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Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
Two Welsh beaches named among 'most beautiful' in the UK
Two Welsh beaches named among 'most beautiful' in the UK There's no denying that a visit to the beach can be a peaceful and enriching experience – and two local spots have been named among the most beautiful in the world The scenic spot is located in Wales (stock image) (Image: Loop Images, Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images ) Across the globe, there are numerous picturesque beaches boasting crystal clear waters, soft sands, and breathtaking ocean views that all work together to create an appealing, charming destination. But did you know some of the best stretches of coastline are in Wales? A popular TikTok video highlighted five of the UK's most remarkable beach destinations, with two Welsh locations clinching the top two spots. The hit TikTok account Globescribe, which has amassed over 1.9 million likes across its videos, compiled a list of its top five beach picks. The video features Google Earth images of each beach, zooming in to provide details and information about each location through a fast-paced voiceover. The video begins with: "Where is the most beautiful beach in the UK? Most people know that the worst beach in the UK is probably near industrial docks or muddy coasts, so where is the most beautiful beach in the UK?" The video then proceeds to highlight the top beaches chosen. In fifth place, Bournemouth beach was commended for its "golden sand and clear blue water", as well as being a hit among families. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below Taking the fourth spot, Blackpool Sands was showcased with the clarification: "Don't be confused by the name - it's not in Blackpool." It's actually nestled in Devon and is famed for being "surrounded by green hills". Luskentyre Beach claimed third place, located on the Isle of Harris in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. It is celebrated worldwide for its "white sand and turquoise waters that look like the Caribbean". Barafundle Bay in Wales came in second. Found near Stackpole Quay, Pembrokeshire, this secluded beach requires a "walk over a cliff path to reach it". However, the hike is well worth it. That's because the "hidden gem" rewards visitors with "peaceful waves" and "soft sand" that "make it feel like a private paradise". Rhossili Bay was crowned in first place. Situated at the western extremity of the Gower Peninsula, around an hour's drive from Swansea, this Welsh treasure captivates with its "massive sandy shore, dramatic views and unforgettable sunsets". Globescribe commented: "This Welsh beach is often ranked among the best in the world. If you visit once, you'll never forget it." Visit Wales also touts it as a noteworthy "iconic" location boasting "dramatic, panoramic views and good walking opportunities". Top five beaches in the UK Rhossili Bay, Gower Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire Luskentyre Beach, Outer Hebrides Blackpool Sands, Devon Bournemouth Beach, Dorset People shared their thoughts in the comments section – and many agreed that the Welsh have plenty of great beaches on their doorsteps. Article continues below One person said: "Rhossili beach and the blue pool. [The blue] pool inside rocks close to Rhossili is the most beautiful place". However, another disagreed with the top spot, and asserted: "BARAFUNDLE BAY NUMBER 1". So what do you think? Don't forget to leave us your thoughts in the comments section below.
Irish Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Majority of Irish workers would return to office with improved facilities
85 per cent of Irish workers would consider returning to their workplaces if certain amenities were provided, a survey from property advisor Savills has shown. Incentives such as faster internet and opportunities for mentoring could play a key role in luring workers in a variety of sectors back to the office, years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced many into working from home. The figures are even greater among certain generations - with 88 per cent of millennials and 98 per cent of Gen Z workers only supporting a return to the office if these benefits are provided. The survey also discovered that over half of Irish workers are willing to commute over half an hour to their workplaces - a figure that varies depending on age and industry. "We are witnessing a clear shift back to the office, not necessarily full-time, but at least for part of the working week," said Savills director of offices Shane Duffy. "The work-from-home movement that gained momentum five years ago was hailed as a permanent transformation of the workplace. And while it has certainly reshaped the way we work, the dust has now settled, and both employers and employees are recognising that, while remote work has its benefits, it often lacks opportunities for connection, idea-sharing, and collaboration with colleagues." Return to the workplace - what would bring Irish workers back? The COVID-19 pandemic forced many into remote work environments (Image: Getty) What specifically would tempt workers back to the office varies based on age, gender and current workplace arrangements. According to the survey, 38 per cent of men would return to the office if perks such as fast internet and an on-site gym were offered, compared to 29 per cent of women. 27 per cent of women would return with the promise of structured activities like social events, team-building exercises and corporate talks, while just 17 per cent of men hold the same view. The results of the survey are also divided along generational lines - with the offer of a subsidised gym appealing less to older generations. This trend continues in other areas, as 40 per cent of Gen Z workers compared to 17 per cent of millennials would prefer more shops and amenities close to their workplaces. Almost a third of those currently in hybrid work (splitting their time between working from home and in-person) would value more networking and collaboration opportunities in their offices, as well as subsidised meals. Gym access is the most popular perk among fully-remote workers, with 37 per cent placing it as their top priority. Nevertheless, Duffy still sees value in the traditional workplace, saying that working from home can be "filled with distractions". "Many workers still value having a dedicated workplace where collaboration and focus can truly flourish," he says. Commuting The average Irish commute currently stands at 36 minutes (stock photo) (Image: Craig Joiner/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) According to the survey's results, the average worker's commute stands at 36 minutes, with 30 per cent saying that they would cap their time spent travelling at 40 minutes. A fifth of workers would refuse to commute more than 20 minutes to their places of work. These respondents were typically those in the millennial and baby boomer generation, standing at 23 and 26 per cent respectively. Nationwide, 14 per cent of those working in and around Dublin would be more likely to put up with an hour-long commute, compared with just six per cent of Munster workers. Zero per cent of hospitality workers and just two per cent of retail staff would be willing to travel more than an hour to work, with healthcare, corporate and education workers the most willing to put up with such a commute. "The survey delivers a clear message from employees: the workplace experience matters, as does the time spent getting there," says Duffy. "Employers must now take both factors into account – offering incentives that make office life rewarding, while also acknowledging the practical realities of how far employees are willing to commute." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
