Travel & Tourism

Social media beauty spots and selfies blamed for record rise in mountain rescue callouts

People are getting into danger because they're unprepared.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 22nd April 2025

There’s been a record rise in the number of young people needing help from mountain rescue teams – and social media has been blamed for luring unprepared people into potentially dangerous situations.

As well as these viral beauty spots – such as Mam Tor – the rise in call-outs has also been attributed to ‘poor-quality map apps’ which can stop functioning when in areas with poor phone service.

According to an exclusive report in The Guardian, it’s now tourists under the age of 24 who are most likely to need mountain rescue’s assistance while out walking.

The data provided by Ordnance Survey said that the number of call-outs from this age group has almost doubled between 2019 and 2024.

Overall rescues increased by 24% over a similar period.

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A spokesman for Mountain Rescue said that young people are drawn to places like the Lake District after seeing images on social media, but are often not dressed or equipped properly for the conditions.

Nick Giles said people are often ‘too reliant on mobile phones’ and unprepared for the changes in weather and terrain that come with hiking.

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Mike Park, chief executive of Mountain Rescue England and Wales, told The Guardian: “We know from incident reports that more and more people are tempted into risky locations by Instagram posts and the navigation apps being used aren’t always suitable for an outdoor environment.

“Add to that a tendency to follow popular routes online without knowing the hazards and context, and it’s not surprising that those likely to be relying most on their phones are the ones getting into difficulties.”

Before you head out on any hike or walk, you should make sure you’re prepared and equipped – see Mountain Rescue’s tips HERE.

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Featured image: Keswick Mountain Rescue

Travel & Tourism

Data reveals Manchester hotel prices have ALREADY surged by 462% on rumoured Oasis tour dates

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Hotel Room

Manchester hotel prices have apparently already surged by 462% on rumoured Oasis tour dates, some new data has revealed.

Of course, absolutely nothing is set in stone yet and we are still yet to receive any form of announcement.

But with rumours having been swirling for months now that Oasis will be touring again in 2027, and several videos shared on the band’s social media platforms this week also hinting at that, it’s been revealed that searches for ‘when are Oasis tickets going on sale?’ have soared by 5,000% in the last seven days alone.

After recent data has pointed towards soaring searches for tickets, the experts at SeatPick decided to analyse the average cost of accommodation in Manchester on the suspected concert nights in June 2027 to uncover if prices have surged along with the searches.

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Data reveals that Manchester hotel prices have already surged by 462% on rumoured Oasis tour dates / Credit: The Manc Group | Simon Emmett (Press Picture)

And lo and behold, it appears that they have.

The ticketing platform has revealed that hotel prices have surged by up to 462% during Oasis’ rumoured concert nights in Manchester. 

The rumoured weekend date of 19 and 20 June has experienced the most noticeable price surge – with a two-star hotel costing an average of £216 for just one overnight stay.

The data also reveals that the rumoured finale on the 27 June has just a £95 difference between two-star hotels (£200) and five-star hotels (£295).

“Our analysis uncovered an enormous markup for local accommodation on nights that Oasis is rumoured to perform in Manchester,” explained Gilad Zilberman, who is the CEO at ticket platform SeatPick.

“Being aware of these accommodation costs and additional expenses can help fans plan and avoid being caught off guard by inflated prices on concert nights. 

“To find the best deals on hotels, concertgoers should scan budget chains in the city or look slightly outside of the centre in hotspots served by local bus routes or regional trains, such as Salford and Trafford.

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“Booking early might also be beneficial for fans dedicated to seeing the band perform.

“You can opt for free cancellation options, in case rumoured dates change, or you’re no longer able to attend.”

Featured Image – Point3D (via Unsplash)

Travel & Tourism

The Medlock – Inside the 401-room hotel now open beside the Etihad Stadium

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The Medlock - Inside the 401-room hotel now open beside the Etihad Stadium

The Medlock, the new 401-room hotel beside the Etihad Stadium, has officially opened its doors this week.

The landmark new hotel is part of the Medlock Square entertainment hub, also home to the Brickworks market hall, a roof walk and zipline experience, and an all-new Manchester City museum experience.

Set just steps from both the Etihad Stadium and the Co-op Live, The Medlock by Radisson Blu is a modern new hotel with affordable rooms, striking design details, and state-of-the-art technology.

It’s also set to be the largest hotel in central Manchester, with a mixture of room sizes and suites.

There’s also the ‘crown jewel’ of the hotel, its penthouse suite, a two-storey, two-bedroom suite designed for high-profile stays, private dinners, and VIP celebrations.

And still to come will be 10 bedrooms with pitch views across the Etihad Stadium.

The design of the hotel pays homage to the 19th-century gasworks, local green spaces, and historic waterways that once defined the site, and its name comes from the river that flows beneath it.

You’ll see details like textured grey walls and cages around the pillars as a nod to the historic Bradford Colliery that once stood on this land.

Inside the two-storey suite
Inside the two-storey suite
Kitchen-diner in the suite
Kitchen-diner in the suite
The private terrace
The private terrace

From the lobby, guests are greeted with an overhead digital reflective feature that syncs with match days and event nights, plus digital check-in pods, low-lounge banquettes, and a statement staircase.

The 401 guest rooms start from £120 a night, decorated in soft tones, warm timber, and ambient lighting, with music-inspired design features like rug patterns inspired by retro audio equipment and bathroom tiles reminiscent of recording studio acoustic walls.

Every room includes GRIND coffee machines and pods, Vimto bonbons, signature Medlock mattresses created in partnership with Silentnight, and bespoke artwork by local artists (Paul Crudgington, a fine art photographer; James Cochrane, a Manchester street photographer framing light, shadow, and human presence since 2016; and Steve Longbottom, a Manchester exhibiting artist exploring how people connect with place).

Elsewhere in The Medlock, there’s a 24-hour Technogym fitness centre with cutting-edge equipment and virtual personal training options.

The entrance to The Medlock hotel
The entrance to The Medlock hotel
Blend at Medlock Square
Blend at Medlock Square
The hotel's gym
The hotel’s gym

There are two food and drink offerings inside The Medlock, too – Blend, a cafe by day and wine bar by night; and Three Rivers Brasserie and Bar, a sophisticated all-day dining experience focused on British produce and warm, polished service.

Richard Pearson, general manager of The Medlock, Radisson Blu Hotel, said: “We’re incredibly proud to officially open the doors to The Medlock, as it takes centre stage as the beginning of the story of Medlock Square.

“We’ve created a hotel that feels uniquely Manchester, right at the heart of one of the UK’s most exciting destinations. Whether guests are visiting for football, music, business, or to experience the city, we want The Medlock to be more than somewhere to stay – we want it to be the place where every Manchester experience begins with a brilliant welcome.

“I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved. They’ve shown real grit to bring The Medlock to life, backed each other every step of the way, and poured their heart and energy into creating something special.

A bedroom at The Medlock
The entrance to The Medlock hotel
The entrance to The Medlock hotel
Three Rivers restaurant
Three Rivers restaurant

“This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to welcome our first guests and share the warmth, spirit, and sense of community that makes The Medlock feel like home. This is a milestone day for the evolution of Manchester as we continue to shape its next go-to destination.”

Joep Peeters, Chief Operating Officer Franchise EMEA at Radisson Hotel Group, said: “The opening of this flagship hotel represents a defining moment for both Manchester and the team behind it. Whether visitors are here for a football match, a concert, a conference, or just to explore Manchester, both the hotel and its location offer guests an experience unlike anywhere else in the UK.

“The property reflects the city’s character: welcoming, energetic and proudly authentic, and we are thrilled to welcome it into the Radisson Blu portfolio.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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