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Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Moment police chase county lines drugs gang across 17th century estate before officers ram car in field
Police hunted a county lines drugs gang in the sunset across a 17th century estate before ramming their car in a field. Officers were hot on the trails of Connor Darwent, 27, wanted on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs when they spotted him driving on the A46 towards Lincoln. Intense footage shows a pair of two young men relentlessly pursued across a five-mile journey in their powerful BMW 1 Series. They finally spiral off a farm track and come to halt in the middle of a field which allows officers to ram the car head-on and jump out before smashing in the BMW's windows. The last ditch attempt to evade police came despite Darwent's tyres being shredded by a police stinger as he sped through the grounds of the 17th century Doddington Hall. Police point their Taser guns at the men inside in the car and shout 'stay there' and nobody move' before dragging them out roughly onto the grass. Darwent was a courier making regular journeys between Coventry and Skegness to reload the lucrative 'Abs line'. Police say the drug line was worth up to £252,000 to the gang who supplied around 5.8kg of cocaine to dealers and users. He was caught during the chase which took place on May 24, 2022, as he hurtled down country roads. Darwent, of Hinckley, Leicstershire, admitted conspiracy to supply class A drugs and dangerous driving and was jailed for two-and-a-half years on Thursday. Three other members of the gang were also sentenced after admitting conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Kirsty Reilly, 32, of Coventry, who drove the drugs from Coventry to Skegness, was jailed for three years. Sarah Makey, 47, of Skegness, received a 21-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work. Her husband Nathan, 48, of Sheffield, dealt drugs and sent out marketing messages on his phone on behalf of the holder of the Abs line, Alistair Renwick. Renwick was jailed for nine years in April. Makey will be sentenced in August. Liam Tomkins, 25, of Hinkley, Leicstershire, was jailed for three-and-a-half years in his absence after failing to appear at court. The convictions mark the conclusion of a major operation to smash eight separate drugs lines which flooded Lincolnshire's coastal towns with crack cocaine and heroin. Lincolnshire Police launched the programme against organised crime along the county's east coast following an increase in gang violence in September 2022. Since then, more than 70 people have been arrested resulting in prison sentences totalling more than 120 years. Detective Inspector Will Tharby, of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: 'Drug dealing reaches far beyond those directly involved in the exchange of money for drugs. 'Its ripple effects fuel antisocial behaviour, robbery, burglary, and violence-not just among those entrenched in the drug trade, but across entire communities. 'Families, neighbours, and local businesses all feel the weight of drug-related crime, facing its disruptive and often devastating consequences. 'We've dismantled a thoroughly harmful operation, taken drugs off the streets, and sent a clear message - criminal networks will not thrive in Lincolnshire's communities.'
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Off-the-radar day trips for May bank holiday and half term
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AS the May Bank Holiday weekend and half-term quickly approaches, you might be at a loss for things to do. Luckily, we have got you covered with 10 off-the-radar historic gems from around the UK. 11 Many of the destinations are within easy reach of a train station Credit: Doddington Hall HeritageXplore has partnered with Trainline to suggest a bunch of day trips that can be reached by train - although some will need a bike ride at the other end too. Read on to find out more... Hatfield House, Hertfordshire Nearest station: Hatfield – six minute cycle (0.7 miles) or a 10 minute walk. Just 25 minutes from London, Hatfield House is where Queen Elizabeth I spent her childhood. A place of pageantry, political intrigue and spectacular Jacobean architecture — today, you can tour the ornate rooms, wander sculptural gardens, and grab a flat white in the stable yard. Cycle tips: If you take the fast train (25 minutes) from London King's Cross, bike reservations are not required. However, it is important to avoid peak travel times, as you may be asked to remove your bike if the train is too busy. There's also a bike shed in the visitor's car park at the site to park up and take a look around the house. Pretty English town an hour from London is trending day trip destination 11 Doddington Hall has seasonal sculpture trails and wild gardens Credit: Doddington Hall Doddington Hall & Gardens, Lincolnshire Nearest Station: Lincoln - 31 minute cycle (six miles). This Elizabethan mansion, built in 1600, is buzzing with creativity. Still family-owned and full of personality, it blends heritage with art, seasonal sculpture trails, wild gardens, and perhaps one of the best farm shops you'll ever visit. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Nottingham, you don't need to reserve a space for your bike. If you have a folding bike, you can store it in the same way you would store luggage. There are secure bike stands on-site, and a whole guide to cycling for when you arrive with lots of lovely trails, including the Georgie Twigg Track and a mountain bike trail. Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire Nearest Station: Cheltenham Spa – 54 minute cycle (8.9 miles) or take the bus from the station via the Stagecoach W or Pulhams 606 services. Upon arrival at Winchcombe, it's approximately 15-minute walk to the castle or you can take the seasonal shuttle service from the station. Tucked into the Cotswold hills, Sudeley offers a deeply romantic mix of Tudor history and sprawling horticultural magic. Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's final wife, rests here — the only English queen buried on private land. 11 Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's final wife, is buried at Sudeley Castle — the only English queen buried on private land Credit: Alamy Roam the ruins, visit the 15th-century chapel, or picnic in the rose garden, surrounded by peacocks. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Birmingham New Street, most trains have two reservable cycle spaces and one further space for unreserved cycles. Cycles without a reservation are accepted on a first come, first served basis. There's also bike storage facilities on site for when you arrive. Haddon Hall, Derbyshire Nearest Station: Matlock – 35 minute cycle (6.5 miles) or take the bus from the Matlock Bus Station via the TransPeak (TP) or the 6.1 from Platform 1 towards Buxton or Bakewell. One of England's best-preserved medieval manor houses — and a film star, too, having appeared in Pride & Prejudice and The Other Boleyn Girl amongst many others. Explore its storybook courtyards, stroll by the riverside, and stop by the restaurant for their renowned afternoon tea. 11 Parts of Pride & Prejudice were filmed at Haddon Hall Credit: Alamy Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Derby, bike reservations are not required but are generally allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. There's also space to lock up your bikes at the site behind the Ticket Office, and electric bike charging is provided. Beaulieu, Hampshire Nearest Station: Brockenhurst – 31 minute cycle (six miles) or, during the summer months, the New Forest Tour's Green Route connects the station directly to the house via open-top bus. Alongside the gothic-style Palace House and romantic abbey ruins, you'll find the National Motor Museum — with classic cars, F1 icons and even Bond vehicles. And the destination is all set within the New Forest National Park - so bring your walking shoes as you'll most likely want to stay a while. 11 Beaulieu is home to gothic-style Palace House and romantic abbey ruins Credit: Alamy Cycle tips: If travelling from Southampton, reservations for bikes are not required. The New Forest has a number of beautiful cycle paths for you to explore in the local area, and Beaulieu has bike parking facilities on-site. Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire Nearest Station: Stamford – one-hour-and-six-minutes (11.7 miles) or take the bus directly from Peterborough via the 101 to Drummond Road, then swap to the 404 to The Black Horse Inn, a short walk from the castle. With its grand façade and sweeping grounds, Grimsthorpe was made for the screen — and starred in Bridgerton, no less. In real life, it's even better - expect royal stories, rambling summer walks, and a brilliant adventure playground for younger explorers. 11 Parts of Bridgerton were filmed at Grimsthorpe Castle Credit: Alamy Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Peterborough, reserving a space is recommended - most trains have two reservable cycle spaces and one further space for unreserved cycles. Cycles without a reservation are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also bike facilities are available at Grimsthorpe, but you will need to bring a lock. Also nearby is Lord Willoughby's Railway - a line that was in operation between July 1856 and July 1873. It runs from the village of Edenham to the main London line at Little Bytham – there's a cycle path along its historical site. Newby Hall & Gardens, North Yorkshire Nearest Station: Knaresborough – 59 minute cycle (11.8 miles) or take the bus directly from York via the 22 service towards Ripon and alight at Skelton on Ure, a four-minute walk from the hall. 11 Newby Hall and Gardens boasts amazing neoclassical interiors Credit: PA Inside, you'll find Robert Adam's stunning neoclassical interiors and one of the UK's best private collections of sculpture. Then outside, there is one of the country's longest double herbaceous borders and a Teddy Bear House housing over 1,000 bears — from Paddington to Fozzie. Cycle tips: If you are taking the train from York, reservations are not available and there's a limit of two bikes per train. Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire Nearest Station: Northampton – one hour cycle (11.1 miles) or take the Stagecoach X7 bus from the Northampton Bus Interchange towards Market Harborough and alight at The Swan, a five-minute walk away from the hall. 11 Lamport Hall was once home to Sir Charles Isham — who introduced garden gnomes to Britain Credit: Alamy Once home to Sir Charles Isham — who introduced garden gnomes to Britain — Lamport is a peaceful spot for art lovers and slow-day-out seekers alike. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Birmingham New Street, no bike reservations are required – it's a maximum of two bikes allowed on each train. Cyclists are welcome at the Hall, with bike parking available in the stable yard – just bring a lock. Stonor Park, Oxfordshire Nearest Station: Henley-on-Thames – 31 minute cycle (5.5 miles). Still lived in by the same family after 850 years, Stonor is full of heart and history. 11 The same family has lived at Stonor Park for 850 years Credit: Alamy Wander the meadow paths, sip tea on the terrace, and dip into the medieval chapel — it's the kind of place that makes you want to stay for the weekend. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Reading, it's a short trip but you'll need to change at Twyford. Bike reservations are not required on either train but it's best to avoid peak hours. You can find lots of fab routes for cycling around the site and there's a Cyclepod repair station, an air pump and dedicated bike parking on-site. Elveden Hall, Suffolk Nearest Station: Thetford – 36 minute cycle (4.1 miles) or take the 82 bus towards Bury St Edmunds and alight at Elveden Post Office, which is a seven-minute walk from the hall. One of the most intriguing houses in the country, Elveden was once home to Maharajah Duleep Singh — the exiled last ruler of the Sikh Empire — who made this quiet corner of Suffolk his sanctuary. 11 Elveden Hall is usually closed to the public, but you can now book exclusive guided access via HeritageXplore Credit: Elveden Hall A rare blend of Indian heritage and English country life, the house is usually closed to the public, but you can now book exclusive guided access via HeritageXplore. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and cake in the courtyard before perusing the shops or take a spin on the off-road 4x4 trail. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Cambridge, you don't need to reserve a bike space. There are lots of interesting and varied cycle routes when you get there too. A Brit also discovered the best day trip to see the Northern Lights from London. Plus, nine of our top winter day trips that are great even in rain and snow… from kid-friendly museums to seafront shows.
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Off-the-radar day trips for May bank holiday and half term
AS the May Bank Holiday weekend and half-term quickly approaches, you might be at a loss for things to do. Luckily, we have got you covered with 10 off-the-radar historic gems from around the UK. Advertisement 11 Many of the destinations are within easy reach of a train station Credit: Doddington Hall Read on to find out more... Hatfield House, Hertfordshire Nearest station: Hatfield – six minute cycle (0.7 miles) or a 10 minute walk. Just 25 minutes from London, Hatfield House is where Queen Elizabeth I spent her childhood. A place of pageantry, political intrigue and spectacular Jacobean architecture — today, you can tour the ornate rooms, wander sculptural gardens, and grab a flat white in the stable yard. Advertisement Read more on day trips Cycle tips: If you take the fast train (25 minutes) from However, it is important to avoid peak travel times, as you may be asked to remove your bike if the train is too busy. There's also a bike shed in the visitor's car park at the site to park up and take a look around the house. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Pretty English town an hour from London is trending day trip destination 11 Doddington Hall has seasonal sculpture trails and wild gardens Credit: Doddington Hall Doddington Hall & Gardens, Lincolnshire Nearest Station: Lincoln - 31 minute cycle (six miles). This Elizabethan mansion, built in 1600, is buzzing with creativity. Still family-owned and full of personality, it blends heritage with art, seasonal Cycle tips: Advertisement If you are travelling from Nottingham, you don't need to reserve a space for your bike. If you have a folding bike, you can store it in the same way you would store luggage. There are secure bike stands on-site, and a Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire Nearest Station: Cheltenham Spa – 54 minute cycle (8.9 miles) or take the bus from the station via the Stagecoach W or Pulhams 606 services. Advertisement Upon arrival at Winchcombe, it's approximately 15-minute walk to the castle or you can take the seasonal shuttle service from the station. Tucked into the Cotswold hills, Sudeley offers a deeply romantic mix of Tudor history and sprawling horticultural magic. Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's final wife, rests here — the only English queen buried on private land. 11 Queen Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's final wife, is buried at Sudeley Castle — the only English queen buried on private land Credit: Alamy Advertisement Roam the ruins, visit the 15th-century chapel, or Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Birmingham New Street, most trains have two reservable cycle spaces and one further space for unreserved cycles. Cycles without a reservation are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Advertisement There's also bike storage facilities on site for when you arrive. Haddon Hall, Derbyshire Nearest Station: Matlock – 35 minute cycle (6.5 miles) or take the bus from the Matlock Bus Station via the TransPeak (TP) or the 6.1 from Platform 1 towards Buxton or Bakewell. One of England's best-preserved medieval manor houses — and a film star, too, having appeared in Pride & Prejudice and The Other Boleyn Girl amongst many others. Explore its storybook courtyards, stroll by the riverside, and stop by the restaurant for their renowned afternoon tea. 11 Parts of Pride & Prejudice were filmed at Haddon Hall Credit: Alamy Advertisement Cycle tips: If you are travelling from There's also space to lock up your bikes at the site behind the Ticket Office, and electric bike charging is provided. Beaulieu, Hampshire Nearest Station: Brockenhurst – 31 minute cycle (six miles) or, during the summer months, the New Forest Tour's Green Route connects the station directly to the house via open-top bus. Alongside the gothic-style Palace House and romantic abbey ruins, you'll find the National Motor Museum — with classic cars , F1 icons and even Advertisement And the destination is all set within the New Forest National Park - so bring your walking shoes as you'll most likely want to stay a while. 11 Beaulieu is home to gothic-style Palace House and romantic abbey ruins Credit: Alamy Cycle tips: If travelling from Southampton, reservations for bikes are not required. Advertisement The New Forest has a number of beautiful cycle paths for you to explore in the local area, and Beaulieu has bike parking facilities on-site. Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire Nearest Station: Stamford – one-hour-and-six-minutes (11.7 miles) or take the bus directly from With its grand façade and sweeping grounds, Grimsthorpe was made for the screen — and starred in Bridgerton , no less. In real life , it's even better - expect royal stories, rambling summer walks, and a brilliant 11 Parts of Bridgerton were filmed at Grimsthorpe Castle Credit: Alamy Advertisement Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Peterborough, reserving a space is recommended - most trains have two reservable cycle spaces and one further space for unreserved cycles. Cycles without a reservation are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. There are also bike facilities are available at Grimsthorpe, but you will need to bring a lock. Advertisement Also nearby is Lord Willoughby's Railway - a line that was in operation between July 1856 and July 1873. It runs from the village of Edenham to the main London line at Little Bytham – there's a cycle path along its historical site. Newby Hall & Gardens, North Yorkshire Nearest Station: Knaresborough – 59 minute cycle (11.8 miles) or take the bus directly from York via the 22 service towards Ripon and alight at Skelton on Ure, a four-minute walk from the hall. 11 Newby Hall and Gardens boasts amazing neoclassical interiors Credit: PA Advertisement Inside, you'll find Robert Adam's stunning neoclassical interiors and one of the UK's best private Then outside, there is one of the country's longest double herbaceous borders and a Teddy Bear House housing over 1,000 bears — from Cycle tips: If you are taking the train from York, reservations are not available and there's a limit of two bikes per train. Advertisement Lamport Hall, Northamptonshire Nearest Station: Northampton – one hour cycle (11.1 miles) or take the Stagecoach X7 bus from the Northampton Bus Interchange towards Market Harborough and alight at The Swan, a five-minute walk away from the hall. 11 Lamport Hall was once home to Sir Charles Isham — who introduced garden gnomes to Britain Credit: Alamy Once home to Sir Charles Isham — who introduced garden gnomes to Britain — Lamport is a peaceful spot for art lovers and slow-day-out seekers alike. Cycle tips: Advertisement If you are travelling from Birmingham New Street, no bike reservations are required – it's a maximum of two bikes allowed on each train. Cyclists are welcome at the Hall, with bike parking available in the stable yard – just bring a lock. Stonor Park, Oxfordshire Nearest Station: Henley-on-Thames – 31 minute cycle (5.5 miles). Still lived in by the same family after 850 years, Stonor is full of heart and history. Advertisement 11 The same family has lived at Stonor Park for 850 years Credit: Alamy Wander the meadow paths, sip tea on the terrace, and dip into the Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Reading, it's a short trip but you'll need to change at Twyford. Advertisement Bike reservations are not required on either train but it's best to avoid peak hours. You can find lots of fab routes for Elveden Hall, Suffolk Nearest Station: Thetford – 36 minute cycle (4.1 miles) or take the 82 bus towards Bury St Edmunds and alight at Elveden Post Office , which is a seven-minute walk from the hall. One of the most intriguing houses in the country, Elveden was once home to Maharajah Duleep Singh — the exiled last ruler of the Sikh Empire — who made this quiet corner of Suffolk his sanctuary. 11 Elveden Hall is usually closed to the public, but you can now book exclusive guided access via HeritageXplore Credit: Elveden Hall Advertisement A rare blend of Indian heritage and English country life, the house is usually closed to the public, but you can now book exclusive guided access via HeritageXplore. Afterwards, enjoy coffee and cake in the courtyard before perusing the shops or take a spin on the off-road 4x4 trail. Cycle tips: If you are travelling from Cambridge, you don't need to reserve a bike space. Advertisement There are lots of interesting and varied cycle routes when you get there too. A Brit also discovered Plus, 11 The different locations provide the perfect days out for some historical adventures Credit: Alamy Advertisement
