A moment of reflection and Himalayan adventures – readers' best photos
'On 24 December 2024, the moon was at its farthest point from Earth – 252,700 miles away. This photo was taken an hour before sunrise, with the waning crescent moon perfectly placed above Dubai's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa. The scene was a magical mix of the city's modern marvels and the beauty of the night sky.' Photograph: Prashant Naik
'A geometrical eye twister and a candid street photo.' Photograph: André Skibstad
'On the train from Amsterdam-Zuid.' Photograph: Anandi Sarita Namasivayam
'These fake dolphins in St Augustine look like they're jumping over the fisherman on a bright, sunny day.' Photograph: Travis Antolik
'A sea otter in Monterey Bay munching on a fresh clam.' Photograph: Alan Lipton
'Early morning at the Sierra de Andújar national park, hoping to find Iberian lynx. Something moved in the bushes next to us: a male red deer climbing up a small hill. It stood there for a while, staring at us. We found no lynx, but I will never forget this encounter.' Photograph: Belén Quintana
'A busker was making bubbles for children and I managed to capture this image before the bubble exploded on me, covering me in soap and water. Many around were quite humoured by this.' Photograph: Rider Dyce
'Hurrying past puddles on the way to work, you can sometimes find beauty reflected in the gutter.' Photograph: Isabelle Desgranges
'A chance moment glancing down the Joice Street alley. I was taken by the giant Lee's menacing gesture in direction of the tiny woman and her calm repose. I did not know at the time that Lee was born in the city.' Photograph: Carol Wickersham
'Embrace the serenity of nature at Tsho Rolpa, where majestic peaks touch the sky and the spirit of adventure thrives in every step.' Photograph: Ambish Kaji Shakya
'In the cafe of National Trust's Trelissick Garden. While working in the sunshine, I was joined by a handsome and cheeky scone thief.' Photograph: Sacha Clements-Barnes
'A woodland dor beetle weathering the rain in the Trossachs National Park.' Photograph: James Feehan
'A big blow at Portland Bill.' Photograph: Mark Williams
'Skyscrapers can be seen from Manggarai Station. On weekdays, this station is one of the busiest commuter line train stations in the city.' Photograph: Firman Firdaus
'Walking from St Pauli to Borgweg, I came across this reimagined petrol station in the twilight. Gluhwein would follow.'
Photograph: Richard Duffy-Howard
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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful UK beach 'rivals Spanish coastline' with white sands and clear waters
A breathtaking UK beach has been named a firm contender for Spain's sandy shores thanks to its beautiful setting and crystal-clear waters The UK may not always be able to rival the sun-soaked weather you'll find in Spain, but our coastline is definitely giving the holiday hotspot a run for its money. In fact, there's one breathtaking UK beach that's been hailed as a competitor to Spanish shores, thanks to its pristine white sands, turquoise waters and picture-perfect surroundings that wouldn't be out of place on a postcard. Throw in the plethora of nearby hotels, restaurants and bars, and it's not difficult to see why Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall is such a hit with Brits planning a staycation. The National Trust site gets its white sands from the soft shells that form its shores, while the crystal-clear waters and freshwater stream make it a must-visit on those hot summer days. Wildlife fans may also want to keep their eyes peeled for the variety of birds that call the region home, not to mention you can even spot basking sharks and dolphins between May and October. The travel experts at have named it as one of their go-to 'dupes' for Spain, explaining: "If you're looking for a beach in the UK that offers white sand, dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and lush greenery similar to the Costa Brava in north-east Spain, then head to Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall. "Reminiscent of a tropical paradise, the beach is framed by towering cliffs, providing a peaceful retreat from the wind, and a scenic backdrop that enhances its secluded and calm atmosphere. Lastly, the beach's clear waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring marine life." Over on Tripadvisor, visitors have plenty of positive reviews of the shoreline, although a few have warned that the nearby car park can fill up quickly so you may want to have a few alternatives in your back pocket if you are planning to visit. "What a lovely beach," wrote one happy holidaymaker. "Fairly small bay with clean sand. It has quite a steep drop off so isn't great for children playing in the surf. It has toilets, a cafe and car park very close." Another added: "A must do on your trip to Cornwall. Parking is difficult so plan ahead. The sea positively sparkles in the sunlight. It's one of the most picturesque spots on the island." For one holidaymaker, even some bad luck with the weather couldn't affect the beauty of the area. They wrote: "Just stunning. One of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. First time at Porthcurno and will definitely be returning. Just hope it doesn't rain this time." Meanwhile, fans of the hit TV show Poldark may also recognise the spectacular coastline, as it served as a filming location. According to the National Trust, it doubled up as Nampara Cove in the first season, as well as the second series where it provided the backdrop for a dream sequence in which Demelza and Ross enjoy a stroll. There's plenty to see and do in the area too. One major highlight has to be the iconic Minack Theatre, a unique outdoor theatre that's built into the cliffs and overlooks sea, making for some seriously Instagram-worthy views. Meanwhile hikers may want to don their sturdy boots and take on one of the countless trails along the cliffs; the South West Coastal Path passes through the region if you're looking to tick it off the bucket list!
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Telegraph
How entry fees took over Britain's countryside
Growing stretches of the English countryside are 'falling behind a paywall,' campaigners warn as national parks grapple with drastic funding cuts. The Peak District National Park Authority caused uproar last week when executives said they were mulling the introduction of a £1 entry fee. Meanwhile, visitors to the New Forest face fresh parking charges. Elsewhere, centuries-old free access to Lord Bathurst's Cirencester Park in Gloucestershire was monetised last year, access to a popular waterfall on Dorset's Bridehead Estate was blocked as of Monday, and the National Trust has hiked its membership fees by 25pc in the space of just three years. While the fees may be small, campaigners say they underpin a crisis of growing inaccessibility to Britain's beauty spots. Recent government research found that 34pc of people do not have access to a woodland larger than 50 acres within 4km of their home. And just 8pc of land in England is covered by the right to roam – making it one of the worst rate rates in Europe, according to a separate 2022 study. Lewis Winks, of the Right to Roam campaign, said: 'From entry fees for historically open parks, to pay-for-permission wild camping and river swimming, the paywalling of the countryside is quietly shutting the public out. 'Britain already has the lowest levels of nature connectedness in Europe – we should be making it easier for everyone to get outside, not creating more barriers.' National park entry fees An entry fee to England's most accessible national park, the Peak District, has been suggested by its chief executive Phil Mulligan. 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. The dwindling of funds comes as the Peak District grapples with parking mayhem, overcrowding and litter problems which have blighted popular attractions such as Mam Tor. Mr Mulligan told the BBC that the park, which has around 13 million visitors per year, has cut 10pc of its staff in recent months and suffered a 50pc real terms funding cut over the last decade. A 10p per person fee would cover its recent losses, while a bolder £1 rate would eliminate the need for core government funding. The idea has been backed by the Reform UK leader of Derbyshire County Council. But the Peak District isn't alone in considering an admission charge. Kevin Bishop, chief executive of the Dartmoor National Park Authority, questioned if the rugged moorlands need to become the 'equivalent to a low-emission zone' where 'you get charged entry'. As reported by The Times, he said a public debate was needed on how national parks' upkeep should be paid for. 'Are you going to have a national park funding model whereby you have to pay a hiking licence, like you have to do in some countries every time you want to go for a walk?' The prospect of enforcing entry fees to access our national parks – which would need to be greenlit by the Government – has split opinion. Diane Drinkwater, of the British Beekeepers Association, believes access to nature 'should never become a luxury', and stresses that revenue raised must be ring-fenced and reinvested into the natural world. Kate Ashbrook, of the Open Spaces Society, said the group 'would certainly object to a fee just to enter an area', while regular Peak District hiker, Chloe Groom, said: 'The people who will be hit hardest are those that visit the national park two or three times a week. This takes enjoying the outdoors from a free and accessible activity to one that has a price tag.' Reacting after news broke of the potential £1 charge, Telegraph reader, Lee McLoughlin, commented: 'Here begins the monetising of outdoor spaces. Hell awaits society.' Mike Ross, who labelled the proposal 'ridiculous', said 'soon we won't be able to visit any part of the country without paying fees. What is life coming to?'. A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesman said: 'Our national parks are a source of great national pride, which is why this government is providing them with a capital uplift of £15m. 'This is in addition to the £400m we are investing in restoring nature across the country. We are also helping national parks cut through bureaucracy and take an entrepreneurial approach to boost earnings.' Car park fees continue to climb Cash-strapped authorities have also been accused of exploiting Britain's beauty spots via their car parking fees. A minimum stay at Snowdon's popular Pen-y-Pass car park costs £20. Staying for a full day sets visitors back £40. Examples of rate increases at beauty spots are endless. Despite strong opposition, Leeds City Council this year introduced parking charges at five of its parklands, while Labour-run Birmingham City Council is pushing to bring in controversial rates at a trio of parks visited by thousands each year. The year-round fees, costing up to £5 a day, are proposed for Sutton Park, Sheldon Country Park and Lickey Hills Country Park. Ewan Mackey, a Conservative councillor, said: 'These parks were given to the people of this city for their use in perpetuity, for the benefit of their health and well-being. 'They weren't given to the council to be used as an out in Labour's ongoing cycle of crises.' The council concedes the charges are 'unpopular', but said in a report that it is 'reasonable to ask park users to contribute financially to [their] upkeep'. Elsewhere, Forestry England is considering introducing fees at its 130 car parks in the New Forest. Branded 'highly immoral' and a 'penny pinching' tactic by critics, the public body is understood to be eyeing up the parking price plan for next year. It partly blamed the need to charge motorists on 'prolonged bad weather' which has damaged its car parks and increased maintenance bills. A spokesman said: 'Caring for the New Forest has become increasingly expensive in recent years. This includes the price of vital materials needed to repair and maintain the car parks that have increased by more than 50pc over the last three years. 'At the same time, higher levels of damage to trails and car parks have been caused by prolonged bad weather and increasing usage.' Forestry England said less than 20pc of its funding comes from the Government. The spokesman added: 'We need to raise the majority of funds for car parks, trails and all of the work we do, ourselves. A sustainable approach to funding is needed if we are going to be able to continue to do this vital work and provide these facilities.' For those regularly using beauty spot car parks, annual membership with charities and organisations such as the National Trust, RSPB and Forestry Commission continues to be the most cost-effective option. Locations such as the White Cliffs of Dover (£6 per car) charge for parking, but the sites are free to use for members. Those looking to save on National Trust annual membership can purchase a National Trust for Scotland annual pass for £74.40, and still benefit from the parking perks in the rest of the UK. This is £22 cheaper than buying traditional National Trust membership.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Three new family-friendly summer events that kids will love from obstacle courses to circus classes
AS June emerges and the school summer holidays loom, The National Trust has revealed its top events for the summer. From houses to gardens, The National Trust has hundreds of sites - all with different histories and stories. 5 Across 180 National Trust places for the six weeks of the school summer holidays, there will be Summer of Play. This includes gardens and parks jam-packed with free drop-in activities and playful experiences. Some venues will have mini stages, others will have meadow mazes. Families will also be able to build dens, experiment in craft corners, learn circus skills, visit pirate lairs, experience sensory spaces and burrow in cost reading nooks. Summer of Play activities are included within admission and there's no need to book. Tom Freshwater, head of visitor programming at The National Trust has picked out some of the top events on this summer. Summer of Play at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland Seaton Delaval may have been one of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh's smallest country houses, but it was home to the larger-than-life Delaval family. Tom explained: "Known as the 'Gay Delavals' due to their high spirited and flamboyant lifestyle, an invitation to one of their parties was the hottest ticket in town. "In an age notorious for extremes of behaviour, they stood apart as the most notorious of all Georgian partygoers and pranksters. "Like a party from the Delavals' Georgian heyday, expect the unexpected with pop up Summer of Play activities throughout the summer." There will be drop-in circus activities, experts with mini circus performances and demonstrations and a recycled junk orchestra. In addition, children can head to the Delaval Playdium play area with multi-level stages, pulleys and leavers which allow 'productions' to be brought to life. Tom added: "See who's competitive in hobby horse races, or delve into a chest full of sports kit and ball games, plus table tennis and badminton and traditional games like tower block building or four-in-a-row." Also, every Friday in the Community Kitchen Garden, there will be the chance to harvest and get crafty with nature - or curl up in the sheltered story corner, with Young Gardeners. 5 Summer of Play at Chirk Castle, Wrexham Steeped in 700 years of history and nestled in the atmospheric Welsh Marches, Chirk Castle is a magnificent 13th Century Medieval fortress that later became a family home for over 400 years. Tom shared: "With far-reaching views over the Cheshire and Shropshire plains, 480 acres of working farmland and 4.5 acres of award-winning gardens, Chirk's estate makes for a stunning backdrop to the perfect summer adventure. "And of course, no visit would be complete without an exploration of the Medieval castle itself, with stunning gardens, preserved dungeons and state rooms fit for a king." This summer, families can head to Chirk Castle's Big Play Adventure - an outdoor experience for young adventurers. 5 There will be four themed zones to be explored, inspired by the estate itself - Forest, Meadow, Stream and Kitchen Garden. "Each zone is packed with interactive activities designed to spark imagination and encourage active play," Tom added. "From den building and designing your own obstacle course to relaxing in the mindfulness zone and engaging in imaginative play, there's hands-on fun for everyone. "Finish your adventure by climbing the straw bale lookout posts to admire your creative efforts from above." Summer of Play at Hanbury Hall, Worcesterhsire Hanbury Hall is a country retreat in the heart of Worcestershire. "This year's Summer of Play [at Hanbury Hall] is inspired by the magnificent wall paintings inside the Hall, and the Victorian fetes held by the Vernon family," Tom revealed. 5 "Challenge your family to play traditional fete games including coconut shy, hoopla, and tin can alley. "Dance around a giant maypole, dress up as historic characters and put on your own show, and get your heart pumping with games of football, badminton, and cricket." Amongst the activities, there will also be opportunities for smaller children to let off steam, including a play area, building blocks, rocker bikes, balance boards and a sensory table. Events include circus skills, face painting and bracelet making too. The National Trust also recently revealed its top family-friendly attractions for May half term with fairytale castles and 'book jungles'. Plus, The National Trust's best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks. 5
