Latest news with #GowerPeninsula
The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
Beautiful UK getaways you shouldn't miss this summer
At Independent Travel we know that some of the best breaks can be found right on your doorstep, so in this week's TravelSmart the team is exploring the very best of the UK. Assistant Travel Editor Emilee Tombs suggests Rye for a romantic weekend getaway and shares the best things to do on the Gower Peninsula, while Travel Writer Amelia Neath reveals why Newcastle makes the perfect UK city break. Plus, where to find beautiful beaches and unique hikes in Scotland. Watch TravelSmart on Independent TV.
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Hiccups helps save 20 people from Rhossili Worm's Head Hotel fire
A man woken by hiccups in the night described it as a "surreal" experience to help save 20 guests from a major fire at a landmark hotel. Chef Morgan Matthews spotted the flames, woke his colleague Joe Clayfield, and the pair ran through the car park in their underwear, desperately searching for phone signal to call the fire Worm's Head Hotel, overlooking the Gower Peninsula in Rhossili, was badly damaged in the early hours on Monday. Both men said they were "just so happy" that everyone escaped safely and proud of the community's support. Mr Matthews said he had been plagued by hiccups for three days and was "being driven mad", which kept him awake and scrolling on his phone. Although he did not see any smoke or hear any noise, he spotted the fire. After waking a "frightened" Mr Clayfield, Mr Matthews said they ran out immediately to try and call the fire pair were "running around the carpark trying to find service" - they eventually got hold of them after three attempts. "Buildings can be rebuilt, you know, but human life is worth so much, so much more," Mr Matthews said."I'm sure the gravity will sink in soon enough. "I think we're staying pretty humble with it for now." Mr Clayfield, who works alongside Mr Matthews at The View Cafe in Rhossili, said he doesn't see himself as a "hero" but rather someone who was "in the right place at the right time". He called Mr Matthews "the real hero" and added: "If he hadn't been awake, I don't want to know what could have happened."When they learned everyone had escaped without injury, the pair shared a moment they'll "remember forever". Mr Clayfield said: "I was so happy. "It was just pure relief. "We just hugged each other standing there."Although grateful there were no casualties, Mr Clayfield said he "can't imagine what the family of the Wormshead are going through at the minute" and wished them the "best of luck" as they work to rebuild.
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Britain's best walks revealed - is there one near YOU?
Brits love getting out and exploring this green and pleasant land – and now the best walks to take across the nation has been named. There are incredible routes to be found in England, Scotland and Wales – with a popular West Country destination coming out as the overall winner. The research saw consumer group Which? Pick more than 50 walks that could be easily trekked in a day – no more than 13 miles (20km). It then asked its members to rank them on everything from the scenery along the route, the food and drink opportunities along the way, and peace and quiet. There's also an 'ease of walking' category that judges how difficult they are to hike. The Lizard peninsula circuit, in southern Cornwall, is named the best walk in the UK, with a total score of 87 per cent. The seven-mile route usually takes around three hours from the village of Lizard, and is described by Which? as 'the place to head for a blow-away-the-cobwebs walk'. 'Visitors told us they appreciated the dramatic scenery, the abundance of wildflowers and the possibility of spotting a red-legged chough or bobbing seals and basking sharks in the tumbling waves,' it adds. The best walk in Wales, which also scored 87 per cent and is another coastal course, is the Rhossili headland walk. The Gower Peninsula loop, with a difficulty rating of two out of five across its 3.5 miles, takes in a long sweep of Rhossili beach and views of Worm's Head, a tidal island. Which? recommends a meal at the Worm's Head Hotel following the stroll, where you can expect traditional pub food with local highlights, such as Welsh rarebit, cockles and laverbread. The Lake District's Buttermere circuit and the Craster to Dunstanburgh, in Northumberland, came in closely behind, each snatching an 86 per cent score. The former is judged to be one out of five for ease. It's flat and great for families, leading between the shore and the dramatic mountains. As for the Craster to Dunstanburgh route, the romantic ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle are in view throughout, and walkers should look out for fulmars and razorbill – and, further out to sea, you might spot a grey seal. It's around 2.6 miles, scoring highly for scenery and wildlife. In Scotland, the best walk is Fife's Crail to Anstruther journey, four miles along and achieving a score of 84 per cent from Which? members. 'The Fife Coastal Path links its fishing villages with their stone harbours, pantile-roof cottages and Dutch-style merchants' houses – all of which remain steadfastly unspoilt,' say the consumer champions. As for an end-of-walk reward, the town is home to the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar & Restaurant – known for its light and crispy batter. Other notable walks include Bottalack Mine Walk in Cornwall, heading up Dorset's Golden Cap, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar walk in North Yorkshire, The Needles and Tennyson Down on the Isle of Wight, and another North Yorkshire entry with the Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay trail. Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel said: 'The UK has an amazing variety of walks and our list highlights how there is beautiful scenery to enjoy in every corner of the country. 'From historic ruins, beautiful shorelines and seal spotting, our research shows you don't have to be a seasoned hiker and many walks also include cosy cafes and charming local pubs if you do need a rest and some refreshments.' The results were based on almost 3,000 experiences from 1,310 'Which Connect' members, with the talk score combining overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
Times
21-06-2025
- Times
Heading to the seaside? 46 great places to surf, ride, paddleboard and snorkel
When the sun is shining, there's nothing quite like the British seaside. With temperatures set to soar this weekend, why not try a different way to cool off at the beach? From joining a beginner-friendly surf lesson on Wales' stunning Gower Peninsula to galloping along the Irish coast on horseback, or spotting seals in secluded bays, our experts have rounded up the best British beaches to make the most of the coast. A quiet harbour village lined with pebble-cobbled cottages and a black and white boathouse, Burnham-Overy-Staithe makes a picturesque starting point for a paddle through north Norfolk's tidal creeks. At low tide the silent creek lies empty, however by high tide it stirs to life as dinghies, crabbers and paddleboarders drift out towards Scolt Head Island. Launch from the village car park, as the tide begins to rise, and follow Overy Creek through a maze of salt marshes. These marshes, rich in sea lavender, samphire and sea aster, are among the most ecologically important in the UK.
Daily Mail
07-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Man, 50, dies at British beauty spot after getting into trouble swimming in the sea
A 50-year-old man has died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the sea in South Wales. Coastguard crews, police and paramedics rushed to Tor Bay near Penmaen village on the Gower Peninsula on Friday afternoon after being alerted of the incident. When they arrived, a 50-year-old man was pulled from the water at around 1pm, South Wales Police said. The man, from Sandfields, Swansea, was declared dead at the scene by paramedics at around 4pm. SWP said the man's family has been informed. A witness to the tragic scene told The Sun that a coast guard member had cautioned the area is known for 'dangerous waters' and 'frequent riptides'. They continued: 'There were many emergency services working together to recover the man. They added: 'It looked like they were trying to resuscitate him in the helicopter. 'Afterwards, the climbing team returned to their vehicles and when we spoke to them, he said the man didn't survive.'
