With the days getting shorter (and colder), it’s tempting to go into hibernation mode. But winter can feel like a special time of year if you get out and embrace it. We’d love to hear about your favourite UK-based outdoor winter activity, whether it’s cold-water swimming, stargazing, birdwatching or simply wrapping up and going for a bracing walk or off-road bike ride.
The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planetwins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.
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A UK THEME park has revealed plans to build a new holiday village, marking the first accommodation at the much-loved attraction.
Paultons Park near Romsey is looking to build over 120 holiday homes for just under 600 guests.
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Paultons Park is planning on adding over 120 holiday homes to its attraction siteCredit: AlamyIn addition to holiday lets, there will be a shop, restaurant and entertainment roomCredit: Gillespies/Paultons park
Each holiday home will be either two, three or four bedrooms and they will all be self-catering.
Inside, the holiday homes will feature a Scandinavian design, with a more rustic and traditional style.
And there will be accessible units as well.
The plans for the site also include a welcome building and reception known as “a gateway building”, which will provide space for resort guests to be dropped off.
There will be a 400sqm restaurant too and a 65sqm shop selling food and essentials.
The existing car park will be changed, with better access for guests to the welcome building and reception.
An entertainment room is planned as well and so is a games room for indoor games and activities.
Originally, the theme park wanted to create accommodation for 700 guests – however, after feedback they revised the proposal.
According to the Hampshire Chronicle, James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, said: “We are still in the very early stages of our accommodation project.
“The report outlines the results of specialist surveys, such as ecology and heritage, as well as revised unit numbers for the scheme following detailed financial and viability modelling.
“Our vision is to deliver 122 units, designed to comfortably accommodate just under 600 guests at full capacity, 100 guests fewer than previously outlined.”
He added that it will be several years before the onsite accommodation will be built, but that Paultons is committed to making it happen.
Paultons Park recently scooped up the award for the Theme Park of the Year at the UK Theme Park Awards 2025.
And ahead of possible accommodation, the attraction will open a new Viking-themed ‘Valgard’ area next year, on May 16.
The new land will feature a number of rides including a rollercoaster called Drakon which will invert, a themed restaurant and a playground.
There will also be a ride called ‘Vild Swing’, which will measure 12 metres high and by the first of its kind in the UK.
And back in May, the park opened Ghostly Manor – an interactive, family-friendly ride where guests have to capture ghosts that have “escaped the house of renowned ghost hunter Dr Kinley”.
Natasha Blanthorn had always wanted to visit Berlin, but did not want to spend a fortune on a weekend away – so she decided to go for the day
12:59, 24 Nov 2025Updated 13:00, 24 Nov 2025
A woman flew to Berlin and spent a day sightseeing for £100 – and she was back in bed for 10pm. Natasha Blanthorn, 26, always fancied a trip to Berlin to experience the rich culture and history.
She trawled the internet to bag some budget flights and flew out on November 8 on on a 6.20am flight, determined to stick to a budget of £100. Natasha, a college marketing manager from Macclesfield, Cheshire, spent the day sightseeing – joining a walking tour and visiting a history museum.
And 25,000 steps later she headed back to the airport to fly home – in time for 10pm bedtime. In total she spent just £102.07 for the budget day out – and said while its “not for the faint-hearted”, she loved every second.
Natasha said: “I had to get up at 3.30am for the flights – I only got about four hours’ sleep. But the second I got there, all the tiredness left my body.
“Because I joined a tour, I got to see a lot of the iconic sites. I didn’t have to use a single day of annual leave – and the whole thing cost just £100.”
Natasha had completed two ‘extreme day trips’ prior to booking her Berlin trip – and said she regularly trawled Skyscanner for reduced flights. When return flights from Manchester to Berlin dropped from around £80 to £38, she snapped them up.
Six weeks later she was on a flight, having set off early to drive to Manchester from Macclesfield, and rented a parking space on someone’s driveway, costing just £11.60 for the day.
Natasha took just one small bit of hand luggage – containing a portable charger, her passport, some breakfast bars, her headphones and her purse. They departed at 6:20am, and landed just before 9am.
She bought an £8.30 return train ticket to take her to Alexanderplatz and spent the morning wandering around the Topography of Terror exhibit. The free exhibit showcased some of the history of the SS in the Third Reich.
From there, Natasha nipped off to grab some lunch – swinging by a McDonalds for convenience – otherwise just fuelling herself on snacks. She said: “Maybe that wasn’t very culturally enriching, but time was of the essence, and there were queues at all the street vendors. I knew I needed something to keep me going through the tour.”
She had pre-booked a £14.17 walking tour starting at 1pm, which lasted three hours and included informational stops at Hitler’s Bunker (the Führerbunker), Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate.
She got the same train back to the airport around 4pm, arriving at 5.50pm, and boarded her flight home at 8.20pm. Despite only spending a few hours in the iconic city, she felt she was able to cover a lot of the main historical landmarks.
She said: “The walking tour was best – Berlin is so rich in history. I would never in a million years have had time to research all the facts about the different sites on my own, but I got everything on the tour.”
Natasha said the price of the day was so reasonable that she’s already planning a return to visit the east side of the city to see the art at the East Side Gallery.
She said: “When I got back, I felt like I was high, just from the adrenaline of it all. It was a busy day, but you forget all the tiredness and just remember the memories.”
A train from London to Glasgow on Tuesday, November 25 at lunchtime costs £130.80p at the time of writing – £28.73p more than Natasha’s trip.
A NUMBER of airlines are set to join the masses in banning a popular item on flights.
A handful of Australian airline companies are set to ban power banks on their flights within the next few weeks.
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Qantas and Virgin Australia are setting limits on power banks being brought onboard flightsCredit: GettyVirgin Australia will introduce limits from December 1 and Qantas will from December 15Credit: Getty
Qantas and Virgin Australia will ban the useful charging item after one caught fire in an overhead locker onboard a Virgin Australia flight in July.
The new rules mean that passengers will be limited to what size the portable charger is and they must be easily accessible within a passenger’s luggage.
Passengers will also be limited in how many portable chargers they take onboard to just two.
Virgin Australia’s chief operations officer Chris Snook said: “Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe when packed and handled appropriately, this move will minimise any potential risks associated with these devices.”
Changes in policy for Virgin Australia will come into force on December 1.
Passengers will be limited to a power bank capacity of 100 watt-hour – anything more than this and special approval will be needed.
As for other Australian airlines, the ban will take effect from December 15 for Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar and the maximum capacity of a power bank allowed will be 160 watt-hour.
In an announcement last week, the airlines confirmed that power banks will still be allowed on flights, they just need to be somewhere accessible – so ideally in you underseat bag in front of you or the pocket in the back of the seat.
Virgin Australia flights will also not allow power banks to be stored in the overhead compartment.
If a passenger needs to charge their device during a flight, they can use the in-seat USB ports.
The Australian airlines are not the first to introduce limits on power banks, as a number of other airlines have already introduced rules such as Emirates and Singapore Airlines.
If you want to know whether your power bank is allowed on a flight you are due to catch, first have a look at your airline’s website to find out its capacity limits on power banks.
Then, to calculate the watt-hour of your power bank, multiply the battery capacity (mAh) by the voltage (V) of the internal lithium battery and divide by 1,000.
Australian airlines introducing new rules on power banks follows a statement made by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in the US, back in September, after 50 incidents had been reported concerning power banks onboard flights.
The FAA said: “Lithium batteries stored in passenger overhead bins and or in carry-on baggage may be obscured, difficult to access, or not readily monitored by passengers or crewmembers.
“Because of this, detection of thermal runaway and firefighting measures may be delayed in flight, increasing the risk to safety.”
AS staying connected becomes ever-more important, a ban on the handy gadget that can keep our devices topped up could be seen as a pain.
But the catastrophic consequences of a fire on a plane are an obvious reason to make rules stricter.
After countless incidents – and with so many counterfeit and faulty goods out there – it makes sense they are cracking down.
But airlines do need to understand the need for us to be able to top up our devices in the air. With plans afoot to get rid of physical boarding passes in the coming years, making sure we’re able to use our devices will become even more essential.
Adapting plane interiors to include USB ports will alleviate the need to top up on the go.
And more needs to be done to highlight the new rules – and the dangers these devices can pose.
Previously scheduled to have been finished by this year, it now won’t even start until January 2026.
When this is completed, the park’s makeover can then start which hopes to be by spring 2026.
The upgrades hope to add new equipment as well as changing and accessible facilities, paths and cycle parking.
This means it is unlikely to reopen as a new attraction before nextsummer.
Local council member Jeremy Speakman said at the time: “This will be a major investment and we’re working on trying to secure extra funding for the project, so we obviously want to get it right.”
Until then, families can still visit the park for free, which is one of the largest of its kind in the south east.
And the park is set to renovate its huge playground, which is the largest free adventure play park in the South East.
There is a huge pirate-themed area with a shipwreck climbing area as well as slides, tunnels and towers.
For smaller kids, there are sand diggers to play on as well.
Otherwise the park is a short walk down to Mermaid Bay, a stoney beach on the Folkestone coastline.
It isn’t the only major upgrade Folkestone is getting.
Not that it’s a contest, but Santa Clarita did it first.
It was Hollywood before Hollywood. It had its own gold rush years before riches were found at Sutter’s Mill. And men were pulling oil from the ground there two decades before Texas dug its first well.
Get to know Los Angeles through the places that bring it to life. From restaurants to shops to outdoor spaces, here’s what to discover now.
Yet the rugged Santa Clarita Valley and the four communities it comprises — Newhall, Valencia, Canyon County and Saugus — are still something of a mystery to many who don’t live there. Or worse, the area remains misunderstood thanks to “The Santa Clarita Diet” and other pop culture portrayals.
The truth is far more interesting, if evasive. For decades, the Newhall Pass formed a natural barrier separating the valley from the Los Angeles Basin, allowing Santa Clarita to cultivate its own unique culture, one that’s woven into the fabric of Southern California.
“This was truly the Old Wild West out here,” said Alan Pollack, a doctor of internal medicine who moved to the valley in 1991 and quickly became steeped in its history. “There were gunfights, there were stagecoaches, all that sort of stuff.”
Santa Clarita was where many of the early westerns were shot, with real cowboys driving herds of cattle down the town’s dusty main street. Since then, the valley has become home to more than a dozen movie ranches, from the 22-acre Melody Ranch to the 400-acre Rancho Maria and Sable Ranch, as well as dozens of soundstages, earning the city the title “Hollywood North.”
“You can get any kind of look in Santa Clarita,” says Carol Rock, marketing director for the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society. “Just drive around. You’re looking at the Amazon. You’re looking at the forest in different kinds of trees. And then you’ve got palm trees.” Pay attention and you’ll notice that the hills and canyons have provided the backdrop for everything from “The Lone Ranger” and “Gunsmoke” to “Oppenheimer,” “Star Trek” and “The Office.”
The city is also home to the sprawling Magic Mountain theme park, whose 19 roller coasters are the most in a single amusement park in the world. It holds more than 80 miles of some of Southern California’s best public hiking trails, fed by a 30-mile system of biking paths, walkways and bridges. (On one of those trails, you can view the site of the St. Francis Dam built by William Mulholland, whose aqueduct made Southern California’s suburban sprawl possible. The dam’s 1928 collapse that killed hundreds is still remembered as one of the worst U.S. civil engineering disasters of the 20th century.)
And then there’s CalArts, a private visual and performing school whose graduates — including filmmaker Tim Burton, Pixar’s John Lasseter and jazz musician Ravi Coltrane — have had an outsized influence on modern animation and pop music.
Through it all, Old Town Newhall, the core of what once was a railroad and ranching hub, remains the beating heart and soul of the area. You’ll find echos of the past on Main Street — the historic district is still lined with hitching posts, though they’re mainly decorative nowadays, and embedded with bronze stars and terrazzo tiles honoring the legends of western film, television and radio. And all over the community, the legacy of William S. Hart, Newhall’s original silent screen cowboy, lives on in the streets, schools, museums and parks that bear his name.
To see where it all began, spend a day in Santa Clarita, a place where you can discover cowboy history and sip a sophisticated Chardonnay at a wine bar all on an afternoon stroll.
What’s included in this guide
Anyone who’s lived in a major metropolis can tell you that neighborhoods are a tricky thing. They’re eternally malleable and evoke sociological questions around how we place our homes, our neighbors and our communities within a wider tapestry. In the name of neighborly generosity, we may include gems that linger outside of technical parameters. Instead of leaning into stark definitions, we hope to celebrate all of the places that make us love where we live.
Our journalists independently visited every spot recommended in this guide. We do not accept free meals or experiences. What L.A. neighborhood should we check out next? Send ideas to [email protected].
Many Coachella Valley towns will light their town trees in dramatic fashion throughout early December. On Dec. 5, Palm Springs will illuminate its 22-foot tree in Frances Stevens Park in a ceremony led by Mayor Ron deHarte, members of the city council, as well as the nighttime parade’s grand marshals and Santa Claus. The lights turn on at 5:15 p.m., with free cookies and cocoa, arts and crafts and carol singing.
Nearby in Desert Hot Springs, mark Dec. 13 on the calendar for a tree lighting that kicks off with a parade of lights and culminates in a holiday festival with free carnival rides, face painting, live music and a meet-and-greet with Santa.
On Dec. 4 in Rancho Mirage, enjoy views stretching over the entire valley from the beautifully-perched Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, which welcomes the public to its tree-lighting celebration. The event occurs 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with light refreshments served and carol singer performances. It’s free to attend, though registration is required here.
The next day in La Quinta, the town’s tree lighting takes place in Civic Center Park from 6 to 8 p.m., along with snow play, festive lights and a visit from Santa; on Dec. 13, Cathedral City’s tree lighting is part of the city’s free Snowfest party, which will also include a train ride, ugly sweater contest, elf workshop, a cameo from Santa and 10 tons of real snow.
The Palm Springs tree lighting is marked on this map. The Desert Hot Springs parade route starts at 5:45 p.m. Dec. 13 at Palm and Mission Lakes Boulevard and ends at Palm and 2nd Street. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage tree lighting Dec. 4 starts at 5:30 p.m., at 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive in Rancho Mirage. The La Quinta tree lighting Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. is in Civic Center Park, located at 78495 Calle Tampico. Snowfest in Cathedral City takes place Dec. 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza, located at 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero. All are free to attend.
MORE Americans are looking to vacation in the States — and search data reveals the surprising destination that’s leading the way.
According to Google Trends, it seems as though we have started to ditch the beach for icy thrills, with record-high numbers of us looking up “Alaska cruise”.
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Interest in domestic travel has surged in the past few years since the pandemic.
Alaska’s rugged coastline is proving a pull for travelers
After months stuck indoors, we clearly rediscovered our love for fresh air, wildlife spotting and larger-than-life landscapes.
Alaska fits perfectly with this new outlook, as we increasingly seek nature-packed getaways.
The state’s appeal is plain to see — already one of the world’s most popular cruise destinations, the Last Frontier wows even the most seasoned travelers.
Interest in Alaskan cruises has peaked since the pandemic
Think lush, secluded mountain ranges and abundant wildlife — from grizzly bears to towering moose.
Out on the ocean, passengers can see stunning spectacles like whales breaching alongside the vessel or seals chilling on ice caps.
But one of the things that appeals most about sailing these waters is the ability to set your own pace.
Want to spend days trekking across colossal glaciers? They’re there for exploring.
Prefer soaking in a hot spring with unbeatable views? Go and lap it up.
Many voyages let you do both: adventuring through rugged coastline and fully indulging in the relaxing facilities onboard afterward.
It’s the perfect blend of excitement and laid-back comfort, with a huge variety of trip types on offer.
Most long-haul cruises head out from Seattle or Vancouver and last about a week, although more travelers are opting for 10 to 14-day itineraries crammed with exploration.
The lush landscapes and icy waters of the Last Frontier
Flying straight to Alaska is also an option, allowing for shorter, more intimate, and adventure-focused itineraries.
Smaller ships can venture where big liners can’t, offering hikes, kayaking, fishing, and other memorable experiences.
But with Google Trends showing far more searches for Alaska cruises than flights, Americans seem to want to take their time.
Most Alaskan voyages run between May and September, when the days are long, warm, and perfect for sighting humpbacks, orcas, and even bald eagles.
So it makes sense that online interest for voyages peaks around July and August.
Searches for cruises overall have soared in the past three years, with summer 2025 seeing the highest peak for half a decade.
Smaller ships can get closer to the action – with unforgettable views
Caribbean cruises still attract more online interest than Alaska though.
Curiosity for hot-weather retreats spikes in December and January, but Alaska’s popularity shows Americans also crave epic experiences as well as beach breaks.
The data trends suggest Americans are hungry for slow travel that mixes comfort with real adventure and wild encounters — all without leaving the country.
With pure escapism high on the wish list, it’s no wonder more people are setting their sights on Alaska.
Chloe Bennett, 27, was bored of British life and was ‘miserable’ after going through a break-up
Chloe Bennett never wants to move back(Image: Chloe Bennett/SWNS)
A woman left behind the “cold and miserable” UK for sunny Dubai without securing a job or flat beforehand and insists that she could “never go back”. Chloe Bennett, 27, had grown tired of British life and felt “bored” during weekends, where her most thrilling pastime was browsing Home Bargains.
Following a visit to see a mate in Dubai, she became smitten with the city, handed in her notice and relocated in December 2023 with no employment or accommodation arranged. Although she initially had to accept lower wages to find work, she felt instantly happier thanks to the climate and the wealth of activities on offer.
Now, two years on, she operates her own business as a social media manager, pulling in 20% more than she earned in her previous UK tech sales position.
Chloe, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, said: “It’s so cold and miserable in the UK and there’s nothing to do in the evenings. I just worked a normal 9-5 and then spent my weekends going around Home Bargains and TK Maxx and that was the most excitement I got.
“I came to Dubai on holiday to see my friend and I just fell in love with it. It’s sunny all year round. There’s so much to do and it’s hard to be depressed when you open your curtains every day and it’s sunny.
“Now I spend my weekends going wakeboarding, visiting the zoo and staying on boats. There’s just so much more to do. I’ve started my own company here, got a puppy and I can’t imagine ever going back.”
Chloe felt “miserable” in the UK following a painful break-up and family relationship breakdown. She made the decision to leave her tech sales role after five years with the company.
“I came to see my friend in Dubai and she was having a great time and it just felt like a nudge to try something new,” she said.
However, finding work in the UAE proved challenging, as she discovered most positions there were commission-based rather than salaried.
“I tried for months to get a job, but I just decided to leave anyway with no job and nowhere to live, and just give it everything,” she said. Upon arriving in Dubai, Chloe began sharing a room with a girl she’d connected with through a rental app to keep expenses down.
She also started posting frequently on her TikTok about relocating to Dubai and was approached by a recruiter she’d previously spoken with, who offered her a position at a property firm. Before starting the role, she met a colleague from the same company and they began having lunch together daily, eventually deciding to share a flat.
The property job paid Chloe less than she’d been earning in the UK, but it didn’t matter because she felt happier. In April 2025, she decided to go it alone and launch her own social media management business, Socials with Chloe, where she now earns 20% more than her UK salary, allowing her to live comfortably despite high living costs.
Despite loving her life in Dubai, Chloe admitted that the one downside is being separated from her family. “When I left my little brother was seven and now he’s about to be 10, it’s nuts how much he’s grown”, she said. “I feel like I’m missing out on a lot, this is going to be my second Christmas away from them.”
Yet Chloe’s closest friend has recently moved to Dubai with her partner, which has eased her homesickness. Another aspect of the UK she longs for is the cuisine.
“I’m just really fussy, the McDonald’s chicken nuggets here taste so different, I don’t know what it is”, she said.
Chloe explained that Dubai boasts a thriving entrepreneurial scene and offers far more prospects than the UK.
She said: “As crazy as it sounds, I feel like you can do anything you wanted. If you want to start your own company or launch a clothing line, you can do it, people are so supportive.”
Dubai is renowned for its high costs, but following a TikTok post about Waitrose prices in the UAE, Chloe received numerous comments from Brits asserting that the UK has become just as pricey as Dubai.
“From what I hear, the prices are pretty much the same in both places now”, she said. She mentioned that she no longer does a weekly food shop, as ordering takeaways nightly works out cheaper and costs merely £3 monthly for unlimited delivery.
“You can get anything you want delivered in 15 minutes, it’s so much better than Uber Eats back home”, she said. Hailing from a small town, Chloe revealed that back home everyone was privy to everyone else’s affairs.
However, she relishes the fact that Dubai is nothing like that. “Dubai is actually really tiny and everyone know everyone, but they don’t know everyone’s business”, she expressed.
Recently, Chloe became a dog mum and now spends her weekends at a local dog beach, watching her new pup frolic in the sea. She confessed that she can’t envision ever returning to the UK, although she does have concerns about the long-term implications of living in the UAE, particularly the fact that all schools are private.
“I know a lot of people who say that they will go back, but for me personally, I can’t see it happening”, she admitted.
Northumberland is home to a charming seaside village that’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike – and it’s not hard to see why with its stunning views and fresh fish and chips
The village is just over an hour away from Newcastle(Image: David Robinson via Getty Images)
Drawing in visitors from across the Northeast, this charming seaside village boasts stunning natural beauty, positioned just a stone’s throw from the Scottish border.
Families and international tourists alike flock to the picturesque seaside village of Seahouses, using it as a convenient base for their adventures. With Northumberland National Park and the Farne Islands within easy reach, the village serves as an ideal stopping point for sightseers exploring the region.
Seahouses sits within the Northumberland Coast National Landscape, a protected area celebrated for its outstanding natural beauty and diverse wildlife. This prime location provides the village with breathtaking vistas, excellent walking trails and outdoor pursuits that let visitors truly connect with nature.
One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “The beaches are so spacious, sandy and peaceful – even in peak season you can find space to enjoy the tranquillity. Head out for an early morning walk and you can have the whole beach to yourself. Stunning sunrises and sunsets.”
The village also attracts food lovers eager to sample its renowned fish and chips whilst taking in the coastal scenery, as Seahouses maintains an active fishing harbour. This working port helps support the tourism industry whilst delivering an authentic taste of British seaside cuisine, complemented by spectacular views.
Famed for serving kippers, the village boasts a rich heritage steeped in fishing and preparing this particular fish using age-old techniques dating back to 1843. This means Seahouses is recognised as the birthplace of the modern kipper, where it’s believed to have been created.
A standout destination for this is the renowned Swallowfish, an essential stop for food enthusiasts in the region. One visitor commented: “This is the real thing with regard to smoked fish; can’t be compared to supermarket kippers with artificial colouring and flavours.”
Meanwhile, nestled directly across from Seahouses lie the Farne Islands, popular with holidaymakers who frequently catch a boat from the village harbour to discover up to 20 of the small islands. During their excursion, many visitors head over to view the Longstone Lighthouse, constructed way back in 1926, as they journey across to the islands.
One review states: “We saw this lighthouse en route to the Farne Islands, and it was given the wow factor. It’s not every day you see a traditional lighthouse in this condition.”
Another commented: “Caught an organised boat trip from Seahouses. Golden Gate that includes landing and a visit inside the Lighthouse. Taking dogs is no problem. Some breathtaking views, seals, birds, and waves. Perhaps not for the faint-hearted in October, but well worth it.”
Whether you’re drawn to the stunning vistas, the scrumptious grub or using it as a pit stop between Northumberland’s islands, Seahouses has more to offer than what first meets the eye. Nestled just about 12 miles north of Alnwick and a tad over an hour from Newcastle’s bustling city centre, it’s ideally situated for you to discover its allure.
Drakes, Brighton Keep an eye out for deals at this glamorous Regency seafront hotel (a November 30% discount won’t be a one-off). A sea-view balcony room, of course, will cost a bit, but even the snuggest, city-facing bedrooms have air conditioning, a king-size bed, wet room, bathtub and Green & Spring toiletries. For somewhere so fun and stylish, Drakes offers real value, including the shorter tasting menus in Dilsk restaurant. Or just treat yourself to a sundowner in the bar, then head out to dine. This is Brighton; the world is your oyster. Doubles from £143.50 B&B, drakeshotel.com
The Queensberry, Bath
Bath is notoriously expensive, but box clever and you can secure a chic double with bath or shower for a knock-down price at Laurence and Helen Beere’s pugilism-themed boutique hotel spread across four Georgian townhouses. Junior suites and a four-poster suite are pricier; all are beautiful. The ambience is both playful and cossetting. Complimentary tea and espresso coffee are available at all hours in the drawing room. You can opt for fine dining in their Olive Tree restaurant, the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, but the “relaxed dining” bar and lounge menu is not just affordable but enticing. Real luxury for less. Doubles from £110 room-only, cooked breakfast from £11.95, thequeensberry.co.uk
The Boot Factory at Artist Residence, Bristol
In a garden square that was once a hive of industrious boot, corset and cardboard-box makers, Justin and Charlotte Salisbury’s fifth hotel occupies a handsome Grade I-listed Georgian terrace. The formula is one of boho chic, mixing vintage, distressed and upcycled furniture with witty and wacky modern art. The Crash Pad, Shoebox and Broom Cupboard rooms are the most budget-friendly, the Artist Suite the most desirable. There is a drop-in bar, with dining from a menu of modern European small and sharing plates and pizzette, to be enjoyed under an artwork exhorting you to “Party Like It’s 1999”. Doublesfrom £136, room-only (early bird price), cooked breakfast from £9, artistresidence.co.uk/the-boot-factory
The Castle Hotel, Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire
This Georgian coaching inn occupies a hilltop position on the bailey of a medieval castle in a market town on the Welsh border. The welcome is warm, the staff friendly and engaged. Comfortable bedrooms, some for a family, are more traditional than boutique. Two, with a self-catering option, occupy the Gate House (former stables). This is an ideal base for walkers, who return to hearty gastropub fare, best enjoyed with the views from the terrace. Doubles from £112 B&B, thecastlehotelbishopscastle.co.uk
William Cecil, Stamford, Lincolnshire
On the edge of the Burghley estate, this inviting hotel, set across three Georgian houses, reopened in 2024 after a £500,000 refurbishment. The look is “Burghley above stairs”, drawing inspiration from Elizabethan Burghley House. The cheapest rooms are on the attic floor; the best suite has a lounge and private terrace. All have a coffee machine, fresh milk, handmade treats and Bramley toiletries. You can take tea by the fire in the lounge, dine from a weekly changing menu in Milly’s Bistro – perhaps a ribeye steak or red onion tarte tatin with whipped goat’s cheese and lentil dressing. Doubles from £139 B&B, thewilliamcecil.co.uk
Lake Isle, Uppingham, Rutland
When a small hotel styles itself a “restaurant with rooms”, it usually signals high charges – but not here. Richard and Janine Burton’s 18th-century house behind an Edwardian shopfront is rated highly for food, service and modest pricing. Bedrooms are smart and contemporary. The smallest are quite snug, but with king-size beds; larger ones have a super-king bed, maybe a lounge area, and most have a tea/coffee maker. Beautifully presented dishes might include lobster and crab mac and cheese. Breakfast is good, too. Doubles from £140 B&B, lakeisle.co.uk
The Sun Inn, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
In a historic town with a weekly market and vibrant high street, Iain and Jenny Black’s whitewashed 16th-century inn is a cosy, dog-friendly base from which to explore the Lakes and Dales. It has a nice, rustic feel, with beams, exposed stone and blazing log-burners. From a snug room under the eaves to a deluxe super-king with double-ended bath and walk-in shower, all have contemporary furnishings, local artworks and Bath House toiletries. In the restaurant and bar, the menu mixes pub classics (Cumberland sausage and mash) with more imaginative dishes such as stone bass with leeks, mussel cream sauce and lovage. Doubles from £115 B&B, sun-inn.info
Brocco on the Park, Sheffield
When Picasso visited Sheffield in 1950 to address the World Peace Conference, he stayed at this Edwardian park-side villa, where bird-themed Scandi-chic bedrooms draw inspiration from his Dove of Peace. All of them, from Pigeon’s Loft with walk-in monsoon shower, to The Dovecote, with copper roll-top bath and park views from a Juliet balcony, have lamb’s wool blankets, LED mood lighting, an espresso machine, mini fridge, air conditioning, smart TV, home-baked cakes or biscuits, and Bramley toiletries. Dine from a small-plates menu of dishes such as heritage beetroot mosaic; beef carpaccio; pan-fried prawns with mango and pineapple salsa. Doubles from £150 room-only. Cooked breakfast from £12.50, brocco.co.uk
Darwin’s Townhouse, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
In a town nominated by the Guardian as one of the UK’s happiest places to live, this Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse B&B is named in honour of Shrewsbury’s famous son. Interiors are adorned with plant and animal fabrics and objets, maps and memorabilia. Bedrooms – some on the ground floor in a modern garden annexe – are individually designed and quirky. There is an honesty bar in the lounge, with its spectacular original plaster Zodiac ceiling, while a locally sourced breakfast in the conservatory includes artisan jams, Shropshire honey, Wenlock Edge sausages. Doubles from £140, darwinstownhouse.com
The Bailiffgate, Alnwick, Northumberland
A Georgian house and former school with a modern, purpose-built extension combine as a luxury hotel, a new venture for the Duchy of Northumberland, with stunning views of Harry Hotspur’s medieval castle. The best bedrooms have a balcony or terrace. Courtyard rooms in the new building have floor-to-ceiling windows and countryside views. You need to book ahead to secure a room below £150, and breakfast is extra, but that’s still impressive value for five-star luxury. There is “top-notch” bistro cooking in the Motte and Bailey restaurant, with menus for children and vegans, and Craster kippers for breakfast. Doubles from £143 room-only or £173 B&B, bailiffgatehotel.com
Country retreats
Biggin Hall, Biggin-by-Hartington, Derbyshire
Complimentary packed lunches are a mark of the generous spirit at James Moffett’s Grade II-listed 17th-century country-house hotel with Peak District walks from the doorstep. The hotel blends luxury and homely warmth. Bedrooms, in the main house and dog-friendly garden annexes, have individuality and charm. All have a silent mini-fridge. There is a bar with real ales on tap and an open fire. In the restaurant, conservatory and glass dining pods for dog-owners, a nightly changing, fixed-price menu might include such hearty dishes as slow-cooked feather blade of beef with red wine jus, chive mash and spiced carrot puree. Doubles from £150 B&B, bigginhall.co.uk
The Traddock, Austwick, North Yorkshire
At the foot of Ingleborough in the rolling Dales countryside, the Reynolds family’s small country house is loved for its warm ambience and friendly staff. Bedrooms are traditionally styled, with antique pieces, fresh fruit, homemade biscuits and Molton Brown bath products. A choice of locally sourced bar lunch, brasserie and tasting menus means you can opt for casual or more formal dining. If you plan to walk in the morning, order a packed lunch before you go to bed; return for tea by the fire in one of the lounges or in the sunshine in the walled garden. Doubles from £135 B&B, thetraddock.co.uk
The Beckford Arms, Tisbury, Wiltshire
Dan Brod, Charlie Luxton and Matt Greenlees created a very special brand with this dining pub with rooms on the edge of the Fonthill estate, their first venture in a burgeoning portfolio. The whole operation is about deceptive simplicity – chic bedrooms with a stripped-back aesthetic, handmade treats and Bramley bath products. And it has a proper country pub ambience with blazing fires. The menu mixes bar snacks, pub classics and such dishes as whole plaice with clams and curry butter. There’s homemade ginger beer for the designated driver, but stay over if you can because it’s great. Doubles from £106 B&B (two nights minimum at weekends), beckfordarms.com
Tudor Farmhouse, Clearwell, Gloucestershire
At the heart of the Forest of Dean, Colin and Hari Fell’s hotel is the very model of rustic chic with rooms spread across the farmhouse, cider house and barn. The cheapest, Hatchling, may be bijou but it has a walk-in shower, minibar fridge, espresso machine and Bramley toiletries. For more space, trade up to Hen, Cockerel or a suite. They’re all beautifully presented, but the great draw is the food, with such sophisticated dishes as poached cod, saffron-braised fennel, salt cod croquette and bisque butter. Doubles from £149 B&B, tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk
Bridleway Bed & Breakfast, Lincolnshire
A small flock of Southdown sheep, free-range hens and artist owner Jane Haigh await new arrivals at this B&B, down a farm track three miles from central Lincoln. The four farmhouse-chic ground-floor bedrooms in outbuildings have been decorated with wit and flair. The most expensive (least cheap) Garden Room has a private patio and wood-fired hot tub. The cheapest, twin Old Kennels, has a furnished patio. All have fresh flowers, an espresso machine, mini fridge and Bath House toiletries. Book directly for a complimentary cream tea. A continental breakfast is delivered to your door. Doubles from £100 B&B, bridlewaybandb.co.uk
The Coach & Horses, Bolton by Bowland, Lancashire
After a day hiking the fells and moorlands of the Forest of Bowland, it is a joy to return to this former coaching inn with microbrewery, locals bar and highly rated restaurant. The cheapest of the bedrooms, Blue, is snug. The dearest, such as Rose, come with in-room copper bath and chandelier, but they are all stylish, with Italian coffee makers and Molton Brown toiletries. This is deservedly a foodie destination, with tasting, à la carte, bar snacks and children’s menus, with everything from haddock goujons and chips to venison and potato terrine to keep everyone happy. Doubles from £130 B&B, coachandhorsesribblevalley.co.uk
Widbrook Grange, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
A vintage milk float parked outside this Georgian farmhouse gives a clue to the fun within Nick and Charlotte Dent’s hotel. It is filled with vintage, upcycled objects, repurposed seed trays, churns and handcarts and jokey artworks. While dog-friendly (they even offer a canine afternoon tea) and glorying in eccentricity, this is a hotel with style. Bedrooms mix exposed brick with restful paint shades. There is a pool, a gym, a bar with 160 gins, and an unpretentious restaurant serving bistro favourites with little gastro flourishes. Doubles from £85 B&B, widbrookgrange.co.uk
The Black Swan, Ravenstonedale, Cumbria
Peacefully located at the foot of Howgill Fells, between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, this child- and dog-friendly gastropub has ardent fans. Bedrooms in various sizes mix contemporary and traditional styling. All are supplied with fresh milk and organic toiletries. You can dine in the bar, dining rooms or in the riverside beer garden. Across the bridge, there are yurts for hire among the free-range chickens. Typical dishes include venison hotpot with damson-braised red cabbage, wild mushroom risotto, and haddock and chips. There is limited mobile phone coverage – a signal that it’s time to switch off. Doubles from £99 B&B, blackswanhotel.com
The Meikleour Arms, Meikleour, Perth and Kinross
Sam Mercer Nairne, scion of the Marquesses of Lansdowne, and his Bordeaux-born wife, Claire, attract rave reviews for their cottage orné-style Georgian coaching inn and fishing hotel in a designed landscape on the Meikleourestate. The auld alliance is reflected in bedrooms in the main house and dog-friendly serviced cottages, with maybe a French toile-draped canopy bed and toile de Jouy wallpaper. A decanter of sherry and Arran Aromatics toiletries are nice touches. Field-to-plate franglais seasonal menus of ingredients from the estate farm, field, forest and kitchen garden might include venison burger, confit mallard cassoulet, moules frites, with vegetarian options. Doubles from £115 B&B,meikleourarms.co.uk
TŷMawr, Brechfa, Carmarthenshire
Gill Brown and David Hart’s 17th-century country house on the edge of Brechfa forest is set in an acre of well-kept grounds with the River Marlais running by. Each of the six bedrooms has its own character. Aberglasney draws inspiration from one of Wales’s finest gardens; Laugharne, from Dylan Thomas’s boathouse on the heron-priested shore of the Taf estuary. All have Myddfai toiletries. Everything possible is made in house for a set-price rotating nightly menu of dishes such as butterbean casserole, or hake, mussels and leeks in a curry coconut sauce. Doubles from £155 B&B, wales-country-hotel.co.uk
The picturesque European destination only has a population of around nine million people – but it welcomes around 32 million international visitors on an annual basis
The country boasts historic cities with cobbled streets, colourful old towns, and incredible landscapes spanning from mountains to waterfalls and lakes(Image: Getty Images)
A European country has been named the world’s most overcrowded tourist destination – and it might come as a bit of a surprise.
Rather than places like Spain or Greece, which attract holiday-makers in their throngs, there is a landlocked location which welcomes the most visitors per local – Austria. Research carried out by MoneyTransfers.com in 2024 found that for every resident in Austria, there are almost four times the number of tourists, at a ratio of one resident to 3.6 tourists.
The country only has a population of around nine million; however, Austria accepts around 32 million international visitors yearly. Most of the tourists are concentrated in Austria’s capital, Vienna.
The capital city is the country’s top tourist draw. Known as the ‘City of Dreams’, it’s no wonder so many people are eager to explore it. Top attractions include the Schonbrunn Palace, the Vienna Opera House, and the Museum of Natural History. It is packed with beautiful baroque architecture, historic landmarks and a great nightlife thanks to the bustling bars and restaurants.
But while Vienna is used to catering for huge numbers of visitors, other areas of the country are becoming increasingly popular – but they are not equipped to take on the influx of tourists.
One example is Hallstatt, a small town known for its picturesque Alpine houses, waterfalls and salt lakes, all backed by a beautiful snowy mountain range.
The town, the rumoured inspiration for the kingdom of Arendelle in Disney’s Frozen, was previously caught up in a battle with overtourism.
Wooden fences were constructed to obstruct the view of the lake, which had become a famous selfie backdrop, amid attempts to scale back the number of visitors to the area.
But they were later dismantled following backlash on social media. In a statement to local website Upper Austrian News in 2023, Mayor Scheutz said: “The only thing that would help is if the photo point is no longer a photo point.”
The town, a protected Unesco World Heritage site, has seen over a million tourists a year since it was rumoured to be the muse for Frozen.
Before the pandemic, foot traffic in the small town rose to around 10,000 visitors a day, causing Hallstatt’s mayor, Alexander Scheutz, to introduce a cap on the number of tour buses and cars allowed to enter the area.
The town itself only has around 800 residents, leading Scheutz to declare at the time that he’d like to slash tourist numbers by a third.
YOU can now go off grid this Christmastime in the Isle of Skye on your very own private island – for just £20.
Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage is only accessible by a 10-minute boat trip, offering the ultimate digital detox for a silent stay.
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The remote stay is perched on the Isle of SkyeCredit: Katielee Arrowsmith/PinPepThe listing will go live at a random time on December 5Credit: Katielee Arrowsmith/PinPep
The exclusive listing is available between December 19 and 22 this year, priced at just £20.25.
The property, located in Isleornsay in the Scottish Highlands, can be booked through the Booking.com website – but only one person will be able to secure the four-person stay.
On December 5, at a random time, the listing will go live, with the first person to try and book at that point winning the trip.
The spacious home on the Isle of Skye features four elegant bedrooms and panoramic views over Loch Hourn, Knoydart, and the surrounding coastline.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, while the open-plan living area and wood-burning stove create a warm and inviting festive hideaway.
Inspired by Booking.com’s 2026 Travel Prediction, ‘Hushed Hobbies’, this bespoke listing invites guests to enjoy a curated itinerary including birdwatching, seaweed foraging, or simply embracing the art of stillness in the serenity of silence.
Ryan Pearson, regional manager for UK & Ireland at the online travel agency said: “More and more travellers are seeking quiet, meaningful escapes where they can truly switch off and reconnect.
“It’s a time of year when we often feel overwhelmed, but there’s a real joy to be found in simplicity, stripping the season right back to basics and going remote.”
It comes after a poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas revealed 24 per cent secretly wish they could disappear from the chaos and go ‘off grid’ this festive season.
With 33 per cent saying they would go on a holiday specifically to feel closer to the natural world.
More than a fifth (21 per cent) want to escape the pressure of a ‘perfect’ Christmas, which could lead to 19 per cent actively planning a quieter one this year.
With key benefits to doing this being having a proper amount of time to recharge and reset (51 per cent), or the chance to disconnect from technology and social media (24 per cent).
But 30 per cent aren’t able to have a more low-key break because they don’t want to disappoint friends or relatives.
And 22 per cent feel pressured to keep up with the usual traditions and expectations, according to the OnePoll.com figures.
Despite this, 55 per cent claimed their ‘ideal’ Christmas this year would be ‘quieter and relaxing’ than normal, compared to just five per cent who’d rather it was livelier and louder.
The lighthouse cottage is available to rent for three nights, for a total of £20Credit: Katielee Arrowsmith/PinPepGuests can enjoy activities such as seaweed foraging and birdwatchingCredit: Katielee Arrowsmith/PinPep
A BUSY UK train station’s ultra-modern looking walkways and vast network of tunnels and escalators have left many people comparing it to something far creepier.
Canary Wharf tube station in London is known for its sprawling size underneath the capital’s major financial district.
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Canary Wharf tube station in London has been compared to something ‘alienlike’Credit: Getty – Contributor
And the station’ s striking futuristic design boats shiny silver metal, that looks as if it could have been stripped off a cyborg.
The Observer even wrote: “Stepping into Canary Wharf is an almost religious experience.
“At 300 metres long, the tower it shares its name with could be laid flat inside with room to spare.
In fact, it isn’t just The Observer that has noticed the destination’s other-worldly look.
Back in 2016, the station was used as a set in the Star Wars spin-off film Rogue One, stepping in for a “totalitarian state somewhere in the future“.
The film used the Jubilee line platforms and concourse to represent a research facility on the planet Scarif.
The station is so striking that it has appeared in a number of films including 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007).
In the two sci-fi zombie thrillers, the station appeared as a safe haven and part of an abandoned London.
Then in A Quiet Place: Day One (2024), the streets surrounding the station were used to represent an alien-ravaged New York.
One person said on Reddit: “Canary Wharf being windy here and I remembered my visit to the place, and how weird it was.
“Honestly the structure of that place is so.. alienlike.”
Another added: “I’m convinced they re-arrange all the corridors in the underground mall overnight to confuse us all.”
A third person said: “Stay away at all costs or risk being turned into a office zombie.”
The station was designed by famous architect Norman Foster, the same person who designed the Gherkin in Central London.
The station then opened in 1999 as part of the Jubilee Line Extension.
Unlike older tube stations with lots of cream coloured walls and pale yellow floor tiles, Canary Wharf features a variety of greys and chrome.
It also features vast ceilings, that reach up to 30 metres high.
The station was designed by famous architect Norman Foster, who also designed The GherkinCredit: Wikipedia
Concrete is a key material throughout and glass panels feel like a nod to the buildings that surround the station.
There are also seven columns which run the length of the structure and half-egg-shaped glass dome lights littered across the station.
For those heading out of the station into Canary Wharf, the futuristic look continues.
Unlike the pretty mews and Victorian terraced houses found elsewhere in London, the financial district is full of towering skyscrapers, including the famous One Canada Square building which used to be the tallest in London before the Shard was built in London Bridge.
Most of these buildings are filled with offices of top firms like JP Morgan and Chase Bank.
For example, you could head to the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, which is full of tropical plants and is free to visit.
The station has even been used as a filming location for a number of Hollywood filmsCredit: Wikipedia
In the warmer months and up until October, you can enjoy a dip in the water with Love Open Water.
Prefer to stay on the water, rather than in it? Then choose to go on a Skuna Boat ride, which “transforms Canary Wharf into a floating playground”.
Different options include a BBQ boat, hot tub boat and igloo boat.
There is also a waterside sauna where you collect the boats from.
If you prefer to stay on dry land then Canary Wharf also has a number of activity bars, such as Fairgame – which is like an adult’s playground with retro fairground games – and Electric Shuffle – a modern spin on Shuffleboard.
Last year, I was fortunate enough to travel to Naples, Italy for the first time.
One of the many reasons to visit this historical and culinary diamond is to experience the famed Margherita pizza, invented there in the late 19th century.
My wife, a group of travelers and I caught a break when a table opened at 50 Kalò, a pizzeria lauded in Italy’s Michelin guide and known for its amazing doughs.
We ordered a variety of Neapolitan pizzas, including a pair of the tomato, mozzarella and basil-based Margheritas. How fortunate we were.
One person at our table, however, refused to try them. Her name is Jan and she’s from New Jersey.
“It’s not better than New York style,” she told a stunned table. “I’m sure it’s fine, but my guy is better.”
We all know a Jan in our lives — or sometimes, it’s us. We all have our favorites, whether it’s pizza, tacos, draft beers or wines. But that shouldn’t stop us from trying something different.
Harris takes readers from Hermosa Beach to Eagle Rock, and from Santa Monica to Los Feliz in search of a lovely pie.
Let’s jump into a few selections from Harris’ list — and remember, don’t be a Jan.
A pepperoni pizza from Sonny’s in Hollywood.
(Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times)
Sonny’s (Hollywood)
I have seen all the social media influencers proclaiming Sonny’s to be the best new pizza in Los Angeles. It’s a giant pizza, with a diameter that seems like the size of a semi-truck tire. The crust is so crisp, the crackles are audible in every video of people munching on it.
A layer of bronze oil sits atop the pizza and settles in the many cups of pepperoni. It creates a sheen over the cheese. My fingers were shiny. The oil dripped down my chin. The cheese, sauce and crust coalesce into a slender slice that’s sturdy enough, but flops at the tip.
Some of the crust was cracker-like and golden. Some of it was burnt. It’s not a perfect pizza, but I appreciated the thin crust and the flavor of the grease-streaked mottled cheese. And if someone else is offering to go through the trouble of ordering the pizza, I’ll happily eat it.
The D-Fresh pizza from Redwood Pie in Hermosa Beach. The pizza is topped with pickled serrano chiles and spicy sausage.
(Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times)
Redwood Pie (Hermosa Beach)
I first encountered Erik Vose’s pizza when he was operating Vivace Pizzeria, a food truck that housed a 5,500-pound Acunto Mario oven. He made some of the best bubble-flecked Neapolitan pies in the city. Now he’s creating his own category of pizza at Redwood Pie in Hermosa Beach.
He’s making a sourdough crust with a blend of five flours from Central Milling. It’s bready and wonderfully chewy, a sheath of amber orbs and tight, tiny bubbles that create the ideal crunch.
The slice of pepperoni is textbook perfect from Redwood Pie, with a well-balanced sauce, a blanket of cheese and pepperoni cups that transform into blistered meat candy in the oven. For the white pie fans, there’s the “D-Fresh.” A rugged landscape of hot Italian sausage crumbles, frizzled basil and pickled Serrano chiles tops the mozzarella base — and leaves your lips humming with heat.
Pork-and-beef bolognese pizza at Bub and Grandma’s Pizza in Highland Park.
(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)
Bub and Grandma’s Pizza (Highland Park)
If you’ve been following Andy Kadin’s career, you know that his breads can be found at restaurants around the city. So it should come as no surprise that his sourdough pizzas possess a wonderful tang and a durable crust that cracks with each fold and bite.
Kadin developed his pizza dough alongside chef Jeff Whittaker, who previously cooked at Hippo and Bar Monette. For the Bolognese pizza at Bub and Grandma’s Pizza, they slather the crust in a robust, meaty pork and beef ragu, with big boulders of meat protruding from the melted mozzarella.
The porchetta pie is painted with a decadent garlic cream and cloaked in ribbons of porchetta, charred broccolini and plenty of pepperoncini. It’s finished with a drizzle of garlic oil and a sprinkle of fennel salt. Imagine all the makings of a stellar porchetta sandwich in pizza form.
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I’M a Travel Editor who also happens to be a London mum of a six-year -old – and while we spend plenty of time travelling the world, one of my favourite places to explore is my home city.
Because London is one of the best cities in the world for families, with stacks of free attractions, great parks, child-friendly restaurants and pubs.
London is one of the best cities in the world for families, with stacks of free attractions, great parks, child-friendly restaurants and pubsCredit: GettyThe Sun’s Head Of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire and her son in their home city of LondonCredit: Caroline McGuire
In fact, I have spent whole days out with my son in London at museums, galleries and theatre shows, without spending more than £50.
Inside the bags are a number of items and activities, including hieroglyphs, toy animals, amulets and even fancy dress.
Be sure not to miss the mummies in the Ancient Egyptian section, hugely popular with anyone aged 6 to 96. Although it does get very busy.
The Science Museum in South Kensington is perfect for kids of all ages, I’ve been taking my child there since he was a one-year-old, as the interactive ‘Garden’ in the basement is perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
There are plenty of excellent free exhibitions around the museum – one of our favourites being the Space section – but the most popular (and deservedly so) is the Wonderlab, an interactive gallery featuring numerous experiments that will fascinate children aged 3-14. Tickets cost from £15 for this area.
Theneighbouring Natural History Museum is another one with some excellent paying exhibits, but the dinosaur gallery is free and perfect for kids, as is the creepy crawlies gallery and the Earth Hall.
For more of an arty trip, try the Tate Modern – my son loves the Pop Art and the huge installations in the Turbine Hall.
But his favourite is Tate Draw, where kids can make their own creations on a bank of screens, an activity that kept him busy for over an hour.
Further down the South Bank is the Southbank centre, which offers some of my favourite free activities on weekends and in school holidays.
My son has been to Lego-building, screen printing and even helped to build a Moomin House with real saws, wood and hammers at the venue, all completely free.
The Outernet – the huge multi-screened space on Tottenham Court Road that claims to be the most visited cultural attraction in the UKCredit: Caroline McGuire
It’s worth checking if you need to book in advance though, as tickets for the free events go very fast.
For an event they’re sure to remember forever – I still have a hazy recollection of my first Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace when I was just seven years old, and my son went last year and loved it too.
The ceremony takes place at 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and it’s worth getting there early for a good spot.
For something considerably more modern, try the Outernet – the huge multi-screened space on Tottenham Court Road that claims to be the most visited cultural attraction in the UK.
The space shows a series of artist-made short films, some of which invite audience participation, and it’s so entertaining that my son and I are happy to sit there for an hour.
Pubs And Restaurants
Taking a child to a pub or restaurant can strike fear into the heart of any parent – will they sit still? Will they eat? It’s a culinary minefield.
Here are some of my favourite places that welcome children.
It has an indoor slide, a duckpin bowling alley, scavenger hunts and face painting during school holidays, an ice cream van, ping pong tables and an extensive kids’ menu.
It gets quite busy after 5pm with post-work drinkers, but any time before that and you feel like it’s perfectly acceptable that your kid is doing their 20th lap of the pub to reach the two-storey slide.
Brewdog Waterloo is easily one of the best pubs in London for familiesCredit: Linkedin
Much like Brewdog, Sixes cricket bars have excellent activities for kids – their high-tech batting cages mean children can burn off some serious energy while you sip on a pint
They also have tasty food to suit everyone – my personal favourite is the flaming candy floss pudding in the giant martini glass.
As a Travel Editor who has taken my child to many restaurants over the years, I’ve recently hit upon a surprising winner – ramen.
Introduce a child to chopsticks and noodles in a bowl, and they’ll stay entertained for at least half an hour.
Tonkotsu has a chain of ramen restaurants across London, with both bento boxes for kids and non-spicy ramen bowls.
Particularly adventurous child who doesn’t mind a queue? Try Borough Market on a Monday or Tuesday, when it’s less crowded.
They’ll love the bowls of free bite-sized food the traders leave out to tempt you and the hot stations round the back really do have something for everyone.
You can indulge your love of Thai or Indian, while they chow down on pizza or fish and chips.
Then you can share some of those ludicrous strawberries in chocolate or a giant brownie for afters.
If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant, I can’t speak highly enough of the Rosewood Hotel’s Holborn Dining Room.
They have the most beautiful Rosewood-themed activity books for kids to fill in and the huge bowl of sausage and mash went down a treat, as did the chance to pet the very cute Labradors who stand on duty at the entrance.
Parks
London’s parks are second to none – I’ve never been to a city in the world that has so many, with such a variation.
Perfect if you’re paying a visit to Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park playground is excellent for many reasons.
Firstly, it has a Go Ape next door, so you can easily kill at least four hours in a 100-metre radius.
Secondly, the playground itself is excellent with two different areas for older and younger kids that feature huge slides, trapezes, massive climbing frames and plenty more.
Battersea Park playground also has a Go Ape next door, so you can kill at least four hours in the parkCredit: Alamy
It is particularly great for parents because the park cafe serves beer and pizzas, and you can grab a table with a perfect view of the playground – great for keeping an eye on your kid AND people watching, as I’ve never visited this playground without spotting a celebrity.
One of my favourite parks if you’re in the centre of town isCoram’s Fields, a seven-acre walled playground in the heart of Bloomsbury.
It feels particularly safe in the centre of busy London because they have a rule that ‘no adult can enter without a child.’
If you’re exploring the many attractions the South Bank has to offer, then it’s well worth stopping by the Jubilee Gardens playground, next to the London Eye.
Smaller than the others I’ve mentioned, it’s very well designed and perfect for those kids who need to run off some steam in between organised fun.
A little bit further out, Greenwich Park playground is possibly my favourite in London (while the Princess Diana Memorial Playground is closed for renovations).
It has all the usual suspects, as well as an excellent sand and water play area – so remember to bring some plastic cups and spades.
Plus afterwards, you can walk to the top of the hill in the park, for great views of the capital.
Paid for attractions
OK, there are many that I could have shared here, but these are some of the paid-for attractions that have been the biggest hits with my child from the ages of 3-6.
As every parent knows, attractions with lots of ‘look don’t touch’ rules are a nightmare for those with inquisitive kids which is why HMS Belfastis such a winner (adult tickets £26.35 and kids £13.15).
Built to last at sea in wartime, this Royal Navy ship moored on the Thames near London Bridge is not in the least bothered about curious little hands.
They have audioguides for older kids and activity packs for younger children.
My son spent three hours exploring every level of this battle ship and would easily have stayed for a further three.
One of our most memorable days out has been a ride on the Thames Rockets – the speedboat tours of the River ThamesCredit: Getty
Speaking of ships, the Golden Hinde further along the South Bank near the Globe Theatre is another hit.
A seaworthy reconstruction of the ship captained byFrancis Drake when he sailed around the world in the 16th century, the attraction has particularly great value activities on during school holidays.
For just £8, my son took part in a 1.5-hour session onboard where they went on a scavenger hunt, learnt how to fire cannons, had a tour of the ship and practised (foam) sword fighting.
When it comes to the pricier attractions, one of our most memorable days out has been a ride on theThames Rockets– the speedboat tours of the River Thames.
We went on their new 26-seater boat The Rocket Rebel, for a hair-raising trip accompanied by some of London’s best pop and rock music.
Then on the way back, the hilarious tour guide filled us in on some very interesting titbits about the capital as we passed the many famous landmarks.
With adults from £59.95 and kids from £49.95 it’s not cheap, but it is an absolutely brilliant way to sight see the city that guarantees the kids won’t moan about being bored.
Theatre Shows and Culture
This is a tricky one, because if you’re aiming for theatre that young kids will love then shows tend to be limited to school holidays.
But of the big budget ones that I’ve seen which will not disappoint –The Lion Kingand Starlight Expressare perfect for all ages from 6 to 96.
Other than that, take a gamble by signing up to discount ticket websites like Show Film First and The Audience Club several weeks ahead of your visit.
They operate as seatfiller sites and I have found Band A and B tickets for £15 to huge shows on both websites.
Of the big budget theatre shows which will not disappoint – The Lion King is perfect for all ages from 6 to 96Credit: PA:Press Association
Also, check out what theSouthbank Centrehas on offer. They have so many free cultural events aimed at families, from art to dancing, building and live music.
Plus, in the summertime your kid can play in the Jeppe Hein Appearing Rooms fountains, with views of the Thames.
ONE destination in the Midlands known as the ‘City of Kings’ thanks to its links to the Crown.
It’s had connections to royalty throughout history, both fictional and in real-life – plus for visitors, it has some great attractions.
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Leicester has links to royalty throughout history – and it’s the resting place of King Richard IIICredit: AlamyThe Jewry Wall is one of the largest remaining Roman structures in BritainCredit: Alamy
The city of Leicester is the final resting place ofKing Richard IIIand the birthplace of the Shakespeare’s mythical King Leir.
Other attractions include the King Richard III Visitors Centre, and the King Power Stadium.
Another popular attraction is Jewry Wall Museum, which immerses visitors in the stories of Roman Leicester – and it reopened after renovations earlier this year.
It’s where you can see Jewry Wall which was once part of a public bathhouse and it’s one of the largest surviving Roman masonry structures in Britain.
Inside the museum are plenty of Roman artefacts from soldiers’ helmet pieces to brooches and rings.
Tickets for adults are £12.50, those for children between 5-15 are £6.25 – families can get group tickets for £32.
The city in the Midlands is known for many things – but one must-see is the National Space Centre.
Most read in Best of British
The museum is the number one attraction in Leicester followed by Tropical Birdland and the Retro Computer Museum.
The National Space Centre is not just top in Leicester, it’s the UK’s leading visitor attractions dedicated to space science and astronomy.
National Space Centre in Leicester is the top attraction on TripadvisorCredit: Osborne Hollis Ltd.You can see the space centre for miles thanks to its Rocket TowerCredit: Alamy
It has interactive exhibits throughout the year and the UK’s largest planetarium.
Heading into the city, you’ll be able to spot it thanks to Rocket Tower – which is 42 metres high.
It has Blue Streak and Thor Able rockets, as well as the Gagarin Experience, Apollo Lunar Lander and real Moon Rock.
For those who want even more, stay for Space Lates — exclusive evenings of talks, activities, and galleries.
Entry for adults starts from £20.95, tickets for children between 5-16 are £18.95.
This much-mocked UK city is set to be huge next year – according to National Geographic…
According toNational Geographic, one of ‘best places in the world to travel to in 2026’ isHull– all thanks to its lively bar scene, award-winning aquarium, and completion of a huge project costing millions.
National Geographic has named it as one of the best places in the entire world to visit next year, but it’s not always been so up and coming. For example in Hull took top spot in the book Crap Towns: The 50 Worst Places to Live in the UK back in 2003.
However, it’s set to become more popular in 2026, and National Geographic mentioned that one of the reasons why is Hull’s investment into conserving its rich maritime history.
Hull was a very important trade route during the 13th and 14th centuries. Thanks to this, you can see Dutch-influenced architecture buildings that line the streets of the quaint Old Town.
Since 2020, the Maritime Museum has been undergoing a huge revamp worth £11million, but it will finally reopen to the public next year. This has been part of a wider £27.5 million project to promote Hull’s maritime history which has gone into restoring the museum and ships.
Another reason is the city’s new leisure spots that have transformed warehouses and the old waterside Fruit Market to become bars, restaurants, and art galleries.
The publication added: “There’s also a spectacular performance amphitheater, called Stage@TheDok, overlooking River Hull where it meets the Humber Estuary.
“And a former shipyard has for over 20 years been the base for The Deep, one of the United Kingdom’s most highly respected aquariums and marine conservation centers.”
I now know the awful reason olive oil is so expensive(Image: Jane Lavender)
Strolling through an olive grove in southern Italy, surrounded by trees, many of which were more than 200 years old, I was bathed in sunshine and calm with only the warm breeze floating through to branches to break the idyllic silence.
Frantoio Mafrica is a family-owned olive mill, which has been handed down from generation to generation. While it looks like little more than olive trees in a sunlight dappled grove to us visitors, to the owner they’re his family heritage. When he looks at them he sees his grandfather, who also worked the land.
The mill also uses donkeys to help transport the olives after picking, which is done in the traditional way by shaking the tree when they’ve 50 percent green and 50 percent black. And meeting the baby donkey who wanted nothing more than cuddles was one of the highlights of my entire trip to Calabria with Great Rail Journeys.
The family secret to processing the olives into the highest quality extra virgin olive oil was also unexpected. Rather than pressing the olives, they’re washed with water as they’re pulped to make sure every bit of Italian goodness goes into the oil. The process is all completed 24 hours after harvesting.
After trying the oil with bruschetta I can confirm it was like nothing available in your local Tesco: utterly delicious. Calabria is one of Italy’s major olive producing regions, with more than 50 types grown there including the only white olive. However, you would have had to have been hiding under a rock to be unaware of the soaring cost of olive oil.
Frantoio Mafrica explained the heart-breaking reason behind this alarming rise, and it’s not the market forces behind the soaring costs of other food. In fact, it’s because huge swathes of Italian olive groves have been hit by a terrible disease, which has killed the trees, many of them hundreds of years old.
As olive trees take so long to grow, the devastation of burning huge numbers of the diseased and dead trees has been a terrible price to pay for a country and region so fiercely proud of its ‘liquid gold’.
Knowing the passion, work and care that goes into making the best olive oil – and the devastation this blight has caused – I’ll complain much more quietly at the price next time.
With searches for ‘avoid jet lag’ soaring, travel experts have revealed the perfect time to fly
Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer
09:29, 23 Nov 2025
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Fly at the right time to avoid jet lag(Image: Thicha Satapitanon via Getty Images)
Anyone heading off for some winter sunshine this festive period might find themselves fretting about jet lag – particularly if you’re travelling somewhere quite distant. According to Google Trends data, searches for ‘avoid jet lag’ have rocketed by 9,900% over the past month, with holidaymakers worried this could ruin their break.
But dodging jet lag could be as straightforward as picking the ideal departure time, according to specialists at Go2Africa. They recommend booking your flight to arrive at a local time between 2pm-5pm, which means you’ll touch down in optimal conditions with plenty of daylight exposure and the chance to remain alert until bedtime. This sets you up for a properly synchronised body clock throughout your getaway.
Circadian rhythm alignment
One explanation for why your arrival time can help prevent jet lag is that it allows your body’s circadian rhythm sufficient time to adjust to external signals like light and darkness.
Any sudden shift, such as crossing time zones during air travel, can throw this alignment off balance and trigger jet lag symptoms.
Strong reset signal
“Light is the strongest signal to the body that it needs to reset”, the specialists explain. “Strategic exposure or, of course, avoidance, changes your circadian phase, supercharging the reset of your internal body clock.”
Daylight and wakefulness
The experts add: “Getting to your destination between the hours of 2pm and 5pm local time is perfect as you have enough daylight to reset your body clock, but it’s not so late that you will struggle to stay awake until bedtime. Arriving too early (morning) risks falling asleep prematurely or being awake for too many hours before night, confusing your clock.”
Other ways to beat jet lag
If you can’t manage to touch down at the ideal time, there are still plenty of methods to reduce your chances of suffering from jet lag.
The first approach is to slowly modify your sleep pattern at least three days before you travel. Achieve this by hitting the hay 30 to 60 minutes earlier each evening.
Another suggestion is to maximise your light exposure by stepping outdoors into natural sunlight as quickly as possible once you’ve landed.
Though if you touch down during the evening hours, experts recommend steering clear of harsh lighting (particularly screens) for an hour or two before your local bedtime.
During your first complete day at your destination, synchronise your meals, wake-up time and sleep schedule with the local timezone, as your body’s digestive rhythm also plays a crucial part in your circadian system.
