TRAVEL

Nicey Nash-Betts has only ever lived in Los Angeles — and she’s proud of that.

“I’m an OG Angeleno,” says the Academy Award-winning actress who’s lived all over the county, from Compton to Palmdale. When I ask her why she’s stayed, she says, “The weather.” And also: “My family is here and I feel like as a whole, people who are from L.A. are a lot more down to earth. It’s the transplants who come here with some weird energy. But the people who are from L.A. are just lovely.”

In Sunday Funday, L.A. people give us a play-by-play of their ideal Sunday around town. Find ideas and inspiration on where to go, what to eat and how to enjoy life on the weekends.

Starting Tuesday, Nash-Betts will star in Ryan Murphy’s new Hulu show, “All’s Fair,” which follows a crew of female divorce attorneys as they leave their male-dominated firm to launch their own practice. It’s a role she almost didn’t take.

“I was just coming off of doing ‘Grotesquerie,’ so I was like, “Ooo. It sounds like it might be a lot work,” says Nash-Betts, whose credits include “Claws,” “The Rookie: Feds” and “When They See Us.” “So I waited a little bit and then I slipped in at the last minute and was like ‘OK, I’m in!’ “

She joins a star-studded glamorous cast of badass women including Sarah Paulson, Kim Kardashian, Glenn Close, Naomi Watts and Teyana Taylor. What was it like working with them?

“We don’t just genuinely like each other, but we have respect for each other,” Nash-Betts says. “And when you respect somebody’s time, their talent, their effort, you know that you’ll always have one of your sisters to lean on that day even if you’re going through something in your personal life.”

When Nash-Betts isn’t on set, she can be found bopping around the city with her “hersband” singer-actor Jessica Betts, whom she married in 2020, and spending time with her three adult kids. Her perfect Sunday in L.A. involves hitting up the farmers market, getting a couple’s massage and ending the night in the same way she did when she won her first Emmy in 2024.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

7:30 a.m.: A slow morning

It depends on how early I want to get to the farmers market, so I may wake up around 7:30 a.m. and then just slow roll the day. Make my spouse a cup of coffee. We’re not big eaters in the morning. Occasionally I will get up and make an omelet with all the things and some smothered potatoes, and bring it upstairs on a cart with some juice. Now, I’m telling you the truth. “Baby, am I telling the truth?” [Looks back and screams out to Betts in another room].

9:30 a.m. Get my essentials at the farmers market

I’d grab a shower and say, “Let’s get dressed and go outside, and see what the world has for us today.” I love to go by the farmers market. It’s where we get all of our peppers and vegetables. We like the eggs, the fresh pressed juices and we get our dog snacks from there. I like to go to the farmers market on Saturdays at the Commons in Calabasas, but if I’m going on a Sunday, it’s the one in Westlake. I just think that it’s a one-stop shop for everything that we’re looking for and typically the vendors are really kind. I don’t know if that’s because they want you to buy their stuff or that’s just who they are, but either way, I’ll take it.

And every now and then, I might find a little bop, a little sundress, a little something to throw on, drop the things back off and then head down into the city.

Noon: Stroll around the Grove

If the weather is great, we’ll take something out of the garage that’s a convertible because there’s nothing like the L.A. sunshine. Then depending on what time we can get spa appointments, we might go to the Grove first and walk around. I like the shops that are there. Sometimes you might get a little sweet treat when you’re walking around, but you can always impromptu decide you want to go to the movies and push your plans a little later. It’s just centrally located and it has all of the good things that I like.

2 p.m. Couples massage and a cocktail

Next, we’d head to the Four Seasons for a couple’s massage and a cocktail. Sometimes we’ll go to the Four Seasons Westlake. Sometimes we’ll go to the Four Seasons on Doheny [Drive], but we like to get a spa room, which is in the back. It’s like a suite with a fireplace and a bed in there. You can relax. You have your own private plunge pool and we get our services in the suite. We both always get deep tissue.

5 p.m.: Thai food for dinner

Afterward, we’d drive down to Farmhouse Thai in West Adams because we love it there and we have come to love the owner. I always get the crab fried rice, the whole cripsy fish, the cup of ramen noodles with the short rib on top and spring rolls. That’s the standard order. But if I don’t go out to dinner, I will make crabs every weekend. So sometimes, my kids will come over and eat. If I get to lay my eyes on them during the weekend, that’s always a good time.

9 p.m.: Skinny dipping and champagne

When we get back, we are definitely getting in the pool. Skinny dipping and champagne is how we’re going to end the day. We do this often. Even when I won my Emmy for “Dahmer,” people asked, “How will you celebrate?” and I said, “Skinny dipping and champagne.” And it just so happened, we found a hotel downtown that had a full-sized swimming pool inside the room, so there’s pictures on my Instagram of us in that pool, skinny dipping and drinking champagne. I think that night, we were probably drinking Perignon.

11 p.m.: Hang in the pool until I get sleepy

If I have to get up early on Monday morning, then I might try to lay down around 11 p.m., but if I don’t have to get up and be anywhere, it’ll maybe be around 12:30 or 1 a.m.

These days, a night at one of SoCal’s most popular haunted attractions usually begins with attendants scanning digital tickets at a clearly marked entrance.

At Coffin Creek, things were a little different.

Those who made the journey to Corona’s annual haunt entered an eerie scene the moment they veered off the 71 Freeway and down the desolate roads to Riverview Recreation Park, where Coffin Creek made its home. In the parking area, the dust kicked up by the vehicles created its own layer of fog, and sounds could be heard in the darkness — faint screams, the echo of chain saws and the nervous chatter of the hauntgoers. There was always a sense of mystery and excitement: With its independent, grassroots vibe, Coffin Creek — one of the longest-running Halloween attractions in Southern California — was the little haunt that could.

Coffin Creek has had its final run. Its founder and operator, Gary Shireman, passed away last month at the age of 74. But its legend lives on in the community of Halloween enthusiasts.

Coffin Creek, situated at Riverview Recreation Park, had a rustic feel, which added to the spookiness.

(Warren So)

While Coffin Creek, which at times went by the name Crossroads Haunted Village, was essentially a destination populated by several independently owned and operated haunted mazes, Shireman was the head of the operation. An electrician by trade and a longtime horror fan, Shireman launched the enterprise in 2007 after spending years searching for a location. He landed upon 180 acres of a park in Corona near the Santa Ana River. And as he soon discovered, it was already haunted, perhaps.

The backstory of the Coffin Creek locale — at least as it’s told through a newspaper story on the haunt’s website — is that in 1938, a massive flood hit Southern California, unearthing 13 coffins in Corona from an abandoned cemetery. Only some of the human remains from those coffins were recovered, and soon people in the area began seeing and hearing strange things at night.

Local artists and volunteers worked all year to open Coffin Creek, which was never a production as flashy or refined as Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, Knott’s Scary Farm or any of SoCal’s well-established haunted maze destinations — but that was part of the allure. The darkness of the woods and muddy terrain was just as effective scenery as any of the bedsheet drapery or wooden flats that had been set up. While a discerning guest may have noticed that some of the haunted set pieces were missing a little paint or not lighted all that well, the cackling heard from the dark spaces in between reminded folks that it was all about the final thrill. One could never tell when a chain-saw-wielding madman was about to jump out from behind a wall.

The sign for the Coffin Creek Manor maze.

(Scott Feinblatt)

“Gary’s mazes were very old-school and very low-tech, and he was a big proponent of that,” said Warren So, a contributor for Hollywood Gothique, an online guide to all things horror in L.A. “He felt that all we need is a good old-school scare. As long as people scream, then it’s successful.”

In one 2011 interview, Shireman said he would work all year for that “first scream of the season.” Some attendees would take one step through the front door and come right back out.

The mazes at Coffin Creek had names like Chambers of the Mausoleum, Labyrinth of Lost Relics, Bog of the Abyss, the Dark Realm and Coffin Creek Manor, the legend’s namesake. One of the most endearing aspects of the destination was that several of the mazes took residence in the permanent structures that composed the medieval-inspired village of the Koroneburg Renaissance Festival on the park’s grounds.

A scare actor ready for his next victim.

(Scott Feinblatt)

Actors played all types of ghoulish creatures, including orcs and vampires. Uncle Zed’s Zombie Safari, which was one of several haunted hayride-style attractions that appeared over the years, even featured something of a community-sourced collection of monsters, all of which originated from independent contributions to the Secure, Contain, Protect (SCP) horror subgenre. Guests of this Coffin Creek attraction were carted along from one breached containment scenario to the next, with roving monsters periodically surprising them in the darkness between the scantily lighted vignettes.

Steve Biodrowski, the owner and operator of Hollywood Gothique, said Shireman worked tirelessly behind the scenes, dealing not only with the haunt’s creation but also with all the red tape that came with operating at the Corona park. Biodrowski recalled Shireman telling him about the complex nature of its ownership. “There were like four different owners,” Biodrowsky explained. “One was federal, and I believe it had something to do with the Army; then there were state and local departments involved. Getting everybody to sign on to a deal or agree to allow the haunted village to operate was just near impossible.”

Clowns haunted the premises — and visitors’ dreams.

(Scott Feinblatt)

Over the years of Coffin Creek’s various incarnations, a number of ancillary attractions complemented the mazes: a magic show, horror merchandise vendors and food stands. Some of the haunts included higher production value effects — Chambers of the Mausoleum, for instance, featured inventive animatronics from its principal operator, Figment Foundry. Even by the mid-2010s during a proliferation of local haunted attractions, the village downsized but the mazes never lost their charm. By continually utilizing veneers and components from past maze builds, the distinctive landscape and the talents of passionate, volunteers, Shireman continued to conjure an entertaining enterprise.

His passion for haunted attractions did not end at Coffin Creek. In 2022, Shireman partnered with haunt producer Jason Thompson to host the Haunt X convention at the Fairplex in Pomona. The event provided independent haunt owners and artisans an opportunity to network, learn trade techniques and showcase their enterprises and goods with one another and with their fans.

“He wasn’t just into haunted houses,” So said of Shireman. “He was always bouncing ideas about other Halloween stuff that was family-friendly — not scary — for the kids.” Additionally, So said that Shireman was generous with the community. “He loved talking to you about your haunt and his haunt and sharing ideas. I think everybody would agree that he was always willing to help. Another buddy of mine was building his haunted house, and even though it had nothing to do with Gary, he was down to help out and build out in the heat, in the desert. And Gary did not benefit one single cent. That’s just the guy he was — he doesn’t ask for anything and just wants to make a friend and help make a good haunt.”

The legend of the Coffin Creek location is that a flood hit Southern California, unearthing 13 coffins from an abandoned cemetery.

(Scott Feinblatt)

Shortly before his death, Shireman expressed enthusiasm about Coffin Creek’s future. He had announced that the haunt would be moving to a new Riverside location, the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, where it would operate in tandem with the Perris Pumpkin Patch. That couldn’t happen, but the Perris Pumpkin Patch has been operational this season and remains a family-friendly destination.

And while the haunt may have ended, like with any good maze, there may always be something more lurking ahead.

Ten nightmares – one night – Kelly Williams’ favourites in a gauntlet of unforgettable hell at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025 where she screamed herself hoarse

I’d been anxiously counting down the days until the opening of Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and finally, it had arrived.

The air in the park felt electric – thick with fog, echoing with screams and a primal promise that tonight, my nightmares would come alive.

Suddenly, I didn’t feel so brave as my heart jumped into my throat at the sound of chainsaws buzzing in the distance. Before I’d even reached the 10 haunted houses, I found myself in a hunting ground of bloodthirsty zombies as panicked victims urged me to run.

But there was no turning back…

Five Nights at Freddy’s

I started with a childhood-unravelled – the eerie animatronics of Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy lurking at every turn of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop creations looked terrifyingly real, and when Freddy reached forward with his blazing eyes, I jolted.

The flickering cameras, the dim corridors, it was like stepping into a haunted bedtime story that always ends badly. And just as I thought I was safe, a flicker of a poster caught my eye near the exit. The design didn’t quite fit—newer, sharper, like it was whispering about horrors still to come in a sequel I wasn’t ready for.

El Artista: A Spanish Haunting

19th-century Spain never looked so menacing at this original concept house. I wandered into a country manor alive with bloody paintings, possessed by tortured spirits, where artist Sergio Navarro’s vision turned against him and dragged me into madness.

Figures chanted in candlelight, and I was swallowed by pitch-black hallways so disorienting I had to grope along the walls, certain something was right behind me (it was). The Gothic atmosphere and haunting visuals were beautiful yet utterly terrifying.

WWE Presents: The Horrors of The Wyatt Sicks

If every other house had been pure terror, this one was theatrical dread, despite the fact that my WWE knowledge is limited, to say the least. Entering, I passed through a twisted lantern-lit stage into a tunnel filled with the distorted faces of 27 WWE icons, including Bray Wyatt tributes.

The surreal realm of Uncle Howdy, Mercy the Buzzard, Abby the Witch – it was like a haunted wrestling dreamscape laced with sorrow and nightmares. I felt both unnerved and strangely reverent. This house was surprisingly one of my favourites.

Hatchet and Chains: Demon Bounty Hunters

This was raw, fiery chaos – an Old West torn apart by lava demons melting everything in sight. I dodged demonic assaults and swampy lava flows as bounty hunters hunted the chaos, while heat and horror raged around me.

Try as I might, I couldn’t look away, even though behind every corner was a scare actor waiting to spring. My heart jumped into my throat, and I laughed nervously, realising this was just the beginning.

Dolls: Let’s Play Dead

Suddenly, I was doll-sized, trapped in a nightmarish toy world as burnt, stitched, malformed dolls limped from shadows. A twisted little girl named Lyla giggled as I ran, chased by cursed playthings. The scenes were harrowing, and strangely childlike – a grotesque playroom with a dark twist.

Dolls had been tortured in a way that made Sid from Toy Story look like Willy Wonka. Pure nightmare fuel.

Grave of Flesh

I barely had time to steady my breath before I was dropped into my own funeral. In tight, cavernous tunnels, flesh-eating creatures pursued me relentlessly. The narrative is that flesh-eating zombies feast on our corpses when we die and drag our souls into a relentless world of horror.

Panic, claustrophobia, the feeling of being buried alive – it was hell incarnate, and I crawled out trembling.

Gálkn: Monsters of the North

Finally, a Norse-myth horror – ice, fjords, and ancient beasts stirring deep beneath a northern village. I raced through fjord fiends and a monstrous resurrection that felt like stepping into a brutal saga where survival was never guaranteed.

My voice was hoarse from screaming and laughing hysterically at the same time. My group huddled tighter together, knowing the scares came harder when we split apart.

Fallout

Next, I plunged into a decaying Vault 33 that opened into the blasted wasteland of post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. Rad-roaches scuttled by while Lucy’s voice echoed in my head.

Raiders, The Ghoul, even Maximus in his T-60 power armour – every element pulled me deeper into survival terrain, like a living nightmare in the world of Fallout.

Jason Universe

Here’s where I felt my heart really start pounding. Walking through the haunted woods, past the creaking lodge and into the decaying cabins of Camp Crystal Lake – Jason stands silent, relentless, a gauntlet of killers from the Friday the 13th films from 1 to 8.

It pulled me through scenes that felt cinematic, each room ratcheting up the dread, with Jason’s mum even making an appearance.

It wasn’t just nostalgia; it was a matter of being hunted. I bolted out, breathless and, somehow, triumphant that I’d survived what felt like endless corridors of hell – even though I wasn’t sure I wanted to.

Terrifier

Terrifier pushed horror into the realm of the visceral with an intense sensory overload. Art the Clown’s gruesome funhouse assaulted my senses with blood-soaked corridors and a hacksaw kill recreated in sickening detail.

Nauseating smells – faeces, bleach, salted flesh – clung to everything. With 35 bodies and six gallons of “blood” this is Universal’s first “unrated” house. I wanted to look away, but the narrow corridors kept pushing me deeper.

Victims can choose to take the ‘dry path’ or the ‘blood bath’ at the end of the maze. I chose the latter so the finale drenched me in warm, iron-scented water as I staggered out, sticky, unsettled with adrenaline crackling in my veins.

By the time I stumbled out of the last maze, I thought I’d finally be able to breathe. But instead of relief, I was plunged into more horror.

Neon lights from food stalls flickered, barely cutting through the haze. That’s when the sound hit me first—wet dragging footsteps, a low snarl, and then the unmistakable rattle of chains. Zombies appeared from nowhere, their skin mottled, their eyes glazed with hunger.

One carried a dismembered leg on a plate as he shuffled toward me. Another creature, something less human – its body twisted and barnacle-covered like it had risen straight from the depths – lurched over my shoulder.

Everywhere I turned, more figures emerged: a beautifully terrifying woman with teeth sharpened to jagged points, a gruesome gargoyle, and frantic villages begging me to turn back.

I forced myself forward, weaving between the monsters, my pulse hammering as one leaned close enough for me to feel its breath down my neck. And then – just as suddenly as it began – the creatures melted back into the fog, swallowed whole by shadows.

I found myself shaking, my skin damp with sweat and mist, and I realised Halloween Horror Nights didn’t let you escape when you left a house. No, they followed me to my bed that evening, where I relived the horrors all over again.

But in that moment, standing there under the Florida sky, with the distant shrieks of other brave souls echoing around me, I realised I’d done it. Ten houses. Ten nightmares survived. My nerves were fried, my legs ached, but I couldn’t stop grinning.

Halloween Horror Nights wasn’t just about the scares – it was about being fully alive in the middle of the madness.

Book it

Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers seven nights on a room-only basis at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort in Orlando, starting at £1,719pp, including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow and a ticket to Halloween Horror Nights. Find out more and book at virginholidays.co.uk.

ONE of the world’s most luxurious trains is set to return in 2027.

The Orient Express – often known for being the site of the Poirot’s most famous fictional case – went out of operation 16 years ago.

But now, it is set for a comeback.

The train will relaunch in 2027, using 17 original carriages from the 1920s which were previously lost before a team of historians tracked them down and refurbished them.

Inside each carriage, there will be the same Art Deco elements experienced in the 1920s.

As for the bedrooms, each will have a double bed and feature a Cartier clock.

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In the Bar Car, passengers will have a vaulted ceiling with original pieces recovered from the Nostalgie-Istanbul Orient Express.

There are also large windows for passengers to watch the landscape whizz by.

In the Dining Car, there is a mirrored ceiling that features several arches.

Armchairs offer comfier spots to eat and watch chefs at work behind a large glass wall.

As for The Suites, guests can enjoy rail motifs and opulent features, such as dark wood and a leather wall.

In the daytime, there will be a sofa for guests to relax on, then there will be ‘the Great Transformation’ in the evening, which is when the cabin will be changed into the ‘night’ room configuration.

Each suite also has a bathroom with sliding doors and a dressing room.

For the ultimate luxury, passengers can book the Presidential Suite, which occupies an entire car with its own living room, bedroom and bathroom.

Ticket fares are yet to be announced, but it is more than likely it will be a small fortune.

On its website, The Orient Express states: “The Orient Express will invite travelers to relive the legend aboard 17 original Orient Express cars dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, adorned with exceptional décor – a set of cars formerly known as the ‘Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express’.”

The new service launching next year follows the relaunch of the Orient Express brand which saw its La Dolce Vita Orient Express train head off on its first journey this year.

The brand is owned by Accor, Europe‘s largest hospitality company, and has also launched its first hotel called La Minerva, which can be found in Rome, Italy.

There are also plans to open a second site in Venice, in April 2026.

The Orient Express used to be loved and used by the upper classes and operated between Istanbul and Paris from 1883 to 2009.

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In other rail news, an Art Deco English train station gets £325k revamp – and it’s right by major UK attraction.

Plus, passengers can now travel on UK trains without buying tickets.

The highest railway in the UK, which reopened in February this year after a £25million refurbishment, offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape

There’s nothing quite like gazing at the stunning panorama from a mountain summit, yet not everyone possesses the ability, stamina, time or inclination to climb one. If any of those circumstances describe you, then worry not as a recently launched Scottish mountain railway offers you jaw-dropping highland views, without requiring any mountaineering whatsoever.

Digital content creator Chris Paul Lawlor, who’s renowned for discovering Scotland, posted on his Facebook page to share a brief video all about the Cairngorms Mountain Railway, situated in Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. His footage began with a first-person perspective clip from the railway, which reopened in February this year following a £25million renovation, to demonstrate to his audience what they would witness if they journeyed on it.

Additional picturesque shots of the magnificent location were then displayed, as overlay text stated: “Did you know that in Scotland there is a railway on a mountain just newly reopened taking you to a restaurant at the top with breathtaking views.”

Besides being Scotland’s sole mountain railway, it’s also the loftiest railway in the UK, ascending to a summit station at 1,097 metres (3,599 ft) above sea level.

In addition to travelling on the railway itself, Chris mentioned you could “make a day of it” by embarking on a trek to the pyramid in the Cairngorms National Park, which lies a 35-minute drive away. Officially known as Prince Albert’s Cairn, this pyramid is a monument erected by Queen Victoria in 1862 on the Balmoral Estate to honour her husband, Prince Albert.

It’s the grandest of 11 Royal cairns in the vicinity, perched atop a hill that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and national park.

To reach the cairn, visitors can embark on a hike through woodland trails, choosing between a shorter, direct walk or a longer circular route that takes in other cairns.

While there’s no fee to visit Prince Albert’s Cairn itself, parking charges apply. Expect to pay around £5 for a car and £10 for a motorhome or van for the day.

The car park is conveniently located near the A93 road at the start of the walk.

The expert also recommended a trip to the Green Loch, famed for its unusually green water. This unique hue is due to a combination of algae in the water and the reflection of the surrounding pine trees.

However, local folklore suggests that fairies washing their clothes in the loch are responsible for its colour.

Chris also suggested a visit to Loch Morlich before heading to the railway. This freshwater loch near Aviemore is renowned for its sandy beaches and awe-inspiring mountain scenery.

It’s a hotspot for watersports enthusiasts, offering activities like kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing, with a dedicated watersports centre on site. Visitors can also explore walking and mountain biking trails in the nearby Glenmore Forest Park.

Chris’s post about the railway and surrounding suggestions, captioned “An autumn day out idea in Scotland,” was a hit with fans, garnering 4,800 likes.

One follower gushed: “Oh my God this makes me want to come back even more. We visited Scotland 11 years ago for our honeymoon. Now my 8-year-old wants to go.”

Another fan lauded the “wonderful scenery”.

A third chimed in: “Glad the railway is open again, it makes the beautiful mountain summit more accessible to all people.”

While a fourth added: “Wow, what a place and view.”

A day pass for the Cairngorms Mountain Railway costs £17.00 for an adult and £9.50 for a junior (aged 6-17) if booked in advance online. On-the-day prices are £19.00 for an adult and £11.50 for a junior. Prices are also available for seniors and students.

The pub is said to be haunted by the spirit of a teenage girl whose grave is under the bar – and she won’t let you turn the lights off till you wish her ‘goodnight’

A charming pub in England is making a strong bid for the title of Britain’s ‘most haunted’ boozer.

From the outside, it’s a quintessential British pub with white exteriors, hanging baskets and breathtaking riverside views. But step inside and you’re in for a scary surprise.

The eerie history of the pub becomes immediately apparent when you spot the grave under the bar. This isn’t your average local watering hole — it’s a supernaturally charged marvel.

The inn is said to be haunted by a heartbroken lover from the 11th century, whose gravestone lies within the bar and whose spirit is believed to still inhabit its four walls. A chilling tale surrounds this Cambridgeshire gem — the ghost of a teenage girl who died around 900 years ago is said to roam its corridors.

Staff insist she won’t let them switch off the lights until someone bids her ‘goodnight’, and there are numerous reports of menus mysteriously scattered on the floor. In fact, patrons have reported strange happenings at this St Ives pub — from restless nights spent on the premises, sudden cold spots and unexplained noises in the night.

The delightful pub, known as one of Cambridgeshire’s ‘most haunted’, gives The Eagle in Cambridge a run for its money. Not only does it serve up top-notch Sunday roasts and boast a stunning beer garden, but it also carries a chilling reputation that sets it apart as one of the county’s ‘most haunted’ pubs.

Once you hear the eerie tale associated with the tavern, it’s easy to see why. The story tells of a young woman named Juliet Tewsley, who was hopelessly smitten with a forester called Tom Zoul. Sadly, her feelings were not returned, a classic case of unrequited love.

Heartbroken, the 17-year-old is said to have taken her own life on March 17, 1050, by hanging herself from a tree near the Inn so that Tom would find her body on his way to work (or she drowned herself in the River Ouse on the same date in 1078, the details are somewhat unclear).

Given the stigma attached to suicide in the 11th century, Juliet was buried in unconsecrated ground near the Inn, her grave marked only by a simple stone slab. Over time, the pub has been extended and refurbished, and the young girl’s grave is now marked by a flagstone on the pub floor in the bar, having become an integral part of the interior.

Legend has it, her heartbroken spirit haunts the Old Ferry Boat Inn at midnight each year on the anniversary of her death. Juliet’s ghostly presence is said to be responsible for a series of unexplained phenomena, including lights that stubbornly refuse to turn off until someone says ‘Goodnight Juliet’, eerie sounds in the dead of night, and one particular night each year (March 17) when patrons claim they are kept awake by the palpable sense of paranormal activity.

In a 2019 interview with Cambridgeshire Live, Jamie Toms, former team leader and duty manager at the Old Ferry Boat Inn, shared some of the spine-chilling experiences he had while working – and living above the pub.

He said: “There’s a lot of things which go on at the pub, which people can’t really explain. Like sometimes the lights just won’t go out unless you say ‘goodnight Juliet’. Or menus will just appear on the floor.

“Sometimes when you’re here on your own you’ll hear things too like bangs and noises of doors opening. We’ve never seen an apparition but some guests and customers have said they’ve felt someone watching them in the bar or have felt very cold even when the heating is on full. Sometimes it can make you feel nervous but I’m pretty chill about it, we know we’ve got to respect the building and remember that it’s her building.”

Discussing Juliet’s death, Jamie revealed the week leading up to the anniversary is more challenging than the actual day. During this period, lights often flicker or brighten without explanation. “Guests will come down in the morning and say they’ve had a really bad night’s sleep – if that happens we always ask if they’ve walked over the grave which is in the restaurant.”

Jamie, who had been managing the establishment for eight weeks when he spoke to the publication in 2019, admitted he avoids crossing the grave himself.

The St Ives pub, like many others, claims to be England’s oldest. Dating back to 560 AD, it boasts connections to Anglo-Saxon England, reports Cambridgeshire Live. The Old Ferry Boat Inn is just four miles from St Ives and today, the venue preserves its heritage through its bar, traditional pub grub, and seven guest rooms.

Both locals and visitors can enjoy classic British dishes under the pub’s low wooden ceilings or in its charming beer garden by the River Ouse. The riverside pub offers a dog-friendly environment in a cosy setting, while the on-site accommodation provides guests with the convenience of staying overnight with parking available right outside.

So, if you’re a fan of the macabre and looking for a unique experience this spooky season – The Old Ferry Boat Inn might be just the ticket.

Why Innsbruck makes the perfect winter base

Innsbruck offers lots of options for a winter holiday. I found it’s a place where you don’t have to hurtle down ski slopes or dance like crazy at après-ski parties. In fact I was amazed when I took the 20-minute cable car from the city centre up 2,000 metres to an area where locals were sitting in deckchairs on the snow reading books and sipping hot chocolate in the strong Tirolean sunshine. You can ski to your heart’s content on slopes just half an hour from the famous Imperial Palace in the city centre. The city authorities provide some guided free walks and winter activities, including a cross-country skiing taster if you have a Welcome Card provided by your hotel. Then again, you can just sit and sample strong Austrian coffee or Gerschtnsuppe (soup with barley, smoked meat and vegetables) at riverside cafes and pubs.
Gina

Ski and hit the beach in one day in Andalucía

The Sierra Nevada range is just 17 miles south of Granada in Andalucía, making the beautiful city a viable place to stay if visiting these high mountains. For skiers the resort village of Pradollano is at 2,100 metres, from which cable cars and chairlifts reach up close to the 3,000-metre summits. It’s a fantastic ski resort, Europe’s most southerly, but is still very much under most people’s radar. There are 112km of pistes and 134 slopes, most of which are well above 2,000 metres so snow is fairly reliable. This year it’s opening on 29 November with ski passes from €38. It’s little more than an hour’s drive to Motril and the Mediterranean. You really can ski in the morning and go to the beach in the afternoon.
Stephen McCann

Peaks of the Balkans, Albania and Montenegro

Last year I enjoyed a brilliant winter trip in the Albanian Alps and in Montenegro. Highlights included the walk to and from the spectacular Grunas waterfall in Theth national park in Albania, and the hike to 1,970-metre Hrid lake in Montenegro’s Prokletije national park. We skied and walked a section of the 120-mile Peaks of the Balkans trail and spent some time in the lively town of Plav, which included a folk song and karaoke night with some locals where I taught one group a version of Last Christmas to great applause.
Nick

The Alps in infrared, Austria

We stayed at the lodge Jagdhaus (€220 a night, sleeps up to 6) at Furx in western Austria. This wonderful place has a sauna, an infrared chamber and an external hot tub from which to enjoy special views towards the Alps. There are any amount of scenic walks on your doorstep and, 100 metres below, there is the Peterhof restaurant with remarkably low prices for such a high standard of cuisine.
Kevin Hill

Twinkling lights in Poland’s Tatra mountains

I first discovered the Tatra mountains on a day trip from Kraków some years ago and returned for a mountain break last February, staying in Zakopane, which is a great base for skiers and anyone who enjoys winter mountain activities. It’s affordable (my chalet for a week was just €400) and has lovely traditional wooden and stone houses, cafes and cheap restaurants serving tasty Polish stews and filled pierogis, which kept us warm throughout. We hired snow shoes to explore the foothills by day and at dusk the twinkling lights of the mountain villages came on, adding to the wonderful scene of lakes, mountains and forests. We also enjoyed sleigh rides and husky-driven carriages through the silent forests to magical ice mazes.
Yasmin

The amazing light of Eryri, north Wales

Our favourite winter break is at Llanberis in Eryri national park (Snowdonia). It’s peaceful, dramatic, and full of charm without Alpine crowds. We love the cozy log fires, hikes up the mountain passing waterfalls and the choice of yurts and eco-lodges to stay in. It’s particularly stunning in cold weather when kissed with snow or frost. The amazing light on the Llyn Padarn recreates a mirror in a breathtaking landscape dominated by Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). A special treat is the authentic Welsh community of makers and local craftspeople. Music, food and friendliness make this a more delightful experience than going abroad.
David Innes-Wilkin

Adrenaline-fuelled days in Austria

Kreischberg in the state of Styria is a medium-sized resort with log cabins and a James Bond-style restaurant in which to dine in style. We stayed at the base of the mountain in the Ferienpark cabins; each with log burners to cosy up beside. When it comes to skiing, take the long telecabin up the Kreischberg and explore blues, reds and blacks. For the best slopes head to Rosenkranzhöhe, where there are sweeping reds and blacks with expansive views over the Alps. After an adrenaline-fuelled morning, and for the best restaurant views, head to the Eagle, styled like a Bond villain’s lair.
Mark

Winning tip: Ice age roots in Sweden

There are mountain areas in Sweden where some of the oldest living things in Europe survive. When the ice retreated from Scandinavia 9,000 years ago, various isolated elevated areas were left frozen, and the root systems of ice age trees live on. Sonfjället national park in the empty Härjedalen region of central west Sweden is one such area, where the spruce Old Rasmus, grown from 9,500-year-old roots, can be found. The park is also known for its high density of bears. I return to the mountains in summer, autumn or winter. I find them incredibly peaceful; you can experience absolute silence and often you can gaze at the northern lights.
Lars

The Derbyshire Peak District villages of Ashopton and Derwent were lost forever when they were submerged as part of the Derwent Valley scheme to create Ladybower Reservoir

“People come up to me and say isn’t it beautiful around here. But it’s nothing to what it was. It’s all man-made now.”

Those are the words of Morris Cottrill, whose family lived in the village of Derwent before it was lost to the water.

Along with nearby Ashopton, the beautiful Peak District village of Derwent found itself deliberately subsumed on March 18, 1943, when great torrents were unleashed.

As the water level rose higher, buildings that had stood since the 17th century slowly disappeared. Once the 6,310 million gallons of water had flowed in, only the spire of Derwent’s St John and St James church could be seen above the surface.

The church had held its final service the day before the Chairman of the Derwent Valley Water Board, Alderman Sir Albert Atkey, closed the outlet valve and triggered the deluge.

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The villages had been full of life and history before their demolition. The impressive Derwent Hall dated back to 1672 and was, at one point, owned by the Duke of Norfolk. Ashopton was larger and busier than Derwent and boasted a coaching inn, a post office, shop, a chapel and a garage as well as houses and farms.

Despite the furious protests of locals, the buildings of Derwent and Ashopton were purchased compulsorily by the Derwent Valley Water Board between 1935 and 1945. The villagers were moved out and rehoused in an estate at Yorkshire Bridge, in 62 houses built at a cost of £65,758.

“The last church service must have been incredibly sad,” said Kathleen Greenan, Chair of Bamford History Group. “Those villagers gave up a whole way of life. Most of them were rehoused in an estate. Everything must have been completely different for them – they would have been self-sufficient until then.”

Before the water swept over the villages many of the buildings were demolished and bodies were exhumed from the churchyards.

The one remaining visible monument to the lost villages, the spire, was demolished in 1947 over safety concerns. Too many people had been risking their lives by swimming out to the strange shape in the water.

Several years after the Ladybower Reservoir began providing water to the people of the Peak District, the River Noe was diverted into it to meet the rising demands of the thirsty locals, further subsuming Derwent and Ashopton.

Despite this, the villages have been seen again. In fact, they are reappearing with increased regularity.

During periods of drought, when the water level falls, the crumbled remains of the villages can once again be seen.

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The remarkably depleted water levels in 2018 attracted a record-breaking number of visitors down onto the reservoir beds and to the ruins.

Charles Hanson, proprietor of Hansons Auctioneers who sold a collection of postcards taken in the village in the 1930s, said: “It’s hard to believe in today’s world, where conservation is so important, that the government would allow a fine 17th century hall, a Victorian steepled church built on the site of a 14th century chapel, a toll cottage, a Georgian coaching inn and two picturesque villages full of cottages to be submerged under water.

“The history books tell us that there was strong opposition to the move but the authorities insisted more water was needed to serve Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Sheffield. Consequently, construction of the dam got underway in 1901.

“How would people feel today if the Government passed an Act of Parliament to put their home under a reservoir?”

As well as the prospect of spying Derbyshire’s answer to Atlantis, tourists are drawn to Ladybower by another intriguing feature.

A giant ‘plughole’ sits at the southern end of the dam. Two fishermen recently caused a stir when they were filmed sailing perilously close to the hole, which sucks water down in a great vortex.

While people joked online that it provides a direct route to Australia, Severn Trent Water, which owns the reservoir, did not see the funny side of the near miss with the spillways.

“If somebody fell in, they would very seriously hurt themselves,” a spokeswoman said. “They would also find themselves stuck because access to the river has a grille, so they would need a professional rescue team to get them out.”

About a week ago, I was chatting with friends at a gathering when I realized I had before me a diverse range of political ideologies. “How are you guys voting on Prop 50?” I asked.

I received a range of answers, including folks who wanted more information before casting their ballot and those who remained conflicted. As a journalist, I don’t share how I vote on, well, anything, and I also don’t tell people how they should vote. But I want to encourage you to vote.

If you, like my friends, remain conflicted or want more information, what better way to work those feelings out than out on the trail? Using a strategy known as temptation bundling — where you pair something you enjoy with something you’re perhaps procrastinating — you could download a few political podcasts beforehand and listen as you hike (leaving one earbud out) or invite a few pals and talk out your thoughts on Prop 50 as you hike along.

Here you’ll find three great hiking areas near ballot drop boxes. We aren’t forced to vote in one specific place here in L.A. County, so let’s take full advantage of that.

The Glendale Sports Complex and Verdugo Mountains from the Catalina Verdugo Trail.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

1. Area around the Glendale Sports Complex

Ballot drop-off point: Glendale Adult Sports Office

Hikers have a few options when adventuring around the Glendale Sports Complex, including the 2-mile Catalina Verdugo Trail loop. This trail leads hikers through the San Rafael Hills around the Glendale Sports Complex. It’s not an escape from urban life, but it is well-maintained and has much to appreciate, including native trees like laurel sumac, lemonade berry, oak trees, toyon and ceanothus. You can run your fingers through the zesty California sagebrush as you consider your podcast’s or friend’s points on our current political dynamic.

At 1.25 miles on the trail, you have the choice to continue up to the Ridge Motorway, or you can go down .7 of a mile back via the Catalina Verdugo Trail. The Ridge Motorway continues upward, offering ocean views, before connecting with the Descanso Motorway and several other trails.

The accessible alternative is the Mountain Do Trail that runs around the border of the sports fields. You can extend your journey beyond the Mountain Do Trail, which I drew out via CalTopo here. It’s overall a wide path with a gentle slope and a few picnic tables where it’d be nice to take a break and consider how to complete your ballot.

Native California wildflowers in the scenic Alta Vicente Reserve in spring 2024.

(Kendra Frankle / For The Times)

2. Palos Verdes Nature Preserve

Ballot drop box location: Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall

The Palos Verdes Nature Preserve is actually 15 individual preserves totaling about 1,500 acres. That includes the Alta Vicente Reserve, 55 acres around and below Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall where a ballot drop box is located.

The Alta Vicente Reserve features a few different trails that can be turned into a 2-mile loop. If you want to further your adventure, you can hit one of the trails that remains open despite landslides. Regardless, you’ll be treated to gorgeous ocean views, a sight that always helps me think.

Those seeking an accessible option can take the Seascape Trail and see the Point Vicente Lighthouse or try the Terranea Beach Trail.

After hiking and voting, you can also visit the Point Vicente Interpretive Center to learn about local flora and fauna. It is open daily and also features a fun gift shop.

Visitors to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area walk up the photogenic rock formation.

(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

3. Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center

Ballot drop box location: Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area is one of those places you can visit over and over, and keep seeing something new. I enjoy taking the Apwinga Loop Trail, a 3.4-mile trek where you’ll pass massive pancake-like rock formations along with the park’s appropriately named “Famous Rocks.” This trail connects with others in the park, including the Bobcat Trail, Tokupar Ridgetop Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail as it descends into the canyon.

The Juniper Meadow Walking Loop is about a half mile and is an accessible loop. Its trailhead is near the parking lot where visitors can see the park’s iconic geography. Hopefully, the high desert atmosphere provides you with ample time and space to consider the choice you’d like to make on your ballot!

The good news is, if these trails aren’t calling to you, there are voting centers and ballot drop boxes all over L.A. County. It doesn’t matter where you go — just that you vote!

3 things to do

Gladys Samuel, from Long Island, N.Y., visits the community altar at Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles. Grand Park pays tribute to the cultural tradition of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, every year.

(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

1. Observe Day of the Dead around L.A.
Several local parks are hosting Día de los Muertos events, including from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Grand Park. The event, titled Noche de los Muertos, is a closing ceremony that will feature music, dancing, lanterns and a community mercado. Nature for All and other local groups will host a Día de los Muertos event from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Marson Park in Panorama City. Participants can help build a community altar and design mini paper altars. San Gabriel River Park will host its Día de los Muertos event from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Learn more about additional park Day of the Dead events at L.A. County Park’s Instagram page.

2. Hike with an almost full moon in L.A.
The Sierra Club Angeles Chapter will host a 5-mile moderate hike from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday through Griffith Park. Guests should arrive by 6:45 p.m., allowing for extra time because of the park’s Haunted Hay Ride. For additional details and to sign up, visit meetup.com.

3. Do the most for the least tern in Huntington Beach
OC Habitats, a local conservation nonprofit, will host a dune preservation work day at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Huntington State Beach. Volunteers will pick up trash and remove invasive species to help improve the nesting habitat of the endangered California least tern. Register at eventbrite.com.

The must-read

I am terrified to report that it’s tarantula mating season, meaning these eight-legged furry residents will be far easier to spot on the trails. Times staff writer Lila Seidman wrote — in a story I was almost too scared to read — that in California, “October is typically a prime mating month for the bulky, hirsute spiders. Natural cues are key, with autumn’s initial precipitation generally triggering the march. Experts suspect males are following pheromones to hunkered-down females.” Although I will never personally find out, some parts of the tarantula feel almost like sable fur, Seidman wrote. “They’re soft like kitties,” said Lisa Gonzalez, program manager of invertebrate living collections at the county Natural History Museum.

I will take my chances trying to pet the fuzzy tummies of my actual cats because, regardless of how reasonable it is, their fangs scare me less! (I am much less of a wiener when it comes to literally any other spider — judge me not!)

Happy adventuring,

P.S.

If like me, you’ve never been to Big Sur, now is the time for Southern Californians to go. My colleague Christopher Reynolds reports that because Big Sur’s South Coast highway remains closed, there’s a rare window of solitude: “empty beaches, dramatic cliffs and nearly empty trails for six months.” Whaaaaa? Amazing. Let’s take full advantage of this opportunity and support local businesses in the process!

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.

WHEN Bobby Bolton packed up his life to travel the world two years ago, he didn’t expect to still be on the move – or to have found the places he has.

So far he’s travelled through 41 countries, and there’s one in particular that he encourages tourists to explore, and it’s well off the beaten track.

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia with huge mountain ranges and crystal clear lakes.

It isn’t your classic holiday spot, but for anyone wanting a bit more than lazing about on a sun lounger, it might just be the perfect destination.

Talking to Sun Travel about his adventure, Bobby told us: “I would describe Kyrgyzstan as being Switzerland 200 years ago, there’s not a lot of development there but the scenery is fantastic.

“You can hike up the mountains, swim in the alpine lakes – it’s the best place and it’s really not touristy because there’s no infrastructure.

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“It’s raw beauty, and it’s really cheap. It’s a third of the price in the UK in terms of food and fuel, which is what we spend our money on.”

Bobby and his fiancée Marie ventured in the mountains where they were invited to eat with local horseman who lived off the land.

They make their own honey and milk, eat beef from the cattle, and grow their own vegetables.

For anyone travelling like Bobby, by truck or car, he also added that it’s very easy to park as you can do it “almost anywhere, by beautiful lake, or at the foot of mountains”.

Bobby, who is from Wigan, travels around the world in his huge truck – and manages to do it on around £35 a day spending their cash mostly on food and fuel.

You can read more about Bobby’s travels in his book, Truck It!: The Drive Around the World That Saved My Life – and keep up with his travels at one.life.truck.it.

It isn’t just Bobby talking about Kyrgyzstan.

Original Travel reveals that there’s a growing interest in the country for “savvy travellers looking for unspoilt, off the beaten track destinations”.

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia bordering Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan,

It’s surrounded by mountains as it’s part of the Tian Shan range which has some of the tallest peaks in the world – as high as 24,400 feet.

Other natural wonders include its alpine lakes, grassy plains and hot springs.

Amongst the landscapes are plenty of wildlife like snow leopards and Siberian ibex which are in the high mountains, and Tian Shan brown bears in forests. 

The country also supports many bird species like the Himalayan griffin vulture and golden eagles.

One popular spot is Fairytale Canyon, or to use its official name, Skazka Canyon, a desert-like landscape made from red sandstone.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “An amazing place to visit in Kyrgyzstan. Mesmerizing scenery.”

Another added: “One of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan. If you want unforgettable photos, then you definitely need to come here, not far from the main highway. Everything was great and a lot of emotions.”

As for alpine lakes, Kyrgyzstan has over 2,000 of them – one of the more impressive ones is Issyk-Kul.

It’s the second-largest high-altitude lake in the world and is known as the ‘warm lake’ because it never fully freezes due to its high salt concentration.

The hot springs at Altyn Arashan have both paid and free options when it comes to taking a dip.

These are in a mountain valley so you have to get there on horseback or via a 4×4.

It’s not all wilderness, mountains and lakes, the capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek in the north of the country.

Other bigger cities include Osh, Jalal-Abad, Karakol, Tokmok, and Kara-Balta, and these spots are where you’ll find hotels, restaurants and cafes.

And again, this will not break the bank, checking prices on Wise, a meal for two at a restaurants will set you back 1,500сом which in British pounds is £13.07.

The price of a beer is 100сом which is just 87p and a cappuccino is 175.24сом which is £1.53.

When it comes to getting there, Bishkek is where the main airport is, but you can’t fly directly there from the UK.

To get there, the easiest journey for Brits is to head to Istanbul in Turkey and take a connecting flight from there.

One of the quickest journeys is with Pegasus, who fly from London Stansted to Istanbul Sabiha, and an onward flight to Bishkek taking a total of 10 hours.

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Here are five lesser-visted coastal resorts that are crowd-free alternatives for 2026…

Black Sea Coast, Turkey

First up is the Black Sea Coast in Turkey, essentially the opposite side of the country to where you’ll find the likes of Antalya and Bodrum.

When it comes to attractions, some of the most popular sites are the Sumela Monastery which was built into a cliffside, and the Yedigoller National Park for natural beauty and lakes.

Northumberland, UK

The county was named by Airbnb as being one of the ‘trending’ beach destinations around the world.

The northern county of Northumberland has been getting lots of attention during summer 2025, with plenty of pretty beaches that are usually less busy than those in the south.

Trends suggest people are looking more towards the north in towns like Bamburgh and Embleton Bay. And an overnight stay in Northumberland can be as little as £45 per night.

Albanian Riviera, Albania

Albania is becoming more popular every year with some even calling it the affordable dupe of Italy‘s Amalfi coast. It’s cheaper, with incredible beaches, pretty towns and bustling cities.

In terms of affordability, in Albania, meals cost under £10 and accommodation averages £40 a night.

Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria

Just around the corner from Turkey is the Black Sea Coastline in Bulgaria where you’ll find cities like Varna in the north, and Burgas in the south.

In-between are popular resorts like Sunny Beach and Albena – which are known for their affordability. You don’t have to stick to the big resort towns though, there are other, quieter places like Nessebar, which is also one of the cheapest destinations in Europe.

Silver Coast, Portugal

There are plenty of beautiful places in Portugal and most of them are very well known like the Algarve which has golden beaches, and cities like Lisbon and Porto.

Just between those two cities is the Silver Coast which is more overlooked despite it being more affordable than other destinations. Here you’ll find the Aveiro, also called the ‘Venice of Portugal‘ because of its canals and gondola-style boats.

For more travel and money saving tips, Race Across the World winner Alfie Watts gives Sun Travel his best advice.

And check out the holiday destinations Sun Travel predicts will be HUGE in 2026 thanks to cheap hotels, flights and pints.

A BRAND new visitor attraction is coming to a UK city – and it is opening tomorrow.

Zip World – a UK outdoor adventure giant – is opening its first ever city-centre site in Wales.

The new destination will be located on top of the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The attraction will open tomorrow and will have three experiences.

The first experience is a Stadium Walk, where visitors can step across the rooftop of the Principality Stadium and gain panoramic views of the city.

At Stadium Drop, visitors can abseil down the side of the stadium.

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Finally, at Stadium Flyer, visitors can head on a zip line across a 60 metre high canopy.

Unlike other Zip World attractions, the Cardiff site will sell tickets to each experience individually – so visitors can chose one experience, two or all three.

Tickets will start from £25 per person.

The opening of Zip World Cardiff at Principality Stadium will be Zip World’s second city-centric location, following the opening of Helix and ArcelorMittal Orbit 360 in London last year.

The attraction is opening in partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).

The attraction was previously branded under the name Scale and was operated by Wire & Sky.

Zip World will now be the new operator of the Principality Stadium roof top attraction after securing a deal with the WRU.

Andrew Hudson, CEO of Zip World, commented: “Bringing Zip World to Cardiff is a proud moment for us.

“It’s our first stadium location and our first city-centre location in Wales.

“It’s chance to bring something new to the capital, in a place that means a lot to our team and to the wider Welsh public.

“Taking on the rooftop operations at Principality Stadium marks the start of an exciting new chapter – one where Zip World will act as a strategic partner to help shape the stadium’s next phase.

“This is just the beginning.

“Our team is working hard behind the scenes, and we can’t wait to introduce even more adventures to the stadium and bring a bit of Zip World magic to Cardiff – watch this space!”

Sean Taylor, founder and president of Zip World added: “As a lifelong rugby fan, I’ve got fond memories of watching Wales play as a young lad.

“The atmosphere was electric and the Andy Haden dive in 1978 is something I’ll never forget.

“To now be taking on the rooftop adventures at Principality Stadium marks a significant step forward for Zip World.”

Zip World also recently announced a new adventure attraction in one of the UK’s best loved beauty spots – with a huge underground zip wire.

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The park, home to Peppa Pig World, is opening a new land in 2026 with thrill rides and a themed restaurant. Paulton’s Valgard zone is sure to be a hit when it welcomes in the public

Paultons Park, a theme park known for being the home of toddler favourite Peppa Pig World, is set to expand with a new land as part of a whopping £12 million development.

The new addition, Valgard – Realm of the Vikings, is designed for older children and teenagers and is scheduled to open in spring 2026. The Viking-themed land will feature two new adrenaline-pumping rides: the inverting rollercoaster Drakon, and Vild Swing, which will whirl riders 12 metres into the air in a first-of-its-kind ride in the UK.

A sneak peek video on the park’s official YouTube page offers thrill-seekers a taste of what to expect from Drakon, promising plenty of twists and turns. An existing ride, Cobra, is also set for a revamp and will be rebranded as Raven to align with the Viking theme.

The park also plans to add a themed restaurant and a playground for younger guests to Valgard. Further expansion of Valgard is planned for 2027, including a new water ride, although details are currently being kept confidential, according to the Express.

James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, expressed his excitement about the project, stating: “We are thrilled to share our plans for our largest and boldest investment to date. As an independent, family-owned theme park, we’re incredibly proud of the investments we make to deliver the very best guest experience. We’ve opened two brand-new rides in the last two years and with the build of Valgard firmly underway, we’re excited to open a further three, bigger-and-better-than-ever-before rides, between now and summer 2027.

“Valgard promises an immersive, atmospheric, and action-packed experience for families and has been specifically designed to grow with our fans. The introduction of inversions and a vertical lift hill on Drakon certainly up the adrenaline levels at Paultons Park, but staying true to our roots, we haven’t forgotten about the little ones and there is something for all of the family in our new Viking village.”

The fresh Viking-themed area will join the park’s existing six themed worlds, including Tornado Springs with its American setting, and Lost Kingdom which focuses on dinosaurs.

Among the park’s most famous attractions is Peppa Pig World, inspired by the beloved children’s cartoon series, which Paultons Park has been crowned the UK’s top theme park, beating out competition from Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Legoland Windsor. The Hampshire-based attraction scooped the prestigious Theme Park of the Year award at the UK Theme Park Awards 2025, as well as being named Best Theme Park for Families (Large), and Best Theme Park for Toddlers (Large).

Its Ghostly Manor ride was also voted Best New Attraction.

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Visitors have been quick to sing the park’s praises on Tripadvisor, with one reviewer, Ste H, describing Paultons Park as a “brilliant” place that is “spotlessly clean”. He added that the staff are “some of the friendliest people” he has ever encountered at such a venue, and that “[G]enuinely everyone we met made it perfectly clear they love working there, which is great to see.”

Another visitor, Lizzie L, shared her experience of visiting midweek, writing: “All the rides in Peppa Pig world were a walk on and the only time we queued was to meet Peppa. The theming is great and perfect for little ones.”

THE UK must be home to hundreds, if not thousands, of Christmas markets – but having explored many across the UK, the South West is home to the best.

Devon comes alive in the winter months – the moors become snowy, small villages have pubs with glowing fires and towns become decked out with huge light installations.

Having lived in London for five years now, I have been to a fair few in the capital and even further afield, such as Newcastle.

But each time I visit a new Christmas market I am reminded of the ones in Devon – and honestly none compare.

Totnes Christmas Market

Totnes is the Devon Christmas Market that takes the top spot in my heart – nothing really compares to it.

Set all along the medieval town’s high street, it really does feel like stepping into the middle ages.

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And what makes it even more fun, is it takes place solely in the late afternoon to evening.

This year the market will take place on December 2, 9 and 16 from 3pm to 9pm.

Despite Totnes only being a small town, the market features over 70 stalls.

And thanks to being located on the high street (the road is closed for the event), all the shops stay open late as well with lots of festive activities inside too.

I often think Totnes is the best town in the UK for independent shops, so it is usually the Christmas market where I find the most gifts (including some for myself).

The market then also has two food court areas, one in the Civic Hall carpark and one at The Mansion.

If you head there on the final date, you will get to see the beautiful Totnes Carnival Lantern Parade as well.

Starting at 4:30pm, the parade works its way through the town.

Carols are performed in St Mary’s Church as well, and Totnes Elizabethan Museum will be open too.

Listen to your favourite carols with performances from local schools and community choirs outside St Mary’s Church.

Exeter Christmas Market

Based around the city’s historic cathedral, Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market will take place from November 20 to December 19.

This market really feels magical because as you peruse around, you’ll be in the shadow of the breathtaking cathedral.

It is Devon’s biggest Christmas market with over a hundred festive chalets, but isn’t so large that it makes it overwhelming – so it’s perfect to get comfortably into the Christmas spirit.

There are a number of stalls selling seasonal gifts and food, as well as mulled wine.

The market is full of local traders which makes it really special, including South Devon Chilli Farm – well-known for its chilli chocolate.

Devon is also a top spot for cider producers, and at this year’s market there will be Ventons Devon Cyder, made with vintage cyder apples.

Christmas Shopping Fayre

If you are panicking about what to get people or have a lot of people to buy for, then head to the Christmas Shopping Fayre at Westpoint in Exeter.

Across December 5, 6 and 7, visitors can head to this giant Christmas market – which is inside!

There are lots of stalls selling a range of items, and there is even a free Santa’s grotto.

It costs £5 per adult to enter and children under 16-years-old are free.

Michaelmas Fair

‍The Michaelmas Fair is another one located in an amazing setting – but this time it is at a castle.

Found at Powderham Castle in Exeter, The Michaelmas Fair will take place on November 6, between 10am and 3pm.

There are a number of stalls selling crafted items and gifts you can’t find on the high street and of course, food and drink is available as well.

The setting is also a big draw to this market as it is located in the courtyard of the castle.

Unusually, if you have an antique or collectible, bring it along and you can have it valued for free.

It costs £3.50 per person, if you book in advance, or £5 per person on the door.

Newton Abbot Christmas Fayre

Located at Newton Abbot Racecourse on November 29, you will find the Christmas Fayre.

The event will take place between 10am and 4pm and there will be a number of family activities to enjoy.

The best thing about Newton Abbot Racecourse is that it is super accessible via public transport, thanks to being close to Newton Abbot town centre.

In addition to 70 local stallholders with handmade jewellery and decorations, there will also be a Christmas Village with 60 stables featuring craftsmen.

There’s a cafe as well, with mulled wine, hot drinks and lunch options available.

This event though, is definitely a top spot for kids as there is a face painter, Dartmoor ponies and even a snow globe that you can step inside.

Families can also take part in a pottery painting workshop or adults can opt to make a wreath.

Tickets cost £3 per adult and children are free.

Christmas Artisan Market and ‘Dino-roars’ Christmas storytelling

Last but not least is a Christmas market in a hidden spot.

The small village of Cockington is just set back from the Torbay seafront, but feels like a completely different world from the surrounding area.

Think thatched cottages and little streams.

Taking place on December 14 between 10:30am and 4pm, Cockington Court will host an artisan market with handmade products from local businesses and artists, such as glassblowers, jewellers and florists.

Entry is free.

The Seven Dials cafe will be open for hot drinks, lunch options, cream teas and sweet treats.

For kids, there will also be ‘Dino-roars’ Christmas storytelling, where families can listen to Christmas tales including ‘The Christmasaurus and the night before Christmas’ by Tom Fletcher and ‘The Dinosaur Who Pooped a Reindeer’ by Tom Fletcher and Dougie.

Kids can even meet some of the dino characters and make dinosaur Christmas trees.

The storytelling sessions cost £4.50 per person.

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In other Christmas market news, one of the UK’s most popular holiday parks to get £2million winter wonderland.

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This town in North Wales has been a popular holiday destination for centuries, with its stunning beaches, historic pier and beautiful landscapes drawing in visitors

This North Wales town boasts a lengthy history of attracting holidaymakers from all corners of Britain, having earned the prestigious nickname “Queen of the Welsh Watering Places”.

The Victorian coastal treasure of Llandudno, with its colourful past, is believed to trace its roots back to the Bronze Age. These distinctive features attract tourists eager to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Conwy Valley and discover the region’s fascinating heritage.

Indeed, Llandudno has previously been hailed as amongst the safest locations to live in Britain, with approximately 19,700 fortunate inhabitants. What’s more, it’s considerably more affordable to explore and stay in compared to most rival seaside destinations.

Two principal beaches extend along the coastline – North Shore Beach and West Shore Beach. The northern stretch features a lengthy promenade typical of any British coastal resort.

However, what distinguishes it from others is its palm tree-lined walkway – reminiscent of a Mediterranean haven. Nestled peacefully beyond North Shore Beach lies the Great Orme clifftop, providing an excursion on the Great Orme Tramway, transporting visitors to elevated vantage points via cable cars.

One delighted tourist commented: “The cable car ride was amazing; for the length of the journey, £14 per return (this was the price in 2024) is pretty reasonable. The views are stunning, and you can see for miles on a really clear day, which we had.”

On the West Shore, nestled on the other side of the town, one can enjoy panoramic views of the Snowdonian mountainside. A TripAdvisor review gushes: “One of my favourite beaches anywhere: unspoilt, dog-friendly, free of kiosks and vendors – just sea, rock and sand. Stunning views of the Great Orme. Lots of parking.”

The charming town of Llandudno boasts a rich history that stretches from the Stone Age through to the Iron Age, with numerous settlements over the years on the slopes of the limestone headland, better known as the Great Orme. The headland is a popular attraction for visitors from near and far, offering a four-hour trek filled with breathtaking views.

The Victorian promenade, affectionately known as The Parade, and the iconic pier are two of the town’s most beloved landmarks, both dating back to 1877. After extensive restorations, the pier has earned the title of one of the best in the whole of the UK.

One visitor shared their experience of the pier, saying: “Excellent pier experience. A Punch and Judy, plenty of arcades, hair braiding/colouring, a good walk, fun stalls and a cafe with a wonderful lady singer belting out Amy Winehouse numbers. There’s even a little display of historical photos to show when the pier was used for the ferries. Well worth a visit.”

The Shambles in York is a magical spot, particularly when the nights draw in and the Christmas lights get switched on. Many of the structures lining the street today trace their origins back to the late 14th century.

A street in one of Britain’s oldest cities, York, is a captivating spot brimming with unique shops, cosy pubs, and lively bars.

The Shambles, as it’s affectionately known, is a labyrinth of winding, narrow lanes nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire. It transforms into a magical place when the nights grow longer and the Christmas lights twinkle.

At the middle of the area lies a lane actually named the Shambles, renowned as possibly the best-preserved medieval street globally, even earning a mention in the 1086 literary sensation, the Domesday Book.

Many of the structures lining the street today trace their origins back to the late 14th century. The name ‘Shambles’ is believed to have evolved from ‘Shammel’, an Anglo-Saxon term for the shelves that were once a common sight in the open shopfronts. While the ancient name and buildings persist, the purpose of most shops has evolved over time.

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The butchers who once busily chopped, skinned, and portioned meat here have long since departed. The only remnants of their trade are the meat hooks they used to display their goods on the shopfronts. Nowadays, the Shambles accommodates a variety of businesses. Still, its medieval overhanging buildings and tight alleyways remain intact, offering visitors a sense of stepping back in time.

During my university days, I spent three years in York, witnessing the Shambles transform with the changing seasons and times of day. At Christmas, the streets were bustling with eager shoppers seeking a bargain and a warm pastry to ward off the cold.

During this bustling period, it might be wise to head to one of the quieter yet equally enchanting streets on the other side of town until the crowds thin out in the evening.

In the summer, the Shambles are filled with the sound of busking students, hen parties, and day-trippers there to sample some of York’s pubs. Whether the widely circulated claim that the city has a pub for every day of the year is indeed true takes far longer than a day, a long weekend, or even a three-year degree to verify.

This is largely because you’ll likely find yourself repeatedly visiting the superb House of Trembling Madness.

My favourite time to visit was in the dead of night, after a stop at one of these many pubs or the now sadly closed and much-missed Willow – a delightfully grubby club/Chinese restaurant. In certain sections of the Shambles, you can touch both sides of the street with your arms outstretched. The best time to test your wingspan is once all the other visitors have headed home.

In recent years, the narrow lane has become saturated with wizard-themed shops, thanks to its striking resemblance to the fictional Diagon Alley from Harry Potter. When the relentless peddling of magical merchandise becomes overwhelming, visitors can retreat to the shrine of Margaret Clitherow.

Step inside this peaceful sanctuary and you’ll find respite from the bag-wielding mayhem that’s left firmly outside. The shrine welcomes the public throughout the week and holds Mass at 10am each Saturday.

A quick walk through one of the Shambles’ snickelways (narrow alleyways) brings you to the Shambles Market, an open-air venue selling food and various goods. TikToker That Girl Fleurr, who explores destinations around the UK, recently declared the Shambles ‘the most magical street’ in Britain in a video. It’s a sentiment that’s difficult to challenge.

Jerry Rebbeck, who runs Wheelwrights York, told the Express: “Many of the buildings in the centre of York are centuries old, and have a spooky charm about them – walking down Micklegate at night feels like walking through a ghostly storybook.

“Within the city centre, historic buildings such as 85 Micklegate, a late medieval timber-framed terraced building, loom over the narrow street and look particularly eerie in the moonlight. Walking down the Shambles, famed for its likeness to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, you can see ghostly-looking old buildings such as 37 The Shambles that cast long shadows and add to the city’s paranormal feel. It’s these atmospheric streets and striking old buildings that help make York a picturesque backdrop for a Halloween weekend.”

The Spanish city is a popular short break destination as well as being popular with groups who want to enjoy the lively atmosphere, but a new ban could see their parties cut short

A Spanish city which is a major tourist destination for Brits, including stag and hen parties, is introducing a brand new rule in an effort to curb antisocial behaviour linked to drinking.

Barcelona, which sees over 500,000 Brits visiting each year, has banned pub crawls citywide at all hours of the day. Previously, pub crawls were only banned in the area of Ciutat Vella and L’Eixample, which had restrictions between 7PM and 7AM.

On the official website for Barcelona City Council, a statement explained how it defines a pub crawl: “Pub crawling is a business that takes customers on organised drinking tours to a series of establishments that offer discounted alcoholic drinks.

“It typically involves quickly consuming one or more low-quality drinks before heading to the next stop.”

The statement went on to say: “This activity has been identified as a risk factor that causes disturbances in neighbourhoods, puts extra strain on public spaces and potentially leads to criminal behaviour or road safety violations.”

It also confirmed: “The new decree introduces a permanent ban that applies 24 hours a day, year-round, rather than being only seasonal. ” It stated that the new ban will be in place for four years. The change came into force yesterday (October 29).

Organisers who ignore the ban and plan an event could find themselves hit with fines of up to €3,000. While participants in an organised pub crawl wouldn’t face charges, authorities could potentially give them fines for public drinking or other disturbances, which range from €100 to €3,000.

The move is the latest in a long-line of measures brought in by authorities to ease the impact of tourism on Barcelona, and other Spanish destinations could follow suit.

In May, it was announced that Spain was cracking down on holiday rentals, with authorities ordering Airbnb to remove 65,000 properties from their website. Reasons such as lack of licence numbers and unclear ownership records were cited for the mass removal. Many of the delisted properties were in popular areas such as Barcelona and Malaga.

Demonstrations against overtourism have also taken place over the last couple of years, with hundreds of protesters taking to the streets of Barcelona waving banners with slogans such as “tourists go home”.

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A trade union in the Balearic Islands has even proposed a €15 a day tourist tax during high season to work as a “deterrent” for tourists. The union’s general secretary said: “”This is not an increase aimed at raising revenue, but rather a deterrent, so that the Balearic Islands send a clear message to the world that there’s no room for more people here during the high season.”

Some resorts have also dealt a blow to Brits who were hoping to enjoy copious amounts of booze. Those visiting certain areas of Majorca and Ibiza may find themselves limited to six drinks a day, even if they’ve paid for all-inclusive.

CENTER Parcs has revealed a multi-million pound Christmas experience at one of their parks this year.

The site in Suffolk has invested £2million to transform its Winter Wonderland, and its opening next month.

Elveden Forest has upgraded certain areas of the park for Christmas, and has added its Woodland Workshop.

From November 7, families will get the chance to meet Santa and his elves who are hard at work before the big day.

You can also get a glimpse of Santa while enjoying brunch at Huck’s, or join the team for a festive dance along to Christmas tunes at Santa’s Greetings.

The wooden chalet will have a snow-capped roof and be wrapped in pine decorations next to a huge Christmas tree.

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There’s a new Christmas Shop too, filled with festive gifts, bespoke decorations, souvenirs and hand-painted baubles.

When the weather gets chilly, guests can warm up in the Tipi, enjoy a hot chocolate, mince pies, traditional sausage rolls, Bratwurst, and Christmas tree-shaped waffles.

Santa’s Woodland Village has been refreshed and visitors can enjoy the new seasonal displays.

It’s there where guests will find the new Snow Zone, a giant snow globe where families can step inside for a festive photo.

Other attractions include the Enchanted Light Garden which is essentially a festive light trail which is open from 4PM-9PM every day.

There are also activities like the Elf Pyjama Party, and festive craft workshops throughout the day.

Lots of activities are included in the price of a break over the festive period – and you can even pre-order decorations to dress up the lodge too.

You can book to stay in Center Parcs’ hotels or apartment, to treehouses, and the newly introduced premium lodges.

If you still want to book, Sun Travel found that a family of four can book a Woodland Lodge for four nights in Elveden Forest from November 17 to November 21 for £629 – which works out at £39.31pppn.

Of course there aren’t just festive activites, at Elveden Forest you can also check out the Subtropical Swimming Paradise which is head to 29.5C.

So you won’t have to worry about being cold while swimming in a number of pools, heading down flumes or the a ‘Tropical Cyclone’ slide and checking out the water rapids.

The site recently announced that it will refurbish Venture Cove in The Subtropical Swimming Paradise, with the site expecting to reopen the attraction on December 19.

The Aqua Sana Spa on-site also underwent refurbishment in 2023, with a new £6.5million Forest Spa opening with steam rooms, saunas, a heated outdoor pool, an ice cave and a number of relaxation rooms.

Other activities include golf, archery, dance classes, inflatable football, glow-in-the-dark badminton and table tennis, to winter workshops.

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Center Parcs’ new Treetop Glider experience allows guests to glide above the forest canopy, passing views of its lake and the surrounding countryside.

Riders will have to take a leap of faith from a treehouse nestled in the woods, to then glide along a 180-metre track.

Along the route there will be twists and turns, as well as views of the Suffolk countryside and Elveden’s lake.

To go on the ride, guests must be between 1.1metres and 1.87metres tall and each rider will get two laps of the course, per booking.

The experience opened on September 2, 2025.

Set within the Breckland, an area of national importance, there are a number of other treetop adventures at Elveden Forest, including Aerial Adventure, where guests are secured to a harness and get to swing through the trees.

The aerial rope course gets gradually higher, before it finishes with a zip wire experience.

For more Center Parcs upgrades, check out the first pictures of the holiday park coming soon to Scotland.

And for anyone heading to the holiday park soon, Center Parcs has introduced a huge change to check in times.

This castle in Wales has been compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and is said to be ‘like stepping into a giant storybook filled with knights and kings’

Brimming with history and overflowing with character, this Welsh castle has captured the hearts of visitors who’ve compared its splendour to some of the globe’s most iconic landmarks.

Caerphilly Castle is a medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century and, after a two-year restoration, has reopened its doors to the public. Visitors can now wander through the Great Hall and inner castle ward whilst exploring cutting-edge digital exhibitions inside. It was originally built by Gilbert de Clare as part of his strategy to maintain control of Glamorgan – then Wales’s most populous and industrialised county.

With the Prince of Wales’s influence rapidly expanding, he needed to establish his authority swiftly. To achieve this, construction began in 1268 on what became the nation’s largest castle and second only to Windsor Castle across the entire UK.

Spanning more than 30 acres with massive walls and gatehouses, alongside extensive water defences, it’s fair to say his ambitions were realised. One visitor shared their impressions on TripAdvisor, saying: “A sprawling site that is quite impressive.

“The large site minimises crowding, so you should be able to enjoy the site at your leisure – we certainly did. Limited amount of interiors remaining but still well worth the visit.”

To grasp just how enormous this fortress truly is, it’s three times larger than the Principality Stadium, Wales’ rugby headquarters. Many have likened it to Italy’s iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, thanks to its own tilting tower which makes it all the more distinctive.

One visitor said: “Caerphilly Castle is like stepping into a giant storybook filled with knights and kings. From the moment you lay eyes on its towering walls, impressive moat and imposing towers, you are transported back in time.”

Another highlighted the tower as their standout feature, saying: “This is one of the most beautiful castles in the UK. It is very pretty, especially the leaning tower.”

Located in South Wales, Caerphilly Castle sits just 30 minutes by car from Cardiff city centre. It’s also conveniently positioned less than an hour from Swansea and within 90 minutes of Gloucester.

Entry to the castle is reasonably priced, with adult tickets at £11.90 and family passes at £38.10, whilst disabled visitors and children under five can enter free of charge. Commenting on the admission cost, one guest remarked: “I have paid more for far less at other mansion houses, etc, and this was so worth the entrance fee.”

If Celebrity Traitors has you thinking about visiting rural Scotland, here’s a beautiful country estate that offers a perfect mix of countryside, cosy and entertainment

With Celebrity Traitors sparking interest in Scottish holiday spots, we visited a country estate that’s a blend of Center Parcs and a five-star hotel. Nestled in 27 acres of Perthshire countryside, Wyndham Duchally Country Estate has nine hotel rooms and 55 self-catering lodges, rivalling the grandeur of the Highlands.

The lodges, all two or three bedrooms with matching bathrooms, are as well-equipped, if not more so, than what you’d find at Center Parcs. The kitchens are kitted out for a proper self-catering holiday – no mini fridges here! Expect a toaster, kettle, oven, hob, dishwasher and microwave, plus a full-size fridge and freezer.

Despite the chilly weather outside, our lodge was kept cosy and warm thanks to efficient electric radiators with individual controllers (though do keep an eye on these if you’re travelling with little ones – they can get hot), reports OK!.

Complimentary WiFi is available in all the lodges and the main hotel, and we found it worked a treat. You can connect up to four devices per room or lodge.

Many of the lodges are currently being upgraded to top-of-the-range new buildings. We didn’t notice any signs of the works, but it might be worth ringing the Estate to check on timelines.

There are often deals to be had if you book direct, such as 25% off lodge stays between 1 December 2025 and 21 March 2026.

Restaurant and bar

There are two on-site options for food and drinks – the a la carte Monteath’s Restaurant, and The Gatehouse Bar.

The latter serves a light menu from 12.30pm to 9pm, and you can also order from the restaurant between 5pm and 9pm. A tip – we can recommend trying the Estate’s very own Gatehouse Gin – and our bartender made a mean espresso martini.

The restaurant has a solid menu, with traditional Scottish fare like smoked salmon pate (£10) and haggis pakora (£10) on the starter menu (we can vouch for the haggis pakora although be warned – the portions were generous!), and fish and chips (£18.50), mac and cheese (£17) and 8oz sirloin steak (£39) on the mains.

The steak was particularly good, and despite emptying our plates, we still had room for a delicious sticky toffee pudding (£9) for dessert.

Is it child-friendly?

Yes, very. There’s lots of safe spaces for young ones to run around, plus a separate kids’ pool in the Leisure Centre.

Our lodge had a retractable stair gate downstairs, useful for keeping both four-legged and small children on one floor. The pub has a large outdoor area with lots of tables – and if you’re lucky with the weather, a selection of things to entertain large and small kids, including an inflatable slide and a giant Connect 4 game.

The Beauty by Brenda spa also offers a Little Miss Manicure for ages seven to 12 (£15), which we thought was a sweet addition to the menu.

Spa and pool

The spa area is complimentary for Estate guests, you just need to ring ahead to reserve a slot, or turn up and cross your fingers. Towels were supplied and we could store our clothes in electronic lockers using a pin number, so there was no need to fret about keeping tabs on wristbands, which is always a plus.

In addition to the heated indoor pool, there’s also a hot tub, sauna and steam room – not forgetting a gym, for those more committed than us.

The leisure centre’s Beauty by Brenda spa appears to have something of a cult following around these parts, and while we didn’t encounter Brenda herself, we can vouch that our head and shoulders massage, and our 30-minute luxury facial, lived up to the buzz. There’s one treatment room, so booking is crucial.

We were particularly fond of the range of treatment durations (and prices) available – from a half hour aromatherapy massage (£50) up to a 90-minute Top to Toe massage (£90).

Is Wyndham Duchally Country Estate dog friendly?

This is one of the benefits – it’s a dog-friendly site and a maximum of two dogs are permitted in selected lodges. Just a heads up, you need to book a pet space in advance, and they’re not allowed in the main hotel rooms, Monteath’s restaurant or hotel bar.

The location is an ideal base for walkers and their well-behaved dogs (we felt a bit sorry for the bloke in chest-high pond water trying to retrieve his overexcited duck-chasing dog!).

What is there to do around Wyndham Duchally Country Estate?

This is the perfect spot for those who love the great outdoors (though snuggling up in a lodge for the weekend is equally appealing), with an abundance of countryside, public footpaths, fishing spots and mountain bike trails to explore.

It’s just a half-hour drive from Perth, and you’ll find Drummond Castle and Scone Palace nearby.

For those with children (or animal lovers), Blair Drummond Safari Park is also about 30 minutes away by car, and Estate guests receive a 10% discount on the entrance fee.

The renowned Gleneagles hotel and golf course is just a stone’s throw away, as is Auchterarder Golf Club. So if you fancy a round of golf without splashing out on hotel prices, Wyndham Estate is a win-win.

A Murder Mystery evening

As avid fans of all the Traitors series, we were over the moon to partake in our very own murder mystery night at Wyndham Estate. Hosted by Spirit of Glasgow company, we were treated to a thrilling live-action murder mystery play – The Dalliance – complete with a three-course dinner and plenty of chances for some real detective work.

The cast members remain in character and occasionally mingle in the dining area to converse with each other and answer guest’s queries (not that it aided our team…).

Regrettably, our team performed about as well as the current batch of Celebrity Traitor devotees, failing to correctly pinpoint the killer… However, it was a fantastically enjoyable evening, with a blend of singles, couples, mates and a hen do.

Find out more about the Estate and book at Wyndham Duchally Country Estate.

VIRGIN will soon be flying to a Thai destination for the first time ever.

From October 18, 2026, Virgin Atlantic will launch flights to Phuket in Thailand three times a week.

The flight will be the only direct service between London Heathrow and Thailand‘s largest island.

The flights will operate seasonally in the winter, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from London Heathrow and Thursdays, Saturdays and Mondays from Phuket.

Tickets for the flights will go on sale on November 26.

The aircraft used will be a Boeing 787-9 and onboard passengers will get complimentary food and drink, entertainment including movies and TV series and WiFi available for purchase.

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There will be 31 Upper Class seats, 35 Premium, and 192 Economy.

If you can’t wait until November 26 to book flights, then package holidays will be available to book from today, with prices starting from £999 per person.

For example, you could spend seven nights at the four-star Sugar Marina Hotel Fashion – Kata Beach in a deluxe double room on a bed and breakfast basis, with return economy flights from Heathrow for £999 per person.

If you fancied something a little more luxurious, then you could stay at the five-star The Sands Khao Lak by Katatthani in a ‘Sands’ double room on an all inclusive basis for £1,599 per person.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers more than 230 accommodation options in Phuket, and over 80 throughout Thailand.

In addition, through the airline’s partnership with Bangkok Airways, travellers can head to a number of other destinations such as Koh Samui.

Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer for Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce our new direct service to Phuket, giving our customers a flavour of one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations.

“As well as making the trip more convenient, they can enjoy exploring Thailand’s unique heritage, natural beauty and delicious cuisine.

“We can’t wait for our customers to experience our trademark hospitality on their next unforgettable journey.”

In 2024,  Bounce – a luggage storage company – announced that Phuket was the world’s most popular island holiday destination.

Phuket is known for having stunning beaches and a rich food scene.

For example, there is Patong Beach which is known for having a vibrant nightlife.

For families, Karon and Kata Beaches are then popular spots, with white sand and crystal clear waters.

Cultural attractions include the Big Buddha perched at the top of Nakkerd Hill – it is 45 metres tall and at the site, visitors can get 360-degree panoramic views of the landscape.

Phuket’s old town is also a famous spot to explore, with lots of history and pretty architecture.

For Phuket, island hopping is great day out as well, with the famous Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay) nearby.

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is then home to the island’s only remaining evergreen rainforest.

There are numerous walking trails through the rainforest, and on some, hikers can see waterfalls such as Bang Pae Waterfall.

Phuket benefits from warm temperatures year round, with the lowest temperature being around 25C and the highest 35C.

September is the wettest month to visit and February is the driest, with around two days of rainfall.

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