overlooking

The outdoor enthusiasts at Millets have compiled a list of the UK’s best free hidden gems, based on ratings on TripAdvisor and Google, and the results are in

England is brimming with hidden treasures, from quaint, untouched coves in Cornwall to breathtaking woodland strolls in Lancashire. Embleton Bay, a beach tucked away in the north of England, has been crowned the country’s top free hidden gem.

This pristine and dramatic beach in Northumberland has won the hearts of visitors from far and wide. The outdoor experts at Millets have curated a list of England’s top free hidden gems, based on TripAdvisor and Google ratings, with this stunning beach clinching the top spot.

Porth Joke in Cornwall, another beautiful and untouched beach, came in second, while Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean secured third place.

The top pick of Embleton Bay is an unspoilt stretch of coastline, flanked by low dunes and overseen by the imposing ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the historic town of Embleton, which boasts the UK’s largest village hall.

Dunstanburgh Castle, whose remnants are visible from the beach, was erected in the 1300s by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, a cousin and adversary of Edward II. By the late 1800s, the castle had deteriorated into ruins, and the remains of Dunstanburgh became a favourite subject for artists and poets.

And it’s not just the outdoor specialists at Millets who rave about Embleton. One visitor took to TripAdvisor to write: “Beautiful, quiet dog friendly beach with great views. A castle at one end of the bay and a pub at the far end up at Low Newton By The Sea.

“Embleton Beach is pretty amazing. We were lucky enough to be staying in a cottage overlooking the bay and walked the dog on the sands every morning, often with nobody else in sight!”.

Meanwhile, another visitor gushed: “Embleton bay is a hidden gem on the Northumberland coast. The beach is powdery white sand and the sea is clear and safe for bathing. Dunstanburgh castle makes a dramatic backdrop and it is a pleasant walk along the coast to Craster.”

A third raved: “Beautiful beach and coastline. Water very clear, and looked clean. Great views of Dunstanburgh Castle, sandy and rocks, great for dogs and children.”

One more holidaymaker remarked: “This is a delightful and peaceful beach with wonderful views of the nearby castle. Wonderful to watch the birdlife. It is very peaceful and calming, but unfortunately that depends on how many dogs are around at the time.”

Revealing the findings of their study into England’s finest free hidden treasures, Millets blog writer Sam Chadwick explained: “The UK is full of beautiful locations, and in recent years, more people have discovered the benefits of spending time outdoors. We have collated our ultimate hidden gems list, revealing the highest rated hidden gems that are completely free to enjoy.”

England’s best free hidden gems:

1. Embleton Bay, Northumberland
2. Porth Joke, Cornwall
3. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
4. Kingley Vale, West Sussex
5. Portheras Cove, Cornwall
6. Barricane Beach, Devon
7. Norsey Wood, Essex
8. Lantic Bay, Cornwall
9. Forest of Bowland, Lancashire
10. Warburg Nature Reserve, Oxfordshire
11. Covehithe Beach, Suffolk
12. Cardinham Woods, Cornwall
13. Box Hill, Surrey
14. Heartwood Forest, Hertfordshire

A new report accuses fashion giants of not considering the welfare of workers affected by climate change in garment factories in Southeast Asia.

Fashion brands including luxury label Hermes, sportswear giant Nike, and fast fashion chain H&M are in the hot seat amid new allegations of climate greenwashing after making commitments to slash carbon emissions in Asia, which is home to more than 50 percent of global garment production.

A report released this morning by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC), titled, The Missing Thread, analysed 65 global fashion brands. It found that while 44 of them had made public commitments to reduce carbon emissions, none had adopted what is known as a “Just Transition” policy, a concept first introduced during COP27 in Egypt in 2022.

A Just Transition ensures that workers are not left behind as industries shift towards a low-carbon economy.

Only 11 companies in the study acknowledged the climate-related impact on workers in their social and human rights policies. Just four provided any guidance on managing heat-related stress.

Only two companies among those deemed the most ambitious by the report mentioned the welfare of workers. These included Inditex, the Spanish retail giant that owns the fast fashion company Zara, and Kering, the parent company of Gucci.

“Decarbonisation done without workers as critical and creative partners is not a just transition, it’s a dangerous shortcut,” said Natalie Swan, labour rights programme manager at BHRRC, in a news release.

Currently, the global textile industry relies on 98 million tonnes of non-renewable resources per year, such as oil and fertiliser. At current trends, the fashion industry is on track to be responsible for more than 25 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“The fashion industry’s climate targets mean little if the people who make its products are not taken into consideration,” Swan said. “It’s not enough to go green. It has to be clean and fair.”

“Brands must stop hiding behind greenwashing slogans and start seriously engaging workers and their trade unions, whose rights, livelihoods and safety are under threat from both climate change and the industry’s response to it. A just transition is not just a responsibility, it’s a critical opportunity to build a fairer, more resilient fashion industry that works for people and the planet.”

Al Jazeera reached out to Nike, Hermes, H&M, Inditex and Kering. None of them responded to a request for comment.

Extreme weather

The effects of climate change have already hit much of Southeast Asia hard. Garment workers in countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam have experienced extreme weather events such as surging temperatures and severe flooding.

In Bangladesh, workers reported fainting from heat-related illnesses. According to the report, factories allegedly failed to provide fans or drinking water. Similar challenges were noted in Cambodia, where temperatures regularly exceeded 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit) during a 2022 heatwave.

A third of workers said they had already lost work due to automation. In Bangladesh’s garment sector, 30 percent reported job losses stemming from technological changes. These shifts have disproportionately affected female workers, who are less likely to receive training on new technologies and are often excluded from on-the-job learning opportunities that could help them adapt to evolving industry demands.

Holidaymakers have heaped praise on an award-winning apartment with ‘stunning sea views’

UK tourists seeking a coastal getaway love escaping it all in Weymouth. Found in Dorset, the picturesque town boasts a charming harbour and golden sands. It’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination for families.

Holidaymakers looking for accommodation love Wessex View, an award-winning apartment listed on Sykes Holiday Cottages. It was the gold winner of ‘Best for Beaches’ in the Sykes Gems 2023 Awards. The well-reviewed property has received lots of praise for its “perfect location” and “fantastic sea views.”

However, while it is in “a prime position on the esplanade”, guests said it’s on “a very busy road,” with some reviewers commenting on “traffic noise.” Another option for visitors could be Lavender House Weymouth, a five-bedroom house found on Booking.com.

There’s also The Yellow One, an apartment that accommodates two guests, found on holidaycottages.co.uk, and Outlook Lodge, which sleeps four guests, found on Dream Cottages.

Wessex View sleeps four guests and offers off-road parking for one car. However, pets are not allowed at the property. The accommodation listing says: “Experience stunning sea views from this beautifully presented ground-floor apartment, Wessex View, located in the popular seaside resort of Weymouth in Dorset. It enjoys a prime position on the esplanade, just a few moments from the golden, sandy beach.

“The accommodation lies all on one level, aside from some steps leading down into the twin bedroom, and is suited best to a family of four or perhaps a couples break.” While there’s only limited availability for this summer, you could book four nights from May 31 for £630, three nights from September 6 for £636, or seven nights from September 27 for £630.

Reviewers loved the views from the apartment, though some raised issues with the accommodation. A guest praised: “Beautiful flat. Enjoyed watching the sunrise every morning from the big windows with an uninterrupted view of the sea. Beds were also comfortable. Plenty of toys and board games available to keep the kids happy.”

Someone else wrote: “Absolutely lovely apartment. It was so thoughtfully furnished and such a breath of fresh air to have so many items that are suitable for families. Perfect location for the beach and for looking out to sea over a morning coffee. Totally gorgeous.”

However, a different reviewer commented: “We had a lovely week. The flat was very clean and had everything we needed and plenty of space for the two of us. The seaview is a big plus. The only disappointments were that it stands on a very busy road, though maybe we shouldn’t have been surprised, given its location, and that we couldn’t get wifi in the twin bedroom, neither of which would stop us staying again as we loved being so close to the sea for our morning dips.”

Someone else with mixed feedback replied: “Excellent location, just across the road from the beach and short walk to the town/harbour. So many beautiful walking routes close by. The view of the sea from the lounge was amazing.

“The apartment was comfortable with good facilities. Off road car parking was definitely a bonus. The only negative for us was the lack of windows in the bedrooms, having said that, this would not prevent us from booking here again as the positives far out way this negative.”

Meanwhile, a reviewer thought: “Superb property, exactly as listed and in a perfect location on esplanade with beach and all amenities on doorstep. Very practical layout and star attraction being front room with huge windows overlooking sea. Had a perfect stay and one of our family’s favourite UK breaks ever.

“If there’s an observation, it’s the double bedroom – a little on the small side with minimal storage and a seemingly worn and uncomfortable mattress. Nothing some shelving in wardrobe and a new mattress wouldn’t resolve. Overall, an amazing property for our holiday.”

A similar response read: “Wessex View is a beautiful property with period features and an amazing view. The road is busy and obviously there was traffic noise but we expected this. There was everything we could need in the flat & it’s just a short walk into town. The only issue for us was the mattress which wasn’t the most comfortable if you have back problems.”