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‘Characteristic’ Hertfordshire market town among England’s most underrated spots

In a new list by Love Exploring, the outlet names English county gems, featuring spots in Bedfordshire, Berkshire and Middlesex.
Explaining why the list was curated, Love Exploring shares, “To help you discover these lesser-known treasures, we’ve selected and ranked what, in our opinion, are the most under-the-radar delights from each of England’s 39 historic counties”.
You can see the full list of England’s underrated towns via Love Exploring.
Hertfordshire town named among England’s most underrated
In Hertfordshire, Tring was featured on the list, earning the 15th overall spot.
Sharing why it was named, Love Exploring writes, “This under-the-radar market town has a surprising amount to offer, helped in no small part by its connections with the wealthy Rothschild family.
“Having purchased Tring Park in the 19th century, the family went on to build new houses in the town in a characteristic old English style.
“Lionel Walter Rothschild also established Tring’s very own Natural History Museum.
“Both the museum and park, now operated by the Woodland Trust, are open to the public.
“Literary types should head to Tring in November for the town’s book festival”.
Tring is described as a “pretty town” with a strong “wealth of independently run shops, cafés, bars and restaurants” by the Chilterns National Landscape.
One of the town’s highest-rated restaurants is the Italian spot Storia, which has a Google Reviews rating of 4.7 out of 5, with one guest writing: “Friendly service, really good food, especially for the price.”
Surrounded by countryside, Tring Park is one of the town’s largest green spaces. It has a mix of woodland and open parkland that was landscaped by Charles Bridgeman in the 18th century.
Collage Lake Nature Reserve is described as Tring’s best-kept secret. Set just outside of town, the former chalk quarry is now a haven for wildlife.
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Tring is also home to a branch of the Natural History Museum, built in 1889, which houses the private collections of Walter Rothschild, who was a keen zoologist.
After Walter’s death, the building and collections were gifted to the nation, seeing it become a part of the National History Museum.
Have you visited Tring? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comments.
July 3, 2026
The Leicester Mixer: Game on for the Midlands’ young professionals | TheBusinessDesk.com

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TheBusinessDesk.com is bringing its next networking mixer to Roxy Ball Room in Leicester for an evening of friendly competition, relaxed networking and new connections.
Join fellow professionals from across Leicester and the wider Midlands on Thursday September 10 for a social event designed to make networking feel a little less formal – and a lot more fun.
Your ticket includes access to a series of games to help break the ice, including American Pool, Shuffleboard and Tech Darts. And yes, there will absolutely be bragging rights up for grabs.
Wondering what we mean by “young professional”? Let’s just say we’re not checking ID.
Tickets cost £30 + VAT and include:
🥂 A welcome drink – choose from prosecco, wine, beer, a spirit and mixer, or a soft drink.
🎯 Unlimited gaming access – enjoy American Pool, Shuffleboard and Tech Darts throughout the evening.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, catch up with familiar faces or simply enjoy an evening out with the Midlands business community, The Leicester Mixer is the perfect opportunity.
So, chalk up your cue, grab a drink and get ready to play. We’ll see you there – get your tickets here.
July 3, 2026
DNA match puts sex offender behind bars after almost 30 years

David Pearce from Cambridgeshire posed as a caretaker to target children at a Barking lido in 1990Author: Catherine Wylie, Press AssociationPublished 2 hours agoLast updated 1 hour agoA sex offender who pretended to be a caretaker or a police officer to exploit children has been jailed for 18 years after DNA evidence identified him almost 30 years later.David Pearce, 70, from Cambridgeshire, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday after previously pleading guilty to seven sex offences, the Metropolitan Police said.Prosecutors say that on April 23, 1990, at Barking park lido – while masquerading as a police officer or a caretaker, Pearce told four children, two boys and two girls – aged between eight and 11, that keys were missing before assaulting them.The children ran to a nearby police station to report what had happened, enabling officers to gather statements, put a cordon in place and prevent the scene becoming contaminated.Semen was discovered on a bench in a changing cubicle and forensic officers extracted a DNA profile but it did not match to anyone on the database.The case was filed pending further investigative opportunities coming to light after initial lines of inquiry were exhausted.One-in-a-billion DNA matchIn 2019, police said Pearce was arrested for a separate offence of voyeurism and the DNA he provided was a one-in-a-billion match to the suspect at the lido.Detectives then reviewed similar reports and found victim statements from a 1996 incident which followed an identical pattern of offending.In this case, the 13-year-old victim said a man had forced her into shrubbery in a Barking park and assaulted her as he claimed to search for a pair of lost keys.Pearce was questioned in relation to the 1996 incident not long after his initial arrest in 2019, and police said the victim-survivor attended an identification parade where she confirmed Pearce as the man who had assaulted her.The forensics, successful identification, plus the circumstantial evidence which showed Pearce living in the area in 1990 and owning a food truck situated close to the park in 1996, provided detectives with enough to charge him.Predatorimage of Pearce from 1990Detective Constable Tony Anionwu, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Unit, said: “Pearce was a predator who disguised himself as someone in a position of trust to exploit and assault young children.“His actions had a lasting impact, and I would like to thank the victim-survivors for their unwavering resilience and profound patience while we strived for justice.“Our dedicated team of officers have handled this case with sensitivity. As a force we remain committed to securing justice for anyone who has experienced a sexual assault, no matter when they occurred, and over the past five years we have more than tripled arrests and charges for this crime.”Forensic scientist Bridget March, who was responsible for the DNA match in 2019, said: “Forensics play a key role in investigations, with our team of professionals meticulously examining items to locate and present evidence, backed by science.“The advances in science and discovery of the match to Pearce’s DNA profile ultimately paved the way to secure admissible evidence.”Police said Pearce denied a further four counts of indecent assault, six counts of attempting an act of indecency with a child and two counts of indecency with a child relating to 12 other children, all offences alleged to have taken place in the 1990s.Police said the prosecution chose to leave those charges on file after his guilty pleas were entered.Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

July 3, 2026
Leeds United bank up to £3m with imminent transfer announcement

Leeds United smartly included a sell-on clause in Charlie Cresswell’s transfer to Toulouse. Now, he’s on the move two years later.
Leeds’ academy has produced some very talented players of late, but few of them have actually enjoyed prolonged stints in the Whites senior squad.
Charlie Cresswell made a handful of appearances for us. However, a lack of playing time behind Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk meant he was justified in pursuing a move to Toulouse. The 49ers sanctioned a move for £3.8million in the summer of 2024.
Leeds United to gain up to £3million from Charlies Cresswell transfer to Rennes
It looked a fairly small fee for Cresswell having enjoyed a brilliant loan spell at Millwall previously. Although, United also agreed a sell-on clause when selling the centre-back to Toulouse.
Leeds, per the YEP, are entitled to 15% of any profit made by the Ligue 1 club in the event of his exit.
After various links to our Premier League rivals, Cresswell is leaving, but is set to stay in France with a move north up to Rennes. Foot Mercato report that a €28million (£24million) deal is agreed between the two Ligue 1 sides.
Such a fee for Toulouse entitles Leeds to a fee up to £3million for Cresswell’s exit to Rennes. In the process, he’s joining a side playing in next season’s Europa League.
Leeds United gain valuable boost after cashing in on Charlie Cresswell early in his career
If the circumstances were different, the club probably wouldn’t have sold Cresswell. Our hands were tied, though.
He wasn’t playing because we had two better starting centre-backs in the Championship. And, he wanted immediate assurances of regular football, which Toulouse have offered.
What we all expected has followed, he’s become a highly sought after centre-back across Europe and a side playing in Europe are signing him.
Leeds were justified for selling at the time, but it’s a shame he couldn’t realise his potential here. Good luck to him.
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July 3, 2026
Mum obsessed with Alton Towers ride spends thousands on Walsall Bar’s swan boat

The swan was transported to Jenny Walker’s home on a lorry across the M6Jenny Walker, 38, has spent thousands on a swan boat which featured at Alton Towers. Her daughter Summer Jane, three, with the boatA Staffordshire mum obsessed with an Alton Towers ride from her childhood has forked out thousands after tracking down one of its original swan boats,Jenny Walker, 38, spent months trying to get her hands on a fibreglass swans after growing up riding them at the popular theme park, in Staffordshire, near her home.The famous Swan Boats attraction carried up to nine visitors in giant white swans around the lake at Alton Towers between 1987 and 2003.Determined to own one herself, she set her sights on a swan owned by the Lion Bar & Club, in Walsall.She managed to convince the boss to part ways with the swan and even transported it along the M6, with motorists beeping their horns as it went past.It now has pride of place outside Jenny’s home. where it has become a favourite of her three-year-old daughter Summer Jane.READ MORE: The disturbing digital trail left by racist monster who raped Sikh woman he thought was MuslimJenny said: “It wouldn’t be to everyone’s taste, but it’s an iconic thing.”It brings back so many happy memories of waiting in line with excitement to go on the ride.”Jenny, from Wetley Rocks, near Stoke-on-Trent, said she spent much of her childhood at the park and always loved the gentle ride around the water.She said: “We live near Alton Towers and I spent a lot of my childhood there.”It just feels like a part of history.”Jenny Walker, 38, has spent thousands on a swan boat which featured at Alton TowersWhen the ride closed in 2003, the 16 swans were sold off and were dispatched across the country, becoming prized collectors’ items.Over the years, some have appeared at caravan parks, schools and private homes, while others have reportedly changed hands for substantial sums.Jenny said: “It was difficult, because one had recently sold on eBay and there was an offer – which was later retracted – for £500,000.”We know that another sold in our town for £30,000.”It was hard to compare prices, some people were asking for daft money.”READ MORE: Secret to getting the best of BirminghamLive’s storiesDespite the cost, Jenny spent thousands of pounds getting one of the increasingly rare boats for her family.She launched a lengthy hunt, contacting owners, collectors and enthusiasts in the hope of persuading somebody to part with one.Jenny said: “Most people said they wanted to pass them down the generations.”Eventually, she found one owned by the Lion Bar & Club in Walsall.The venue’s licensee Zac Humpage had owned the boat for years and used it as a stage and photo prop at performances and events.Jenny said: “At first, they said they weren’t interested in parting with the swan because they used it on stage.”But we bartered back and forth for months and months.”Her persistence eventually paid off and Zac agreed to sell, with the mum recalling: “It was amazing, we were ecstatic.”Don’t miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.Jenny Walker’s daughter Summer Jane with the swan boatThe swan was transported home on a lorry, with Jenny and her family following behind as it made its way along the M6.She said: “Even when we were driving down the motorway with it, everyone was beeping their horns because they recognised it.”It’s so well-known and so loved.”The boat now had pride of place outside the family’s home.Jenny said: “[Summer Jane] went to nursery one day and when she got home, she just couldn’t believe what was in the garden.”Jenny’s quest to find a swan came after she bought a house which had become a local landmark thanks to one of the original Alton Towers boats standing outside for around 15 years.The swan was sold before she completed the purchase, leaving the family determined to find another.Jenny said: “I remember always seeing it as a child.”Now I’ve got my own family, the house came up for sale – and we immediately knew it was the house with the swan.”But in between the time it was listed for sale and we bought the house, someone local had spotted the chance to offer money for the boat.”Determined to restore the landmark, she eventually succeeded in bringing another original swan back to the village.Despite the soaring value of the nostalgic attractions, Jenny insists this one won’t be going anywhere.She said: “We’re never going to part with it.”

July 3, 2026
Asake’s ‘One Night Only’ Concert In London Was A Masterclass In Gratitude

Walking out spitting lyrics to an unreleased track which aligned with the thematic and sonic universe of ‘M$NEY,’ Asake’s vocals cut through.
Written by Ezra Olaoya – 03.Jul.2026
Rich with affirmations, manifestation and gratitude, there is a prophetic quality that permeates Asake’s music. His 2022 breakout single “Omo Ope”-which can be loosely translated as someone who is highly favoured-was a jubilant declaration of living in expectation of the blessings the path to inevitable success. The faith with which he made this declaration was swiftly rewarded with an Olamide feature that preceded a generational run of snippets, singles and a classic debut album which marked 2022 as a year that will always be synonymous with Mr Money.
The following four years have been filled with that foretold success. There have been sold out shows in iconic venues, from London’s O2 Arena in 2023 to New York’s Madison Square Garden in 2024. There has been more iconic music created across three albums, a joint EP with Wizkid as well as a deck of memorable feature verses. There has also been, as he will not neglect to let his fans know, a lot more money made.
His Red Bull Symphonic performance in Brooklyn’s King Theatre last year felt like a crowning moment for an artist who has steadily built a discography that evolves thematically and sonically in step with his life experiences while maintaining an unmistakable essence. These expressions which see Asake seamlessly blend influences spanning from Fuji to Electronic Dance Music to Séga music, translate impactfully in his live performances. Augmented by live instrumentation, solid vocals and an assured swagger on stage, Asake has become one of Nigeria’s most formidable live performers, crowning his catalogue with memorable moments on stage.

His milestone performance in New York last year is indicative of a pattern which has seen Afrobeats artists bring their music to stages which have not traditionally welcomed artists of the genre. Notable examples include Adekunle Gold at Royal Festival Hall in November 2025, as well as Fireboy DML and Cavemen at Royal Albert Hall in April and August 2025, respectively. Though these venues do not affirm or legitimise the value and skill of Afrobeats artists, these performances demonstrate how the quality and commercial viability some of these artists bring has become undeniable, leading them to be embraced in these music cathedrals.
Whether or not performing in these revered halls ‘elevates’ the art, these performances demonstrate that the genre’s storytelling and musicality can consistently produce memorable spectacles, even in these contexts where they may once been shunned. Despite the success of the Red Bull Symphonic performance which had teasers of the forthcoming project, 2026’s ‘M$NEY’ arrived with relatively little fanfare per Asake’s standards. That said, on Sunday 21st June, the excitement in the air was palpable. In London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, a mixture of top listeners, press and media personalities donned their finest black tie to witness Mr Money grace the stage for a “One Night Only” performance in partnership with Spotify.

As the curtains of the 2,300 capacity theatre rose to cheers of expectant fans, a host of backing vocalists and instrumentalists poised themselves on the stage according to their role. The man of the moment emerged decked in a leather two piece, complete with a subtle embellishment of diamonds on the collar of his jacket, a signifier that as his moniker suggests, he indeed is Mr Money.
Walking out spitting lyrics to an unreleased track which aligned with the thematic and sonic universe of ‘M$NEY,’ Asake’s vocals cut through cleanly from the start to the end of his performance. Fan favourites could be easily detected by the eruption of cheers in response to the opening chords and lyrics, with tracks like “Wa,” “Why Love,” and “Forgiveness” met by roars and impassioned renditions by members of the audience members. The theatre seating, usually synonymous with ‘polite’ reservation became a dancefloor as Asake shared tales of gratitude and opulence.

The onstage ensemble including choir, band and backing vocals shared this energy with animated choreography, bringing life to the affirmations and reflections being shared. Meanwhile, Asake’s stage presence embodied ‘itutu’-a calm, assured confidence that was evident in the dance breaks and the way he sauntered around the stage-a marked contrast with the high octane performances of 2022.
As the night progressed, the two piece leather set became a waistcoat and trousers before it became a dazzling gold top–gradual outfit changes which echoed a metamorphosis of sorts. Importantly, the performance of the tracks contextualized his latest album, exploring ideas of love, affirmation and gratitude alongside the accompaniment of a live band communicating feelings in a way that doesn’t always translate digitally. Asake’s performance was indicative of someone who is aware of how far they’ve come and can only give thanks for the journey.
2022’s ‘Mr Money With The Vibe’ opened with Asake’s earnest prayers on “Dull,” requesting that he shouldn’t stumble as he ascended the highest summit. Fast forward to 2026 in London, as Asake stood in the centre of the stage with his arms open while the crowd sang the lyrics to ”Worship,” it felt like an expression of gratitude for answered prayers. While sometimes expressed through flaunting of wealth and demonstration of excesses, there is a clear sense that Asake attributes his success to the grace of God.
2026’s ‘M$NEY’ can perhaps be read as an offering of thanksgiving as Asake basks in the manifestation of the blessings he prophesied when he first burst onto the scene. The pursuit of success and wealth can often seem insatiable, each milestone unlocking a deeper desire for the next. Through this project and his live performance, Asake exemplifies the simplicity and beauty of gratitude.
July 3, 2026
Major docklands plans hope to build on momentum created by Everton’s new stadium

It is hoped the establishment of a Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation could lead to 17,000 new homes between Hill Dickinson Stadium and Liverpool city centreA general view of Hill Dickinson Stadium and the surrounding docklands. Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesCity chiefs hope Everton’s new stadium will be the catalyst for a major regeneration project that will re-invigorate Liverpool’s northern docklands.Plans are underway to establish a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the area spanning from Hill Dickinson Stadium to the northern fringe of the city centre.Liverpool Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority hope the MDC will be the vehicle for widescale development within 174 hectares of primarily industrial land.The first stage of the project has now launched, with a six-week public consultation asking for residents, businesses and landowners to approve the name of the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation, its powers and the boundaries of its influence.If the MDC is approved it will seek to build on the momentum provided to the area by Hill Dickinson Stadium which, following its first season hosting Everton, is now in the throes of a busy summer of major events that will continue to boost the city economy.The hope for the MDC is that it will bring together a series of major development initiatives, from work on the central docks to the expansion of Liverpool’s cruise terminal, with 5m sq ft of new commercial space, up to 17,000 new homes and new green spaces and cultural amenities.Upon the launch of the consultation, Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram said: “Liverpool’s North Docks represents one of the most exciting regeneration opportunities anywhere in the UK. We want to build a new future here that honours its heritage, unlocks its potential and leaves a legacy that future generations can be proud of.”I hope anyone with an interest in the success of the area will take the time to have their say and help shape what comes next.”You can find out more information, and fill in the consultation, hereFOLLOW OUR EVERTON FC FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest EFC news and analysis from via the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated FB pageGet Everton’s new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more£80KitbagBuy Now on KitbagEverton have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27 season.

July 3, 2026
Biggleswade man with shellfish allergy bemused as crabs invade garden

“I noticed a large crab and thought it was a bit strange,” Birch, 57, told BBC Three Counties Radio presenter Andy Collins.He added: “We’re assuming someone went crabbing and thought it was a bright idea to bring them home with them.”Now, somehow, they’re in my garden.”More from Beds, Herts and BucksThe mystery of how the crabs arrived in Biggleswade, a market town 11 miles south-east of Bedford and nowhere near the coast, has captivated locals.Three other crabs were discovered dead in Hitchin Street.”I was in the petrol station earlier and people were talking about it,” Birch added.Ricky Watson, who found two of the sea-dwellers in a road, said: “I did think, ‘It’s a bit odd really, this far from the sea’.”Another passer-by saw a crab in the gutter and thought it had come out of a dustbin.

July 3, 2026
Inside filthy city supermarket fined £3k over ‘rat droppings’ and ‘gnawed food’

Rodent footprints were also found on dusty cans of food at the Fighting Cocks SupermarketEnvironmental health officers found evidence of gnawed food items, rodent droppings and poor cleanliness at the Fighting Cocks Supermarket Rat droppings were found inside a filthy city supermarket, along with gnawed food, packaging, fixtures and fittings.Rodent footprints were also found on dusty cans of food at the Fighting Cocks Supermarket in Dudley Road, Wolverhampton.The business, which had a ‘significant rat infestation’ has now been ordered to pay more than £8,000 after failing to comply with food hygiene regulations.READ MORE: Road sealed off amid ‘criminal damage’ investigationA routine food hygiene inspection was carried out by City of Wolverhampton Council’s environmental health officers in January 2025.Evidence of rodent activity was clear across a number of areas of the sales floor and warehouse.Other issues included poor warehouse control making pest issues difficult to identify, and a lack of suitable handwash provision at the butchery counter and WC.Raw and ready-to-eat food had been stored together in the butchery fridge, where mouldy food containers were also discovered.The inspection also uncovered a dirty WC cubicle and the display of the wrong food hygiene rating sticker.The premises was closed immediately, and it was only allowed to re-open once it was determined that the immediate risk to health had been removed.Environmental health officers found evidence of gnawed food items, rodent droppings and poor cleanliness at the Fighting Cocks Supermarket Fighting Cocks Supermarket pleaded guilty to three breaches of The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on June 24.It admitted it had failed to protect food against any contamination likely to render the food unfit for human consumption, failed to have adequate procedures in place to control pests, and failed to ensure the premises was kept clean and maintained in good repair and conditionThe business was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £1,200 plus £4,000 in costs.Environmental health officers found evidence of gnawed food items, rodent droppings and poor cleanliness at the Fighting Cocks Supermarket Following the hearing, Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Wolverhampton’s cabinet member for resident services, said: “This is a highly concerning case in which a business knowingly placed its customers at risk.“Poor food hygiene can lead to serious illness and, in this instance, the company showed a complete disregard for the safety of those that trusted it.“When food businesses fail to meet the required standards, our environmental health officers will take action and provide guidance on the improvements needed.”This was the case with Fighting Cocks Supermarket, and we will continue to monitor the premises to ensure compliance and protect the public.“We are committed to safeguarding residents and consumers, and this case should serve as a clear reminder that we take food hygiene standards extremely seriously in Wolverhampton.”

July 3, 2026
‘Unacceptable’ to have people smuggler living in county, says MP

A Leicestershire MP says it is “utterly unacceptable” that a convicted people smuggler, once described as the “godfather” of French migrant camps, is living in the county and believed to be seeking asylum while working illegally.A BBC investigation traced Twana Jamal to Blaby and found two mini-marts linked to him. South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa, whose constituency office is next door to one of the shops, said he had contacted Leicestershire Police to ask what the force intends to do with the information and would be raising the issue with the Home Office.”Let’s be clear this man should not be in Blaby, should not be in this country,” he said.The Conservative MP has urged the people of Blaby to stay away from the shops linked to Jamal.”He is a convicted human trafficker and the fact that he’s come to our home, to Blaby, in our local community, and is exploiting the system by working apparently illegally because he doesn’t have any settled status here, is utterly unacceptable,” he said.”The fact that he’s actually opened a business next door to a member of parliament’s constituency office speaks volumes about the character of this individual.”

July 3, 2026