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Check FAQAbout Simon
Simon Heptinstall is a journalist based in Melksham, United Kingdom.
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Portfolio
Try something different in 2024: unusual holiday ideas
The article presents a variety of unique holiday ideas in the UK for 2024, encouraging readers to explore unconventional travel experiences. Suggestions include rail adventures, hiking the Dorset Doddle, castle tours in Scotland, and staying in historic Oxford College rooms. Other options include cycling in Constable Country, Scottish island hopping, painting seascapes in St Ives, and staying on King Charles' farm. The article also highlights photography courses in the Brecon Beacons, mindfulness retreats in the Lake District, and wildlife holidays across the UK.
Inside Scotland's highest village: Discovering that a visit to Wanlockhead is a valuable experience (and not just because of the pure gold found in its streams)
Wanlockhead, Scotland's highest village, offers a unique travel experience with its rich industrial history and charming attractions. Visitors can explore the Lead Mining Museum, try gold panning, and enjoy the local pub's quirky atmosphere. The village's historical significance is highlighted by its connection to Robbie Burns and the pure gold found in its streams, which was used to create the Scottish parliamentary mace and the Crown of Scotland.
Inside 'the most impressive public toilet in Britain' - a Victorian lavatory that's become a Tripadvisor hit and even has its own visitors book
The Victorian toilet block in Rothesay, Isle of Bute, has become a top-rated historic site on Tripadvisor, attracting visitors with its ornate design and historical significance. Built in 1899 by the Rothesay Harbour Trust, the gents' toilets feature opulent marble urinals and period fittings, earning praise from architectural historians. The site has even been visited by King Charles, adding to its allure. While the female toilets are more modern, visitors can still appreciate the unique craftsmanship of the gents' facilities.
Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones against Israel on Sunday in retaliation for the assassination of a senior commander in Beirut last month.
Hezbollah launched over 320 rockets and drones at Israel in retaliation for the assassination of senior commander Fouad Shukur in Beirut. Israel, anticipating the attack, conducted preemptive airstrikes on southern Lebanon. The conflict has heightened fears of a regional escalation, with significant damage reported in Lebanon and injuries to civilians. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, are managing the situation, while the U.S. reaffirms its support for Israel. The article highlights the ongoing tensions and the potential for further conflict in the region.
Britain's best springtime escapes, from award-winning hotels to quaint cottages and a summerhouse with links to royalty
The article showcases a selection of the best places to stay in the UK during springtime, highlighting various accommodations such as private cottages, historic estates, and vineyard lodges. These destinations offer unique experiences like private access to gardens, historic connections, and opportunities to observe local wildlife. The locations range from Lincolnshire to the Scottish Borders, and include exclusive stays like the Spring Cottage at Cliveden in Berkshire. The article emphasizes the natural beauty and tranquility of these springtime escapes, providing details on the features and booking information for each.
Revealed: The World Heritage ancient stone circle at Avebury is FAKE
The Avebury stone circle, a World Heritage site in Britain, has been revealed to be largely a reconstruction from the 1930s, financed by marmalade tycoon Alexander Keiller. Historic England released photographs showing men using trucks, ropes, and pulleys to erect the stones on new concrete plinths. While some experts were aware of Keiller's work, the public release of these images has surprised many visitors. The restoration was deemed necessary after the original Neolithic stones were destroyed or buried by Christians trying to erase pagan traces. The site, which also includes Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow, has been considered sacred, especially during the solstice. The revelation has altered the perception of the site for many, highlighting the modern contributions to its current appearance.
From a giant pineapple to a horsebox and a Nazi lookout tower, some of the most bizarre places to stay in the British Isles
Britain's eccentricity is showcased through a variety of unique holiday accommodations, including a stone pineapple in Stirlingshire, a Nazi lookout tower in Jersey, and a caravan on a hotel roof in Bristol. Other unusual stays include a circus wagon in Wales, a railway carriage overlooking Cardigan Bay, a treehouse in Devon, double-decker buses in Shropshire, a Victorian station in West Norfolk, an archway at Berrington Hall in Herefordshire, and a converted horse-transporter in Devon. These quirky rentals offer a range of experiences from historical to whimsical, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Going away for the summer? How you can drive a bargain at the airport as car-rental prices plummet
Car rental prices are returning to pre-pandemic levels after a period of high demand and low supply. Consumer experts at Which? report a significant drop in rental costs, with prices falling by up to 47% compared to last year. To secure the best deals, travelers are advised to use brokers like zestcarrental.com, book four months in advance, and consider the location of the rental office. Insurance, cancellation policies, and age-related surcharges are also important factors to consider. The article provides practical tips for saving money on car rentals, including avoiding unnecessary add-ons and understanding drop-off fees in the US.
Lesser-known Paris gems, from the site of the original Citroen factory to the city's biggest park
Explores lesser-known attractions in Paris, focusing on the eastern Bois de Vincennes park and the western Bois de Boulogne area. Highlights include segway tours, parkour courses, the Paris Jazz Festival, and dining at Le Chalet des Isles. In the west, guided tours in classic French 2CV cars, visits to the Parc Andre Citroen, the Louis Vuitton art gallery designed by Frank Gehry, and the Museum of the Thirties are recommended. The article also mentions the recently restored gardens of eccentric 1930s banker Albert Kahn.
How the First Vaccine and the World's First 'Antivaxxers' Emerged
The article discusses the origins of the first vaccine developed by Edward Jenner in the late 18th century and the early opposition he faced from skeptics. It highlights the historical significance of Jenner's work, the establishment of the Dr. Jenner's House museum in Berkeley, and the challenges it faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum, which nearly closed due to financial difficulties, was saved by a crowdfunding campaign. The article also touches on the museum's future plans to expand its educational programs and international presence, emphasizing the enduring importance of vaccination.
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