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Wales Online
3 days ago
- Wales Online
Thug seagulls filmed causing chaos in Tenby in pincer attack on tourists eating outside pub
Thug seagulls filmed causing chaos in Tenby in pincer attack on tourists eating outside pub A video captured the well co-ordinated theft that happened in broad daylight and caused shouts and the sound of smashing items There was chaos outside a Tenby pub when seagulls swooped down on a woman peacefully having some food on an outside table. There was shouting and the sound of items crashing to the floor from the table as the large and brazen birds helped themselves to whatever was on there. For a number of years now seagulls have been a problem in Tenby, often swooping down to grab chips and other food items directly from people's hands or laps. Research in 2024 saw whichbingo create a list of the top spots to potentially have your grub pinched by a seagull and Tenby appeared at number 14. The sight of a seagull swooping down onto an unattended plate outside the Lifeboat Tavern will only add to the growing list of videos shared on social media platforms of the food thieves in action. The poor woman sitting at the table can be heard shouting with shock as up to five gulls swoop, steal, and even manage to break a glass, before a heroic diner at a nearby table rushes to shoo them away. Article continues below READ MORE: Man shares how to say animal names in Welsh – and people can't stop laughing YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Woman marries Welshman so Gavin & Stacey-loving friends plan iconic hen do Bird one has landed, bird two is on its way (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) The tavern, located in Tenby's main high street and looking stunning painted in a rich shade of red, has been run by the same family since 2003 and is popular with local residents and visitors. The establishment offers cocktails and coffee and is known for 'hearty homecooked food' which clearly also appeals to a more discerning seagull palette than a boring Greggs sausage roll from a few blocks up the street, or your regular ice cream from a beachside kiosk, stolen from you while sitting on the soft sands of South Beach. Bird three is looking to land (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) Of course, the Lifeboat Tavern is not the only place where seagulls roam, looking to find their next 'takeaway' meal, they can strike anywhere - a beer garden, a pavement alfresco dining area, or even just as you're strolling down the street enjoying your tasty food - until you're not because it's in the gull's mouth and flying away. The popular Pembrokeshire coastal town has become potentially more famous than the only other Welsh location on the seagull attack list - Aberystwyth, Ceredigion appearing at number 12 - arguably because of a single gull who local people have named Steven Seagal. Birds 3, 4 and 5 are circling above ready to swoop down (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) Jan Riley, who works at the Pembrokeshire Pasty and Pie Company at St George's Street in Tenby, told WalesOnline all about Steven in 2024. She said: "We've got a church over the road and it's basically on the corner of the gate and it still sits there and waits until you pass and he's on you. It could be the same one because he's quite clever. We watch him waiting there and he's hoping the people passing don't spot him. We do get it quite regularly because people come back and say: 'You'll never guess what, he's taken my pasty. It happens quite often." Hero diner saves the day but not before the seagulls have smashed glasses as well as stolen leftover food (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) Jonathan May at the Three Mariners Pub, which is directly opposite Steven's plinth, said: 'He's there right now. People love him. He's the most famous seagull in history.' Seagull food stealing happens across the UK, from steak in Padstow to chicken takeaways in Swansea, not just at the 16 locations the research by whichbingo mentions, however the frequency of theft has led to the creation of a pecking order of places you're most likely to get a gull guzzling your grub. Locations with the most seagull attacks 2024 according to research 1. Brighton, East Sussex 2. Blackpool, Lancashire 3. Scarborough, North Yorkshire 4. Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire 5. Padstow, Cornwall 6. Skegness, Lincolnshire 7. Wembury, Plymouth, Devon 8 Whitby, North Yorkshire 9. Filey, North Yorkshire 10. Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset 11. Portobello Beach, Edinburgh 12. Aberystwyth, Ceredigion 13. St Ives, Cornwall 14. Tenby, Pembrokeshire 15. Broadsands, Devon 16. Cromer Beach, Norfolk Seagull expert Prof Paul Graham at the University of Sussex told the BBC in 2024 that we should respect seagulls as "clever birds". "When we see behaviours we think of as mischievous or criminal - almost, we're seeing a really clever bird implementing very intelligent behaviour," he said. Prof Graham added that when excluded from their natural habitats by human activities, species that could adapt to urban life, such as the herring gull, "have little choice but to move into urban areas to pick through our waste." The perpetrators leave the scene of the crime (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) Dr Neeltje Boogert, a research fellow in behavioural ecology at the University of Exeter, recently shared her tips on how to avoid seagulls stealing your food with The Daily Mail. She said: "Gulls need an easy or unobstructed approach and escape route if they're going to steal your food. "They will approach from behind, which is blocked when you're standing against a wall, and they're not comfortable flying underneath roofs, parasols, umbrellas or bunting." Dr Boogert also suggested wearing contrasting patterns and colours such as leopard print or black and white stripes. Article continues below And if all that fails - try a staring contest. She added: "Gulls find the human gaze aversive and are less likely to approach your food when you're staring them down."
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
Inside the Welsh seaside town where homes regularly sell for more than £1m
Inside the Welsh seaside town where homes regularly sell for more than £1m It's a location that can easily boast coast, country and city and has a house price way above the Welsh average The town has lovely parks and rows of pretty period properties plus a very popular sea front (Image: David Baker & Co, Penarth / South Wales Property Photography ) There's a seaside town that regularly appears on lists of the best places to live in Wales, either decided by impartial judges or by residents themselves, and it is one of the most active property hot spots in the country for combining an offering of coast, country and city. If you went back in time to over 1,000 years ago you would probably find farm land and areas owned by St Augustine's Abbey in Bristol, and even King Henry VIII, according to the local civic society, but these days Penarth is a thriving town that is popular as a place to call home and to visit regularly by people from the surrounding local area. Just a 10-minute drive from Cardiff the town thrived during the industrial revolution and the development of the train network and from that growth has come streets of grand Victorian villas that regularly sell for over £1m, plus winding roads of traditional period terraces. More recently the abandoned dock and an area of rundown flats have both been regenerated and are now areas of townhouses and apartments. For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. READ MORE: 'It took us 10 years to transform this abandoned public toilet into a lovely home' YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: You can buy half an entire Welsh hamlet and it's gorgeous Popular with residents, the surrounding local population, competition judges and even strangers (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) Article continues below To live in Penarth is to adore the promenade and pier, the parks and the coastal walks, the High Street independent establishments and sea view eateries, the great schools and local sports clubs, and the proximity to Cardiff that makes it the ideal commuter town. For most residents and visitors Penarth appearing regularly in "best places to live" lists is not a surprise. In 2025 the town was named as one of only seven best places to live in 2025 by The Times, with one judge saying: "It's easy to live your best life in this smartest of seaside spots. Penarth is picturesque, thanks to its rows of beautiful properties and a Victorian pier; eminently practical, with good schools and quick links into Cardiff and a haven for foodies. Most people have walked along the esplanade, paddled or tried pebble skimming at the beach (Image: Jo Ridout, Media Wales ) "But what makes it really special is how much is on offer that enriches the quality of life, whatever your age, from paddleboarding to joining one of the many clubs, such as the rowing and yacht clubs or the Dawnstalkers, who brave the water at the seafront at first light each morning." One way to get a feel for a location as a place to live is to chat to a few local estate agents who work and live in the area and get to know it intimately. Richard Baker from local agency David Baker & Co is always keen to chat about the town he has always called home. The town still has its Victorian pier and it's an extra bonus place for a stroll (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) Richard says: " Having lived i n Penarth my whole life, how could I say that I don't love it!? It's a great place to be young, and an even better place to raise a family. We're very happy here and there is just so much to do. "We love walks to the seafront and Cosmeston Lakes, spending time in the town centre and we're active members of a few of the local sports clubs. There is a real sense of community and we love being part of that." Over the decades Richard has seen the property market become exceptionally buoyant. He says: " One of the best things about Penarth is that we have all ki nds of property, ranging from the late 19th Century to the present day and most things in between. "Family homes are always popular whether they are Victorian, Edwardian, pre-war, 1960s or more modern." Walk along the coastal path towards Barry for a pleasant stroll and a nose at some of the expensive homes that line the route (Image: Key Executive Sales, Cardiff ) According to land registry data house prices in Penarth have an overall average of £369,762 over the last year compared to the current Welsh average of £207,382 and the Cardiff average of £299,679. The majority of properties sold in Penarth during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £351,540. Flats sold for an average of £207,416, with semi-detached properties fetching £474,286. Overall, the historical sold prices in Penarth over the last year were 14% down on the previous year and 6% down on the 2022 peak of £394,392. The pier is always popular on a sunny day and includes additional opportunities to pick up a snack or an ice cream (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) Richard says: "The demographics of buyers in Penarth is as broad as the supply of property. At the moment we are very busy with first time buyers and young families upsizing. Older downsizers are still very active too and of course that circle is one that has helped to maintain the market in the town for many, many years." Local agent Murray Shepherd from locally based estate agents Shepherd Sharpe agrees that the town is a special location that attracts a range of buyers. He comments: "A walk along the seafront and cliff top is always very enjoyable. With so much to choose from it's difficult to have a favourite to visit, however Hickman's which has just opened is proving very popular, especially with its fantastic roof terrace providing a wonderful outside space to enjoy a drink in the sunshine. The restore pier pavilion is home to a gallery, café and events space and recently a location for filming Doctor Who (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) "It's difficult to describe Penarth in three words as it has so much to offer, however I think a 'friendly vibrant community' would sum it up nicely." Thirteen years ago local freelance graphic designer 36-year-old John Davies, originally from Aberaeron, felt exactly the same, and chose Penarth to find his forever home in his forever location for a number of tangible reasons that keep the property market active. John says: " Par t of Penarth's charm is that it hardly ever changes, I think that's what people come back for time and time again - the quiet charm that can be found in having an ice cream walking along the esplanade, or a bag of chips on the pier. Many of the residential roads offer large Victorian villas costing over £1m (Image: Google maps ) "That's not to say the town hasn't changed, because anywhere that stays stagnant will fail so Penarth is lucky because it has an active and buoyant high street and if a shop closes it's not very long until a new business will replace it." One of the most noticeable aspects of the town to many visitors is the range of independent businesses on and around the main high street and along the esplanade, that can also boast sea views. Traditional terraces to be found in Penarth too (Image: Jeffrey Ross, Penarth ) John says: "We're super proud and we're super pleased that we have got so many independent businesses and they're successful as well, people visit them and buy from them and that's what makes Penarth such a lovely place to work and live. "You need a good range for the town to be useful for residents as well as visitors, and we have got that lovely mix of successful, independent businesses and some national chains as well." John says that the town, despite its size of 28,394 published in the 2021 census, has many choices of eating establishments, from cafes to pubs, from bistros and bars to food from around the world, that are enjoyed regularly by visitors as well as residents, and he finds it a challenge to choose his favourite. There is a mix of independent shops and eateries as well as national brands (Image: John Myers ) Eventually, John says: "Recently we've been to Hickmans which has been open for two or three months I think, lovely food, the service was good, Bar 44 is always a good bet, especially for some drinks after food as well, there's always a nice vibe in there. "Keyif Turkish restaurant is a nice place, Mehmet who owns it can't do enough for you, he's a very good host. "Brod is always a firm favourite, it has this wonderful magnetic power to it, visitors are just drawn to it, it's very different, very unique, it's a pocket of Copenhagen in Penarth. They've also got a large, industrial style bakery where they make and supply all the cafes - they are in Cardiff Bay and Pontcanna too - and they've got a great apprenticeship programme, so it's a very full and complete business that likes to train young people in the industry as well so it's a nice business model." Newly opened restaurant Hickmans has quickly become a favourite with residents (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) This sense of community and giving something back is another strong pull for people in their desire to move to Penarth, or it's the magnet that keeps them from leaving. John says: " You're never too far away from a friend or a neighbour , and neighbours do tend to get along with each other in a nice, respectful kind of way, like I walked to the office just now and I was stopped several times to have a chat with people, it is that small community feel, you've always got friends and people around you. "There is everything you potentially need in the town but you've also got a capital city a ten minute train ride away. We're super, super lucky, everything on our doorstep." A range of newer properties to discover in the marina area (Image: David Baker & Co, Penarth ) Over the 13 years John and husband Will Summers have lived in Penarth this sense of community has helped them become easily embedded within the town, John designing local publication Penarth View and musician and teacher Will running the local music school called Studio 64. But the couple have also invested in a shared work space called Milkshed Penarth, offering flexible workspaces, hot and fixed desk rental and versatile studio spaces for local businesses as a way to also support local entrepreneurs and start-ups to become established and thrive. Wander along the coastal path to find Willmore's coffee shop (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) The couple have also seen the town continue to develop its vibe of a vibrant place to call home but also not lose its slower pace of life that so many residents cherish, and this is noticeable even to visitors. John says: " We had a friend visit from London for the weekend and we went into Cardiff and he commented on how lovely it was to have everything the city has to offer very near, but how lovely it was to come back to Penarth and just slow down a little bit again." The seafront includes the distinctive Beachcliffe building of homes and businesses on the ground floor (Image: Jo Ridout, WalesOnline ) One of the most pleasant things to do recommended by John is a walk through and past some of the town's landmark locations. He says: " There's a really nice walk - starting at The Turner House gallery, which is a lovely place to spend some time, and then walking through Alexandra Park down to the sea front, to the pier to have an ice cream." While at this coastal location there's more art and creativity to enjoy at the instantly recognisable and restored 1929 Art Deco pier pavilion building that is home to a gallery, event space, and café that has outdoor as well as indoor seating, plus a choice of snack food and drink outlets along the pier that stretches out into the Bristol Channel. Penarth seafront, where the Moon Mermaids meet every month to enjoy a dip in the sea to celebrate the full moon. (Image: Richard Swingler ) Most people who have visited Penarth head for this stretch of the Welsh coast at some point, for a stroll and a snack or to visit one of the number of restaurants and bars that line the esplanade, or maybe treat themselves to something lovely from the homeware shop Shore, and even end up on the beach having a paddle or skimming pebbles. John suggests then continuing your walk along the esplanade as it joins up with the coastal path, moving away from Cardiff and towards Barry. He says: "Follow the coast path and head up to clifftops and there's a little café there called Willmore's, lovely coffee and homemade cakes as well - it's a really nice walk and if you've got sunny weather it's stunning - it's a little walk along the Welsh Riviera!" Another area of the historic town is the marina that looks out over Cardiff Bay, once a thriving dock and now a place to seek out living in a townhouse or apartment with water views as well as a handy place to moor your boat. The range of unique properties and locations on offer that suits people within different life stages from the marina to traditional terraces, from massive Victorian villas to seafront and bay view apartments - the town appears to be able to satisfy most needs and budgets. Penarth marina with new development above that replaced the derelict Billybanks former estate (Image: Richard Swingler ) Estate agents Richard and Murray both agree that the town will continue to attract new residents and see current Penarth people staying put, either moving up and down the property ladder. Richard says: "The demographics of buyers in Penarth is as broad as the supply of property. At the moment we are very busy with first time buyers and young families upsizing. Older downsizers are still very active too and of course that circle is one that has helped to maintain the market in the town for many, many years." Murray adds: "As Penarth is such a sought after place to live, there are plenty of buyers looking and with more stock available, and as long as homes are priced realistically properties are selling. We are confident this trend will continue over the coming summer months." (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) So the future looks bright for Penarth regarding property and the special atmosphere and community spirit the town offers buyers, but John can think of a down side to living in Penarth, just one, and that is the number of hills, he laughs: "After a couple of years of living here you'll definitely have stronger gluts." But nothing can make John fall out of love with this special Victorian town. He says: "We've settled in Penarth and we definitely call it our home, it would take a very big life change to ever get us to leave. This town has been our home and our rock for 13 years, we don't envisage leaving, we've got friends here, we've built our businesses here, and we're very fond of the place." For more property stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here Find your own property for sale to create a maximalist haven here: Article continues below
Wales Online
26-04-2025
- Wales Online
List of 'prettiest' British seaside towns includes North Wales community with Med like waters
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A list has been drawn up of the prettiest seaside towns in Britain. Time Out created the 21 strong table (full list below) with quite the choice given that Great Britain is a three nation island. There were two places in Wales on the list with one in Gwynedd and the other in Ceredigion. Time Out said: "If you're dreaming of finding sand in your shoes after a long day out and queuing too long for ice cream, then you could do a lot worse than venturing out of the city and planning a trip to one of the UK's seemingly endless coastal towns. This is an island nation, after all, which means it's packed with rugged cliffs and windswept headlands as well as quaint fishing villages and shoreline surf spots. "We might not have the sunkissed weather of our European neighbours, but when it comes to costal charm, the UK ticks a hell of a lot of boxes. Planning a trip to the seaside? Check out our list of the best coastal towns in the country, from Scotland to Cornwall." The North Wales selection that the cut was Nefyn on the Llyn Peninsula - with judges also including Morfa Nefyn and Porthdinllaen in their considerations. Its standout features were its "extreme isolation" and "surprisingly blue waters" - with this part of the country looking like the Med when the sun shines. (Image: Getty Images) Time Out said: "The Llŷn Peninsula is where you go in Wales if you really want to get away from it all. But if you don't want to do away with human company altogether, we'd suggest staying in Nefyn: a small town and community that stretches out to nearby Edern and Morfa Nefyn. "The main draw here is the Morfa beach – a sandy stretch complete with pretty pub and whitewashed cottages. The town itself is a brilliant base for hikers with their sights set on nearby Eryri (Snowdonia)." Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community While the beach is stunning their top tip was a trek up to the Tre'r Ceiri hillfort, on Yr Eifl hills. It's one of the best-preserved Iron Age settlements in the UK. The other Welsh seaside community among the top 21 was Aberaeron. They called it "foodie central, with a weird thing for honey". On why to go there, Time Out said: "Three reasons: the buildings, the ice cream and the dolphins. Roughly halfway between Aberystwyth and Cardigan, on Wales's west coast, Aberaeron's harbourside is ringed with beautiful Georgian houses – like especially radiant gems on a fairly everyday necklace. (Image: Jo Ridout/Media Wales) "The town is perhaps best known for its honey ice cream, the most delicious of which you'll find at restaurant The Hive, but it's also a prime spot for seafood and afternoon tea and cake – making it the ideal pitstop on your way up the Wales Coast Path." The full list: Margate (Kent) Brighton (East Sussex) Whitby (Yorkshire) North Berwick (Scotland) Deal (Kent) St Ives (Cornwall) Hunstanton (Norfolk) Nefyn (Gwynedd) Dartmouth (Devon) Lymington (Hampshire) Dungeness (Kent) Lyme Regis (Dorset) Tobermory (Isle of Mull) Tynemouth (Tyne & Wear) Crosby (Merseyside) Falmouth (Cornwall) Aberaeron (Ceredigion) Cromarty (Highlands) Bardsea (Cumbria) Saltburn-by-the-Sea (Yorkshire) Salcombe (Devon) Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
