Tag: seaside
Our seaside town’s top attraction has been CLOSED for the summer – it will completely destroy our famous area
TRADERS, tourists and locals have hit out at the decision to keep one of the country’s longest piers closed for the summer.
Southport Pier, a 3,600 feet Victorian gem, normally throngs with day trippers during the town’s summer season.
Joy Bury said that she could not believe that the pier was closed for the summer season[/caption]
Mark and Siobhan Hewitt , from Essex, came to Southport to see the famous pier[/caption]
The pier is closed for ‘essential maintenance’[/caption]
Locals were baffled by the closure of the town’s famous pier[/caption]
The pier, which features cafes and a Peaky Blinders era amusement arcade, offers stunning views of the Lancashire coastline with Blackpool Tower shimmering across the sands.
But this summer, the famous pier is closed as the council carries out a health and safety assessment of the structure.
Southport Pier Pavilion, which ran a café and an arcade, hit out at the decision to shut down the attraction.
The owners posted a message on Facebook which read : “We are, as you can all imagine, very frustrated with this and have received zero financial help as yet.
“Our business just stopped with zero days’ notice, our stock went to ruin and our lives and that of our amazing staff paused.
“Some staff have literally had breakdowns because of this. It’s like lock down all over again but with no help.”
Joy Bury, who runs a joke shop in the town centre, said: “I just can’t believe the pier is closed for the summer. It’s so very disappointing.”
Joy, who has run the Neville Street shop since the 1980s, said the closure was “embarrassing” for the seaside town.
Mark and Siobhan Hewitt , from Essex, were in Merseyside for Eurovision but wanted to see Southport’s famous pier.
Mark said: “We have the world’s longest pier at Southend-on-Sea but wanted to see Southport too. It’s a bit of shame to be honest with you that it’s closed. How very strange.”
Robert Kelly, who visits Southport a few times a week to walk his Alsation, said: “I have been coming here since I was a little boy with my dad.
“I would normally go on the pier but can’t now. Not heard a thing as to why its closed.”
Scott Mooney, who lives near Southport, said he understood the decision.
Mr Mooney, 35, said: “If there are health and safety concerns the council are right to close it. It’s such an old building. Safety comes first.”
An ice-cream vendor who asked not be named said: “It’s an absolute joke. We were battered during lockdown and now we are back to normal.
“Then they close the pier. It’s the jewel in Southport’s crown with stunning views of the coast. I heard the lad who runs the cafe on the pier is pulling his hair out. What a nightmare.”
Peter Crompton, who worked on the pier for years, said: “It’s the second longest pier in the country and the focal point of the town.
“It defined the town along with the fairground. People came to Southport to go on the fair and walk the pier.”
“It must be devastating for the traders who were on the pier, such as the cafes and amusement arcade.
“In my view the pier has not had enough investment and protection from the elements over the years.
“Now we are paying the price. I appreciate there have been cut backs in spending but it should have received more care.
“I just don’t think we are moving forward as a town. I appreciate times have changed with more overseas holidays but Southport should be a classic resort town.”
Southport MP Damien Moore said to The Sun: “It is unacceptable that Sefton Council remains content for Southport Pier to remain closed over key trading periods in 2023, following previous Council-approved closures over the Easter Weekend and school holidays.
” Our town’s tourist-based economy will be further impacted by the Council’s extended closure of the pier over the upcoming summer period.
“I have written to the Council on several occasions, and I urge them to provide my constituents with an update on a timescale for the reopening of the pier, transparency on the security of the pier’s future, and information on potential compensation to business owners who have been unable to trade as a direct result of this closure.
“The Labour Council owe it to hardworking business owners in Southport to provide the clarity over when this restriction on their businesses will be lifted.”
A landlord who asked not to be named told The Sun that Sefton Council had done their best to invest in the town over recent years.
The businessman said the council had just announced plans for the Marine Lake Events Centre which would boost the town.
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “As previously stated the survey being carried out on Southport Pier involves a thorough and intrusive assessment of the 3,600ft structure.
“Due to the detailed nature of this assessment and the complexity of Southport Pier’s structure, the survey will take time to complete.
“However we will update both business owners directly and the public through our official communication channels as soon as possible.
“We appreciate this is a frustrating time for everyone but health and safety remains our priority.”
Dog walker Robert Kelly said he was baffled by the closure[/caption]
One of the two cafes no longer trading due to the closure of the pier[/caption]
Former pier worker Peter Crompton claimed the town was now ‘moving backwards’[/caption]
Southport is marketed as a classic English resort town[/caption]
Our picturesque seaside town is the set of ‘Star Wars’ but we want Hollywood gone – here’s why
LOCALS living in a seaside town being used to film a new series have revealed why they want Hollywood gone.
The residents say they can understand why the nearby Winspit Quarry has been picked to shoot Star Wars spin-off Andor again, it’s “beautiful”.
Winspit Quarry is being used to film Star Wars spin-off Andor – and its drawing the masses to Dorset[/caption]
Local Steve Young says people have been visiting the coastal spot for decades[/caption]
Andor is the fourth Star Wars TV series created for Disney+[/caption]
But, that’s that same reason why the people of Dorset want film crews gone, so they can have their secret spot back.
The Worth Matravers quarry was opened in the early 1800s and used as a naval and air base the decades that followed.
The National Trust-run site remains a spectacular seaside spot for locals to enjoy picnics on a summer’s day, and has been dubbed a “magical place” by many.
Local Juliet Harmer, 68, is one of those.
She told The Sun Online: “It is a beautiful place and very other worldly so I can see why the Star Wars people picked it as a location for their filming.
“It has brought in some people who have come just to have a look at where the Star Wars series was filmed, but it is very special place for lots of local people.”
Disney used 200-year-old Winspit Quarry, then owned by a farmer, as the HQ of character Saw Gerrera for the first series in 2021, starring Diego Luna.
The site — described by nearby Swanage tourist office as “otherworldly” — has also been used to film Doctor Who.
Generations have used the site to explore caves, climb rock faces or just enjoy the sights and dog walks.
Anne Simmonds, 65, lives nearby and said she’s been spending time there since she was a youngster.
She said the quarry’s recent attention had seen signs go up warning of its dangers – but she said locals were more than aware.
The 65-year-old said: “I’ve been coming here since I was a girl and it is a very magical place.
“People would have picnics and even campouts overnight until quite recently.”
Anne added: “Signage has now gone up to say a part of the site could be dangerous but local people know not to go inside the caves.
“It’s just such a wonderful place – so different to anything else around here, it will be nice for it to return to being a forgotten place.”
Builder Steve Young, 54, was one of the many who paid the quarry a visit on a sunny day.
I’ve been coming here since I was a
girl and it is a very magical place.
Anne Simmonds
He said: “People have been coming here for years and it’s quite a beautiful place to enjoy a nice sunny day.
“If they were preparing to film a Star Wars production down there perhaps they could get Obi Won Knobi to work his magic and ensure the rocks don’t tumble on them.”
It comes after the crews were told to pack up and leave last month over health and safety fears.
Andor is the fourth Star Wars TV series created for Disney+ from the franchise.
The sci-fi program is proceeded by The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
It’s not uncommon for visitors to swam seaside towns – to the annoyance of locals.
One village has been left with just 14 permanent residents as second homeowners snap up houses – leaving locals furious.
Another town has also become overrun with Londoners snapping up homes.
Others in an idyllic staycation spot now have to leave town to buy everyday essentials.
The site was first used for filming the series in 2021[/caption]
The quarry and its caves have been being explored and admired for generations[/caption]
We live in picturesque seaside town where beachfront homes go for just £135k – it feels like a holiday all year round
RESIDENTS of a picturesque town where seafront homes sell for just £135,000 have bragged that it feels like they’re on holiday all year round.
Scarborough, on the Yorkshire coast, is home to two beaches, North Bay Beach and South Bay Beach, and has been welcoming holidaymakers to its shores for over 400 years.
Scarborough’s North Bay on the beautiful Yorkshire coastline[/caption]
Resident Athi and his son, who say it feels like they are always on holiday[/caption]
But its year-round residents say they love it just as much as its tourists.
Dad Athi, whose family moved to town from South Africa, told YorkshireLive: “It feels like we’re on holiday living here, rather than here to work.
“It’s so beautiful – we have a lovely view and we love to sit at our window and watch the waves. It’s very friendly too – our neighbours are nice, though I think most of the other flats are holiday apartments.
“We’ve got quite a good price for it and we’re close to town. It gets very busy – we arrived on Easter weekend and it was packed, but we really like it here.”
Despite its popularity, Scarborough’s house prices have remained relatively cheap.
A one-bed flat with sea views is currently up for sale for just £135,000
Another local, Tom Nicholls, 26, explained: “It’s not that expensive here to own a two-bed flat,” he said.
“It’s beautiful here – we wanted the view. We can see the entire seafront from our front window.
“It is actually quite a quiet building considering we’re on the seafront. But it does get busy in the summer and parking is the most annoying.
“Our families love coming and staying. I moved here from near York for work but I don’t think I’d live anywhere else but Scarborough now.”
It comes after the UK’s favourite seaside town was crowned last week, based on the views of more than 3,000 people.
Consumer champion Which? asked holidaymakers to rate their experiences of visiting seaside towns in the last year, based on different criteria.
Topping the charts for the third consecutive year was Northumberland’s Bamburgh, which secured an impressive destination score of 88 per cent.
A location steeped in history, Bamburgh is renowned for its stunning sandy shoreline, backed by the imposing ruins of its ancient castle.
Hot on Bamburgh’s heels with a score of 85 per cent is Dartmouth, Devon.
It too secured a perfect five-star rating for scenery and accommodation, and was awarded four stars for shopping, its seafront, food and drink options and tourist attractions.
Tom Nicholls says house prices have remained cheap[/caption]
The seaside town crowned best in the UK by Which? – with ‘super soft sand’ and quiet beach
WHICH? has crowned the UK’s favourite seaside town, based on the views of more than 3,000 people.
The consumer champion asked the holidaymakers to rate their experiences of visiting seaside towns in the last year, based on several different criteria.
Bamburgh was praised for its sandy beaches and historic castle[/caption]
They offered their opinions on the quality of the beaches, food and drink offerings, tourist attractions and value for money.
Topping the charts for the third consecutive year was Northumberland’s Bamburgh, which secured an impressive destination score of 88 per cent.
A location steeped in history, Bamburgh is renowned for its stunning sandy shoreline, backed by the imposing ruins of its ancient castle.
Unsurprisingly given its unique setting, visitors awarded it a full five stars for its scenery, as well as for the quality of its beach and seafront.
It also secured five stars for peace and quiet, meaning day trippers never have to jostle for a spot.
One visitor praised how quiet it was, saying it has “super-soft sand that stretches as far as the eye can see, and there is plenty of space, so the beach never feels crowded”.
Hot on Bamburgh’s heels with a score of 85 per cent is Dartmouth, Devon.
It too secured a perfect five-star rating for scenery and accommodation, and was awarded four stars for shopping, its seafront, food and drink options and tourist attractions.
It also earned a respectable three stars for value for money and peace and quiet.
Making an impressive survey debut with third place is Portstewart, Derry/Londonderry.
Featuring broad sandy beaches and an attractive harbour and promenade, the town has a wealth of tourist attractions on offer, including a championship golf course, and achieved an overall score of 84 per cent.
Visitors praised the “fantastic beach” as well as the selection of cafes “selling home-style baking”.
Tying in fourth place with a score of 83 per cent are Portmeirion in Gwynedd, St Andrews in Fife, and Tynemouth, Tyne & Wear.
With its colourful array of Italian-style buildings, visitors noted Portmeirion’s “quirky” appeal and described enjoying a “magical” experience in the town, which was constructed over 50 years between 1925 and 1975.
St Andrews meanwhile drew praise for its ‘expansive’ beach and ‘characterful’ buildings, as well as its renowned golf course, a highlight that contributed to its five-star score for tourist attractions.
Visitors also enthused over the ‘beautiful’ beaches in Tynemouth and the wide range of sites to explore, from the priory, to the lighthouse.
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “Few countries can be home to such a diversity of brilliant seaside breaks as Britain.
“Whether you want world class beaches and utter wilderness or the bright lights and bucket and spade atmosphere of a resort, the UK has a seaside break made for you.
“What our survey shows is that it’s rarely the most famous destinations that visitors enjoy most. Try somewhere new this year and our survey shows you should find fewer crowds and better value.”
Meanwhile, this seaside town in the UK is also home to dolphins, whales and puffins, as well as amazing castles.
And these are some of the most tranquil staycation spots in the country.
From more than 3,000 reviews Bamburgh was picked as the UK’s favourite seaside destination[/caption]
Kelly Gale wows in sexy bubble gum pink bikini before posing for seaside pic with her pet rescue dog
KELLY Gale blows fans away in her bubble-gum pink bikini.
The model, 27, was posing in a two-piece from a Victoria’s Secret swimwear range.
Kelly Gale modelled a pink two-piece from Victoria’s Secret[/caption]
And she also pawsed to have a seaside photo at sunset with her dog Zoe.
She adopted the hound in 2020 with actor partner Joel Kinnaman, 43.
The Swedes got engaged a year later and are expected to wed in Australia.
Kelly also turned her hand to acting in recent action film Plane.
So she’s off to a flyer.
Last month the model stunned fans as she posed in a blue bikini for a photoshoot.
She wore the two-piece from Italian fashion brand Yamamay before heading on holiday with her Suicide Squad actor fiancé Joel Kinnaman.
What’s life like in the UK’s priciest seaside town?
Inside UK’s most beautiful seaside towns which look like they’re ABROAD… get ‘Caribbean’ sands & Spanish sun from home
A TRIP to a gorgeous sunny beach is something many of us crave – but there’s no need to hop on a plane.
The UK is home to a number of stunning seaside towns that will make you feel like you’re lapping up the sunshine in Spain or sipping a cocktail in the Caribbean.
Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire boasts a stunning stretch of golden sand[/caption]
St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall looks like a foreign destination[/caption]
Holkham Beach in Norfolk is lined with stunning beach huts[/caption]
Dotted around the country are beaches that could easily be mistaken for an exotic resort.
St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall looks like it has been ripped out of a travel guide on northern France.
The tidal island complete with a medieval castle sits in the middle of Mount’s Bay and is often cut off by the sea.
But it can be accessed by foot during low tide from the town of Marazion.
Meanwhile in Norfolk, Holkham Beach is a sprawling spot to relax by the sea.
It could easily be mistaken for South Africa with its picture-perfect stretches of golden sand and line of candy-coloured beach huts on stilts.
But Holkham Beach has a strong contender in the form of Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire.
The glistening Welsh bay had impressively clear blue waters and gleaming sand just calling to be laid on.
It has even often been named as one of the world’s best beaches.
Also in Cornwall is Summerleaze Beach – home to Bude Sea Pool, which is reminiscent on Sydney‘s Bondi Icebergs Pool.
The sea pool is partially manmade and is built into the rocks.
Its website boasts that it has “provided a haven for free and safe bathing and other water-based activities since the 1930s”.
And the Isle of Mull of the Inner Hebrides is home to beaches that are real hidden gems.
The Northern Lights can even be seen sparkling from the bays as the island has very little light polution.
Meanwhile the Valley of the Rocks, Devon, is one of the most breathtaking places to take in views of the sea.
Its spectacular scenery is centred around a dramatic section of coastline and is enough to make any jaw drop.
It comes after a UK pub received rave reviews – with some punters even comparing it to holiday hotspots in Spain.
The soaring cost of flights has got an increasing number of people considering staycations this year, rather than a trip abroad.
Fortunately there are plenty of locations in the UK where holidaymakers can get a similar experience, without the hassle of trip overseas.
One of those places is Whitstable in Kent, with a famous pub overlooking the sea.
The Old Neptune is described online as an “intimate Victorian inn with period decor” that offers “pub-grub, plus live music”.
The Neppy, as it’s known to locals, sits right on Whitstable beach, meaning people can order themselves a cold pint, while sitting looking out to sea.
Customers love the unique experience it offers, with one even comparing it to holiday hotspots further afield.
In a review on TripAdvisor, they wrote: “Table service on the beach patio, with a varied menu and a good selection of beers.
“Went there specifically to try the local gin. and stayed for lunch, the fish selection box. Ideal for a beach side lunch. was just like being on the Costas.”
Meanwhile, the most beautiful beaches in the UK have been revealed.
Kynance Cove, a small beach in Cornwall, took the top spot, beating Newquay’s popular Fistral Beach and Brighton Beach.
The study, conducted by luxuryhotel.com, analysed Instagram data and beach length to find ones with the highest “hashtags per metre”.
Kynance Cove, located in Mount’s Bay, Cornwall, came in at number one with nearly 55,000 hashtags, despite measuring just 200m long.
Brighton Beach, while it had more than 900,000 hashtags, is one of the longest on the list, measuring three miles.
And Cornwall’s Fistral beach also made the top three, which is popular with the annual Baordmasters festival.
The Valley of Rocks makes up part of the jaw-dropping coastline in Devon[/caption]
Bude Sea Pool at Summerleaze Beach is reminiscent of Sydney’s Bondi Icebergs Pool[/caption]
The Isle of Mull is home to home to some stunning bays[/caption]