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Metro
7 days ago
- Metro
I thought British holidays were boring, but this island changed my mind
In the seventh installment of Metro Travel Hot Takes , Lifestyle Editor Kristina Beanland reveals how she fell in love with an island in the English Channel. Growing up, I spent two weeks every summer in Portugal. Back then, I didn't know how lucky I was to be so well acquainted with such a beautiful country, but I did know one thing: I hated holidaying in the UK. Yes, I was being a brat. My only defence is that 10-year-old me had no idea how much a family holiday costs. The two years that we headed to Scotland instead of the Algarve were met with teenage outrage: 'Doesn't it rain in Scotland?' The pictures are almost comical — I refuse to smile, ignoring the dramatic views from John O'Groats behind me. So it wasn't until 2021 that the possibility of a UK-based vacay came up again. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. It was when the world was still living in the shadow of Covid, when travel to far-flung destinations involved PCR tests and paperwork — but like so many of us, I craved a change of scenery. And that's when I landed upon Jersey, the small Channel Island 14 miles off the coast of France. The only people I knew that had visited were my grandparents, then in their 80s. But a friend who grew up on the island had been posting pictures of her time back home, and I couldn't quite believe that this place, with its stunning beaches, was really in the UK. It was the most fuss-free option, and with a flight time of one hour and five minutes from London to the capital of St Helier, it was just a hop, skip and a jump away. It might sound odd, but the first things I noticed after landing in Jersey were the signs outside cafes, advertising illy coffee — people were drinking al fresco espressos, and it just felt oh-so European. And that pretty much became the theme. The island has long been described as having a split personality: British with its classic pubs and fish and chips, but with road names like Route de la Liberation, a Norman food market, and beaches with long stretches of white sand that you can hardly believe aren't on the continent. I've never been one to need a 'taste of home' on holiday — you won't catch me ordering a full English in 30C heat or heading to an Irish pub — but there's was something easy about being among the familiar, while also excited to explore somewhere new. The vibes here are relaxed too. You get the sense there's not too much to stress about when you can shake the day off with a dip in the sea or an al fresco pint. Of course, it's not always sunny — and I experienced my share of drizzle when I was there — but the weather is generally mild and warmer than in the UK. Everyone knows everyone, so if you walk into a pub (The rowdy Trafalgar in St Aubin, with it's live music, became my favourite), people know you're an out-of-towner. But rather than making you feel intimidated, locals are keen to chat — whether it's to tell you just how long next-day-delivery really takes out here, or to insist that they know someone who knows someone from your hometown. At just nine by five miles, it's easy to get around — the bus network is straight-forward, but my preferred mode of transport was two wheels. After hiring a bike from Aaron's Bikes, I cycled the 40ish minutes from St Helier to the Portelet Inn pub, with its stunning views over the bay. If you do just one thing in Jersey, it should be to get on a boat. Jersey Seafaris offer exhilarating RIB boat tours around the coastline and beyond. One of their most popular tours takes you to The Ecrehous (prices start from £45.99 for adults) – a small group of isolated islands just eight miles from France. There's enough time for you to hop off, have a wander (and drink your tinnies) before heading back home. You might even spot some dolphins (and brace yourself for some high-speed doughnuts in the harbour). I loved the experience so much, I booked another tour for the following day. If you're after something a little more relaxing, I visited two of Jersey's stunning beaches. The Club Hotel & Spa is located right in the center of St Helier. Rooms are spacious, but it's USP is the small outdoor pool with waterfall, a tranquil place to unwind (or nurse your hangover). There's also a library space complete with Gin Honesty bar, plus it's restaurant, Bohemia, has held a Michelin star for more than 20 years. My favourite was St. Brelade's Bay, loved by locals and tourists alike for its wide swathes of golden sand and the original Jersey Crab Shack. I hadn't realised quite how popular the seafood institution would be and ended up missing out on a table – so be sure to book in advance. Instead, I opted for take out pizzas from the nearby Pizza Express, and had a picnic on the beach. Another beautiful spot is Portelet Beach, with its steep steps that descend from the cliffs to a sun-trap beach. If you don't want to venture down to the sand itself, the Portelet Inn is an olde worlde pub with panoramic views over the bay. The pork belly roast I had was delicious, and at £26.95 for three courses, a bargain for this Londoner. There's fascinating history here too. Jersey was under Nazi occupation during 1940 to 1945, and the eerie tunnels of a German underground military hospital is now the island's most visited museum, The Jersey War Tunnels. The moving exhibitions detail what life was like for those living there at the time, and are an important visit during your time in Jersey. Both St Helier (the capital) and St Aubin are worth taking a stroll around. Walk along the harbour in St Aubin, or enjoy dinner at The Old Court House Inn, where you can satisfy your hunger while watching the boats bob in the distance. I loved Jersey so much, I'm scared to go back. More Trending Yes, I appreciate the logic is confusing, but the four days I spent on the island were so much fun, I worry it simply can't be replicated. Latest figures show that around half of the visitors that head to Jersey are over the age of 55, but as far as I'm concerned, Millennials and Gen Z are sleeping on this underrated gem. It has everything you'd want from a trip away: beautiful beaches, good food (and booze) and relaxed island vibes. It changed what I thought I knew about a British holiday — don't miss out. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I spent a week at a 5-star hotel in the Maldives — here's how much it really costs MORE: EasyJet launches new holidays to 'charming' but underrated Italian seaside destination MORE: I fell in love with Japan's fourth biggest city – and its lesser-known neighbour
North Wales Chronicle
20-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Cyclist with rare condition breaks record for cycling length of UK and back
Sarah Ruggins, a Canadian wealth manager living in Gloucestershire, cycled 2,700 km (1,677 miles) from John O'Groats to Land's End and back again in five days 11 hours and 14 minutes. The 37-year-old, who started cycling only two and a half years ago, covered 500km (310 miles) a day surviving on just over four hours of sleep throughout the entire challenge. Ms Ruggins' astounding cycle has beaten the men's record of five days 18 hours three minutes, held by James MacDonald since 2017 – by six hours and 43 minutes. She has also beaten the former women's record of 10 days and five hours – held by Louise Harris since 2023 – by four days 17 hours and 40 minutes. 'This ride was a celebration of life and it was a gift to myself and hopefully a gift to others who need motivation,' Ms Ruggins told the PA news agency. 'It's taught me to believe in myself, and it's taught me that women have a place in the upper echelons of sports, not just as women, but across all genders. 'I'm one of the first women to break a men's endurance record. So it shows that we can take up space in the sport, and we need to be taken seriously.' Ms Ruggins, who grew up in Montreal in Canada, was a promising track athlete as a teenager and had ambitions of representing Canada in the Olympics. However, at 16 years old her dreams were cut short after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called complex regional pain syndrome, which caused her to lose the ability to walk and move her hands without support. 'My Olympic dream and everything I thought my life was going to be basically just evaporated overnight, and it took many years of rehabilitation to get my movement back,' said Ms Ruggins. 'I started exploring athletics again, but I found with my new body I couldn't really run so I turned to cycling.' Ms Ruggins, who moved to the UK 10 years ago, initially began training to break the Land's End to John O'Groats running record. However, after discovering that her body was not strong enough to run after her illness she decided to attempt it with two wheels instead. In 2023, she purchased her first bicycle and with under six months of cycling experience, she took on the Transcontinental Race – a self-supported 4,000 km (2,485 miles) ride across Europe. Ms Ruggins, who discovered her talent for endurance sports, said the John O'Groats to Land's End challenge allowed her to confront her two greatest fears: failing publicly and requiring the help of others. 'I really wanted to make an impact and use my story to help others,' she said. 'For me, even when the ride got really painful, it was a celebration, because it was my choice to do this, coming at it from a place of strength. 'I just really wanted to share through this project that your life can change unexpectedly but it means you just need to pivot and find something new that brings you joy.' Ms Ruggins used this record attempt to raise money for The Bike Project and Bikes for Refugees, two organisations that use cycling to support people rebuilding their lives in the UK. To learn more about Ms Ruggins' challenge and to donate to her fundraiser please visit:
Rhyl Journal
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Cyclist with rare condition breaks record for cycling length of UK and back
Sarah Ruggins, a Canadian wealth manager living in Gloucestershire, cycled 2,700 km (1,677 miles) from John O'Groats to Land's End and back again in five days 11 hours and 14 minutes. The 37-year-old, who started cycling only two and a half years ago, covered 500km (310 miles) a day surviving on just over four hours of sleep throughout the entire challenge. Ms Ruggins' astounding cycle has beaten the men's record of five days 18 hours three minutes, held by James MacDonald since 2017 – by six hours and 43 minutes. She has also beaten the former women's record of 10 days and five hours – held by Louise Harris since 2023 – by four days 17 hours and 40 minutes. 'This ride was a celebration of life and it was a gift to myself and hopefully a gift to others who need motivation,' Ms Ruggins told the PA news agency. 'It's taught me to believe in myself, and it's taught me that women have a place in the upper echelons of sports, not just as women, but across all genders. 'I'm one of the first women to break a men's endurance record. So it shows that we can take up space in the sport, and we need to be taken seriously.' Ms Ruggins, who grew up in Montreal in Canada, was a promising track athlete as a teenager and had ambitions of representing Canada in the Olympics. However, at 16 years old her dreams were cut short after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called complex regional pain syndrome, which caused her to lose the ability to walk and move her hands without support. 'My Olympic dream and everything I thought my life was going to be basically just evaporated overnight, and it took many years of rehabilitation to get my movement back,' said Ms Ruggins. 'I started exploring athletics again, but I found with my new body I couldn't really run so I turned to cycling.' Ms Ruggins, who moved to the UK 10 years ago, initially began training to break the Land's End to John O'Groats running record. However, after discovering that her body was not strong enough to run after her illness she decided to attempt it with two wheels instead. In 2023, she purchased her first bicycle and with under six months of cycling experience, she took on the Transcontinental Race – a self-supported 4,000 km (2,485 miles) ride across Europe. Ms Ruggins, who discovered her talent for endurance sports, said the John O'Groats to Land's End challenge allowed her to confront her two greatest fears: failing publicly and requiring the help of others. 'I really wanted to make an impact and use my story to help others,' she said. 'For me, even when the ride got really painful, it was a celebration, because it was my choice to do this, coming at it from a place of strength. 'I just really wanted to share through this project that your life can change unexpectedly but it means you just need to pivot and find something new that brings you joy.' Ms Ruggins used this record attempt to raise money for The Bike Project and Bikes for Refugees, two organisations that use cycling to support people rebuilding their lives in the UK. To learn more about Ms Ruggins' challenge and to donate to her fundraiser please visit:
Leader Live
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Cyclist with rare condition breaks record for cycling length of UK and back
Sarah Ruggins, a Canadian wealth manager living in Gloucestershire, cycled 2,700 km (1,677 miles) from John O'Groats to Land's End and back again in five days 11 hours and 14 minutes. The 37-year-old, who started cycling only two and a half years ago, covered 500km (310 miles) a day surviving on just over four hours of sleep throughout the entire challenge. Ms Ruggins' astounding cycle has beaten the men's record of five days 18 hours three minutes, held by James MacDonald since 2017 – by six hours and 43 minutes. She has also beaten the former women's record of 10 days and five hours – held by Louise Harris since 2023 – by four days 17 hours and 40 minutes. 'This ride was a celebration of life and it was a gift to myself and hopefully a gift to others who need motivation,' Ms Ruggins told the PA news agency. 'It's taught me to believe in myself, and it's taught me that women have a place in the upper echelons of sports, not just as women, but across all genders. 'I'm one of the first women to break a men's endurance record. So it shows that we can take up space in the sport, and we need to be taken seriously.' Ms Ruggins, who grew up in Montreal in Canada, was a promising track athlete as a teenager and had ambitions of representing Canada in the Olympics. However, at 16 years old her dreams were cut short after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called complex regional pain syndrome, which caused her to lose the ability to walk and move her hands without support. 'My Olympic dream and everything I thought my life was going to be basically just evaporated overnight, and it took many years of rehabilitation to get my movement back,' said Ms Ruggins. 'I started exploring athletics again, but I found with my new body I couldn't really run so I turned to cycling.' Ms Ruggins, who moved to the UK 10 years ago, initially began training to break the Land's End to John O'Groats running record. However, after discovering that her body was not strong enough to run after her illness she decided to attempt it with two wheels instead. In 2023, she purchased her first bicycle and with under six months of cycling experience, she took on the Transcontinental Race – a self-supported 4,000 km (2,485 miles) ride across Europe. Ms Ruggins, who discovered her talent for endurance sports, said the John O'Groats to Land's End challenge allowed her to confront her two greatest fears: failing publicly and requiring the help of others. 'I really wanted to make an impact and use my story to help others,' she said. 'For me, even when the ride got really painful, it was a celebration, because it was my choice to do this, coming at it from a place of strength. 'I just really wanted to share through this project that your life can change unexpectedly but it means you just need to pivot and find something new that brings you joy.' Ms Ruggins used this record attempt to raise money for The Bike Project and Bikes for Refugees, two organisations that use cycling to support people rebuilding their lives in the UK. To learn more about Ms Ruggins' challenge and to donate to her fundraiser please visit:
Leader Live
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Wrexham man's Land's End to John O'Groats charity trek
Stuart Jones will be travelling on a small 125cc motorbike, towing a trailer from Land's End in Cornwall to John O'Groats in Caithness, Scotland. Due to the specially adapted trailer, the 70-year-old will be unable to use motorways, so is having to take a much less direct route. He hopes the 1,200-mile ride, in aid on Nightingale House Hospice and Blood Bikes Wales (who he has previously ridden for), will take between a week and 10 days. Read more: Social care heroes' birthday boost to children's hospice charity Stuart aims for cover 150-200 miles a day, and en route he will sleep under a tarp sheet attached to the side of the bike, with a Welsh flag. He said: "It's all a big zigzaggy, and have no real set time, so will just have to see how it goes. "The plan was originally for me to do it both ways, starting from Wrexham but members of the family weren't too keen. Read more: Wrexham man's weight loss journey leads to Three Peaks charity challenge "But now two of the lads from Blood Bikes are taking me in a van to Land's End, and picking me up from John O'Groats. "It's a long way for them to come and they're very good offering to help." Not one for taking it easy, he added: "I'm fairly fit for my age but you've just got to keep going while you can." Stuart, who has already secured sponsorship ahead of the trek, will also be collection donations during his travels, with 100% going to the two causes. Read more: Humphrey Ker completes marathon to raise over £125,000 for Wrexham Miners Project Setting off for his solo ride on May 8, he hopes to be completed by his birthday on May 24. Lifelong friend Mark Richards added: "Stuart has a heart bigger than anyone I've ever met." Before his journey, Stuart and his bike set up at The Turf to collect donations, ahead of what would be Wrexham AFC's big league promotion match. Hopefully the good luck will continue, and he will be in for some decent weather on the way.
