Nestled in the undulating countryside of Oxfordshire, you’ll find Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, one of the finest zoos I’ve visited in the UK. In fact, it was recently hailed as the UK’s top zoo in a nationwide poll that evaluated everything from the diversity of animals to visitor satisfaction and value for money. I’m a huge fan of exploring the Cotswolds, so I was thrilled to see what this place had in store.
From the moment you cross the threshold, there’s a sense that every detail has been meticulously planned to ensure both animals and visitors feel comfortable. Spread over 160 acres of parkland and gardens, the ambience is serene and calming — it’s ideal for a leisurely, unhurried day out.
The park is home to over 260 species, each residing in roomy, naturalistic enclosures that integrate effortlessly with the surroundings. As you meander, you’ll come across magnificent creatures from all corners of the globe.
This includes giraffes, white rhinos, lemurs, Asiatic lions, Humboldt penguins and red pandas.
Every animal appears content and well looked after, a perception supported by the park’s high visitor ratings and numerous recent accolades for animal care and guest experience, reports the Express.
One of the highlights of my visit was the giraffe feeding experience, a unique encounter you can arrange as an additional treat.
Approaching these gentle giants at eye-level was a memory I won’t forget, and the keeper was available to impart intriguing facts about their behaviour, diet and conservation.
It was both educational and enchanting to observe their lengthy eyelashes and tongues at such close proximity.
Despite ranking among the UK’s premier wildlife attractions, the park never appeared overcrowded or hurried. The gardens and softly undulating lawns provided numerous places to pause, unwind and appreciate nature.
One of the reasons the park was crowned the best zoo is its outstanding value. Standard day tickets cost around £19 for adults and £13.50 for children aged three to 16, with slightly cheaper online tickets available if booked in advance.
Children under three go free, and parking is included with the ticket. Given the scale of the park, the quality of the animal care, and the range of experiences on offer, I found this incredibly reasonable, especially when compared to other UK wildlife attractions.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a family looking for a memorable experience, Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens ticks all the boxes.
Its combination of scenery, immersive experiences and variety of animals makes this one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
If you’re planning a visit, book your tickets in advance, take time to explore slowly, and don’t forget to say hello to the giraffes.
All episodes have found a new home on the streaming platform
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What some consider as the ‘best series ever made’ that is based on an award-winning novel is now streaming on Netflix.
In the latest significant update for the streamer’s library, all episodes of The Man In The High Castle have been added to the service. While it was originally a Prime Video exclusive released back in 2015, running for four season until 2019.
It is an alternate history period drama, loosely based on the novel of the same name written by Phillip K. Dick. The author was one of the most celebrated sci-fi writers, with many of his works adapted for the screen including into films such as Blade Runner, Minority Report and Total Recall.
The story takes a look at what the world might look like had the outcome of World War II turned out differently. In this dystopian scenario, the Axis powers won the war, leading to the United States being divided into three parts, an area controlled by the Japanese, a Nazi-controlled section, and a buffer zone between the two.
Despite the oppression, a new hope emerges when films turn up that seem to show a different world. A woman believes the films contain the key to freedom and is determined to find their mysterious guardian as she begins to build a network of resistance.
The series was created for television by Frank Spotnitz who previously worked as a writer for The X Files. Alien director Ridley Scott served as an executive producer.
It boasts an 84% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer claimed: “a superb, frightening experience filled with unexpected twists and (some sci-fi) turns.”
A different critic penned: “unlike anything else on television, impeccably acted and packed with vivid, multi-layered characters, gut-wrenching twists and dark, dark moments of human misery”.
It would go on to last for three more seasons and years after the final episode released, many fans still hail it as one of the more superior historical fiction shows. One went so far as to post on Rotten Tomatoes declaring it as “one of the best shows ever made.”
Another added: “a haunting alternative history vision implemented in a extremely authentic fashion.”
While a third confessed how they were hooked upon discovering the series for the first time. They said: “Beyond impressed, stayed up until 2am on a week day… I decided to squeeze in the pilot. Needless to say, seven episodes later I was still watching.”
They continued: “The storyline is incredible. The acting is great. The emotions that it brought out of me was real and raw. It made me appreciate and think differently about the word/idea/concept that we all throw around ‘FREEDOM'” Yes, it’s fictional, and yes it’s just a TV-show, but boy they hit on something, at least in me. I’m beyond impressed!”
Someone else commented: “This is the best series since Breaking Bad. I think every one under the age of 40 needs to see this.”
The Man In The High Castle is streaming on Netflix.
For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.
For a laugh, make sure to catch the Regional Dad Dancing Championships at the festival, which will pick one dad as Yorkshire Dad Dancing Champion.
It’s not just dads though – other male figures including step-fathers, uncles and grandparents are welcome.
All of the activities are included in a festival ticket, as well as access to The Edge Aerial Adventure (high-ropes course), camping and parking.
There is food for purchase on site too but you can bring your own camp stove and prepare your own food.
Guests can use the holiday park’s facilities whilst staying, which include the Conservatory Restaurant and two bars.
There is also a fish and chip shop if you prefer a salty takeaway and a small shop.
The holiday park also boasts an outdoor playground, with nest swings, zip lines, climbing walls and a giant tower with slides.
And whilst you stay at the park and enjoy the festival, make the most of the coastal location as well.
The holiday park sits right by Bridlington South Beach, which is a huge stretch of golden sand, is dog-friendly, ideal for watersports and has fascinating low clay cliffs.
At the festival, you can take part in a number of activities such as campfire building and a dad dancing competitionCredit: East Riding of Yorkshire Council
The festival was created by The Dads’ Network CIC which is for dads, father figures, male carers and their children and last year, it won the award for the ‘Best Small Event in the UK’ by the National Outdoor Events Association.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This unique festival gives dads and children the chance to connect with nature while enjoying fun activities that help develop new skills and strengthen family bonds.
“I had the privilege of taking part in the last DadFest and was hugely impressed by how well organised it was and by the wide variety of activities on offer.
“My daughter and I had a fantastic time, and I’m delighted to see the event return.”
DadFest organiser and founder of The Dads’ Network, Ian Blackwell, said: “DadFest started in Devon in 2014 and we ran our first DadFest in Bridlington in 2025.
The event takes place at South Cliff Holiday Park with camping included in the ticket priceCredit: Alamy
“We are really pleased to be bringing our small, award-winning festival to East Yorkshire in partnership with East Riding Council and Rewilding Youth.
“The festival will also be bringing the renowned ‘Yorkshire Dad Dancing Championship’ – a hotly contested dance off by grooving dads, much to the sheer embarrassment of their kids.
“The winning dad in Yorkshire will take home the bragging rights as the Yorkshire Champ and will get free tickets to The World Dad Dancing Championships in Devon in September, along with a fetching trophy for the mantlepiece.”
DadFest will take place from 3pm on May 15 to May 17.
Tickets cost £112 per dad and one child, £122.50 per dad and two children or £132.50 per dad and three children.
THE quiet town of Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex is set to be a TV star.
ITV presenter Josie Gibson was seen filming at the pretty destination on the Dengie Peninsula last week known for its top-tier sailing scene and fresh seafood.
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Burnham-on-Crouch sits on the River Crouch in EssexCredit: AlamyIt’s nicknamed ‘Cowes of the East Coast’ thanks to its popular sailing sceneCredit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Josie, along with a film crew, were seen at various different spots in Burnham-on-Crouch, which sits on the River Crouch.
The town that is just an hour outside of London was called “wonderfully understated” by The Telegraph and it even questioned whether it’s “the most peaceful town in England.”
While it might be quiet on land, Burnham-on-Crouch has a busy harbour, as well as a quayside, boat-building yards, listed buildings and sailing clubs.
Thanks to its location and popularity within the sailing circle, Burnham-on-Crouch is nicknamed ‘Cowes of the East Coast’.
This is after the world-renowned Cowes on the Isle of Wight which is the “Yachting Capital of the World”.
Throughout the year are sailing events, but what Burnham-on-Crouch is most famous for is Burnham Week.
The major sailing regatta is held every year at the end of August with plenty of competitive racing for various yacht and dinghy classes.
This year it will kick off on August 29 until September 5, 2026 – and it is a major week in the sailing calendar.
Last week though, the TV crew were spotted on dry land filming outside The Cabin Dairy on the High Street.
The cafe has been in operation since the 1990s, serving up breakfast, brunch, sandwiches, toasties, tea, coffee and ice cream.
Another spot that was seen in front of the camera was The Quarterdeck restaurant.
The seafood restaurant and bistro bar sits on the waterfront, serving dishes like the seafood board with Maldon cured smoked salmon, crevettes, pickled roll mops and anchovies.
Of course you can pick up fish and chips too, as well as a Sailor Sandwich with fish goujons, and oysters.
For oyster fans, check out Burnham Seafood and Oyster Bar which is a fish stall open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Here, locals can pick up top quality seafood from lobsters to crab, and of course, oysters.
Seafood is a big part of the town’s history as it used to be a thriving oyster port.
In the 19th century, the River Crouch was filled with oyster beds, which were then harvested and traded into London and across Europe.
Josie Gibson and was seen filming in EssexCredit: WireImageThe Cabin Dairy is a popular cafe and has been open since the 1990sCredit: Facebook
Next door to The Quarterdeck is Harbour Delights, an American retro diner that serves up tasty drinks and desserts.
You can choose from ice cream sundaes, Belgian waffles, bubble tea, milkshakes, and enjoy a coke float.
One place the crew weren’t seen filming at, but is a Burnham hotspot is the Jolly Fryer.
The fish and chip shop in previous years was voted as the Best Chippy in Essex.
You can pick up a medium cod for two with large chips and either curry sauce or mushy peas for £21.99.
As for what’s nearby, from certain points in the town you can see across the river to Wallasea Island which has been turned into a nature reserve.
Visitors can visit by ferry, which will cost around £5 each way, to see wading birds as well as rare butterflies.
For wine fans, head to family-run Clayhill Vineyard which makes Bacchus (often referred to as England’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc) and chardonnay.
10-minutes drive away is the pretty Clayhill VineyardCredit: Unknown
One Sun Writer who visited said: “I particularly loved theEnglishsparkling wine and at £19 per bottle it’s much cheaper — and in my opinion nicer — than champagne.“
The vineyard has views of the River Crouch, and has a small cafe for lunch, tea and cake – and you can taste its wine here too.
For train enthusiasts, head to nearby Mangapps Railway & Museum which is a working railway and museum on a farm in Burnham-on-Crouch.
It has a three-quarter mile passenger line with restored stations, signal boxes, and visitors can go on as many train rides as they like with their ticket.
One visitor on Tripadvisor wrote: “Nice little museum. Lots of different trains and even a well-kept, older station where you can enjoy a small ride on an old train.”
It’s open on weekends between 11.30AM to 5PM. Ticket prices are £15 per adult, £8 per child and under three’s go free.
For anyone who is a fan of The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells, then you might want to head up to Tillingham.
Fans of the book will know that village is where the narrator’s younger brother escapes to when London is invaded by Martians.
Burnham-on-Crouch is served by the Crouch Valley branch line.
From London Liverpool Street, it can be reached in just over an hour with one transfer at Wickford.
This Essex town has been called a ‘Cotswolds alternative’…
She said: “Its Saturday market is often a place to spot TV chef Jamie Oliver. We admired the great artisan stands, but sadly didn’t spot Jamie.
“Coffee in hand, we took a stroll to St Mary’s Church, which dates to Norman times and is still the tallest building in Essex with its spire topping out at 193ft. Then it was on to Bridge End Gardens and its maze – before a pint at the Cross Keys Hotel, also known for its great food.
“The fun continued with a visit to one of Essex’s Tiptree tea rooms. I knew Tiptree as the makers of tasty jams, often served in little jars at posh hotels.
“We got the day off to the best of starts at Tiptree’s Courtyard tea room in Saffron Walden with their traditional breakfast, a Full English complete with tasty local sausages, bacon, egg and even some traditional Tiptree brown sauce.”
PINKPANTHERESS has become the first woman and the youngest ever artist to be named the BRIT Awards’ 2026Producer of the Year.
The 24-year-old is also nominated for two further awards; Artist of the Year and Dance Act, which will be revealed tomorrow.
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PinkPantheress was recently named the BRIT Awards’ 2026 Producer of the YearCredit: GettyShe has become the first woman and the youngest ever artist to win the awardCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old has also been nominated for Artist of the Year and Dance ActCredit: AP
Who is PinkPantheress?
PinkPantheress, real name Victoria Beverley Walker, is a British singer-songwriter and record producer.
Known for herunique, instantly recognisable music style that has been dubbed “New Nostalgia”, the artist has picked up multiple awards for her music.
She was namedProducer of the YearbyBillboardWomen in Musicin 2024, whilst earning nominations for fiveBrit Awards and twoGrammy Awards.
Her BRITs Producer of the Year nomination turned win marked her as just the second solo female musician to ever even be nominated for the award.
With the previous nominee being Kate Bush in 1990.
PinkPantheress burst onto the scene in late 2021 with the release of her first mixtape ‘To Hell with It’.
The mixtape contained singles “Just for Me” and “Pain“, which both peaked in the top 40 of theUK Singles Chart, winning her BBC‘sSound of 2022poll.
One year later she released her hit single “Boy’s a Liar” which reached number two in the UK.
Her TikTok viral tune “Illegal” was released in 2025 as part of her second mixtape,Fancy That, which earned two Grammy nominations and reached number three on theUK Albums Chart.
Pink is known for her unique, instantly recognisable music styleCredit: AFP
What did she win a Brit Award for?
Last year,PinkPantheressshared the mixtapeFancy Thatand its companion remix project,Fancy Some More?
Featuring songs like “Stateside” and “Illegal”, Fancy That consists of nine songs with a duration of 20 minutes.
Described by PinkPantheress herself as the “most tied together project” of her career, the mixtape quickly reached number three in the UK after its release.
Featuring artists like Zara Larsson, Anitta and Ravyn Lanae, remix album Fancy Some More? was released on October 10, 2025 throughWarner Records, consisting of 31 songs.
Stacey Tang, 2026 BRIT Awards Committee chair and co-president of RCA Records UK, said: “PinkPantheress is both an inventive and instinctive voice in British pop right now.
“As a producer, she’s precise and playful, building bold, boundary expanding sounds that travel beyond the UK.
“She’s quietly reshaping what modern pop can be, and in doing so, opening the door for a new wave of female producers to step forward. Celebrating her at the BRITs is both timely and significant.”
