Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has been named European Christmas Capital 2025 – and it’s easy to see why. The city has a stunning Christmas market and barely any crowds.
The charming city has a gorgeous market(Image: Getty)
If you’re dreaming of a festive getaway complete with Christmas markets and cosy eateries, but can’t bear the thought of battling through crowds, then some destinations are off the table.
For instance, Paris, despite its charm and beauty, welcomed 22 million tourists last year, while Vienna, another popular winter destination, saw an astonishing 19 million visitors.
Over tourism can turn a holiday into a stressful experience, particularly during the festive season when all you want to do is unwind.
However, there’s one stunning European city that remains relatively crowd-free – and it boasts an award-winning Christmas market.
Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, attracted just 1.2 million tourists last year – a mere fraction compared to Europe’s busiest hotspots.
With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the ideal time to consider a trip to this extraordinary city.
Vilnius has been crowned European Christmas Capital 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, backed by the European Parliament.
It offers a spectacular Christmas tree, a UNESCO-listed Old Town, and of course, markets brimming with mulled wine and handmade crafts, reports the Express.
The holiday season in Vilnius kicks off on 29 November with its most eagerly awaited tradition, the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Cathedral Square.
Each year, the tree showcases a fresh bold design, drawing people to the city to celebrate with their loved ones.
If you fancy being there for the big switch-on, Skyscanner is currently offering return flights from London to Vilnius starting at just £42 – arriving on 29th November and departing on 1st December.
As for digs, prices kick off from a mere £21 per night, making it an ideal budget-friendly getaway – just remember to save some suitcase space for all those pressies.
A well thought-out interior, innovative tech and an impressive long range for an EV are just a few of the features that scooped the Renault Scenic The Sun’s Family Car of the Year award.
But could it cut the mustard (French or British) with an active family and hard-to-impress teenagers putting it through its paces?
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The Renault Scenic will go from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds
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The lush interior is comfortable and stylish
Here’s the lowdown on my extended Test.
Driving Experience
Over the months I had the Scenic on test, the lasting impression was that it certainly lives up to the name tag. It’s a serene drive across all types of terrain.
From a half-term trip to the West Country where we blasted down the M4 and M5 without the need for a pit stop, to a longer trek to the tip of Cornwall, we pushed the Scenic to the limit in terms of distance, weight and durability.
As a result, it rose to the challenge, negating any fears that EVs can’t be the versatile plug-ins that so many British families are looking for.
While the acceleration is good, with a 0-62mph of 7.9 seconds, it won’t win any drag races.
On motorways, it sits well at 70mph, with sound thrust on overtakes and lane changes. The brakes are solid and, around town, the ride held firm over pot-holed roads.
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The interior of the Renault Scenic includes a Solarbay panoramic glass roof
There’s a drive mode for every whim. Eco mode naturally slows the car to optimise battery performance, capping speed and dialling down in-car features.
All hail to its minimalist ways, which were particularly effective during a major motorway diversion.
A slightly longer route meant I might have been looking at an additional charging stop.
But I arrived home with 20 miles to spare and no range anxiety – job done!
For less frugal days, Comfort was the mid-range setting that became my default.
Sport provides that extra bit of power when required, and Perso is for those who want (and have the time) to create their own setup.
Battery Range
We’ve been treated to the Iconic Long Range 220 HP version, meaning that, in theory and on a full charge it can reach a range of 369 miles. This is pretty decent and, in my experience of EVs, gives it competitive appeal.
A larger battery size (87 kWh versus the standard model’s 60 kWH) does, however, come at an £8,000 price uptick, so one to factor into purchase budgets.
The Scenic’s output matched up well to the claimed range. In the colder months, it’s full charge only hit the 330 miles mark, but this is acceptable and more than adequate.
Similarly, on mid to longer journeys, it kept to the indicated range when driven in the 50-60mph territory.
Any closer to 70mph and this began to drop off, but only as expected, so not a point to fret over.
Cool Tech
Want suave design vibes? You got it. The tech was a tantalising teen dream. Sounds by French legendary electro-pop guru Jean-Michel Jarre and a rear-view mirror that can run as a video screen were the order of the day.
Throw in the Solarbay panoramic glass roof, which can darken or lighten on demand, and the awesome AC in the back and front sections of the cabin to dial up the chill factor, and we beat the heatwaves.
With the 12” multimedia touchscreen (portrait in shape so it feels like a large phone) and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system to boot, me and my gang were spoiled.
Family Friendly Features
As passengers in the back, my teens were impressed with the arm rest that keeps on giving. It unfolds to offer drinks holders, USB ports and a smart phone/tablet holder.
The boot area also had a surprise in-store. Prise up the easy-to-lift floor mat and you discover a whole new storage section. Excellent for boots in the winter, wetsuits in the summer and the dog kit whatever the season.
The Rivals
Renault is pitching the Scenic E-Tech into a cluster of new mid-sized EVs that have launched in the last year or so.
Key rivals for the family-friendly vote come from the Kia EV3, Ford Explorer, Volkswagen ID.5 and Skoda Enyaq. All offer sleek designs and impressive cabin features, which the Scenic stands up well to.
Making the switch to an EV might not yet be the right choice for regular families in the UK, but it is one that will start to become more familiar.
With an on-the-road price of just over £45,000, the Renault Scenic E-Tech could be considered a relatively expensive option, but it is the full package.
It’s therefore not difficult to see why it was also crowned European Car of the Year 2024.
Winning these accolades from experienced car reviewers is one thing, but surviving a few months with my clan is another.
The Scenic stepped up to the mark here too, so add that to its trophy cabinet.
Renault Scenic E-Tech Iconic Long Range – key facts
Here’s everything you need to know about The Sun’s Family Car of the Year:
A hit BBC One drama is returning to our screens in just a few days on Netflix 15 years on from its TV debut, with Sheridan Smith, Olivia Coleman, Stephen Graham and others starring
Sheridan Smith stars in series two of Accused with Robert Sheehan
With summer officially over, it’s time to curl up in front of the sofa with a series to binge – and now thanks to Netflix, a hit BBC drama will be back on our screens after over a decade. Netflix subscribers can expect a number of new shows and movies to arrive on the streamer this month, from Charlie Sheen’s new documentary to period drama House of Guinness.
However, as well as brand new shows, viewers will get another chance to watch BBC One anthology drama Accused 15 years after it made its TV debut. Created by Time writer Jimmy McGovern, the legal drama follows a different character on trial in each episode and how they came to be accused.
The first series stars the likes of Christopher Eccleston, Mackenzie Crook, Tina O’Brien, Peter Capaldi and Naomi Harris across six hard-hitting episodes. It was followed up by a second series two years later in 2012, with Sean Bean, Stephen Graham, Olivia Colman, Sheridan Smith and Anna Maxwell Martin among the stars joining the cast.
Accused went on to be nominated for a BAFTA TV Award in 2011, with Juliet Stevenson receiving nod for her performance in episode three. While she didn’t win, the show picked up Best Drama Series and Best Actor for Christopher Eccleston at the International Emmy Awards in 2011.
Two years later, Olivia Colman won Best Supporting Actress for her role in series two at the BAFTA TV Awards and the Royal Television Society Programme Awards, while Sean Bean won Best Actor at the International Emmys. The series is set to land on Netflix on 10 September in the UK.
Series one tells six different stories – the first starring Christopher Eccleston as a lapsed Catholic plumber who takes a gamble after coming under financial pressure, while the second follows British army soldier (played by Benjamin Smith) who is pushed to his limits after witnessing the death of a colleague.
The third episode sees a primary school teacher (Juliet Stevenson) stand trial for committing a terrible crime after the loss of her son. The next episode stars Andy Serkis as a taxi driver with a gambling problem who commits a crime of passion, while episode five sees Marc Warren play a loving dad who was involved in a violent crime.
Accused’s final episode stars Naomi Harris as a working mum who goes up against her estranged husband (Warren Brown) in court.
Viewers took to social media to praise the drama back when it first aired in 2010, with one writing; “That was a great piece of drama #Accused #BBC.” Another said: “Loving ‘accused’ on the bbc. ecclestone is incredible.”
A WETHERSPOONS pint always goes down a treat – and even more so at this one venue that has a rooftop garden and sits right by the beach.
Back in 2015, The Admiral Collingwood in Ilfracombe, North Devon, scooped up the prize of best new pub at the National Pub Design Awards.
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The Admiral Collingwood is an award-winning pub in Ilfracombe, DevonCredit: Alamy
And since, the boozer has become an icon of Ilfracombe’s seafront after judges described it as “an uncompromisingly modern building where the glass dome offers urban presence, while the rest of the main elevation is understated yet sophisticated”, according to Harrison Ince Architects.
Inside, new artworks were commissioned for the pub at the time, and a steel sculpture of a wave breaking was installed.
On the roof of the pub, there is a beer garden which is open between March and October and boasts amazing views across the coast.
One recent visitor said: “The view of the sea is amazing; the roof terrace is lovely and the drinks are true spoons quality.
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“We love Ilfraspoons!”
Another added: “The view and the amazing prices make the THE place to go”
According to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the pub serves three changing beers which often include ales from Fat Belly, GT Ales, Exmoor, Cotleigh and Bays featuring regularly.
In the summer, this increases to four beers.
And then additionally, there are three regular beers on offer to punters.
Visitors also get to learn a bit of histroy about the purpose built pub when they visit, as the menu states: “Until its very recent closure, the Collingwood Hotel had welcomed visitors to north Devon’s Ilfracombe for over 130 years.
I went to the UK’s biggest Wetherspoons with rooftop bar overlooking the beach
“The imposing five-storey building was named after Admiral, Lord Collingwood, Nelson’s second-in-command at Trafalgar (who fought just off the Spanish coast in 1805).
“Cuthbert Collingwood fired the first shot in the battle (one of British naval history’s most famous and crucial) and took over command of the British fleet after the fatal wounding of his friend Horatio Nelson.”
Just a short walk away from the pub is Wildersmouth Beach, which is sheltered and shingle.
Despite being central to Ilfracombe, the dog-friendly beach is often less crowded than other sandy beaches nearby.
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Also in Ilfracombe is Damien Hirst’s bronze Verity sculptureCredit: PA:Press Association
Ilfracombe is also home to the Landmark Theatre, in Jubilee Gardens.
For art lovers, make sure to follow the coast around to Ilfracombe’s harbour where you will find Damien Hirst’s bonze sculpture called Verity – a half-skinned pregnant woman, who stands 20 metres tall.
The high street is also said to be a “thriving hub of independent shops”, according to Visit Ilfracombe.
There are many craft shops, gift shops and cafes to explore – and even a coffee-cum-craft shop.
Sweet tooths will also enjoy the Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium, which sells handcrafted chocolates and has a chocolate museum – which is free to visit.
And make sure to check out the department story Chas N Pedlar & Son, which has been running for over a century.
The seaside town has a lot of choice for accommodating too, with lots of holiday homes.
How can I save money at Wetherspoons?
FREE refills – Buy a £1.50 tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you can get free refills. The deal is available all day, every day.
Check a map – Prices can vary from one location the next, even those close to each other.
So if you’re planning a pint at a Spoons, it’s worth popping in nearby pubs to see if you’re settling in at the cheapest.
Choose your day – Each night the pub chain runs certain food theme nights.
For instance, every Thursday night is curry club, where diners can get a main meal and a drink for a set price cheaper than usual.
Pick-up vouchers – Students can often pick up voucher books in their local near universities, which offer discounts on food and drink, so keep your eyes peeled.
Get appy – The Wetherspoons app allows you to order and pay for your drink and food from your table – but you don’t need to be in the pub to use it.
Taking full advantage of this, cheeky customers have used social media to ask their friends and family to order them drinks. The app is free to download on the App Store or Google Play.
Check the date – Every year, Spoons holds its Tax Equality Day to highlight the benefits of a permanently reduced tax bill for the pub industry.
It usually takes place in September, and last year it fell on Thursday, September 14.
As well as its 12-day Real Ale Festival every Autumn, Wetherspoons also holds a Spring Festival.
Fans of the venue said it is “nice to stroll around on a warm day” and dubbed it “cute and wholesome”
The award-winning rose gardens are being praised online by people keen to visit(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Award-winning rose gardens have been praised online as a place to add to your “weekend list.” The venue, tucked away in Norwich, Norfolk, has drawn attention online due to its picturesque views.
Peter Beales Roses, in Norwich, has been dubbed a “hidden gem” by fans on TikTok, who praised the rose gardens specifically. That will come as no surprise to many as Peter Beales is renowned for being home to the largest variety of roses in the UK and having 29 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals to its name.
TikTok user Shauna (@ilyxshaun) shared a clip showcasing the venue on a recent trip. Her caption read: “One for your weekend list.”
In the video, Shauna walks through the venue and shows viewers the entrance, the indoor shop selling produce, meets, handmade jewellery, the cafe, and the garden shop. She then moves on to the rose gardens, which she claims are “nice to stroll around on a warm day.”
In her voiceover, Shauna said: “This award-winning spot in Attleborough might just be Norfolk’s best kept summer day out. It’s known for its beautiful rose gardens, but there’s a lot more you can do here.
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“Inside. They’ve got a shop with lots of local produce like jams, chutneys, fresh meats, even handmade jewellery. They also have a cafe for brunch and afternoon tea.
“Plus you can sit outside when the weather’s warm, which is a bonus. There’s a garden section with indoor plants, tools and just all the little bits that you didn’t know you even needed.
“But the best part, without a doubt, is the rose gardens. There were rose bushes everywhere, little archways to wander through and so many pretty corners. It’s so nice to stroll around on a warm day. Peter Bales is ideal for when you don’t have plans but want something cute and wholesome to do.”
Peter Beales Roses has 29 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals to its name.(Image: Getty Images)
Beneath the video, others praised the venue and shared their favourite things about it too. One viewer said: “such a lovely day out” and a second wrote: “looks lovely.”
A third added: “When I last went there was a little hidden play park too for children we had to follow signs and it was very hidden but very cute.”
A different person said: “Yep there’s a children’s play area right at the back and a little nature walk.” The praise continued, with one viewer writing: “I love visiting here solely for the rose gardens!” and another adding: “Love it here. The rose festival is fab!”
According to Peter Beales, the rose gardens allow visitors to “escape to a world of beauty and tranquillity”, where “nature’s artistry meets timeless elegance.” The venue’s website adds that the gardens are the perfect place to “lose yourself in a sensory paradise.”
The rose gardens feature rose-covered archways and walkways draped in vibrant blooms, a “stunning” observation turret offering panoramic garden views, a “serene” wildlife garden buzzing with biodiversity, and display gardens with “intoxicating perfumes and seasonal colour.”
Peter Beales Roses is based around half a mile off the A11 in Attleborough, Norfolk. The venue features free parking, wheelchair access, toilets, and baby-changing facilities. Entrance to the rose gardens, which is open seven days a week, year-round, is free.
Located on the north coast of Norfolk, this town is perfect for a traditional seaside holiday, home to a bustling pier, award-winning beach and a wealth of family-friendly events and festivals
This Norfolk town is home to an architecturally significant pier with an active theatre(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Golf enthusiasts may already know about this reputable seaside town, but it has so much more to offer than what first meets the eye. Breathtaking coastal views, beaches and a historic pier can be explored by those looking for a traditional UK seaside holiday or a perfect day trip destination.
Cromer is located on the north coast of Norfolk, about 23 miles from the medieval city of Norwich. The coastal town became a resort in the early 1800s and built its reputation welcoming rich local families, including the future King Edward VII who was known to enjoy a game of golf in the area.
In fact, the seaside town is still a world-class hub for avid golfers as it is home to one of the top 100 golf courses in England: the Royal Cromer Golf Club. The Club was founded in 1888 and is one of only 66 ‘royal’ clubs in the world and has 18 holes that stretch alongside the Cromer and Overstrand cliffs.
There are many coastal walking paths where travellers can enjoy the town’s impressive sea views(Image: Getty Images)
The clifftop course ensures golfers and all visitors enjoy fantastic and unique coastal views. Even the famous Oscar Wilde couldn’t deny the appeal of the greens, having said: “I find Cromer excellent for writing, but the golf even better.” But again, there is much more to this seaside resort than its golf attractions.
Travellers interested in a more traditional seaside holiday will want to make a beeline for the town’s historic pier. Cromer Pier is one of only five seaside piers in the UK with an active theatre and the only one that puts on a traditional end-of-the-pier variety show each summer and winter.
A model of classic Victorian architecture, the 495-foot pier won ‘Pier of the Year’ in 2024. Open all year round, it reportedly has the best crab fishing anywhere in Norfolk and is a memorable and relaxing place to spend a day and sample local treats.
In 2025, the summer variety show at the Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre will run from June 28 to September 20. If you plan a summer visit, you may want to time your travel to coincide with another town celebration: Carnival Week.
Cromer celebrates its Carnival Week in August and the festival includes the crowning of a Carnival Queen and street parade. The family-friendly event is one of the largest Carnivals in the country and the highlight of the season. This year it will run from August 16 to August 22.
There are several impressive beaches in Cromer, including its beloved namesake beach(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
If you’re in the mood to learn about some local history as well, head to the Cromer Museum. It is located in a row of late 19th Century Victorian fisherman’s cottages and features displays on the lifeboatmen over the years, the growth of tourism and what happened to the town during wartime. There are also fascinating exhibits on the geology and archaeology of the area.
If you want to learn more about the coastline specifically, you can visit the Deep History Coast Discovery Point. Here, you can learn about what the area was like thousands of years ago. There’s even an app you can download to take a guided tour along the coast to uncover its history and see how it used to look.
There are also ample opportunities to enjoy the local landscape up close. Travellers can walk along stretches of coastal cliffs – some as high as 230-feet. And no mention of Cromer would be complete without a description of its incredible beaches.
The town is home to several impressive sands, including the award-winning West Runton Beach and Cromer Beach. Beachgoers can partake in watersports by hiring surfboards or SUPs, laze in the pristine sands.
There is also a weekly market and plenty of independent shops to browse for those wanting to take home some souvenirs.
