
'Most beautiful yet underrated' hidden gem beach featured in Alan Partridge film
Planning a summer getaway can be a daunting affair with sky-high flight prices, costly airport transfers, and steep accommodation costs, particularly in the likes of France. However, scores of Brits are choosing to forgo foreign jaunts this year, instead opting to uncover hidden gems right here on home turf.
For a top-notch staycation spot that's stirring quite the buzz, take a trip eastward to the charms of Norfolk's coastline. Norfolk boasts an array of stunning coastal scenery, from Holkham's sprawling sands to Wells-next-the-Sea's extensive quay, yet it's the buzzing heart of north Norfolk drawing crowds: Cromer. Known far and wide for its exquisite crabs, Cromer is capturing attention as a prime destination in its own regard.
The quintessential seaside town of Cromer sits proudly atop dramatic cliffs, enveloped by the region's lush woodland and countryside – providing visitors with epic vistas across the North Sea. Cromer's crown jewel is its celebrated Victorian pier in the town's centre, a hub of entertainment where guests can savour a show at the Pavillion Theatre, revel in arcade games, or simply meander along taking in the atmosphere; the very same pier also garnered fame in Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, reports the Express.
So captivating is Cromer Pier that it snagged the prestigious title of Pier of the Year last year from the National Piers Society, who cited its enormous appeal due to the impeccable upkeep of its traditional Victorian aesthetics and the incredible sea views it affords.
For those with a passion for literature, the charming line from Jane Austen's Emma might ring a bell: "You should have gone to Cromer... the best of all the sea bathing places. A fine open sea... and very pure air." Arthur Conan Doyle, famed creator of Sherlock Holmes, drew inspiration from Cromer's local legends, particularly the tale of the spectral hound Black Shuck, which became the basis for his renowned novel The Hound of the Baskervilles.
What's on offer in Cromer?
Visitors have been left spellbound by the beach, with one enthusiast taking to Google Reviews to proclaim it "the most beautiful yet underrated beach". Praise continues to pour in from another reviewer who expressed: "Beautiful town and beach. The beach was almost empty despite it being the school holidays. Beautiful town with both local independent shops and larger chains." Another visitor shared their enchantment, commenting: "It's the loveliest town I've ever visited... great atmosphere and fantastic fish and chips."
Cromer is a treasure trove of unique boutique shops, quaint cafes, and delightful bakeries, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. For those keen on a more vigorous activity, the picturesque Norfolk Coastal Path offers a journey through sand dunes and lush countryside.
Sampling the celebrated fresh Cromer Crab is an essential experience for any foodie visiting the area. And if you're craving some traditional fish and chips, No. 1 Cromer, owned by Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston, boasts stunning views of the coast and pier.
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The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
The Spanish party town with 87p shots that's ‘better than Benidorm' & BEGGING Brits to return after anti-tourist demos
IT'S midnight and Boozers Fest Bar is packed to the rafters with a host of 18 to twentysomethings, all jostling to play a wild new drinking game. This Dutch -run party bar charges £17.50 to take part in 'Snappy', where ten shots are placed around a crocodile toy for punters to down if its mouth shuts when they press its teeth. 18 18 18 18 As they drink, the crowd whoops and hollers and the room, no doubt, starts to spin. Kim, 21, falls foul of the snap, and tells me: 'It's like being a kid again, but with an extra hit. 'We love it here — fun and alcohol, what more could you want?' So far, so typical of a Spanish holiday for British youngsters, many on their first sunshine break without mum and dad cramping their style. But while this bar is bursting, the same cannot be said for other venues in the Spanish resort town of Lloret de Mar. With 100-plus bars and clubs, it was once branded the country's 'party capital' but now many of the venues sit partially empty or closed — an unwelcome result of the nationwide anti-tourist protests that have driven customers away. As a result, the pub owners and party organisers here are pleading with high-spending Brits to return. Currently, the town is besieged by Dutch and German tours of under age teens, who barely spend any money and demand that prices stay low or they won't come. Drinks prices on this section of the Costa Brava haven't risen since 2018, so shots are on offer for one euro (87p) and cocktails for eight euros (£7). Locals are now yearning for its early-Noughties heyday when it was a Club 18-30 destination for Brits. Anti-tourist protesters blast holidaymakers with water guns & block hotels Local shop owner Mohan, 45, told The Sun: 'Without tourists there would be nothing here in Lloret de Mar. "We love English tourists here because they spend the most. 'Yes, some get a bit drunk and loud, but that's not the end of the world. 'The protests in Barcelona have put people off coming here. It's July, and it's not as busy as it should be. 'We want tourists to know they are welcome. I've lived in Lloret since 1999 and everyone here wants more Brits — more tourists, not less.' Without tourists there would be nothing here in Lloret de Mar. We love English tourists here because they spend the most Mohan, Local shop owner Last year 18.4million of us headed to Spain, contributing £20billion to the country's economy, according to the Spanish Ministry of Tourism. But over-tourism has been blamed for inflating Spain's housing crisis, with protesters in Barcelona, the Balearics and Canary Islands holding signs saying 'Tourists go home' and 'Foreigners not welcome'. Lloret is not immune to the housing concerns of places such as Ibiza and Tenerife, but instead of blaming the tourists they have targeted their anger at the government. Officials have responded by cracking down on unlicensed accommodation, which last week saw cops raid 23 illegal tourist flats and slap the owners with fines of up to £20,000. Restaurant Pinocchio owner Claudio La Face, 37, explained: 'Unlicensed holiday flats are a problem because people are concerned about renting to locals as if there is a problem, such as not paying rent, there is little they can do. "On top of that, many prefer to rent to tourists because they can make a lot of money, despite the risk of big fines.' 'Better than Benidorm' 18 18 18 Italian Claudio, who has lived in Lloret for 12 years, said he struggles to understand the anti- tourist protests happening in other parts of Spain. 'It has affected our numbers here, especially this year,' he said. 'But we need tourists in Lloret, we love them. Most of Spain needs tourists too, so protesting against them doesn't help anyone. "Tourists should come to Lloret for the good weather, the beautiful beaches, and amazing food options. Plus there are lots of cultural places around here to visit, such as Girona.' One of the biggest draws to the town is its party district, home to one of the world's best clubs, Tropics. The main strip, Avenue Just Marles Vilarrodona, is full of venues that can hold thousands of revellers, and the winding side streets boast a seemingly unending array of cocktail bars offering outrageous drinking games. Don't Let The Duck Out sees players put on a swim cap and snorkelling goggles to try to grab a bottle of alcohol from a large water bowl. Essentially it's boozy apple bobbing. British teens Lucy and Gemma, both 18, are loving the nightlife in Lloret. Lucy said: 'My sister recommended it, and it's crazy here. We have no regrets booking it. It's fun.' Other Brits out on the lash include Dan Clark and Ollie Bott, both 20, from Stoke, who booked the resort after spotting it on the Jet2 website. For a random find, we've got no regrets. We're on night one, and it's already shaping up to be better than Zante. A lot of bars are giving us drinks for half price because we're British, which is cool Ollie Bott They've flown out with six mates, who they have managed to lose by the time they bump into The Sun. Ollie said: 'For a random find, we've got no regrets. We're on night one, and it's already shaping up to be better than Zante. A lot of bars are giving us drinks for half price because we're British, which is cool.' Newlyweds Rachel, 37, and Phillip, 41, from Leeds, are here for their honeymoon. 'It wasn't quite what we expected for our honeymoon, but we love how lively it is,' courier Phillip said. 'I'd certainly come back here with the lads, or let my sons have their first drinking holiday here as it feels really safe. There's nice food and the booze is cheap. 'Plus everyone here has been really friendly compared to other holidays we've been on.' Couple Paul Willmot and Janette Machin, both 57, from Bridlington, Yorks, reckon it could even start to rival Brit favourite Benidorm. Janette said: 'It's been really great so far. It has potential and reminds me of Beni and Sunny Beach before they got super-popular. We didn't let the protests in other parts of Spain put us off, and no one else should either.' 18 18 18 Standing in doorways and draped over pavements are revellers debating which bar to move to next. Some are being shepherded by tour operators. 'A little rowdy' Back on the main street are Disco Londoner and Touch Down Sports bar, both owned by Marcus Faraji. He told The Sun: 'Ninety per cent of the industry here is based around tourism, even if it's not directly. 'More needs to be done to educate locals that their livelihoods and comforts come from tourists being welcome here. This is getting lost because many people are so worried about the housing issues. 'The drinking tourism we get upsets some, and they complain that people don't come here to visit cultural places, but the truth is we don't have the infrastructure for that. "Many of the tourists that come here are in groups organised by tour operators, who take up bulk bookings at hotels. 'It means we have to keep drinks cheap, because if we raise our prices they threaten to not come. 'But some of the people they bring are as young as 16, so we won't serve them anyway, and they don't have a lot of money to spend, which harms the economy. 'English people don't travel in the same way. We would like more of them because they spend a huge amount on both restaurants and on alcohol.' Bars caught serving booze to someone under age risk a fine of £2,600 for each case — and the drinker can be handed a £850 fine. Local businessman Igor Peyman, 54, is also keen to see more British holidaymakers pitch up in Lloret. He said: 'English people are my favourite tourists because they spend so much. 'They can be a bit difficult, like fighting each other, but they come with a budget to spend and will spend it all. There is so much for people to enjoy here so we hope they aren't put off by the protests in other parts of Spain.' 'Spanish Blackpool' But not everyone is a fan of Lloret. Holidaymaker Amanda, from Stratford-upon-Avon, West Mids, reckons it's essentially ' Blackpool in Spain'. She added: 'You do have to look for the nicer places to go as the centre is very young and aimed at a younger crowd.' Her pal Michele agreed, but added: 'Everyone has been really friendly, and you don't get hassled to go to restaurants or shops. Parts of the town are quite dated and need investment.' We want people who won't pee or poo in the street. We have plenty of public restrooms and bars where people can use the toilets Tattoo shop worker Jose Tattoo shop worker Jose, 30, is keen for Lloret to only welcome tourists who will be respectful. He said: 'We want people who won't pee or poo in the street. We have plenty of public restrooms and bars where people can use the toilets. 'Tourists who want to have fun but appreciate we live here are always welcome, even if they're a little rowdy. 'Lloret is a poor town, and most of us have to earn our living for the year in the space of six weeks. "We love tourists and we always want them to come here.' 18 18 18 18 18 What is overtourism? Overtourism is where a destination experiences a volume of tourists that exceeds its manageable capacity. The term is often used to describe the negative consequences of mass tourism, which includes overcrowding and environmental issues. As a result, popular destinations have become less enjoyable for both visitors and locals. Local communities, in particular, bear the brunt, facing rising costs and a depletion of resources. In response, national and local governments have started to implement measures to reduce overtourism. These include:


Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Clarkson's Farm star Lisa Hogan issues 'imminent' update with fans
Clarkson's Farm star Lisa Hogan has shared an update with fans, as she revealed that Arya, one of their two Labradors, is expecting puppies in a matter of days Clarkson's Farm favourite Lisa Hogan has delivered an "imminent" announcement that has thrilled devoted viewers. Jeremy Clarkson purchased Diddly Squat farm in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, back in 2008, with Lisa, Kaleb Cooper and the team helping to transform the venture into a triumph. The agricultural enterprise has captivated audiences across four seasons on Amazon Prime, with a fifth series currently being filmed. As cameras roll for the latest instalment, Lisa and Jeremy have delighted supporters with thrilling news via social media. Lisa revealed there was an unexpected pregnancy on the farm, disclosing that Arya, one of their pair of Labradors, is expecting a litter. In her latest announcement, Lisa informed her Instagram audience that the puppies are due "imminently" whilst sharing footage of herself in the vehicle with Sansa, their other Lab, reports the Express. Speaking to camera, she declared: "Arya is at home, her puppies arriving imminently." She explained that Arya was "days away, if not hours away" from delivering "Sansa's nieces and nephews". In her initial video, Lisa remarked: "I would say, yep, look at that teet. Oh my god, you're heavy and you're hot compared to your sister in the stomach," addressing Arya in the footage. I think we might have puppies on the way!" Devoted Clarkson's Farm enthusiasts flooded the post with congratulatory messages following the delightful revelation, with one supporter writing: "Congratulations guys, I bet they will be beautiful puppies," whilst another added: "Congrats on the puppies! !" Another fan chimed in: ""Congratulations on your pregnancy! Arya will be a beautiful mumma. I think she will have 7 puppies." A fourth echoed the sentiment, saying: "Amazing news. Just the news I needed to wake up with. Congratulations diddly and clarkson." Viewers of the show will need to keep their eyes peeled for the fifth season of Clarkson's Farm to find out if Arya's pregnancy and the arrival of her puppies will be featured. All four seasons of Clarkson's Farm can currently be streamed on Amazon Prime.


Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
My hubby transformed our shed into a ‘dream' nail salon – bargains from Homebase & IKEA made it look so glam on a budget
Plus, scroll down for rules on converting sheds GLOSS BOSS My hubby transformed our shed into a 'dream' nail salon – bargains from Homebase & IKEA made it look so glam on a budget Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has revealed that her husband transformed a shell of a shed into a glamorous nail salon. Now, Nicola Vacher-Smith, who is the founder of Sanctuary Twelve, a garden studio located in Blyth, Northumberland, now just has to walk a few steps down her garden to get to work. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A nail technician has revealed a before and after look of her garden studio Credit: TikTok/@nicolavachersmith 2 What was once a shell of a shed is now a fully functioning beauty space - and we think it looks fabulous Credit: TikTok/@nicolavachersmith Not only does she have a gorgeous space to welcome clients into, but according to the nail technician and beauty therapist, it is a very 'relaxing' and 'calm' environment. Nicola, who is from Newcastle, took to social media to share a step-by-step process of her shed renovation, leaving many open-mouthed. Alongside the post, Nicola confirmed that her husband, who she described as her 'best friend,' 'biggest supporter' and even 'content model', did all of the work himself, as she beamed: 'Husband appreciation post.' What was once an empty shed has since been given a mega makeover and now is a jaw-dropping beauty salon. And not only do people think it looks 'beautiful' but others have said it is their 'dream' to have something similar in their garden. In the short clip, we saw Nicola's husband take on the hefty DIY job, as he first started off by insulating the space. Following this he then plastered and painted the walls. But that wasn't all - to make the shed super trendy, he then added panelling too. Thrilled with her new at-home salon, Nicola beamed: 'From the shell of a shed to a fully functioning salon, I'm obsessed!!' Reflecting on the shed's new look, she also added: 'What a transformation it is.' I was sick of paying rent so moved into a shed at the bottom of my garden Nicola later confirmed that she got the 9.5ft by 13ft shed from Northern Garden Sheds, a company based in Blaydon-on-Tyne. While she went local for her natural oak flooring, for the paint colours, her man used Dulux paint in the shade Caramel Sand 5 on the panelling and the Peace shade from Homebase's own range, on the walls. Do I need planning permission to convert my shed? CONVERTING an existing shed or outbuilding into a self-contained living space will usually require you apply for planning permission. However, there is a "loophole" Brits can use to convert outbuildings into a tiny home without permission. Planning expert Martin Gaine from Just Planning warned the conversion process is far easier than you may think. Speaking to The Sun, the Chartered Town Planner of 14 years' experience explained: "An outbuilding can be built using 'permitted development rights', meaning it does not need planning permission. "As long as you comply with the various restrictions and conditions." One of these is that the outbuilding can only be used for something 'ancillary' to your main living accommodation - examples include storage, a gym or a pool room. If the outbuilding is existing, converting it then into primary living accommodation IS allowed. Martin explained: "This is because internal changes to an existing building are not considered to be development at all under the Town and Country Planning Act. But like anything, there is one catch. The new living accommodation must still have some connection with your use of the main house. For instance, if your gran is living out there, she must still come into the house to eat. To accessorise the space, she nabbed her sideboard and chair from Daals and got her desk and lamp from IKEA. She also got a mirror and a stand from B&M, as well as a gorgeous vase from TK Maxx. Social media users react Nicola's TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @nicolavachersmith, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 436,900 views. Not only this, but it's also amassed 49,000 likes, 192 comments and 6,296 saves. It looks absolutely gorgeous TikTok user Social media users were incredibly impressed by Nicola's garden studio and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. One person said: 'This is stunning.' Another added: 'This is my dream.' A third commented: 'This is beautiful.' Meanwhile, someone else beamed: 'It looks absolutely gorgeous.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club