EU train station which could see 594-mile train journeys from the UK

A new direct train service from St Pancras International could stretch as far as Milan in Italy, as Italy's state railway invests in services through the Channel Tunnel
An exciting new service may provide Brits with a new way to visit Italy that doesn't involve flying. Currently, the Eurostar allows Brits to travel with convenience to a few key destinations around Europe, including Paris, Lille, Brussels, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Italy's state railway has announced plans to run between London and Paris by 2029 as part of a €1bn (£860m) investment in services through the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone, Kent, and beyond.
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Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) says it will use trains modelled after its Frecciarossa express services in continental Europe - an alternative to Eurostar.
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FS raised the prospect of longer links from London, including to Marseille and Milan via Lyon. The new services are facilitated by a planned terminal redesign of London's St Pancras. London St Pancras Highspeed, the company responsible for the station, hoped a redesigned terminal could attract new railway operators to compete with Eurostar, reported the Times.
The prospective route would see trains depart from London St Pancras station to Milano Centrale - Milan's main train station. The Italian station opened in the early 1930s to replace an older, smaller station.
There are 24 tracks at Centrale, with a soaring glass and metal arched roof over the platforms. The imposing design of the building was intended to showcase the dominance of then-Prime Minister Mussolini's fascist regime, according to Italia Rail.
In addition to being one of the most grand train stations in design, Milano Centrale is the second-largest station in Italy - behind Roma Termini. In addition to being a hub for international travellers, the station offers regular daily service to cities throughout Italy. In fact, over 320,000 people pass through the station each day.
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On the platform level of the station, there are shops and restaurants, as well as an information office for confused or curious travellers. There is also a Sala Freccia Club across from Track 21, for travellers with a Gold or Platinum CARTAFRECCIA card or an Executive or AV Salottino ticket. There is also a Sala Blu next to track four, for passengers with disabilities who need special assistance.
The lowest level of the station has shops and restaurants to kill time between trains. On the mezzanine and upper levels there are more shops and restaurants.
The ground level of Milano Centrale is where travellers can find a ticket office, the KiPoint left luggage facility, a post office, and most of the shops and restaurants in the station.
Travellers can also access the Centrale Metro station without leaving the building, and just outside of the train station are the boarding points for several city bus and tram lines.

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Scottish Sun

an hour ago

• Scottish Sun

Major evacuation as 1,500 passengers ‘trapped on train for 2 hours with no air con' in sweltering heat

People were led onto the tracks to fend for themselves RAIL CHAOS Major evacuation as 1,500 passengers 'trapped on train for 2 hours with no air con' in sweltering heat Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HORRIFIED Brits were evacuated after being trapped on a train for two hours with no air con. Weary passengers have slammed Thamelink after their morning service from Bedford to Brighton came to a screeching halt on the hottest day of the year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Fuming passengers were forced to wait in carriages with no aircon for two hours Credit: Twitter 4 The train broke down between Elephant and Castle, and Loughborough Credit: Twitter 4 Everyone was evacuated onto the tracks Credit: Twitter The train broke down between Elephant and Castle, and Loughborough - but ticketholders were left waiting in their carriages during the sweltering heat today. There was no air conditioning, and a major evacuation was eventually carried out after several hours. People were led onto the tracks to fend for themselves, and claimed they were given no instruction on where to go next. One passenger fumed on X: "Absolutely disgraceful from Thameslink Bedford to Brighton service train broke down the passengers left sweltering for almost two hours before being taken off in the middle of nowhere with no direction all left to their own." Another ranted: "Stuck on train to Brighton between Elephant & Castle & Loughborough junction past 20 minutes, rammed with people, hottest day of the year why are there no aircon and no windows that can be opened? there is no ventilation. "Medical issues waiting to happen." A third vented: "[Thameslink] you will have hell to pay. We've been stuck on this hot and humid train for over an hour. "The doors were closed because we were told we may be moving. That was 15 minutes ago. It's like an oven in here and we're being slow cooked." A spokesperson for the train operator initially wrote: "Due to a fault on a train between London Blackfriars and Herne Hill, some lines are blocked. We're working to gather more information on this incident." In a separate reply to another passenger, they said: "We are aware of your location (and the lack of working A/C on the train) and are working with response teams to get you moving as soon as possible. "Please do not attempt to self evacuate as the tracks are still live." In a statement to MailOnline, Thameslink confirmed: "Earlier today, a fault on a train near Loughborough Junction brought all services to a halt in the area, three of them outside station platforms. "Without power and air conditioning on such a hot day, we pulled all resources from across Sussex and Kent to get personnel on site to safely evacuate passengers as quickly as possible along the track. "This would have been a difficult and uncomfortable experience for our passengers and we are truly sorry. "With safety our top priority, the safest place was to remain on the trains while we worked our hardest to get help to those on board. "There is engineering work taking place today, which means this is the only route Thameslink trains can take south out of London and severe disruption is expected for the rest of the afternoon. "Anyone travelling south of London is currently advised to use Southern services from Victoria but you should check the latest travel advice at "Passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more are also entitled to compensation, with details on our website." A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: "We were called at 11.46am today to assist around 1,500 railway passengers who are on board two trains which are stranded near Loughborough Junction station. "The power to the railway line has been isolated and crews are currently working alongside staff from Network Rail to lead the passengers from the trains to the station. "Around 25 firefighters are currently in attendance." British Transport Police added: 'Officers were called to Loughborough Junction Railway Station at just before 11am today (21 June) to reports of a train broken down nearby. "Officers assisted Thameslink and Network Rail and all passengers have been evacuated safely.' This comes as an amber heat health alert has been issued for the whole of England until 9am on Monday. The alert - a step up from the yellow heat health alert issued earlier this week - warned that "significant impacts are likely" across health and social care services because of high temperatures. But, the Met Office has also warned of thunderstorms across northern parts of England today. A yellow thunderstorm weather warning is in place from Nottingham up to above Newcastle. It will come into force from 3pm and last until 4am on Sunday. The Met Office warned there could be "frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds", along with a chance of flooding. Parts of eastern England could climb higher than the 32.2C seen on Thursday and become the hottest day of the year so far. Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: "There are scattered thunderstorms coming through. "Some of the rain could be quite intense, and frequent lightning, hail, gusty winds and some heavy downpours, which we haven't seen for a while. "Some of the ground is quite hard at the moment, and when you get heavy rain hitting hard ground, it can cause surface water issues. "You might find surface water on the roads, drains finding it difficult to cope and a small chance of homes being flooded." It comes after hundreds headed out early this morning to watch the sunrise over Stonehenge in celebration of the summer solstice. Those who marked the year's longest day elsewhere experienced 18C temperatures in Salisbury and Greater London by 5am, according to the Met Office. The weather agency also confirmed that Yeovilton in Somerset and Crosby in Merseyside had the highest recorded overnight figures in England, both reaching 19.7C by 6am. The mercury in Cumbria and Lancashire also reached highs above 19C. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Aidan McGovern, meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "At the moment, the temperatures will be highest towards the east, [with] lower temperatures in the west compared with Friday but still high humidity, so it's going to feel oppressive in many places, and [there is] always a chance of some showers developing as the day progresses, particularly towards the west. "Temperatures [will be] peaking at 31 to 33, or 34C, somewhere between London and Midlands and north-east England." 4 Passengers claimed they were left to fend for themselves on the tracks Credit: Twitter More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.

Scottish Sun

5 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

The Spanish love these three drinks to keep them cool in summer – here's how to find them in the UK

One only has two supermarket ingredients DRINK IT IN The Spanish love these three drinks to keep them cool in summer – here's how to find them in the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHILE the UK is set to hit 30C this week, us Brits are still not as good at coping with hot weather as Spaniards. And when it comes to drinks, Sangria might seem as Spanish as a siesta when it comes to beating the heat, Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Spanish have three drinks they love for when the weather gets hot Credit: Alamy 4 Agua de Valencia is also a popular drink Credit: Alamy But there are three drinks that are little known here that Spaniards favour to keep hydrated when the sun is out. The most family-friendly of the three is the non-alcoholic horchata de chufa, which has a creamy consistency like a milkshake, but is made from chufas or tiger nuts, which are a root. It's packed with iron, potassium and antioxidants and often flavoured with cinnamon or lemon. I first encountered it when I visited relatives living in Alboraya, on the outskirts of Valencia, where tiger nuts are grown in the fields and where the most popular horchata parlours, known as horchateria, are based. My grandma took one mouthful and declared that it was a drink that could send you mad, so I think it's fair to say that it might be a bit of an acquired taste. But for many Valencians, it's up there with paella as giving a little taste of their city. A lovely spot to enjoy it is at the Mercat Colon near the Turia, which is a gorgeous 100-year-old art nouveau market hall in the city centre, renovated and now used to house bars and shops. Orxata Daniel, one of the most popular horchaterias, has a base there so you don't need to catch the metro out of the city centre if you want to try the drink the Spanish go mad for. You can also buy it pre-bottled in the UK now (£14.95 for two on Amazon) although it's not a patch on the freshly made drink. If you're after a thirst-quencher that includes something a bit stronger, then Agua de Valencia is a potent cocktail that's fairly easy to knock up at home, with ingredients easily bought at supermarkets here. San Sebastian cider season It's another drink that uses what the Valencians find in abundance in their lands, but this time the key ingredient is orange juice. Oh, and cava, gin and vodka, of course. When I first tried this delicious cocktail on a bar crawl through the bohemian district of Rusafa, next to the main city train station, I had no idea quite how much booze it contained, thanks to the fresh orange juice used as a mixer. Safe to say, I certainly discovered just how alcoholic it was when it came to the next day's hangover. I even had it as a signature drink at my hen do as it's a real crowd-pleaser and one that suits most people's taste buds, if not their tolerance of alcohol! To find it in the UK, restaurants like Bar + Block or Iberica, which have a number of eateries across the country. 4 If you don't want alcohol you can try horchata Credit: Alamy One drink that really is a taste of summer for Spaniards across the country is tinto de verano. In the same way that we might enjoy a white wine spritzer on a sunny day, this is their equivalent, but with red wine. It's often made with either gaseosa soda or lemonade and the name translated means summer red wine. This is probably the closest to the sangria that we Brits know and love when we head abroad, but a little bit less alcoholic and so better for keeping hydrated in the heat without risking a hangover. Most Spanish restaurants will serve it, including popular ones like Al-Andalus Tapas Bar in Oxford or The Ginger Pig in London. Hopefully the warm weather is here to stay for a while now it's finally arrived, so you can't really go wrong with trying out Spain's top tipples to find your favourite. It's a little taste of the Med but without even leaving your own back garden. In the mean time, we've found the cheapest places for an Aperol Spritz in Europe.

Metro

7 hours ago

• Metro

The most beautiful European islands that aren't in Greece

When you think of islands in Europe, the first country that springs to mind is Greece. And for good reason. From azure waters and pretty coastlines to the laid-back feel that only comes with island life, it's no surprise that 4.5 million Brits flock here each year. But, as Greek hostpots like Santorini grapple with the effects of overtourism and the threat of earthquakes, many are looking to go off-the-beaten-path and give these areas a chance to recover. Europe is bursting with islands (the Mediterranean is said to have over 10,000 alone), so we're spoilt for choice. Whether you're looking for a classic island experience with sea, sun and sand, or something a little wilder, the continent delivers in spades. Before you start booking flights to traditional hotspots like Mallorca or Tenerife, we asked Metro readers to share their favourite island recommendations. Here's what they said. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. First up, Harry Dinn flies the flag for both Madeira and the Azores. The former – an autonomous region of Portugal – sits off the northwest coast of Africa, and is known for its namesake wine and a subtropical climate. The latter, also belonging to Portugal, is an archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic. Its dramatic landscapes of crater lakes, lush greenery, lava caves and hot springs make it the perfect destination for adventure seekers. For James Smith, any of Norway's 239,057 islands are worth a trip. While you're there, you can also see the fjords, long, narrow inlets with steep sides or cliffs that sit along the Norwegian coast (mostly in the west). Two of the fjords, Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many visit by boat; the cruise season runs from May to September. Jacqui Morgan, Peter B Holloway, and David Gray are just three of our readers who rave about Cyprus, while Frank Vinci says you can't look past Sardinia in Italy and Corsica in France. Shwamle Browne Gertrude agrees that Sardinia has 'gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, and rugged inland beauty.' Matthew Allen and Peter B Holloway opt for Malta and Gozo, the latter of which sits just above the main island. If you're struggling to decide which to pick as your base, Matthew says both are 'gorgeous countries.' They're also so close to one another that many people head to Gozo on day trips from Cirkewwa or Valetta, Malta's capital. The Gozo Channel ferry from Ċirkewwa to Gozo costs €4.65 (3.97) for foot passengers and takes approximately 25 minutes. From Valetta on a high-speed ferry, prices start from €22.87 (£19.54). The journey takes around 45 minutes. Further north, Robert Edwin Wareham recommends Langeland in Denmark. In fact, he loves the island so much that he even has a holiday home there. Also belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark are the Faroe Islands, which David, Erjona Mehilli and Rose Magalona all rave about. Metro's Travel Editor Alice Murphy just returned from a trip to the Faroe Islands, she'll be writing about that very soon, so keep an eye out. Over in the Baltics, Mikko Haapanen suggests travellers make a trip to Ruhnu in Estonia. The tiny island is home to around 100 permanent residents. In the summer, it slightly increases to about 150. The landscape is mostly flat, with sandy beaches and forests. This makes it the perfect location for outdoor lovers, who can hike, birdwatch, and go wild swimming. Historical sites like St. Madeline's Church and Ruhnu Lighthouse are top attractions, as is the Ruhnu Museum, where you can learn about the island's history. Finally, if you're in the mood for la dolce vita, Adeline Poppito-Tangredi recommends Ischia, a volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples, and Isola Bella, one of the Borromean islands of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. Its name translates to 'beautiful island.' Nature lovers and thrill seekers, pack your bags. And then unpack them. And pack them again. The Azores – otherwise referred to as the 'Hawaii of Europe' – have nine islands, so it's the perfect place to island hop. Each one is unique, so you get multiple holidays in one. Whale and dolphin watching tours are available on multiple islands. The Azores are a prime location for spotting various species, because they sit in migratory routes for Blue and Fin Whales. From Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island (and also the capital of the Azores), spend two to three hours on an open boat for £56.65 per person. If you don't spot any whales or dolphins, you get a full refund. Back on land, hike across the diverse landscape of volcanic craters, lava caves (like Gruta do Natal on Terceira island), crater lakes (like Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel), and the black sand beach of Capelinhos. Mount Pico on Pico Island is the highest peak in Portugal and is a popular challenge among experienced hikers. After getting your steps in, relax in the many thermal baths and pools. Furnas and Parque Terra Nostra are popular spots. Most springs charge an entrance fee, but some, like Poça da Tia Silvina, also on São Miguel, are free. In terms of beaches, Praia do Areal de Santa Bárbara is widely regarded as the most beautiful. The 1.5km stretch of coastline is perfect for sunbathing and surfing, as the shallow water but great waves make for ideal conditions. Out on the ocean, you can explore the Azores by kayak or paddleboard. The calm waters of the twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, in São Miguel are favoured, while for canyoning and coasteering, Caloura is the place to be. For £60, you can spend three hours climbing, swimming, rock scrambling and exploring the Azores' many inlets and caves. If history is more your thing, Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town dates back to the 15th century and was an obligatory port of call until the advent of the steamship in the 19th century. The San Sebastião and San João Baptista fortifications are over 400 years old and provide examples of unique military architecture. Finally, no trip to the Azores is complete without trying the cuisine. There's a strong focus on local ingredients, including fruit, veg, meat and fish. Thanks to the abundant Atlantic waters, fresh fish and shellfish like limpets, barnacles, and tuna are rife. In terms of the dishes, many are influenced by Portuguese traditions, with specialities such as Cozido das Furnas, a stew cooked in geothermal heat. (Did we mention the Azores are volcanic islands?) TripAdvisor rates Restaurante Tradicional e Típico Quinta do Martelo as the number one restaurant in the Azores. It previously won first place in the Gastronomy – National Heritage competition. The reviews agree, with many complimenting the service, plentiful portions, and amazing food. At a glance, prices aren't extortionate. Fried horse mackerel with cake in a pan costs €15 (12.81), while a rump of beef from the farm will set you back €38 (32.45) for two people. Affectionately referred to as 'L'Île de Beauté', or 'The Isle of Beauty,' the Mediterranean island of Corsica is a jewel in France's crown. A mix of coastal towns, lush forest and craggy peaks, Corsica lies southeast of France, west of Italy, and north of Sardinia. Its best beaches include Santa Giulia, a shimmering bay with shallow, clear water, Saleccia, a secluded cove with soft white sand and turquoise water, and Palombaggia, complete with azure ocean and pillow-soft sand. Hike-wise, Corsica ticks all the boxes. The most famous is the GR20, a challenging, long-distance trail that is considered one of the toughest in Europe. The Bavella Needles are also impressive: rocky spikes of red granite dominate the mountain and can be found in Corsica's Regional National Park. As for the Calanques de Piana and Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you have the luxury of choosing between hiking around both, or taking the more relaxed route by boat. From Porto (not the Portuguese city), join a three-hour Scandola and Girolata boat tour for £39. You'll sail around the reserve in a hybrid boat, stopping in the remote village of Girolata, which is only accessible from the sea. More Trending Another boat trip worth looking into is the route around the Lavezzi Islands, a collection of islets and reefs that separate Corsica from Sardinia. A half-day tour from Bonifacio starts at £74pp. After exploring the archipelago, head to the vineyards of Patrimonio to sample local wines. Le Clos Teddi, a wine estate located in the heart of the Agriate desert, offers experiences starting from €15.00 (£12.81). Over half an hour, you'll taste the winery's red, rosé and white, plus two vintages. Due to Corsica's location, the cuisine is a blend of French and Italian. Local ingredients such as chestnuts, cured meats, and seafood are prominent, with dishes ranging from hearty stews, fresh fish, Corsican charcuterie, and veau aux olives (veal with olives). Restaurant Santa Margherita takes the top spot on TripAdvisor, serving French and Mediterranean meals. One diner went so far as to call their experience a 'rare and precious moment'. 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