Travel Desk

ONE tube station has just been awarded Grade II listed status just 25 years after opening.

The station has been described as “one of the most memorable and theatrical spaces on the London Underground network” – and has become a landmark in its own right.

On November 20, 1999, Southwark Underground Station opened to the public, and it’s now been added to the National Heritage List.

The underground station was one of six new stations built for the Jubilee Line Extension and was designed by engineers in 1994.

As regular commuters and London tourists will know, the underground station has a circular ticket hall, a towering blue glass screen and steel-panelled tunnel in the lower concourse.

During its design, the six stations were set to have their own unique identities with different looks but be linked by materials like steel and polished concrete.

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A building usually has to be over 30 years old to be considered for listing.

But Southwark Underground Station became eligible for listing last year as the age of the building is calculated ‘from the point at which the ground was first broken’.

There are 72 London Underground stations on the National Heritage list – and Southwark Underground Station is the youngest.

Announcing the tube station’s listing was heritage minister Fiona Twycross, who said the station is a ‘stunning example’ of late 20th-century architecture.

She added: “I’m thrilled to celebrate and help protect this bold design, with its striking play on natural and artificial light.

“Used by thousands every day, this station is a great reminder of the extraordinary breadth of our country’s architectural heritage.”

Both locals and tourists are just as impressed with the train station.

One called it a “cosmic cruiseship” while another said it was a “space aged looking station”.

A third simply wrote: “This place is what I think the future looks like.”

Southwark was one of six new stations built for the Jubilee Line Extension in the 1990s, overseen by the architect Roland Paoletti.

The other stations built alongside it are Bermondsey, Canada Water, Canary Wharf, North Greenwich and Canning Town.

According to the C20 Society, the new stations on the Jubilee Line Extension were said to be the biggest architectural sensation of their kind since the Moscow Underground back in 1999.

Now, millions pass through Southwark Underground Station every day, with the most recent figure from 2023 recording 8.51 million passengers.

There’s another underground station in the UK that doesn’t have listed status but thanks to its design looks like it could be in Moscow.

Gants Hill sits on a roundabout in Zone 4 and from the outside, doesn’t look like anything special.

The interiors were designed by modernist Charles Holden, known for creating most of the London Underground system.

It was inspired by the Moscow Metro system, after Holden returned from the Russian city during WWII having been there as a consultant.

The barrel vault ceilings are similar to Elektrozavodskaya metro station in Moscow.

The central concourse even has the nickname “Moscow Hall”, and while it’s not a listed station, some believe it should be.

Joshua Abbott, author of the Modernism in Metroland blog, told local media that the underground “should be listed.”

He added: “It is unique among Holden’s stations due to the Moscow Metro influenced platform design and lack of surface buildings – Gants Hill should be very proud of its most secret building.”

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“If you showed a pizzaiolo what I was doing, they would say it’s all wrong,” says Fiorelli. “Wrong flour, wrong temp. But we do it that way because we like the way it tastes.”

Fiorelli and business parter Liz Gutierrez opened a pizzeria out of a teensy Beverly Grove storefront in early November. Before that, they were making pizzas with a mobile oven at Cook’s Garden in Venice. Fiorelli’s crust has the structure of a New York pizza, with just enough crunch, and an interior with the supple softness of a traditional Neapolitan. He brushes the crust with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkles on sea salt just before the pizza goes into the oven, ensuring that each slice is well seasoned through the last bite. Crushed Bianco DiNapoli tomatoes and sea salt constitute his red sauce, for a base that’s flavorful but not overly acidic. He covers the tomatoes in leaves of Brussels sprouts and hot cherry peppers on one pie, or there’s the classic pepperoni or supreme. The Bianco deserves special praise, with a symphony of four cheeses, roasted garlic, fingerling potatoes, fresh lemon and guandilla peppers. Bite the tip of a pepper, drizzle the juice on a slice and enjoy.

As another year nears its end, it’s worth taking stock of the new places we’ve discovered in 2025. Perhaps it was a quiet seaside resort, an exceptional gallery or museum, an unforgettable restaurant, a wonderful hiking route or vibrant nightlife in a small town. We’d love to hear about your finds in Europe and the UK – the more unusual the better!

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

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The competition closes on Monday 24 November at 10am GMT

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This gorgeous city is better in November, but in summertime huge anti-tourism demos took place – and I understand why residents in this stunning place are so angry.

I’ve just touched down in the UK from a Spanish city that was basking in a balmy 26C in November, with hardly any tourists in sight. The destination has recently been dubbed an anti- tourism holiday spot, but all the locals I encountered were incredibly welcoming – and I got a glimpse into why some holidaymakers might not be as welcome.

Having visited Palma in Mallorca several times over the years, this was my first off-peak trip to the largest Balearic island, but I’d certainly consider a November visit again. The weather was still delightfully warm and sunny, the Mallorcan people I met were extremely friendly, and it was a real treat to explore the city and the island without the usual throngs of tourists.

During the summer of 2025, the height of the tourist season, large-scale anti-tourism protests erupted on the streets of Palma, with locals brandishing signs telling holidaymakers to go home – and frankly, I can’t blame them.

I can empathise with their tourism grievances, having grown up in Devon where similar issues arise – and I’ve even had the experience of living next door to an Airbnb a few years back which brought its own set of problems with non-locals.

Mallorca grapples with over-tourism during the summer months when the island is swamped with visitors. However, travelling off-peak is a more sustainable way to appreciate the island while respecting the locals – and it offers a genuine taste of Mallorcan life, reports the Express.

Despite being a Brit myself, I can’t help but acknowledge that some of our fellow countrymen can be quite the nuisance in popular holiday destinations, with their excessive drinking and disruptive behaviour tarnishing the reputation of many a Spanish resort.

Adding to this, the surge in short-term holiday rentals has spiralled out of control in numerous sought-after locations, including the Mallorcan city of Palma and other Spanish hotspots like Barcelona.

This issue of residential properties being converted into holiday cottages or Airbnb lettings is a global phenomenon, affecting places from Cornwall to London, Spain to America, and everywhere in between.

A local family residing in Mallorca shared with me that the island’s peak season is a living nightmare for them, with parking woes and a significant increase in traffic causing chaos.

The family expressed their struggle to enjoy the summer months as the beaches become “too crowded”, parking becomes a mission impossible, and many eateries, particularly in Palma, are “too busy”.

One native Mallorcan woman voiced her frustration, stating that many locals are irate due to skyrocketing rents – a consequence of mass holiday rentals like Airbnb in a neighbourhood which inflate the ‘average’ rent due to an overall comparison (which includes high holiday home rents).

She also highlighted a “worrying shortage of affordable housing”, particularly in the capital, Palma. Given that Mallorca is a relatively small island, about 62 miles wide, constructing more “affordable” homes isn’t a straightforward solution.

One can’t help but ponder: if all these holiday homes were converted back into residences for locals, would there still be a housing crisis in the UK – or indeed in Mallorca?

Prioritising tourism creates environments that become nearly uninhabitable for local residents, which seems nonsensical. It’s clear that something is amiss when governments aren’t prioritising housing for locals – and the need to protest is entirely understandable.

Over-tourism also results in excessive traffic, unmanageable crowds and significant parking issues, creating an unpleasant environment for both residents and visitors. During my time in Mallorca, I navigated the island by bus, which was simple and efficient.

Strolling through Palma’s tree-lined streets in November, when tourists are few and far between, is my idea of a city break. Although the Christmas lights haven’t been switched on yet, they will be soon (on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 8pm).

I can envision how stunning the festive lights will look once the official Christmas lights switch-on takes place in Palma, as star-shaped decorations were already adorning the streets in preparation for this event.

The streets of Palma were so pristine and clean, I didn’t spot a single person littering, whereas in the UK, it’s not uncommon to see adults – and children – discarding rubbish on the roads or in scenic areas.

During my stay in Mallorca, I lodged at the HM Palma Blanc hotel, a truly friendly and luxurious place that offered comfort and an incredible breakfast. I tend to steer clear of Airbnb-style holiday lets as much as possible, recognising the havoc they can wreak in tourist-heavy areas.

With a plethora of markets in the capital city, independent shops, and fantastic eateries, I’d certainly consider another winter visit to Mallorca – it was genuinely delightful.

I visited the UK’s most popular Christmas Market to see if it was better than Edinburgh’s – and I was not disappointed

For me, Christmas has always been about beach barbecues as summer kicks off, sun-drenched mornings around the tree and barefoot garden parties. However, since relocating to London from New Zealand last year, I’ve been attempting to embrace the winter Christmas spirit.

Last year, I experienced my first-ever winter Christmas Market in Edinburgh, and it wasn’t quite my cup of tea. I believe in giving everything a second chance, so this year I returned to the markets – but with a twist.

Instead of braving the crowds at Edinburgh’s market, I ventured to Manchester. My visit happened to coincide with Manchester’s market being crowned the best in the UK by both Time Out and holiday gurus at Christmas Tree World – and I can understand why.

The day I visited, the sun was out and the markets were teeming with activity. I opted to visit the market in Albert Square, but if you’re keen to explore Manchester’s markets, they are dotted throughout the city, reports the Express.

The one in Albert Square boasted a helter skelter and a Ferris wheel, but I had a single-minded mission: I was after a Yorkshire pudding wrap.

My boyfriend was busy expressing his doubts that I would find one because it didn’t seem particularly Christmassy, but as we turned a corner, I spotted a sign selling exactly what I was craving.

I opted to have my wrap served in a bowl, selecting pork as my protein. It cost me £11 and the portion was absolutely enormous.

It was precisely what I craved, the meat was beautifully seasoned, all the accompaniments were cooked to perfection, and the gravy was thick, rich and salty – exactly how I like it.

Despite how tasty it was, the serving was so substantial that I genuinely couldn’t manage it all, much to my embarrassment.

Next on my list was another first: mulled wine. At the Edinburgh Market last year I sampled a mulled cider and thoroughly disliked it so this was somewhat nerve-wracking.

I selected an apple and blackberry mulled wine, which I believed was £6.50 but ended up setting me back £10 because I had overlooked the “mug deposit” fee of £3.50.

Fortunately, this was absolutely worth the confusion because, unlike my previous mulled alcoholic drink, this one was completely delicious. It tasted somewhat like hot Ribena, which I adore anyway and warmed me straight through.

It felt like the ideal beverage for enjoying beside the fire as the rain hammered down outside. I was a massive fan; though, I am still awaiting my refund for returning my mug to the stall.

My final experience at the Manchester Christmas Market was a crumble. I spent £8 for an apple and cinnamon crumble with vanilla custard, and whilst it wasn’t the finest I have ever tasted in my life, it was sweet, delicious and satisfied me perfectly.

In my view, the Manchester Market completely outshines Edinburgh. Despite being bustling and lively, I could still navigate through it easily and never had to queue for more than five minutes for anything.

Moreover, the food was superior, and all the stalls were manned by friendly, cheerful staff. I left feeling energised and eager for Christmas – and I strongly suggest anyone in the vicinity give it a visit.

ANOTHER airline has announced that it will have free Wi-Fi on board its planes from this week.

Emirates, which was voted by Sun readers as their favourite airline of year, in the Sun Travel Awards 2025, will soon feature Starlink on board its planes.

Starlink Wi-Fi is beamed down to Earth from satellites and will make in-flight internet up to 50 times faster than normal.

This means it will allow passengers on board Emirates flights to stream content, game, make calls, work and browse social media.

The airline will introduce the Wi-Fi on 232 of its planes, which is the airline’s entire in-service fleet.

In fact, the first Emirates flight with Starlink is set to take off later this week, with the airline then fitting out around 14 aircraft per month.

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Initially, Emirates’ Boeing 777 will be the first aircraft in the fleet to get Starlink and roll-out is expected to be complete by mid-2027.

The airline is then aiming to install Starlink beginning on the Airbus A380 fleet in February next year.

Emirates is also set to make live TV available via Starlink, which will initially be on personal devices before launching on seatback screens from late December 2025.

The Starlink Wi-Fi services will be free across all Emirates flights, no matter what cabin you are in.

Access requires one click and there is no payment or membership needed for using Starlink.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “We’re introducing the world’s fastest Wi-Fi, elevating what passengers can expect from in-flight connectivity, like seamless productivity, real-time communication with loved ones, and uninterrupted connection to their digital lives.

“But that’s just one piece of the transformation happening across our fleet.

“Starlink is being installed in tandem with the most ambitious cabin refurbishment programme in aviation including brand new Premium Economy cabins, an enhanced Business Class, refreshed First Class, expanded and upgraded entertainment system technologies, and now, industry-leading connectivity.”

Chad Gibbs, VP of Starlink Business Operations, SpaceX, said: “With Starlink onboard your Emirates flight, you’ll be able to stream, game, and have seamless video calls, just as you can do on the ground.

“We’re excited to transform Emirates’ travel experience and support the rapid installation of Starlink while maintaining focus on delivering overall quality of service.”

Emirates isn’t the first airline to introduce Starlink on its flights.

At the beginning of this month, British Airways also confirmed it would be launching Starlink on board all its planes next year.

BA boss Sean Doyle, British Airways said: “Launching Starlink on both our long-haul and short-haul aircraft is game-changing for us and our customers, elevating their experience on board our flights by offering them seamless connectivity from gate to gate.

“Especially on short-haul, this will really differentiate us from our competitors.”

Back in March, United Airlines also confirmed that they would be adding the free Wi-Fi service to more than 40 aircraft.

And Qatar Airways completed its installation of Starlink onboard its flights back in July – they even FaceTimed a flight attendant to show how fast it will be.

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In other aviation news, a budget airline has slashed flights from a major UK airport in a scramble to cut costs.

Plus, a major airline with bunk beds onboard reveals plans to relaunch UK flights for the first time in five years.

A TROPICAL garden in Cornwall has been named a top attraction in the UK.

The history of the gardens spans at least 700 years although only opened to the public in the 1980s.

South of Falmouth is Trebah Garden which has won the Large Visitor Attraction category at the 24th Cornwall Tourism Awards.

While Trebah Garden opened to the public in 1987, the earliest records of it dates back to the the early 1300s.

Trebah Garden itself was established by Charles Fox back in 1831 – that’s when he bought the estate and began creating the garden.

Now, the gardens are popular with Brits seeking a day out and inside the garden you’ll find the likes of ‘Bamboozle’ – a maze of paths made from 50 species of black, brown, yellow and green bamboo.

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There’s also the water garden which is built over a natural spring and is surrounded by lush plants and flowers like brightly coloured lilies.

Alice’s Seat is an open-fronted summer house which was built for Alice Hext who owned Trebah Garden with her husband Charles from 1907 to 1939.

Other pretty spaces include the Hydrangea and Rhododendron Valley, Mallard Pond, the Chilean Coomb and the Koi Pool which is home to around 10 koi carp.

One beautiful spot that you can’t see at the entrance is Polgwidden Cove – the hidden beach.

The sheltered pebbled cove is at the bottom of the garden and is a great place to relax in the summertime, or take a brisk walk in winter.

On the shore is the Boathouse beach café which serves hot and cold drinks, snacks and Roskilly’s ice cream, although it’s only open from spring to autumn.

Visitors can take their own picnic too, and take a dip in the sea.

One wrote on Tripadvisor: “Gorgeous views, greenery, a small amphitheatre and blooms on our way down to the beach.

“Small sparkling beach with a cafe which sold the most tasty vegan ice-cream I’ve ever eaten.”

Another called it “the best garden I have EVER visited”.

Trebah Garden is open daily throughout the year and also hosts events, exhibitions, and even festive workshops.

Its next major event is Stories with Santa where, in the lead up to Christmas, families can listen to a festive story, write to Santa, and get a gift.

Otherwise, you can head there to enjoy yoga at Trebah House, go to a Christmas Decoration Casting Workshop and Wooden Wreath Painting.

They also hold musical performances, watercolour painting classes and nature spotting sessions in the gardens.

There’s an amphitheatre in the gardens too which holds live events from theatre to music, comedy, even puppetry and dance shows.

As for food, Trebah Kitchen serves up roast dinners, Fish & Chip Fridays and seasonal Christmas lunch and New Year’s Day Brunch.

Admission prices for entry start from £16.50 for adults, £8.25 for children between 5-15. Children under five go free.

Any especially keen holidaymakers can even stay on site in Trebah Lodge, the pretty stone cottage, and guests can wander through the gardens after hours.

The lodge has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and sleeps up to four – you can bring your pet pooch inside too.

The lodge is almost booked out for the whole of 2026 with a few dates remaining in November and December.

A five-night stay in the lodge from December 14-19 in 2026 starts from £855 – which is £171 per night.

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Here are six pretty UK gardens that you can visit year round…

Gardening Editor and Associate Head of Features Veronica Lorraine reveals the exotic gardens to visit now…

Ventnor Botanic Garden, Isle of Wight

Overlooked by tall cliffs to the north – and the English channel to the south, thanks to it’s unique microclimate this garden in the Isle of Wight has an average of 5°C higher all year round. It’s a truly mild climate – with only 29 inches of average rainfall. We visited in January and you could actually feel the warmer air once you got into the gardens.

Outdoor Jungle, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

In the Outdoor Jungle you can wander along winding paths through bamboo and banana plantations marvelling at the exotic plants.

Bought back from across the world since Victorian times – it also features one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain, stretching 100 feet above ancient tree ferns.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset

Home to tree frogs, and an unusual rough tree fern, Cyathea australis, exotic plants thrive in Abbotsbury’s sheltered coastal microclimate.

It boasts of brimming with exotic trees and perennials from the Mediterranean, New Zealand, South Africa, the Himalayas, and more. Found on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast – the subtropical gardens boast over 6000 species – and is open seven days a week all year round.

RHS Harlow Carr, Yorkshire

There’s a touch of the exotic in their Sub-Tropicana Garden.

It’s packed full of plants with a tropical nature – like hardy palms, soft tree ferns, and several bamboos providing a permanent framework – plus a heated glasshouse home to the most tender plants. 

Yewbarrow House, Grange over Sands, Cumbria

Its warm microclimate and valley-location allows exotic and rare species to flourish here. Plus, there’s a Japanese-style infinity pool, orangery, restored Victorian kitchen garden, and views over Morecambe Bay.

Overbecks Garden, Salcombe, Devon

A subtropical National Trust garden, it’s bursting with colour and filled with exotic and rare plants. Not to mention, it has beautiful views over Salcombe estuary.

Discover the pretty ‘secret’ garden in England that is more like going to China and Egypt.

Plus, here’s an exotic indoor garden in the middle of a UK city with free books and its very own amphitheatre.

THE UK is set to get a brand new neighbourhood with film studios, play spaces and outdoor film screenings.

Plans have been revealed for a new £1billion creative neighbourhood, called the Camden Film Quarter, located in London, which is set to bring film and TV studios into the city centre.

According to Time Out, the new studios and overall site will be the “UK’s answer to Hollywood“.

Developed by the same people behind London‘s Olympia – Yoo Capital – the new neighbourhood would create space for British creative industries to grow.

What makes the project even better is that, rather unusually, the studios building set for the site would be open to visitors to explore, with a studio tour, cafes, restaurants, events and a roof garden.

The planned area for redevelopment sits west of Kentish Town and, once built, would be home to a number of film, creative and cultural industries.

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In the neighbourhood, there would be several film and TV studios, eight sound stages, galleries, shops, restaurants and bars, a gym, community spaces and public spaces.

In addition, there will be an Education Hub for people interested in entering film, TV and digital careers and The London Screen Academy for 16-19-year-olds to learn about production.

The National Film and Television School, which is one of the most respected screen schools in the world, is also set to open a campus in the Camden Film Quarter.

According to Yoo Capital, “the architecture [of Camden Film Quarter] references the area’s industrial heritage through robust materials such as brick and metal”.

Away from the buildings, in sunny weather the public will also be able to enjoy six new play spaces, two or more parks and 400sqm of rain gardens – all set to feature sculptures, murals and interactive pieces as well.

The play spaces will include areas inspired by the journey of water, with a large seasonal dry river bed and natural stone play.

In the area known as Western Park, visitors will be able to explore local markets, art installations and outdoor film screenings.

Then, in the area known as Eastern Park, there would be smaller green spaces and playgrounds.

There would also be a pedestrian high-line route (a walking route above roads and railway lines) around the buildings and around 1,000 new homes.

Plans were submitted to Camden Council last month, who will decide whether to approve the project or not and it is currently unclear when the project would open if it is approved by the council.

A report detailing the project states: “Camden Film Quarter will establish Kentish Town as a new centre for the creative industries, bringing film and media jobs right into the neighbourhood.

“The development will include inner London’s first significant film studio campus – state-of-the-art sound stages and studios that meet the booming film and TV sector’s need for production space.”

Plans to create the Camden Film Quarter were first unveiled in 2023.

At the time, Lloyd Lee, managing partner at Yoo Capital, said: “We are looking forward to working with the London Borough of Camden and the local community to bring forward the ambitions for a Camden Film Quarter.

“This project will be a shot in the arm for the UK’s creative industries as we look to fuel its exponential growth by attracting the best talent in TV and film to the area.”

Councillor Danny Beales, cabinet member for New Homes, Jobs and Community Investment, said: “We know there is huge creative potential in the people who live and work in Camden.

“We want to unlock the Kentish Town industrial area to transform this cut-off, unwelcoming site, into one that becomes a greener, welcoming space, connecting Gospel Oak with Kentish Town.

“A new thriving neighbourhood, which is a beacon for creativity, providing more desperately needed affordable homes for local people, good jobs and opportunities for existing communities.”

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Yoo Capital is also behind London’s newest tourist town in a ‘forgotten’ district, which will be a £1.3 billion attraction with hotels, a theatre and a rooftop bar.

Plus, a new Pixar attraction is set to open in UK – with film sets you can step into including Toy Story, Monsters Inc and Up.

The UK’s Christmas markets are back and bigger than ever, with a huge variety of food and drink on offer – but Christopher Megrath made a mistake with during his first visit

The Liverpool Christmas Markets are in full swing, with a tantalising array of mouth-watering scents wafting through St George’s Plateau.

The North West city’s festive fair has been named one of the nine best in the country this year, following a poll of Which? readers. It outperformed its larger sibling market in Manchester.

Clarke Events, the masterminds behind the markets, have hinted that this could be the “best year yet”, and they might just be right. The annual market attracts thousands of visitors each year, and with the event running until Christmas Eve, there’s ample time for shoppers to pop by and soak up the festive vibes.

Since relocating from Church Street in 2016, the markets have found a successful home at St George’s Plateau. Christopher was among the first wave of visitors when the gates opened this morning and was instantly spoilt for choice.

In a moment of gastronomic folly shortly after arriving at the Liverpool market, Reach’s Christopher Megrath made a beeline for one of the most ostentatious food trucks in sight – a decision he would soon rue.

Nestled towards the back of the plateau, near St John’s Gardens, is the festive pie truck. With four fillings on offer and all the trimmings, it was Christopher’s first port of call on this culinary Christmas journey.

Christopher was warmly welcomed by two delightful staff members who good-naturedly ribbed him for ordering at the wrong side. The ensuing chat was a surprisingly pleasant exchange he hadn’t anticipated over a pie, reports the Liverpool Echo.

On offer were beef, ham and vegetable pies, but Christopher opted for turkey with all the trimmings, smothered in gravy. For those wanting a bit more, apple sauce and cranberry are also available.

After bidding goodbye to the traders, Christopher found the most inviting patch of damp ground to sit and tuck into his meal.

Christopher’s cardboard pot was filled with a turkey pie, two pigs in blankets, a couple of carrots and Brussels sprouts, a dollop of mashed potato and stuffing, all smothered in just the right amount of gravy, setting him back £13.

The filling was predominantly vegetables, including cabbage, turnip and even more Brussels sprouts, interspersed with a few chunks of turkey. The crust was a bit on the tough side for his liking, but the filling was scrumptious.

It took him about five minutes to polish off the lot, ensuring not a drop of gravy was wasted.

Overall, Christopher relished the meal, but quickly realised that starting his market visit with a makeshift roast on-the-go was a terrible idea. He spent another hour meandering around the grounds, sampling light bites and sweet treats, but the festive pie had done him in.

Christopher was delightfully stuffed.

If you want to keep your energy levels up for the rest of the evening, Christopher would recommend visiting the truck at the end of your journey. Christopher felt like taking a nap afterwards. Do make sure to sample a bit of everything, as the variety on offer is truly splendid, he explained.

Liverpool Christmas Market is also set to tantalise taste buds with a vast array of international flavours. Regular favourites will include Yorkshire pudding wraps, bratwurst, noodles, salt and pepper chicken, halloumi, Greek gyros and souvlaki, roast pork baps, mac n cheese, burgers, siu mai, donuts, waffles, crepes, fudge, sweets, home bakes and hot crumble pudding.

For those with a sweet tooth, there’ll be brownies, cookies, hot cookie dough, candy floss, popcorn, toasted marshmallows, fresh baked macaroons, churros, candy and hot roasted chestnuts. A full list of traders and prices can be found here.

We’re dreaming of a white Christmas… and there’s a UK city with one of the best seasonal markets, which is expected to get snow this year, for the enchanting backdrop we envision each year

With the festive season approaching, many of us will be longing for a classic white Christmas, for the ultimate Hallmark movie backdrop. Fortunately, there’s one city with the top-rated Christmas market in the UK that is forecast to welcome snow during the holiday season.

Edinburgh has been highlighted as the only UK destination on a list of European Christmas markets most likely to be dusted with snow this season. The renowned Christmas market, which adorns East Princes Street Gardens, has joined a list of more than 30 European countries expected to offer visitors that authentic and sought-after white Christmas.

To compile the results, Omio, a leading multi-modal travel booking platform, gathered weather data for 51 European Christmas market locations in November and December, and calculated the average lowest temperature from this data. Omio identified which markets are most likely to be chilled by temperatures of 2°C or below, resulting in a higher likelihood of snowfall during the last two months of the year, and, ultimately, when the Christmas markets are open. The data was sourced from NOAA.

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However, a cold snap expected in the UK this week could prove the study wrong. Snow is forecast in parts of the North East and North West, meaning highly ranked Christmas market cities such as Chester, Liverpool, York and Durham could get a dusting.

Already one of the UK’s most picturesque cities, Edinburgh is famed for its Christmas market, which runs from 15 November to 4 January this year. Among the quaint huts packed with festive gifts and snug stocking fillers, you’ll find international foods such as German sausages and crepes, as well as a warming cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.

The market also boasts a mini-funfair with a helter-skelter, swing carousel that almost brushes the Gothic Scott Monument, and a big wheel providing a view of Edinburgh’s imposing medieval castle and ancient hill, Arthur’s Seat. So, the thought of wandering around the Edinburgh Christmas market, adorned with charming wooden chalets, in a flurry of snow, is enough to entice anyone to the Scottish capital.

But if you needed another excuse to visit, Edinburgh was also ranked among the top nine UK Christmas markets to visit this year, following extensive research from Which? in its annual tradition. In addition to its hugely popular Christmas market, Edinburgh is also famous for hosting one of the UK’s most famous New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay) celebrations.

So with hundreds of Christmas markets dotted across the UK and Europe, this just might be the best spot in the UK to visit during the festive season. Plus, visitors can take in the city’s allure even further with a leisurely walk around the winter gardens, a glide around the ice rink, or by exploring the New Town for more retail therapy in the city.

However, if you’re looking to venture a little further afield, there are more than 30 other European Christmas markets predicted to welcome snow this year, according to Omio.

European Christmas markets expecting snow

• Christmas Village, Rovaniemi, Finland
• Christmas Market at Senate Square, Helsinki, Finland
• Christmas Markets at Market Square, Turku, Finland
• Christmas Market at Main Market Square, Kraków, Poland
• Old Town Christmas Market, Innsbruck, Austria
• Advent Market at Hauptplatz, Graz, Austria
• Christmas Markets at Náměstí Svobody, Brno, Czech Republic
• Christkindlmarkt at Domplatz, Salzburg, Austria
• Advent Feast at the Great Forest, Debrecen, Hungary
• Christmas Market at Rynek, Wrocław, Poland
• Christmas Markets at Hlavná ulica, Košice, Slovakia
• Christkindlesmarkt at Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg, Germany
• Christkindlmarkt at Marienplatz, Munich, Germany
• Skansen Christmas Market, Stockholm, Sweden
• Christmas Markets in Old Town, Colmar, France
• Christmas Market at Targ Węglowy, Gdańsk, Poland
• Marché de Noël at Parc des Bastions, Geneva, Switzerland
• Christmas Market at Den Gamle By, Aarhus, Denmark
• H.C. Andersen Christmas Market, Odense, Denmark
• Christkindelsmärik at Place Kléber, Strasbourg, France
• Marché de Noël at Place Saint-Louis, Metz, France
• Striezelmarkt at Altmarkt, Dresden, Germany
• Gendarmenmarkt Christmas Market, Berlin, Germany
• Liseberg Christmas Market, Gothenburg, Sweden
• Christmas Market at Gustav Adolfs Torg, Malmö, Sweden
• Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic
• Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square, Budapest, Hungary
• Christmas Markets in Caves, Valkenburg, Netherlands
• Christmas Markets at Hlavné námestie, Bratislava, Slovakia
• Christkindlmarkt at Main Train Station, Zurich, Switzerland
• Weihnachtsmarkt at Barfüsserplatz, Basel, Switzerland
• Christmas Market at East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, UK

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The islands are particularly popular this time of year for Brits looking to escape the winter gloom. But a new crackdown could mean it’s harder to find a place to stay in one of the popular resorts

Popular Spanish islands, which have long been a winter sun favourite for Brits, have approved a new set of laws that could make it more difficult to find accommodation at peak times.

Following a heated debate last week, the Parliament of the Canary Islands approved the new bill, more than two years after it was first announced. According to Canarian Weekly, the bill has been widely criticised by holiday let companies and local councils, who’ll be required to enforce the new measures.

ASCAV (Asociación Canaria del Alquiler Vacacional), which represents owners of holiday rentals across the Canaries, said it was a “black day”, according to the Spanish news outlet. They warned the changes will mostly affect small-scale lets and mean less choice for holidaymakers visiting the islands.

The new laws target holiday lets, with one of the main supporters of the bill being the hotel industry, its main competition. Holiday rentals will now be classed as a business, even for smaller operations such as families letting out their own homes. There will also be strict rules about where tourist rentals can operate. Councils will now have five years to define areas where holiday lets are allowed and will need to demonstrate that the area can support them. Until then, no further licences can be granted.

There will also be new minimum standards for holiday lets, including a minimum property size and energy rating, and properties will need to be at least ten years old before being let out.

Councils will also be required to ensure that 80% of housing is earmarked for residents, and in major tourist areas, they’ll be required to keep at least 90% for locals. In areas identified as “municipalities facing demographic challenges” from tourism, new holiday let licence applications will be suspended, although existing ones will still be valid.

In areas where the 10% allowance has already been met, licence applications will only be accepted again once the cap is raised.

While the changes will give local councils on the Canary Islands greater power, critics have said it’ll create a “massive workload” for local authorities, placing the onus on them to ensure compliance with new health and safety standards. They now have an eight-month window to create a plan for checking and enforcing the new regulations.

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Tourist-rental licences will now be valid for five to ten years, with owners needing to apply for renewals. In areas with a ‘stressed housing market’, this will be more challenging for the current 70,000 licence holders.

The changes follow two years of protests on the Canary Islands, as well as on the mainland of Spain. Despite protesters telling tourists not to visit destinations such as Tenerife, the island still saw a surge in tourist numbers over the summer.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected]

“Our mission from the beginning,” Pelino told me, “has been to make humans stronger. That includes everyone — women, men, any gender, from beginners to advanced lifters.” This is why Pelino designs the Monday through Friday barbell programming with modifications in mind: so that everyone can perform the same lifts, no matter their skill level.

I am self-conscious about my piddly strength, but when I walked into Rose City’s brick-lined main room, where there were daisies painted on the lilac-colored deadlift platforms, my lizard brain felt at ease. The gym was also stocked with a variety of inclusive, high-quality equipment, such as 15 to 55 pound specialty barbells, belts of all sizes, 10-pound bumper plates and fractional plates as light as a quarter pound.

That morning, I was greeted by my coach, Sionann, as well as my gym-mate, Davida, before preparing to work on our bench presses. We warmed up together, then performed a light set of bench presses, three sets of six. In between sets, I learned that Davida was a gallery owner, a mother of two, and like me, found Rose City through word-of-mouth. Pumping iron, as it turns out, is a social affair — especially when the classes, which are capped at eight, are this intimate.

“The beauty of the gym comes from the people who we spend time with,” said Picardi, which is why Rose City hosts an array of social events for the community, including clothing swaps, lettering classes and Friendsgiving potlucks. The gym also hosts seasonal mock meets where attendees compete in a setting that emulates the experience of a professional powerlifting meet, prizes and all.

After the main lift, we moved onto accessory work. Sionann gently corrected my form as I performed gorilla rows, instructing me to picture my arms as if they were chains. I pulled the dumbbells off the floor toward my hips, mimicking the movements of a majestic ape. By the end of the class, I did indeed feel like a stronger Homo sapien.

Parking: Plenty of street parking

Pricing: $45 per drop-in; $325 for 13 classes per month; $433 for unlimited classes plus gym access

HAVEN is getting ready to open even more of the popular boozers at its sites ready for spring 2026.

The holiday park announced it will have four new JD Wetherspoon pubs, taking its total across the UK up to nine.

The Haven sites that will welcome the new watering holes are Cala Gran in Blackpool, Hopton in Norfolk, Lakeland in the Lake District and Riviere Sands in Cornwall.

Not much has been revealed about the new pubs including their names although Haven has said will be “linked to the proud heritage of the local areas our parks are located in.”

However, first-look images for the Wetherspoons at Lakeland has revealed its new interiors.

It will have brightly coloured patterned carpet with striped chairs, a bar area and pendant lights that hang from the ceiling.

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Another angle shows cosy booth seating with benches, huge windows and skylights.

The holiday park first signed an agreement with the famous pubs last year.

The new £9million pub expansion is part of a bigger £14million investment in Haven’s food and drink across the parks.

Other brands already at certain sites include Burger King, Papa Johns and Millie’s Cookies.

And the company is splashing out £10million on a new water park at their Kent Coast site as well as a renovated show bar at Martin Mere and a new supermarket at Haven Kent Coast.

Haven opened its first Wetherspoons at Haven’s Primrose Valley in Filey in March 2024.

The pub is called The Five Stones, it has the iconic Wetherspoons carpets as well as 250 seats inside.

It opens at 8am; punters can’t order anything alcoholic until 10am (although it stays open until 1am in the summer so you have more than enough time to drink).

One man who was having a drink at Filey during opening day said: “It’s a ten-minute walk to the beach from the Haven site and we’ve made a lot of lovely friends among the other caravan owners on the site. A Wetherspoons is a bonus.”

Wetherspoons CEO John Hutson said: “Our pub at Primrose Valley has proven a great success and we are confident that the four new pubs will be welcomed by guests and owners.”

There are four other Haven sites that also have Wetherspoons pubs; one is in Devon Cliffs which is called The Red Rocks.

Another is The Humber Stone at Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire, and The Sir Thomas Hagiston in Northumberland.

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One Travel Reporter visited the world’s smallest Wetherspoons…

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding went for a bite to eat at the world’s smallest Wetherspoons in London…

Some UK airports have Wetherspoons, but I have never come across one in a train station before.

Sat at one end of Cannon Street Station in London, you will find the Sir John Hawkshaw, complete with just 42 tables.

Whilst that might sound a lot, compared to the usual London Spoons, this is considerably less.

And the obscurities about this spot just continue – if you need to use the toilet, well then you’ll need to head to the other end of the station and down a set of stairs.

I tested out the journey myself, and it took me around one minute (no good if you’re desperate!).

For those who love to train spot, sit outside on the terrace, which is essentially like sitting on one of the platforms.

The boozer opened back in 2014 and is named after one of the co-designers of the original station building, which first opened in 1866.

Inside, it does have a more cosy feel than most Wetherspoons pubs I have visited.

Despite its small size, the pub still features Spoons’ extensive menu and the service isn’t impacted either.

To learn more about the pub, look for a blue plaque on the veranda.

It states: “The station had eight platforms under a single span arch roof. Far below the station are the remains of a Roman palace, built in the first century.”

For more on Wetherspoons, one man spend £30k visiting every single one in the UK – and here’s his guide to finding the best ones.

And for more Haven fun, hear from one woman who visits the holiday park every year with her family and discovered secret places guests don’t know about.

STRICT new rules are being rolled out in one of Europe’s prettiest cities next year.

Florence, which was named the best city in Europe by Travel + Leisure this year, is cracking down on outdoor dining in the popular tourist areas.

The new rules, the Times reports, will see outdoor seats banned across 50 streets in Florence.

This mainly affects the city centre, which is UNESCO protected.

Other famous sites affected will include the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, which is currently undergoing a £1.7million makeover and is set to be finished by next year.

Also affected is the Piazzale degli Uffizi, which is popular with tourists visiting the Uffizi Galleries.

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Along with the bans, another 73 locations will see stricter regulations on outdoor seating areas.

This could mean while seating is allowed, umbrellas and plexiglass barriers could be banned.

Local restaurant owners have slammed the rules, saying it is an important part of their service especially in the summer months.

The owner of Ristorante Pizzeria Il David, which has 60 seats outside, said: “Our outdoor seating is fundamental.”

Another said: “True restaurateurs have begun to close.

“They are crushed by impossible costs and by city policies more concerned with the aesthetics of outdoor seating than with the survival of those who brought these spaces to life.”

But locals have said the new rules are needed as the narrow streets can’t cope with the outdoor terraces, many of which were introduced during Covid.

Some said it had made roads unliveable, and like an “obstacle course”.

It isn’t the only strict ban introduced over the years in Florence.

Back in 2021, tourist were banned from eating picnics on some of the city’s top attractions.

The fines – between €150-€500 (£135-£450) – were to stop people blocking the doors of locals as well as reduce littering from street food.

And last year, lock boxes and self-check in systems were banned by the Italian government.

Often used by short-term holiday rentals, the ban came after many were destroyed in protest across Florence, Milan and Rome.

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It comes after fears of overtourism across Florence.

Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia, told local media: “Florence is very beautiful and I would like it to return to its citizens and not be crushed by tourism.”

A travel enthusiast shared the simple hack she uses to avoid paying for extra luggage on flights

Nobody wants to pay for extra luggage on a flight, and yet passengers often find themselves forking out when they overpack their bags. For many holidaymakers, it’s all too easy to overload a suitcase, especially if you’re travelling in winter, when you need to pack many layers.

From knitted jumpers to padded coats, winter packing involves lots of bulky items. Fortunately, a frequent flyer has shared a ‘simple’ suitcase hack that ‘will change the way you travel’ in winter. Posting on TikTok under the username @ourhappypassports, travel lovers Aishani and Bhavya often post about their holidays, and the couple recently revealed a packing hack ideal for winter.

In a video shared this week, the couple demonstrated how they pack multiple ‘fluffy winter jackets’ in their luggage without paying extra. The caption said: “This simple packing hack will change the way you travel this winter.

“No more sitting on your suitcase, no more paying for extra luggage — just a smart trick that lets you carry multiple jackets without the bulk. Perfect for those chilly Europe or mountain trips where you want options — without dragging another bag.”

In the clip, @ourhappypassports revealed they use a ‘simple’ packing method to compress their coats and save space in their luggage. To use the method, simply roll the bottom of your coat inside out, then tuck the sleeves and hood inside the pouch and fold the rest of the jacket inside as well.

As seen in the video, the folded jacket only takes up half the space you’d otherwise use inside your suitcase. The tip proved popular with social media users. The video racked up over 50k views.

Reacting to the video, one commenter said: “I fold them into the hood or the pocket.” @ourhappypassports replied: “I do that too, but some are too fluffy for that!!” Someone else asked: “Have you tried the compression bags and if so what are your thoughts on it?”

The reply read: “Yup, they crease the jackets too much!!” Nonetheless, compression bags are popular with many travellers. Using packing cubes, storage bags, and similar items can help passengers reduce the size of their luggage, whether they are used for storing jackets or other clothing items.

For travel enthusiasts seeking options, most budget retailers offer a selection of travel accessories. For instance, Home Bargains stocks a £4.99 TravelShop Travel Cubes Pack Of 3.

The product description states: “These travel cubes are rectangular-shaped fabric containers that help keep clothes and other travel essentials neatly packed and easily accessible during trips.

“The pack of 3 contains three individual travel cubes. Each cube comes in a different size, allowing you to separate and organise different types of items within your suitcase or travel bag.”

A BRAND new indoor water park is set to come to the UK – complete with a sauna, slides and a splash zone.

The venue will replace the Waterfront Leisure Centre in Woolwich which has been a pillar of the community since it was erected in 1988.

The latter has seen better days, with some locals alleging black mould has been seen while some water slides have been closed to the public indefinitely.

However, residents will be happy to hear that a fresh alternative will soon be available to visit.

Woolwich Waves, situated opposite General Gordon Square, will boast two pools, slides, a two-floor gym, sports halls, squash courts, soft play and a sauna and will wave in punters next month.

The leisure centre has costed a whopping £115million to build.

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As for the future of the crumbling Waterfront Leisure Centre, a decision is expected to be made on November 19 during a penned council meeting.

Berkeley Homes, which already built flats on water park’s old car park, has been earmarked to inhabit the space after the centre has been razed to the ground.

Greenwich Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, said: “The regeneration of Woolwich remains a key priority for the council and Woolwich Waves sits at the heart of that.

Cllr Rahman added: “The closure of the existing Waterfront Leisure Centre has always been part of the long-term plan of the delivery of Woolwich Waves.

“Subject to approval by Cabinet, it is recommended that the old Waterfront Leisure Centre building is demolished, when it becomes vacant, to avoid anti-social behaviour and associated security costs – challenges that come with a building sitting vacant. 

“Then steps would be taken to repurpose the site for future sale that would be subject to a transparent and competitive process, ensuring best value for the borough. 

“The repurposing of the Waterfront site would pave the way for more much-needed housing and contribute to the council’s and the Mayor of London’s affordable housing targets.”

Earlier this year, two popular public leisure centres in the UK suddenly closed down.

The City of Lincolnshire Council confirmed that their Yarborough and Birchwood leisure centres would close effective immediately on Wednesday night.

The Yarborough Leisure Centre provided a gym, swimming pool, running track and studios for classes, while the Birchwood facility included a gym, spin studio and 3G pitches.

Active Nation’s statement referenced “the ongoing utility crisis and challenges it has created” as the reason for the sudden closures.

It claims to have tried to find another company to take over the services whilst working with the council, but to no success.

A Yarborough Leisure Centre instructor, Carla, told the BBC: “We didn’t know anything about it, the place was buzzing and it was busy but then we got the news”, after just having taught a class in the morning.

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A number of staff expressed their concerns employment, and cited the tough trading conditions they worked through to try keep the venues running.

Customers of the leisure centres, Mauva Jessel, Nina Hill and Elise Rothwell, have also shared with the BBC they are worried about the fees already paid to be made members.

TWO of the UK’s major airports are rolling out new travel rules and it is great news for passengers.

Both London Stansted and London Southend will allow much easier travel to and from the airport.

The new rules will mean holidaymakers can tap in and out, using contactless tickets.

This means passengers travelling from London will no longer have to pay for a physical ticket, and can instead use their bank card or Apple Pay.

The new tap-in and tap-out rules are being introduced from December 14, for the first time.

This will affect millions of passenger travelling to Stansted Airport by train, which saw around nine million use the station last year.

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For Southend, it will affect around 118,000 passengers who travel there by train.

It also means passengers can avoid the strict £100 fines if they tap in at the start of their journey and forget to tap out before.

This is welcome news for thousands of travellers, with as many as 16,000 a year caught out.

Gareth Powell, London Stansted’s Managing Director, said: “The introduction of contactless travel on the Stansted Express is great news for passengers and will make rail travel between Stansted and London even more simple and convenient.

“More seamless rail travel between the airport and London Liverpool Street will significantly improve our passengers’ experience and make choosing the train even more attractive.”

This was backed by Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at Transport for London (TfL), who said: “We are delighted to be extending pay-as-you-go with contactless to a further 50 stations from 14 December, including Stansted Airport, making it easier for those arriving at the airport to travel to London and experience all the city has to offer.”

It is also a boost ahead of London Stansted’s major expansion plans.

Currently welcoming nearly 30million passengers a year, this could increase to 51million by the 2040s.

While there are no plans for a new runway, the airport is set to welcome more flights launched by airlines.

The rollout of the new contactless travel rules is part of a major £18.7million investment plan.

The upgraded contactless rules is also being rolled out at another 50 train station around the UK, including in cities such as Leeds, Derby and Nottingham.

Both London Heathrow and London Gatwick already allow passengers to use contactless payment to travel to and from the airport.

Along with London City and London Luton, this means that all of the ‘London’ airports will be contactless.

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Another new change coming to UK airports is contactless passport travel.

Border Force successfully trialed new technology at Manchester Airport which replaces passport checks with facial recognition.

A BRIT has become the first person to fly around the world in economy class.

Dale Charman, 44, spent £1,300 to set off from London Heathrow to return just 67 hours later, having stopped at Kuala Lumpur, Sydney and Los Angeles.

The tube driver, who posts videos on YouTube on his channel ‘Dale Charman Travels’, said he had seen videos of people online doing the same challenge, but for business and first class – not economy.

So the flight enthusiast decided to be the first to fly around the globe in economy.

Dale set off from London Heathrow at 9:35pm on August 25 and then returned to the capital – after 24,000 miles of flying – on August 28 just after 5pm.

According to Dale, he was “absolutely knackered” after his journey, which included four flight.

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He said: “I knew I’d be tired, because that’s obvious.

“What I didn’t think about was I wouldn’t be laying down for the best part of three days.

“It’s amazing how much pain you get in your knees and your hips, just being in a sitting position for so long.

“My friends and family all think I’m crazy – some people think it’s cool, my mum thinks I’m absolutely crazy.”

Over the course of nearly three days flying, Dale explained how he tried to sleep as much as possible and when he wasn’t asleep he would watch films via the in-flight entertainment screens.

After spending 12 hours on a Malaysia Airlines flight from London to Kuala Lumpur, Dale had just a five-hour layover before boarding another Malaysia Airlines flight, lasting eight hours, to Sydney in Australia.

Once in Sydney, Dale had a seven-hour layover, so had enough time to make a quick visit to the Sydney Opera House.

He then returned to the airport and boarded a 13-hour Qantas flight to Los Angeles in America.

Dale added that the flight has the best “comfort food” out of all the flights, consisting of beef and mash.

Even though Dale had another seven-hour layover in Los Angeles, this time he decided to stay in the airport as it took over an hour to get through immigration.

Then, all that was left was a 12-hour Virgin Atlantic flight back to London Heathrow, landing just after 5pm on August 28.

Dale then had a couple of days of rest, before heading back to work on August 31.

Dale said: “I just think it’s a cool thing to do. Obviously the environment doesn’t particularly like it.

“I’d never flown across the Pacific.

“I’ve been to Australia and I’ve been to the US many, many times, but I’ve never done that other bit.

“I thought it was cool to cover that, and it’s just an adventure.

“You never know when you’ll wake up tomorrow, and I thought it was just a cool thing to say I’d done.

“It’s a shame I didn’t have more time to actually visit these places properly, but I always use it as an excuse – I’ll have to do it again when I’ve got more time and more money.”

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This forest in Wales has become a popular spot for walkers, with a number of trails to follow and beautiful waterfalls to see – and it’s even free to park

Nestled in the heart of Wales, a picturesque walking route awaits that offers breathtaking views without the strenuous hike.

Halfren Forest is creating quite a stir among avid walkers who are flocking to the area to experience its beauty firsthand. Located near Llanidloes and named after the River Severn as Afon Hafren, this spot boasts scenic trails complete with an accessible boardwalk.

The river meanders peacefully through the forest, showcasing beautiful waterfalls and cascades. Freshwater fish can be seen swimming along its clear waterways, and a variety of wildlife, including rare birds, inhabit the surrounding trees.

While Natural Resources Wales manages and maintains the forest, it also serves as a commercial timber production site and event venue. It’s a popular location for motorsport events, hosting numerous 4×4 rallies, and even serving as a stage for the Wales Rally GB.

For those keen on walking, there are several routes to choose from, with two particularly popular trails. The Cascades Walk is one such trail, featuring a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that winds through the trees and leads to a viewing platform overlooking the waterfalls.

Another option for adventurous explorers is the Source of the Severn Trail, a longer route that takes you through the woodland’s beauty right down to the river’s source. As you follow the stream trickling through the trees, you’ll be treated to stunning views along the way.

One recent visitor to the site raved on TripAdvisor: “Absolutely stunning. Fantastic walks – the perfect day out if you enjoy fresh air and stunning scenery. Would definitely recommend.”

Another enthused: “This whole area has been designed and developed into a variety of walks and walkways with an excellent colour-coded display of each walk with distance, estimated time for each walk and highlights that you will experience on each walk.”

It’s worth noting that this forest walk offers free parking – a rare treat at such destinations. However, it does fill up quickly, so car sharing and avoiding peak times is advised.

One visitor dubbed the forest as “an absolute gem”. They penned: “Hafren Forest provides beautiful trails and scenic views…we took the red Cascades Walk, which takes you along the boardwalk to the cascades. This meets up with the dark blue trail up to Blaen Hafren Falls. This took around an hour and a half.”

However, many reviews highlight issues with the portable toilets in the forest. Many visitors reported them being blocked or unsanitary, with one person claiming they’re “unusable”.

The door creaks as I push it back and move forward into the gloom. The ceiling is vaulted and dark, but light falls in shafts of gold from the upper windows, revealing ancient stone carvings and tombs. It’s the right atmosphere for a ghost-hunt. I take a few steps and the door clicks, making me jump. Must be the wind.

Exploring old English churches is always a pleasure. There is no one to disturb you, and in the dim quiet will be a historical jaw-dropper: a centuries-old face carved in oak, a grisly tomb, an inscription to the dead hero of a forgotten battle. Each site is a mini detective puzzle, waiting to be unravelled, often with a helpful booklet available near the door. The spirits of those who have shuffled off this mortal coil hang in the dust motes, but here, in Weobley, Herefordshire, I am looking for someone specific.