Latest news with #WalesOnline
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'Most stunning' UK seaside town home to one of Europe's most beautiful castles
With its towering medieval walls, ancient castle and lively harbour, the town is a fantastic place to visit for a day trip or staycation With its towering walls, ancient castle and bustling harbour, Conwy is one of the most stunningly picturesque towns you'll visit in Wales. This historic coastal retreat isn't just popular with tourists; it even earned a spot on the Sunday Times' list of the top places to live in the UK. "Every kind of natural adventure is within easy reach of the brooding towers and tumbledown castle walls that cast an enchanting spell over this coastal hotspot," they wrote of Conwy. "Those lucky enough to live in the town can pick up groceries and grab a coffee in impeccably historic surroundings, while enjoying the reassurance of regular trains and a fast road." Conwy Quay is the ideal starting point for your exploration, adorned with lobster pots, entwined fishing nets, and all the delightful seaside paraphernalia you'd expect. Right next to The Liverpool Arms there's even a convenient information board displaying the current rates if you're considering docking your boat in the harbour, reports Wales Online. Along the harbour, you'll also discover one of Conwy's most charming features: The Smallest House in Great Britain. Acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records, this petite red-fronted dwelling measures a mere 72 inches wide and 122 inches high and was inhabited until May 1900. It's been handed down through the same family for over 130 years. Its last known resident was a 6ft 3in fisherman named Robert Jones. Today, it serves as a quaint attraction and picture-perfect backdrop. Things to do in Conwy If you fancy a pint with a view, pop into The Liverpool Arms, the oldest traditional pub in Conwy town. Situated right on the waterfront, just across the road from the quay and beaches, it's particularly popular on a warm day with patrons spilling out onto the streets. History, harbour views and a good pint, what more could you ask for? Alongside the harbour, Conwy's main attraction is the Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle) and its walls. Part of Wales' UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Castell Conwy boasts a concentric design with eight towers. It's a key component of King Edward I's "Iron Ring", a chain of impressive fortresses built in Wales during the late 13th century to cement English dominance following the conquest of Wales. Visitors can delve into the inner and outer wards, which house numerous rooms, and explore the castle walls, which feature 21 towers and fully encircle the town of Conwy. Recognised for its aesthetic appeal and historical importance, the castle was dubbed one of Europe's 'most beautiful' by influential publication Condé Nast Traveller. They noted: "Aside from getting us one step closer to living out our fairytale fantasies, the staggering structures showcase some of the world's best architecture, most stunning landscapes, and maybe even a ghost story or two. There's perhaps no better place on earth to find awe-inspiring castles than in Europe, where it seems like you can't visit a city or take a road trip without stumbling upon some sort of royal dwelling." Like many historical structures in Wales, Conwy Castle is said to be haunted, much to the delight of ghost hunters and paranormal fans. Eerie sightings have included various silhouettes and dark figures observed from the battlements and windows overlooking the town. Given that King Henry VIII used the castle as a prison in the 16th century, many believe these apparitions to be former inmates. In 2016, a group of paranormal investigators claimed to have captured the voice of a young girl spirit uttering 'don't tell them'. Not exactly what you want to hear in a dim, echoing fortress. In 2020, a man snapped a photo outside Conwy Castle, which he believes shows a procession of phantoms led by a male ghost with a sword, as reported by North Wales Live. Once you've had your fill of castles and spectres, it's time for a treat, and Dylan's Restaurant is just the place. Established in 2012, Dylan's aimed to celebrate the produce, character, and natural beauty of North Wales, and they've hit the mark with this latest venture. The menu is a heartfelt tribute to local produce, gathered from across the region and served in a building as stunning as the dishes themselves. From the upper levels, you can enjoy panoramic views of the 13th-century St Mary's Church and Conwy Castle. For somewhere to stay, the Quay Hotel and Spa is a great option. This destination spa hotel boasts breathtaking views of the grand Conwy Castle and estuary and is conveniently situated near the Welsh towns of Conwy and Llandudno.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Jay Slater had taken cocktail of drugs and was 14 hours from home, inquest told
The teen had also been drinking alcohol on the night before he vanished in Tenerife. Teen Jay Slater who vanished in Tenerife last summer, sparking a huge search, before his body was found in a ravine, had allegedly taken drugs and alcohol on a night out and had a 14-hour walk home, the inquest into his death heard. Bradley Geoghegan, who had gone on holiday with Mr Slater, said the 19-year-old had taken ecstasy pills, and possibly ketamine, along with cocaine and alcohol, on the night out before he went missing. Mr Slater had been forced to leave a nightclub earlier that night because he was so drunk. Instead of going back to the apartment he shared with Mr Geoghegan, Jay went to an Airbnb, miles away, with two men they had met on the holiday. The next morning Mr Geoghegan said he got a video call from his pal, who was walking along a road and was still 'under the influence', Preston Coroner's Court heard, reports Wales Online. Mr Geoghegan said: 'I said put your maps on to see how far you were. It was like a 14-hour walk or an hour drive. I said, 'Get a taxi back', then he just goes, 'I will ring you back'.' The witness said he did not think his friend had any money on him, and taxis in Tenerife insisted on payment up front before carrying a fare to their destination. Coroner Dr James Adeley asked the witness: 'Did you get the impression he was in any way threatened or fearful, or under duress in a difficult situation?' Mr Geoghegan replied: 'No. I think he probably got there and thought, 'Why am I here?', sobered up and decided to come back.' Mr Slater, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was holidaying on the Spanish island and had been to the NRG music festival with a group of pals at the Papagayo nightclub in the resort of Playa de las Americas, on June 16 last year. Mr Slater vanished the morning after going to the Airbnb and was reported missing on June 18. Evidence heard during the inquest suggested that he had left the holiday let, and after failing to get a bus or taxi and attempted to walk back to his own apartment but had fallen from a height into a ravine. A huge search was launched before his body was eventually found in a steep and inaccessible area, by a mountain rescue team from the Spanish Civil Guard, near the village of Masca, on July 15. Mr Slater's mum, Debbie Duncan had asked for the inquest into the death to be resumed on Thursday after a number of witnesses failed to give evidence at the last hearing in May. She said Mr Slater's family still had questions about their loved one's death that needed answers. Dr Adeley agreed to adjourn the inquest until Thursday to trace the witnesses, including those who had been with him in the hours before he vanished. The hearing in May heard from a number of witnesses, including toxicology expert Dr Stephanie Martin. The court heard analysis showed traces of drugs, including cocaine, ketamine and ecstasy, along with alcohol, were found in Mr Slater's system. Home Office pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd said his post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as head injuries, and Mr Slater's body showed no evidence of restraint or assault, with the pattern of injuries consistent with a fall from a height. Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Higson, from Lancashire Constabulary, said police had analysed Mr Slater's phone data. On the night out he had received phone messages from his friends telling him to go home as he was 'off his head'. Phone location data suggested Mr Slater had travelled to the Airbnb and the next morning left the property at about 7.45am. Statements from Spanish witnesses said they were approached and asked by Mr Slater about buses or taxis to take him home. More messages from friends warned him about the 'boiling' heat of the day, but activity data on his phone ended at 8.51am, suggesting his phone battery had died. Marieke Krans from Dutch rescue charity Signi Zoekhonden, which uses dogs, helped in the search. She said the area where the body was found was about a three-and-a-half-hour walk from the Airbnb and was 'really steep, really dangerous', and it was 'easy' to lose your footing.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Death in Paradise fans issue demand as Josephine Jobert's exit explained
Josephine Jobert has portrayed DS Florence Cassell on the BBC One detective drama Death in Paradise since 2015, and has been sorely missed by fans since her exit BBC One's tropical detective series Death in Paradise has waved goodbye to a host of beloved characters over the years, with Josephine Jobert being among them. She first graced the show in 2015 and exited in 2019, only to reappear in seasons 10 and 11, and then surprisingly in 2024 when her character stepped out of witness protection. In an intimate video message to her followers, Josephine shared the reasons behind her initial exit, citing personal and professional grounds while reassuring fans that there was "nothing dramatic" about her decision. She expressed: "Everything is fine it's just that I've been working on Death in Paradise for five years. I loved every minute of it." She continued: "I'm going to miss the show, I'm going to miss Toby and Ardal and Shyko and everyone so it's been a tough decision, but that's life." Josephine, who thought she had left the sandy shores of Saint Marie for good, found herself irresistibly pulled back into the fold, as she confessed to Hello! regarding her season 10 comeback, reports Wales Online. "I already left in series eight, I thought it would be for good, honestly, I thought, 'I'm done,'" she disclosed. "Then they asked me back for series ten as I was like, 'Hmmm I don't know, okay I'm going to do it.' But I knew it wouldn't be forever, I knew it. How long, I didn't know. I had an idea, but I wasn't sure." However, the third episode of the tenth series, titled Lucky in Love, originally aired in 2021 and will be rebroadcast at 9pm tonight on BBC One. The synopsis of the episode reads: "It seems money doesn't buy happiness when lottery winner Cherry is found dead at her luxurious villa, much to the horror of her husband and their visiting friends." The plot thickens as Neville and his team are faced with a puzzling case: no one was present in the house at the time of the murder, and the victim's body mysteriously disappears. It continues: "Meanwhile, JP is training unruly new officer Marlon, aware that his wife Rosey is due to give birth at any time." Furthermore, she teased the prospect of joining the spin-off series, Beyond Paradise, revealing that it was a topic she had broached with the producer. "We'll see if that will happen. But I would love to anyway. It would be a very nice wink," she hinted. Fans have been flocking to social media to praise the French actress's performance in Death in Paradise. A Reddit user said, "She's the heart and soul of the show; it's never quite the same without her." Another penned: "I always Hoped she would have a turn being detective after being promoted." While a third weighed in with their thoughts: "I really miss her, honestly. While I do like Naomi, I really would have loved if Florence had become the first non-English DI in the show; especially with her experience and smarts." Death in Paradise airs tonight at 9pm on BBC One.
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
We've all been pronouncing Nutella wrong for years, claims confirms
It seems we've been pronouncing this iconic brand's name wrong for the past six decades, and people still haven't taken the hint despite the key letter being in bold It seems that we've been pronouncing it one of the UK's most popular food product wrong. Nutella, the world-renowned chocolate spread, is a staple in many UK households and the cherry on top for many desserts. After all these years, you'd be surprised to know you've been pronouncing its name wrong for years. Nutella got invented in the 1960s in Italy, and since then, it has become a worldwide sweet treat enjoyed by millions. Its name is a blend of the word 'nut' and 'ella', which means 'sweet'. Interestingly, the word 'nut' in bold reads as 'noot' or 'new' in its native language, Italian. The chocolate spread is considered popular in the UK, especially as the go-to breakfast spread and baking ingredient. Supermarkets stock the product in various sizes, but surprisingly, the chocolate spread isn't as popular as it is in other European countries. According to EWFM, France is the largest consumer of Nutella, over 25 per cent of the world 's Nutella gets consumed and produced in the country itself. For the past 61 years of spreading smiles, many fans assumed that the hazelnut-chocolate brand got as pronounced as it appeared on the jar: 'Nut-ell-uh', right? Well, it turns out that we've been saying it wrong this entire time, but Ferrero has now cleared up the confusion around its pronunciation. A total of 88% of Brits admitted to mispronouncing the brand, reports Wales Online. Not everyone knows that the correct pronunciation is 'NOU-tell-uh', not 'NUT-ella', as the Italian brand expands. To make things even more confusing, the packaging features the word in bold letters, which is a design that confuses English speakers into mispronouncing it. This method works in Europe, but it creates a genuine funny pronunciation mistake for English-speaking countries. Jack Bird, branding expert for Add People, the SME Digital Marketing agency, said: 'The confusion lies in the brand's international roots - a problem many brands face when expanding from an SME to a global product.' But don't feel too ashamed about misspronouncing it, as the brand itself has used the incorrect pronunciation over the years through their adverts. James Steward, Marketing Director for Nutella, Ferrero UK & Ireland, also confirmed its correct pronunciation in 2021, saying: 'As Nutella is enjoyed in every corner of the world, there have long been some fun debates on how it should be pronounced.' So the debate has been closed, it's 'NOU-tell-uh ', not 'NUT'ella'. Don't get it wrong next time you do your groceries!
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
Man, 80, fights for life after crash as driver, 93, is arrested
An 80-year-old pedestrian is fighting for his life in hospital following a crash, with a woman arrested in connection with the incident. The collision happened on a busy country road in Monmouthshire. Police were called to Usk Road, outside Forge Garage, in Llantrisant at about 3.30pm on Tuesday. A 93-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The woman has been released under investigation while the man remains in hospital in a critical condition. Paramedics and police worked for hours at the site of the crash, reports Wales Online. The road re-opened after six hours, at 9pm. Officers are continuing to investigate the collision. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community Police have asked anyone with information to contact police when possible. A Gwent Police spokesperson said: "At about 3.30pm we had a report of a road traffic collision involving a pedestrian and a car on Usk Road in Llantrisant, outside Forge Garage. "The pedestrian, an 80-year-old man, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital. A 93-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has been released under investigation." The spokesperson added: "Enquiries are continuing into the collision and anyone with any information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101, quoting 2500233814, or you can send a direct message on Facebook or X, or online:
