Latest news with #beach
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- The Guardian
‘We danced and sang songs to pagan gods': readers' favourite midsummer trips
I enjoyed midsummer at a rented beachside cottage in the Skåne village of Bjärred, north of Malmö, with Swedish friends. We ventured to the local church to enjoy the dancing round a midsummer pole decorated with vibrant blue and red flowers, with many local residents adorned in intricately decorated flower crowns. After taking a dip in the Öresund strait along the long jetty with its bathhouse, we towelled off to indulge in deliciously sweet strawberries and sip Briska ciders into the late hours of We spent the afternoon paddling with one foot in the Baltic and the other in the North Sea at the top of Grenen, North Jutland, Denmark. Then, we headed southwards along the beaches and through the sand dunes to Skagen to enjoy the midsummer celebration at Vippyfyret, where many hundreds gathered, having travelled mostly on foot or by bicycle to experience an evening of music with songs and recital. Artists, composers and poets were among the throng round a great bonfire which was a sight to Jones Guardian Travel readers' tips Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of tips will be featured online and may appear in print. To enter the latest competition visit the readers' tips homepage - For an easy midsummer escape from Stockholm, Vaxholm is unbeatable. A fast ferry gets you to the archipelago's capital in under an hour. My tip is to spend the afternoon exploring the town, with its classic Falu-red wooden houses and gardens overflowing with flowers. But don't take the last ferry back. Instead, find a spot by the water and watch as the midsummer sun refuses to set, bathing the islands in golden, pink light for hours. It's a simple, accessible way to experience the magic of Sweden's endless daylight without straying far from the Last summer, while having a break in Valencia, I found out Spanish people mark 23 June as the beginning of summer by celebrating the festival of San Juan. For a few nights around the actual date of San Juan, bonfires, wine and music on the beaches seemed to go on until dawn. The local family I was staying with invited me to choose some old furniture to burn on a beach bonfire and helped me throw it on before we danced round the fire holding hands and singing songs to pagan gods to burn the evil of the previous year! We barbecued anchovies and sausages we had bought at Valencia's marvellous Mercado Central at midnight before throwing ourselves into the Med at 2am – a feelgood way to celebrate midsummer, full of food, friendship and fire!April I've really enjoyed Ride to the Sun – a 100-mile overnight bike ride from Carlisle to Edinburgh held on 21 June. It's inclusive, joyous, community-filled and fabulous. From the Moffat chippy queue to the midnight rave to the toasting of the sunrise on Cramond beach, it's the best way to spend the shortest We stumbled upon the midsummer Noche de San Juan in Cudillero in Asturias. Religious processions gave way to paganistic bonfires where people tossed mementoes of their year to forget. Next up were fireworks and a Brazilian samba troupe. Locals explained that the mayor could justify the expense because it was a prerequisite of getting re-elected. After midnight we headed to the beach for a party fuelled by calimocho (red wine and cola, don't ask). We retired at 8am for a breakfast of chorizo and fried eggs just as a live DJ started Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion Our midsummer stay in Le Pin, a hamlet in southern France between Bordeaux and Toulouse was rich with natural wonders, not always seen but very much heard. From shrieking swifts diving through the 19th-century market hall in nearby Auvillar to a turtle dove purring beside a rural road, it was this bird lover's idyll. We heard nightingale melodies throughout the day as well as after dark, and caught the calls of cirl buntings, hoopoes and black redstarts. And it wasn't just birds. One night, crickets and frogs provided a chirruping and croaking medley – a memorable midsummer nocturne. Sharon Pinner Hiring a bike and exploring Paris for Fête de la Musique was a brilliant way to spend an urban solstice. Every year on 21 June, the city turns into one big free festival, with stages of all sizes springing up outside famous landmarks and local neighbourhood bars. Beginning in the heart of the city to catch some psychedelic guitar outside the Centre Georges Pompidou, we then pedalled past brass ensembles outside jazz bars near Jardin du Luxembourg, classic French techno along the banks of the Seine and scuzzy metal bands in squares of the 13th arrondissement. Lizzy C In the golden light of midsummer, Serralunga d'Alba's rolling vineyards (about 35 miles south-east of Turin) come alive. Staying at Cascina Meriame, a working winery with panoramic views, I savoured barolo and barbaresco wines during intimate tastings led by passionate hosts. Evenings were spent watching the sun set over the Langhe Hills, a Unesco world heritage site, while enjoying local cheeses and nebbiolo wines. The nearby medieval castle added a touch of history to the serene landscape. For a tranquil midsummer retreat blending culture, cuisine and nature, this Piedmont gem is Ifan Morgan ap Dafydd We travelled to Grímsey from Akureyri for the island's summer solstice festival. Arriving early, we hiked to the marker sign and received official certificates to confirm we had crossed the Arctic Circle. Celebrations began at Krian, the only restaurant on the island, and continued well into the night at the schoolhouse. The drink flowed and there was a treasure hunt, dancing, traditional songs and homemade food. Families came together for picnics on the wildflower-covered hillsides, outdoor chess tournaments were played at midnight and, local or stranger, all were welcomed. It was truly
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kylie Kelce Has the Best Hack for Surviving Family Vacations With Little Kids
Kylie Kelce Has the Best Hack for Surviving Family Vacations With Little Kids originally appeared on Parade. Parents everywhere know how challenging it can be to take young kids on a family vacation. Between the change in schedules and the time it takes you to get where you're going, making your way to paradise can turn into a bit of a nightmare. Enter Kylie Kelce. Everyone's favorite mom—who shares four daughters with former Eagles player, Jason Kelce—has got some great advice when it comes to traveling long distances with little kids, and even though it involves a little fib, you're definitely going to want to hear what the seasoned mom has to shared her family travel hack with her listeners during the most recent episode of her Not Gonna Lie podcast. During the episode, which dropped on Jun. 19, 2025, the mother of four said that she relies on a little white lie when she takes her kids on long trips. And unsurprisingly, it involves screentime. According to Kelce, the family recently got a minivan, which came outfitted with a small video screen in the back. "We have a TV. That is a game changer for the beach. The girls are obsessed," she began. However, it was what she said next that truly flipped the script for her family travels. "Although I won't lie to you guys," she joked, "I will lie to my children till the day I die—but I won't lie to you guys—and I did lie and tell my children that the TV only works on long car rides." 🎬SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬 By fibbing to her family, Kelce keeps the backseat TV a novelty for her kiddos, which really helps during all those long trips down the shore that the Philadelphia-based family enjoy each summer. We have to admit, this is one of those lies we'd feel okay telling our children, especially if it helped us make our vacation travels run a bit smoother this Kelce Has the Best Hack for Surviving Family Vacations With Little Kids first appeared on Parade on Jun 19, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
Coastal bungalow hits the market for £275k - boasting two bedrooms, sea views and what eagle-eyed buyers have dubbed a spooky surprise... can YOU see it?
A two-bedroom home on sale in Skegness may give potential buyers a fright when they take a look in the living room. The bungalow on North Shore Road is up for sale for £275,000 and is described as being closer to the beach than any other home in the town. It is situated just a one-minute walk away from the beach and has a popular golf club situated behind the property. This unique location makes the property ideal for keen golfers and couples who enjoy long walks along the beach. Complete with a spacious sitting room, a kitchen with plenty of storage and a conservatory with sea views, the detached bungalow is an attractive offer for its price. However, house-hunters may be put off by a bizarre ornament in the living room. What appears to be a Halloween ornament stands against a wall, near the room's entrance, which could give buyers the fright of their life as they enter through the corridor. The spooky statue of a grey-haired man, possibly a supernatural spirit or ghostly butler, holds roses and candles. A similar 'Halloween Hunchback Monster Man' ornament is available to purchase online. The figure, which lights up and also speaks spooky phrases, costs a pricey £192. The hunchbacked man is in stark contrast to the surrounding decor, which includes a couple's landscape picture on the beach, yellow sofas and bright-coloured walls. The rest of the house is also more unassuming, a conservatory adjacent to the lounge offers views of the sea. The conservatory has UPVCC double glazed windows with a tiled floor, wall-mounted independent electric heaters and a light with a fan. There is a small, low-maintenance garden at the back of the home with a raised patio and seating area to watch the sunrise from, as well as a further gated outside area ideal for parking. Another house recently featured an unusual ornament in pictures for its listing. A three-bedroom home in Bridgend came with an eight-foot shark displayed on the wall. It was a confusing addition to the otherwise typical detached property. The detailed animal bust complements the old-fashioned diving suit which tops a bookcase in the room, but clashes sharply with an equally bizarre red model car. At £199,950 the house remains well priced with its three floors and a garage on the side. Taking to TikTok, @HousingHorrors took a peek at the terrifying interior decoration centrepiece, which boasts a blue and white design to match the walls. 'This is the b****y eight-foot shark. What the b****y hell are the owners thinking,' the TikToker said. The social media personality then pointed out that the model shark and accompanying retro car looked out of place alongside the relatively normal features of the rest of the house. But, in conclusion, the TikToker praised the mercurial design technique and at one point even joked, 'take my money'. He added: 'It's safe to say the absolute icing on the cake is definitely the eight-foot shark in the living room.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Yahoo
Eyeing a Summer Trip? These Hotels Have Some the Most Gorgeous Water Views in the Country
School's almost out and it's time to hit the beach. You don't have to travel abroad to the South of France or the Amalfi Coast to get gorgeous waterfront views. For PEOPLE's 100 Reason to Love America franchise we rounded up four hotels in coastal U.S. cities to make the list. South Carolina, Maine, California and Florida are all represented below. Scroll on to see the stunning properties worth a Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, Johns Island, S.C. Enjoy classic southern hospitality with a modern twist at this chic low-country resort located on the banks of the Kiawah River. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort in Florida This luxury destination on Sarasota's barrier island has its own lagoon where guests can see coral reefs, stingrays and tropical fish up close. The Dunes on the Waterfront, Ogunquit, Maine With its seaside setting, charming cottages and amenities like beach cruisers, it's no wonder rooms go fast at this picturesque spot. Casa Loma Beach Hotel, Laguna Beach, Calif. The cliffside location makes this boutique hotel the perfect place to watch the sunset over Main Beach. Read the original article on People
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Only eagle-eyed people can spot the four differences in this cozy living room scene in less than 11 seconds
TEST your IQ to the max with this mind boggling brainteaser. Everyone can see the sofa, but only the most eagle eyed can spot the four differences between the two images in under 11 seconds. 2 Whether you're trying to improve your sight, or test your IQ, this puzzle will prove a challenge to many readers. Put your observation skills to the test and figure out whether you have what it takes to spot the four differences in just a few seconds. Make sure to set your stopwatch before undertaking this challenge, to make it extra hard for yourself. If you can do it in under 11 seconds, you are said to have 20/20 vision. At first glance, it looks like these two images, provided by are identical. However, hawk-eyed readers will immediately be able to spot that this is not the case. There are actually four subtle differences between the two images. Unless you're lucky enough to find the four differences immediately, we recommend analysing the image very closely to spot the answers. The visual deception of this image will have you peeling your eyes, but the payoff is worth it. If you need a hint, we recommend first focusing on the top half of the image. Everyone can see the beach but only those with a high IQ can spot five differences in 32 seconds in this brainteaser Two differences can be found between the walls of the two images. Another tricky brainteaser challenges readers to find the image of Elon Musk that is different to the rest in under 15 seconds. And if you're looking for more of a challenge, this mind boggling illusion tasks readers to locate the hidden zero among the sea of sixes. If that's not hard enough, try searching for the three tiny differences between these two images of a man fishing. How can optical illusions and brainteasers help me? Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions. Some benefits include: Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in these activities challenges the brain, promoting mental agility and flexibility. Problem-solving skills: Regular practice enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Memory improvement: These challenges often require memory recall and can contribute to better memory function. Creativity: They encourage thinking outside the box, fostering creativity and innovative thought processes. Focus and attention: Working on optical illusions and brainteasers requires concentration, contributing to improved focus. Stress relief: The enjoyable nature of these puzzles can act as a form of relaxation and stress relief. Finally, only those with a high IQ will be able to spot the odd one out in under 30 seconds in this horse-themed puzzle. Coming back to our challenge, were you able to spot the four differences in under 11 seconds? For those struggling, we have marked out the answer for you. 2
