The tiny and beautiful village that has direct trains to London despite being in the middle of nowhere

Micheldever, Hampshire, may seem minuscule with its population of just 1,520 compared to London's nearly 10 million.

Yet, despite its rural location, it boasts direct trains to London Waterloo every day, getting you to the capital in just over an hour.

This is thanks to the village's prime position on the main line between Waterloo and major cities like Southampton and Bournemouth.

READ MORE: The pretty village 2 hours from London that was named the best in the whole of the UK

If you choose to hop on one of these frequent trains for a countryside escape, you're in for a treat.

Hampshire is renowned for its stunning landscapes, and Micheldever doesn't disappoint.

The village is home to Micheldever Wood, an ancient woodland teeming with wildflowers, diverse bird species, and a growing number of butterflies.

Whether you're captivated by the sea of bluebells in spring or the sight of a Muntjac deer, the woodland paths offer breathtaking views.

(Image: Andrew Matthews / PA Wire)

But it's not just natural beauty that Micheldever has to offer. The village is steeped in history and community spirit.

The local station is even famous, known as the starting point for Britain's first automobile journey in 1895.

Moreover, the area is a scheduled ancient monument, safeguarding Bronze Age burial sites, Iron Age remains, a Roman villa, and medieval earthworks.

No matter what brings you to Micheldever, you can be certain that this small village will exceed your expectations!

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Shoppers say this Lovehoney toy ‘blows their mind every time’ - and it’s half price

Lovehoney has launched its Black Friday sale five months early with up to 70 per cent of bestselling sex toys and lingerie to make bedtime more interesting - whether you’re riding solo, or in a relationship which needs spicing up.

The mammoth sale sees everything from rabbits and clitoral massagers to g-spot vibrators and dildo’s discounted to super low prices, making it the perfect opportunity to try out new things in the bedroom, or add to your ever-growing collection of goodies.

While there’s plenty to shop in the July Black Friday sale, one toy in particular, described as ‘petite but powerful,’ has been discounted to half price - now ££34.99 down from £69.99.

READ MORE: Women hail 'miracle' bedroom toy that features in Katy Perry's Woman's World video

READ MORE: The best-selling leggings with 'excellent tummy control' that shoppers say 'double up as shapewear'

The Womanizer Starlet Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator uses Pleasure Air Technology which creates soft pressure waves to gently suck the clitoris without making any contact while gentle vibrations can be experienced through four accelerating levels of intensity to have you trembling in no time.

The Womanizer Starlet Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator is now half price

With plenty of five-star reviews, it’s not hard to see why the stimulator is so popular amongst shoppers, with many calling it the ‘best toy ever,’ and ‘compact but powerful.’

One delighted customer said: “Ooh my god this toy is amazing. Love how it stimulates your clit and has your toes curling.” A second added: “First time using a toy like this and WOW! I was done in a minute. Brilliant little toy to add to the collection.”

While a third shopper wrote: “This works like nothing I’ve ever had. Within minutes it brings me to orgasm. The suction is powerful but not overwhelming. It’s a little small to hold onto, but also easy to pack.”

Despite plenty of glowing reviews, it seems not everyone is a fan of the sex toy, with some disappointed customers finding it loud and distracting, whilst others struggled to get a good grasp on the toy due to its small size, and found the battery ran out within 15 minutes.

If you want to test it out for yourself, you can pick up the Womanizer Starlet Rechargeable Clitoral Stimulator for ££34.99 down from £69.99 here.

Another sexual wellness retailer also hosting a sale with up to 25% off is Ann Summers - and there's everything from Rabbits and Clitoral Massagers to G-Spot Vibrators and Dildo's. You can shop everything in the Ann Summers sale here.

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US Navy man jailed for sexually assaulting woman in London while she slept

A United States Navy seaman has been jailed after sexually assaulting a woman in London four times as she slept. Branson Reagan, 28, of San Diego, USA, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault and was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison.

The victim-survivor reported the crime and specialist officers interviewed her and commenced a lengthy investigation, securing Reagan’s attendance in court after he was granted leave from the United States Navy.

Reagan first appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court in 2023 where he was charged with the offences. He appeared for a Harrow Crown Court sitting at Hendon Magistrates' Court on Monday, July 22 where he pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault. He was sentenced on the same day.

READ MORE: Met Police officer sacked after sex with trainee in public place near station

Detective Constable Frederick Titchener, part of the Safeguarding Team in North West London who led the investigation, said: “We worked hard to bring justice. We admire and thank the enormous courage she had to come forward and we hope it encourages others in similar circumstances to have the same level of bravery to talk to us.

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority across the Met. We are doing more to support communities and people who've had their trust damaged, focusing on protecting women and girls from violence and targeting predatory men who commit those crimes.”

As part of the 'New Met for London', the Met Police offers victim-survivors specialist support and has committed to involving them in the decision-making process throughout the investigation. To find out more about reporting a rape or sexual assault, click here. Always call 999 in an emergency.

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EastEnders character 'already looks guilty' in horrifying Walford murder twist

EastEnders has thrown a curveball for Reiss Colwell, who is contemplating killing his wife Debbie. The character, portrayed by Johnny Freeman, has been fraught with anxiety lately due to financial strains.

After kindling a romance with Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy), Reiss began dipping into his comatose wife Debbie's savings to finance their IVF treatment.

However, as the money dwindles, Reiss is being pressured to cover Debbie's care costs or face her eviction from the facility. Debbie needs constant care following a stroke, and both Reiss and Sonia have committed to her care.

Earlier this week, Sonia revealed she was pregnant, but Reiss' initial happiness quickly faded as he fretted over supporting a family and Debbie while debts pile up, reports the Daily Star.

One Walford resident already looks guilty of murder (Image: BBC)

In a bid to make quick cash, he started conning Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), alleging she owed over £13k in tax so he could pay the care fees. But on Wednesday's visit to the Square (July 24), Reiss took a sinister turn. After assuring Sonia that he expects funds in his account to cover Debbie's fees, the mum-to-be felt more hopeful.

While strolling through the market, she paused to chat with ex-husband Martin (James Bye) and vented about the burden of Debbie's care home expenses.

"If she slipped away it wouldn't be a bad thing", she said. "The care home fees are crippling us."

Reiss Colwell breaks down as he prepares to kill Debbie (Image: BBC)

Martin watched uncomfortably as Sonia realised how insensitive she sounded about Debbie's health condition, and feeling remorseful, she decided to visit Debbie. Later in the episode, Sonia made a decision to sell her inherited house from Dot Cotton to clear her and Reiss's debt.

Meanwhile, after another visit from Sharon and a face-off with Phil (Steve McFadden), an overwhelmed Reiss decided to visit Debbie again.

Reiss broke down, talking about his mounting debt and his wish for Debbie to communicate with him instead of living a 'pitiful, pointless half life'. In an attempt to alleviate his guilt, Reiss told Debbie that if she passed away, he could start afresh.

Sonia tells Martin about her frustrations with Debbie's care fees (Image: BBC)

Not wanting to lose Sonia and their newborn, Reiss stood up, removed a pillow from behind Debbie's head and gave her a forehead kiss.

As he prepared to smother her, Reiss cried and looked down at Debbie. Will he go through with it? Or will his conscience stop him? Considering Sonia's earlier conversation with Martin where she wished Debbie dead, could she be framed for the murder?

EastEnders will continue on Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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EastEnders fans 'work out' Reiss Colwell's true identity as he cons Sharon

EastEnders viewers are suspicious that Reiss Colwell, played by Jonny Freeman, is a fraudster following his recent money swindling antics.

The character, who made his debut on Albert Square in 2022 as a distant relative of the late Dot Cotton (June Brown), quickly sparked a romance with Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy). However, he was harbouring a massive secret - he was already married and his wife Debbie was in a coma after suffering a stroke.

As his relationship with Sonia developed, Reiss began pilfering money from Debbie to pay for their IVF treatment, eventually emptying her bank accounts.

This week saw Reiss' financial troubles escalate when Debbie's care home threatened to evict her unless they received payment. On the same day, Sonia discovered she was pregnant, adding to their monetary stress.

EastEnders aired more dramatic scenes for Reiss Colwell (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

In a desperate bid to secure some fast cash, Reiss informed Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) that her business owed a tax bill exceeding £13k, reports the Daily Star.

Sharon, oblivious to Reiss' deception, arranged to transfer the funds. However, on Tuesday (July 23), Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) became suspicious of the accountant's shady behaviour and challenged Reiss' financial demands.

Following Reiss' theft from both Debbie and Sharon, some EastEnders fans are convinced he's not who he claims to be - suspecting him to be a con artist.

Reiss Colwell has been acting very shady (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

EastEnders fans have been busy speculating on Reddit about Reiss' true identity, with one viewer suggesting: "Another theory they where discussing on the podcast is that Reiss has another secret family on the side to be revealed on Christmas Day."

Another fan pondered: "Would be interesting if when Debbie woke up she says yes she is married to Reiss, but it's not the Reiss we know he has stolen his identify."

A third fan speculated: "What if they aren't even married and Debbie was actually one of his clients he'd been stealing from? ".

And yet another added their thoughts: "He's actually a ruthless, fearless and charismatic gangster whose putting on a fake personality to appear less intimidating and he's playing the long game as he prepares to take down Phil".

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Escape to the Country couple gobsmacked as they're told 'you're both wrong'

Escape to the Country was back on our screens on Monday (July 22), with host Briony May Williams on a mission to find a new home for one couple in a different country. Kevan and Lizzie, hailing from Holywood in County Down, were on the hunt for their dream tranquil abode in Herefordshire, to be closer to their family.

Despite residing just a stone's throw away from Belfast, the pair had their hearts set on relocating from Northern Ireland to the English countryside following their retirement. However, one property left them utterly gobsmacked.

Briony took Kevan and Lizzie on a tour of a picturesque house up for sale in Withington Marsh. The 18th-century stone cottage, which has been extended to create a generously-sized dwelling, still boasts original features such as a rustic fireplace and stone walls.

The kitchen and dining area opened out onto a stunning garden, complete with mature shrubs, a well-maintained green lawn, and fruit trees.

One couple was left impressed by the Herefordshire countryside (Image: BBC)

Additional features included a driveway with space for multiple cars, a sheltered outdoor dining area, and outbuildings comprising a garage and a workshop, reports Wales Online.

The property, a former post office, also comes with two reception rooms and 0.33 acres of land, and is conveniently located close to village amenities. When Briony asked the couple to estimate the value of the house, they both overestimated, leaving them surprised.

"This is a house that keeps its secrets inside. It's like an apple, you don't really know what's inside it, until you get into it", Kevan shared with the BBC show's presenter.

Briony May Williams impressed her guests (Image: BBC)

Briony chimed in with a prompt: "Let's talk about price", leading Kevan to take a punt: "I'm going to do a wild stab in the dark here, and suggest £550,000." Lizzie chimed in: "I'm going to go for £530,000." Briony then revealed the actual figure, saying: "Well, you're both wrong. It's actually on the market for £500,000."

The revelation of the property's asking price had Lizzie audibly shocked while Kevan queried: "Really? ". Lizzie couldn't hide her surprise as she exclaimed: "Oh wow". By the episode's conclusion, it was clear that the former post office had completely won over Lizzie and Kevan.

They were enamoured by the ample space and character of the property, and the asking price was just the cherry on top. They were keen to discuss with the sellers about the possibility of moving swiftly.

Yet, Briony had an update for those at home, explaining that since Lizzie and Kevan hadn't secured a buyer for their own place back in Northern Ireland, they weren't in a position to make an offer on the charming, spacious former post office.

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Ladbroke Grove shooting leaves boy, 15, dead after gunman opens fire at family event in Kensington

A 15-year-old boy has been shot and killed in a West London park this evening, Sunday July 21. The London Ambulance Service were called to reports of the shooting in Hornimans Park, also known as Teletubbies Park, in Ladbroke Grove, Kensington, at around 7.19pm.

The LAS dispatched the Air Ambulance as well as paramedic crews, but a man died at the scene, they confirmed. According to reports on social media, there was a family event taking place in the park.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the boy, believed to be aged 15, was shot and died at the scene. Six men have now been arrested on suspicion of murder.

READ MORE: Sydenham stabbing sees teen, 18, rushed to hospital as police set up cordon

On X, one person said: "Nothing gets ur heart racing more than being out at an event wid ur kids and shots start beating… da fear dat brings is unreal…having a convo about it coz ur child is talking bout it also isn't comfortable neither."

Replaying tosomeone who asked for more information, he added: "Bro kmt it was some kids/family event in a park I think Dey do it every year…was out there wid da kids and Yh someone got shot dead in deh."

On Facebook, others have said: "Ran for my life. I was there and heard three gunshots. Didn't wait to see who, I ran for my life. This is so sad. The park was full of families having fun."

Another person claimed to have seen the gunman emerge from bushes and start firing.

A crime scene remains in place at the location. Anyone with information at this early stage is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD6343/21Jul. You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For the latest updates, follow our live blog here.

Got any photos, videos or info about this incident? Email anna.willis@reachplc.com.

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