Puerto de la Cruz in the north was the first place to attract tourists and still has its fishing port and historic quarter, with the old customs house and La Pena de Francia church.
Cobbled streets have art galleries, shops and restaurants.
Take a trip to Mount Teide and a cable car to the peak.
You can see Teide from the new adults-only luxury hotel Tui Blue Atlantic Hills, which is near the beach and has a spa.
GO: Seven nights’ half-board costs from £624pp including flights from Manchester on November 26 and based on two sharing. See tui.co.uk.
OMAN 26°C
Daily sunshine hours : 10
Laze in a luxurious spa with pools, steam rooms, sauna and fitness centre at the 5* Sheraton Oman Hotel in MuscatCredit: Supplied
A wellness break before Christmas would set you up nicely for the festive chaos.
Laze in a luxurious spa with pools, steam rooms, sauna and fitness centre at the 5H Sheraton Oman Hotel in Muscat.
There’s plenty of adventure, too. The Arabian Peninsular coastline is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding or diving.
And the desert offers dune bashing in a 4×4, sandboarding and camel rides. Watch the sun set from the hotel or explore the nearby Mutrah Corniche and natural parks.
GO: Five nights’ B&B is from £579pp including flights from Stansted on December 9. See loveholidays.com and experience-oman.om.
TUNISIA 22°C
Daily sunshine hours : 7
Party peeps wanting sunshine and shots will be happy in lively Albufeira.
Known as the party capital of the Algarve, the neon-lit strip is packed with bars, open-air discos and clubs.
But the one-time fishing village also has 25 glorious Blue Flag sandy beaches, cliffs and coves which are perfect for friends and families.
There are dolphin-watching trips, waterparks, restaurants galore and world-class golf courses.
The 3H Clube Albufeira Garden Village is in lush Mediterranean gardens, has four pools, dining options and accommodation, including lovely, white-washed apartments and villas with fully-equipped kitchens.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only in a one-bedroom apartment with flights from Stansted on November 24 is from £193 per person, based on two sharing. See first choice.co.uk.
ALGARVE 20°C
Daily sunshine hours : 6
Party peeps wanting sunshine and shots will be happy in lively Albufeira.
Known as the party capital of the Algarve, the neon-lit strip is packed with bars, open-air discos and clubs.
But the one-time fishing village also has 25 glorious Blue Flag sandy beaches, cliffs and coves which are perfect for friends and families.
There are dolphin-watching trips, waterparks, restaurants galore and world-class golf courses.
The 3* Clube Albufeira Garden Village is in lush Mediterranean gardens, has four pools, dining options and accommodation, including lovely, white-washed apartments and villas with fully-equipped kitchens.
GO: Seven nights’ room-only in a one-bedroom apartment with flights from Stansted on November 24 is from £193 per person, based on two sharing. See firstchoice.co.uk.
GET on yer bike in gorgeous Saint Kitts and you’re in for a treat.
Take an easy ride along the edge of the Caribbean Sea, through lush rainforests and cane fields, or tackle tracks up the mountains and dormant Mount Liamuiga volcano.
The island is only 23 miles long and five wide, but is packed with activities including ziplining, golf, parasailing, watersports and boat trips.
Or just chill out on a beautiful beach — even the sea temperature will be 27C in winter. The family-run 4H Royal St Kitts Hotel is a short walk from the beach, has a private lagoon, pool, restaurants and spacious rooms.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering is from £1,039pp including flights from Gatwick in January. Book by October 31. See ba.com and visitstkitts.com.
TURKEY 20°C
Daily sunshine hours : 6
The 5* family-friendly Numa Club Side has a private beach alongside the turquoise waters, plus a spa and children’s pools and play areasCredit: Supplied
THE city of Side, on the southern Mediterranean coast, dates from the 8th century BC and has some beautiful and unique structures.
They include the huge amphitheatre, which often hosts concerts, and the Roman Temple of Apollo — five white stone columns at the entry to the harbour.
Many traditional houses in the Old City have been converted into restaurants and shops selling Turkish fare.
The 5H family-friendly Numa Club Side, inset, has a private beach alongside the turquoise waters, plus a spa and children’s pools and play areas.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £378pp including flights from Liverpool on November 28. See jet2holidays.com.
CANARIES 22°C
Daily sunshine hours : 8
INSTEAD of ordering a turkey this year, hop aboard a cruise for Christmas winter sun, sailing around the Canary Islands and Madeira.
Board MSC Musica, following a quick flight from the UK, and enjoy fabulous festive food, West End-style shows, pools, a gym, casino and kids’ play areas and clubs.
You may never wish to leave the 2,500-guest ship but Musica, which does a round trip from Tenerife, calls at Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, Gran Canaria and Funchal, the capital city of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago.
So there are plenty of chances to explore the islands before returning for evenings of fun.
GO: Seven nights’ full-board is from £1,339pp including flights from a UK airport on December 21. Check out msccruises.co.uk.
MEXICO 30°C
Daily sunshine hours : 7
Enjoy ocean views from every corner at Cancun’s stunning AVA Resort, designed in a sleek wave shapeCredit: Supplied
IF you like a room with a view, try the AVA Resort Cancun, inset. The hotel’s modern wave design means that wherever you are, you’ll be looking out at the beautiful ocean.
Water babes will be in their element as an eco-lagoon offers sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking. The 5H hotel also has six pools and, of course, the Caribbean is almost on its doorstep.
There’s a spa, fine-dining restaurants and casual options. Excursions range from visiting Tulum’s Mayan ruins and Chichen Itza to going scuba-diving.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £1,704pp including flights from Gatwick on November 26. See ba.com and avaresort cancun.com.
CYPRUS 22°C
Daily sunshine hours : 7
SUPER Cyprus is worth a visit just to enjoy the freshest, healthiest food.
Family-owned tavernas are expert at serving up delicious salads, kebabs and fasolada, a bean-and-veg soup.
Stay at Limassol’s 5H Royal Apollonia, a beachfront hotel with a trio of gorgeous pools. Go B&B so you can try out the local restaurant fare.
Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart married and crowned his bride, Princess Berengaria of Navarre, in 1191.
The old harbour has been transformed into a tourist hub and the palm-tree Promenade is lined with fantastic sandy beaches and has numerous bars and restaurants.
Then watch the sun set with a cocktail in hand.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B is from £564pp including flights from Gatwick on November 27. See easyjet.com.
FRANCE 16°C
Daily sunshine hours : 6
THE South of France has a mild winter climate and regular blue skies — perfect for a walking holiday.
Wander through olive and almond groves as you explore Provence’s two main mountain regions, Le Luberon and Les Alpilles, and see many of the landscapes painted by Van Gogh.
You’ll start the self-guided, moderate walk in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue with its canal and antique shops, moving on to towns including St Remy and Gordes, before finishing in Arles.
Your luggage is transported between overnight stays in hotels and guest houses.
TODAY is the day, the clocks have changed and while Brits get an extra hour of sleep, it’s going to get darker in the UK.
The clocks in the UK have gone back by one hour marking the end of British Summer Time – but to ditch the winter blues, head to these destinations in the UK which are some of the sunniest in the country.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
One of the sunniest spots in the UK is the pretty Isle of WightCredit: Getty Thanks to its dramatic coastlines, you’ll get great views during the early sunsets tooCredit: Alamy
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight gets around 42 per cent more sunshine in winter than the rest of the country – and even on the shortest day of the year still gets seven hours and 50 minutes of sun.
So if you want to lap up as much sun as possible, head down to England‘s largest island that one writer said is like ‘going back in time’.
“We visited Shanklin village which has a shop selling rock, foodie spots dishing out doughnuts and slushies and loads of pubs, all perched above miles of beautiful sandy beach.
“When you’re feeling peckish, head to one of my favourite pubs on the island, the Spy Glass Inn. Right on sheltered, sandy Ventnor beach, it’s crammed full of pirates’ nicknacks and often has live music.”
Folkestone, Kent
The town of Folkestone in Kent is another one of the UK’s sunniest spots thanks to its position on the southeast coast.
And it happens to be the seaside town that Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey hails from, so when you head over there, check out her favourite spots.
She said: “Folkestone is having a moment, taking its time but growing in the form of new hotels and cool bars.
“Discover Mermaid Bay, the beach just out of town and named due to the rock formation mimicking a mermaid’s tail.
“The bay is found within the main beach of Folkestone, which ends at the Harbour Arm.
“This is where you will find the huge stretch of bars and cafes, as well as kids playground and crazy golf. Obviously the beaches are the main attractions but the multicoloured Creative Quarter can’t be missed.”
Check out the Folkestone high street during the sunshine hoursBognor is often visited during the summertime but has a lot to offer in winter tooCredit: Alamy
Kara continued: “You won’t see any chain stores here – the cobble-stone hill is lined with quaint cafes, curated vintage shops and locally run stores selling vinyls, kids toys and souvenirs.”
Bognor Regis is another sunny spot with an average of around 1,900 to 1,920 hours of sunshine per year.
Its location is sheltered from northerly winds by the South Downs and from westerly winds by the Isle of Wight and Selsey Bill makes it milder in temperature too.
She said: “There’s a reason why Bognor has been a family favourite for generations and why British holiday institution Butlin’s has had a presence in the town for almost a century, despite closing lots of other locations around the country.
“Maybe the shingle shoreline isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but paddling on pebbles does mean you’re not finding sand in all your nooks and crannies for weeks after your trip to the coast.
“We usually stay at Butlin’s and it’s just a short walk along the prom to get to the town, passing the pier and the greenery of Waterloo Square before heading further on to Marine Park Gardens.
“Or you can catch the little land train that ferries visitors along the shoreline, costing £1.50 for adults and £1 for children. We like to stroll along, admiring the seaside architecture glinting white in the sunlight as we go.”
Weymouth is a beautiful spot to enjoy the winter sunshineCredit: Alamy
Weymouth, Dorset
The seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset is a great place to be not only for its sandy beaches and independent shops, but it’s sunnier than most places in the UK too.
When it’s not beach weather, visitors can visit historic sites like Nothe Fort, see the Abbotsbury Swannery or head into the Sea Life Adventure Park.
But when it’s crisp and dry, head around the corner to the Isle of Portland where you’ll find Chesil Beach, the longest in the UK that has one of the country’s best pubs.
Warm up in the The Cove House Inn is an 18th-century pub which is on the Isle of Portland in Dorset and sits right on the esplanade.
The pub is highly-rated on Tripadvisor and is number one out of the 32 restaurants on the Isle of Portland.
One visitor commented: “And the VIEWS! Amazing – right on Chesil beach with views out to sea. What a gem of a place” – it would be a great spot to watch the sun go down.
One hotel at Southend-on-Sea has been dubbed a ‘slice of Miami in Essex’Credit: AlamyYou can enjoy a sweet treat or hot drink inside Rossi’s
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
This other sunny destination in the UK is the only place in the list not in the south of England, instead it’s in Essex.
Southend-on-Sea is generally sunnier in the winter compared to many other parts of the UK thanks to its micro-climate on the estuary that can lead to more sunshine.
In recent years, the Essextown has seen a surge in popularity, thanks to its colourful beach huts, award-winninghotelsand stunning coastline.
You can take a walk along some of the pretty beaches like Three Shells, but when you head away from the water, there’s still plenty to do – especially when it comes to eating.
Southend-on-Sea has a thriving food scene, the ‘Food in Southend’ restaurant was on the Good Food Guide’s 100 Best Local Restaurants in 2024.
Southend also has an award-winning ice cream parlour called Rossi.
Steeped in history, having started making ice cream in Essex since 1932, the Westcliff parlour has recently undergone a makeover.
Rossi is styled to look like an American diner with white washed walls and a striped awning where they serve what people call the “best ice cream in the world”.
Not only that you can get winter warmers like soup, toasties and it has an all day breakfast.
IF you want some ultimate seclusion right on the ocean, there is a holiday cottage you can rent in the UK.
Hallane Mill is in the village of Charlestown in Cornwall, near St Austell Bay.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
An English cottage on a secluded beach is said to “not even look real”Credit: Refer to SourceHallane Mill is on a small rocky beach in CornwallCredit: Refer to SourceThe bedroom has amazing sea views as wellCredit: Refer to Source
And with Cornwall often being overcrowded and busy during the summer, the quaint house is ideal for escaping the bustle.
Sleeping four across two bedrooms, the cottage is down a short driveway so don’t expect to see anyone else around.
But the main attraction is the beach right on the doorstep, with the small rocky patch all to yourself.
Guests have exclusive access to it for everything from wild swimming to paddle boarding
It has an indoor dining area as well as a outdoor alfresco table area with hammock and barbecue overlooking the ocean as well.
Even if the weather turns, most of the rooms have views of the sea including one of the bedrooms and a cosy window seat in the back.
The cottage even has a log burner for when you visit in the colder months.
Previous visitors have raved about their stay with many saying they had already booked to stay again.
Most read in Best of British
One said: “This place is where you have to pitch your self to see if it is real.
“Along with the amazing service amazing location amazing cottage and to top it all of the wildlife owls woodpecker seals hawk bats see you next year.”
Another said: “We have holidayed in Cornwall for many years but have never quite found the accommodation and location that has everything we could ever have dreamed of until now.
“Hallane Mill was everything we could ever want and more. The property was exquisite in every way our little slice of heaven.
Stays start from £987 for a week stay, working out to around £35 each a night.
If you want to explore the nearby area, there is also the nearby Eden Project.
You can also explore the nearby village CharlestownCredit: Alamy
The nearest pub is The Ship Inn, just over a mile away which has a beer garden overlooking the harbour.
Otherwise you can explore the village of Charlestown, which is known for being the filming location of Poldark.
And it is even being currently used to film the newest series of Death in Paradise.
The historic harbour village is even home to the world’s biggest private collection of shipwreck artefacts.
LONDON hotel prices can cost more than a holiday abroad these days, but one very central spot costs just £110 a night for two people – and it is all-inclusive.
Trudging through puddles from Marble Arch, I was on my way to one of the capital’s thousands of hotels – just this one had a big promise.
One hotel in London claims to be all-inclusive from just £110 a night – so I tested it outCredit: Cyann FieldingOne of the bedrooms at the Z hotelCredit: Z HOTEL
Z Hotels Gloucester Place offers a room package that is all-inclusive – soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, lunch, dinner… you name it.
The hotel chain has 12 locations across London and there is a room for each type of budget.
For example, you could stay in a Z Inside Double (which means no window) for as little as £50 in Victoria.
Family rooms at the City site cost from just £100 a night.
And then of course, there is the Z Club room, exclusively at the Gloucester Place hotel – where each room features a king-size bed and all drinks and food are included in the price of the room.
This sounded to good to be true, so, of course, I had to put it to the test.
The evening all-inclusive food and drink experience
Just a 10-minute walk from Marble Arch tube station or five-minutes from Baker Street, Z Hotels Gloucester Place takes up six townhouses.
Guests can check-in at 3pm, which is exactly what I did to make the most of the offering and I kicked it off by immediately helping myself to my first can of Fanta.
After exploring my room (more on this later), I headed down to the kitchen area, that also doubles up as the reception for the building.
Upon arriving, the hotel was serving afternoon tea with different sweet treats and savory croissantsCredit: Cyann FieldingI had a good selection and then was told I could also order from the day’s menuCredit: Cyann FieldingI opted for a salmon and sauerkraut ciabatta and then in the evening had several plates of cheese and crackers, accompanied by some sauvignon blancCredit: Cyann Fielding
With my laptop under one arm and fluffy jumper under the other, I was ready to make myself comfortable and tuck into as many different food and drinks as I could.
At 3pm, they were offering an afternoon tea selection, which included ham and cheese croissants and a cake stand featuring macaroons, brownies, flapjacks, and pots of tiramisu.
I picked up a handful of sweet treats, including one of the croissants and helped myself to my second can of Fanta.
There was also a made to order selection on a dinner menu, which featured wide choice of sandwiches and salads.
I ordered the salmon and sauerkraut ciabatta.
The food was simple, but it was all tasty and reminded me of the sandwiches and cakes I usually pick up in one of London’s many hipster coffee shops.
However, this would usually set me back £18 for a coffee, pastry or cake and sandwich.
Just an hour later a selection of cheeses and crackers, with grapes, chutney, houmous and olives appeared.
I helped myself to the black bomber cheddar, with a dollop of caramelised onion chutney and some crackers.
For second helping I went for some olives, camembert and crackers.
Over the course of another hour, I went back and forth helping myself to the selection.
I was the only one there – though this was unusual according to the host.
As I enjoyed my plates of food, I also sipped on a glass of sauvignon blanc – one of three white wines on offer.
If I wanted to, I could have also opted for red wine, cider or beer as well.
After a couple of glasses, it was time for bed – with a suitably full belly.
The breakfast all-inclusive food and drink experience
When morning arrived, a breakfast spread included toast, flatbreads with omelette and bacon, fresh fruit, Greek yogurt and pastries.
I opted for some cold apple juice, and helped myself to a coffee, plus a tomato and cheese flatbread, some fruit compote and yogurt.
Before leaving I even grabbed a banana and coffee in a takeaway cup for the road.
But what was the room like?
Given the low price tag, wasn’t expecting plush velvet curtains and Egyptian cotton sheets but I was left pleasantly surprised on entering my room.
The ceilings where high, making the space feel bigger – not that the room was small.
Dominating the room, the king-size bed was inviting and the en-suite was also large, with a powerful shower and stacks of white towels.
Tucked around one corner of my room was an extension, where I found a hidden wardrobe equipped with hangers, an iron and ironing board and a hairdryer.
Two large windows looked out onto the pretty Marylebone street below with iconic red London buses occasionally driving past.
One of the bedside tables doubled up as a tea and coffee station, with a small kettle and two bottles of water, plus sachets of oat (and normal) milk – a lovely detail.
The room also had a TV with the Sky channels on and switches by the bed included USB ports, both UK and EU plug sockets and a dimmer switch for the light.
All in all, the room was simplistic, neat and clean – the only thing I would say it was missing was a floor length mirror.
The morning buffet was also impressive, with fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, toast and filled flatbreadsCredit: Cyann FieldingAnd the room wasn’t bad either – it was nice and spacious and felt comparative to a Travelodge or Premier InnCredit: Cyann FieldingThere was even oat milk in my coffee and tea station – something I don’t even get normally in pricier hotelsCredit: Cyann FieldingGuests can dine in a kitchen area that also doubles up as the reception, and help themselves to drinks such as Fanta, Coke and teas and coffeeCredit: Cyann Fielding
Do you get bang for your buck?
This hotel is a genuine find.
Completely switching up the typical London hotel experience, Z Hotels Gloucester Place gives some serious value for money.
Totting up all the food I had going off of the average prices usually found for each item in London, I spent way more than my £55-a-head price tag.
In comparison to other budget hotels, I would say the room itself is on par with Travelodge and Premier Inn.
But these hotels in the same area cost considerably more.
For example, to stay at Travelodge Marylebone during the last couple weeks of October, you’ll likely pay £170.99 – and that is before WiFi (an additional £3.50) and breakfast (an additional £5.95 per person per day).
Hub by Premier Inn in Soho is similar, with a one night stay on October 28 costing £199 for a standard room – you would then need to add £8 each for breakfast.
If heading to London and wanting somewhere central to stay, I wouldn’t look at any other option – Z Hotels Gloucester Place really is the best offer out there – and you definitely won’t regret the gooey and decadent brownies.
With the price technically sitting at £55 per head, I definitely got my money’s worthCredit: Cyann FieldingIt’s a must-book if heading to LondonCredit: Cyann Fielding
A WEEKEND in the home of Lego? Be there and be square, says Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley.
As the jail bars slam shut and the Lego robber dramatically bows his head, the credits roll on my six-year-old daughter’s first-ever stop-motion movie.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Catherine Bennion-Pedley took her family to Legoland in DenmarkCredit: Alamy Stock PhotoBuild memories at Lego HouseCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
It may not win an Oscar anytime soon, but there will surely be a sequel. Probably in about 10 minutes’ time.
We’re in the home of Lego – Billund in Denmark – visiting Lego House, which is home to 25 million bricks and a whole heap of fun.
From sitting in a huge pit of Duplo in the shadow of a giant rainbow-coloured waterfall with my son Raffy, four, to being towered over by a Lego Technic dinosaur and marvelling at the 15m-tall tree made of more than 6 million bricks, we’re amazed time and time again by the power of a toy invented more 70+ years ago.
Plus, it’s seriously hands-on and the staff are super-passionate and helpful. There are four zones – our favourite is Yellow.
Here, we design sea creatures, before releasing scanned versions to splash about in the digital aquarium.
Next, we build characters to reflect our emotions for the dance stage. Poppy and Raffy’s eyes pop as their designs come to life.
Chef’s Table
My husband Andy and I watch the same jaw-dropping reaction from the kids at Lego House’s eatery Mini Chef, where bricks are code for menu items.
We pop our chosen combo into the computer at our table and wait for the ”mini chefs” to cook up a storm.
Once ready, our Lego lunch boxes fly down a chute and characterful robot waiters Roberta and Robert hand them over.
The lemon-and-herb-marinated salmon is the winning dish, although the special-edition chef figure and bag of bonus bricks are the real wins for the children.
Lunch costs £16 for kids, £27 for adults (Legohouse.com).
Of course, we’re not going to fly 500 miles without visiting the original Legoland up the road, too.
It feels quainter and more traditional than its Windsor counterpart back home, but the queues are shorter and there’s so much Lego to play with that a fellow Brit visitor whispers in disbelief: “This stuff would all get nicked back home!”
Driving School
Watching Poppy switch into irate driver mode, gesticulating frantically at the baffled Scandinavian kids as she drives the wrong way around a roundabout, crashes into the police car and makes a sharp U-turn into the car wash at Traffic School is well worth the extra £13 fee.
Get behind the wheel at Traffic SchoolCredit: Alamy Stock PhotoService with a smile from Roberta and RobertCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
Even better, it’s a half-hour experience with a photo driving licence lanyard presented at the end – even for those who clearly shouldn’t be allowed on the road!
We kip at the Legoland Hotel, also filled with bricks aplenty, so the kids can escape the dinner table at Panorama restaurant for more Lego play once they’ve had their fill of brick-shaped chips and unlimited DIY ice-cream sundaes from the children’s buffet, £21.
We find the beef carpaccio and rich bouillabaisse hits the spot nicely, though it is pricey at £35 for two courses.
Our final day at Legoland whizzes by riding the kids’ fave rollercoaster, the Flying Eagle, numerous times and watching Andy doing somersaults at 14m high on Apocalypseburg Sky Battle.
As weekends go, this is pretty fantastic plastic.
Kids can get creativeCredit: Supplied by Catherine Bennion PedleyCatherine with a huge Lego T-RexCredit: Supplied by Catherine Bennion Pedley
FYI
Lego House and Legoland combi tickets cost from £72.50 (Legoland.dk)
UK return flights to Billund cost from £79.
Mini Chef is getting a refurb and re-opens in March 2026.
“HOCUS POCUS!” my son shouts, swirling me around in bubbling water and casting pretend spells as he goes.
He is cackling with delight in his very own bubbling cauldron — OK, it’s a hot tub, but that’s the joy of a child’s imagination.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Have a Halloween theme getaway for all the family at Sandy Balls holiday park in the New ForestCredit: PAThe magical cauldron hot tubs at the parkCredit: PA
We’re at Sandy Balls holiday park in the New Forest, checking out the UK’s first-ever “haunted cauldron” hot-tub experience — as part of Away Resorts’ spooky getaways.
The special cabin-in-the-woods-style Knightwood lodge has been transformed into a Halloween haven, decked out with touches such as cobwebs and creepy crawlies.
Our stay comes as research reveals 63 per cent of Brits love Halloween more than ever, with 55 per cent now preferring it to Guy Fawkes Night.
I, for one, am part of those stats. Me and my kids — Jude, five, and Eva, three — along with my partner’s children, Ronnie, eight, and Hugo, three, absolutely adored our ghostly lodge.
But the scary fun didn’t end there. The haunted hot tub was just the start.
Away Resorts goes all out with its 31 Days of Halloween, offering spooky decorations, arts and crafts, and eerie entertainment for the whole family.
From a Trick or Treat treasure trail to a Franken-SLIME laboratory, the kids were kept busy with all kinds of festive chaos.
Even outside the lodge, the park was decked out with giant pumpkins and a glow-in-the-dark slime machine that the children could operate by pushing a big red “caution” button — naturally, they pressed it a lot.
Most read in Best of British
As night fell, skeletons projected on to huge screens gave us a proper fright while we sipped hot chocolates topped with cream.
Saturday night saw a giant fire pit at the centre of the park, where we bought marshmallows from a food van and toasted them.
A skeleton violinist played spine-chilling tunes as the kids danced under trees twinkling with fairy lights.
It was utterly magical, like stepping straight into a movie scene.
Then DJ Bones took over with a glow-stick rave.
Watching them go wild, I switched my hot chocolate for mulled wine — because let’s face it, parenting is thirsty work.
Food-wise, the on-site farm shop had everything from Halloween treats to the essentials . . . but it wasn’t cheap. I popped in for a few bits and somehow walked out £100 lighter on the very first night.
The kids, of course, were busy shoving Halloween sweets into the basket, while I grabbed necessities like tea bags, milk, bread . . . and booze.
With four youngsters between us, frankly, it was a survival essential.
But, of course, you can always stock up at home and bring essential supplies, like wine, with you.
Our lodge was kitted out with great cooking facilities and equipment, so we mostly prepared food at our lovely holiday home.
But, if you did want to treat yourself, the site has two restaurants: Aubrey’s Forest Kitchen serving pizzas, steaks and pastas, and the Woodside Inn for classic pub grub. Main meals averaged £18, beer £7, and prosecco £10.
There’s plenty for kids too — a free soft play directly across from the bar meant we could grab a drink while they burned off some energy.
Other highlights included ghoul school, pumpkin carving, and Junior Off-Road Land Rover Discoveries (£15 for 30 mins).
Terrifying and thrilling
The older children drove themselves while we sat in with the little ones — terrifying and thrilling in equal measure.
There’s also a great swimming pool, free to use, though it can get quite busy.
Beyond the park, the New Forest is beautiful. On the drive down, the kids loved spotting wild Shetland ponies and horses.
We also found cosy country pubs with fantastic outdoor play areas for the little ones.
Back to our stay, our lodge slept eight with two bathrooms, a king-size room, a bunk room, a cosy lounge with a smart TV, and outdoor seating with heaters.
After a day of spooky chaos, we all fell asleep watching Ghostbusters with hot chocolates.
Our only gripe? Our stay wasn’t long enough.
As we closed the door on our weekend, the kids begged: “When can we come back?”
“Smaller crowds, authentic traditions, and a truly breathtaking backdrop.”
Outside of this, visitors can explore the lake with hikes having incredible views of the towering Loser mountain.
Brown and white alpine-style houses as well as churches and waterfalls can be spotted along the way.
One of the other things to do in the village is head on a salt mine tour where you also get to see the former Nazi Stolen Art Repository, with deep tunnels and even slides in the mine.
If you are visiting during the winter season, there is the ski resort of Loser, which boasts around 29km of slopes with all levels of difficulty.
The village has a few restaurants to choose from including Schneiderwirt, which features an ornate wooden facade and serves comfort dishes.
The salt mine is a popular tourist attraction in the villageCredit: SchmidThe village holds an Oktoberfest type of festival each yearCredit: Alamy
As for where to stay, accommodation ranges from boutique alpine hotels to guesthouses and family-run inns, many within easy walking distance of the festival.
The easiest way to get to the village is by flying to Salzburg and then hopping on a train for just under two hours.
Flights to Salzburg cost as little as £30 return and from the UK takes an hour and 55 minutes.
GHOSTLY figures dressed all in white walked quietly past me on a dark street – hundreds of them, each with a single flame illuminating a skull-painted face.
It felt spooky, even sombre, but then came the crackle of a sound system, the pop of a tequila bottle opening — and raucous laughter.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Merida in Mexico comes alive to celebrate the Day Of The Dead (Dia de los Muertos)Credit: FG Trade LatinI visited Merida as its fiesta kicked off on October 31 with the Parade of the SoulsCredit: AFP
Say hola to Mexican tradition Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), known to Brits through the blistering opening scene of the James Bond movie Spectre, kids’ film Coco or the “sugar skull” make-up craze that became a Halloween trend.
Capital Mexico City draws thousands of tourists annually with its skeleton-themed parades around November 2, but the underrated city of Merida also comes alive for the celebrations.
Set in the western Yucatan peninsula — a region more known for beach resorts such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen, plus the Mayan ruins at Tulum — indigenous heritage is strong in this city, and it shows.
Day of the Dead here is called Hanal Pixan (han-al pish-an), meaning “food for the souls” in Mayan, and sees families and friends gather to celebrate departed loved ones, honouring them with a home-made altar often covered in pictures and their favourite foods.
I visited Merida as its fiesta kicked off on October 31 with the Parade of the Souls.
This candlelit procession from the cemetery into town made for an eerie sight, but that soon changed when they cleared the way for a huge street party along Calle 64.
The long avenue was decorated with giant skeleton structures and millions of orange marigolds, while the pavements were lined with family shrines, each blasting reggaeton or ranchera music from speakers.
Shamanic rituals
It’s a great place to tuck into authentic Mexican street food because, as well as leaving the deceased’s favourite meal as an offering, families make it in bulk to sell to passers-by.
Try Yucatan’s specialties, cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork), pan de muerto (a sweet bread made for the event) or a marquesita (if you’ve ever wondered whether Nutella and cheese taste good together).
Even beyond the festivities, this city is a foodie’s dream.
Keep things cheap by eating tacos al pastor on virtually every street corner for as little as MX$10 each (40p, take pesos to pay), or lunch at the sensational and great value Taqueria de la Union.
And no trip to Mexico is complete without a plate of chilaquiles (fried tortilla chips) for breakfast or brunch. Merida’s best are at Marmalade 47.
November 2 was the day of the main parade, and people began to line the streets early to get a good spot.
I was glad we did, too, or we would have missed the ever-changing flow of mariachi bands, traditional dancers and even pets in costume.
The Catrinas — people dressed as elegant, sombrero-wearing skeletal women — were the most eye-catching part of the evening, with unique outfits and elaborate face paint.
Merida has colourful colonial buildingsCredit: Getty
Unlike so many Halloween extravaganzas, this event was free of gore and heart- stopping scares, making it very kid-friendly.
It wasn’t all about the parades. Smaller-scale events took place across the city for almost a week surrounding Day of the Dead, from concerts in plazas to shamans performing Mayan rituals on street corners.
Plus, the end of the fiesta didn’t mean the end of the fun; we tracked down a speakeasy called Malahat tucked away behind a plaza, where what looked like a fridge door led to a mezcal cocktail heaven.
Colourful Merida is easily walkable and its array of crumbling colonial buildings are painted pink, yellow or blue.
Footsore? Why not wind through its kaleidoscopic streets in a horse and carriage?
The city is also a great base for discovering the Yucatan, where hundreds of cenotes (natural sinkholes) make magical swimming spots and, for a beach fix, the white sands of Puerto Progreso are 40 minutes away.
An hour more takes you to Chichen Itza, site of some of the planet’s most breath-taking Mayan ruins.
Its New Seven Wonders of the World fame usually eclipses Merida in these parts, and the busloads of visitors are mostly heading back to resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
But if you linger in Merida, you’ll find a soulful city with its own pulse — and this beats strongest around November 2.
Merida is a short trip away from the blissful beach in Progreso, YucatanCredit: GettyVisitors can also check out the Mayan Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen ItzaCredit: Getty
GO: Merida, Mexico
GETTING THERE: American Airlines flies from Heathrow to Cancun (partly operated by British Airways) from £442 return. See aa.com.
STAYING THERE: King-size suites at Che Nomadas Merida start at £26 per night. See hostelche.com.mx.
OUT AND ABOUT: Che Nomadas Merida offers cenote tours for £3 per cenote, per person, plus a driver’s fee.
Entry to Chichen Itza costs £25 per person. For more experiences, see visitmerida.mx.
IN mid-Norfolk is a market town which has classic car shows, a weird hotel and it’s even close to the coast.
Twelve miles away from Norwich and 16 miles from Mundesley Beach is the town of Reepham – and it’s perfect for a staycation.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The town of Reepham is 12 miles away from Norwich city centreCredit: AlamyThe town is filled with antiques shops, cafes and restaurantsCredit: Visit Norfolk
The town is known for its 18th century houses with plenty of pubs, independent shops and restaurants.
One of the most well-known spots is The Dial House which is an early 17th century red brick house and former brewery.
Now it’s a hotel with themed rooms from places around the world like Africa and Paris, and some of the rooms have freestanding baths at the end of the bed.
In 2021, The Dial House was named as being one of the ‘UK’s best quirky hotels’ by The Independent.
The building is also home to a wine bar and pizzeria where visitors can grab a hot honey pepperoni or enjoy a fennel sausage pizza.
It doesn’t stop there, other businesses include a bakery, hair salon, massage parlours and beauty room.
As for other popular eateries in Reepham, one is The Kings Arms, a family-run coaching inn.
It was picked as the Travelers’ Choice 2025 award, and has been acknowledged by CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.
It serves up meals like homemade lasagne, game pie, fish and chips, steak and Sunday roasts at the end of the week.
All roasts are served with roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, honey roasted parsnips and carrots, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding and gluten free gravy.
Reepham’s sign is based on the legend of the sistersCredit: AlamyThe Dial House has quirky themed rooms based on cities or countries around the worldCredit: The Dial House
The town has three churches and there’s a local legend that three sisters built them – which is why you’ll see them illustrated on the town’s sign.
There are plenty of antiques shops too like Butler and Castell, and Rococo Loco.
Earlier this year, Reepham held its annual Classic Car Festival, and it was one of its biggest events to date.
100 vintage cars were parked up in the town throughout the day and there were lots more visitors taking a look around.
It said: “Centred around a pretty market square dotted with 18th century properties to lust after, Reepham has good schools, numerous independent shops and all your daily needs taken care of.
“It’s countryside living in a fantastic, vibrant town that’s ideal for families. Plus, it’s only half an hour to the coast and, in the other direction, the fine city of Norwich.”
One of the beaches closest to Reepham is Mundesley Beach which has a long, sandy shoreline and calm sea make this one of the best spots in Norfolk for swimming.
“It’s known for its golden sandy beach, a town full of pubs and souvenir shops, a Victorian Pier and of course, Cromer crab.
“While seaside towns can be more expensive than towns inland, there are places in Cromer that are a little cheaper, you just have to know where to look.
“For example, rather than heading to a fancy ice cream parlour along the front, dart into the roads behind the beach and you’ll find Windows Ice Cream.
“Another cheap spot is the Kings Head, which is in the town, but still has a sunny beer garden. And my favourite fish and chips spot is on the corner of Garden Street called Mary Janes.”
IT’S that time of year when theme parks go from shouts of joy to screams of terror – and none more so than Universal Studios, where its Halloween Horror Nights return for their 34th year.
I am a big Universal Studios fan — having been to Orlando, Florida three times this year alone, and racked up 12 visits in my lifetime.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
No amount of preparation will have you ready for what Universal has in store for you
But this is the first time I’ve felt brave enough to try the spooky events that take over the parks from the end of August until November 2.
To up the ante, I decide to swap the Sunshine State for Los Angeles and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Here, in the daytime, you’ve got much-loved characters such as Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, and Glinda from Wicked roaming the park.
But as the sun sets and evening descends, to mark the reopening of the park for Halloween Horror Nights, these cute characters vanish.
And in their place come killer clowns such as Art from the film Terrifier, and towering crows who plays tricks on innocent attendees.
The overall experience involves eight haunted houses, four scare zones, two live shows and one terror tram.
My one piece of advice? No amount of preparation will have you ready for what Universal has in store for you.
The creative teams excel at putting you front and centre of some of the biggest movies and shows, including Terrifier, Five Nights At Freddy’s, Fallout, Friday The 13th, WWE: The Wyatt Sicks, Poltergeist — and their own creations, Monstruos 3: The Ghosts Of Latin America, and Scarecrow with music by Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash.
The Poltergeist house returns as a fan favourite, which first appeared in 2018.
Only this time, as you walk through a room that resembles the inside of a brain, your senses become overwhelmed by a strong musky smell.
The haunted houses are packed with more jump scares than ever before and, despite having become slightly desensitised to the frights, I don’t think it’s possible to ever become accustomed to a demonic scarecrow running at you.
Just when I thought it was safe, numerous versions of serial killer Jason Voorhees (from Friday The 13th) leapt out to grab me as I headed for the safety of the exit.
It might not sound like fun, but trust me when I say the laughs come later as you recall your hilarious reactions and those of your pals.
When you’re not being tortured in the haunted houses, you can venture through various scare zones located around the park.
My best tip for those who are most fearful is to act confident, as the actors prey on the weak. If you clock them coming towards you, they will most likely choose another target.
The haunted houses are packed with more jump scares than ever beforeCredit: Supplied
For Horror Nights, The Studio Tour has been overtaken by the Terror Tram, which transports guests to the middle of the sound stages where they’ll be faced with the villains of Blumhouse movies including The Exorcist, The Purge, Happy Death Day, M3GAN and more.
This was a highlight of the event for me, as I felt all-consumed by the smoke, lights, music and actors jumping out from behind hidden doors. After all that horror, you’ll have deserved a well-earned break.
There are plenty of themed drinks and food options to calm your nerves, whether it’s a Jason mask s’more, Art sunflower cookie sunglasses, or Fallout’s RadAway non-alcoholic concoction that’s served in a blood bag.
If the scares become too much, there’s plenty else to keep visitors busy in LA at this time of year.
Take a hike with Bikes and Hikes up to the Hollywood sign and hear the tales of the area while you climb.
Or you can visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see landmarks such as the Chinese Theatre, and stop for a spot of lunch or dinner at the Shirley Brasserie situated inside the Roosevelt Hotel.
Just down the road from here is the Hollywood Museum, which is filled with thousands of costumes, props and sets from the golden era of film.
If you want to see some of the movie magic, then take a trip to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood.
This is a brilliant journey around popular TV show and film sets, from Friends to Gilmore Girls, and you can get close to costumes and props from the likes of Harry Potter and Batman.
Keep your ears tuned in wherever you go though. If you listen hard you may still hear the distant screams from Universal Studios.
GO: Universal Studios
GETTING THERE: Norse Atlantic flies from Gatwick to Los Angeles from around £390 return. See flynorse.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Sheraton Universal Hotel cost from £134 per night. See marriott.com.
TICKETS: Buy a one-day Universal Studios Hollywood ticket and get a second day free.
Prices start from £82 per adult and £78 per child based on autumn/winter 2025 arrivals. The second day can be used any time within a week.
Tickets to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood cost from £62pp with one- night admission. See attractiontickets.com.
AS the Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor, I’ve racked up the air miles over the years – travelling to over 55 countries and more than 100 cities.
So when it comes to winter sun, I can of course wax lyrical about the beauty of Hawaii or the stunning beaches of St Kitts. But I’ve also found some of the biggest winter sun bargains, where you needn’t go too far.
I’ve been to 55 countries and always go somewhere hot in winter – so know a thing or two about a warm holiday abroad
By that, I mean nothing more than seven hours, which edges the flight into the long-haul category, although some are less than three hours away.
So I’ve done the hard work for you, and found seven places under seven hours away, where you can find everything from cheap hotels and affordable wine to bargain packages and beautiful beaches.
Faro, Portugal
Flight time to Faro – 2hr35
The Algarve is one of the most popular destinations to visit when seeking some European sun in winter.
And while most Brits fly into Faro and then leave for the coastal resorts, I think the city is worth a cheap winter break on its own.
It’s around 16C in December, so you can get away with a t-shirt.
And there are a group of tiny islands that barely any tourists know about, that are a quick boat trip from the mainland.
You can get to the ‘Caribbean of Portugal’ called Ilha Deserta in just 20 minutes.
Not only are the beaches empty on the island, but it has just one restaurant, Estamine, where you can get a fresh fish tasting menu for €25 (£21.77) for two.
And Portugal is known for its extremely affordable restaurants and bars.
Adega Amável is where you’ll find the locals, and it’s a bit of a squeeze but worth it when beers and glasses of wine are less than €3 (£2.61).
Budget hotels can be found for £30, although I loved 3HB, Faro’s first five-star hotel (starting from £415pp, for four nights with flights with easyJet holidays in November).
Loveholidays has seven-night stays in Faro in November for £199pp with return flights.
Faro is worth more than being a stepping stone for the AlgarveCredit: AlamyFaro has some amazing hidden islands you will have to yourselfIt has beaches just as beautiful as the busier AlgarveCredit: Alamy
Seville, Spain
Flight time to Seville – 2hr45
One of the closest places for some winter sun from the UK is Seville, which is one of the warmest places on the Spanish mainland.
It’s one of my favourite Spanish cities to visit and you can expect temperatures around 17C in December – so definitely t-shirt weather.
If you want to eat where the locals go, try and squeeze into Bar Alfalfa.
You can get an authentic tostada con tomate (toast with tomatoes) and a coffee for just €2.60 (£2.26), or a tinto de verano (red wine and lemonade) for €1.50 (£1.31).
If you don’t want to splash out for an expensive flamenco show, you can catch some live performances in many of Seville’s parks as well.
El Rinconcillo is Seville’s oldest bar, and you can get a large glass of wine for just €3.20 (£2.80).
There are ways to get free tickets for some of the city’s top attractions, too.
The Royal Alcazar Palace has free tickets on Mondays for the last hour, which can be found on the website.
And the Cathedral de Sevilla – the world’s biggest Gothic cathedral – also has free tickets from 2pm to 3pm on Mondays.
EasyJet has package holidays for £166pp, when staying three nights on January 5 at the Illunion Alcora Sevilla.
Or you can do three nights at the Hotel Vertice Alijarafe on January 21 with Loveholidays for £139pp, with return flights.
Seville is one of the warmest cities on the Spanish mainland – and can be visited extremely cheaplyCredit: Alamy
Agadir, Morocco
Flight time to Agadir – 3hr50
Morocco is one of the nearest places to the UK for reliable winter sun.
Not only is it warm, but it is a great place to stock up on Christmas presents for a bargain.
You can head to Souk El Had, the biggest souk in Morocco, which is pretty chaotic, and you can find literally everything.
But I loved the Complexe Artisanal, a more manageable market, with wicker lights, hand-painted vases and authentic wooden sculptures, all for a bargain.
I managed to buy candles for under £5, where I picked my own essential oil to go in them, which looked identical to the ones in Oliver Bonas that cost £20.
A hand-glazed sugar jar set me back just £12, and looked just like ones from the trendy brand HK Living, which retail at £35.
TUI has seven-night holidays to Agadir from £310 each when travelling in November.
Agadir is my favourite Moroccan place to visitIt was completely rebuilt in the 1960s after an earthquake and is now a great beach cityCredit: Alamy
Most people head to the busier Sal, but I recommend going to the quieter Boa Vista.
It has 27C highs in winter, there is just one hour’s time difference, and you won’t see many crowds even in the busy season.
The quiet beaches – in particular Santa Monica – felt more like a private island in the Maldives, with soft white sands and barely a soul in sight.
One of my fave shops was Olaria di Rabli, a tiny ceramic store where you can pick up some souvenirs for just a few pounds.
Morabeza Beach Bar had more Bali vibes, with Reggae nights and sunset parties with DJs.
It’s also where you can find a cheap beer, with a local bottle of Strella around €2 (£1.74), or a glass of wine for €3 (£2.61). Even a cocktail of a mojito or an Aperol spritz was just €5 (£4.35).
Otherwise, it is a great, affordable fly and flop destination where you can while away the days making the most of the all-inclusive buffet, without spending a penny extra.
Loveholidays has seven-night holidays in Boa Vista from £459pp in November.
Or, TUI has all-inclusive seven-night holidays from £686pp.
Boa Vista is a quieter and cheaper Cape Verde optionCredit: AlamyCape Verde is a great fly and flop destination too
Pointe Sarene, Senegal
Flight time to Senegal – 6hr15
If you want the feel of the Caribbean on a budget, then a Senegal holiday resort is where you will want to head.
Not only is there no jet lag with just one hour’s time difference, but Senegal remains above 26C all year round, with highs of 30C in winter.
I flew there as a stopover when heading to Sri Lanka, but was left stunned by the affordable glitz.
I stayed at five-star The Ned, an incredibly fancy outpost of the Soho House-owned hotel, housed in the Ministry of Interior building.
Giving celebrity member clubs vibes, rooms start from £170 a night – it might sound expensive, but it’s much cheaper than the Ned London, where prices soar past £300.
Stay for three nights and you get 20 per cent off the price as well.
But if you want even more of a budget, there are basic hotels for just £25, such as the Plaza Inn hotel or the Palm Inn Hotel.
Want some beach time? Doha Beach Club is free to visit on Tuesdays for women, or you can pay £6 off-peak peak which gets you a towel and umbrella.
If you don’t want to spend a whole trip in Doha, Qatar Airways has its Qatar Stopover if you are connecting in the city.
Say you are heading to somewhere like Thailand or Australia via Doha with the airline, you can stay in the city for up to 96 hours, and pay as little as £11 a night at a hotel before hopping on your connecting flight.
British Airways has seven-night holidays from £663pp when travelling in February.
Doha is a great affordable luxury alternativeCredit: AlamyLuxury hotels are much cheaper than in other Middle Eastern citiesCredit: Alamy
Lots of people travel on planes as it’s hard to resist a break away in the sun; however, if you’re preparing to board soon, then you need to be aware of some health advice
10:05, 25 Oct 2025Updated 10:13, 25 Oct 2025
Advice has been issued to people who plan to travel (stock image)(Image: laddawan punna via Getty Images)
From uncomfortable bloating to sluggish digestion, pharmacists say flying creates the perfect storm for gut trouble but, with the right prep, it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. In fact, if you travel a lot, there’s a simple way you can keep on top of your health when flying.
Pharmacist Seema Khatri of Roseway Labs explained: “Airplane cabins are pressurised to the equivalent of around 6,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level. That lower pressure makes gases in your digestive system expand, which is why so many people feel bloated in the air.
“Add in dry cabin air, sitting still for hours and a disrupted eating routine, and your gut slows right down. It’s no surprise constipation is one of the most common post-flight complaints.”
She added that fizzy drinks, beans, garlic and onions are frequent culprits for in-flight bloating, as they create gas which expands more at altitude. Alcohol, meanwhile, not only dehydrates but can irritate the digestive tract, making matters worse.
According to Khatri, many people unknowingly make choices that compound the issue. “Skipping water in favour of coffee or wine is one of the biggest mistakes,” she added. “Both dehydrate you further. Another common mistake is ignoring the urge to use the plane toilets, but holding it in just makes things harder later.
“Heavy, processed meals before or during flights are another trigger. Fast food and sugary snacks often replace fibre-rich meals when people are travelling, and that low fibre intake makes constipation far more likely.”
To keep things moving, the expert shared some top tips. Khatri’s top pharmacist-approved strategies include:
Stay well-hydrated before and during your flight. Start increasing your water intake one to two days before you travel, aiming for 2.7 to 3.7 litres a day, depending on your body size. Continue to sip water throughout the flight.
Get up and walk the aisle every hour or do stretches in your seat.
Choose herbal teas over fizzy or caffeinated drinks to stimulate digestion.
Don’t ignore the urge to go. Use the toilet when you need it.
Khatri added: “Hydrate properly in the days before flying, keep meals light and fibre-rich and avoid alcohol where you can. Sticking to your normal sleep and bathroom routine also helps reduce disruption. With just a little preparation, you can save yourself a very uncomfortable holiday start.”
She said you can also pack some snacks to aid matters such as oat bars to give you a fibre boost without the bloat. Nuts and seeds are also filling, light and digestion-friendly.
As well as this, bananas and dried fruit are also good things to add. Khatri explained there are also a few mistakes you should avoid, which include:
Swapping water for wine or coffee.
Holding it in instead of using the loo.
Loading up on fast food and fizzy drinks pre-flight.
THE spark that ignited Wilmywood, Drew Barrymore portrays a young girl with terrifying pyro powers in this early Stephen King adaptation.
Produced by Dino De Laurentiis, this was the first film shot at his new studio in Wilmington.
It launched the city’s film industry, which has since hosted more than 1,350 film and TV productions.
Partly filmed at the historic Orton Plantation just south of the city, the film didn’t play well with critics.
But it is soaked in synth music and nostalgia – and the fiery climax is still a blast to watch, even if the plot is a slow burn.
THE CONJURING (2013)
MADE for just $20million and raking in a bone-rattling $320million, The Conjuring didn’t just scare the life out of audiences, it kicked off a whole new golden age of horror.
Forget cheap jump scares, this one creeps under your skin with eerie silence, creaking floors and shadows that slip just out of sight.
The Conjuring didn’t just scare the life out of audiences, it kicked off a whole new golden age of horrorCredit: Alamy
Its devilishly good atmosphere owes plenty to Wilmington, too.
The creepy Carolina Apartments play host to Annabelle the haunted doll, left.
And the spooky First Baptist Church opposite is where ghost-hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren meet their priestly back-up, Father Gordon.
THE BLACK PHONE (2021)
ETHAN HAWKE is chilling as The Grabber, a 1970s child-snatching monster with a magician’s grin and a basement full of secrets.
Adapted from a short story by Joe Hill (son of Stephen King, no less), it’s a tense, supernatural thriller where the dead want justice.
Ethan Hawke is chilling as The Grabber, a 1970s child-snatching monster with a magician’s grin and a basement full of secretsCredit: Alamy
Filmed largely in Wilmington’s outskirts, the production transformed streets into a retro Denver nightmare.
The house at 2415 Shirley Road looms with menace, while Pinecrest Parkway captures key moments.
Kids on vintage bikes were shot at Cape Fear Optimist Park, and basement scenes inside EUE/Screen Gems Studios.
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER (1997)
THIS film, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, is peak ’90s slasher cheese – think wet-look gel, bad decisions and a killer who just won’t quit.
Between all the tragic hairstyles and gasps, it became a huge hit, spawning two sequels and a TV show – proving that nothing says horror like a killer in a raincoat and some stilted dialogue.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, right, and Freddie Prinze Jr, centre, in I Know What You Did Last SummerCredit: Alamy
Filmed mainly in Southport, a charming coastal town a short drive from Wilmington, it provided the perfect backdrop for all that screaming.
THE CROW (1994)
A DARK revenge tale soaked in rain and angst, The Crow is forever shadowed by the tragic on-set death of Brandon Lee, whose haunting performance only adds to the film’s legacy.
Filmed at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, the flick transformed the studio into a gritty cityscape.
The Crow is forever shadowed by the tragic on-set death of Brandon Lee, whose haunting performance only adds to the film’s legacyCredit: Alamy
The nightclub scenes were shot at the Ideal Cement Factory, near Castle Hayne, near Wilmington.
Sergeant Albrecht’s home was filmed at the Carolina Apartments, and one iconic alleyway scene is also believed to have been shot in Wilmington, capturing the film’s dark fantasy vibes.
SCREAM (2022)
THIS slick reboot-slash-sequel saw the return of Ghostface and a whole lot of fresh blood to the classic slasher formula.
It was shot around Wilmington, including at Williston Middle School and on Castle Street, dressed up as small-town Woodsboro.
Scream saw the return of Ghostface and a whole lot of fresh blood to the classic slasher formulaCredit: Alamy
The film pokes fun at modern horror while still delivering gore and tense chase scenes.
It’s self-aware, fast-paced – and a solid fan hit.
HALLOWEEN KILLS (2021)
KILLER Michael Myers stalks the shadows of Wilmington in this middle chapter of the reboot trilogy starring Jamie Lee Curtis.
Some exteriors were filmed around 20th Street and Greenfield Lake, while most of the gore was on sets at Screen Gems Studios.
Killer Michael Myers stalks the shadows of Wilmington in this middle chapter of the reboot trilogy starring Jamie Lee CurtisCredit: Alamy
Critics were split over the film – some loved the nastiness, while others found it relentless.
Still, the film is unapologetically harrowing and filled with callbacks for die-hard fans.
CAT’S EYE (1985)
THIS anthology of creepy tales stars a young Drew Barrymore and follows a stray cat through three stories, mixing black comedy and horror.
Written by Stephen King and shot in downtown Wilmington, including at the Graystone Inn on South 3rd Street and near Water Street, it shows off the city’s more elegant side, before things turn nasty.
Cat’s Eye stars a young Drew Barrymore and follows a stray cat through three stories, mixing black comedy and horrorCredit: Alamy
The film’s a bit uneven, but full of ’80s charm. The goblin showdown is as weird as it is unforgettable.
There’s a huge cathedral and Roman amphitheatre next to the city’s promenade as well as La Caleta – one of the local beaches, and outdoor market, Mercado Central.
The luxury and vintage train is the longest on the Spanish tracks and is 450 metres in length.
It’s made up of 14 carriages, which accommodate a total of 64 people – there are two restaurant cars, a kitchen car, a bar car, playroom car, seven bed cars, as well as one for crew, and another for machinery.
Onboard are four lounges based on the 1920s which serve traditional Andalusian dishes and drinks.
Breakfast is served daily in the Alhambra and Gibralfaro restaurants where passengers can enjoy both an a la carte and buffet meal.
One of the cabins is a Grand Class Room which has two single bedsCredit: Renfe ViajerosThe Deluxe Suite Room has a foldaway double bed and private bathroomCredit: Renfe Viajeros
The Grand Class Room is the smaller of the room options and is fitted with two single beds.
It has a wardrobe, safe, luggage compartment, minibar, air con and a private bathroom with a shower.
It’s not just for sleeping in either, during the day, the cabin can be transformed into a living room.
The beds fold into armchairs and guests can sit to watch the views from the window.
The new route will either start or end in SevilleCredit: Alamy
A Grand Class Room for two people is €13,200 (£11,456), or for one individual is €11,200 (£9,722).
Meanwhile, the Deluxe Suite Room is larger at 89 square foot with a large double bed.
It comes with all the amenities that the Grande Class Room has, and the private bathroom has a hydromassage shower.
The day bed turns into a comfortable sofa and each of the suites has 24-hour room service.
For a Deluxe Suite Room, it’s €15,800 (£13,715) for two people, or €13,800 (£11,978) for an individual.
One couple were left seriously disappointed when they arrived at their four-star all-inclusive hotel in Greece for 10 days and claimed the meals were so bad, ‘I wouldn’t even serve the food to a dog’
Erin Wells and Jordan Evans booked an all-inclusive trip to Greece, but claimed it was a ‘holiday from hell’(Image: Kennedy News and Media)
A seething couple who spent more than £2K on an all-inclusive holiday claim their hotel meals “looked like dog food” and the swimming pool was “disgusting.”
Erin Wells, 24, and Jordan Evans, 25, booked a 10-night stay at a four-star hotel in Crete, Greece, through easyJet Holidays to celebrate their birthdays. They jetted off with excitement on 28 September after seeing a slew of positive reviews and paid a total of £2,218.
However, the couple’s holiday soon turned into a nightmare. They said they encountered issues with their room and the hotel facilities, including the meals being served, which they claimed were “unmarked meat” with “grim desserts”.
Erin, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, recalled: “We went down for lunch and saw nothing was labelled, there was just unmarked meat.
“Later on into the holiday, I went up to one of the chefs and asked what the meat was, and she opened the container, picked up a piece of the meat, ate it and said, ‘Well, I think it’s chicken’.”
The 24-year-old claimed: “Nothing was marked, so you didn’t know what you were eating. They were just sat out at room temperature. Nothing about them was appealing. They were inedible.
“The food as a whole was just disgusting. They look like dog food. It’s not even like they were trying to make the food look presentable. I wouldn’t even serve the food to a dog.”
Left severely disappointed by the food on offer, the couple splashed out an additional £600 on meals away from the hotel, despite being on an all-inclusive package. Erin explained: “We only ate at the hotel a couple times.”
But the food wasn’t the only problem. While attempting to relax on the sun loungers around the hotel pool, the couple noticed they were “mouldy”. Erin claimed: “I didn’t get in the pool once because it was so disgusting. There was mould all around the side of the pool and sunbeds.
“We were there for 10 days and never saw anyone clean that pool. I can’t believe they’re still open, it was just disgusting. If I’d got in, I’d have probably got ill.”
In addition, they also encountered issues with their room when it apparently flooded from the shower. Erin shared: “When we arrived, we just went straight to our room because we were just so tired. It wasn’t until the next morning that we noticed things.
“That morning, I noticed our shower kept flooding. As soon as you had a shower, the water would leak out into the room.
“I thought the issue was just with our room, but it wasn’t until we started talking to other couples there that we realised all of the rooms flooded.”
Erin labelled their getaway a “holiday from hell” and claimed the hotel was a “health hazard” due to the issues they experienced. Despite seeing numerous positive reviews online, she felt that the hotel listing was “seriously misleading” and the photos were “so far from what it’s actually like there”.
An easyJet holidays spokesperson said: “We’re sorry to hear Erin didn’t have the holiday experience she expected. We are in contact with Erin to offer a gesture of goodwill and understand what went wrong so that we can investigate these directly with our hotel partner.”
A content creator duo, who focus on travel and lifestyle, have revealed a location which has one of the ‘best Christmas markets in Europe’ – and you’ve probably never even heard of it before
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
08:06, 25 Oct 2025Updated 08:16, 25 Oct 2025
The Italian Christmas market has been described as ‘magical’ (file)(Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
It’s that time of year when people are busy looking for somewhere with a magical Christmas market to visit, and if you’re searching for somewhere new this festive season, then you may want to listen up.
A content creator duo, who focus on travel and lifestyle, have revealed a location which has one of the ‘best Christmas markets in Italy‘ – and you’ve probably never even heard of it before. Trento’s Christmas market takes place in the city of Trento, in the region of Trentino in Northern Italy. The market, which was first established in 1993, features numerous wooden huts and stalls as well as two main squares: Piazza Fiera and Piazza Mostra in the historic centre.
Talking about the European market, couple Francesca & Tommaso, also known as @takemyhearteverywhere on TikTok, told their 153,000 followers: “You’ve probably never heard of Trento’s Christmas markets — but they’re among the most magical in Italy.
“This small Alpine city turns into a winter postcard every year, with traditional wooden stalls, twinkling lights and snowy mountains in the background.”
They revealed that Piazza Fiera is the main square where you can find the food, crafts, and festive lights. Meanwhile, Piazza Mostra is “more intimate” and focused on handmade gifts and decorations.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Those planning to visit the market can do so from November 21, with it running until January 6. Opening hours are 10am-8pm daily, while the food area is open until 9pm on a Friday and Saturday.
Sharing their tips, the couple named their “must-try” products as vin brulé, tortel di patate and canederli, strudel.
They also praised the market for being “one of the greenest: in Europe, with it being plastic-free and powered by renewables.
As well as the information, the couple shared a video montage of the market, as they held up cream-topped hot chocolates, showed off the adorable market stalls and tasty food on offer and gave a glimpse of Santa, the big wheel and the train at the market.
People were loving the travel tip, with the post racking up more than 19,000 likes.
One person exclaimed: “Oh wow,” after watching the clip, while another said it looked like it was ‘straight out of a Christmas movie”.
A third chimed in: “Wow, this looks like a Christmas wonderland.”
While a fourth agreed: “This looks so magical!”
How can you get there?
Those planning to visit Trento can fly into a nearby airport such as Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), with the flight taking just two hours form London and costing as little as £40 for a return.
From Verona airport, visitors can take a train to Trento, which takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, with the market a 5/10 minute walk from the station.
Train and coach journeys are also available, however these take far longer and can range from 13-29 hours each way.
For fans of the director, one iconic location lies much closer to home and it is guaranteed to take your breath away
08:00, 25 Oct 2025Updated 08:28, 25 Oct 2025
You may recognise Henrhyd falls from a Hollywood hit(Image: Getty)
When you think of Christopher Nolan’s films, your mind might wander to the Parisian boulevards from Inception, New York’s skyscrapers doubling as Gotham in Batman, or even the expansive New Mexico desert featured in Oppenheimer.
However, for devotees of the groundbreaking British director, one iconic location is much closer to home and it’s sure to leave you breathless.
Nestled deep within a wooded gorge on the fringes of the Brecon Beacons, there lies a waterfall so spectacular that it was chosen as a filming location for a major Hollywood blockbuster.
Yet, many Welsh locals may not even be aware of its existence.
Henrhyd Falls, the tallest waterfall in South Wales, was selected by Christopher Nolan as the entrance to the Batcave in his entire The Dark Knight trilogy. Scenes featuring the Black Tumbler – the massive tank-like Batmobile – soaring through the Welsh waters into the superhero’s clandestine lair were filmed here, reports the Express.
But fear not, you don’t need to be the Caped Crusader to visit this waterfall. There’s no need for any of Bruce Wayne’s gadgets, perhaps just a sturdy pair of boots will do.
Your journey begins with a walk along a path through verdant woodland near the village of Coelbren. Here, you can already hear the sound of rushing water in the distance.
A steep yet well-maintained footpath then guides you down into the gorge, winding towards the waters.
After a 20-minute stroll, you’re greeted by the breathtaking sight of a 27-metre waterfall cascading into a moss-lined gorge.
This might trigger memories of Batman’s secret lair from The Dark Knight Rises, as this very waterfall was featured prominently when John Blake, aka Robin, stumbles upon the hidden entrance to the Batcave.
What transforms Henrhyd from just a picturesque scene to a location with Hollywood status is its inherent drama. The waterfall tumbles over a hard sandstone ledge, known locally as the “Farewell Rock”, into a narrow gorge enveloped by dense forest.
It’s slightly off the beaten path, giving it that elusive “hidden lair” feel.
One recent visitor was utterly captivated by the experience, leaving a glowing review: “Henrhyd Falls is absolutely stunning – a hidden gem surrounded by beautiful nature. The walk down to the waterfall is scenic and peaceful, and standing behind the falls is an unforgettable experience. The sound of the rushing water and the lush greenery make it feel magical.”
The optimal time to visit is after a light rain shower, when the waterfall is at its most dramatic, although the paths can be slippery, particularly if you venture behind the curtain of water.
Early mornings are usually quieter, and sturdy footwear is essential – along with a waterproof if you plan to get close enough to feel the spray.
Henrhyd Falls is a must-visit for nature lovers and Batman enthusiasts alike. Even if the Batmobile isn’t spotted in the shadows, visitors will undoubtedly leave with the sense of having uncovered one of Wales’s most captivating hidden gems.
Tommy Banks, one of Yorkshire’s favourite foodie sons, is best known as the chef behind Michelin-starred restaurant the Black Swan at Oldstead, but he’s no stranger to pubs. In fact, the Black Swan started out as one, with Banks working behind the bar of his family’s pub before graduating to the kitchen. In 2023, he opened the Abbey Inn in Byland, and he has recently launched a hospitality arm dedicated to restoring other pubs across the UK. First up is the eight-bedroom General Tarleton in the village of Ferrensby, near Harrogate. Food, naturally, is top notch with polished takes on pub classics made with local produce (steak and Black Sheep ale pie; burgers made from Dexter beef from the Banks’ farm) – the perfect fuel for walks along the river and into the Nidd Gorge, a local beauty spot. Doubles from £175 B&B, generaltarletonferrensby.co.uk
The Bat and Ball, Oxfordshire
It’s dogs by the fire and dog collars at the bar at this charming pub in the village of Cuddesdon, best known for its clergy college. It was opened at the start of the year by the owners of the Lamb Inn in nearby Little Milton, and the chefs at both outposts cut their teeth at two-Michelin-star Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons down the road. The Bat and Ball is the more casual of the pair – there’s even a dart board – and dishes take typical pub fare (sausage and mash; ham, egg and chips) and dial them up with carefully sourced local ingredients. The five bedrooms have walls painted in rich autumnal shades to match the surrounding countryside, which is sandwiched between the Cotswolds and Chilterns. Doubles from £140 B&B, batandballcuddesdon.co.uk
King’s Arms, Lake District
This family-owned pub, which reopened at the end of August, is at the heart of the Lakeland village of Hawkshead, around the corner from the Beatrix Potter gallery and the Hawkshead Grammar School museum, where a young William Wordsworth carved his name into his desk. There’s plenty of history in the oak beams and slate floors at the King’s Arms too, which dates back to the 17th century. Behind the dark-wood panelled bar is a roster of local beers including Coniston Old Man Ale and Cumbrian Ales Loweswater Gold, while the food leans towards classic with Cumberland scotch eggs and beef wellington. Just the thing to be tucking into after a stomp up nearby Latterbarrow fell. Doubles from £145 B&B, kingsarmshawkshead.com
The Wellington at Boscastle, Cornwall
Known affectionately as The Welly, this centuries-old coaching inn overlooks Boscastle harbour on the rugged north Cornwall coast. St Austell Brewery recently splashed millions doing it up, and it shows in the cosy dining rooms, snugs and stained glass panelling. The pick of the bedrooms are the two in the pub’s turret with freestanding baths, but all 14 come with local art on the walls and OS maps and a South West Coast Path national trail book for walks. The path runs right outside: west to Tintagel Castle, birthplace of King Arthur according to legend, or round past Pentargon waterfall eastward. After a coastal hike, there’s pints of Proper Job by the fire (plump for the sofas in the Chart Room) and plates of fish and chips to look forward to, made with local catch in Gem Ale batter. Doubles from £145 B&B, wellingtonhotelboscastle.com
The Woolpack Inn, Hampshire
Photograph: Jake Eastham
Fresh from a makeover by influential interior designer Nina Campbell, this country pub is the centre of life in the tiny hamlet of Totford in the tranquil Candover valley. It is surrounded by fields and woodlands, so head chef Luke Stradling has plenty of local produce to draw on – supplemented by the pub’s large kitchen garden, right now filled with pumpkin, celeriac and winter leaves. As well as supplying almost all the vegetables on the menu, the team also donates 20% of the harvest to local charities and homeless shelters. Upstairs, eight bedrooms are named after game birds, but it’s fly fishing that’s the local star draw – casting for trout in the world renowned chalk stream of the River Itchen. Doubles from £100 B&B, thewoolpackinn.co.uk
The Fleur de Lys, Dorset
Photograph: Dave Watts
Pub and restaurant firm Chickpea has nailed the modern country pubs with rooms formula – great food, friendly bar and keen prices for overnighters. The latest addition to the fold is the Fleur de Lys, a 17th-century inn in the village of Cranbourne. The novelist Thomas Hardy was a regular guest here and makes reference to it in Tess of the D’Urbervilles. The revamp reflects its period charm: hops hang over the large open fireplace, candles flicker on tables and, upstairs, the nine bedrooms are decorated in muted colours. Walking routes loop around Cranborne Estate, with dishes such as Brixham sea bass, venison barnsley chop and sticky toffee pudding to look forward to back at the pub afterwards. Doubles from £120 B&B, fleurdelyscranborne.co.uk
The Penny Bun, North Yorkshire
Photograph: Jake Eastham
Named after a mushroom found in local woods, the Penny Bun is a departure from your traditional boozer. With its clay-plastered walls and palette of earthy browns, the look is more wabi-sabi minimalism than brass beer pumps. Between Ilkley and Otley in the Yorkshire Dales, the recently opened pub is part of the Denton Reserve, a 1,012-hectare (2,500-acre) estate undergoing a sustainably led transformation, shifting to carbon sequestering and regenerative farming. It provides many of the ingredients found on the menu at the Penny Bun, such as Tamworth pork croquette salad or gnocchi with roasted garden beetroots. The calming aesthetic particularly suits the five bedrooms (the plum one comes with a freestanding bath), with deep beds to sink into after walks across Ilkley Moor, right outside the front door. Doubles from £180 room-only, pennybunilkley.co.uk
The Ship, Norfolk
Photograph: Patricia Tobin
This summer, Sisters Siobhan and Caitriona Peyton rebooted this historic coastal inn with nine beamed bedrooms in the village of Brancaster. The cooking here has a light Mediterranean touch, and while menus have one eye on the sea (less than a mile’s walk away), game from local estates is the star turn in autumn. For Sunday lunch expect whole pot-roasted venison shoulders served with local wild mushrooms instead of the usual chicken or beef, while in the front bar settle in by the fire and tuck into a mangalitza pork sausage roll or monkfish scampi with a pint of Moon Gazer Ale. Outside, Norfolk’s big skies look especially arresting at this time of year – look out for flocks of migrating pink-footed geese – and walks cut through dunes and salt marshes. Doubles from £145 B&B, theshipbrancaster.uk
The Leicester Arms, Kent
Across the road from the entrance to medieval Penshurst Place and Gardens, this Grade II-listed pub is looking prettier than ever after a £1.2m revamp last year. It’s easy to see why it scooped Kent’s county prize at the 2025 National Bar and Pub Awards: there are deep leather armchairs by the fire in the bar, real Kentish ales from nearby Larkins, and cut-above cooking in the dining room. The menu focuses on local produce, with Kent lamb scotch egg and Whitstable oysters, while the 11 botanically named bedrooms are decorated in an attractive heritage style. Four of them come with rolltop baths for post-walk soaks after a ramble around the Penshurst Estate past the River Medway, lakes and giant oak trees. Doubles from £150 B&B, theleicesterarmspenshurst.co.uk
The Swan, West Sussex
The two-and-a-half year refurbishment of this Grade II-listed coaching inn in Fittleworth on the edge of the South Downs was worth the wait. Original features from its 14th-century roots mix with stylish comfort in the bar, restaurant and 12 beautifully designed rooms – though it remains “proudly old fashioned”, says owner Angus Davies. Meals served in the wood-panelled, painting-lined dining room draw on seasonal local produce (foraged ceps and fresh plum pudding on our visit) and lavish breakfasts are served in the barn in the pretty gardens. The old visitor books are fascinating: notable guests include JMW Turner, John Constable and Rudyard Kipling. There’s plenty to do nearby, from antique shopping in local villages to walks on the downs, Petworth House and Arundel castle. Doubles from £195 B&B, swaninnfittleworth.com
The Nevill Arms, Leicestershire
Photograph: Clive Doyle Photography
With its honeyed hamlets, pretty market towns and rolling countryside, the Welland valley is in a part of the country sometimes referred to as the Notswolds (similar to the Cotswolds but without the price tag). The Nevill Arms in the village of Medbourne was revamped in 2023, with 10 bedrooms (some with four-poster beds) spread between the pub and its converted stables – and next year they’ll add a three-bedroom stone cottage next door too. On the food front, beef, pork and lamb are reared on the owner’s farm, while in the inky blue-painted bar there’s a rotating line up of Langton Brewery beers on tap – the most popular of which is an amber bitter, Inclined Plane, named after the canal lift at nearby Foxton Locks. Doubles from £155 B&B, nevillarms.co.uk
New Inn Yealand, Lancashire
Young couple Ben and Lauren Sandiford took on the running of this seven-bedroom village inn in April. Ben brought his chef experience to the kitchen, which now turns out classy comfort food (shepherd’s pie with mash and ewe’s cheese crumb; beef and ale suet pudding) to be eaten in the beamed dining room beside the log burner. The bar is filled with a locals sipping on beers including Lancaster Blonde and Ruskin’s Best Bitter. Dogs and walking boots are welcome, and there are plenty of places to get those boots muddy nearby. RSPB Leighton Moss is within walking distance, or head for the coast at Morecambe Bay, part of the beautiful Arnside and Silverdale AONB. Doubles from £144 B&B, thenewinnyealand.co.uk
The Merry Harriers, Surrey
This popular pub in the Surrey Hills village of Hambledon, a few miles south of Guildford, was taken on by young gun publicans Sam Fiddian-Green and Alex Winch at the end of 2023. The pair, who grew up nearby, had earned their stripes in Michelin-star restaurants (Fiddian-Green as chef, Winch as restaurant manager and sommelier) and gave the Merry Harriers a suitably foodie injection, but not enough to scare away loyal locals (wisely they didn’t dispense with the Saturday meat raffle). Local ingredients – some from Fiddian-Green’s family farm in the Wintershall valley – are magicked up into bangers and colcannon with onion gravy or autumn-favourite pheasant schnitzel. The four bedrooms above the pub have had a muted makeover; six more overlooking the garden will get some love this winter. Doubles from £140 B&B, merryharriers.com
The George at Hathersage, Peak District
Photograph: Tom Hodgson Photography
Follow in the footsteps of Charlotte Brontë on the 5½-mile trail that loops from the Peak District village of Hathersage, tracing places she included in Jane Eyre. It starts at the George, where Brontë arrived in the summer of 1845 by stagecoach, as does her heroine on her way to Thornfield (modelled on nearby North Lees Hall). The George has had a few facelifts since then, most recently last year after storm damage, but its link to the famous novelist holds, especially in the Lady C Suite (one of 24 bedrooms), where it’s said Charlotte stayed. A morning a dip in the 1930s outdoor Hathersage lido (heated at this time of year) makes a refreshing start to the day; the George’s full English breakfast a more leisurely one. Doubles from £93 B&B, thegeorgehathersage.com
Ancient Shepherds, Cambridgeshire
Photograph: Jean-Luc Benazet
In the village of Fen Ditton, three miles outside Cambridge, the Ancient Shepherds’ Grade II timber-framed building dates back to 1540. It became the village pub in 1805, and remained so until chef Mark Poynton introduced “accessible” fine dining in 2020. With a new owner, but Poynton still at the helm in the kitchen, it reopened in July, with four bedrooms at the back. Tasting menus have been chosen to reduce kitchen waste (£35 for three courses, £55 for five, £85 for seven), with dishes such as monkfish crudo, and venison loin and haunch with star anise carrot. It’s a lovely three-mile stroll along the Cam to central Cambridge, or amble the other way to the thatched village of Horningsea for an ale at the Crown and Punchbowl. Doubles from £94 room-only, ancientshepherds.com
The Gaskell Arms, Shropshire
Photograph: Simon Whaley Landscapes/Alamy
The medieval market town of Much Wenlock has a fascinating claim to fame. In 1890, French aristocrat Baron Pierre de Coubertin visited to learn from, and take part in, the town’s Olympian Games in his quest to revive the ancient Greek Olympics, which returned to Athens six years later. Wenlock’s Olympian Games still take place each year, and a trail tracing their history leads to the 17th-century Gaskell Arms, where opening day speeches were once held. The 14-bedroom pub was taken over by new owners this summer and it’s a fine spot to recover after other arduous endeavours – such as a hike up the limestone escarpment of Wenlock Edge – with pies and pints of Shropshire-brewed Hobsons ale. Doubles from £92 B&B, gaskellarms.co.uk
The Royal Forest, London
Photograph: Nick Smith
On the edge of Epping Forest (a 10-minute walk from Chingford station), this blue-blooded pub is next door to the timber-framed Queen Elizabeth Hunting Lodge, built on Henry VIII’s orders in 1543. A few hundred years later, Queen Victoria stayed at what was then the Forest Hotel, giving the name the regal upgrade. The 28-bedroom landmark is now part of the fast-growing, Raymond Blanc-backed Heartwood Inns group, which reopened it last year with William Morris-style fabrics in the guestrooms, and sustainable-sourcing a priority for menus. Sunday roasts with bottomless trimmings are the fuel for rambles in some of Epping Forest’s 2,400 hectares – the Connaught Water and Chingford Plain circular is an almost five-mile loop through ancient oaks and beech trees. Doubles from £119 B&B, royalforesteppingforest.com
SCOTLAND
The Taybank, Perthshire
Photograph: PR Image
In the idyllic village of Dunkeld, the Taybank is a gorgeous spot for a winter break. Cosy up by candlelight in the beautiful first-floor restaurant, where new head chef Nicolas Fischer dazzles diners with the best local ingredients, including vegetables from the hotel’s kitchen garden. With a noon check out as standard, relax with breakfast in bed in one of five boutique bedrooms. The breakfast hampers include croissants from nearby bakery Aran, homemade granola with jam, cheese, Great Glen charcuterie and fresh juice. Stroll by the river, then book a slot in the Braan sauna and cold water plunge pool (open October to March). Then warm up in the bar with a pie while listening to local traditional musicians. Doubles from £190 B&B, thetaybank.co.uk
The Bellachroy, Isle of Mull
A vibrant community hub in the tiny village of Dervaig on the Isle of Mull, the Bellachroy has a lively bar and excellent restaurant. This winter is the first under new owners Thomas and Matthew Broom-Hughes and they’ll be decorating this historic inn with twinkling lights, candles and seasonal foliage, and offering special seasonal menus featuring Isle of Mull produce. The seven bedrooms have been beautifully redecorated, bringing in cosy textiles and local coffee and treats, and there’s a peaceful guest lounge with views of Loch Cuin. Nearby, walk on the beach at Calgary Bay and explore the woodland sculpture trail, or hike to the deserted village of Ardantairbh and Quinish Point. Doubles from £170 B&B, thebellachroy.co.uk
Plockton Inn, the Highlands
The charming fishing village of Plockton makes for a wonderful west coast escape. At the Plockton Inn feast on the region’s seafood – langoustine are the speciality, known locally as Plockton prawns. Cheerful rooms above the pub or across the road have been refreshed recently with works by local artists. The village is a brilliant base for walking, whether a short stomp up to Càrn na Frith-Àird for views of Applecross and the Isle of Skye, or a coastal meander to Duncraig Castle along the shores of Loch Carron. Plockton is also just a 20-minute drive from Eilean Donan Castle and the bridge to Skye, making a day trip to the island an easy option. Doubles from £99 B&B, highlandcoasthotels.com
The Shoregate, Fife
Photograph: Ailsa Sheldon
The Shoregate reopened in 2022 after a major restoration, creating four spacious rooms above the 18th-century village pub and restaurant. The dining room has views down the brae to the sea and feels cheery in any weather, decked out in turquoise and orange. The menu includes generous helpings of local produce, such as Scrabster cod and East Neuk surf clams in curried bisque. From here you can join the Fife Coastal Path – it’s just over 4 miles to pretty Anstruther, with views across the Firth of Forth to the Isle of May and Bass Rock. Stop for fish and chips, then retrace your steps to the Shoregate for a seat by the fire in the cosy back bar. Doubles from £200 B&B, theshoregate.com
Knipoch House Hotel, the Highlands
This 15th-century hunting lodge near Oban was refurbished in 2024 and has a new fine-dining restaurant, 1635. Legend has it that the Thane of Cawdor was murdered at Knipoch House in 1592, inspiring Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Today it’s a calm and peaceful spot, with elegant bedrooms that have a view over the loch. Sink into comfy sofas in the spacious bar, and dine at 1635 (tasting menu, £99) or in the main restaurant for lamb rump with haggis, stone bass with leeks, or pub classics (burgers and steaks). Follow the path through the mushroom-speckled ancient woodland behind the hotel to reach a viewpoint with expansive views of Loch Feochan, with the Isle of Mull in the distance. Doubles from £116 B&B, sonascollection.com
Glenuig Inn, the Highlands
The winding road around the Ardnamurchan peninsula can’t be rushed, so slow down and enjoy it properly with a stay at the Glenuig Inn, a traditional ceilidh house. Now leased and run by the community, with a full buyout in the final stages, there’s no better way to support the local economy. Stay in simple spacious rooms, and eat venison burgers and bowls of mussels in the bar – and catch a music session if you can. From the inn, walk through the woods to Samalaman beach, and keep an eye out for seals. For a longer walk, continue to the end of the road at Smirisary, then follow the rough trail to beautiful white sandy beaches with views of Eigg and Rum. Doubles from £175 B&B,glenuig.com
Scotland entries written by Ailsa Sheldon
WALES
Y Castell, Carmarthenshire
Photograph: Nate Warlow
The Heart of Wales Line is a single track railway that trundles from Shrewsbury to Llanelli on Wales’ south coast, past ancient castles and beneath swooping red kites. Running alongside it, a walking trail allows hikers to hop on and off along the route. Alight at Llangadog and Y Castell stands handsomely at the heart of town. Once a drovers’ stop and coaching inn, the pub was reopened last summer by new owners, who completed six freshly decorated bedrooms this spring. All have cosy Welsh blankets on the beds and jazzily tiled bathrooms, and one family room has built-in bunk beds. Hearty fish pie or Welsh madame (a cross between a welsh rarebit and an egg-topped croque madame) is fuel for those surrounding walks. Doubles from £120 B&B, ycastell.wales
Bryntirion Inn, Eryri/Snowdonia
Palé Hall, a five-star country hotel in Eryri, opened this pub with rooms at the estate’s gates in May, a low-key foil to the hotel’s mahogany four-poster suites and Michelin green star restaurant. The Bryntirion’s six simpler bedrooms are each named after a nearby peak in the Eryri national park, which could read like a holiday hiking challenge: Yr Wyddfa, Tryfan, Cnicht, Cadair Berwyn, Elidir Fawr and Arenig Fawr. The pub itself is filled with motoring memorabilia (vintage tyre signs above the kitchen pass; the rear of a classic Mini emerging from the wall), while former Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons executive chef Luke Selby takes over the food at the estate in January, injecting his flavour to menus that already lean heavily on local ingredients such as meat from Bala butcher TJ Roberts and vegetables grown five minutes down the road. Doubles from £140 B&B, thebryntirion.co.uk
Glan Yr Afon/Riverside, Eryri/Snowdonia
Pennal village. Photograph: Keith Morris Aerial Imagery/Alamy
When Pennal’s village pub came up for sale in 2022, funds came from far and wide – including from Cardiff-born actor Matthew Rhys whose father had grown up nearby – to help the community to buy it. More recently, the pub on the banks of the River Dyfi scooped the top prize at the Countryside Alliance Wales pub of the year awards and has added four serene bedrooms upstairs. Walkers will love it here – the Wales Coast Path runs through Pennal, and it is on the southern fringes of the Eryri national park. As well as serving beers from Cwrw Llŷn Brewery and dishing up local lamb shanks with dauphinoise potatoes, this is a proper community hub with Welsh language practice sessions over a cuppa and an annual speed sheep shearing competition in the garden. Doubles from £135 B&B; riversidepennal.co.uk
Bridge End Hotel, Denbighshire
This waterside pub, overlooking the River Dee in charming Llangollen, had a £1.5m makeover last year, giving a fresh look in earthy colours to the friendly bar, restaurant and eight en-suite bedrooms. Pub classics (scampi and chips; mac and cheese) are served alongside pints from the Robinsons Brewery, such as the full-bodied Golden Dragon Ale (Cwrw’r Ddraig Aur). Llangollen is well worth a potter to browse its antique stores and indie bookshops, and the short walk up to the remains of Castell Dinas above the town starts right outside the pub. The heritage trains of the Llangollen Railway chug out of the station just across the road, while up Wharf Hill behind the pub is Llangollen Wharf for a narrowboat trip to the vertiginous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Doubles from £90 B&B; bridgeendhotel.co.uk
The Bull’s Head Inn, Ynys Môn/Anglesey
Photograph: David Pimborough/Alamy
Charles Dickens stayed at Beaumaris’s Ye Olde Bull’s Head in 1859 and gave a scathing account of its food in his fictionalised book The Uncommercial Traveller. He described “side dishes of ailing sweetbreads in white poultices” and “apothecaries’ powders in rice for curry”. Fortunately, after a few changes of hands (most recently to the Inn Collection Group, who gave it a refresh in 2023) the critique doesn’t stand today. While the Bull’s listed bar is still filled with artefacts from its 500-year history, the menu runs from sides of black pudding bonbons to rich lamb massaman curry. For more history, Edward I’s unfinished masterpiece, Beaumaris Castle, is just at the end of the road, or simply pull up the drawbridge and settle in by the fire in The Bull’s lounge with a dram of Penderyn single malt. Doubles from £105 B&B, inncollectiongroup.com
NORTHERN IRELAND
The Harbourview Hotel, County Antrim
Carnlough’s historic Londonderry Arms became the Harbourview Hotel when this inn on the Causeway Coast, in the north-west corner of the country, was recast as Ireland’s first “destination whiskey hotel”. There are still live trad music sessions in the Wee Bar, but now there are also tastings of flights of whiskeys, which include drams from local distillery Bushmills, peaty smoky numbers from Galway’s Micil and a host of other Irish craft names. Warming stews (Guinness-braised daube; traditional Irish lamb) will line the stomach for a round or two of whiskey-based cocktails. Upstairs the 35 bedrooms look out over either the harbour to the front, or the glorious glens of Antrim behind – and there will be a wee bottle of the good stuff beside the bed for a nightcap. Doubles from £120 B&B, theharbourviewhotel.com
The Old Inn, County Down
At the heart of the now rambling Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, a 10-mile drive or train journey from Belfast, is an original thatched coaching inn that was built in 1614. The 32-room hotel is rightly proud of this long-ago birthdate – making it one of the oldest inns in Ireland – and there’s the 1614 Bar where you can sip on 1614 gin, a new collaboration with local Rademon distillery. More recently, the much-loved spot was bought by the Galgorm Collection in 2021, which added an outdoor spa the following year. Just last month, the Old Inn was crowned AA Hotel of the Year. Walks run from the door through the forests of Crawfordsburn country park, past a railway viaduct and waterfalls and loop down to beaches on the coast. Doubles from £170 B&B, theoldinn.com
Additional reporting by Jane Dunford
Room prices are the cheapest available for November and December and are correct at time of publishing
The town has a rich history and is home to a number of charities
Chris Samuel and Liam Ryder Digital Production Editor
05:01, 25 Oct 2025
The historic town of Selby might be the best place in the UK to thrift shop(Image: Heritage Images, Getty Images)
The charming town of Selby in North Yorkshire, known for its historic market and the grand Selby Abbey, has become a haven for charity shops.
With six on the high street alone, locals and visitors have even created a trail to explore them all. Forward thinking businesses and those who live in the town have turned what many other places fear into the saviour of their town centre.
Having a history that dates back to Roman and Viking eras, the small town has a population of around 17,000 who enjoy its rich heritage and culture. There are plenty of scenic routes thatnks to its location on the River Ouse and surrounding Yorkshire countryside.
However, the volunteer-led outlets in the town have been grappling with unsuitable donations, leading to waste and additional costs. To tackle this issue, local charity Up for Yorkshire launched The Shop for the Future project as part of its Zero Shelby initiative, reports the Express.
This project aims to help the shops manage unsuitable donations sustainably, while also celebrating their community contributions and raising awareness about their work. It kicked off with the creation of a Trail Map, laying out the constellation of charity shops across the North Yorkshire town for an easy crawl.
The town’s High Street charity shops include Martin House, which provides free family-led hospice care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses. There’s also an RSPCA store, which is a self-funded and separately registered charity to the national RSPCA that supports the York Animal Home and local animals in need.
There’s also The Big Store – the charity shop of The Big Communitea, which supports mental health and wellbeing in the town through drop-ins, therapy, and practical help. Visitors can also find branches of St Leonard’s Hospice, Scope and the British Heart Foundation.
As part of the Zero Shelby initiative, a Sustainable Fashion show is scheduled to take place in Selby Abbey on November 12. Matt Fisher, community development lead for Up for Yorkshire, told BBC News that they view the town’s second-hand shops as a “strong starting point for change and an exciting opportunity to create a sustainable and vibrant high street to be enjoyed by everyone.”
In addition to these, there are various gift shops, homeware stores, vintage and antique outlets available. For bookworms, The Book Circle, an independent bookshop on Finkle Street, is a must-visit.
And if you fancy a bite to eat, local favourite Mister C fish and chips shop is renowned as one of the best in the UK.
Among the other charity shops elsewhere in the town are the well-known branches of Bernardo’s, Cancer Research UK and Yorkshire Cancer Research. But there are also locally-based stores working hard for good causes.
Mama Na Mtoto works to save the lives of mothers and babies in the UK and Kenya, while Selby Hands of Hope provides help to alleviate financial hardship in Selby. Selby Community Furniture Store collects furniture for free and upcycles and refurbishes it before selling it on, and Shelby Scrap CIC provides low-cost source materials for local groups and people.
Our writer Abby Wells soaks up the culture on a wonderful weekend in the Italian capital, featuring incredible history, authentic cuisine and top tourist attractions
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
We discovered some of Rome’s top hotspots and hidden gems(Image: Getty Images)
Having never been to Italy before, I was very excited to see what its capital city had to offer – and it certainly didn’t disappoint. After leaving rainy England and landing in Rome’s significantly sunnier weather just over two hours later, I was immediately smitten with the architecture, the people, the food and the history.
Where to stay in Rome
I arrived at the Grand Hotel Palace Rome in the centre of the city in the heat of the afternoon sun as I was visiting back in the summer. Walking into the cool reception, with its calm and inviting decor, was a refreshing welcome.
Restored in 2010, this boutique hotel now blends timeless Italian design with 21st-century modernity – think marble floors, huge chandeliers and stunning frescoes. Despite having 74 bedrooms and 12 luxurious suites, it has an intimate feel.
My superior room was spacious and decorated in pastel hues. It had impressive city views and was a real haven away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds outside.
This city is best explored on foot, so comfy shoes are a suitcase essential. The grand architecture is guaranteed to impress as you wander around with your gelato.
Our hotel was a stone’s throw from the gorgeous Villa Borghese, Rome’s largest park, which has landscaped gardens, sculptures and fountains, a zoo and even a replica of London’s Globe Theatre. I recommend heading to the Pincio terrace, which offers panoramic views of the city, including the famous domed roof of Saint Peter’s Basilica in the distance.
The Spanish Steps are a 10-minute walk from the hotel and although it was very busy here with tourists, I managed to find the perfect spot to sit and people watch – Babington’s tea rooms, which dates back to 1893 and is a must for tea lovers.
You can’t go to Rome and not visit Trevi Fountain. Tradition says that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will return to the city. Already keen to visit again, I joined in.
What really struck me was how big it was. Measuring 26 metres high, it’s the biggest fountain in Rome, and undoubtedly the most magnificent. You need to join the queuing system to get close to the fountain, but this did move very quickly when I went at 9am.
Visiting the Colosseum is another must and I highly recommend booking a guided tour. My guide, Max, was extremely knowledgeable but also managed to add some humour. It was amazing seeing the huge arena where gladiators used to fight in front of thousands of people. Be sure to pre-book and get there in plenty of time, as getting through security takes a while.
After a long day of sightseeing, you can treat your tired feet to a pamper at Grand Hotel Palace’s Fusion Spa, an Asian-inspired oasis with a sauna, indoor heated saltwater pool and relaxation areas, plus a choice of indulgent treatments.
Where to eat in Rome
You’re spoilt for choice for places to eat in Rome. On every street there are lovely little tabernas strewn with fairy lights, pizzerias or shops serving gelato in every flavour imaginable.
On my first night I enjoyed the tasting menu at Grand Hotel Palace’s Ristorante Cadorin. I feasted on four courses, but the best was saved for last – the tiramisu was heavenly. I went to bed very happy with a full stomach. The hotel breakfast was buffet-style, with optional extras available to order.
If you’re looking for a traditional Italian restaurant, I recommend Checco Er Carettiere in an area called Trastevere. Tucked away down a side street, it’s family-run, serves authentic Roman dishes and has a pretty courtyard out the back. My pasta dish was just as you’d expect: utterly delicious.
If you’re a fan of fish, Il San Lorenzo is worth a visit. This sleek restaurant is reputed to offer the best seafood restaurant in Rome. If you do find yourself eating your body weight in pizza and pasta, don’t worry, as you’ll soon walk it off exploring this amazing ancient city.
