Seaside village loved by British holidaymakers may vanish entirely by 2050
Happisburgh, which is on the Norfolk shore between Cromer and Great Yarmouth, has lost more than 250 metres of coastline since the 1990s, and experts are concerned
Concern is growing a popular seaside village loved by British tourists will vanish entirely into the sea in less than 30 years.
More than 250 metres of coastline at Happisburgh, Norfolk, has been eroded since the 1990s and experts are worried further damage is likely. Dr Ian Richards, a climate analyst and expert in UK coastal erosion, said: "What's happening in places like Happisburgh isn't just a prediction - it's a process that's already underway. Homes have collapsed, roads have disappeared and the cliff line is retreating faster than anyone expected."
But tourism plays a huge part in the economy in and around Happisburgh, which is between Cromer and Great Yarmouth on the North Sea shore. Authorities have tried to manage coastal erosion with various measures to help sustain the tourism trade, such as the creation and maintenance of sea defences.
Yet in recent years, some residents have had to abandon their homes due to the cliffs crumbling beneath them. The cliffs in the area are made of boulder clay which means they tend to slump when wet, increasing the risk of erosion.
Maria Jennings, a local B&B owner, is confident the challenges won't put off tourists from visiting the area. She said: "We know the risks, but we also know the beauty. 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."
Coastal erosion is a threat for many communities along the east coast of England. Erosion rates have also rapidly increased in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, despite the use of groynes to try to manage the situation. However, Hornsea and Happisburgh are among several popular tourist destinations along the North Sea coastline.
Emma Cartwright, a 41-year-old woman who had travelled this week from Birmingham to Happisburgh, said she "appreciates it more" because of the threat of erosion. The tourist added: "We come every summer. It's beautiful and quiet - like stepping back in time. You're aware of the erosion but that makes you appreciate it more. We treat every trip like it might be the last."
In some areas of Norfolk, the rate of erosion has reached over four metres per year. More than 200 villages and town in east England are thought to be at risk.
Speaking to the Mail Online, Dr Richards continued: "Sea defences were built decades ago for a very different climate. Now, they're no match for the pressure we're seeing year after year. Places like Happisburgh are part of our cultural heritage. We should visit, support the community, and learn from it - because once it's gone, it's gone."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
British man orders pint in Benidorm but is totally floored by price
A British man recently visited Benidorm and ordered a pint at a well-known bar. He was floored when he was told the price of the tipple, and what it would set him back A British man ordered a pint in Benidorm but was left totally floored by the price. The man, who appears to be no stranger to Spain, was taken aback when he was told how much a drink would set him back at the popular holiday hotspot. Known as the Benidorm Fanatic to his TikTok followers, he told people he headed to Uncle Ron's bar, which is said to be "famous" for its pints, notable for how cheap they're sold for. As he ventured to the venue, he was left astoudned at the price list, as he seriously got a lot for his money. In the clip, he said: "I tell you what, I believe it's actually a very, very nice pint as well, so it comes to the equivalent of about 84p in British money. Let's go and try it out, shall we? Let's give it a try." After he made his way to the bar, he added: "So there you go, I'll give you a euro, a €1 pint, and I'll take that. Let's try this €1 pint. Look at that - a nice, clean, cold pint. It's got a nice, good head on it - let's try it. "That is actually one of the best pints I've had in one of the popular bars. That is actually one of the best pints I've had in Benidorm to be honest with you. €1, I'll drink them all day." Since he shared the video, many people have viewed it, and they were quick to comment too. They shared their thoughts, and some posted their own Benidorm stories. One said: "Wow." Another shared: "I was there last week." A third replied: "Lovely pint. Had many." Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: "Bargain." If you've never heard of Uncle Ron's before, it's a popular spot for British tourists in Benidorm. As well as being known for its cheap drinks, it also serves food too. According to TripAdvisor, the venue serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also has 3.8/5 rating on average, according to the review platform. Many people say it's worth a visit if you're looking for a reasonable meal and a few drinks while on holiday. In the review section, one person wrote: "Had a fantastic breakfast at Ron's today. Lovely English produce. Great service. Brilliant staff. "A massive group came in, but they were serviced promptly. Don't know how they manage with so few staff." Another said: "Last day we visited for some lunch before heading to airport. Left full, which is always a good thing. In all my times of going here, never left unhappy at the service nor the food - always really good." A third replied: "We went many times during our two-week holiday. The staff are friendly and extremely hard working day and night. "Cheapest drinks you will find in town and food to suit everyone (daily deal only 6 euros). It's not a stylish 5* restaurant but then you wouldn't expect it. "For drinks just go to the bar like a normal bar. Always busy Sunday and Friday, so expect to book if you want a Sunday lunch. Would we go again? Certainly would!"
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
‘I visited Justin Bieber's mountain retreat and couldn't get over one thing'
If you're a keen traveller, you may have a bucket list of hotels you're dreaming of one day staying at. Forestis, a super-chic alpine hideaway high in Italy's South Tyrol mountains, was one of mine – and, recently, I was lucky enough to visit for an unforgettable few days. A picturesque drive from Innsbruck or Bolzano airports (or, slightly further away, Verona and Venice) and through the mountain town of Brixen, there's a feeling of calm the moment you step through Forestis' doors and into the serene reception. Here, you're handed a welcome drink of water with pine syrup made by local farmers – an indication of how the surrounding nature has influenced this extra- special hotel. The original building was constructed in 1912 as a sanatorium for Austrian royalty, its location chosen for the purity of the air and water. Due to the start of the First World War, however, it never opened, and the building was abandoned for decades. Fast forward to 2020 and Forestis opened as a stunning five-star hotel, since then attracting A-list stars such as Justin and Hailey Bieber, who have been spotted holidaying here, and Brad Pitt, who visited to ride his motorbike around the corkscrew roads. Most of Forestis' 62 rooms are located in three 'towers', with only two suites per floor, all with panoramic views over dense alpine forests. Behind that are towering snow-topped peaks, and – despite the celebrity guestlist – it's this view that steals the show. The wood-panelled rooms are chic and minimal, with the focus on the floor-to-ceiling glass wall stretching from wall-to-wall. It's the first thing you notice when you enter, and it's hard to take your eyes from it. It leads to a private terrace, which is peaceful and the ideal place to enjoy a good book and morning coffee or an apple-based snack from the complimentary minibar (the region is known for its apples). I'm not normally one to spend much time in my hotel room when on holiday, but the ones at Forestis really are hard to tear yourself away from. Forestis also has an uber-exclusive 10-person villa, complete with butler and private chef, for the ultimate in luxury (think Kardashian levels of holidaying). If you do want to venture out but not too far, then Forestis' spa is the place to base yourself – and it's not hard to spend much of the day here. There's a large indoor/outdoor pool (overlooking the view, of course), teas and healthy snacks to help yourself to, two cold plunges and five saunas; it's worth flagging to British sensibilities that four of these are no-swimwear zones (although towels are allowed). One nice touch is the timetable of wellness activities Forestis offers, several a day and all free to join, including guided hikes and meditation. You have to try the 15-minute sauna rituals, with herbal aromas, shaman- like music and vigorous wafting of towels – unusual, for sure, but definitely therapeutic. Finish with a dip in the cold plunge if you're brave enough. Evenings at Forestis begin with an aperitif by the fire or out on the terrace, and this hour soon became one of our favourite parts of our day. Here, staff expertly mixed us innovative cocktail creations, such as a Bloody Mary topped with parmesan foam and black truffle, and let us sample homemade liqueurs, including one made with porcini mushrooms (so surprisingly delicious that we wished we could bring a bottle back with us). Service throughout Forestis is flawless yet friendly, more warm and attentive than fusty silver service. Guests are allocated the same table for each breakfast and dinner of their stay – curved banquettes that give privacy and views – and mealtimes are a major event at Forestis. The kitchen focuses on what it calls 'forest cuisine': local, foraged and inspired by the surroundings. There's an a la carte menu at dinner but you really should opt for one of the two incredible seven-course tasting menus, which change every day, paired with a wine from the list of 800-plus bottles (go local with a South Tyrol Lagrein). Breakfast is just as impressive, with possibly the most extensive and aesthetically pleasing array of fruits, meats, cheeses, cereals and plenty more that you'll ever see; there's even an entire room for making your own juices. A luxury adults-only hotel in Italy's Dolomites mountains, with stunning views, a focus on nature, and suites you'll never want to leave. Due to its remote location there's not a huge amount to do in the immediate local area. However, there are a number of scenic walks from the door to the surrounding forests (see if you can spot some of the foliage and flora used in the restaurant's dishes), plus ski routes on nearby Plose mountain in winter; this isn't a well-known destination for serious skiers, though – 'it's more of an added bonus,' say staff. The hotel also runs cooking classes. But really, Forestis is a place to relax, recharge and truly marvel at the spectacular nature around you, on a getaway you're unlikely to forget in a hurry. Suites at Forestis start from €850 per night at double occupancy for two people including breakfast.
Wales Online
10 hours ago
- Wales Online
The popular British holiday destination where a wildfire warning has been issued
The popular British holiday destination where a wildfire warning has been issued Tourists have been advised to heighten their vigilance, with the alert in place until further notice Playa de las Americas, situated on the south coast of Tenerife (Image: Getty Images ) A wildfire warning has been issued at a holiday destination popular with British tourists. Spanish authorities have issued a pre-alert for the Canary Islands. Issued by the General Directorate of Emergencies, the warning extends to Tenerife, Grand Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and EI Heirro. It followers the island's wet season, with dry and hot winds starting to blow in from the Sahara Desert. Authorities have urged residents and tourists to heighten their vigilance, with the alert in place until further notice. It is not uncommon for wildfires to happen during the summer months in both Spain and Portugal. Eight years ago, there were hundreds of large fires in the two countries. It saw 45 people killed in Portugal and four in Spain. And two years ago, there was an evacuation of 12,000 people from Tenerife as a wildfire became 'out of control'. The UK Government has offered the advice to travellers. Article continues below Its website reads: "Wildfires happen often in Spain, including on the islands, during the summer months. "Be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas. "For information on wildfire risk visit the Spanish Meteorological Office (AEMET). "Causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Spain, even if unintentional. "Make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished, do not light barbecues and do not leave empty bottles behind. "You can be heavily fined for not following the rules against lighting outdoor barbecues in forest areas. "Make sure you know the rules if considering a barbeque. For information on what to do in the event of a wildfire, visit Civil Protection (website in Spanish). It adds: "Immediately report any fire you see to the emergency services on 112. In the case of wildfires, the situation can change quickly, so you should stay up to date with official advice." Article continues below
