Operation Brock rolled out on M20 in Kent again
A traffic-holding system for lorries queueing to cross the English Channel has been deployed ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend and the school half-term.The Kent and Medway Resilience Forum rolled out Operation Brock on the M20 between junction eight (Maidstone) and nine (Ashford).The contraflow was put in place earlier this week and a diversion route was put in place during the instillation.Operation Brock sees lorries heading to Dover queue on one side of the M20, with the other carriageway operating as a contraflow, with traffic travelling in both directions.
All Heavy Good Vehicle's heading for the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel must follow the signs to join Operation Brock at junction eight of the M20.All other coast-bound traffic, including local freight and car drivers heading for mainland Europe, should follow the signs and crossover to enter the contraflow on the M20 London-bound carriageway.
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The Independent
30 minutes ago
- The Independent
The best hotels in York for a history-filled city break
Few cities in Britain marry heritage and hospitality as seamlessly as York, which draws visitors not just to see it but to inhabit its history – a layered past shaped by Roman rule, Viking settlers and Norman conquest. Though pilgrims have journeyed to the site of the Minster since 627 AD, we have the Victorians to thank for putting it on the modern map; they brought the steam trains which opened the city up as an interesting, cultural and architecturally beautiful place to visit, and built the grandiose station hotels which played a significant role in accommodating wealthy travellers. Over time, York's evolving tourism has enabled historic buildings to be repurposed as hotels, allowing visitors to stay in authentic medieval coaching inns, beautiful Georgian townhouses and arresting grand dames with traditional five-star service. Additions such as spas and romantic restaurants have upped the offerings. And of course, this being York, there's always a ghost or two. For a characterful stay in one of Britain's most charming cities, here are 10 of the best hotels in York. 1. No.1 By Guest House York In a leafy area just down from Bootham Bar, this charcoal-hued regency townhouse is the place for rest-induced relaxation with an amusing sense of fun and soupçon of locomotive theming. The design leans towards playful luxury, with a toy train circling overhead in the attractive Rhubarb bar, in-room minibars set in dolls houses, and pantries of help-yourself treats (jars full of retro sweets, cans of soft drinks, popcorn) on each floor. Enormous four-poster beds, towering sash windows and Crosley record players add to the joy. Elsewhere, salty charred steaks in the distinctly romantic Pearly Cow are eye-rollingly good (as are the famous beef fat chips). If you're arriving by train, staff will greet you at the station to collect your luggage – so you can get straight onto exploring the city. 2. The Grand hotel Old school luxury service runs through the heart and soul of The Grand, one of York's most luxurious hotels just a liquorice-whip from the station. Once the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway Company, the hotel fires on all five-star cylinders: top-hatted doormen greet you at the door, a concierge plans your evening, waiters show you to your seat in the elegant 1903 bar where piquant French 75s transport you to another era, fine-dining Legacy, or atmospheric restaurant The Rise. Rooms are stylish, spacious and made for comfort. The spa, which is currently closed for a refurb (due to reopen in 2026) is set in the former vaults, and there's an on-site cookery school if you fancy sharpening up your culinary skills. 3. Clementine's Guest House hotel Clementine's Guest House plays a fun and fruitier tune than your typical townhouse hotel. In lovely suburban Clifton (but within easy reach of the walls, roughly 10 minutes), the wonderfully flamboyant style runs through all 27 rooms which span two handsome redbrick townhouses on St Peter's Grove, with no two the same. Think vibrant, Morris-style wallpaper in all manner of jungly patterns, unique bed frames, and a healthy dose of quirk in furnishings and decorations, from solid antiques to neon signs to feathery lampshades. There's no restaurant but the grassy garden at the back is a lovely spot to enjoy drinks or afternoon tea. 4. Malmaison hotel Behind the brutalist block that York's Malmaison calls home is a mix of smartly designed rooms (think modern lines with De Stijl influences), a vast co-working space on the ground floor, a gym and two restaurants: Chez Mal serving modern British food with French elements and rooftop Sora for pan-Asian tapas. But it's the brilliant cocktails that make this latter eyrie stand out – sipping lemongrass-infused Tograshi Margaritas and foamy Umeshu Sours to views of the York Minster is a fabulous way to enjoy a pre- or post-prandial drink before you head into the city for some fun. It's also in a great location, just a hop from the train station and a few minutes' walk from Micklegate. 5. Hotel du Vin Occupying a Grade II-listed Georgian mansion just outside the city walls, York's Hotel du Vin stays true to the formula the brand is so popular for: smart and sophisticated interiors with a bistro restaurant and an emphasis on good French wine. You'll find it packed on race days with chipper folk dressed to the nines on their way to Knavesmire, while on quieter days it's a peaceful enclave owing to its slightly out-of-the-way leafy location just down from Micklegate Bar. That's not to say you're miles from the action; you can reach both Micklegate and Bishopthorpe roads, each with their slew of trendy independent bars, cafes and fantastic restaurants, in seven-10 minutes on foot. 6. Guy Fawkes Inn hotel Steeped in character with a raffish undertone, Guy Fawkes Inn is one of the most significant hotels in York for its history and – like most, if not all of the historic buildings in the city – is said to be haunted (book the Belfry Suite if you're open to an apparition or two). The infamous plotter is said to have been born on the site in 1570 and was baptised in St. Michael Le Belfrey just opposite. Thirteen rooms, a shadowy restaurant and a small bar serving a good pour of real ale are all big draws, but one of the things that most sets Guy Fawkes Inn apart is the complimentary guided walking tours that takes place daily (one to two hours) – a great way to get acquainted with the city if it's your first time visiting. Just don't count on any Bonfire-night themed extravaganzas on November 5 – any buildings formerly owned by Fawkes and his family are 'prohibited' from celebrating it. 7. The Milner hotel You can practically throw your suitcase from the train to the doorway of this grande dame station hotel, which can be accessed directly via Platform 3 at York. The affordable prices are generous given the unbeatable location; it overlooks landscaped gardens – noticeably fragrant in bloom – with views to the York Minster, and you can walk to the centre in a few minutes, along the wall which runs alongside should you wish. A muted, beige colour scheme runs throughout with original features like the sweeping iron staircase, soaring columns, and panelled walls in the Oak Room creating a lasting impression from the days it was created to house aristocracy and rich industrialists. And yet it doesn't feel pretentious. The Garden Room is a lovely place to enjoy a pot of tea. 8. Middlethorpe Hall An impressive William III country pile in 20 acres of sprawling manicured gardens and parkland on Bishopthorpe Road near York Racecourse. It's a couple of miles from the centre but what it lacks in proximity it makes up for in its countryside surroundings and riverside location. One of the National Trust's three Historic House Hotels, the property dates back to 1699 and was once the home of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, an English aristocrat, famous diarist and discoverer of smallpox inoculation. In today's incarnation as a hotel, visitors and overnight guests can enjoy dinner in the two-AA-Rosette restaurant, spa treatments by Aromatherapy Associates, afternoon teas, and classic rooms, as well as events like garden tours, presentations and photography workshops. 9. Hotel Indigo York Riffing off York's chocolate history, this Indigo on Walmgate displays subtle references to Rowntree's and Terry's confectionery heritage throughout its rooms and public spaces – old photographs on the walls, cocoa tones throughout the decor, sweet-themed cushions, chocolate martinis in the bar – as well as residing in one of its oldest areas. It's in a quieter part of town, just down from the trendy independent brunch spots of Fossgate, but also within easy reach of some of York's most famous attractions (Jorvik, York Castle Museum and Clifford's Tower, for instance, are all less than 10 minutes' walk away). Enjoy craft beer and cocktails as well as food by Pasta Evangelists in the on-site restaurant, No.88 Walmgate. 10. Grays Court hotel With just 12 rooms and a triple-Rosette restaurant, The Bow Room, serving expertly crafted tasting menus featuring ingredients grown in the kitchen garden, Grays Court combines boutique and luxury hotel factors to create a unique, star-quality hotel in the middle of York. The property, located in the Minster Quarter, stands on the site of an old Roman fortress. It was originally built in the 11th century as the official residence of the Treasurers of York Minster, hosting visitors on royal, state and church business as well as kings and noblemen. It's also the only building to have private access to York's City walls and boasts beautifully tended lawns bordered by flowers and trees. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller.
Telegraph
31 minutes ago
- Telegraph
Peak District tourists could face entry fee
Visitors to the Peak District could be charged an entrance fee to help tackle the national park's funding crisis. Phil Mulligan, the chief executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said it 'wouldn't need any government funding' if it could charge 10p per visitor. The park, which has around 13 million visitors per year, has cut 10 per cent of its staff in recent months because of what Mr Mulligan called 'declining funding'. He added that there had been a 50 per cent real terms funding cut over the last decade, while the park had grappled with problems such as wildfires and dangerous parking. 'Ever-declining' government funds Mr Mulligan told the BBC: 'We have the pressure of visitors, we have the pressure of delivering for the nation in terms of the ecological crisis, the climate crisis. 'I'm trying to do that with an ever-declining set of government funds, at a time when what's being asked of the national park is more and more. 'I think that [charging tourists fees] is a big discussion that government is going to need to have. But what would be the mechanism for that? I haven't got the powers.' The authority's financial troubles have been blamed on a fixed government grant that has not accounted for inflation or other costs such as the rise in the minimum wage. Mr Mulligan added: 'If [the Government] are going to keep cutting our funding, then there is going to need to be a different way of funding national parks.'
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
The Grand Tour fans threaten to boycott Amazon Prime hit as they fume over new line up after Clarkson and co quit
FANS of The Grand Tour have threatened to boycott the Amazon Prime hit series. Longtime viewers were left fuming over the new line-up after Jeremy Clarkson decided to quit the programme. 8 8 8 After departing the BBC and leaving Top Gear behind in 2015, The Clarkson's Farm star teamed up again with his longtime colleagues. Alongside James May and Richard Hammond, he brought the on-screen band back together to make a different motoring show in 2016. The trio went on to front five full series of The Grand Tour, before airing one last special as a grand send off in September 2024. It marked the end of a 22-year-long collaboration between Jeremy, 65, James, 62, and Richard, 55. Now, it's been revealed that the series will continue on Amazon Prime but with new presenters leading the format. Thomas Holland and James Engelsman are a viral duo from the Throttle House car YouTube channel and they will be the new faces of the show. They were revealed to be the replacement from the original duo after they seemingly impressed bosses with their platform that boasts over three million subscribers. The duo will be joined by viral trainspotting personality, Francis Bourgeois, who received international fame for his enthusiasm for railways. A source previously told us: "Thomas and James are as knowledgeable about motors as Jeremy, Richard and James — the only difference is they're younger, cooler and a lot more social media savvy. "Francis became famous for his love of trainspotting and will be bringing his humour to the show." However, droves of fans have been left disappointed by the news as they flooded X, formerly known as Twitter with comments. One viewer posted: "I will watch a grand total of 0 episodes." A second stated: "Oh F**! What is the actual point? This will be a bigger disaster than Top Gear was." "The Grand Tour was created for Jeremy, Richard and James so this is feeling wrong. Why not give it a fresh new name and not linked to what was before," enquired a third user. The Grand Tour episode guide How many seasons of The Grand Tour are there and where do they take place? The Grand Tour launched on Prime Video in 2016 and quickly became one of the streamer's biggest hits as hosts Jeremy, 63, James, 60, and Richard, 52, felt it was time they move on from Top Gear hit the road. They have now brought five epic series of motoring adventures to the small screen, each taking place in different locations and even featuring celebrity guests. Series 1 Series 1 aired from 2016 to 2017 and took the presenters to a number of foreign locales, including Jordan, Morocco and Italy. The series is comprised of 13 episodes, with episodes 7 and 8 making up a two-part special set in Namibia, where the trio embarked on an epic beach buggy challenge. Series 2 Jeremy, Richard and James returned for more motoring actor in series 2, and drove their way across Europe as they tested out some of their dream vehicles like the Bugatti Chiron and the McLaren 720S. This series, which aired from 2017 to 2018, is made up of 11 episodes. It features regular 'studio segments' filmed in the team's permanent tent in the Cotswolds, and had regular participation from celebrities with two guests going head-to-head on timed laps every episode. Series 3 In 2019, the presenting trio crossed continents - from North America, to South America, to Europe and Asia - putting both new vehicles and classic sports cars through their paces. This series was the last to feature the regular studio segments, car reviews and timed laps. To mark the end of this era the final episode's last segment includes a montage of scenes featuring the presenters over the course of their career as a trio, not only from this programme, but also from their time hosting Top Gear. Series 4 This series marked a complete change in format for The Grand Tour as it consists entirely for feature-length specials which aired between 2019 and 2021. The first two chronicle Jeremy, Richard and James' epic adventures across Asia and Africa, while the third and fourth episodes saw them put foreign cars to the test on their home turf. And fitting American vehicles through Scottish roads is no easy feat. Series 5 Following the same format as series 4, the fifth and final series of The Grand Tour also consists of four feature-length specials. The first of these hits screens in 2022 and follows the trio as they travelled through Norway, Sweden and Finland in three Rally-Inspired Sports Saloons. The second episode was another Euro adventure while the third took the presenters back to Africa. The fourth instalment of the series and final ever episode of The Grand Tour, titled One for the Road, premieres on September 13, 2024. It promises to be an emotional one as the trio set out on one epic final adventure in Zimbabwe and reflect on their 22-year-long working relationship and friendship. While someone else exclaimed: "I mean what's the point the show was created for Jeremy, James and Richard." As a fifth noted: "The Grand Tour was created for Jeremy, Richard and James specifically. By all means have a new motoring show on your platform with these guys, nothing against them at all. But it would be better to just have it under a different name." A sixth fan said: "What a mess. Amazon might as well take all the money they'd be spending on this, put in a dumpster and set fire to it." They added: "An absolute waste of time and money." 8 8 8 8
