Leon Thomas recently dyed the tips of his signature locs dark green. His new hair color — a stark contrast from the vibrant red he’d been rocking for the last four years — is the first thing that stands out about him when he strolls into the Los Angeles Times building on an unusually rainy day in October.
When asked about his hair, which peeks out from underneath a black beret-style hat, a wide grin stretches across his face.
“I had a vision,” the 32-year-old singer says, leaning in. “In [this] vision, I had more tats, a six pack and I had green dreads. And I was like, ‘You know what, let’s work on it.’” He’s been working out more consistently and he has his eyes set on a couple of tattoo artists in L.A. and Europe, but the new hair kicked everything off.
“That’s how the rest of my life has worked: I’ve seen something in my head, I’ve seen a version of myself that’s not there yet and then you work hard to get there.”
This instinct has carried Thomas throughout his 20-plus-year career in the entertainment industry, and has cleared a path for him to emerge as a leading force in modern R&B music. After years of dedicating his skill to acting, writing and producing chart-topping bangers for artists like Drake, Ariana Grande and SZA (he won his first Grammy for her record “Snooze”), for the first time Thomas is up for six Grammy nominations including album of the year and best new artist for his own work.
“I feel like this is a byproduct of me finally having a machine that works,” Thomas says about his team. He signed to EZMNY, a record label co-founded by Grammy-nominated artist Ty Dolla $ign and A&R executive Shawn Barron, in 2021. He takes an audible breath before continuing, “Not to sound cocky or anything, but I just always felt in my heart of hearts that once people could finally hear what I had to offer, it would be a different story. I’m glad that God gave me the foresight to see that.”
He has good reason to be feeling himself these days. “Mutt,” his breakout 2024 single, quietly simmered for months before it was pushed into ubiquity. The track’s metaphorical meaning — comparing his own flawed behavior in relationships to a “mutt” or a dog with good intentions — along with a sensual bassline and knocking drums eventually became a sleeper hit. It also became a favorite for Tems, SZA, Keke Palmer and Issa Rae, who shouted out the song in interviews.
“That’s how the rest of my life has worked: I’ve seen something in my head, I’ve seen a version of myself that’s not there yet and then you work hard to get there,” said Leon Thomas.
(Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
By early this year, the song, which is the title track from his sophomore album, had cracked the Hot 100 Billboard charts, recently climbing to No. 1 on Billboard’s radio songs chart, earning double platinum status.
The success of the album and the deluxe edition that followed launched Thomas into a whirlwind of promo: radio and podcast stops, interviews galore and after-party appearances. Meanwhile, he’s still made time to make records with other artists like Wale, Disclosure, Odeal and Sasha Keable. He kicked off his “Mutts Don’t Heel” tour in October, and this year alone, he’s had more than 70 performances, including the Hollywood Bowl with Inglewood-born singer SiR, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and the BET Awards (where he won best new artist). Earlier this year, Thomas stopped by NPR’s Tiny Desk, a live set that has more than 4 million views and has since been turned into an EP. (His Tiny Desk performance also received a Grammy nod for best R&B performance.)
“It’s been nonstop like something great happening every single week,” says Barron, co-founder of EZMNY.
Long before fans were belting out the lyrics “I’m a doggggg / I’m a mutt,” Thomas was getting his first taste of what it takes to be a musician from his family. Thomas’ late grandfather, John Anthony, was an opera singer who starred in the 1976 Broadway production of “Porgy & Bess.” His mother — a singer — and his stepfather — who played guitar for B.B. King — were part of New York’s Black Rock Coalition and “didn’t believe in babysitters,” says the Brooklyn native who now resides in L.A. He has fond memories of doing his homework while his parents were performing and hopping on stage at times to hit a dance move for a packed crowd.
At just 10 years old, Thomas booked the role of Young Simba on Broadway after a family friend encouraged him to audition. He went on to star in more productions, including “Caroline, or Change” and “The Color Purple,” before booking his first film, “August Rush” (starring late actor Robin Williams), which required him to learn to play the guitar. As a result, he began writing his own songs, one of which impressed his parents so much that they booked studio time and a session bass player to help him to lay down the track. “It definitely influenced my perspective on if I could actually make professional music or not,” recalls Thomas, who plays five instruments, including drums (his first love), guitar, bass, piano and saxophone.
“Not to sound cocky or anything, but I just always felt in my heart of hearts that once people could finally hear what I had to offer, it would be a different story. I’m glad that God gave me the foresight to see that,” said Leon Thomas.
(Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
By age 13, Thomas had signed a development deal with Nickelodeon that came with a Columbia Records recording contract. After appearing in various shows like “The Backyardigans” and “iCarly,” he snagged the role of André Harris, a high-school-age singer and multi-instrumentalist, on the tween sitcom “Victorious” alongside star-in-the-making Grande.
When the show ended in 2013, Thomas began working with one of modern music’s most decorated architects, Babyface, who introduced him to producer and songwriter Khris Riddick-Tynes. Together, Thomas and Riddick-Tynes formed the Rascals and began producing records like Rick Ross’ “Gold Roses” featuring Drake (which received a Grammy nomination), “I’d Rather Be Broke” by Toni Braxton and SZA’s “Snooze,” which won best R&B song at the Grammys in 2024.
Still, pivoting from wholesome Nickelodeon star to a grown R&B artist didn’t happen overnight. “The biggest thing for me was just taking time away from the artistry in order to really allow people to celebrate the brand that I had built, but give me room to build something else,” he says. “Space and time can be a tough thing because you’re gonna have to reintroduce yourself even though you did a lot of work in the beginning to build what you had before, but I think it’s beautiful to kind of build a brand from scratch.”
That’s one of the reasons why the cover of his reintroduction project, “Genesis,” features a distorted forest instead of his face. “I didn’t want them to connect with what I was saying, what I was talking about, the feelings [and] the sounds,” he says. With every release, he’s slowly revealed more of himself.
Onstage, Thomas channels the intensity of some of his musical heroes — James Brown, Prince, Jimi Hendrix and D’Angelo. His music may sit comfortably under the R&B umbrella, but he bends and flips genres with ease, especially rock and funk. In TikTok recaps from his current tour, he can be seen ripping on the bass and guitar, whipping his body into turns and effortlessly hitting vocal runs, which fans have attempted to imitate. With him, you never have to question if the mic is on.
“Sometimes I go see R&B artists live and it’s very chill,” he says, but “the school I come from is competitive.” He recalls stories that his stepfather has told him about performing at the Village Underground in New York when he was coming up. “They used to do something called cutting heads, so the first guy would go do his solo, then the guy who came out on the second set had to go even further. He’s playing with his teeth, he’s spinning, he’s on the floor, he’s wildin’,” Thomas says excitedly.
“So I’m in that school of thinking when I hit a stage and for this tour where I get to curate things and really put it together like I want to, there’s gotta be that energy of cutting heads,” he adds.
Just days before launching his 27-city tour, Thomas released a cinematic trailer featuring Rae — who played his neighbor and hookup buddy on “Insecure” — to introduce his latest project, “Pholks.” The seven-track release, created in collaboration with musicians Rob “Freaky Rob” Gueringer and David Phelps, a.k.a. “D. Phelps” (who also worked on “Mutt”), is an homage to the funk, rock and soul artists who’ve inspired him. Led by the singles “Just How You Are” and “My Muse,” which could trigger a “Soul Train” line at any moment, the project feels warm and nostalgic, yet anchored in forward-thinking production and playful storytelling that helps push it into the future.
In April, Ty Dolla $ign brought Thomas out to perform during his headlining set at Coachella, a moment that was a no-brainer for Ty, who recently called Thomas “the new king” of R&B.
“I just can’t even believe that I was the one to be able to do this,” Ty says about working with the singer.
“Sometimes I go see R&B artists live and it’s very chill,” Leon Thomas said, but “the school I come from is competitive.”
(Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)
In the midst of this busy season, Thomas has been more intentional about maintaining his mental health. “I’m doing a lot of grounding meditations,” he says, noting that family and his tight circle of friends have been an essential support system. “I’ve been picking up the Bible a little bit more.”
He also finds steadiness in revisiting wisdom passed down from his late grandfather, who passed away last year, and reflecting on his “why:” bringing a classic, musician-centered energy back to R&B and encouraging young artists to pick up an instrument.
“When a little kid sees me playing guitar on the Grammy stage or if they see me performing on Instagram playing drums, I want them to ask their mom for a guitar or some drum lessons,” he says. With the rise of AI, he says that live musicianship may become less common. “I hope that we can inspire a revolution of intelligence, people who are intelligently making music and coming from a standpoint of history.”
Thomas will close out his whirlwind year with two shows at the Wiltern on Dec. 22 and 23 before embarking on the European leg of his tour in March and heading to Australia in June. In the meantime, he’s trying to avoid thinking about the Grammys in February — though everyone, including myself, is making it impossible for him not to.
Whether he walks away with a golden gramophone or not, Thomas has already created a body of work that has reinvigorated not only R&B but also music in general, and he plans to continue pushing himself creatively. He’s known all along what he’s capable of and the career he’s destined to have because he’s envisioned it. It’s the world that’s had to catch up.
Steph Sarah recalls a time in Venice Beach’s mythical skateboarding history — long before the sandy expanse on Ocean Front Walk became the world-famous skate park, a concrete playground where pro skaters are born.
“It was all boys,” says Sarah, a 36-year-old Venice Beach native who learned to skate at age 12. “If you did come across another girl skating, they were your competition, because there wasn’t even enough room for one girl to skate, let alone multiple girls.”
The group welcomes all skill levels and jokes that they’re the “world’s okay-est skaters.” (Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)
On this Thursday night, that is distant history. As fog rolls in over the Venice Pier, Sarah skates alongside dozens of women on the coastal path. They belt out the lyrics to “Hey Jude” as singer Chloe Kat serenades them with a guitar in hand. Curious fishermen eye them, their fishing lines cast into the black ocean. But they pay no attention. Twirling under the moonlight, the women resemble a witch’s coven — their spells are good vibes, California weather and the boards beneath their feet.
Since its inception in 2018, GrlSwirl has been a leading force in creating a more inclusive skateboarding culture in Venice Beach — and across the world. The Venice Beach-based organization fosters community among female skateboarders. Twice a month, the group hosts nighttime “group skates” for women and community members. The event has exploded on social media, often attracting over 100 participants on warm summer nights.
“You get to witness what it’s like for people to break all the rules and show up fully as themselves,” Lucy Osinski, one of the co-founders of GrlSwirl, says of the group skates. “The weirder, the sillier, the more authentic, the better.”
Participants dodge a parking barrier gate during a nighttime group skate.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)
Growing up in the world of professional ballet with its restrictive body standards and intense discipline, Osinski found newfound freedom in skateboarding. “I went from feeling so fragile and weak to so powerful,” she says. “It made me feel like I belonged and liberated in a way I had never experienced before.”
But when she moved to Venice Beach in 2017, skateboarding as a woman invited hostile attention. “Every time I would skate, people would catcall us or yell at us to do a kickflip,” she says. (“Do a kickflip” is considered a skateboarding taunt.) “I started chasing down any girl I saw on a skateboard. I made a text chain. I called it GrlSwirl.”
Osinski began posting about group skates on Instagram, where GrlSwirl gained traction. “The next week, 20 girls showed up just from word of mouth, and then the next week 40, and then the next 60, and then we had over 100 girls.” Soon, the group’s reputation attracted brand sponsorships and inquiries about starting chapters in new cities.
Today, the organization also doubles as a nonprofit that teaches underprivileged communities to skate worldwide, including surf-skate retreats that empower women and girls. Osinski explains that GrlSwirl has hosted skateboarding clinics from refugee camps in Tijuana to the first-ever women’s skate jam in the Navajo Nation. GrlSwirl has an international following with chapters in more than seven cities and an online community spanning 80 countries.
Lindsey Klucik, left, dances with friends to Christmas songs at the Venice Pier during a GrlSwirl group skate.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)
Lucy Osinski rolls in with a skateboarding move.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)
“Everything we’ve done from Day 1 is to make spaces and find ways to build community through skateboarding,” says Osinski. “People want to be in a village, but they don’t know how to be a villager. GrlSwirl is the village.”
The popularity of the bimonthly group skates has even attracted out-of-towners curious about the event. Osinski says the event has drawn tourists from Japan, Russia and more. Traveling from Salzburg, Austria, Karoline Bauer joined the skate with her partner while on vacation after following them on Instagram. “We were just looking for some community. We don’t have that back home,” Bauer says.
The group skate welcomes skateboarders of all skill levels. As a motto, the group jokes that they’re the “world’s okay-est skaters.” “We’re not looking for people to be shredding like crazy,” says Naomi Fulta, a team rider for GrlSwirl. “We have people who come here who literally have never stepped on a skateboard, to people who’ve been skating their whole lives.”
Yuka Okamura has been attending GrlSwirl’s group skates with her 10-year-old daughter for over five years. To her surprise, Okamura began learning to skateboard when her daughter started taking lessons. “I had no idea that I would start something new after I had a child. It’s amazing to share the joy and the experience with her,” she explains.
Yaya Ogun, a GrlSwirl team rider, poses with the group.
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones / For The Times)
For Yaya Ogun, one of the team riders, group skates are an opportunity to build community and make friends. Skateboarding naturally lends itself to community, she explains. Ogun attended her first GrlSwirl event alone and now rides as a sponsored skater. “You have to go someplace physical, you’re gonna meet people, you’re gonna make friends,” she says.
Ogun is a self-proclaimed pandemic skater. “There’s a huge wave of us who started either during or after the pandemic,” she says. “I grew up wanting to skate, but I just never had the time. And then all of a sudden, I had a lot of time,” she says with a laugh.
As a transplant from Texas, Ogun was drawn to GrlSwirl because the organization is anchored in the local community, which has experienced rent hikes and the closure of local institutions in recent years. “This is a special place, and it’s changing a lot,” laments Ogun. “We want to respect it and raise it up and not change anything.”
Osinski credits GrlSwirl’s success to its birthplace, Venice Beach, a place that celebrates uniqueness and community. Venice is a mecca for skateboarding, home to the Z-boys who revolutionized the sport in the 1970s and the subject of the documentary “Dogtown and Z-Boys.”
GrlSwirl aims to inspire people to “come together through the simple act of trying something new.”
(Gabriella Angotti-Jones/For The Times)
“Venice is a place of creation. You don’t have to look like a Venice skater to be a Venice skater. It’s about growing up and giving back,” Osinski says.
The girls skate into the evening, the sunset casting an orange light onto their smiling faces. Ogun declares her contempt for longboards — not to mention penny skateboards, which she says are a death trap. In the distance, waves carry surfers to the shore after their last surf of the day. As darkness falls on Venice Beach, the promise of something new swells.
It is suggested the rules could be going ahead as soon as January 7.
However, Rome‘s city council said they were considering the new fee but that there was no confirmation it would be going ahead next month.
The new rule has divided people with some backing it in the hopes to reduce crowds.
One person said on social media: “Good idea. I tried walking through the area last November and could barely move, so many people.”
However, most said it would “ruin the charm” of the fountain.
Others said: “Nothing like taking away from the beautiful view of the fountain.”
Another agreed: “More companies making money!”
A third said: “How does one completely ruin and destroy the beauty of historical Italian architecture and monuments? Stick an ugly turnstile entrance and barriers in front of it.”
Most people visit it to throw a coin in, with legend saying one coin to return to Rome, two for love and three for marriage.
This gorgeous market town has Tudor buildings, and royal polo heritage.
10:47, 18 Dec 2025Updated 10:56, 18 Dec 2025
Midhurst is a charming market town nestled in West Sussex(Image: Getty)
If you’re dreaming of a getaway to a quintessentially British market town, complete with cobbled streets and Tudor architecture, then Midhurst in West Sussex is the place for you. Often hailed as a gem in West Sussex’s crown, it’s no wonder Midhurst has been voted one of the best places to live in the UK.
This charming, friendly town centres around a market square and boasts an abundance of historic architecture, giving it a traditional feel. It’s a magnet for the rich, famous, and even royalty, thanks to its status as the home of British polo – making it the perfect spot to try your hand at a new skill.
Notable figures such as King Charles, Prince Harry, and Prince William have all competed here, with Lady Diana Spencer making an appearance in July 1981, just days before her wedding to the then Prince of Wales.
Just a mile away from the town centre is the world-famous Cowdray Park Polo Club, host of the Gold Cup, considered one of the most significant events on the British social calendar, reports the Express.
Situated within the South Downs National Park, life in Midhurst unfolds against a backdrop of stunning landscapes, offering a tranquil atmosphere.
No visit would be complete without exploring the national park, which boasts beautiful walking trails, making it the ideal base to take in more of Midhurst’s picturesque surroundings.
Located on the River Rother, Midhurst is 20 miles inland from the English Channel and 12 miles north of Chichester.
Why not pop into The Spread Eagle? It’s one of England’s oldest coaching inns, dating back to 1430, and it’s brimming with character and charm at every turn.
A “wealth” of independent shops awaits you on West Street, Red Lion Street, Church Hill, Knockhundred Row and North Street.
Midhurst truly embodies the enchantment of Christmas, as the town is transformed into a festive wonderland adorned with twinkling lights.
Each year, the season begins with a Christmas street party, where the town’s tree and stunning lights are ceremoniously switched on. To celebrate the occasion, its numerous boutiques extend their opening hours, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts.
It’s never too late to book a ski trip for early next year, and there are plenty of all-inclusive package deals available across a list of desirable European destinations
There are some great deals available to book a ski holiday for January (Image: Getty Images)
Amidst the Christmas chaos, many of us start planning our trips for 2026, with skiing being one of the most popular holiday activities during the first few months of the year. However, by the time you factor in your ski pass, they can become notoriously expensive. Happily, there are four European resorts that start from just £320 per person, with everything included.
A booking website called Heidi allows travellers to search for their desired skiing package holiday with any dates or locations they prefer, bringing up the best deals. Users can also choose specific filters for a package, such as beginners, advanced, families, large ski areas, apres-ski, or opt for a short transfer.
To help holidaymakers find the best deal for booking a last-minute ski package holiday for January, Heidi has revealed their most affordable deals, including those from their most popular destinations. The packages include a three-night stay for two in January, with flights, accommodation, transfers and lift passes all included.
These are the most affordable package deals for January 2026:
1. Bansko, Bulgaria – £320pp
Sunday, 18 January – Wednesday, 21 January
Includes: Three nights B&B at Hotel Dzhangal, return London – Sofia flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass
2. Les Houches, France – £332pp
Sunday, 11 January – Wednesday, 14 January
Includes: Three nights’ accommodation at Les Campanules, return London – Geneva flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass
3. Zakopane, Poland – £342pp
Sunday, 11 January to Wednesday, 14 January
Includes: Three nights B&B at Hotel Nosalowy Dwór, return London – Krakow flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass
4. Arinsal, Andorra – £350pp
Tuesday, 13 January to Friday, 16 January
Includes: Three nights’ accommodation at Sant Gothard, return London – Barcelona flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass
Heidi noted that for those who don’t want ski passes included in the package, prices are expected to be even cheaper. Travellers can also search ‘anywhere’ on the Heidi website for further deals if they’re flexible on their location.
Co-founder of Heidi, Marcus Blunt shared: “If you’re not restricted to school holidays, go skiing in January – it’s off-peak and therefore usually the cheapest time and the slopes are quieter. Snow conditions are great in January, so you can also choose from lower altitude resorts, which can be cheaper than some of the bigger, higher-altitude resorts.
“If budgets are tight, go for a long weekend or short mid-week break. It may sound obvious, but with 4 or 5 nights instead of a full week, you still get lots of skiing in, but it really brings the overall cost down. If you’re flexible with your dates, use our flexible dates search filter – you could save hundreds by flying on mid-week days versus over a weekend.
“Everyone loves a bargain, but our customers prioritise getting great value over just the lowest price. Price matters, of course, but getting the quality experience they want for their money – with flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind – matters more. That’s where Heidi helps travellers make smart choices.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
This lesser-known village features in All Creatures Great and Small, which is set in the 1930s Yorkshire Dales, and offers a ‘true taste of rural England’ with cobbled market squares and beautiful walks
08:00, 18 Dec 2025Updated 08:12, 18 Dec 2025
It’s a former lead-mining village with a rich history(Image: Peter Harbour – North Yorkshire Live)
All Creatures Great and Small captivated viewers when it debuted on our screens in 2020, with its delightful period Northern England backdrop – and it transpires the historic town is nearer than you might imagine.
Envision cobblestone market squares, quaint cottage-style shops, and panoramic vistas of the Yorkshire Dales. This perfectly describes Grassington, both in reality and on television. The village provides a charming shopping experience featuring handicrafts, art exhibitions and regional products all curated by independent artisans, plus welcoming establishments for refreshments. Among these establishments is The Hutch Handmade Gift Shop, adored by residents and highly rated amongst Grassington’s attractions.
A visitor described the shop as a “gorgeous spot”, noting on TripAdvisor: “A treasure trove of handmade gifts. Lots of colourful, unique, one-off gifts made by small independent artists, designers and crafters…mostly from Yorkshire.” Another popular attraction that attracts numerous visitors is Grassington Folk Museum. It showcases a fascinating collection of historical artefacts unearthed locally, transporting visitors through time via medical equipment, vintage garments, household objects, geological samples and agricultural keepsakes.
Many regard it as a “lovely museum”, with one recent visitor saying: “We stopped by on a whim and were so glad we did! Lovely collection of items, and the delightful volunteer in the museum was so friendly and knowledgeable! I wish I had gotten her name. Well worth a visit.”
The settlement provides a “true taste of rural England”, which is precisely why it served as the perfect backdrop for a popular television programme. The plot centres around three veterinarians operating in the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s and draws inspiration from novels penned by writer Alf Wight.
The village serves as an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts eager to discover the surrounding countryside. Numerous walking and cycling trails await exploration, including a brief circular route connecting Grassington with neighbouring Dales settlement Hebden. Another pathway offers a seven-mile return journey from Kettewell to Grassington.
Home to approximately 1,000 residents, this peaceful location provides genuine serenity. Nowhere captures this tranquil atmosphere better than the town’s Linton Falls, where the River Wharfe tumbles dramatically over spectacular limestone formations. The area’s natural splendour attracts countless visitors. One recent reviewer said: “This place is magnificent! Standing on the bridge as the water thunders beneath is breathtaking. We were even able to have a little paddle upstream.” For those yearning for more natural beauty, Widdop Reservoir is equally stunning and provides a tranquil atmosphere throughout the year. The secluded moorland presents a delightful walk that spans approximately three miles around the reservoir.
While I continue on my journey to achieve Christmas nirvana by exploring the plethora of festive markets around Great Britain, there’s one beloved Christmas market that I’m just not a fan of.
I’ve never met a Christmas market I didn’t like — till I met this one.(Image: Getty Images)
Going to Christmas markets is like an Olympic sport, and I, for one, am a self-proclaimed gold medallist.
I tend to find myself coming alive in the last two months of the year, as my hot chocolate-addled brain looks for its next fix complemented by Christmas lights and cheesy music. As Christmas chaos tightens its vice-like grip around unsuspecting UK residents, scores of us find ourselves Googling the million-dollar question: ‘Best Christmas markets in the UK?’
While I continue on my journey to achieve Christmas nirvana by exploring the plethora of festive markets around Great Britain, there’s one beloved Christmas market that I’m just not a fan of. Let’s just say — I’ve never met a Christmas market I didn’t like. Till I met the Southbank Christmas Market, that is.
While ‘absolutely hated’ is a strong phrase, ‘generally disappointed’ is not. And that’s how I felt about London’s Southbank Centre Winter Market. After hearing loads of complimentary things about it from my friends (and the internet) for ages, I decided to bundle up one fine Thursday evening and head on over to the ‘magical Christmas market on the River Thames’.
When I say the market ended before it started, I am not exaggerating. Southbank’s famed Christmas market had some seven odd stalls when I last visited (okay yes, I am exaggerating — it’s called a creative licence, look it up). And no, I refuse to add the scores of restaurants down the road — which earnestly dress themselves up in festive cheer and provide a jolly good time to visitors — to the count. I’m talking about the actual Southbank Christmas market, which actually is really quite tiny. I visited the market for the first (and last) time with my partner and our friend — all of us popping our Southbank Christmas Market cherry at the same time — and, as it goes with every ‘first-time’ virginity-losing story, we were all left wondering: is this it?
Having made the (never-ending) trek from East London, upon arriving, we felt like we were being Punk’d. Where were the rows of food and drink stalls? The gamut of overpriced souvenirs designed to entrap the unsuspecting tourist? The tat passing off as ‘must-haves’ this fashion cycle? It felt like someone clocked all the happiness Christmas markets brought to seasonally depressed individuals — and decided to suck every drop of joy straight out of them.
Because what’s the point of setting up a Christmas market if you can’t cause customers utter confusion over which bratwurst stall to go for? Why couldn’t I get four different shops selling the exact same patterned ceramic bowl and evil eye hangings at grossly varying price points? What is the point of this life, if I don’t buy mulled wine from 5 different stalls for a thousand million pounds each, as I happily hand them over all of my life’s savings?
There’s no point. And that’s why you won’t see me returning to the Southbank Christmas Market anytime soon. Except this Friday, because a spirited discussion with my colleagues before writing this article has already convinced me that I need to give it another shot (of overpriced Baileys, woohoo).
The light is fading fast as I stand inside Tregeseal stone circle near St Just. The granite stones of the circle are luminous in this sombre landscape, like pale, inquisitive ghosts gathered round to see what we’re up to. Above us, a sea of withered bracken and gorse rises to Carn Kenidjack, the sinister rock outcrop that dominates the naked skyline. At night, this moor is said to be frequented by pixies and demons, and sometimes the devil himself rides out in search of lost souls.
Unbothered by any supernatural threat, we are gazing seawards, towards the smudges on the horizon that are the distant Isles of Scilly. The clouds crack open and a flood of golden light falls over the islands. My companion, archaeoastronomer Carolyn Kennett, and I gasp. It is marvellous natural theatre which may have been enjoyed by the people who built this circle 4,000 years ago.
We have met at Tregeseal to talk about the winter solstice. Carolyn’s work focuses on the relationship of Cornwall’s prehistory with the sky, and she describes the whole Land’s End peninsula as an ancient winter solstice landscape. This, she says, is because of the spine of granite that runs south-west along the peninsula, towards the midwinter sunset. If, for example, you stand at winter solstice by Chûn Quoit – the mushroom-shaped burial chamber high on the moors south of Morvah – you will see the sun set over Carn Kenidjack on the south-western horizon. And likely this is exactly as Chûn Quoit’s Neolithic builders intended.
The Tregeseal East standing stone. Photograph: Paul Williams/Alamy
Carolyn suggests that Tregeseal stone circle was deliberately sited to allow people to view the midwinter sun setting behind the Isles of Scilly. “Seen from here, Scilly is a liminal space. On a clear day with high pressure, the isles look close up and just pop. On other days, they’re simply not there. The circle builders could have viewed Scilly as an otherworldly place, perhaps a place of the dead, associated with the winter solstice and the rebirth of the light.”
We thread through the darkening russet moor past prehistoric burial mounds and heaps of mining slag to a mysterious monument, which may be the UK’s only ancient row of holed stones. Unlike the stone at Mên-an-Tol, their better-known sister a few miles away, it’s impossible to crawl through the Kenidjack holed stones; these holes are barely big enough to fit my hand through and very low to the ground. Archaeologists remain baffled.
Carolyn’s theory is that the row might have worked as a kind of winter solstice countdown calendar, with the rising sun shining through the holes from late October until December and creating varying beams of light in the stones’ shadows. “Feeling the warmth of that golden beam of sunlight in the cold, dark moor gave me a visceral experience of how prehistoric people might have perceived winter solstice,” she says.
The Merry Maidens. Photograph: Charlie Newlands/Alamy
Too many ancient sites are aligned to the rising or setting of the sun at midwinter or midsummer for it to be a coincidence. It makes sense that prehistoric farmers, who relied on the sun for light, warmth and the growth of crops, would want to track the sun’s movement. But in the 21st century, the darkness of this time of year still weighs on our spirits, and so we welcome the winter solstice, that darkest day of all before the hours of light begin to grow again. And where better to celebrate the return of the light than on the Land’s End (West Penwith) peninsula, which points towards the setting point of the sun on the year’s shortest day?
A bitter easterly is gusting, and eerie moaning rises from unseen cows as I tramp through soggy clover to pay a visit to the Boscawen-Ros stone, keeping watch as it has done for thousands of years above the peninsula’s south coast. It is just one of scores of prehistoric stones that stand alone or in pairs or circles all over the peninsula; less than a mile away are the famous Merry Maidens, dancers turned to stone for breaking the Sabbath. I think about how long the stone has persisted here, enjoying its view of the Celtic Sea and English Channel: where once Neolithic coracles would have floated, now the container ships and the Scilly ferry pass by.
Christopher Morris’s mesmerising film A Year in a Field, which documents 12 months in the life of this stone, draws attention to the power of its still and silent presence in the ever-changing landscape. “And I deliberately started and ended the film with winter solstice,” he tells me, “because it is a moment of pure hope – the promise of the ending of darkness and a bright new year ahead.”
Penzance’s Montol midwinter festival. Photograph: Guy Corbishley/Alamy
On 21 December, all over West Penwith, people will be marking midwinter by walking to stone circles and holy wells, to hill forts and ancient beacons. Carolyn Kennett will be leading a guided walk to Chûn Quoit to observe the sun setting over Carn Kenidjack. Morris will walk to the Boscawen-Ros stone, as he does every winter solstice, in a sort of ritual of reflection and renewal. Later he, like thousands of others, will crowd into Penzance for Montol, a midwinter festival that dates only to 2007 but revives the very old Cornish custom of guise dancing, with its elaborate masks and costumes, traditional carolling and music of pipe, drum and fiddle.
Morris calls Montol “a wild night of misrule” – mischief and taboo-breaking are positively encouraged. The sun (in papier-mache form) will be set ablaze, while revellers disguised in animal masks, foliate heads or veils will dance triumphantly around it. There will be a herd of ’obby ’osses (hobby horses, including one called Penglaz and another called Pen Hood), dragons, fire-dancers and riotous merry-making. “A lot of sprout-throwing, too,” Morris adds. At 9.30pm those still standing will parade the Mock (the Yule log), flaming torches in hand, down Chapel Street to the sea. It is a fittingly uproarious and darkly magical celebration to welcome back the light.
In enchanted West Penwith, where rings of dancers were turned to stone and the witches once lit solstice fires in the moorland cromlechs, the tradition of folklore, storytelling and community ritual is still very much alive. And especially now, at midwinter.
Fiona Robertson is the author of Stone Lands, published by Robinson at £25. To support the Guardian buy a copy from guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply
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KEW Gardens is renowned as a place you can unplug among the bustle of London.
But from November until January the world-famous botanic garden becomes electrified – quite literally – in a fantastic extravaganza of multicoloured lights.
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Caroline and her family went to a light-trail in a world famous gardenCredit: Caroline IgguldenShe said it might be the best Christmas light show in the countryCredit: Jeff Eden
Kew’s annual light trail offers visitors the chance to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site in an entirely new way.
I took my two children aged 12 and 8 and they easily coped with the 3km loop.
This year’s trail starts at the Palm House and is perhaps the most spectacular yet and begins by taking visitors across a stunning new bridge from which they can admire 100 giant illuminated water lilies.
The botanic garden’s famous Chinese Pagoda is lit for the first time ever this year and stands like a shining beacon.
The ever-popular cathedral-like arch of lights is a photo opportunity not to miss.
And kids will also love bobbing and weaving through dangling tendrils of lights in another section.
Other fun surprises new to the route include a full dancefloor complete with giant light-up headphones offering a brilliant Instagrammable opportunity.
Caroline’s two sons ages 12 and 8 easily coped with the light trailCredit: Caroline Iggulden
Elsewhere, fun-fair horses that pop up among the garden’s atmospherically lit trees in hues of purple and silver.
And keep an eye out for a very special Christmas visitor who pops up towards the end of the route.
The finale of the trail is as stunning as ever with an awe-inspiring music and light show projected onto the Temperate House, the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse.
A musical mix from Mariah Carey to Coldplay bring to life this greenhouse which brims with some of the world’s rarest plants.
Around the garden are incredible light displays and instillationsCredit: Jeff EdenYou might even get a glimpse of Father ChristmasCredit: Unknown
Christmas at Kew offers a feast for the eyes-but also the tummy, much to the delight of my two mini-trailers.
There are multiple festive food and drink stalls available along the way in wooden cabins, offering everything from gourmet burgers, Asian food, to Souvlaki wraps and mulled wine for me!
One delicious pitstop even offers marshmallow toasting over a fire pit.
My boys happily polished off giant hot dogs and mini waffle bites on the way round.
A trip to Kew after nightfall this wintertime will guarantee to see faces lit up as brightly as the gardens.
Christmas at Kew runs on selected dates until Sunday January 4, 2026.
Prices start at £18 for kids and £27.50 for adults.
A PLAN to expand one UK airport has been approved – meaning it could become the second busiest in the country.
In 2024, the airport saw almost 30million passengers, but with the new plans could see 20million more.
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London Stansted wants to expand to welcome 20million additional passengers by 2040Credit: AlamyBut this won’t require any additional runways or physical expansionCredit: Alamy
The airport in question is London Stansted in Essex which has plans for more flights, but no structural changes.
London Stansted could rise to become the UK’s second busiest airport, rather than the fourth, after councillors agreed to increase its annual passenger numbers to 51million.
The owner, Manchester Airports Group’s, latest plan is to increase passenger capacity at the airport to between 48 and 51million people per year by 2040.
In comparison, London Gatwick sees between 40 to 43million passengers each year.
The El Marco/La Codosera bridge is a short wooden bridge that crosses the Abrilongo River, connecting two countries in different time zones.
Visitors will change countries in seconds and an hour on their watch.(Image: Getty)
The El Marco/La Codosera bridge is a tiny wooden structure spanning the Abrilongo River, linking two nations in different time zones: Spain (CET) and Portugal (WET/WEST).
Those who venture across what’s been dubbed the world’s smallest international bridge will hop between countries in mere seconds whilst their watch changes by an entire hour.
The modest crossing, measuring just 3.2 metres in length, joins the Spanish village of La Codosera in the south to Portugal’s El Marco, reports the Express.
According to Fascinating Spain, the tiny crossing was constructed by local residents centuries ago.
Originally, it was nothing more than basic wooden planks to traverse the narrow waterway.
They explained: “Although with the passing of time, elements were incorporated that have given stability to the bridge (and security to the neighbours who cross it), it was not until 2008 that it was completely remodelled.
“The smallest international bridge in the world was then created, from where, in a matter of seconds, you go from one country to another.”
“The bridge currently has a footbridge and reinforcements that prevent it from being swept away if the river Abrilongo rises.
“Other details were also added to emphasise the peculiarity of this being a border bridge: on each side of the bridge, a stone was placed with the E for Spain and the P for Portugal, so that it indicates which country you are in when you cross it.”
Among other remarkable bridges worldwide is a £3.4billion crossing between two nations that charges travellers £50 to use.
A BUDGET train operator is launching more cheap tickets between some major UK cities.
The Lumo train service between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh is being extended to Glasgow Queen Street.
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Lumo is extending its route from London Euston to Edinburgh, to GlasgowCredit: Alamy
The train will still run via Edinburgh, as well as Falkirk High, on the East Coast Main Line.
Passengers will be able to use two northbound services each weekday and one southbound service.
There will then be one service in each direction at the weekend.
As a result of the announcement, it is thought more people will head to the Commonwealth Games too, which will take place in Glasgow in July next year.
Tickets for the route with the low-cost operator will cost from £33.10 between London and Glasgow.
If travelling between Newcastle and Glasgow, tickets will be as little as £10.90.
Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, said: “This is a landmark moment which will boost connectivity between Scotland and England, offering a sustainable travel option whilst also boosting economic growth.
Paul Tetlaw, Director of Policy at Transform Scotland, said: “We welcome the new Lumo services from Glasgow and Falkirk via the East Coast Main Line.
“There is a significant market of people who currently drive or fly to the North East of England and London who now have the opportunity to switch to the train.
“The new services soon to be launched from Stirling will help to build on that modal shift to rail.”
Lumo is also launching a new route which will connect Stirling with London Euston, in May 2026.
It comes as FirstGroup, which owns Lumo, revealed in November that it has submitted applications to launch new direct routes between Cardiff and York, as well as Rochdale and London Euston.
The Cardiff to York route would also include stops in Birmingham, Derby and Sheffield.
This service would run six times a day throughout the week.
And the stops on the Rochdale to London Euston route would include Manchester Victoria, Eccles, Newton-le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay.
A single fare for the route will cost from £33.10Credit: Getty
This route would feature three return services on weekdays and Sundays, and four services each Saturday.
The company is aiming for the route to operate by December 2028.
Lumo trains are electric and on board feature no first-class seating option, fitting in with their budget offering.
Seats do have tray tables though and USB sockets, as well as free Wi-Fi.
Like many of you, I don’t need another good Italian cookbook. Yet I’ve found Amber Guinness’ “quanto basta” or “just enough” approach in her newest book “Winter in Tuscany: Cozy Recipes and the Quanto Basta Way “ (Thames & Hudson) immensely appealing — and useful when I’m looking for dinner ideas. A vegetarian take on the Tuscan beef stew peposo? She captures the original’s hearty flavors with chestnuts, mushrooms, red wine and lots of thyme. Despite her “House of Guinness” lineage, this Guinness, who grew up in Tuscany, has an easy, approachable style. Consider “emergency rosemary and garlic spaghetti,” a 10-minute preparation from Siena that is more in the vein of the un-recipe approach that her fellow Florence-based author Faith Willinger favors. Sometimes, in the “one’s own way is usually the best” philosophy she advocates, I’ll use Guinness’ recipes as good suggestions to tinker with — as I did the other night with her orecchiette with Brussels sprouts and pancetta. Other times, I’ll relax and just follow her conversational instructions for say, “Good Time” radicchio, Gorgonzola and walnut lasagne, which includes the line, “remove any sad outer leaves from the radicchio.”
JUST a few months after Ryanair stopped flying to a much-loved city in France, it has announced that it will in fact return next summer.
It was one of the destinations axed in Ryanair’s ongoing seat-cutting drive, due to increasing air tax in certain countries.
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Ryanair will return to this pretty French city just months after stopping its winter routeCredit: AlamyThe budget airline has been battling rising air tax in particular countriesCredit: Alamy
Bergerac is a commune in the Dordogne region in the southwest of France, known for its old town and riverside cafe and outdoor markets.
While it’s a popular winter destination, Bergerac is a great place to go in summer as it gets highs of 30C in July and August.
Other popular summer activities include wine tasting at local vineyards and visiting nearby châteaus.
Popular sites in the city include the Statue of Cyrano de Bergerac in a small square which is surrounded by restaurants.
Other visitors explore Place de la Myrpe a neighbourhood which one person described as ‘Bergerac’s ancient heart’ with old brick and timber-lined buildings.
And the Eglise Notre-Dame is what visitors call ‘a beautiful church’ in the city centre.
Bergerac Airport feared it might close after Ryanair’s initial announcementCredit: AlamyBergerac has plenty of al fresco dining options during the summertimeCredit: Alamy
Following the announcement that Ryanair would be pulling out of Bergerac back in July of this year, the airport in Bergerac announced that it may be forced to close.
The airline added: “In response to this government tax, Ryanair will cease operations to Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg, and reduce capacity at several other French airports.”
Rising airport tariffs were cited for the cancellations, with Michael O’Leary claiming he would “fly elsewhere […] if the costs in regional Spain are too high”.
He added: “We are better off flying at the same cost to places such as Palma [on the island of Majorca] than flying to Jerez.”
French airports Bergerac, Brive, and Strasbourg have also lost their Ryanair flights while airports in Germany including Dortmund, Dresden and Leipzig will not open for winter.
If your dog has missed out on the festive fun so far, there’s still time to book them into Paws in the Park at LEGOLAND Windsor. There’s even the chance for them to give Santa their wish list
Pups can finally enjoy a festive day out at LEGOLAND(Image: LEGOLAND)
If you’re looking for a festive family day out that includes your four-legged friend, then LEGOLAND Windsor is offering a day that dogs will love. On December 21 and 28, the iconic theme park will host Paws in the Park, a special event that allows dogs to accompany their owners to the attraction’s Christmas celebrations.
While most dogs don’t have much interest in LEGO, beyond chewing any stray pieces found on the floor, they’ll no doubt love the festive atmosphere of the park and a new place for walkies. Dogs can sniff their way around the park while owners enjoy over 20 rides, Christmas shows, and the Elf Training Academy.
And if your dog is on the nice list this year, why not treat them to a visit to see Santa himself? After 5pm, Santa’s Grotto in the Christmas Kingdom is open to doggos who are hoping for a visit from Santa Paws this year.
Owners who want to bring their dog to the park will need to pay for a £10 Pet Pass in addition to tickets for any humans visiting, and there are a few rules to follow. Dogs need to be kept on a lead, and you must bring any dog food and snacks with you, although there will be water points throughout the park.
Paws in the Park is part of Christmas at LEGOLAND, the theme park’s festive offering which describes itself as ‘the ultimate Christmas day out’. Until January 4, the park will be decked out in Christmas décor, turning it into a brick-shaped winter wonderland.
A number of rides are still open over Christmas, including The Dragon rollercoaster and the ever-popular LEGO City Driving School. Little kids will especially love the DUPLO Dino Coaster, based on the beloved toddler toys, and the LEGOLAND Express train which takes you on a tour of the park.
You can meet Santa and his elves in LEGO form, before dropping into the grotto to meet Father Christmas himself and give him your Christmas wishes. Visitors get a special LEGO gift to remember their trip.
LEGOLAND’s Christmas attractions also include the Festival of Flurries show, a musical where the audience are encouraged to dance and sing along in a lively yuletide show. As you walk through the park, you may also spot the Nutcracker’s Marching Band, a group playing brass band versions of your favourite Christmas songs.
And of course, there are plenty of opportunities to play with the beloved brick toys, including Build to Give. For every LEGO heart built in the workshop, a LEGO set will be donated.
In addition to LEGOLAND Windsor, there are three European LEGO-themed parks, perhaps the most famous being in Billund, Denmark, the home of LEGO. Recently, LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany announced they’d be adding a new Harry Potter land to their list of attractions, which will include Wizarding World-themed rides and accommodation. The park plans to release more information on this new land in the next 12 months.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
A quintessential town has long been named one of the prettiest towns in the UK, and it’s easy to see why with its cobbled lanes and independent shops filling the quaint streets
Amy Jones Senior Travel Journalist and Alycia McNamara
12:54, 17 Dec 2025
Petworth is a charming UK town filled with picturesque cobbled lanes(Image: Getty Images)
During this time of year, there’s nothing better than wandering around a charming UK town before stopping off at a cosy pub. There’s one location that’s well worth a visit.
The unspoilt English town of Petworth in Sussex is like stepping back in time, featuring quaint cobbled lanes lined with antique emporiums. There are independent shops tucked among the streets, along with cafes, delis and inviting pubs that make for an idyllic day out.
Petworth Antiques Market itself is home to more than 40 dealers, where you can discover everything from stunning furniture pieces to ornaments and various home accessories. When peckish, pop into The Hungry Guest delicatessen on Middle Street before venturing out to explore the sprawling 700-acre Petworth Park, which lies beneath the magnificent 17th-century Petworth House.
Inside, visitors can explore the 17th-century stately home and uncover a treasure trove featuring an internationally significant collection of art and sculpture. You may even recognise it from films such as Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as its appearance on Netflix’s Bridgerton.
One Tripadvisor reviewer commented: “Pretty Petsworth. Petsworth House is a beautiful period home with an amazing Mural up the staircase. The artist who painted the mural can be found hiding behind one of the pillars in the painted mural. A favourite of Turner – the famous artist who used to stay here and paint. The grounds and lake are really pretty.
“The Town nearby has some beautiful medieval houses, which are antique shops, as well as a great antique market. A great place to walk around and have afternoon tea. One of my favourite historical towns.”
Another shared: “Our first visit to Petworth and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the house isn’t particularly impressive from the outside, the artwork within certainly is worth viewing. We did a guided tour with an extremely knowledgeable gentleman, which was greatly enjoyable and informative.
“I’m not even a great art fan, but he brought everything to life. Afterwards, we enjoyed a coffee in the cafe and a lovely walk around the estate in the sunshine. I would say it is more suited to adults than children, but we really enjoyed our visit.”
Petworth sits just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and approximately 50 minutes from Portsmouth. If you’re a fan of nature and wildlife, be sure to look out for the hundreds of deer that freely wander around the park.
The park is one of the best-preserved examples of an English landscape designed by the renowned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the South Downs, with the park offering the perfect vantage point.
It’s also the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle to enjoy a refreshing walk. Not to mention that Petworth has been so highly praised, it was hailed as one of the UK’s most picturesque towns by Condé Nast Traveller earlier this year.
So, if you’re planning a day trip in the UK, consider Petworth for a delightful and tranquil outing this winter.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
ONE of the most iconic spaces in London will close for a whole year as it goes under important upgrades.
The Barbican, which opened in 1982, home to a beautiful conservatory, theatre and a musical venue, will soon close its doors for important upgrades, but here’s everything you can do there before it does.
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The Barbican will close for huge upgrades worth millions in the coming yearsCredit: AlamyBefore it does – visit the conservatory filled with thousands of tropical plantsCredit: Alamy
The centre that holds everything from performances to a Martini Bar is getting a makeover confirmed at £240 million for its first phase, which is set to begin in 2028.
According to The Standard, the total estimated cost will be £451million.
Major works are now needed to drag it into thefutureafter decades of wear and tear and as a result ,the centre will close from June 2028 until June 2029.
So before that happens, here’s everything you can do there if you fancy a visit.
The Barbican is home to the second biggest conservatory in London.
The ‘tropical oasis’ is filled with over a thousands species ofplantsincluding banana trees, cacti, yuccas and Swiss cheese plant.
There’s an Arid House for cacti and succulents, koi ponds with fish and terrapins, and walking paths.
Currently, the next dates available to visit are December 20 and 28, 2025 and January 2 and 4, 2026 – admission is free but sessions must be booked in advance.
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The conservatory will undergo work as the roof has glazing that’s at risk of caving in.
The renovation includes a proposal of a separate events space which allows the conservatory to be open to the public for longer.
There are also plans to rip out a staircase and a lift put in to improve accessibility, and put in toilets across all floors of the building.
There are multiple stages across the Barbican from the Concert Hall to a theatreCredit: Alamy
Theatre
London is an incredible city when it comes to theatre, so it’s no surprise you can watch some great shows at the Barbican.
TheRoyal Shakespeare Company has had two major productions at the Barbican for late 2025/early 2026:Wendy & Peter Pan, and Shakespeare’sTwelfth Night.
The show will have a full-size orchestra and will tell the story of a society wedding of the year which descends into chaos with old flames and new flames vying for attention.
Tickets for High Society start from £35 and the show will be on from May 29 to July 11, 2026.
Music
The Barbican hosts around 70 concerts a year in its Concert Hall which can seat almost 2000 people.
So, you can catch some incredible musical performances at the Barbican as it’s where the London Symphony Orchestra are based.
The London Symphony Orchestra holds around 50 concerts a year.
There are lots of classical performances throughout the year with at least one a day on the calendar – some of which are free and some are ticketed.
Throughout the year, the Barbican plays films in its indoor cinema, and outdoors in the summerCredit: Alamy
Cinema
Film buffs have got this venue on their radar – but the Barbican has an entire cinema complex with three screens.
It shows a range of films from arthouse to documentaries, blockbusters, classics and family-friendly.
There’s also an all-day café and bar for a complete movie experience.
During the summer, the Barbican Centre has an annual outdoor cinema series in its Sculpture Court during the summer.
Despite the year-long shutdown, cinemas on Beech Street and routes through the residential estate will stay open.
Library
The Barbican Library is a public space filled with books, spoken word recordings, DVDs, CDs and sheet music, which is available for loan to its members.
Anyone can enter and use the public areas of the Barbican Library, but you need to become a free member to borrow books or use certain resources.
Everyone is allowed to enter the public library in the BarbicanCredit: Alamy
Lakeside Terrace
When the sun is shining, there’s no better place to soak up the warm weather than outside the Barbican next to the courtyard pond.
It’s completely free to enter, and a great spot to enjoy a morning coffee.
During the revamp, the courtyard by the pond outside will also be repaved, which will stop water leaking down onto the Metropolitan Line below.
The outside area will also get a makeover with new fountains and seating for people to enjoy when the sun is shining.
Tours
For those who are more interested in the Barbican building you can book a guided tour.
Here you’ll learn facts like the Barbican’s theatre and concert hall go deeper underground than the nearest Tube line.
Tickets for the 90-minute tour start from £18.
Or if you’re in a bigger group then you can book to have a private tour of the Barbican estate.
The center offers tours revealing historical facts about the buildingCredit: Alamy
Food and Drink
On the ground floor of the centre is the Barbican Kitchen where in the mornings you can grab a coffee and pastry.
At lunchtime, pick up a toasted sandwich, build-your-own salad, hand-made pizzas and seasonal street food menus.
During the evenings you can have some pre-show tapas, and mezze plates with a glass of wine or beer.
Children under 10 can enjoy a complimentary meal from our kids’ menu with every adult meal over £10 purchased.
On the first floor is the Barbican Bar & Grill where you can have a laid back lunch, and in the summer, dinner on the terrace.
Enjoy light bites or pre-theatre food at the BarbicanCredit: UnknownAnd there are signature cocktails at the Martini BarCredit: Unknown
Mains include gnocchi, poached salmon, Shepherd’s pie, and a salted beef sandwich
There’s also a pre-theatre menu which is set at two courses for £31 or three courses for £39.
Also on the first floor, there’s a Martini Bar which has views over the lakeside and is where you can get a simple Campari Spritz or Signature cocktail like The Brutalist.
Here, there’s happy hour from 5pm to 6pm every day where you can get two ‘classic’ cocktails for £17.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across three countries, and there’s one city using its stadium, which has been named the cheapest destination to visit, with affordable hotels
11:28, 17 Dec 2025Updated 11:30, 17 Dec 2025
Monterrey, a city in Mexico, is considered the most affordable destination to visit for the World Cup 2026(Image: Getty Images)
Football fans are gearing up for a major sporting event as the 2026 World Cup is just months away, and one of the major talking points is price.
England fans were left facing prices starting at £200 for the Group opener with Croatia and over £4,000 for a World Cup final seat, before FIFA made a small concession this week. The footballing body released a new set of cut-price World Cup tickets in the wake of the backlash, now guaranteeing a range of tickets at a fixed cost of £45 for every game at next summer’s tournament.
The cost of travel to the United States, Mexico, or Canada, and the eye-watering price of accommodation once there, means a trip is beyond the means of many hardcore football supporters, even if they manage to obtain one of the cheap tickets.
Happily, there is one host city in particular that bucks the hefty price-tag trend.
Monterrey in Mexico has been named the most affordable host destination to visit during the World Cup. According to Expedia’s Fan Travel Outlook which looked at Hotels.com data, the average daily rate of a hotel in Monterrey is £179, making it the most affordable of all the World Cup hosts.
At its stunning Estadio BBVA stadium, where the Cerro de la Silla mountain hangs over the pitch, four matches will be played. Teams including Tunisia, Japan, South Africa and South Korea will take to the turf.
On match days next June, there are some great deals to be had in Monterrey. They include:
MV Suites, book on Hotels.com from £42 a night, a double room three miles from the stadium
Loft MN960 Mty, book on Hotels.com from £83 per night for a room with two double beds in a city centre apartment
Ibis Monterrey Valle, book on Hotels.com from £387 per night for one standard double room
Autentico Monterrey, book on Hotels.com from £279 per night for one standard room that sleeps two
The average hotel room cost in Monterrey is in stark contrast to the cost of a hotel in Vancouver, is currently setting back the average fan £475 for a one night stay.
Monterrey is set against the backdrop of the majestic Sierra Madre mountains, with the addition of parks like Chipinque, making it an ideal destination for hiking, biking, or taking a stroll around the nearby waterfalls. The city itself is modern, with a major industrial and business hub; yet, its culture and food scene, boasting local cuisine, is not to be missed.
Elsewhere, visitors can take advantage of the shopping opportunities at various outlets, explore museums like MARCO, and stroll through the vibrant streets. However, with sprawling landscapes and mountains surrounding Monterrey, the outdoor activities and hiking opportunities may be just what you need.
Mexico City was also named the best value for money during the World Cup. So if you’re hoping to catch a game and save some extra money, these, along with Monterrey, could be your best option.
Head of Expedia Group brands public relations, Melanie Fish, said: “The moment team draws were made, fans swarmed the Expedia app to make travel plans, with football-crazed nations like England leading the front line.
“Expedia’s Fan Travel Outlook is here to help fans come for football, stay for more: road-trip between host cities, fly into alternative airports, don’t forget holiday homes for extra space and use Expedia’s price tracking tool to score the amazing deals.
“The majority of host cities are seeing a surge in searches and prices. Some hotels closest to the stadiums are expected to sell out, so fans who want to make the trip should book sooner rather than later. If your plans aren’t set yet, use the Hotels.com Free Cancellation filter to secure a refundable rate before your options run out.”
For more information or to book your trip for the World Cup next year, you can visit the Expedia or Hotels.com websites.
The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11, as 48 football teams compete for their chance to win the coveted trophy for their country, with the final match scheduled for July 19. The World Cup will take place across 16 stadiums, spread across three destinations: 11 in the United States, two in Canada and three in Mexico.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
GINGERBREAD has become a staple of Christmas – and there is a town in the UK that is considered the home of it.
Ormskirk is a market town in Lancashire sitting around 13 miles from Liverpool.
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Ormskirk is known for its unique gingerbread which dates back to the 1700sCredit: http://www.mrthompsonsbakery.co.ukThe town also has one of the oldest and most traditional markets in the countryCredit: Alamy
The town has its very own gingerbread history which dates back to the early 1700s when “Gingerbread Ladies” would sell their homemade spiced goods from baskets.
These were especially popular with travellers at coaching inns and later railway passengers.
Ormskirk gingerbread was even rumored to be enjoyed byKing Edward VII.
While the gingerbread we buy in shops usually has a distinct taste and snap, Ormskirk Gingerbreadis very different.
If wrapping up for country walks is what you prefer to do in winter, then head to Rufford Old Hall.
The National Trust Tudor and Jacobean house that’s around 500 years old sits on the outskirts of Ormskirk.
Here are period rooms to explore along with a cosy Victorian tearoom which serves afternoon tea, cakes, scones and tray bakes.
There’s also a secondhand bookshop, garden and woodland, and the site has a two mile circular walk too from the hall along the Leeds and Liverpool canal.
Ormskirk holds a market every Thursday and Saturday that’s one of the oldest in the country.
It’s one of the UK’s oldest and most traditional markets having been open for almost 700 years.
The Kicking Donkey pub has a cosy fireplace and serves Sunday roastsCredit: TripadvisorRufford Old Hall has a pretty tearoom as well as gardens and woodland for winter walksCredit: Alamy
There you’ll find around 100 stalls selling baked goods to clothing and gifts.
When it comes to cosy pubs, there are plenty in Ormskirk like The Kicking Donkey which is another great winter spot as it has an open fire and hearty meals.
On Sundays the classic country pub serves up roast dinners from beef brisket to gammon and turkey, to pork belly and chicken from £16.75.
One visitor said: “Lovely traditional pub, real fires and candles, amazing food and service and fabulous negroni.”
Other popular spots include Tiny Tavern Ormskirk, The Cricketers, Lost and Found and The Buck I’th Vine.
Here’s UK’s longest seaside village that’s surrounded by countryside & is the best for winter walks…
Sat on Devon‘s Jurassic Coast, Branscombe stretches around 3.5 miles long and is known for its pebble beach, thatched cottages and historic buildings.
The village features a mile-long high street running through its centre and it is surrounded by rolling hills with grazing sheep.
Alex Gwillim, local travel expert at Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, said: “Branscombe is one of Devon’s most picturesque villages, and its cosy aesthetic paired with wellness-inspired activities makes it ideal for those looking for a staycation that prioritises self-care.”
And she isn’t wrong; Branscombe boasts amazing coastal walks like the South West Coast Path.
“Situated along the South West Coast Path, Branscombe makes the perfect starting point for a winter walk through woodland, beaches, and clifftops.
“From here, you can explore the Beer head loop or venture further along the coast to Sidmouth.”
And of course, Branscombe’s beach is a top spot to explore, with pebbles and often quieter during the autumn and winter months.
Alex added: “The mile long beach is ideal for a dog walk or simply clearing your head.”
Visitors can also get a glimpse of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast at the beach, with dramatic cliffs.
For little ones, there are plenty of rock pools to explore and fossils to find, including early reptiles, plants and marine life.
After exploring the beach, make sure to visit The Old Bakery and The Forge, both of which are National Trust sites.
A woman was left bitterly jealous after she noticed that children can do one thing on flights that adults cannot, and she said it means they’re practically in first class
09:33, 17 Dec 2025Updated 09:33, 17 Dec 2025
She was so jealous of what the kids were able to get away with (Stock Image)(Image: Getty)
Flying as an adult is usually a pretty cramped experience, of course, unless you’re lucky enough to be sitting in first class getting fed delicious food and wine until you reach your destination. However, the average person is not in that privileged position and is actually more likely to be in the middle seat, trying to navigate whether their seatmates will be kind enough to let them have the armrests on either side.
However, one woman pointed out that every time young children fly with a family member, they’re practically “in first class”, joking that they don’t understand “how good they’ve got it”.
TikToker @elkekahler videoed herself on the flight, looking shocked, as she flipped the camera around to show young children lying down in a seat, using luggage as a pillow so they were as comfortable as possible.
They were covered in blankets and fast asleep – a far cry from the experience of most adults, who know how tricky it is to get some shut-eye in the air.
She flipped the camera back onto herself as she looked mortified, and jealous the youngsters were able to lie down and sleep.
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Over the top of the video, she hilariously played the song ‘Glamorous’ by Fergie, which contains the lyrics “we’re flying first class, up in the sky, poppin’ champagne, livin’ my life in the fast lane”.
It’s safe to say that these kids were definitely living their best lives when they were able to sleep properly and land in a whole new country without any stress.
Someone in the comments joked that they needed a “tutorial” on how to do that because they wanted to try it for themselves, but if an adult attempted it, their feet would likely be hanging far off their seat and being constantly knocked by the trolley service.
“They’re gonna hate it when they get older and have to sit on aeroplanes normally,” one woman pointed out.
“I’m 19 and still do this,” a woman shared, saying that they were “short enough” to get away with it. But imagine giving it a go only to realise you were too tall? You’d likely be feeling pretty embarrassed.
“My mum prepared the same for my sister and me when I was younger. I can confirm that it’s the comfiest ever,” a TikTok user boasted.
A flight attendant shared: “I used to operate this type of aircraft for Emirates, and we would always have to tell them not to do this because of safety.”
Referring to the blankets, she added: “There is a high risk that you’re not allowed to bring these onto the plane.”
Although it looks like you could make something similar out of a suitcase and a pillow, it’s not confirmed what they actually did.
UNIVERSAL has finally been given the green light to open a theme park in the UK.
The famous film studios has been given planning permission to start building the theme park.
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The UK Universal has been given a special order to allow building works next yearCredit: Cover ImagesThe new theme park expects to be open in Bedford by 2031Credit: Universal
A Special Development Order (SDO) has been granted by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which allows the theme park to skip local planning procedures.
This means it will allow it to be built in the suggested location near Bedford.
Expected to start works in January 2026, the park could open as soon as 2031.
It will be the first Universal theme park for both the UK and Europe, with current resorts only across the US and Asia.
Local Labour MP Mohammad Yasin praised the “landmark moment,” adding: “The confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations & Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformational and will be felt for decades to come.”
Estimated to cost £6.6billion to build, it could attract as many as eight million visitors a year.
Little is currently known about what kind of themed lands and rides would open at the UK Universal.
Rumours suggest James Bond, Paddington and Lord of the Rings, Minions, Jurassic World, and Back to the Future.
It is unlikely to include Harry Potter due to licensing rules and the nearby Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction in the nearby Leavesden.
Set across 662 acres, there will be four ‘zones’; the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone.
The Core Zone is likely to be the entrance area, as well as where the theme park and waterpark will be.
Plans also include a 500-room hotel.
More accommodation and businesshotels will be at the Lake Zone, as well as an entertainment complex ans convention centre.
Then both the West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone will be where guests arrive by train and car, with restaurants and hotels.
This is also like to be where the Entry Plaza area will be, as well as the parking and a 500-room hotel.
The park is expected to stay open all year round, unlike other UK theme parks like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park which only open on select dates like Christmas and New Year.
Not only that but it would have much longer opening hours, suggested to be 7am to 11pm.
It will also have a free-to-visit area where guests won’t need a ticket to enter.
Also included in the theme park plans are a new train station to cope with demand.
The new station would be part of the East West Rail (EWR) line, with train links to Oxford to Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford.
