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Warning after ‘lives put at risk’ by arson attack in West Belfast

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Belfast Live

Six fire appliances attended the scene as police are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life

Police have issued a warning that “lives were put at risk” by an arson attack at a house in West Belfast shortly after midnight on Monday.

The fire service were called to the blaze on LaurelBank in the Poleglass area at 12.34am on April 13, with six appliances being sent to the scene, including an aerial appliance.

Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control before leaving the scene at 2.49am.

The fire is believed to have been started deliberately with the incident being handed over to the PSNI to investigate further.

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A NIFRS spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a property on Laurelbank, Poleglass, Belfast. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 3 hose reel jets and 2 jets to extinguish the fire. Firefighters used gas monitors to confirm readings normal.

“The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate ignition and the scene was handed over to the PSNI. Firefighters left the scene at 2.49am.”

Detective Sergeant Robson said: “We received a report at around 12.45am this morning, Monday, 13th April of a house on fire in the Laurelbank area.“Officers attended the scene, where colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were already present and subsequently extinguished the fire.“Thankfully, no one was in the property at the time and no injuries were reported. However, the house is located in a residential area and other people’s lives were put at risk.“We believe the fire was started deliberately and it is therefore being treated as arson with intent to endanger life. “We’re keen to speak with anyone who might have noticed anything on Sunday evening and would appeal to anyone with information, including CCTV, ring-doorbell or other footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 29 of 13/04/26.“Alternatively, you can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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The Wellbeing Farm wedding wins in Rich Wedding Poor Wedding

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The Wellbeing Farm wedding wins in Rich Wedding Poor Wedding

The Wellbeing Farm, a wedding venue in the stunning surroundings of Edgworth, was featured on the first episode of Channel 5’s Rich Wedding Poor Wedding as the luxury option along with a castle.

Janet and Gary wedding at The Wellbeing Farm. Picture The Wellbeing Farm

And couple Janet and Gary , from Salford, opted for the award-winning venue, complete with bow tied llamas, instead of the more traditional setting, with those behind the village venue, saying the decision highlighted a growing shift in what modern couples value – ‘moving beyond status and towards meaning, experience and impact’.

Janet said that the venue ‘just felt perfect’.

Janet and Gary wedding at The Wellbeing Farm. Picture The Wellbeing Farm

The two opted for a magical woodland theme with trees, fairy lights, candles and even an owl delivering the rings to the happy couple as they sat on white thrones.

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The couple said: ““Being greeted with cakes when we first came to view it was such a lovely touch but from that moment on, everything just felt perfect.

“The customer service, the location, the style, the animals, it all just came together.”

They added: “It felt magical. The barn is such a blank canvas, which meant we could really make it our own and create something personal to us.”

The two added: “A place where your money does good”

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For the couple, the venue’s values played a key role in their choice.

“It’s a really good place to put your money. If you’re going to invest in your wedding somewhere, this is where it should go,” they said, “Knowing that some of that money goes into doing good elsewhere made it feel even more worthwhile. It wasn’t just about us, it felt like part of something bigger.”

Janet and Gary wedding at The Wellbeing Farm. Picture The Wellbeing Farm

They also highlighted the importance of the venue’s ethos:

The couple said: “Celia is very involved in charity work and her B Corp certification really stood out to us. It showed us this wasn’t just a venue, it’s a business that genuinely cares.”

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Founder Celia Gaze said:“ We’re seeing more couples wanting their wedding to represent who they are and what they stand for, not just how it looks,” she said.

“To be chosen over a castle was incredibly powerful. It showed that for many couples today, meaning, personality and impact matter just as much as prestige.”

She added: “At The Wellbeing Farm, we’ve always believed celebrations can be joyful, memorable and responsible at the same time. This is about creating experiences people feel proud of, not just on the day, but afterwards too.”

Those behind the farm say they work with couples to cater for all budgets. From offering extravagant three-course luxury dining experiences using their own family butchers ‘Whitehead’s Butchers, to street-food catering options, the venue prides itself in offering a truly personalised experience.

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Watch the programme on catch-up.

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Chelsea FC vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Premier League match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction

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Chelsea FC vs Nottingham Forest LIVE: Premier League match stream, latest team news, lineups, TV, prediction

Forest, meanwhile, are three points clear of the relegation zone after a mixed Bank Holiday weekend but can move one step closer to survival with another positive result in west London. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge.

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Harrogate Ladies’ College Sir David Attenborough letters

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Harrogate Ladies’ College Sir David Attenborough letters

Pupils at Harrogate Ladies’ College, soon to be Duchy College, Harrogate, are beginning a new tradition after receiving personal, handwritten correspondence from the legendary TV presenter.

The school will hold its inaugural David Attenborough Day on Attenborough’s 100th birthday following a successful pupil-led campaign and a personal exchange with the iconic broadcaster and natural historian.


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They say the initiative began in the Prep 4 classroom, where pupils were studying “Eco-Warriors” and the life of Sir David Attenborough. Captivated by his lifelong dedication to the planet, the class intended to launch a national petition via Change.org to create a public holiday for his 100th birthday on Friday, May 8.

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After sending letters to Sir David, the school received a surprise; handwritten responses from Attenborough himself. While he admitted he would be “extremely embarrassed” by a national day in his honour, Attenborough expressed his delight at the school’s proposal to hold an annual celebration, writing that he was “very happy” for them to proceed and hoped the event would be a “great success”.

Members of the Harrogate Ladies’ College and Highfield Eco Committee with letters from David Attenborough (Image: Supplied)

“To receive a handwritten note from Sir David is a wonderful feeling,” Highfield Eco Committee reps, Daisy and Georgia, said.

“It is amazing to know he is aware of our event and we are all very proud to be honouring such a wonderful human being.”

The upcoming David Attenborough Day is designed to empower the next generation of eco-warriors to shape the school’s environmental impact.

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Activities for the celebration include a community bake sale with proceeds donated to a wildlife conservation charity, screening of wildlife documentaries and pupils creating endangered animal displays, providing the wider community with key facts, figures and how they can help conservation efforts.

Sir David Attenborough pictured at the Yorkshire Museum in York (Image: Newsquest)

In June last year, the school announced plans to begin the gradual transition to a fully co-ed school from 2-18 years from September 2026. Alongside the move to a co-ed senior school, their family of schools will be known as Duchy College from September this year.

There will be further developments to the school’s campus and academic provision from September, including: the opening of a brand new sixth form centre, which will offer individual study spaces; an extended sports provision; a new baccalaureate programme running from prep school into senior school; and an enhanced co-ed “boutique” boarding environment.

The school began life as a boys’ school in 1893, before becoming a girls’ senior school, and went on to open a co-ed prep school 25 years ago. 

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It will once again welcome boys to the senior school in Year 7 and Year 12 from September, and will operate under the new name of Duchy College for all pupils from 2 to 18 years.

The school will continue to be led by principal, Joanna Fox along with the current senior leadership team and the existing board of governors led by chair of governors, Dame Francine Holroyd.

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Bosch pressure washer deal makes your patio ‘look brand new’ with 44% off on Amazon

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This Bosch pressure washer deal is great for cleaning patios, bricks, decking and more – and Amazon has 44% off the full price, bringing it down to just £113.99

After a gloomy winter, we more eager than ever to make the most of the great outdoors. For those whose garden spaces are looking a little neglected, Amazon has a fantastic offer worth snapping up.

The Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 High Pressure Washer is currently on sale for £113.99, representing a 44% reduction from its full retail price of £199.99. This is a limited time deal on an Amazon’s Choice product, with over 1,000 of the pressure washers bought in the last month.

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This corded electric high-pressure washer is a guaranteed way to freshen up any fencing, decking, brickwork, patios and more. It features a convenient 3-in-1 nozzle, incorporating a fan jet, rotary jet and point jet – enabling more precise and powerful cleaning. The Bosch device promises ‘powerful cleaning action’, delivering 135 bar of pressure and a 1900-W motor.

It boasts a seven metre-long hose and tips the scales at 6.55kg, making it lightweight enough to be effortlessly transported around. It has a pull-out handle for ease of use, while also folding down into a compact unit, ensuring it won’t hog too much room in the garden shed.

This high pressure washer features a detergent system for adding soap, along with a built-in water filter to safeguard the pump. Customers can purchase the device as standard, or pay an additional £5 to have it unpacked upon delivery, while £149 covers unpacking and full assembly. Alternatively, shoppers might want to consider the Karcher K4 Power Control Pressure Washer, available at Argos for £195, down from £220. It is said to make it ‘unbelievably easy to clean every surface at the right pressure’, and connects to a Karcher smartphone app, reports the Express.

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At the more budget-friendly end of the market sits the 90 Bar High Pressure Washer with 1600W Power Aluminium Motor, priced at £71.99 (down from £79.99) at B&Q. It boasts a pressure of 9MPa along with a built-in filter.

Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 High Pressure Washer has accumulated an impressive 4.4 star rating from more than 2,900 reviews on Amazon. “I’m absolutely delighted with this pressure washer,” enthused one satisfied customer.

“I used it to clean the red bricks around my drive yesterday and they now look brand new. It is easy to use and move around. Storing it is much better than with others I have used as the handle folds down so the machine fits back into its box.”

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Another reviewer commented: “It delivers very good pressure from the patio cleaning nozzle and having 3 nozzles in one is a good touch. It is well made and is good value for money. It is easy to assemble and easily portable. Very pleased with the purchase.”

While a third customer noted: “Excellent machine that is light, easy to manoeuvre, and with a powerful spray that does the job of cleaning patios efficiently. It has a number of spray patterns that are very useful in alternative uses. Furthermore, it’s a Bosch.” Some customers did share a few minor criticisms, with one reviewer deducting a star and commenting: “I always buy all Bosch tools where possible [as] they’re reliable and inexpensive. Worked great on small to medium areas and for washing the car. For large areas a higher pressure unit would be better.”

Another added: “Once I finally worked out how to assemble (hour on Youtube and Google) I am very impressed. It is powerful and has cleaned my patio very well. I will finish tomorrow. I am not really sure what the difference is with the different modes. I would have given 5* but for lack of instructions. I just hope it lasts!”

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Bosch UniversalAquatak 135 High Pressure Washer can be purchased on Amazon.

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Virgil van Dijk hits back at holiday claims as he brands Liverpool’s season ‘unacceptable’ after Man United loss

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Virgil van Dijk hits back at holiday claims as he brands Liverpool’s season ‘unacceptable’ after Man United loss

Virgil van Dijk has branded Liverpool’s current campaign “unacceptable” following their disappointing 3-2 defeat by arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday, while also expressing bemusement at suggestions that players’ holiday time has contributed to their struggles this season.

The loss at Old Trafford has left Liverpool in fourth place, intensifying their battle for Champions League qualification.

Despite a significant injury list, which included key players such as Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and two goalkeepers, the Reds captain refused to use this as an excuse for their faltering title challenge.

“I’m not here to make excuses,” the Dutch international stated. “It’s been a very disappointing season, an unacceptable season for us, and it’s tough. We shouldn’t feel sorry for ourselves whatsoever.

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“We have to work, we have to turn this around and make sure that next season these things don’t happen because it’s not Liverpool.”

Van Dijk, known for his forthrightness, addressed questions about players being pictured abroad before the United clash, dismissing the notion that this indicated excessive holiday.

Liverpool slipped to another defeat at Man United on Sunday
Liverpool slipped to another defeat at Man United on Sunday (Getty)

“I’m not sure it’s a holiday,” he clarified. “It’s a city trip. But I think if you have one day off, and you don’t have many days off, they decide what they want to do with their families. We are not kids. Everyone is an adult.”

When confronted with the perception that the team might have too much time off, Van Dijk responded with surprise.

“Really? I wish we had a couple more days off at times because I think it works both ways. You see Pep Guardiola giving (Manchester City) three days off, for example, the last weeks in a row and they are doing pretty well. It is finding the right balance.”

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He acknowledged public sentiment, adding: “But I can understand if people think that we’re not training and obviously the results aren’t there that it could be a reason for why we’re not getting results.”

The defender expressed a personal desire for improvement and a return to the club’s high standards.

“Like anyone else, obviously, personally I want this to be solved. I want us to be what I’ve experienced over my time here. I want to be successful. I want to be consistent with the team, winning games, fighting and getting the job done. At the moment, we are just disappointed.”

Arne Slot’s Liverpool still have work to do to qualify for the Champions League
Arne Slot’s Liverpool still have work to do to qualify for the Champions League (Reuters)

Emphasising the importance of sustained performance, Van Dijk concluded: “Consistency is the most difficult thing in any job, in anything you do, but it is the best way to be get results and also be successful. That’s what we have to try and find.

“But we have three more games now and then there will be a World Cup, there will be a rest and then we have to realise that next season this season we can’t repeat. It’s unacceptable.”

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Attention now shifts to Saturday lunchtime’s crucial home fixture against managerless Chelsea, a match Van Dijk is determined to win.

“I will be ready for it. I’m looking forward to it and I am going to make sure we get this done.”

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North Yorkshire glasshouse cafe in walled garden is a gem

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North Yorkshire glasshouse cafe in walled garden is a gem

The Vinehouse Cafe at Helmsley Walled Garden is owned and run by siblings Mollie and Sam Chapman.

Some customers have said they had “the best food in a while” when stopping by, while others suggested it is “well worth a visit”.

Mollie and Sam aim to serve fresh food using quality ingredients from the walled garden where possible, according to the Helmsley Walled Garden website.

It explains: “This has proved a winning formula with the cafe being voted Visit England’s’ Visitor Experience Award winners in Yorkshire within the food and drink category.

“The seasonal menu includes dishes such as feta and green bean frittata; Yorkshire ham and mature cheddar melt with lashings of onion marmalade or lamb rump served on flatbread with salsa and a mint raita, accompanied by home-made salads.

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“In the winter you will find hearty and warming food such as a tasty home-made soup or a pie on the menu.”

When it comes to the cafe’s sweet treats, it shares: “Our scones are freshly baked each morning and we always have a good selection of homemade cakes and slices which can be enjoyed with a cup of tea from our selection of speciality teas, or a mug of freshly ground coffee.

“With plenty of seating inside and out and fabulous views of the castle you can relax and enjoy your meal.”

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‘Unique glasshouse cafe hidden by the North York Moors’

Over on TikTok, local content creator The Yorkshire Rose who “finds places in Yorkshire worth a detour” describes the foodie spot as a “unique glasshouse cafe hidden by the North York Moors”.

In a video exploring The Vinehouse Cafe, @theyorkshirerose_ adds: “A peaceful spot tucked away behind the beautiful Helmsley Walled Garden just a short stroll away from the town centre.

“Whether you’re stopping by for a coffee and cake, breakfast, lunch or an afternoon stroll in the gardens, this is the perfect setting for it.

“There’s outdoor and indoor seating, the latter of which is inside four Victorian glasshouses with grapevines trailing above the tables.

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“Surrounded by flowers, fruit trees and the historic garden walls and outdoor seating, it is the perfect place on a sunny day.

‘A peaceful spot tucked away behind the beautiful Helmsley Walled Garden’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

“On the menu, there’s a range of great homemade cakes, pastries, hot and cold sandwiches, buddha bowls, seasonal specials and more.

“There’s plenty of delicious drinks to choose from too including fresh juices, coffees, teas and even gin cocktails.”

The Yorkshire Rose continued: “We tried the iced elderflower, cappuccino and an oat milk latte.

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“For our food we went for the broccoli and cheddar soup which was on special, and two of the hot sandwich plates, the cheddar and onion, and the Yorkshire butchers ham and cheddar.”

Meanwhile, The Vinehouse Cafe’s Tripadvisor profile details: “Our lovely cafe is based at Helmsley Walled Garden has over 170 outdoor seats and 100 inside.

“Set within four Victorian glasshouses it’s a chilled out quirky space.

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“We pride ourselves on our freshly baked scones, fabulous fresh lunches and our gin cocktails! We are dog friendly inside and out.”

On the popular review and travel advice platform, it has a “very good” 4.4/5 rating at the time of writing, with 181 “excellent” reviews out of a possible 266.

A recent guest highlighted the gluten-free menu choices specifically, and commented: “Such a lovely place, lots of gluten free options in such a lovely environment.

“I had Brie and Bacon toastie that came with a great range of salads.

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“3 GF cake options, we bought the brownie and pecan slice….both were delicious.”

Another happy customer complimented: “The best food i’ve had in a while!!!

‘Eat inside under a canopy of grapevines in a renovated beautiful glasshouse’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

“The sandwiches are amazing, same with the frittata and even the sides were stunning with each little salad bit seasoned and sauced.

“Lovely staff and such a stunning venue!”

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This visitor wrote: “Fantastic experience, great place. Food great, experience great, lovely people, a hidden gem, well worth a visit.

“Quick service, great place. We will certainly be back.”

Someone who had a “memorable visit” at The Vinehouse Cafe put: “Great food – Buddha Bowl – a new discovery for me – eat inside under a canopy of grapevines in a renovated beautiful glasshouse or should I say vinery.

“Querky, and characterful. Or sit outside surrounded by beautiful walled garden. A very memorable visit for all our family. Thank you.”

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The cafe’s opening hours for the 2026 season are currently Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm.

Have you discovered The Vinehouse Cafe at Helmsley Walled Garden? Let us know in the comments below.

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GMP Police dog Bren retires taking down Bolton’s criminals

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GMP Police dog Bren retires taking down Bolton's criminals

After six years on the job the police dog retired by bringing down one last suspect – the last in a number of several significant arrests.

On his final shift, Bren demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the thin blue line by protecting his handler, PC Oram, during a critical moment

PC Oram had detained a man who then attempted to evade him and his colleague. Bren was deployed for a final time, re-detaining the man, who had been assaulted both PC Oram and his colleague in the process.

Bren’s journey with GMP began in 2018, when he joined as a puppy. He and PC Oram became operational the following year and have since made multiple arrests together

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“I started working with Bren when he was 10 months old, while his siblings went to other handlers,” PC Oram said. “One of his key skills I noticed from being partnered with him was that he loved to jump. He was always bounding in the air – now he is eight, I’m glad he can rest his joints.”

PC Oram and PD Bren – Handler of the Year.

Their teamwork earned PC Oram the GMP Dog Handler of the Year in 2024, with the pair securing 48 arrests over a year period. A feat that saw them feature on BBC Crimewatch to discuss how important police dogs are to the force.

One of the reasons the duo won the award was due to Bren’s impressive tracking skills.

Crediting his German Shepherd’s ability, PC Oram said: “Tracking has been Bren’s go-to skill when locating people. Thanks to him, countless individuals were found in some of the most difficult surroundings and weather conditions.”

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PD Bren

An example of Bren’s impressive tracking was in February 2024, when he located a man hiding under a car. He was then swiftly arrested by officers on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and cultivation of cannabis.

Away from tackling crime, Bren’s excellent mannerisms and obedience skills earned the duo a place at the National Dog Trials in Scotland last year, becoming the first representatives of GMP to do so in over a decade.

Now he has earned a well-deserved rest from tackling crime in Greater Manchester, PC Oram is looking forward to rewarding Bren for his tremendous career with a holiday.

“Bren will continue to live with me now he has retired,” PC Oram said. “He will be able to focus on being a family dog and enjoy caravan holidays.

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“He is great with people when off-duty, but when called upon, switched instantly to knowing what he had to do.”

In a final tribute to his trusty companion, PC Oram praised Bren’s dedication to him over the years and protecting others from potential danger, even on his final shift. He said: “On his last shift, when I was trying to restrain a suspect who was a lot bigger and more powerful than myself, Bren came to my aid and quickly subdued the suspect – a true partner to the end.”

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I visited beautiful overlooked city under 2 hours from London locals say is ‘now cool’

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This charming UK city has often been overlooked, yet it’s brimming with character, with a 900-year-old outdoor market, thriving independent scene and narrow cobbled lanes

Just a short train ride from London, I found myself whisked away to a stunning city that’s frequently overlooked, yet is genuinely worth considering for your next day trip or weekend getaway.

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Under two hours on a direct train from London, an hour from Cambridge, and merely a 30-minute drive from the scenic Norfolk coastline, lies the delightful city of Norwich. I spent the day exploring the historic location, dubbed the ‘City of Stories’, characterised by its meandering cobbled streets, medieval buildings, timber-framed structures, 900-year-old outdoor market, and a flourishing independent scene comprising around 500 businesses.

However, despite its excellent transport connections and distinctive attractions, residents say the city is ‘forgotten about’ and ‘people miss it’, a sentiment frequently linked to its East Anglian location. “We are a bit out on a limb, and we do get bypassed a lot. People skip it because when people go north to south, they just go straight up and straight down, ” Karen Williams, owner of For the Love of Norfolk, explained to me.

READ MORE: Europe’s ‘sunniest city’ with 3,300 hours of annual sunshine has £16 flights and £2.50 pintsREAD MORE: UK lido reopening this weekend with new sauna after 4 years and mega £7M makeover

Leanne Fridd, who runs the independent children’s bookshop, Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, shares this view: “We do get forgotten about because of our location.” She added: “It’s not on the way to anything”.

After visiting the historic city myself, which was recently crowned the best place to live in the UK for 2026 by the Sunday Times, I was immediately struck by how much there was to discover, and just how straightforward it was to reach. A brief train journey and a 15-minute stroll into the centre, and suddenly I found myself in the heart of a city bursting with character and charm, as though I had stepped straight into the pages of a fairytale.

Its most impressive highlight was undoubtedly Norwich Lanes, a sprawling maze of winding alleyways, courtyards, and cobbled streets, lined with more than 300 independent shops, traditional tearooms, cosy bookshops, restaurants, pubs, and bars. This largely pedestrian-friendly area also hosts an independent cinema, galleries, a community theatre, music venues, and two museums, reports MyLondon.

Another remarkable feature of this underrated city is its iconic outdoor market, buzzing with independent food vendors and shops across around 200 vibrant stalls. As one of the oldest and largest covered open-air markets in the UK, it offers an extraordinary variety of food from every corner of the globe, and by lunchtime is heaving with locals.

However, no trip to Norwich would be complete without wandering through the enchanting setting of Elm Hill, with its stone-paved streets and breathtaking medieval buildings. Elsewhere, I stood in awe of the 12th-century Norman castle, two striking cathedrals, and the vivid street art adorning the city – all of which confirm that it truly deserves its title as the ‘City of Stories’.

While residents may feel somewhat overlooked and off the beaten track, they couldn’t be more proud to call the city home, which topped The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 guide. And it seems they hardly needed an accolade to tell them that.

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“When we were named as the best place to live in the UK, I would say most people in Norfolk went ‘well yeah’. We already know it,” Leanne said. “There are so many independent businesses in Norwich that it creates more of a community feel. So I do think that’s a large part of it.”

She added: “It wasn’t cool growing up, but it’s become cool and actually, I’m incredibly proud of Norwich and being part of it because I think we have this real rebel spirit. But no one’s in a rush – it’s the Norfolk way”.

Karen, whose shop is situated in the 900-year-old Norwich market, also shared: “We’re so close to the coast, and we’ve got the Broads National Park, so within a matter of minutes, you can be out in nature. Norwich itself is quite compact, so we’ve got everything here, but it’s all actually within a 10-minute walk, and it’s so historical as well.”

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Whether you fancy a day exploring a medieval city steeped in rich history, perusing its wealth of independent shops or soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of its thriving outdoor market, Norwich is well worth a visit. And with the coastline just a stone’s throw away, it could well be the ultimate weekend getaway, offering a refreshing blend of sea air and city break all in one.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

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Woodland walks cut anxiety, study finds

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Woodland walks cut anxiety, study finds

Research shows self-led woodland trails can cut anxiety and strengthen people’s connection

Participants who followed self-led woodland wellbeing trails reported a 38% drop in rumination, a 31% reduction in anxiety and a 20% rise in feelings of social connection, according to research examining Forestry England’s nature-based mental health programme.

The trails, designed to encourage people to slow down and engage more deeply with the natural world, are now installed at 18 Forestry England sites across the country. They feature simple prompts inviting walkers to pause, notice their surroundings and reflect on their relationship with nature.

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The idea grew from a small moment during the Covid pandemic. As the UK emerged from lockdowns, Ellen Devine, wellbeing programme manager at Forestry England, came across a handwritten chalkboard sign at Westonbirt Arboretum carrying a message for people walking among the trees.

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“It said something along the lines of, ‘we can’t be together at the moment because of the Covid restrictions, but know that you’re not alone, and you’re always welcome here amongst the trees’,” Devine recalls.

“I was having quite a difficult time, and it made me feel that little bit better.” The moment inspired a series of self-led well-being trails launched in 2023. Designed to prompt people to slow down and reflect, the routes feature themed panels offering woodland facts, quotations and simple mindfulness activities.

To shape them, Devine worked with the University of Derby’s Nature Connectedness Research Group, alongside charities including Mind and Samaritans.

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Forest trails that allow people to slow down and connect with nature have been proven to improve mental and physical wellbeing

“It shows that quality engagement with nature matters more than just quantity,” says Devine. “It’s not just about getting people into forests, it’s about supporting them to build that emotional connection, which in turn benefits their own health and wellbeing.”

The evaluation, led by Dr Carly Butler, found that even a single visit to a wellbeing trail produced measurable effects. Participants reported reduced rumination and anxiety after completing the walks, alongside a stronger sense of social connection.“

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In a world where people increasingly struggle with loneliness or social isolation, the fact that this intervention could connect people not only with nature but also with other people is really exciting,” Devine says.

Quality engagement with nature matters more than just quantity

“I think that’s one of the brilliant things about nature,” she adds. “You can find it anywhere. If we can think about ways for people to connect with nature as they go about their daily lives, then yes, that’s absolutely something we should be doing.”

Interest in nature-based wellbeing is growing more widely. More than 100 doctors and NHS practitioners in the West Midlands are now prescribing nature walks as part of social prescribing schemes designed to support people experiencing stress, loneliness or mild mental health challenges.

Main image: Forestry England/Crown copyright

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Manchester United can’t risk unpicking the key change Michael Carrick has made at Old Trafford

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Manchester Evening News

Michael Carrick is on course to keep his job as Man Utd head coach and club bosses should be wary of changing course now.

They won’t get six points for it, but Sunday was a match that needed winning twice for Manchester United. That they did so, after the body blow of gifting Liverpool a way back in, said more about what Michael Carrick has built than any interview possibly could.

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The first 10 minutes of the second half were the kind of spell from which recent United teams wouldn’t have been able to recover, and the supporters would have known it too.

But this was evidence of everything that Carrick has built in his 111 days as head coach. The players needed a moment to clear their heads, but they stuck together on the pitch. Off it, the fans didn’t let spirits drop either.

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It would have been easy to fear the worst, but both parties were unified. Liverpool had their spell in the ascendancy, but the noise inside Old Trafford didn’t dim, and that support can give the players something to hold on to.

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United got those errors from Amad and Senne Lammens out of their system, and the introduction of Patrick Dorgu tilted the balance their way. Kobbie Mainoo’s winner almost brought the house down.

United could have strolled to victory, going through the motions in the second half to earn a 2-0 or 3-0 win, maybe. It would have been impressive and another tick in the box for Carrick. In a way, winning the game the way they did told us so much more about what has been built since mid-January.

“I have to say the way the supporters got behind us after the two goals, it’s easy after that point to get frustrated, to go the other way a little bit,” Carrick said after the game.

“I thought that again, spirit and your character show when it’s a little bit of a challenging time, so I think to feel like we’ve kind of built that and we’re in a position where we’ll all stick together has really pleased me a lot.

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“The pleasing thing is to see that camaraderie looking after each other, it was tested obviously at 2-2 and seeing them sticking in and fighting for each other is what we want, we want a team to be proud of and the boys have certainly given us that.”

The question now is, can United officials risk ripping that up and starting again? It has reached the point where it feels like a bigger gamble to do just that than to appoint a head coach with limited experience at the highest level.

Carrick said the job felt “natural” to him on Sunday and you can see what he means. He has taken it all in his stride and he has the unequivocal backing of his players. Can Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox and co really ignore those noises?

The 44-year-old wrapped a protective arm around Amad and Lammens after the game, after their errors handed Liverpool a way back in. Carrick was quick to point out that they had both “offered so much within the group” to help United to reach this position.

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Ruben Amorim had started to build that togetherness and spirit that Carrick lauded on Sunday, but the Portuguese could also be brutal with his players. From calling them possibly the worst team in Manchester United’s history to criticising individual players, he sometimes undermined what he was attempting to build.

Carrick has taken on a very different approach, and even on Sunday, when he gave the impression he had done enough to earn a shot at next season, he continually turned the praise back onto his players. Take this when asked about how he had gone about building that togetherness during his time in charge.

“I can only say from what I’ve kind of faced and seen from my own eyes really and ever since we came back through the doors I think the boys have responded really well to it,” he said.

“I think it comes through trust as well and how you treat each other and the trust between us and the belief certainly that I’ve got in them and the staff have got in them.

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“We spoke about that before the game, about how much belief we’ve got in them, and so trying to give them that confidence to not play really good players, and it can be a really good team when we put things in place, and that’s proved to be the case over recent months.”

The case should now be closed. United need look no further than the man currently occupying that office at Carrington for a head coach.

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Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

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