New £1billion ‘hoover' trains rolled out across major city – they will prevent overcrowding & have powerful air con
While our temperatures may not reach the scorching highs of other countries, it can feel just as bad on a crowded train car with no air conditioning.
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A new fleet of trains will serve commuters at one of the country's busiest stations (stock image)
Credit: Alamy
Certain commutes in London can feel particularly unpleasant during the summer months.
Most notably, any route which takes you through
This bustling south London hub has been plagued with overcrowding for years.
And now steps are being taken to tackle this issue, with dozens of new trains set to roll out soon.
Read More On Trains
This new fleet, which has been dubbed "platform hoovers", will serve routes through Waterloo and across London.
The 10-carriage trains, which total to £1 billion, will be able to carry about 50% more passengers than the current ones in service.
This fleet was first promised in 2019 by South Western Railway (SWR), but currently only 14 of the proposed 90 Arterio trains are in service.
These ambitious new locomotives will be air-conditioned and fully walk-through.
Most read in News Travel
They will also be equipped with wi-fi, charging points at every seat, real-time information, and accessible toilets.
SWR hasn't confirmed when the full fleet will come into service, however it has promised that "more" trains would be rolled out "over the coming weeks".
'Do not travel' warning as London's Waterloo hit by 'major signalling failure' with trains unable to use 14 platforms
This comes after Labour MP Fleur Anderson raised concerns about platforms at Putney and Wandsworth Town stations becoming overcrowded.
It was reported that the station was so busy that people were unable to board trains, which the MP referred to as "extreme overcrowding".
"These new trains, which are great, have been announced several times. They're coming," Anderson previously told the
"The rollout has been really, really slow... But I've met with the chief executive and he is now going to consistently roll out more every week.
"It is really, really late but it is finally good to have them coming."
New fleet facts
There has been a £1 billion investment in a fleet of up to 90 new Arterio trains.
There are currently 14 of the new trains in service, running on over 160 weekday services.
They were originally slated to enter service in 2019, but first passenger operations didn't begin until January 2024.
The fleet can hold up to 50% more passengers than the current trains.
They will feature air‑conditioning, walk‑through carriages, Wi‑Fi, charging points at every seat, real‑time passenger information, and accessible toilets.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for SWR shared a statement on the new fleet.
"We've introduced eight more trains in the past two months and, as of today, we are running 14 Arterios on more than 160 services every weekday, on routes to Dorking, Guildford, Hampton Court, Kingston, Reading, Shepperton, Twickenham, and Windsor & Eton Riverside.
"We're looking forward to many more customers enjoying the increased capacity and comfort the Arterios bring to journeys as we introduce more trains into service over the coming weeks."
More on trains
Meanwhile, a new £3 billion fleet of more than 90 air-conditioned underground trains has been
And a small English town is set to open a
Britain's
Plus, a n
And an English
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Waterloo Station, named the busiest station in London, will see the fleet slowly introduced over the coming months
Credit: AP
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The Irish Sun
36 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
I tested the Butlin's all-inclusive drinks package to its limit – here's everything I drank in one day for £30
Prosecco, beer, wine and cocktails are all included, as well as Costa coffee DRINK UP I tested the Butlin's all-inclusive drinks package to its limit – here's everything I drank in one day for £30 WITH Europe's mega hotels luring Brits abroad with the promise of free booze, Butlin's has now launched its own all-inclusive drinks package that can be added onto your reservation. Known for its great-value family breaks, Butlin's offers a lot for guests staying at one of its three UK seaside resorts. 11 Butlin's offers great value for families and there is a lot to do with children of all ages Credit: Helen Wright 11 Writer Helen headed to Bognor Regis to see whether the all-inclusive drinks package was worth paying extra for Credit: HELEN WRIGHT 11 There is a large choice of drinks on the all-inclusive drinks package at Butlin's Credit: BUTLIN'S Last year, the holiday park chain launched an all-inclusive drinks package for £30, so I signed up and headed to Bognor Regis to see if it was really worth the money. Within the initial cost of your stay, your booking includes accommodation, evening entertainment, a huge swimming pool with a wave pool and slides, playgrounds, children's activities and shows, and an on-site fairground where the rides are free. Four-day, mid-week, term-time breaks start from just £49 for two adults and two children, which is great value for younger families wanting a fun-packed holiday on a budget. The three-day breaks, which typically fall over the weekend, are usually priced higher. During the summer holidays, a weekend break at the Skegness Resort costs £348 for two adults and two children, which works out to £87 per person for three days. For a family weekend and with so much on offer, it's still a very good deal. So how does the all-inclusive booze package work? Geared up for my holiday, I did wonder if the deal would be worth it and whether the drink on offer would be half decent. In the school holidays, the Butlin's all-inclusive drink deal is £30.95 per adult (15+) per day and £10.50 per day for kids aged 6-14 years (children under five drink for free). On a three-day break, this would be an extra £92.85 per adult - but is it worth it? Never one to shy away from important journalism, I headed to Butlin's in Bognor Regis with my mate Gen and four kids ranging from five to fourteen. I wanted to know if we would drink enough over three days to justify the £304 extra spend for all six of us - and to see how easy it was to use the plan and get into the holiday, ahem, spirit. I tried the new Gladiators event at Butlin's with some of the TV stars… and my kids were obsessed Our basic holiday package for one adult and two children, staying in a Comfort Room was £468 (£52 per person, per night). I had one room, sharing with my two children Finn, eight, and Isobel, five, and Gen had a separate room, sharing with her sons Cole, 14, and Stephen, 10. To add the all-inclusive drinks package onto the booking, it was an extra £41.45 for us and £51.95 for Gen and the boys per day. An overall £124.35 and £155.85 respectively. When you check in, you are given a wristband and a QR code to use when you want to order drinks during your stay. But with with the amount of activities and entertainment, I was unsure whether I would get through £42 worth of drinks in one day. Ever keen to hydrate, we checked in at midday on Friday and headed straight to the on-site Costa coffee shop. After a 2.5-hour drive from London, a large caffeinated beverage was a must, and Butlin's heavily advertises that Costa coffee is included with the all-inclusive drinks deal. Joining the line of fellow, sleep-deprived parents, I eventually made it to the front where I hit my first roadblock… Despite Costa Coffee being included, I soon realised that, crucially, you can't order said coffee from the dedicated coffee shop at the resort. If you have an all-inclusive package, you have to head next door to the generic bar, where Costa-branded coffee is served from a coffee machine. No barista-whipped macchiato with this wristband, pal. The big kids went for Coca Cola and Sprite, which usually cost £2.50, and my younger kids opted for a small orange squash (usual cost 80p). Gen and I stuck with the coffee that would have been £3.85 to purchase, which I actually thought was on the high side, given the instant coffee machine situation. However, despite my initial disappointment, it was perfectly pleasant. We grabbed a table outside in the sun. Cocktails and mocktails are included With people arriving for their weekend of fun, the resort was already starting to get lively, so we headed to the fairground for a spin on the Waltzer and a slide down the classic Helter Skelter. I was impressed that the fairground rides are no extra charge to enjoy. As a parent, amusement parks where rides are priced individually can become very expensive, so I generally avoid them at all costs. Of course, the kids wanted to go on the Go Karts, which are slap bang in the middle of the fairground. These are not included, but at £7 per kid, I stumped up for tickets. Besides, it was almost 1pm and with them occupied for 15 mins, Gen and I could enjoy our first cocktail of the weekend along with some adult conversation. 11 My first cocktail of the day was a margarita, which didn't look much but it hit the spot Credit: Helen Wright Alcohol is served from 11am at the resort. A glass of house wine is £4.90 and a pint is £5.95. I'm more of a cocktail girl, so I decided to get into the holiday spirit with a margarita, usually £7.75, but free with my wristband. Gen had a 'Butlin's on the Beach', the family-friendly version of the Sex on the Beach cocktail. From the main pub, The Beachcomber, the pre-mixed cocktail tasted fine, but was unsurprisingly pretty basic. My margarita had no salt rim or picturesque garnish and came in a plastic beaker. But, with the sun shining and the kids tearing up the race track, there were no complaints from me. Doing a quick tally, it wasn't even lunchtime yet, and I'd spent over a third of my initial £30 a day outlay already. The kids had gone wild at the fairground and large outdoor playground, so they were keen to neck their all-inclusive drinks too. However, you can only order drinks on the all-inclusive deal at selected places and with both the wristband and a QR code, which is sent to your email. Only the adults wear the band, so it does mean that kids can't go up and order their own drinks. If you have a big brood, expect to be in and out, whipping out your iPhone and flashing your wrist every 15 minutes when one of them inevitably spills their drink or wants something else. However, it was easy to get drinks, and despite the resort being very busy in high season, none of the bars were too crowded or had a long wait. 11 Butlin's, Bognor Regis is a large resort with three hotels as well as traditional 'chalet' accommodation Credit: Alamy I liked that you could pick up a drink in a plastic cup, rather than a glass, and roam around the resort with it. That meant you were not restricted to designated places, and the kids could have fun while the grown-ups relaxed. For lunch, we got a takeaway Papa John's pizza from the on-site restaurant and had a picnic on the grass. With my purple arm candy, I paired it with a cold beer AND a Coke. Hey, it's all-inclusive, so I went wild. I am on holiday, after all... Meanwhile, the kids were thrilled to be stuffing their faces with pizza and guzzling the unlimited soda drinks. I certainly needed the caffeine and sugar, as after this, we headed to the new state-of-the-art indoor PlayXperience. This massive games room is 50,000 square feet and has Lazer Tag, Neon Golf, Glow Pong, Escape Rooms and a VR arcade. The games here are charged separately, but I thought £9 per person for laser tag and £7 for golf was pretty reasonable considering the prices places elsewhere charge. There is also a cool bar here, HotShots, and the cocktail game was much stronger. This time, my margarita did come with salt and a slice of orange on the side, while my friend had a mojito, complete with fresh mint. Better still, happy hour at this bar starts at 4pm, so it was two cocktails for £12.50 for anyone not on the drinks plan. The setting at HotShots was much calmer and classier than at the main bars in the resort, so we stayed for an extra round, and the kids were happy because they nagged us into a few more plays of golf and a go in the VR room. A small price to pay for some adult conversation and a relaxing drink. 11 Helen's children and their friends pose with the iconic Butin's bear at Bognor Regis Credit: Helen Wright 11 Older kids can get unlimited soda on the plan and at £2.50 a pint, they quickly add up Credit: Helen Wright 11 Some bars make cocktails that are more Instagram-friendly than others, but they tasted much the same. This was a 'Butlin's on the Beach' Credit: Helen Wright There is a huge choice of entertainment options at Butlin's, including a Peppa Pig show and a circus (which has an extra charge). However, we were all excited for the Stephen Mulhern 'Out of this world' magic show, which saw the TV star doing his trademark tricks on stage and performing stunts. All the kids loved it. The theatre was packed and the audience was clapping and cheering for the TV star. It was a great atmosphere. Here, I went for a Gin and Tonic (usually £5.20). There was a bar outside, and I managed to get two in before the end of the show. Luckily, it was 6pm and time for dinner after this, otherwise I might have got too tipsy to keep a tally. By now, I had easily eclipsed the £30 outlay for my drinks of the day. There was still time for a cheeky wine at dinner and another cocktail at the evening show on the main stage, Iconic. Should you book the all-inclusive drinks with your Butlin's holiday? There is no question, if you like a beer or cocktail in the sun or you plan on drinking at lunch and dinner, with a few extras like coffee and a lemonade in between, £30 a day is well worth the money. Even non-alcohol drinkers would likely break even with two or three coffees, a few Cokes and a non-alcoholic beer or mocktail, but it wouldn't work out such great value. One catch to the deal is that everyone on your booking must pay for the package. So if you have one non-alcoholic adult in the party, they can't opt out. All the kids on the booking also need to pay for the package. The daily cost for two adults and two children (over 6) is £82.60 a day. Gen's older kids definitely made use of the all-inclusive Coke Zero and Sprite, but my children, who are younger, probably only just reached the minimum spend. With squash only 80p a glass, they needed to drink more than ten glasses in a day, and generally, they drink water. It's worth factoring that in when you are calculating for the whole family. All in all, we drank the equivalent of a £69.45 bar tab, exceeding the £42 outlay, but not by much. Even without the package, drinks are very reasonably priced. It wouldn't be a jolly holiday without a happy hour, and Butlin's is no exception. In fact, if you bar hop, starting at Beechcomber Pub at 2pm, and moving to Bar Rosso in the main pavilion or HotShots at PlayXperience, you can actually enjoy Happy Hour(s) until 6pm. By then, some people were very happy indeed. The following day was much the same, but we did spend over three hours at the incredible pool and water park, Splash Waterworld. As well as a huge wave pool, there are seven slides and a kids splash pool. It's absolutely fantastic, especially considering the cheap term-time package prices. I was only able to get the kids out and dried off with the promise of more unlimited soda and orange juice. 11 The huge Splashworld water park at Butlin's in Bognor Regis Credit: Alamy 11 Helen's daughter Isobel (pictured) plays Vegas-themed golf at the Butlin's PlayXperience Credit: Helen Wright 11 This tray of drinks is worth £32.95, but all included with the Butlin's drinks package, which is £30.95 a day for adults Credit: Helen Wright Despite the fact we were at the pool for a good proportion of the day, we still managed to drink our quota of beverages. I was impressed with the drinks package but I do think after five days and nights, the novelty of all-day drinking and downing cups of sugary drinks would wear off. Certainly for me, but probably for the kids too. And cold water is free across the whole resort. They actually do seven and 10-night breaks at Butlin's too. For seven nights, the adult deal would be £350 on drinks alone - that's a big spend for a budget break. It's worth doing the maths in advance and making sure it's within budget. I would certainly not drink enough over a whole week to make it worthwhile, as I doubt I would want to drink alcohol every day. I'm generally a light drinker though, so if you do like your beer or wine and you want to relax and have fun on your holiday, it's easy to get your money's worth and excellent value. However, on the three-day breaks I would definitely recommend the all-inclusive package. It's a worry-free way to have a drink and enjoy yourself while the kids are also having a great time. Just remember, your code will stop working at midday on the day you leave - so make sure you get a big coffee in before the drive home.
The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The Yorkshire town that's been dubbed the ‘Italy of England' with historic viaduct and river boats
Check out where to visit from a Sun writer who grew up in the town LITTLE ITALY The Yorkshire town that's been dubbed the 'Italy of England' with historic viaduct and river boats IN Yorkshire is one of the UK's most beautiful towns - and it's even been compared to Italy. Knaresborough has waterways and plenty of boats, so it's not too hard to see the comparison, especially in the summertime. 4 Knaresborough is a beautiful town in Yorkshire Credit: Alamy 4 It's even been compared to looking like Italy Credit: Alamy Advertisement On social media, one visitor recently called Knaresborough "the Italy of England." It showed visitors paddling along the River Nidd looking up at the towering viaduct, and tourists pottering around the town's winding streets. In Knaresborough, you'll also find riverside cafes, steep little streets, and plenty of historic attractions too. It's widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. Advertisement Read More on UK Holidays HOLS HACK My little-known tricks for cheap tickets that top UK attractions DON'T advertise On the social media post, another person commented: "It's one of my favourite places in the whole world." Knaresborough is known for its stunning natural beauty, particularly along the River Nidd where locals and tourists can hire out boats and paddleboards - much like they do in certain Italian destinations. The town is known for having a huge viaduct which carries the Harrogate line over the River Nidd. It's a big attraction that draws in lots of visitors every year. Advertisement Knaresborough is also home to the oldest tourist attraction in England, Mother Shipton's Cave. The cave is the birthplace of England's most famous prophetess, Mother Shipton. The UK towns with such magnificent scenery they're known as 'Little Switzerland' 4 There are plenty of riverside cafes and restaurants Credit: Alamy Mother Shipton predicted lots of historical events, including the great fire of London and the black death. Inside the cave is a Petrifying Well, where objects can be seen turned to stone. Advertisement The attraction sits on the banks of the River Nidd and tourists have been charged to go inside since the year 1630. Knaresborough also has a ruined fortress which lots of visitors have said is the best place to get views "over the town, river and viaduct." Find out more about Knaresborough from someone who grew up there. She has all the top tips including where to hire out a boat to take it down the River Nidd. Her favourite riverside cafe is called Marigolds and she has a suggestion of pubs around the town. Advertisement One of her favourites is Carriages, which she described as having a "cosy atmosphere and tasty food". In the summer, it's a great spot for pretty views of Knaresborough train station. Plus, discover the UK's best seaside destinations revealed – with a small English resort making the top 10 for the first time. And see more quaint British villages with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs – handpicked by our travel writers. 4 The Yorkshire town of Knaresborough has been compared to Italy Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
20 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
National Trust shuts famous UK beach voted one of best in the world due to health and safety fears
Rangers have seen a spike in incidents during busy spells STAY AWAY National Trust shuts famous UK beach voted one of best in the world due to health and safety fears ONE of Britain's most jaw‑dropping beaches has been shut off without warning after safety bosses sounded the alarm over dangerous conditions. Pedn Vounder in Cornwall has been closed to the public by the National Trust amid mounting fears over rip currents, rockfall, and the treacherous cliff path down to the sand. 2 Pedn Vounder is ranked amongst the best beaches in the world Credit: Alamy The powder‑soft, turquoise‑water cove that regularly makes 'world's best' lists. Barriers and warning signs have gone up, and rangers are urging visitors to stay away until further notice while they review how to make access safer. What's happened? The National Trust has closed public access to Pedn Vounder, near Treen on the far west Cornwall coast. The charity says the decision was taken on health and safety grounds after repeated incidents and concerns about the steep access route and rip currents. The closure is described as temporary while options to improve safety are explored. Where is Pedn Vounder - and why is it such a big deal? Tucked between Porthcurno and Logan Rock on the Penwith peninsula, Pedn Vounder looks like it's been lifted from the Caribbean: clear, shallow waters over pale sand, backed by dramatic granite cliffs. It's a wild beach - no lifeguards, no facilities, no road - and you only reach it via a rugged coastal path and a scramble down a rock face near low tide. That mix of beauty and danger is exactly why it's so famous and so fraught. On a calm day, it's postcard‑perfect. When the Atlantic swell and tides turn, it can be unforgiving. Practical safety advice if you're heading to the coast Choose lifeguarded beaches and swim between the red and yellow flags. Check tide times before you set off. Many Cornish coves all but vanish at high tide. Beware sandbars. They can make the sea look shallow and calm, then disappear quickly as the tide turns. If in trouble in the water, float to live. Lie on your back, control your breathing, and raise an arm to signal for help. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Why has it been closed now? The Trust's priority is the access route and sea conditions: The path: The descent is steep and uneven, with a scramble at the end. Erosion and slips have made sections more precarious, and there's no easy way back up if you get into difficulty. The descent is steep and uneven, with a scramble at the end. Erosion and slips have made sections more precarious, and there's no easy way back up if you get into difficulty. The sea: Pedn Vounder is notorious for powerful rip currents, fast‑flooding tides, and shifting sandbars that can catch even confident swimmers off guard. The beach is not lifeguarded. Pedn Vounder is notorious for powerful rip currents, fast‑flooding tides, and shifting sandbars that can catch even confident swimmers off guard. The beach is not lifeguarded. Rockfall risk: Cliffs along this stretch are constantly weathered by wind and waves. After periods of heavy rain and heat, the chance of loose material falling increases. Rangers have seen a spike in incidents during busy spells, and coastal rescue teams have repeatedly warned that people are being cut off by the tide or pulled into stronger water than they expect. Shutting the beach gives the Trust time to assess the path, improve signage, and consider whether access can be made safer without encouraging risky behaviour. How long will it be closed? There's no fixed reopening date. The Trust says the beach will remain closed while they carry out assessments and work through possible solutions with partners. This is a protected landscape and any intervention has to balance public safety with the area's wild character. Expect updates once surveys are complete and any work is agreed. The UK's best beach revealed – its white sand and turquoise lagoons helped it beat Jamaica & Thailand Why Pedn Vounder keeps topping the charts The appeal is obvious. On a sunny day, the water glows blue‑green, there's a slice of reef‑sheltered shallows, and the cliffs create a natural amphitheatre that feels a world away from the nearest road. It's also known for a relaxed, clothing‑optional vibe in parts of the cove - another reason it grabs headlines. Travel writers and social media feeds have hyped it as a 'must‑see' for years. That attention brings huge footfall to a place that was never designed for crowds, with many visitors unaware just how quickly conditions can shift on this exposed Atlantic corner. 2 If you're Cornwall‑bound, there's still plenty to enjoy. Pedn Vounder's closure is a wake‑up call. This slice of Cornish paradise is spectacular - and it's seriously hazardous when conditions line up. The National Trust has taken a cautious approach, figuring out how to make access safer without damaging what makes the place special. If you're Cornwall‑bound, there's still plenty to enjoy. Choose lifeguarded beaches for swimming, respect the coast, and stay informed about official updates regarding Pedn Vounder. When it's safe to do so, those turquoise shallows and sweeping granite cliffs will still be there - but for now, the barriers are up for good reason.
