Champions wanted for 'treasured' city park
A new group says it is hoping to protect a beloved city park which is home to 100 acres of "stunning landscapes" and "rich Roman history".
Verulamium Park in St Albans, Hertfordshire, is a popular tourist spot welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
The local council owns the park and is planning to spend £2.2m on improvements, including £25,000 of proceeds from the film Wonka, which shot a scene in Verulamium.
"People really love the park, but they're a bit upset – it's looking a little tired at the moment," said Bill Free, the chair of the new Friends of Verulamium Park group.
"I like the lake and river, but they've been a bit sad in recent times."
The group said it wanted "to give a voice to all park users" and enhance the area's wildlife and "natural beauty".
"It's a lovely park; it's got a nice look back over St Albans and you can see the cathedral," said Mr Free.
"There's a large playground, a splash park in summer; it's got wildlife and the Roman wall. People really value its presence."
He said although there had been issues with the quality of the lake and littering, "actually the council and Environment Agency are doing an awful lot for the park".
St Albans City and District Council set up a green space action plan which included the idea of a "friends group", he explained.
"It's very common, most parks in London have this.
"We hope to be able to help the council spend their funds in a way that suits the people who use the park."
Group members will be asked to pay £10 per year to help fund things like information boards and litter picks.
"We're going to largely rely on voluntary activity but we'd like a fund to be able to do things," Mr Free added.
Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Wonka movie park's million-pound makeover
Council taking action over city's smelly lake
Major movie set to be filmed in Roman park
St Albans City and District Council
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Ftl-collapsible-water-bottles-tout-5cba2e73b303430ba20e083d9f0cad22.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
34 minutes ago
- Travel + Leisure
Did You Know? You Can Bring Water Through TSA—but You'll Need the Right Bottle
Staying properly hydrated in the summer can already be difficult, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)'s strict rules surrounding liquids can make it even harder to keep your thirst quenched while traveling. Bottled water at the airport can cost a pretty penny, and since all carry-on liquids must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule—that is, every one person only gets one bag containing liquids, and those liquids must be in bottles of 3.4 ounces or less—sneaking in a fresh bottle of Evian is clearly out of the question. However, we've recently discovered a genius way to get around this rule and get water through airport security: And it's so simple, you might be angry you didn't think of it sooner. You can sneak H2O through security by just freezing it. That's right—you can bring in a full bottle of water through TSA, so long as it's frozen solid. 'Frozen liquid items are allowed through the checkpoint as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening,' a U.S. TSA spokesperson previously shared with CNN. Keep scrolling for eight reusable water bottles you can safely use to get frozen water through TSA, plus our tips on how to get frozen water through TSA hassle-free. Ahead, you'll find squishy, foldable silicone bottles, durable, brand-name plastic bottles, and even water bottles that perform double-duty as facial misters—all starting at $13 at Amazon. You should only freeze water in food-grade, BPA-free plastic or silicone reusable water bottles, and you should aim to fill them only two-thirds of the way full with water before freezing, to prevent the bottle from breaking. This is because when water freezes, it expands. If you fill your water bottle to the top, it will have no room to expand and may crack or damage even the most durable, flexible plastic water bottles. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we strongly don't recommend freezing your beloved Stanley insulated bottle (sorry!). Metal, insulated, and glass water bottles can become deformed or even shatter due to the frozen water expanding inside, regardless of how full it is, which is why many popular brands like Owala and Camelbak warn against freezing their insulated, glass, or steel bottles. Unfortunately, if your water thaws before you make it through TSA, you'll likely be asked to dump it out. For this security checkpoint hack to work, the water in your water bottle must be fully frozen into a solid state. 'If frozen liquid items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 liquids requirements,' that aforementioned TSA spokesperson shared with CNN. Considering most water bottles far exceed the 3.4-ounce liquid cutoff, you'll probably have to say 'sayonara' to your not-so-frozen carry-on water. Now that you know how to master this packing hack, it's time to find the perfect water bottle for your next trip. Keep scrolling to explore the top-rated options at Amazon that will make great travel companions this summer. This freezer-friendly Tupperware water bottle was specifically designed to be frozen and reused time and time again. It features a leak-proof flip-top spout, ergonomic ridges for comfortable holding, and a max-fill line that tells you where to stop filling it with water to allow it to expand when frozen. Once you've arrived at your destination, you can use this O2cool water bottle as a personal mister for an instant cool down. This genius BPA-free reusable water bottle has a misting mechanism next to its pull-top spout that, when squeezed, delivers a cooling mist—a welcome reprieve from hot, sweltering summer afternoons. Nalgene is best known for its wide variety of colorful, plastic water bottles, and this Tritan option has the same streamlined design that Nalgene fans know and love. It comes in a wide variety of fun color combinations, so you'll never confuse your bottle with someone else's, and it's made from a BPA-free, 50 percent recycled plastic material. Need some extra motivation to drink water? This Sahara Sailor water bottle is the one for you. The exterior is lined with timed markings and motivational phrases like 'keep chugging' and 'don't give up' that can help you meet your daily water goals. Yeti loyalists, rejoice: The renowned cooler and insulated water bottle brand also has a plastic, freezeable option. Available in four sizes and 14 color options, this bottle has a simple design featuring a leak-proof, screw-top lid. Over 36,000 Amazon shoppers have given this 32-ounce reusable water bottle a perfect five-star rating for functionality, durability, and convenience. Available in nine vibrant colors and equipped with a flip-top chug lid and printed measurements on the side, this bottle makes it easy to stay hydrated from takeoff to touchdown. Once you're done drinking from this squishy silicone water bottle, you can flatten it, roll it up, and throw it in your bag for later use. This reusable 12-ounce bottle can fit in your pocket, and Amazon reviewers say it's the perfect lightweight solution for day hikes, music festivals, and even ski trips come winter. This packable, food-grade silicone water bottle from Taketoday has a detachable straw, a leak-proof locking cap, and can be neatly rolled up to take up less space in your carry-on, hiking pack, or crossbody bag, making it a great companion for every leg of your trip. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Where to find the perfect gelato in Rome
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). There's never a wrong time for gelato in Rome. But nothing beats the sensation of cooling down with a deliciously fresh scoop on a hot summer day. With hundreds of gelaterie (ice cream parlours) across the Eternal City, the challenge isn't finding gelato, it's finding the best one. But what, exactly, is gelato? This is one of the most common questions people ask when visiting Rome, and while both ice cream and gelato are beloved frozen treats, the difference between the two lies in the ingredients, texture and how they're served. Gelato contains more milk and less cream than ice cream, resulting in a lower fat content, which some people find easier to digest. It's churned at a slower speed, incorporating less air, which gives it a denser, silkier texture. And because gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, its flavours come through more vividly, delivering a more intense taste experience. And like ice cream, those flavours are as numerous as the people that create them: from time-honoured classics like zabaglione, pistachio and stracciatella to bold, seasonal creations like peaches and white wine, or wild strawberries and basil. Here are our top choices of gelaterie in Italy's Eternal City. Topping the list is Gelateria Fassi, a true Roman institution that has been serving gelato since 1880. While a few popular gelato spots in the city have leaned into a more touristy feel, Fassi has stayed refreshingly true to its roots. This family-run gelateria in Esquilino, east of the centre, blends a simple, old-fashioned ice cream parlour setting with a forward-thinking array of flavours, drawing a loyal mix of locals and tourists. Apart from the classic cones and cups, there are also indulgences including a Sicilian-style brioche filled with gelato, or one of Fassi's signature creations: the sanpietrino, a bite-sized chocolate-covered semifreddo dessert named after the famous cobblestones that pave most of the city. Cup/cone with two scoops from €1.80 (£1.50). Tucked into one of the Trastevere district's many alleys, this innovative gelateria hasn't even hit its 10-year mark (modern by Roman standards), yet it's already earned a cult-like following among locals and even a top spot in the coveted rankings of the Gambero Rosso food guide. Otaleg (yes, that's 'gelato' spelled backwards) is where tradition meets wild creativity. Its classic flavours including pistachio, hazelnut and chocolate are exceptional, but the real fun lies in the more daring creations. White chocolate laced with mustard, a salty-crunchy version of pistachio, or an unexpected tomato-sausage-chilli concoction from Calabria known as 'nduja. The fruit flavours vary with the seasons, and you'll be able to find things like wild strawberries, loquats and sour cherries. Small cup/cone with one scoop, €2.00 (£1.70). Perfect after an afternoon shopping around the nearby Spanish Steps, Ciampini is located off the charming, pedestrian-only Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. This family-run bar has roots going all the way back to 1943, and gelato isn't the only thing it serves; the venue offers the complete bar-cafe-restaurant experience and it's one of the best places in the city for people watching. You can grab a cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza, maybe with a spritz cocktail in hand. Ciampini uses high-quality ingredients including organic milk and eggs, and every flavour is rich and carefully crafted. Don't miss the classic cioccolato, or raspberry with Nutella. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). After a visit to the Colosseum, head to the pretty Monti neighbourhood for some vintage shopping and a gelato at this tiny spot, which is beloved by both locals and tourists. The owners have recently renovated and (slightly) expanded into the next-door property but continue to serve extremely high-quality artisanal gelato year-round. There are both lactose-free and vegan options and the fruit flavours follow the season, which is always a great sign. It's not always available but seek out the vegan Nutella – it will be one of the best things you'll taste while in Rome. Small cup/cone with three scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). With three central locations in Rome, Gelato by Günther started in 2012 with a single shop, where the focus was (as it still is across this boutique franchise) on quality over quantity. Every element that goes into the gelato is meticulously sourced: organic milk from nearby farms, fruit chosen at peak ripeness, and pure spring water drawn from the mountains in northern Italy. This is gelato made with precision and purpose. Among the standout flavours, the 'mugo pine' is an Alpine-inspired scoop that's a must for those looking for something truly unique. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €3.50 (£3). Rome's Testaccio neighbourhood, also known as the meat-packing district, is a working-class area that's always had a strong sense of community, and Brivido has been a local favourite since 1986. This unassuming gelateria quietly keeps alive the art of traditional gelato-making, producing small batches each day with a strict no-additive policy: no artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives. The menu features a mix of traditional flavours and creative ones associated with regional Italian desserts that bring back childhood memories. For added extravagance, you can opt to dip your gelato in warm melted chocolate. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
3 hours ago
- National Geographic
Where to find the perfect gelato in Rome
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). There's never a wrong time for gelato in Rome. But nothing beats the sensation of cooling down with a deliciously fresh scoop on a hot summer day. With hundreds of gelaterie (ice cream parlours) across the Eternal City, the challenge isn't finding gelato, it's finding the best one. But what, exactly, is gelato? This is one of the most common questions people ask when visiting Rome, and while both ice cream and gelato are beloved frozen treats, the difference between the two lies in the ingredients, texture and how they're served. Gelato contains more milk and less cream than ice cream, resulting in a lower fat content, which some people find easier to digest. It's churned at a slower speed, incorporating less air, which gives it a denser, silkier texture. And because gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature, its flavours come through more vividly, delivering a more intense taste experience. And like ice cream, those flavours are as numerous as the people that create them: from time-honoured classics like zabaglione, pistachio and stracciatella to bold, seasonal creations like peaches and white wine, or wild strawberries and basil. Here are our top choices of gelaterie in Italy's Eternal City. Gelateria Fassi Topping the list is Gelateria Fassi, a true Roman institution that has been serving gelato since 1880. While a few popular gelato spots in the city have leaned into a more touristy feel, Fassi has stayed refreshingly true to its roots. This family-run gelateria in Esquilino, east of the centre, blends a simple, old-fashioned ice cream parlour setting with a forward-thinking array of flavours, drawing a loyal mix of locals and tourists. Apart from the classic cones and cups, there are also indulgences including a Sicilian-style brioche filled with gelato, or one of Fassi's signature creations: the sanpietrino, a bite-sized chocolate-covered semifreddo dessert named after the famous cobblestones that pave most of the city. Cup/cone with two scoops from €1.80 (£1.50). Otaleg Tucked into one of the Trastevere district's many alleys, this innovative gelateria hasn't even hit its 10-year mark (modern by Roman standards), yet it's already earned a cult-like following among locals and even a top spot in the coveted rankings of the Gambero Rosso food guide. Otaleg (yes, that's 'gelato' spelled backwards) is where tradition meets wild creativity. Its classic flavours including pistachio, hazelnut and chocolate are exceptional, but the real fun lies in the more daring creations. White chocolate laced with mustard, a salty-crunchy version of pistachio, or an unexpected tomato-sausage-chilli concoction from Calabria known as 'nduja. The fruit flavours vary with the seasons, and you'll be able to find things like wild strawberries, loquats and sour cherries. Small cup/cone with one scoop, €2.00 (£1.70). Order your gelato in a Ciampini waffle cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza. Photograph by Ciampini, Gianmaria De Luca Ciampini Perfect after an afternoon shopping around the nearby Spanish Steps, Ciampini is located off the charming, pedestrian-only Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. This family-run bar has roots going all the way back to 1943, and gelato isn't the only thing it serves; the venue offers the complete bar-cafe-restaurant experience and it's one of the best places in the city for people watching. You can grab a cone for a stroll or sit down and savour your gelato while taking in the scene on the piazza, maybe with a spritz cocktail in hand. Ciampini uses high-quality ingredients including organic milk and eggs, and every flavour is rich and carefully crafted. Don't miss the classic cioccolato, or raspberry with Nutella. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Fruit-flavoured gelatos change according to each season at Gelateria dell'Angeletto, with both lactose-free and vegan options available. Photographs by Francesca Martino Gelateria dell'Angeletto After a visit to the Colosseum, head to the pretty Monti neighbourhood for some vintage shopping and a gelato at this tiny spot, which is beloved by both locals and tourists. The owners have recently renovated and (slightly) expanded into the next-door property but continue to serve extremely high-quality artisanal gelato year-round. There are both lactose-free and vegan options and the fruit flavours follow the season, which is always a great sign. It's not always available but seek out the vegan Nutella – it will be one of the best things you'll taste while in Rome. Small cup/cone with three scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Gelato by Günther started in 2012 with a single shop, where the focus was (as it still is across this boutique franchise) on quality over quantity. Photograph by Aromi Group Günther With three central locations in Rome, Gelato by Günther started in 2012 with a single shop, where the focus was (as it still is across this boutique franchise) on quality over quantity. Every element that goes into the gelato is meticulously sourced: organic milk from nearby farms, fruit chosen at peak ripeness, and pure spring water drawn from the mountains in northern Italy. This is gelato made with precision and purpose. Among the standout flavours, the 'mugo pine' is an Alpine-inspired scoop that's a must for those looking for something truly unique. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €3.50 (£3). Brivido Rome's Testaccio neighbourhood, also known as the meat-packing district, is a working-class area that's always had a strong sense of community, and Brivido has been a local favourite since 1986. This unassuming gelateria quietly keeps alive the art of traditional gelato-making, producing small batches each day with a strict no-additive policy: no artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives. The menu features a mix of traditional flavours and creative ones associated with regional Italian desserts that bring back childhood memories. For added extravagance, you can opt to dip your gelato in warm melted chocolate. Small cup/cone with two scoops, €2.50 (£2.10). Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
