Latest news with #SouthEasternRailway
The Sun
23-06-2025
- The Sun
Hidden English beach that's the ‘most beautiful place in the world' to close until next year
A SECRET beach in the UK called one of the worlds most beautiful places is about to be cut off from the public until next year. The Warren in Folkestone is rarely visited by tourists, being tucked away from the main beach area. 3 3 Not only that but you can only get there by hiking, taking around 40 minutes from town. However, the access route to the beach is closing next month due to upcoming renovation works. Closing from July 1 , tourists will no longer be able to get to the beach. The upgrade works are part of new sea defence upgrades that hope to prevent landslips. This includes thousands of tonnes of rock along the sea wall which will also reduce erosion, according to local media. Network Rail said in a statement: "The sea defences below the railway line at Folkestone Warren will be strengthened with 16,000 tonnes of rock armour that will be brought in by barge. "The footpath along the beach will be repaired at the same time. "The railway line will remain open during the work but the path along Western beach and the beach itself will close during the length of the repairs." David Davidson, South Eastern Railway's chief operating officer added: 'There is a long history of landslips at Folkestone Warren, with ongoing movement for many years. "To keep passengers, the public and our colleagues safe we closely monitor the area with hundreds of ground sensors that share real-time data and alerts, allowing us to caution or stop trains if movement is detected. The up-and-coming English seaside town with cheap booze and huge beaches 'The railway line will not close and trains will still run whilst we undertake the work but the path along the beach will be closed during the length of the repairs. " The access point hopes to reopen from March 2026. The beach is below the train line that connects Dover and Folkestone. Yet The Warren once had its own railway station called Folkestone Warren Halt railway station which opened in 1886. It closed that same year due to trespassing complaints from a local landowner, and reopened in 1908. It then closed in 1915 due to a landslide, reopening in 1919, and then closed again in 1939 for the same reason. Now, it is one of the few beaches open to dogs all year round in Kent, as well as being a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with more than 150 species of native birds. Local website Folkelife calls it one of the "most beautiful places on earth" with "beautiful coastal views". And another said it was the "best beach in Kent" with secluded sandy beaches. There is also the nearby Little Switzerland campsite which people say has Swiss Alps views. Sunny Sands Beach is tidal, so you will have to time it right to visit Here's everything else you need to know about a visit to Folkestone. 3
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
SER to use AI-based system to prevent elephant-train collisions
Rourkela: The South Eastern Railway's Chakradharpur division will implement an Artificial Intelligence-based elephant intrusion detection system (EIDS) to prevent train accidents involving the animals on railway tracks. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The system, successfully tested on June 15 and 16 along the Barabamboo-Chakradharpur-Lotapahar section, will be installed in elephant corridors like Jareikela, Bhalulata, Barsuan and Bimlagarh areas. "The testing was conducted by different firms and was successful. The system, offering the best coverage for elephant protection, will be selected for installation from among the prospective bidders. This may happen within the next few months," A K Choudhury, senior divisional commercial manager of Chakradharpur, said. EIDS employs a combination of pressure wave sensors, optical fibre cables and AI algorithms to detect approaching elephants. When elephants are detected near the tracks, the system automatically alerts railway officials, allowing them to direct approaching trains to either slow down or stop, preventing potential collisions. For the trial run, two elephants from Vantara, the wildlife rescue in Gujarat, were brought to Chakradharpur. The testing was conducted under the supervision of railway officials from the Chakradharpur division.
Hans India
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
70th All-India Kabaddi tournament from June 13
Jajpur: The 70th All-India Kabaddi tournament will be held at Khanditar village in Jajpur district from June 13 to 16. The Jajpur Kabaddi Association (JKA) is organising the National Kabaddi tournament at its own stadium at Khanditar like every year. The men's and women's National Kabaddi tournament will be played both in day and night. Addressing a press conference on Monday, JKA working president Pradeep Sethy said a total of 32 teams, including 22 men's and 10 women's teams, from across the country will participate in the tournament. National men's teams such as Nagpur (Maharashtra), Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), Bhopal, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), South Eastern Railway, Eastern Railway, Kolkata Police, Chhattisgarh State team, Agra (Uttar Pradesh), JDU Academy (New Delhi), Nizampur (New Delhi), Gurgaon and Jind (Haryana), Kishore Club, Sree Jagannath Sanskrit University, Puri, Pipili, are participating, he said. In women's category, Eastern Railway, South Eastern Railway, Ashok Sangh (Kolkata), Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and State teams Cuttack, Kishore Club, Bhubaneswar, KIIT University, Kalinga Kabaddi Academy and JKA are participating, he added. All the matches will be conducted on two synthetic surface mat courts and flood lights have been installed for night matches.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Hidden gem' British town once loved by royals is now thriving again
The picturesque British town of Broadstairs in Kent was a popular summer destination for the young Queen Victoria and is now seeing a resurgence as one of the UK's top seaside resorts A picturesque coastal town, once a favourite holiday spot of Queen Victoria during her childhood, is experiencing a revival as thousands of busy Londoners take the 90-minute train journey to relax. Broadstairs, a hidden gem largely unknown outside the southeast, is now one of the top seaside destinations promoted by South Eastern Railway. The contemporary town is bustling with independent bars, cafes and restaurants, while the pristine blue waters of the Thanet coastline continue to attract visitors. Its numerous beaches are ideal for surfing, dog-walking or romantic strolls along the shore. If you're seeking loud clubs or a vibrant nightlife scene, you won't find it here. Broadstairs is a tranquil, understated and charming holiday spot, appealing to couples of all ages as well as families with young children. Here's everything you need to know about the town and what it has to offer, as reported by Kent Live. From sailors' shrine to seaside resort For centuries, Broadstairs was simply a quiet fishing village linked to the inland church of St Peter's-in-Thanet. It was part of the coastal confederation of Cinque Ports during medieval times, alongside 42 other towns and villages around Kent and Sussex, but it didn't rank among the five most significant towns - Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover and Sandwich. Broadstairs, once a significant religious site for sailors due to its Shrine of Our Ladye Star of the Sea, derived its name from the stairwell carved into the cliff that allowed seafarers to reach their pilgrimage site and pray for safe journeys. In the 17th century, the shrine was replaced by the Chapel of St Mary's. Today, this historic site is home to the Chapel Bar and Bookshop. In 1823, the village had a modest population of 300, but its fortunes were on the brink of a dramatic change. Between 1826 and 1836, the future Queen Victoria and her widowed mother, Victoire, Duchess of Kent, began spending their summers in the village, residing at Pierremont Hall, which still stands in today's Pierremont Park. This led to Broadstairs becoming a fashionable Victorian seaside resort among the upper and middle classes. Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor, and it's believed that the town inspired the setting for Betsy Trotwood's home in David Copperfield and the titular Bleak House. The Dickens House Museum celebrates Dickens' connection with Broadstairs. The advent of the steamboat allowed Broadstairs to develop into an important port for transporting goods to and from London, bringing with it a reputation for smuggling. By 1910, its population had grown to 10,000. A sanctuary for beach walks Today, Broadstairs stands as a tranquil retreat, complete with sweeping sandy shores and an assortment of chic bars and cafes that mirror the town's understated allure. Viking Bay is the jewel in Broadstairs' crown, a "hidden gem" nestled along the Kentish coast, which a Tripadvisor user has praised as "a crescent of golden sand lined with colourful beach huts and rock pools", ideal for surfers under the vigilant supervision of lifeguards, and replete with facilities. For those in search of a more private sanctuary, Joss Bay offers a magical enclave beneath the grandeur of Kingsgate Castle, now transformed into flats. Dumpton Gap is celebrated for its imposing chalk cliffs and serves as a perfect setting for dog walks, while just next to Viking Bay you'll find the serene and scenic Louisa Bay, an idyllic spot for sun-drenched ambles. Adventurers yearning for dynamic pastimes can make their way to the Revolution Skatepark and Climbing Centre, which caters to those seeking thrilling sports activities, and the Crampton Tower Museum is an essential stop for hobbyists, showcasing detailed miniature model railways. Quirky cafes and relaxed bars Broadstairs is equally renowned for its unique array of quirky cafes and chilled-out bars. TripAdvisor devotees have heaped praise on the Michelin-starred Kebbell's Seafood Bar and Restaurant, anointing it Broadstairs' premier dining experience, proudly boasting last year's illustrious TripAdvisor Travellers Award. But it's not just one venue stealing the culinary spotlight; the historic 300 year old Tartar Frigate is overflowing with classic allure, dishes out robust traditional cuisine, and holds court as the town's second gastronomic crown jewel, while a blend of chic Italian and Mediterranean establishments further graces the local scene. Among them is Sardinia, wearing the badge of "best" in Broadstairs with pride. For those seeking a quaint stop to enjoy their morning cuppa, The Old Curiosity Shop tea room invites you just a short amble from the seafront, scoring highly for its fragrant coffees and emulating Little Wave Cafe's impeccable five-star Google reputation. As twilight sets, The Counting House Bar elevates itself as a sophisticated retreat on the main thoroughfare, signaling the night's commencement, whilst the nearby Reign Bar and Lounge entices nocturnal revellers with seductive cocktails amidst a sumptuous Art Deco setting. On a more budget-friendly note, Cramptons Sports Bar emerges as the go-to spot for sports buffs looking to soak up football fever just a stone's throw from the railway station. Setting off from London, embark on an 80-mile trip to this coastal treasure, taking approximately two hours and 25 minutes by car via the M2. Opt for a train journey and you'll be there in a brisk one hour and 20 minutes direct, although some trips may take up to one hour and 47 minutes. Hop aboard a South Eastern Railway service to this charming seaside spot with single fares starting at just £34.90 and return tickets from a mere £48.70. For those looking to indulge, Broadstairs offers luxury apartments complete with terraces and stunning views, with prices starting at over £1,000 for a short two-night stay. However, if you're watching the pennies, fear not, as there's an array of delightful hotels and guesthouses that won't break the bank. Considering a seaside getaway? The 'fabulous' Ebenezer's Place Hotel is calling your name, offering a two-night stay from Friday, August 22, to Sunday, August 24, for £400. Alternatively, the "exceptional" Lazy Days Bed and Breakfast, boasting a 9.7/10 rating on is available for a steal at £270. If you need more room, the enchanting Broadstairs House Boutique B&B By The Sea, which has earned a stellar 9.5 on provides snug double rooms for £400 or spacious family rooms accommodating four guests at £440.
