
English city that was once the country's ‘oldest town' is home to unique Barbie house and Harry Potter style train ride
THINK PINK English city that was once the country's 'oldest town' is home to unique Barbie house and Harry Potter style train ride
DID you know that Colchester was once known for being England's oldest town?
Despite this, it was actually given city status just two years ago as part of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
8
Colchester is also home to a train station that is barely used
Credit: Alamy
8
The Chappel Viaduct looks like the bridge Hogwarts Express drive over in Harry Potter
Credit: Alamy
Colchester has a history stretched back thousands of years and was one of the very first Roman cities.
The Essex city is also home to a train station that is barely used, and looks like something from Harry Potter.
Chappel & Wakes Colne railway station in Colchester is around an hour from London, travelling to Liverpool Street station.
Compared to some other regional train stations around the country, this one doesn't have many passengers.
Just 28,000 people use it a year, working out to around 77 passengers a day.
The train station is right next to the Chappel Viaduct, with the huge brick structure built in the 1840s and measuring 1,066ft.
It looks very similar to the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, which was used in Harry Potter for the Hogwarts Express.
Nearby is The Swan Inn pub right on the river, and their beer garden is found underneath the viaduct.
And there is more history to Colchester too with it also being the place where the oldest hot cross bun in the world was baked.
It was baked on Wyre Street in Colchester, on Good Friday 1807 - confirmed by the note on the bag it came in, and the bun is now rock hard.
'World's FASTEST bullet train' that can reach 280mph is unveiled - and it even has a dining car and plush business-class
8
The Swan Inn pub right on the river, and their beer garden is found underneath the viaduct
Credit: Alamy
Owned by a couple in Wormingford, the bun is older than the one kept in the British Museum, baked in 1869.
While you won't be able to see the bun, something in Colchester you can't miss is the pink house.
The six-bedroom mansion in Tiptree called the 'Eaton House Studio' is a dream to any fan of Barbie.
The house boasts dozens of stylish rooms, each designed completely differently. There is a saloon and space-inspired kitchen, floral staircases, and unicorns in the garden.
8
The 'pink house' is a hot spot for celebrities and can also be rented out
Credit: www.eatonhousestudio.com
8
The six-bedroom mansion in Tiptree called the 'Eaton House Studio' is a dream to any fan of Barbie
Credit: www.eatonhousestudio.com
8
There a saloon and space inspired kitchen to floral staircases and unicorns in the garden
Credit: www.eatonhousestudio.com
It's attracted celebrity guests and was featured in Little Mix's Bounce Back music video.
It was created by its artist owner Amy Griffith, who said she built it to "share my artistic vision with others".
It can sleep 16 people and can be hired you even hire it out from £2,400 as it details on Host Unusual.
Plus, the Victorian English park in Colchester with plans for huge new playground with castle attractions, zip lines and sand pits.
And the UK garden named as one of the best places to see cherry blossoms, bluebells and tulips in the world.
8
The house has attracted celebrity guests and was the featured in Little Mix's Bounce Back music video
Credit: www.eatonhousestudio.com
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited the ‘Wetherspoons of Spain' – jugs of beer cost £1.50, lunch is £1 and there's 350 of them across the country
Save big at this super-cheap Spanish pub chain, where vodka and cokes are among the cheapest in the world, says The Sun's travel writer Helen Wright HOLA-DAY I visited the 'Wetherspoons of Spain' – jugs of beer cost £1.50, lunch is £1 and there's 350 of them across the country Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SITTING outside in the sun with a cold beer in hand, I've nabbed a prime spot for lunch to watch the world go by. Nothing screams summer holiday in Spain like an al-fresco feast of tasty tapas, but this place is especially good because it's an absolute bargain that most Brits don't know about. 5 100 Montaditos started as a small cafe in Seville and now has more than 300 locations across Spain, but Brits would never know it was a cheap chain Credit: Alamy 5 Helen (pictured) cools off with a cheap pint in the 'Spanish Wetherspoons', 100 Montaditos Credit: HELEN WRIGHT 5 There are 100 Montaditos all over Spain with cheap pints and decent food for a bargain price Credit: Alamy If, like me, you love a bargain bite in the local Wetherspoons at home, then you need to head to this cheap chain in Spain where your Euros will go a lot further than in most places on the continent. It's by far the cheapest place for tapas and a beer that I have ever stumbled across and the best news is, there are 350 of these bars across Spain. Cheap as frites 100 Montaditos has been dubbed the 'Spanish Wetherspoons' for its affordable prices, decent food and community vibe. However, most Brits would walk right past without even knowing they are missing out on a cheap-as-patatas-fritas feed. A 'montadito' is a classic tapas dish in Spain, which is essentially a mini baguette sandwich. They are often served alongside beer or wine in tapas bars around Spain and make for a very tasty lunch or dinner. 100 Montaditos originated as a small cafe in Seville, famous for its small plates of sandwiches, but has now expanded across Spain and the Spanish islands because it is so popular. With a limited holiday budget, I headed to the 100 Montaditos in Majorca, which is on the Spanish Plaza in Palma. The location could not be more central, it's right opposite the Cathedral and has a patio with outdoor seating. The bar looks small from the outside, but stepping inside, there is a huge kitchen and dining room, so it's handy if you need an air-con break from the hot weather too. It's a hot day, so I order a pint, which in Spain comes in a frosted pitcher. I went to the UK's biggest Wetherspoons with rooftop bar overlooking the beach These are known as 'turbo-sized' and at 300ml, are slightly smaller than our UK pints, but plenty for me at lunchtime. Drinking local Spanish beer, Cruzcampo, meant the refreshment cost me only €1.50 (£1.30). Considering Palma in Majorca isn't known for being a cheap holiday destination, I couldn't believe my luck. A glass of wine here is the same price, and you can get a Vodka and Coke for £2.70. I couldn't believe my eyes when the bartender gave me a cone of crisps too. You get these free of charge when you order a drink. With prices in Spain on the rise, Brits have been complaining that cheap holidays on the continent are not as budget-friendly as they used to be. But this place is just like a British 'Spoons. Everyone inside was chatty and friendly - as much as they could be with the language barrier. It's very laid back and you can tell a lot of locals have been frequenting the place for years. Of course, being named after the famous sandwiches, 100 Montadidos has a good menu of food too, and it's just as affordable as the beer. 5 You get a cone of crisps for free with your beer in the Spanish 'spoons Credit: HELEN WRIGHT 5 There is also indoor seating, if you want to take advantage of the air conditioning Credit: HELEN WRIGHT There are 19 different 'classic' sandwiches, ranging from chorizo and cheese to bacon butties, and they are only €1 each. The slightly more 'fancy' options have Gran Reserva ham and smoked salmon, but even they only cost €1.50 (£1.30). Every day they have a 'EURO MANIA' deal, which is a large version of the sandwich of the day for only €1 (86p) - an absolute bargain! One of these is more than enough for me at lunch, but even if I was feeling peckish, ordering two would hardly break the bank. I can't believe you can eat for so cheap in the middle of Palma. If you don't fancy sandwiches, there are nachos, Spanish omelette and calamari, all for only €2 (£1.73) each. A bowl of chips is €1 (86p). Sarah from Cardiff in Wales, who was in 100 Montadidos with her friends before a night out, said she was stunned by the prices. 'It's cheaper than Wetherspoons in Cardiff!' she said. 'We'll probably come back for chips after our night out if it's still open.' Before they left, I joined them for a celebratory shot of tequila. At only €2 (£1.73) each, I better not stay too long or I'd be totally sloshed for the cost of one pint in London. The atmosphere is not as authentic as in some of the more traditional tavernas and bars in Mallorca, but it can't be beaten on price. Especially for a few shots ahead of a night out like Sarah and her mates. The only disappointment was that they don't have the classic Thursday curry club but the cheeky barman said maybe they might do Paella instead one day!


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The Mediterranean island that Brits don't know about with spectacular beaches and it's loved by Italians
Plus, how to get there for under £10 IN THE MED The Mediterranean island that Brits don't know about with spectacular beaches and it's loved by Italians Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANY holidaymakers will jet off to Italy over the summer - but few know an underrated island so special even locals gush about it. Places like Sicily will always be popular with British holidaymakers, though if you speak to Italians its the Aegadian Islands they will be heading for. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The island of Favignana is the largest in the Aegadian Islands Credit: Alamy 5 You'll find amazing beaches with bright blue seas Credit: Alamy In total there are five Aegadian Islands, but only three are inhabited - Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. Favignana is the largest of three main islands and from above is shaped like a butterfly. It's known for its blue and white fishing harbour and narrow streets. It's small, too, so there's no need to hire a car - you can cycle or walk around to see the towns or go to the beach. Another option is to take one of the many boat day trips to take a tour of the island. You'll see loads of coves and even go to the neighbouring island of Levanzo. Some of the most popular beaches on the island are Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino and Lido Burrone. One visitor said about Lido Burrone: "The crystal-clear water and white sand make it one of Favignana's most interesting beaches. It feels like being in the Caribbean." Another described Cala Rossa as a "blue dream" with spectacular sea and white sand. The beach is a recommended place for seeing marine life, as it's full of fish and a popular snorkelling spot. For any history buffs, Favignana was once the tuna capital of the world because of its tuna fisheries. 'Otherworldly' Italian island just three hours from the UK that featured in two huge Hollywood franchises 5 There are lots of restaurants, cafes and food stops around the island Credit: Alamy 5 You can easily explore the island by bike or foot In the 15th century, the island was ruled by Giovanni de Karissima who was also known as the 'Baron of Tuna". When it comes to where to eat on the island, you're most definitely spoilt for choice. There's plenty of seafood dishes thanks to its island location, as well as pasta, arancini and panelle. You don't have to eat at a restaurant either, there are plenty of markets and little takeaway shacks if you fancy something more causal. There are bars dotted around the island so whether you seek shade in the towns or full sun on the beach, you can always find somewhere to have a refreshing drink. When it comes to venturing there, Favignana is 10 miles from Sicily and is easily accessible by ferry. You can travel from Trapani to Favignana all year round and in the high season there are 25 crossings a day. The trip can take up to 1 hour and 10 minutes, with tickets starting at €10 (£8.68). Or you can hop from Marsala to Favignana which has five daily crossings and is generally quicker taking 30 minutes per trip. The ticket prices start at €13 (£11.29). Here's another Italian island that's loved by celebs and the royal family - it has hidden beaches and holiday villages. And you can visit this largely untouched Italian island with red sand beaches.


Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
Miriam Margolyes's OBE should be stripped, says anti-Semitism group
Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) has called for Miriam Margolyes's OBE to be stripped. The Harry Potter actress, who is Jewish, claimed Adolf Hitler has 'won' by making Jewish people 'like him' during Israel's recent occupation of Gaza. The 83-year-old added that while she acknowledged the 'wickedness and cruelty' inflicted on Jews by Nazi Germany during the Holocaust, the Israeli government was now doing the same to Palestinians in Gaza. She said in an interview with The Big Issue: 'I cannot bear to think that my people are doing exactly the same thing to another nation. 'And the nation they are doing it to, the Palestinian nation, was not responsible for the Holocaust, it had nothing to do with it. That was a purely European pleasure. 'So my heart is broken and I think the terrible thing I have to face is Hitler won. He changed us. He made us like him.' Now a spokesman for Campaign Against Antisemitism has called for the actress to be stripped of her OBE that she won for her performance in The Age of Innocence in 1993. The group added that the comparison between Nazi Germany and Jews was 'racist bilge'. 'This must be the end of the road for Miriam Margolyes. The fact that she was born Jewish does not give her a licence to use her immense platform to spread anti-Jewish venom,' the spokesman said. 'Saying that Hitler converted the Jews into Nazis is flat out racist bilge and she must be shunned by the show business world that has fawned and bowed until now. This includes stripping her of her Bafta. 'We will be writing to the Honours Forfeiture Committee to ask that her OBE be removed.' Margolyes touched on similar themes on social media earlier this week, saying Hitler had turned Jews 'from being compassionate and caring .. into this vicious, genocidal, nationalist nation'. 'Jewish and vile' The British-Australian actress has a history of making controversial comments about the war in Gaza, having also said she had 'never been so ashamed of Israel' over its tactics in Gaza. She has previously called on Jews to 'shout, beg, scream for a ceasefire' in Gaza. In October last year, Margolyes was cleared over comments she made during a BBC interview in which she used the phrase ' Jewish and vile '. Despite a complaint to the Executive Complaints Unit, the BBC's highest complaints body, ruled that her comments were not racist. Margolyes's latest comments likening Jews to Hitler have been seized upon by pro-Palestinian supporters on social media. More than six million Jews died at the hands of Nazi Germany during World War Two. Jonathan Sacerdoti, a broadcaster and campaigner against anti-Jewish racism who submitted the complaint to the BBC, said Margolyes was known to make offensive comments about Jews. Pressure on Israel The opposition against Israel's occupation of Gaza has grown in recent weeks following claims the Israeli government was blocking aid from the territory's two million residents. Pictures on social media of starving Palestinian children in Gaza in recent weeks have also helped increase pressure on Israel over the war in Gaza, which has been going on for a year and nine months. Angela Rayner, the Deputy Prime Minister, has backed a push by more than one third of Labour MPs for the UK to follow Emmanuel Macron and recognise the Palestinian state. Sir Keir Starmer has so far resisted the pressure, amid fears Labour could lose 20 seats over the issue at the next election.