Geoff Dyer's Homework is a witty account of provincial boyhood and thrifty, stoic fathers
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The Irish Sun
16 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
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
Me and My Travels with Jennifer Zamparelli: 'I was flown to Africa at the age of seven'
Jennifer Zamparelli is wrapping up her stint as The Narrator in The Rocky Horror Show at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre but she's already dreaming of her next trip. From early days in a caravan in Wexford to broadcasting live from Vatican Radio, the actress and presenter has seen travel evolve with family, fun, and a fair bit of pasta. Here, she shares the places that shaped her and the destinations still on her list. Favourite childhood holiday memory A kordofan giraffe. I'm the youngest of six, so most of our early trips were down to the west of Ireland — places like Connemara. But that all changed in the early '90s when my sister started working for British Airways and we got concession flights. While my siblings didn't get on a plane until they were 17 or 18, I was flown to Africa at the age of seven. They were raging. We flew to Nairobi and did a safari. I still remember arriving at the hotel — this open-air reception — and my mam looking up and going, 'Why is the ceiling moving?' It was covered in bats. I got horrendous travel sickness after that — I had to sleep on the floor of planes for years — but I'll never forget how magical it all felt. Most memorable trip Last year, we felt like local Italians. My husband was filming in Rome for about five months, and it was too long for him to be away from the kids, so I took some time off radio and we lived in Rome for a month. It was August and loads of places were closed. I was doing 35,000 to 40,000 steps with the kids, trying to fill the days. I even had to buy my son Enzo a buggy because his little legs couldn't take it. We were all squashed into one hotel room but the kids had me 24/7 and got to see their dad, so they loved it. I even broadcast from Vatican Radio Station and logged into 2FM from this little dingy studio where no one spoke English. It was wild. Most surprising destination I turned 40 during covid, so all I wanted when things opened up was to go to Paris and do it properly. I'd been before but it was always hostels and slumming it — so for my 40th, I said, 'That's it, I want to stay in a nice hotel, go to the Moulin Rouge, just do the whole thing right — a proper bougie trip.' But my husband wasn't working at the time. He booked a hotel with no windows, right next to a train line. We pulled back the curtains and were staring at a brick wall. It definitely was a surprise... I was giving him daggers. In fairness, we laughed a lot but, yeah, the room was probably one of the worst I've ever stayed in (though not as bad as him taking me to the board game convention in Birmingham — it's like Comic Con on steroids). He's made up for it since. Favourite city in the world I was surprised at how much I love Lisbon. I had zero expectations and just loved it. It's tricky to walk around but so beautiful and great value. I've been with the family and on a girls' trip. It's one of those cities where you can do it all — wine, food, fun, culture. The red wine, the white wine, the green wine… I loved all the wine. It's a gorgeous destination. Favourite hotel or stay A suite at Fota Island. Fota Island Resort in Cork is one of my favourites. The staff are amazing, and there are cottages you can book, so you don't even have to stay in the main hotel. It's the first place we stayed after my daughter Florence was born. The restaurant was so easy with her, and it still has that lovely grand feel. We've been back with the kids, and they love it. Most memorable food experience Roman Forum and Colosseum, Italy This was in Rome at a tiny family-run spot called Enzo's, which felt special because my son's name is Enzo. You couldn't book; you just had to queue and hope. The food was amazing — all fresh pasta and very simple ingredients. I made a show of myself, though: I tried to ask for dessert, and kept getting my Irish and Italian mixed up, and I asked for 'the caca', thinking I meant cáca. The waitress was like, 'You're asking for the shit of the day.' My kids thought it was the funniest thing they had ever heard. The dessert was lovely, though. Favourite thing to do while travelling I like to do a bit of everything. Every year I do a girls' trip: culture, wine, food. I'm not one for lying by the pool or sunbathing. I like to be doing something. One thing I love is getting up early and going for a run through the city. I've done it in Rome, Lisbon, Maui. You get your bearings, it's quiet, and it's just lovely me-time — enjoy the city or wherever you are before all the madness begins. My bucket-list trip Tokyo city at sunset Japan is top of the list. Lauterio and I have always talked about going but we've never got around to it. They're really into martial arts there, and it's just somewhere I think we'd love. That or Sligo — I've never been. Final tickets for The Rocky Horror Show at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre are available from
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
Desire Lines: Portugese brand Salsa brings the wide-leg jean back around
The jeans The latest addition to Portuguese jeanswear brand Salsa's 'Push-In' collection is the wide leg (we told you it was back in a big way). The range is known for its flattering fit which keeps you comfortably held in, and this relaxed wide leg variety is the perfect way to elevate your style as we head into a new season. Available in Medium Wash, Mix Denim and Dark Blue colours. €110. The day out Clíona Harte at the launch of Cork Heritage Open Day in the Butter Museum which is one of 35 buildings which will open its doors to the public on Saturday August 16th as part of Cork Heritage Open Day. Today, to mark the 20th anniversary of Cork Heritage Open Day, over 35 buildings will open their doors to the public for free. Initially launched by Cork City Council for European Capital of Culture in 2005, the festival includes walks, talks, and exhibitions. It's a unique opportunity to explore buildings which are not routinely open to the public or charge a fee, including Quaker Meeting House, Military Museum Collins Barracks, Heineken Ireland, Riverstown House, Cork Baptist Church, and the North Monastery. Guided tours will also take place in English and in Irish in AIB 66 South Mall and in the Lord Mayor's Office and Council Chamber. The programme also includes a wide range of family friendly events and historical city walks. The matcha Perfect Ted's ceremonial-grade matcha Nespresso pods If, like us, you're slowly transitioning from your regular coffee to a matcha, you'll be delighted to hear PerfectTed, Europe's largest matcha brand, has just launched in Ireland. Along with their ceremonial-grade powders, €14.50, and matcha-fuelled energy drinks, €2.50 for 250ml, they bring matcha nespresso pods, €7 for ten, to the market, making it easier than ever to get your green fix. Find them in retailers across Ireland, including Tesco and Dunnes Stores. The summer menu The Ivy on Dublin's Dawson Street is making the most of the warmer-than-usual days with a vibrant new summer menu. Think heirloom tomato and watermelon salad, prawn tagliatelle, and chargrilled halloumi on spiced fregola. And for dessert? We have to recommend the honey and white chocolate cheesecake served with mango sorbet and edible flowers. One course €24.95, two courses €32.95, or three courses €39.95. The doggy shampoo ELEVEN Australia WASH & WOOF DUO (RRP €46), a unique self-care package designed for both humans and their beloved pets Looking for the perfect present for your pooch- obsessed pal? ELEVEN Australia has released a limited edition Wash & Woof duo designed for dogs — and their best human friend. The pack contains the brand's Wash Me All Over hand and body wash for you, and their new Dog & Pet Gentle Cleansing Shampoo for our furry friends. A sulfate-free formula made with amino acid-based surfactants to deeply cleanse dirt and odours without stripping natural oils, the pet shampoo also includes argan oil for shine and nourishment, while panthenol and pear extract boost hydration and provide a soft scent. €46. The tour Strokestown House Strokestown House and Gardens, along with the National Famine Museum, makes for a memorable day out. Connected to the National Famine Way, a 165km trail from Strokestown to Dublin, that retraces the steps of 1,490 men, women, and children who were forced to emigrate during the Great Famine. The National Famine Museum is housed within the stable building, adjacent to the historic Strokestown Park House, which is offering a guided tour of the Victorian Walled Garden on August 21. The six-acre walled gardens include a fragrant rose garden, Ireland's oldest restored glasshouse and one of the country's longest herbaceous borders. The dog-friendly Woodland Cafe is on site too, with a menu featuring local food producers. The book Ivan's Travels Through Dog-Friendly Ireland Irish authors Anthony Walsh and Lucy Costigan's new book, Ivan's Travels Through Dog-Friendly Ireland: Guide to Eateries, Pubs, Accommodation, Shops, Visitor and Nature Attractions, is just what you need to include your furry friend on your home holidays and outings across Ireland. Inspired by Ivan, a border collie rescued from the streets by Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART), 40% of royalties from book purchases go to four Irish dog charities supporting rescue and therapy initiatives: HART Cork, Irish Therapy Dogs, The Dublin Dog Hub, and the Wexford Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Follow Ivan's dog-friendly adventures across Ireland at @ivanstravelsie and buy the book online for €25.
