What to wear for a weekend getaway
Knit vest, £265, Navygrey. Necklace, £210, Ysso. T-shirt, £15.99, Zara. Case, £165, Away. Trousers, £89, Albaray. Sandals, £40, Schuh. Suede bag, £149, Arket
Cap, £92, Mother. Sunglasses, £65, Le Specs. Dress, £99.95, Massimo Dutti. Organiser, £195, Anya Hindmarch. Weekend bag, £139, Rains. Sandals, £110, Sorel. Bracelet, £125, Otiumberg
Hat, £40, Free People. Top, £35.99, Mango. Necklace, £75, Sézane. Bag, £165, Varley. Shorts, £225, by Posse, from Selfridges. Sandals, £350, Dear Frances. Earrings, £27.99, Pilgrim
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BBC News
35 minutes ago
- BBC News
The legacy of the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon upgrade
For decades, a dual carriageway in Cambridgeshire was synonymous with slow-moving traffic, jack-knifed lorries and long, long changed in May 2020, when the new A14 opened ahead of schedule, a12-mile (19km) Cambridge to Huntingdon three-lane carriageway. More than five years after the £1.5bn road improvement scheme was completed, what do locals think - and what is its legacy?The BBC has been finding out. "Driving to Stansted Airport could potentially be a two-hour trip, just to get there for a pick-up or drop off - now it's a 45-minute journey," said Stuart co-founder of Le Mark, a Huntingdon-based company, is a huge fan of the improvements."We are a business that is rural, we're in a nice part of the county, but we need to get up and down the motorways when we need to," he said. The company produces tapes, custom-printed labels, professional dance floors and crew-wear for the entertainment industry, including TV, touring bans, theatre, stage and buys and sells internationally, which is why getting to Stansted Airport is so Mr Gibbons can also confidently tell customers in north London that Le Mark can drop off items within an hour and a half."The difference is we can make an appointment we are fairly certain we can meet," he said. Heidi Brown has been working for Le Mark for three years - and commuting along the A14 for much longer than that. The upgraded road has transformed her journey to work. "Historically, it was quite a lot of congestion, it wasn't the easiest of journeys - I'd often have to find alternative routes to work," the purchasing assistant said."Now I can confidently leave knowing I can get to work and I don't have to allow more time in advance." Her colleague, social media content creator Charlotte Brooks, agreed, adding: "I'd hear [the old A14} a lot near our house, but it's a lot better now, much more quiet." "It's a hugely important bridge, the level of vehicles using this bridge is massive - from villages like Oakington, Cottenham, Longstanton and Willingham," said Luis newly elected Liberal Democrat county councillor has found himself negotiating with National Highways over settling embankments on land around the Bar Hill bridge at junction new layout there was part of the A14 project, but now locals are saying they feel a bump when they drive over it and Mr Navarro is "concerned it could become a hazard"."The technical term is the bridge is 'settling' and National Highways have now attached monitoring devices to it, to provide data on how fast or if the bridge is still settling," he said."It's important we are on top of this issue... it's a major artery and the idea is we try to get a permanent solution to reassure drivers that it's safe."A National Highways spokesperson said it had been monitoring the bridge for more than a year, initially with inspections by engineers."This has now been enhanced to include digital monitoring," they said. "This is part of a phased assessment process as we continue our work with Cambridgeshire County Council to determine the root cause and put an appropriate solution in place." About 270 hectares (670 acres) of habitat, including 40 native tree and shrub species, was created for wildlife along the new section of the A14, which realigned the dual carriageway south of say the tree screen will be vital to mitigate against noise from the road. However, National Highways said in 2022 about 20 to 30% of the trees had died, although all have been has since planted another 165,000 trees and shrubs, 90% of which have Russell, who founded the rewilding group Creating Nature's Corridors and with her family, lives close to the A14 in took matters into their own hands by planting their own trees."What we're really lacking is the mulching and the watering and the nurturing and that wasn't done by National Highways," she said. Paul Salmon has been working on the latest National Highways infrastructure project in Cambridgeshire, from Caxton Gibbet to the Black Cat roundabout in Bedfordshire, for more than three £1bn A428 project includes a new 10-mile (16km) dual carriageway, as well as bridges and junctions connecting to the existing road. "Everyone locally knows about the Black Cat junction, it's infamous for multiple reasons and has been a pinch point - including the last single carriageway on this east-west corridor between Milton Keynes and Felixstowe," he said. "And we will move that traffic off the local road."Currently it's about 35,000 vehicles on the A428 a day, and by the time the new road opens, it'll be down to about 3,000 a day."The agency and its partner Skanska have spent time working out "the good, the bad and the indifferent" of the A14 project, the senior project manager added. "For this project, we're top-soiling early, so it'll be green by the time the scheme opens," he said. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Simon Calder's top 11 UK beaches to head to for summer sun
After months of rain and miserable weather, it's finally here: the Great British heatwave. With reports that temperatures could reach as high as 33C, it's all systems go to make the most of the sun, and what better way to do that than by visiting one of the many beaches we Brits have been blessed with? With nearly 8,000 miles of coastline (some estimates even say 11,000), there are many places to enjoy the heat in peace and quiet – so no need to squeeze yourself into a sun lounger on Brighton beach... From picturesque shores along the Scottish coast to vibrant spots stretching from Durham to Scilly, these are some of best areas to pay a visit. So don that sun hat, fire up the disposable BBQ and slap on that sun screen: it's time to hit the beach. To be alone and at one with the elements, aim for the beach at Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris. The outer shore of the Outer Hebrides is the raw edge of Britain, where the soundtrack rumbles with the weary roar of an ocean at the end of a 3,000-mile journey. You'll find turquoise water of implausible clarity and ice-white sand, sculpted into unworldly shapes by the west wind. Ballycastle, County Antrim This is a broad beach with a view. The hills of County Antrim subside into the sea, and beyond the tumbling cliffs, through the mist, stands the Mull of Kintyre, that bulky punctuation at the end of Scotland's Argyll Peninsula. And at the end of the day, if you wish, you can sail across to Campbeltown on the 4.30pm ferry – watching Northern Ireland retreat in your wake. St Agnes, Scilly I count this fickle stretch of sand as the southernmost in Britain – and given the difficulty in reaching this corner of the kingdom, you can expect to enjoy the place in relative solitude. If you don't have your own yacht, take a boat from Penzance or a plane from one of several southwest airports to St Mary's – then a local boat across to St Agnes. Paignton, Devon The morning sun brings Torbay to life, with Paignton shining brightest. A traditional resort with the benefit of an interesting hinterland: fishing-village Brixham to the south, post-Fawlty Torquay to the north, and the gorgeous River Dart just southwest. Ryde, Isle of Wight Two retro transport options earn the otherwise unremarkable beach at Ryde its place: Britain's last surviving hovercraft roars off to Southsea several times an hour, while an ancient former Tube train rattles down the pier, the opposite end of the railway spectrum from the Trans-Siberian. Rhossili, Gower Peninsula The Welsh mainland has a ridiculous number of excellent beaches, but this is my favourite: the sweep of sand that bookends the Gower Peninsula, with a wild, western aspect that makes it ideal at the end of a warm summer afternoon. Aldeburgh Bay, Suffolk For sheer diversity, head to England's easternmost county. On the 'Suffolk Heritage Coast' between Aldeburgh and Southwold, you find rich flora and birdlife; the Sizewell B nuclear plant; the artists' colony of Walberswick; Alain de Botton's 'balancing barn', a short way inland; and miles and miles of beaches that face the dawn. Blackpool, Lancashire For many of us, the beach is just an excuse for a collection of indulgences – and Blackpool vies with Brighton for the crown of Britain's most hedonistic resort. The Lancashire town wins thanks to having proper sand, not shingle, as well as the Tower and the Pleasure Beach. Seaham, County Durham Lord Byron married Annabella Milbanke at Seaham Hall two centuries ago, and the cliff-top residence is now an elegant spa hotel. In the intervening years, Seaham was the heart of the coal industry, with shafts extending deep beneath the North Sea and a hinterland desecrated by development. Now, nature is reclaiming the shore. Knoydart, Scotland Want a sweep of shoreline to yourself? Find your way on foot or by sea to the Knoydart Peninsula, Britain's last great wilderness. Western Scotland has more appealing sands (notably in the Outer Hebrides), but while Knoydart is part of the mainland, it offers even more isolation. Tynemouth The name describes the location: where the river through Newcastle reaches the North Sea. The setting is spectacular, with a rugged, crumbling castle marking the end of a handsome town with great places to eat. None is more rewarding than Riley's Fish Shack, down on the sand with deckchair dining. The beach curves gracefully north, inviting a swim regardless of the chilly North Sea.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
What's the best time of year for a city break in Malta?
Q I want to go to Valletta in Malta as a city break early next year. What I haven't decided is whether to visit in January or March. Which would you recommend? 'Boveney Girl' A As I have written many times before, Valletta is a glorious capital city – created in the 16th century by the Christian military order known as the Knights of St John. In any month you will be able to walk on the honey-coloured walls and explore the palaces and churches that they wrap around. All other things being equal – which they are not – March is the better of the two months in which to visit. The island in the deep south of the Mediterranean will be blossoming, and you will be able to share in the spring energy. Having said that, though, I recommend you go in January. That is because the advantage of being in Valletta compared with anywhere in the UK will be at its maximum. On 16 January – plumb in the middle of the month – Valletta will enjoy 10 hours of daylight, with a good chance that many of them will be sunny and warm. For comparison, London will have barely eight hours of daylight, and the likelihood of cloud and rain – possibly even snow. January also delivers the best deals for flying to Malta and staying there, though some properties will close during what is normally a very low-season month. You might also find that some of Valletta's eating and drinking venues are closed. Conversely, though, you will be able to visit all the top cultural attractions – in Valletta and elsewhere on the island – without the crowds that can build up at other times of the year. I particularly recommend the Three Towns on the other side of Valletta Harbour, which has some of the most atmospheric streets in Europe. The chance for some deep midwinter warmth in an enthralling location should do you the world of good and put you in a good travelling frame of mind for the rest of the year. Q Can you help clarify the situation in Cyprus? A large group of us are due to travel in a month for a family wedding. We are worried about issues involving Israel and Iran. I have heard rumours that flights have been brought forward and people have been flown home early. Gillian Richardson A I can understand the concerns of prospective travellers like you with trips booked to Cyprus. The Foreign Office warns that 'ongoing hostilities in the region' could 'escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region'. At its nearest, Israel is only 145 miles from the popular Cypriot resort of Ayia Napa. In addition, the UK has two military bases in Cyprus, which the foreign secretary, David Lammy, describes as 'hugely important at this time'. Yet despite the increasing regional conflict, there is no evidence of flights being brought forward, or of people being flown home early (except, presumably, in special cases due to other issues). Airlines and holiday companies are continuing with their normal operations and their standard terms and conditions. At present, I recommend that you go ahead with the plan. As the Foreign Office does not warn against travel to Cyprus, there is no prospect of being able to cancel a trip for a refund. Neither will travel insurance be of any help. If you have a proper package holiday booked, it can be transferred to someone else on payment of a nominal fee – typically £50. Alternatively, your holiday company may possibly offer the chance to switch to a different destination if there is capacity elsewhere. But with a family wedding scheduled, neither of these possibilities seems appropriate. In the unlikely event that the Foreign Office warned against travel to Cyprus, people with package holidays booked for imminent departure would be entitled to a full refund. Airlines would also be likely to offer refunds. Holidaymakers already on the island would be flown home as soon as possible. If it is of any comfort, I would happily travel to Cyprus this summer: it is a beautiful, cultured and friendly country. I have checked the official travel advice issued by the governments of Ireland, Australia, Canada and the US, and none of them raise concerns about the safety of their citizens. My main concern in July would simply be excessive heat. I hope everyone has good hats. Q We are doing a road trip in Portugal in August. Any particular places you could recommend to visit off the beaten track? Brendon Hahn A Portugal has two outstanding big cities – Lisbon and Porto – for which a car would be an encumbrance rather than a benefit. But pretty much everywhere else in the nation, driving is an excellent way to discover the many treasures off the tourism mainstream. In August I suggest you start in the north, as the temperature in the sometimes overheated south should dwindle as the month goes on. I assume you will rent a one-way car in Porto and drop it off at Faro on the Algarve. The northern portion begins in Aveiro, a lovely town embroidered by canals. Then spend the afternoon exploring Coimbra, a beautiful university city 75 miles south of Porto and 125 miles north of Lisbon. It is rich in culture, history and gastronomy, all wrapped into a compact core. Continue south to the celebrated Portuguese surfing hub of Nazare, where the Atlantic collides spectacularly with Europe. Then head inland to the nearby towns of Alcobaca and Batallha – each of which has an astonishing monastery steeped in history. Round off this religious pilgrimage with a visit to Fatima, home to the nation's most important shrine. One more stop before Lisbon: Obidos. This gorgeous walled city has preserved its medieval soul despite all the visitors attracted by its exquisite buildings. Then aim south on roads where driving is a pleasure, well constructed and delivering excellent views. Bypass the capital over the 25 April Bridge (Portugal's answer to the Golden Gate Bridge) and enjoy to the full the Setubal peninsula. Stop for the beach and seafood at Caparica; drive alongside a gorgeous corrugated coastline; witness the drama of Cabo Espichel, location for a vast, windswept monastery; and explore the city of Setubal itself, a relaxed fishing and ferry port with an atmospheric old quarter. Take the ferry across to the Troia peninsula and meander south along the coast, pausing in the picturesque town of Sines and, in the deep south, Sagres. Keep inland as you parallel the Algarve coast, ending your great drive in the handsome city of Silves before the short run to Faro airport. Q I am flying to Nice for the first time next week. What do you recommend in and around the city? Natalie W A Your timing is excellent. From the start of July, Nice will be besieged by French holidaymakers from the north of the nation. While you won't exactly have the place to yourself in late June, the narrow lanes of the old town, the top-class tourist attractions and some excellent bars and restaurants will not be too overcrowded. To get the measure of the city, I recommend you walk (or cycle) from the airport into the centre. Nice-Cote d'Azur airport is at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais, the wide seaside boulevard that arcs around to the Colline du Chateau – the hill that punctuates the end of the old town. If you prefer to cycle in 20 minutes rather than walk in 90, rent-it-here/leave-it-there bikes are widely available, including out at the airport. The two parallel systems are Lime and Pony; you will need the appropriate app for either. On your way in, pop your head around the door of the Hotel Negresco – the elaborate grande dame whose pink dome has presided over the promenade since 1913. Cours Saleya is an excellent place to catch your breath. It is a flower market flanked by cafes where you can sample socca, the local chickpea pancake. Besides exploring the old town, visit two excellent museums, each dedicated to a single artist: the Musee Chagall and the Musee Matisse. The latter has a lovely hillside location above the city at Cimiez, alongside the atmospheric 16th-century monastery where Matisse is buried. Surprisingly few tourists make it to the Orthodox cathedral of St Nicholas, a creation from the era when Nice was a playground for the Russian aristocracy. For a different dimension of the French Riviera, head for Villefranche-sur-Mer – a pretty fishing port that is one headland beyond Nice. Just six minutes by train from Nice Ville, the pace slows. Wander through the lanes and choose a waterside location for coffee or ice cream. Ideally, you should walk back. Take the steep paths and lanes over Mont Boron, which divides Villefranche from Nice. Your reward: yet more stirring views, and the chance of glimpsing Elton John, who has a house there.
