Latest news with #seaside
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
British Viking town turns itself into £9m tourist destination with FLOATING hotel, waterfront drive-thru & new shops
A BRITISH seaside town has turned itself into a £9million tourist destination with a floating hotel, waterfront drive-thru & new shops. The multi-million pound regeneration project has transformed the port into a bustling hub of food, fun and on-the-water living. 3 3 3 Milford Haven, nestled on one of the world's deepest natural harbours, is a town steeped in maritime history and surrounded by breath-taking coastal scenery. The Pembrokeshire jewel now offers visitors a unique blend of nautical charm, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences. At the heart of the revival is Milford Marina, where visitors can explore the Milford Haven museum which showcases the town's incredible history. And the picturesque waterfront, lined with cafes and restaurants, offers perfect spots for relaxation and boat-watching. Fresh data from Independent Cottages has also revealed that it has been named as one of the five most popular places for Brits to visit this summer. A gorgeous addition to the town is the Ty Milford Waterfront Hotel, which is located at the entrance to Milford Waterfront and overlooking the Milford Marina. It is part of the Celtic Collection which also run the five-star Celtic Manor Resort and you can read our review here. This modern stay by the water offers some stunning harbour views, stylish bedrooms and a modern brasserie-style restaurant. But the hotel's four floatel rooms, which are luxury glamping cabins, are a unique addition as they float among the boats moored at the Marina. Each cabin sleeps two and comes with an en suite shower room, luxurious furnishings, private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy the best views of the water and spectacular sunsets. Inside Europe's highest capital city with no airports or train stations - but welcomes EIGHT MILLION tourists a year Two floatel rooms are also dog-friendly, so small well-behaved four-legged travel companions can join you too. Nature enthusiasts will be also captivated by the surrounding landscapes. The nearby Pembrokeshire Coast National Park provides endless opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying spectacular coastal views. And for water sports enthusiasts, the sheltered waters of the Milford Haven Waterway are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. And if you are hungry after all that - well the Marina has lots of choices to tempt you. Coco's Restaurant, perched right on the waterfront, bring a true taste of Mexico to Pembrokeshire by combining traditional Mexican ingredients like Mexican cactus with ingredients from local suppliers. And Martha's Vineyard, a family-run bar and restaurant is a great option serving tasty fresh fish and shellfish dishes to tantalise your taste buds such as the pan-fried fillet of Milford Plaice or their scrumptious seafood chowder. While Nautico's boasts an extensive menu that spans from breakfast to dinner along with their delicious 'specials' featuring classics like the full English breakfast and scrumptious pancakes. But there are loads of pubs and restaurants to stop for a bite to eat or quick drink, and the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways really make you feel you're somewhere magical. And The Scoop Ice cream shop is the ideal place for a refreshing stop-off - there is even a Dog ice cream for Doggos – a treat for all your four-legged friends. Meanwhile, we have revealed a very extensive list of London's 35 best pubs – by the locals who drink in them. And TUI has launched new flights from UK airport for the first time in 15 years. Plus, one of Europe's most beautiful train stations could soon get direct routes from the UK.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Our favourite seaside towns that are less than 90 minutes from London with Banksy art and award-winning beaches
BORED of the concrete jungle views over London when the sun is out? Well, here are our favourite destinations for a day trip, and they are all less than two hours away from the capital. 8 8 Folkestone, Kent I could hardly talk about amazing seaside towns without mentioning my hometown of Folkestone. From being named a trending place to live by TimeOut, to being dubbed the new Brighton (being both arty and less than an hour from London - 54 minutes to be exact) there has never been a better time to visit. New restaurants and bars are popping up, including the new Med restaurant Cavella on the popular Harbour Arms, as well as the upcoming small-plate restaurant Pomus after success in Margate. Two new playgrounds including the huge adventure park Lower Leas Coastal Park are being renovated, with the town's unique funicular set to reopen next year. It has its own Banksy, hidden sandy beaches and trendy hotels to stay the night - what more could you want? If you need entertaining, there is The Board Room for shuffleboard and darts, or the Harbour Screen with live shows and films (and some nearby live music). My top tips? Head to Burrito Buoy for a frozen margarita, grab a delicious pizza over at Brewing Brothers, and end your night at The Old Buoy pub. You'll be well fed and watered, and make a few local mates along the way… - Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor Brighton, East Sussex When people think of beach day trips from London, Brighton comes to their mind immediately for good reason. Only an hour on the train, the seaside city has often been associated with YouTubers over the years. Yet the destination is loved for many reasons. From the narrow alleys with quaint shops, great ice cream spots and the iconic i360 with breathtaking panoramic views - Brighton really does provide something for everyone. Top 5 Beaches in the UK 8 The history is there too, with the iconic pier still open today and full of classic arcade games and the old pier - of which remains only still stand. The beach itself has pretty pebbles, a long-stretching promenade and pretty townhouses. Sit next to the pier just as Georgia does in Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging, whilst listening to waves crash, with a classic Mr Whippy in hand with a 99 flake as seagulls circle overhead - a quintessentially British experience that feels like a day out set in the 60s. And if that wasn't enough to draw you there - Brighton is super dog friendly, so is a great day away from the city for your four-legged friend - Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter Broadstairs, Kent You're spoilt for choice when it comes to a beach sunbathe in the historic Kent coastal gem, Broadstairs - which is an hour and 20 minutes away from London by train. There's seven sandy coves to explore, all linked by clifftop paths that offer spectacular views across the English Channel. Among the most popular is the main beach at Viking Bay, but Stone Bay is a good alternative if you're looking to escape the crowds. It's as traditional a British seaside resort as they come with imposing Victorian buildings sitting alongside fisherman's cottages. Author Charles Dickens had a summer home at Broadstairs for more than 20 years in the middle of the 19th century and it had a significant influence on his writing, particularly the novel David Copperfield. The Dickens House Museum offers an illuminating insight into his life and works. But this is very much still a bustling, seaside resort with lots of family-friendly fun including arcades and rides. And it's becoming a bit of a foodie mecca too. Twenty Seven Harbour Street has stunning views and tasty treats cooked over fire. And a must-visit is Morelli's - it's been serving up traditional gelato since 1932. The fabulous Art Deco interior is beaten only just by the stunning sundaes - Lisa Minot, Head of Travel 8 Rye, East Sussex The medieval town of Rye in East Sussex isn't strictly seaside, but you can see the sea from its cobble streets and it has a harbour where boats sail out to the English Channel. Plus, if you go back as far as the 15th century, the sea came much closer to the foot of the hill the town is built on. It's the perfect place to spend a day out - taking an hour and six minutes on the train from Kings Cross St Pancras. If you fancy a morning on the beach, a bus runs from the town to the stunning Camber Sands beach - a three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes. Or you can for a six-mile circular walk from Rye to Winchelsea beach. Back in the town after lunch, there are plenty of fantastic pubs to choose from, my favourites being the 12th century Mermaid Inn and the George In Rye, as well as the Globe Inn Marsh on the outskirts of the town. Equally, you could book a taxi and check out Tillingham vineyard in nearby Peasmarsh, with its Michelin Green Star wine tours and excellent pizzas. Make sure to save some time to rummage through the many, many antiques shops, as well as Knoops hot chocolate shop and the wonderfully old fashioned Britcher and Rivers sweet shop - Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital) 8 Frinton-on-Sea, Essex I, like many others believe Frinton-on-Sea to be the more chilled out and luxe sister of Clacton. Slightly further up the coast Frinton in Essex has a huge sweeping beach that is lined with the classic brightly coloured beach huts - a mark of any beach day trip. The best part is that on the Greater Anglia route, you can get from London to Frinton in an hour and a half. The beach at Frinton is award-winning, having scooped up a Blue Flag award and Tripadvisor's Travellers Choice Award in 2024. You can easily walk from from Frinton to Walton-on-the-Naze too, it's an easy walk along the promenade and you get to see the clock tower on the way over. All-in-all, it takes around 40 minutes to get there. 8 After such a walk, you might need to quench your thirst after a day of building sand castles and paddling in the sea, there is a pub called the Lock & Barrel. Down Connaught Avenue surrounded by independent shops, art studios and boutiques is the first and only pub in Frinton. For anyone wanting an ice cream, you don't find them along the beach front because they're not allowed. For more days out, have a look at the best value attractions around the UK. And here, the National Trust reveals their best free attractions to visit this summer – from sky gardens to 'city oasis' parks. 8
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
My day drinking in Britain's biggest Wetherspoons
A pie-eyed 60-something lady blows me a kiss before collapsing on the backseat of a cab outside The Waterfront pub. It's 5pm and she's peaked too soon. But haven't we all? Alcohol consumption is in terminal decline, apparently. It's all bubble tea and kombucha from here on in, people. Not in this town it ain't. Not in Ramsgate. The quayside pubs are heaving on this sunny Saturday afternoon, literally overflowing with red-skinned drinkers clutching fags and pints. Talk of the faded British seaside feels wide of the mark here. Ramsgate is pumping. I watch a white-aproned man pack his seafood kiosk up for the day as wide boys drive their bulging biceps and Botoxed babes around in Beemers. Bronzed families with the sand between their toes flip-flop home from the beach, past pretty yachts in the marina and hipsters sucking roll-ups outside the Queens Head. Dapper pensioners pick a path through the eclectic human traffic with a smile. They were young once. I head to the Wetherspoons for a pint. The Royal Victorian Pavilion is not just any 'Spoons – it's Britain's biggest, a cathedral of a pub, and fresh from a £750,000 refurb. Not that the punters have noticed. 'I'm not sure what they've done apart from plant these flowers, which look nice – I might slip them into my handbag,' says Lin Brown, who's drinking on the rooftop terrace with her friends. The girls are here for pre-drinks – 'we'll shimmy into town later' – and life admin. 'We're booking tickets to see Spurs in the Europa League Final,' says Brown (who won't regret that purchase). 'We booked a holiday to Egypt last week.' Why the 'Spoons? 'It's cheap,' they say, in unison. They're not wrong. My pint of Ruddles cost an almost laughable £1.79. It's like being in the Eighties again. Shame about the atmosphere, though, which inside the pub was flatter than my ale, forcing me out onto the busy terrace where I pulled up a pew near the girls. 'I thought you were a stripper when you came over,' says Jen Cavelle, or 'Mrs C', clutching my arm. 'It's my birthday tomorrow. I thought these girls had got me something.' I can't work out if Mrs C is disappointed or relieved that I'm not a stripper. Come to think of it, I'm not sure if I'm flattered or offended that she thought I might be. The girls have been coming to the Pavilion – originally a concert hall – since before it was a 'Spoons. 'It used to be a nightclub,' says Mrs C, who went on the pull here. 'The lights would come on at the end of the night and I'd think 'f****** hell, who's this?' Beer goggles!' While other British seaside towns have withered since cheap flights pulled the beach towel from under their feet, Ramsgate is holding its own, reckon the girls. This despite being in Thanet, one of England's most deprived regions. 'It's got a buzz,' says Brown. 'The pubs are busy, even in winter. It's vibrant, there are always bands on.' The g-word inevitably rears its head. 'It's gentrifying,' says communications officer Natalie McAleer, who moved here from the capital. 'There weren't many London-type places a couple of years ago but now there are more wine bars, more coffee shops. I think it's following in the footsteps of Margate, which is basically Shoreditch-on-Sea.' Ramsgate's liberal London blow-ins make for odd bedfellows in a region that has traditionally shown strong support for Nigel Farage's party du jour. The town's dichotomous demographic was brought into sharp focus in May's local elections, which saw Reform take the largest share of votes – followed by the Greens. It's two-party politics, but not as we know it. One certified vote winner would be to reinstate the Ramsgate to Dunkirk ferry. 'We used to do 'flasher trips' to France, didn't we girls?' says Mrs C, to a hum of approval. 'You'd get on for a quid, flash your passport, have a disco and a smorgasbord, then stock up on duty-free and sail home. We didn't even get off in Dunkirk. Happy days. They need to bring the ferry back.' That's the plan, only attempts by Thanet district council (rated 1.8 out of 5 on Google) to entice a new operator have hitherto failed. The region's nascent wind industry has at least got going, bringing jobs to a region where the once-thriving fishing industry clings on like a limpet. Doing my bit for the local economy, I head across the road to Pete's Fish Factory, which lures me in with the smell of deep-fried delights. I order cod and chips to eat near the marina. Mick Huggett has the same idea. 'I'm here on a beano,' the Londoner tells me. A beano, for the uninitiated, is a traditional Cockney daytrip to the seaside, usually involving pub visits and sunburn. Watch the Jolly Boys' Outing episode of Only Fools and Horses and you'll get the gist. 'We got off the coach at midday and were straight in the pub. We've been on it since. It's nice to get out of bloody London,' says Huggett, a technical services coordinator. 'We've done Brighton a few times, Margate, too. I'm pleasantly surprised by Ramsgate. People said it was a bit rundown, but it's lovely.' It's hard to disagree as I walk around town, which Van Gogh wrote fondly of during his brief stint here as a teacher. Ramsgate's Victorian architecture is charming. I lose myself down narrow lanes, lingering outside antique shops and art galleries, and pretty pubs like the Horse and Groom, where leather-clad punks share space with pensioners wearing Reform badges. Acting on an earlier recommendation from McAleer, I walk uphill, following the giant Victorian arches overlooking the marina to Seabird, one of her favourite bars. I'm passed three times along the way by a bloke driving a flatbed Transit, with branches in the back, techno on the stereo and a beer in his hand. But that's Ramsgate. 'You could walk down the street wearing a bin bag on your head and nobody would bat an eyelid,' says Seabird's manager Ellie Dobson, while a flat-capped DJ spins funk. Seabird, which sells 'killer cocktails' and small plates, is new to Ramsgate and a welcome step change from the raucous old town. 'Everything is made here,' coos Dobson, tickling my palate with fragrant potions which slip down with notes of fresh mint and coriander. Seabird's owners Damian Williams and Stuart Langley are hospitality veterans from London, which is not a dirty word in here. 'There are two types of DFLs,' Dobson explains. 'You've got your down-from-Londons and your d***s-from-Londons.' Her colleague Frankie Alphonso belongs to the former camp, but encountered plenty of the latter in nearby Margate, where she moved on an impulse, but never felt accepted by the cliquey 'cool kids'. She feels more at home in Ramsgate, where she lives now. I'm minded of a sense of belonging later, walking past the Red Lion, where a band covers Creep by Radiohead. 'I'm a weirdoooooo, what the hell am I doing here?' the singer wails. He's in good company. Plenty of weirdos in Ramsgate, thank heavens.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Trendy English seaside town is home to beachfront rooftop bar that feels ‘more like the Med'
ONE of the UK's coolest seaside spots has a rooftop bar that will make you feel like you are abroad. Guesthouse No.42 first opened in Margate in 2023, making it the third of their hotels to open in the UK after York and Bath. 5 5 And that same year, they opened their new rooftop terrace bar that has 360 degree views over the beachfront. Serving cocktails as well as local beers and wine, The Rooftop Bar has reopened again this summer. You don't have to be staying at the hotel to use the bar, although it is first come first served. Otherwise you can rent the entire space out to yourself for any birthdays or special events. The hotel said on Instagram that it was a "taste of Mediterranean Margate" with sunset views less than and two hours from London. And the Guardian said it felt "more Le Touquet than Thanet". Tourists have raved about it too - one person said: "Absolutely stunning view of the beach. We were so lucky with the weather, watched the sun set. Could have been abroad." Another wrote on Instagram: "It has stunning panoramic views over the beach and on a sunny day it's hard to believe you're in the UK!" It is the only rooftop bar currently in Margate so its likely to be busy in the summer months. If you fancy staying, rooms at the hotel start from £166, with the hotel named the best in Margate according to Tripadvisor. The secret UK beach without the crowds – it has a free sauna and the largest tidal pool in the country 5 5 Although it might not be the only rooftop bar for long. The closed Winter Gardens theatre has revealed grand plans to open, which will include a rooftop bar. Set to cost as much £11million, it hopes to reopen by the end of next year. The Kent seaside town has seen a huge surge in tourists in recent years. Cliftonville in Margate was named the coolest neighbourhood in the UK by Time Out back in 2022. This is where the town's huge tidal pool is found, with it being one of Europe's largest lidos. And the town's theme park, Dreamland, is not only opening a new log flume this summer, but also has huge live music acts including Haim performing. Here's everything you need to do in Margate according to The Sun experts. 5
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Postcard' seaside village in Sussex with links to Disney author and tennis star
With much of both East and West Sussex being on the coast, there are a number of quaint seaside towns and villages. From cosy locations you may not have heard of to larger settlements, you are sure to have visited, there is a range of spots. This one we are spotlighting today has a "perfect postcard setting" and has been named among the most beautiful in Britain. So, here is why you should visit Rottingdean. Rottingdean is a village in Brighton and Hove on the south coast. Boasting a historic centre, it is often the subject of picture postcards. The first recorded mention of the village is 'Rotingeden', in the Domesday Book in the 11th century. Visit Brighton says its "most fascinating period" is that of "highly organised smuggling involving almost the entire village in the late 1700s". It is rumoured that the village had a "maze of brick-lined tunnels that led from the cliffs, under the duck pond, right into the locals' houses". Visit Brighton describes the village today as a "picturesque" spot, boasting a "pretty duck pond and cosy cottages". It adds: "It is a perfect postcard setting with its own nature reserve and some impressive manicured gardens. As if that isn't appealing enough, it also has its own beach, just a five-minute walk from the village." Rottingdean saw its beach recently crowned one of the best in Britain, too. Rottingdean has a number of notable residents. One of these is famous author Rudyard Kipling, most known for The Jungle Book, a classic collection of short stories and poems first published in 1894 These have been made into several films, with the most well-known being the Disney animated classic from 1967, as well as a live-action remake by Disney in 2016. Kipling lived in the village, and you can visit Kipling Gardens, which were once part of The Elms, where Rudyard Kipling lived from 1897 to 1902. Other famous faces with links to the village you might recognise include the former number one tennis player, Fred Perry. He won three consecutive Wimbledon Championships in the 1930s and was the last British player to win a men's singles Grand Slam title until Andy Murray won the 2012 US Open. You will likely recognise the name due to the popular clothing company that exists today, The iconic white cotton sports shirt, made to be similar to René Lacoste's, was launched at Wimbledon in 1952. The Fred Perry tennis shirt was an immediate success and still remains a large brand today. British politician Sir Michael Fabricant was born in the village. Sir Michael Fabricant appeared on Celebrity Big Brother 2025 (Image: ITV) Sir Michael was the MP for Lichfield in Staffordshire, formerly Mid Staffordshire, from 1992 until his defeat in 2024. You may recognise him for appearing on the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother. As Visit Brighton says, Rottingdean is home to "plenty of appealing places to stop for a bite to eat", including "warm and cosy pubs, some tea rooms and a few other small shops and cafés". The Terraces Stage on the seafront boasts a programme of music and theatrical events from June through to September, most of which are free admission. Recommended reading: 'Beautiful' market town in Sussex named one of Britain's happiest places to live The 'famous' Sussex town that is a celebrity hotspot and inspired a Disney book 'Secluded hidden gem' in Sussex named one of Britain's most beautiful villages You could also try The White Horse Hotel, which overlooks the sea and offers "traditional pub grub", or Molly's café down on the beach itself. The village is also home to the Grange Museum and Art Gallery, which overlooks the pond and village green. The early Georgian building currently houses a library and tea garden too.
