal the limelight, contemporary trends have wanderers hunting down more isolated retreats.

Scour through social media and you’ll find a plethora of posts praising ‘hidden gems’, as the thrill of unearthing an unsullied sanctuary is undeniably alluring.

A savvy travel expert has decided to throw the spotlight on a real hidden treasure that lies tucked away amidst frequented spots yet provides a hushed, more genuine slice of this iconic British vista.

It serves as a serene haven for explorers, situated just slightly apart from the worn pathways, offering a delightful ‘tranquil’ getaway.

Merely a stone’s throw at seven minutes by car from bustling Ambleside and a brief seventeen minutes from Grasmere stands this humble paradise.

This low-key gem, Skelwith Bridge, has generated buzz on TikTok for its “stunning views”, with even images and footage online underscoring its charm, reports the Express.

Local sage Jerry Rebbeck from Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages offered insights: “The village of Skelwith Bridge is smaller and quieter than neighbouring villages, home to only 150 people.”

This little enclave offers an idyllic spot “a tranquil place to stay as a base for exploring the national park; with access to the fells, river walks and lakes beyond, or great to visit when staying elsewhere.”

The village’s allure is not limited to its quaint architecture but also encompasses the picturesque environment.

The travel expert revealed, “it gets its name — unsurprisingly — from a stone bridge which makes its way across the River Brathway, which is lovely for walks of all kinds, filled with the best of British wildlife such as otters, kingfishers, grey herons and various species of fish.”

Just a four-minute stroll along the riverbanks takes you to Skelwith Force, a charming sixteen-foot waterfall. Jerry points out that while it’s “lesser known than the other more dramatic waterfalls in the area… it’s a small but charming natural beauty, and adds to Skelwith Bridge’s status as a UK hidden gem.”

Venture further upstream and you’ll find Elter Water Lake, boasting an “easy, scenic walk with well-maintained paths” around its tranquil shores.

For those with a passion for history, Cathedral Cave offers a glimpse into the region’s industrial heritage. This complex of interlinked caverns forms part of a hikeable 4.7 km loop close to Coniston, Cumbria.

Jerry summed up: “It’s off the beaten track and yet close to an abundance of landmarks and beautiful scenery, giving you the best of both worlds for resting and exploring the Lakes.”

Runswick Bay, just nine miles north of Whitby, has earned rave reviews from visitors, who have praised its “secluded” bay, “gorgeous” beach and “amazing views” – and it’s easy to see why

A picturesque North Yorkshire coast village has been named one of England’s best-kept secrets – and it’s no wonder why.

The delightful Runswick Bay, tucked away just nine miles from Whitby between Sandsend and Staithes, has captivated visitors with its “secluded” bay, “gorgeous” beach, and “amazing views,” as noted by York Press.

Perched on the brink of the North Sea, the quaint village scored an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor and has now been highlighted by Millets as one of the nation’s hidden jewels in their latest travel recommendations.

Outdoor experts at Millets assembled their hidden treasures list using insights from Reddit, TikTok, and various travel features, before validating their selections with Tripadvisor ratings to showcase the cream of the crop.

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Millets’ blog writer and adventure aficionado Sam Chadwick remarked: “In recent years, more people have uncovered the joy of being outdoors, with favourites like Mam Tor and Scafell Pike becoming increasingly popular. We’ve curated a list of England’s hidden treasures for those seeking tranquil escapes amidst nature.”, reports the Express.

Runswick Bay absolutely lives up to this description.

Touted on its official website as “a picture postcard North Yorkshire coastal village, boasting a mile of secluded bay and gorgeous beach”, the spot is favoured by fossil hunters, ramblers, and even those hoping to glimpse a dolphin or seal amid the surf.

Its sandy shores sit along the Cleveland Way, a renowned walking route gracing the coastline. The bay is a haven for sandcastle architects and budding explorers eager to discover rockpools at low tide, while the jetty becomes a prime spot for crabbing during the high tide.

“Seals, dolphins and whales have all been spotted in the waters, which are excellent for fishing, especially cod and mackerel,” the travel site notes.

The spot has received over 400 effusive reviews on Tripadvisor, with many reviewers highlighting the “relaxing” ambiance of the beachfront café.

One happy visitor shared their experience: “We walked here from Staithes, lovely walk with amazing views (steep in places). Well worth the walk! Cafe at Runswick bay was lovely, great coffee and cakes, lovely place to sit and relax before walking back. We had our dog in tow and she was made welcome at the cafe.”

Another satisfied guest enthused: “Absolutely stunning! Well worth a walk along the beach and doing a bit of fossil hunting, glass spotting, shell collecting. Lovely ice cream.”

Commenting on their Easter weekend visit, another reviewer remarked: “We are here for easter weekend, we visited the lovely modern cafe just on the beachfront, delicious cakes and light bites and beverages. Lovely staff and plenty of seats although we imagine it will get busy. Will definitely be back as its perfectly positioned to sit eat a slice of yummy cakes and a cuppa tea while u admire the views. The beach was great so happy to see so many dogs enjoying themselves and not a poo bag in sight as mentioned previously. We found so lovely fossils so interesting.”

One visitor was so enchanted by the BBC’s ‘Villages by the Sea’ that they felt compelled to see Runswick Bay for themselves.

“Had to come here as Ben Robinson the archaeologist came here from his programmes ‘Villages by the Sea’ and he was not not wrong, beautiful houses, I found most of what he showed on his programme. Lovely walk and dog run along the beach. Fabulous, Thanks Ben.”

Wondering about parking at Runswick Bay?

“The car park closest to the beach is chargeable throughout spring and summer, but get in quick as there are only 80 spaces. Pop the postcode TS13 5HT into your satnav and you’re away. You’ll pay a minimum charge of £3.00 between the months of March and October.”

They also mention: “In busier periods, you’ll find a second car park at the top of the hill, a bit further away from the beach. With over 100 spaces and charged at £6 for 24 hours, it’s well worth the trek, even just for the breathtaking views along the way.”

Do bear in mind that car park charges are subject to change.

SIX of the best-looking pubs have been revealed in the UK, including new modern wonders as well as historic beer houses.

The Pub Design Awards 2025, created by Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA), looks at hundreds of drinking establishments around the UK.

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The awards also works with design and conservation experts alongside Historic England.

Andrew Davison, Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, said the awards “recognise the highest standards of pub architecture, rewarding artistic flair and painstaking historical conservation.”

He added: “From inviting street corner locals to striking medieval coaching inns, there are some stunning pubs in the UK, and the craftmanship involved in making these venues a gorgeous place to enjoy cask beer and real cider or perry should rightfully be applauded.”

The best new build pub – meaning any that were built in 2024 – was bod Lichfield in Stratford.

The “industrial chic design” with “recycled wood, distressed paintwork,  quirky light fittings and exposed ceiling pipes,” were praised.

It comes after the bod Alsager in Cheshire was named one of the best by CAMRA last year.

However for a more authentic pub, the Historic England Conservation award (which preserves many of the features) was given to Swan in Suffolk.

Dating back to the 17th century, a new conservatory bar has been added, while many of the Grade-II listed timber frames have been restored.

One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “Love this place. The refurb has just added to just how wonderful this place is.”

When it comes to the best refurbished pub, the Druid Inn in Wales was given the top spot , after it was restored and reopened last year.

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Lots of previous guests called it a “gem” of a pub and praised the staff as well.

Sadly, one of the joint winning pubs has since had to close for good.

Two pubs were named the best when it comes to converted pubs, one being Borough Beer House in Surrey.

Once a Bailiffs Hall, dating back to the 1600s, has renovated it and turned it into a pub.

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However, the Python’s Arms in Herefordshire was praised for being a converted farm building.

The owners, who had run the pub for nine years, cited financial difficulties.

Sadly it has since had to close, with Gary Timmins Chair of CAMRA’s Awards Committee adding: “Within just a year from being converted into a beautiful pub, this rapid closure should be ringing alarm bells.

“Real action is needed to support the pub industry, otherwise we will lose many more locals in the near future.”  

The community local winner pub was Forester in West Ealing, London.

Here are the winning pubs last year.

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A five-year project with £15m of government funding aims to help residents impacted by the worsening threat of coastal erosion – as experts predict one seaside village will soon vanish

A tiny UK seaside village famed for its rugged cliffs and sugar-like sand is in grave danger of vanishing into the sea.

Since the 1990s, more than 250 metres of coastline at Happisburgh, in Norfolk, has been eroded. If it continues at this alarming rate, the village as it is now will be underwater water in just 30 years.

It may sound like something out of an apocalypse film, but for residents quite literally living life on the edge – it’s a terrifying reality. “What’s happening in places like Happisburgh isn’t just a prediction – it’s a process that’s already underway,” explains climate analyst Dr Ian Richards. “Homes have collapsed, roads have disappeared and the cliff line is retreating faster than anyone expected.”

READ MORE: ‘Rundown’ UK seaside resort unveils £10.8m to bring it back to life

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, a North Norfolk District Council spokesperson explained how the authority has been working tirelessly to protect the beaches and seaside communities that are threatened by erosion. Over the last 15 years, several coastal projects have sought to mitigate the worsening disaster and help locals impacted by crumbling cliffs.

“The council has been working with and will continue to work with partners such as the Environment Agency and the national government to maintain sea defences where possible,” they added. “Where this isn’t possible or feasible, the Council has been working with coastal communities to develop, prepare, and adopt more options to help those communities impacted by coastal erosion.”

Coastwise – which started in 2022 and will run to 2027 as part of the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP) – is one of the only ongoing projects still trying to help residents adapt to the effects of erosion and climate change along a section of the North Norfolk coastline. It has received £15 million from Defra, as part of the government’s £200 million innovation fund, to help ‘transition and prepare’ coastal communities in the area.

“Coastwise will work with residents and businesses to prepare and plan for the long term,” the initiative states. “Some immediate changes will support the long-term resilience of communities near the coast.” These actions may include:

• ‘Rolling back’ property and facilities most likely to be affected by coastal erosion.
• Improving and replacing damaged community facilities like beach access or coastal transport links.
• Replacing public or community-owned buildings in areas at risk with removable, modular, or other building ideas.
• Repurposing land in coastal erosion zones for different uses, such as creating temporary car parks or restoring natural habitats.

“Actions may also include working with the finance and property sectors to explore funding methods to help move communities away from fast-eroding areas,” Coastwise added. “For example, schemes to encourage the relocation of at-risk infrastructure for businesses and homeowners.”

After the project ends, it is hoped that communities in North Norfolk feel they have a ‘more sustainable future’ and can access support helping them move away from risk. The initiative also aims to give the council enough resources and capability to ‘assess, find funding, manage and deliver effective adaptation and transition options to its communities’.

While Coastwise will not provide compensation for homes lost to erosion, it may be able to offer financial support for residents needing to transition out of the coastal erosion risk area. At the moment, there are around 600 properties in Happisburgh, homing some 1,400 people.

Despite Happisburgh’s bleak future, the Parish Council says tourists should ‘definitely visit’ the village. “It is a wonderful holiday destination with a fabulous beach and is a beautiful village,” a spokesperson added.

This attitude has also been adopted by locals, including Maria Jennings – a B&B owner who is confident the village’s environmental challenges won’t put off tourists just yet. “We know the risks, but we also know the beauty,” she said. “People come here to relax, enjoy the beach and walk the coast. Most understand the situation – they just want to enjoy it while they still can.”

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Mersea Island, located in Essex, is a popular destination for holidays and family days out – but many visitors may miss out on the ‘hidden gems’ of the East side

Mersea Island, with its rich history, tranquil ambience and stunning views, is a favourite spot for holidays and family outings. Despite its small size, housing around 7,000 residents, visitors are often spoilt for choice on which part to explore.

The island is divided into East and West, with the latter traditionally attracting more tourists due to its well-developed infrastructure, including a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants. However, those in search of ‘hidden gems’ and willing to venture off the beaten path will find East Mersea a delight.

READ MORE: ‘I made one change to my meals and lost weight, felt fuller and cut down my caffeine’

Located at the easternmost tip of the island, further from the mainland and the main road linking Mersea to the Essex coast, it feels more secluded.

This remoteness can make East Mersea seem less accessible than West Mersea, which is nearer to the causeway. But its limited amenities make it an attractive destination for those seeking a more secluded, nature-centric experience.

It’s home to Cudmore Grove Country Park, offering beach visits, wildlife spotting, and walking trails, reports Essex Live. East Mersea Flat Nature is a hit among adventurous walkers and explorers. Mind your step, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenes.

Additionally, East Mersea boasts the Essex Outdoors activity centre and the Mersea Island Vineyard, adding to its appeal.

Mersea Boating Lake, nestled on the East side, is a hit with families. Lauren H shared her delightful experience on TripAdvisor this month: “We had an amazing day out.

“The staff are sooo friendly and helpful. Great fun! Thank you. We will be back…hopefully when the sun is shining.”

Dining options on the East side aren’t lacklustre either, with The Dog and Pheasant East Mersea, Mersea Barns Shop and Café Restaurant, and Starkfood beckoning patrons with their culinary delights.