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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Bustling market town home to real-life Hogwarts just miles from UK's best resort
The picturesque market town, offering a perfect blend of vibrant local life and serene countryside, and it's just a short drive away from the UK's "best seaside resort" Alnwick is a charming market town that makes the perfect launching pad for discovering Northumberland's breathtaking scenery, situated just a 27-minute drive from what experts have dubbed the UK's "best seaside resort" in recent research. This ancient settlement delivers the perfect mix of vibrant community spirit and tranquil rural surroundings, drawing visitors who crave a restful escape amid gorgeous surroundings. Alnwick's prime position offers straightforward connections to the national motorway system through the A1, whilst the neighbouring train station at Alnmouth (a mere four miles distant) guarantees hassle-free transport links. The town's appeal stems from its fascinating past, stretching back to the 7th century, flourishing dramatically following the building of Alnwick Castle, a magnificent medieval monument commanding views over the River Aln and looking like a real-life Hogwarts. Towering walls featuring four entrances were erected around the settlement to guard against Scottish incursions, two of which remain intact today. Pottergate Tower, one of these surviving structures, has been converted into an upmarket holiday retreat, boasting spectacular castle vistas and providing an exceptional romantic escape, reports the Express. Alnwick developed into a thriving market centre under the Percy dynasty's guidance, who strengthened the town's fortifications and enriched its architectural legacy through constructions such as St. Michael's church. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the town flourished as a key stopover on the Great North Road, with an abundance of inns and pubs serving travellers. Alnwick also boasted a thriving local economy, with industries such as textiles, leather, rope making, and fishing tackle, some of which are still operational today. Just a quick 27-minute drive (17.5 miles) from Alnwick is Bamburgh, recently crowned the Best Seaside Destination in the UK for the fourth year running by the annual Which? Bamburgh's allure is undeniable, with its iconic Bamburgh Castle towering over a pristine beach and rolling sand dunes. The survey, involving more than 4,700 participants, lauded Bamburgh for its wild and beautiful beach, top-notch food and drink options, tourist attractions, and overall value for money. Visitors to Bamburgh can take in the magnificent untouched beach, the dramatic castle views, and attractions like the RNLI Grace Darling Museum. The Northumberland Coast Path also offers breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities, further cementing Bamburgh's status as the premier seaside destination. For those venturing into Northumberland, Alnwick serves as an ideal starting point to experience the best of both worlds - a historic market town and the nation's top-rated seaside resort just a short drive away.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Industry analysis forecasts doubling of India's 39-bn pound sports economy by 2027
India's sports economy, currently estimated at 38.84 billion pounds, is expected to nearly double by 2027, said a report based on an analysis of global collaborations in sports-tech, infrastructure and inclusion. The report titled 'Winning Together: Unlocking the Sports Economy between India and Manchester' also reflects the growing interest of Indian corporates in Manchester's thriving sports ecosystem. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category healthcare Technology Project Management CXO Artificial Intelligence Finance Product Management MBA Data Analytics Leadership PGDM MCA Data Science Digital Marketing Public Policy Others others Management Design Thinking Data Science Cybersecurity Degree Operations Management Healthcare Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details The report was released by the Consulate General of India in Manchester in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Grant Thornton Bharat over the weekend. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The report, which was released during the fourth India versus England Test match at the Old Trafford stadium in the city, spotlights increasing Indian investments across different sports beyond cricket. "This document marks a significant step in identifying synergies between two regions with a deep passion for sport, a strong culture of performance, and growing aspirations to become global hubs of talent and innovation," said Vishakha Yaduvanshi, Consul General of India in Manchester. Live Events According to the diplomat, the new Consulate General in Manchester which came up in March, has opened up new avenues for regional partnerships, with sport being a natural and powerful connector. The report came days after members of the Indian cricket team met football players of Manchester United in London, underscoring the deep cultural resonance and global fandom that connects the two sporting nations. "The India-Manchester sports collaboration, as explored in this report, highlights the power of purposeful global engagement and serves as a shining example of this policy in action," said Jyoti Vij, FICCI Director General. "There is an immense opportunity to drive business-to-business collaborations between the two sides, and harness avenues for knowledge exchange and technical expertise. Such partnerships can catalyse innovation and significantly enhance institutional capacities," she said. The report has also proposed a Bilateral Working Group (BWG) to formalise public-private engagement, an India-UK sportstech innovation hub and e-sports talent exchange , academic and R&D partnerships with institutions like Loughborough University in the UK and IIT Delhi, scaled engagement from Premier League football clubs and Indian investors, and a joint approach to inclusive, gender-balanced sports ecosystems. "Our collaboration with Manchester showcases how two diverse but complementary systems can co-create frameworks for athlete development, immersive fan engagement, and sustainable infrastructure," said Abhishek Binaykia, Partner & Sports Advisory Leader, Grant Thornton Bharat. The report came during a sports leaders' delegation tour of Manchester, led by P K S V Sagar, Chair of FICCI's Sports Committee, for a series of high-level interactions with representatives across business and academia. "There is tremendous potential for India-UK collaboration in areas such as sports education and talent development through academic partnerships and exchange programmes between institutions, sports technology , including AI-driven performance analytics, fan engagement platforms, and wearable tech," said Sagar, President of GMR Sports. Event management and franchise development, especially in emerging leagues and community sports, co-development of sustainable sports infrastructure and facilities and joint research in sports science and injury rehabilitation are also important areas, he said. "Additionally, both nations can benefit from co-hosting sporting events and developing cross-border business models that blend UK expertise with India's scale and youthful energy," he said. About the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's UK visit last week, Sagar said the deal will not only reduce trade barriers but also encourage joint investments, innovation, and institutional collaborations, which can reshape the sports economy on both sides. Delegation member Preeti Jhangiani, founder of the Pro Panja Arm-Wrestling League, termed the FTA a "game changer" for Indian businesses and investors that will unlock a wide spectrum of opportunities across sectors. "The greatest synergies will happen in Olympic sports and popular upcoming sports like arm wrestling, which benefits greatly because it not only has an Indian ethos as 'Bharat Ka Khel' but also as an international sport known all over the world and played on many levels such as University Games, Police Games, Combat Games and now Youth Asian Games," said Jhangiani, revealing that an "India-UK Arm Wrestling/Panja series" is already in planning stages. The India-UK FTA, formally known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed on July 24, is now proceeding to the UK parliamentary ratification process before it can be enforced.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens added WR DeAndre Hopkins as an accessory, not a necessity
Baltimore WR DeAndre Hopkins has an undeniable acclaim as a star pass catcher in the NFL. Still, the Ravens were already thriving before he arrived. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has an undeniable reputation as a veteran in the NFL. Still, the Ravens had already reached climactic status on the offensive side of the ball in 2024. Given this, offensive coordinator Todd Monken shouldn't get too distracted by a desire to force-feed Hopkins the ball when other options have shown themselves to be adequate in an already stable offensive attack. Furthermore, recent game logs suggest that Hopkins may play best as a third or fourth option (considering Ravens tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews) in the passing game. Hopkins was targeted five times in Super Bowl LIV, making only two catches in the biggest game of his career. Surely, Hopkins creates a red-zone advantage against smaller slot defenders, but seeing that the Ravens led the NFL in rushing yards and finished No. 7 in total passing yards in 2024, a change to the offensive structure isn't merited. Hopkins isn't in the prime of his career anymore, and Monken should be focused on the star players on the Ravens offense who actually are.
National Geographic
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- National Geographic
The UK's nightlife has lost its mojo—can it be saved?
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Nights out have been a staple of British life since the early 20th century, when the country's first nightclubs opened. But in recent years, the country has seen a surge in venue closures, with a study by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) suggesting that there could be no nightclubs by 2030. With a clutch of big openings and a new government taskforce, there are reasons to remain hopeful — but are we witnessing the end of nightlife as we know it? What's the latest? One nightclub is closing around every two days in Britain, according to NTIA data. Since 2020, more than a third of UK nightclubs have shut, totalling around 400 losses. In London, there are now more 24-hour gyms than nightclubs with late-night licences. The main reason is unsurprising: in the current economy, many nightlife venues simply can't afford to keep their doors open. Superclubs, like north London's 15,000-capacity Drumsheds, have been able to survive, partly thanks to being owned and funded by large corporations. But smaller venues are struggling — and this could spell disaster for up-and-coming DJs and bands, left without spaces to hone their craft. Meanwhile, strict licensing laws, which might force venues to close outdoor areas or have reduced hours, are making it increasingly hard for them to operate in a profitable way. Surges in new housing developments near nightlife spaces have only added to this, resulting in rising noise complaints. And on top of all that, attitudes are shifting away from going out, catalysed by the pandemic and rising cost of living. Why are people going out less? With tickets to club nights costing up to £50 and pints averaging over £5, many can't afford to go out any more. On top of this, Gen Z is less interested in enjoying a hedonistic lifestyle. According to 2021 NHS statistics, 38% of 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK don't drink alcohol. Is anything bucking the trend? There may be fewer clubs, but bars are doing well, growing by 5.4% over the past 12 months in Britain, according to NTIA figures. There's also evidence that young people are saving their money for a few nights a year, getting more bang for their buck — whether that's at a day festival, stadium concert or superclub where they can see multiple headliners in one go. From May to September, the UK capital will host at least 35 day festivals, with events like Lido, Polygon Live and SXSW London all new for 2025. 'Day festivals and multipurpose venues are thriving as they tap into that demand for something different — something more social, cultural and immersive,' says Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA. Venues are also innovating, bringing clubbing to a new wave of people, with the likes of DJ Annie Mac's Before Midnight events and sober and wellness-focused nights such as south London's Sauna Social Club, which combines saunas with electronic music. Can UK nightlife bounce back? Like Berlin's Berghain club, which was granted the same lower tax status as the city's concert venues in 2016, nightlife could be granted special protections. Local authorities in Britain are certainly taking note — Greater Manchester, London and Bristol have all appointed Night Time Economy Advisors, allowing nightlife professionals to collaborate with councils. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also just been granted game-changing new powers to overturn licensing decisions, such as early closing hours or restricted outdoor spaces, while a new London Nightlife Taskforce will bring directors of clubs like Fabric together to tackle the issues. In 2025, the capital has seen new arrivals despite recent trends, including Gallery, a 400-capacity venue in Kensington. 'It's sink or swim,' says DJ and promoter Jon Nelmes, who runs Manchester club night Sassafrass. He adds that his local scene is still thriving, partly thanks to new spaces that offer something unique, and points to newcomers like Amber's, which sells £5 tickets and has a no-phones rule. 'Clubbing isn't becoming obsolete — it's evolving,' says Kill. 'UK club culture has always been dynamic. It's survived legal crackdowns, economic downturns and shifting musical landscapes. What we're seeing now is more about transformation than decline.' Despite all the obstacles, it seems that British nightlife isn't going anywhere just yet. Published in the July/August 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
New Paper
7 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
July 24 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
Race 1 (1,200m) (3) EMPRESS WU is overdue for a maiden win. She would not be winning out of turn after four second-place finishes in a row. (1) TRAIL RUNNER was recently gelded and has the form and experience to fight out the finish. (4) SHIMMERING also has a role to play. (2) FIRE STARTER will not need to improve much over this shorter trip to make his presence felt too. Race 2 (1,600m) (5) TRIP TO STATES was a well-beaten second last time but needs only to repeat that performance over this extended trip to play another leading role. (4) CODEWORD finished a career-best second in this headgear three weeks ago under the same rider and could fight for victory if confirming that improvement. (6) WINCHESTER and (1) JOHNNY DRAMA appeal most of the remainder. Race 3 (1,600m) Last-start scorer (8) TOMMY SHELBY and debut winner (7) COPPER EAGLE are promising 2yo colts with scope to improve over this extended trip that should suit. (2) WAR REPORTER confirmed his previous outing by running second over 1,800m recently. He should go well again over a course and distance he is unbeaten. Hard-knocker (3) LAUGHING WILLIAM bounced back to form last time and could be hard to peg back if adopting similar tactics. Race 4 (1,000m) Consistent (5) KIA KAHA fared slightly better than (1) COSMIC QUEEN in a stronger 1,000m race last time but the latter was drawn wide around the turn that day and with any improvement should turn the tables. (2) BOSUM BUDDY had excuses for a disappointing last start and should not be underestimated on her Highveld return. (4) STARS AND BRA'S is not taken lightly off her reduced mark. Race 5 (1,200m) (4) FALCON STRIKE took advantage of a drop in the ratings when winning last time and a four-point penalty is not likely to prevent another forward showing. Runner-up (3) ALONE TIME is 1.5kg better off, so he could avenge that 1.10-length defeat. Highveld newcomer (1) PEREGRINE FALCON should not be underestimated on his reappearance off a career-low mark. Hard-knockers (8) PHALA MILLIONS has the form and experience at this level to also acquit himself competitively. Race 6 (2,400m) Progressive (4) LAVA LAMP and the thriving (7) CARTAGENA are both last-start winners, though preference is for the latter whose experience over this distance will stand her in good stead. (2) ARTIC SILVER finished third in her sole 2,400m appearance at a higher level and won her only start on this course, so she is not taken lightly either. (1) ORDER OF HOPE has claims. Race 7 (2,000m) Top-weight (1) SNEAK PREVIEW will appreciate the step-up to this distance and is worth siding with off her career-low mark. (2) HAT FURIOUS and (3) RED SPARROW have performed moderately since opening their accounts but are not underestimated off their reduced marks. (4) CREPUSCOLO has earning potential too. Race 8 (1,450m) (4) RED AMBER got going late to finish a close-up third in a stronger race over 1,400m against male opposition last time and this extended trip will be more to her liking. Will be hard to beat against female-only rivals. (5) GHOSTBUSTER will likely pose the biggest threat, as she remains open to improvement on her return from a break. (6) SHEETS AND GOGGLES and (9) LADY LOXTON complete the shortlist.
