THERE are some places that thrive in the summer, but others are best explored when there are crisp orange leaves on the ground, and the grass is littered with frost.
On my recent adventure to Northumberland, I discovered sprawling National Parks, living museums, quaint village and plenty of cosy pubs.
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Northumberland is even better in November – especially for autumn walksCredit: AlamyYou can take a stroll past where the Sycamore Gap once stoodCredit: Alamy
My adventure took me to the site of the former Sycamore Gap tree – the story that seemed to upset the entire nation.
The famous tree was mysteriously cut down in the middle of the night in September 2023. Something about the hateful environmental crime captured the public imagination globally.
Before and after pictures appeared in the media around the world and tears were shed.
It would later emerge that the 120-year-old specimen tree – which had featured in the 1991 Robin Hood film as well as countless holiday snaps – had been felled by two oddball friends as some kind of warped prank.
The pair were eventually jailed this summer for four years and three months each.
The episode initially seemed to spell the end of one of the North East’s greatest tourist attractions – but in fact it hasn’t.
The following year, the area earned nine per cent more from recreational visitors than it had before the tree was felled.
But if that makes it sound like the area is overrun with tourists, it isn’t. Not at all.
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Unlike rivals such as the Lake and Peak Districts or the Yorkshire Dales, rural Northumberland doesn’t have quite as much mass appeal and it’s big and desolate enough to absorb the visitors it does get, so seldom feels busy.
Autumn is a particularly good time to go because the landscape and vernal colour palette seem to blend harmoniously together.
I love walking in Northumberland and found great pubs along the wayCredit: John SturgisThe local drinking holes are cosy in the autumn with crackling log firesCredit: John Sturgis
If you go at low season (and now that half-term week has passed, that’s pretty much right now) you will find it feels most of the time as if you have the place to yourselves.
And it won’t cost much either – there’s excellent value for money.
Like the Sycamore Gap itself, much of what you will see is dotted along or near Hadrian’s Wall, the 2000-year-old fortification line that snakes its way up hill and down dale through all this glorious countryside.
And, of course, it joins up various other Roman sites that pepper the area with historic interest.
Our favourites were Vindolanda, an excavated village, the museum at Corbridge and the Temple of Mithras which has a counterpart in the buzzing heart of the City of London.
But naturally this one has a very different vibe as it’s out on its own on windswept moorland, miles from anywhere – and so superbly atmospheric.
We based ourselves in an Airbnb in converted outbuildings of a farm just outside the small town of Riding Mill, about 20 miles to the east of the Gap.
Dogs are allowed back on beaches during the low season tooCredit: John Sturgis
It was modestly priced but very pleasant and made an ideal base when motoring.
A couple of times we went east towards Newcastle or Beamish museum, with its charming recreation of streets and buildings from different periods.
We could also explore the coast, from the sweeping sands at Tynemouth to the more dramatic cliffs northwards.
Heading inland to the west it was more remote. Even at more managed spaces like the stunning National Trust park at Allen Banks, we scarcely saw another walker.
Our dogs loved it as much as we did. And after every walk we seemed to find ourselves conveniently close to a decent pub.
The area teems with them. I even compiled a top ten of the many boozers we went to during our week in Northumberland.
Here are John’s top 10 pubs in Northumberland…
1. Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland – Ancient, spooky, cosy, perfect.
2. The Ship Inn, Low Newton – Understated gem on a gem of a beach
3. The Rat, Anick – Just a perfect country food pub.
10. The Sun Inn, Beamish Museum, Stanley – Technically a fake pub in a theme park- but so well done
It’s still worth going to see the former site of the Sycamore GapCredit: John Sturgis
Pubs aside, there was still the question of actually visiting Sycamore Gap itself – or what’s left of it.
We had put this off as it felt a bit sad but we had to face it before leaving.
It’s a short and very scenic walk from the village of Once Brewed, up to and then along in parallel with the surprisingly intact Roman Wall.
And going back to the question of its surprisingly enduring popularity, we saw more people here than on any rural outing.
It was still not exactly crowded but busier – and you realised that others too wanted to pay tribute to the lost tree, whether that was with a selfie or a quiet thought or two.
Even in this remote corner we weren’t far from not one but two decent pubs: The Twice Brewed Inn at Bardon Mill and The Milecastle Inn at Haltwhistle, both of which were delightful.
Visiting here is a way of putting two fingers up at the vile pair who are now languishing in prison, it’s also an absolute treat.
A recent list has named the top 16 European city-break destinations that can be easily reached by train and one Belgian spot has been called as a must-visit in the region
Ghent in Belgium features in the top European destinations easily accessible by train(Image: Getty)
Belgium, a country adored by many for its blend of medieval heritage and modern flair, offers more than just the popular city of Bruges.
For those seeking to avoid the crowds while still experiencing the enchantment of Belgium, Ghent could be your next destination. This region is brimming with architectural wonders, historical landmarks, and a vibrant arts scene, all set against the backdrop of cobblestone streets ideal for leisurely strolls and cycling.
Ghent was highlighted in a list by Which? as one of the top 16 European city-break destinations easily accessible by train. This lesser-known Belgian gem outshone Paris and Amsterdam, proving it deserves a spot on your next European travel bucket list.
Ghent also features a bustling arts scene and is rich in culture(Image: Getty)
Which? members voted for their favourite European locations, rating each out of five stars in categories such as accommodation, food and drink. While Bruges took the top spot, Ghent made an impressive showing, coming in 5th with a city score of 80 per cent.
Located northwest of Belgium, Ghent is a port city renowned for its Gothic architecture. As the fourth largest city in Belgium, it is home to approximately a quarter of a million people.
The region is steeped in culture, boasting a captivating arts scene, thriving culinary cuisine, lively street life, and a historic centre. Furthermore, the city’s picturesque canals offer ample green spaces, boat tours, walking hotspots, and cycling trails for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Ghent features Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets and a vibrant nightlife(Image: Getty)
Described as a captivating spot with a relaxed atmosphere and fewer tourists than many other European hotspots, Ghent is a hidden gem. The town is home to numerous museums, medieval streets, three towers and the Ghent Altarpiece, a large 15th-century polyptych altarpiece also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb that’s a must-see.
Ghent holds the title of Europe’s largest car-free zone, boasting vast pedestrianised areas. After a long day of exploring, you can look forward to an unparalleled culinary experience.
The region is renowned for its top-notch mustard, which perfectly complements traditional dishes such as ganda ham, kroakdemandels, Ghent-style stoverij or waterzooi. And for those who enjoy a pint, beer is practically a way of life here, with several breweries offering a taste of their delightful brews.
You can get to Ghent from London St Pancras to Brussels, followed by a transfer to Ghent, all in less than three hours, making it a must-visit European destination.
EVERTON’S Carabao Cup clash with Mansfield Town has been delayed.
The Toffees announced that the game has been pushed back by 15 minutes to allow fans “safe access” in time for kick off.
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Everton’s Carabao Cup clash with Mansfield has been delayedCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Everton are hosting Mansfield at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, having played their first competitive match at the ground at the weekend.
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And Karina’s transformation is so impressive – leaving her completely unrecognisable – that people have even accused her of using AI to alter her appearance online.
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Karina took to her TikTok page to share pictures of herself before and after her weight lossCredit: tiktok/@karinacarrel
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She’s lost over 10 stone in two yearsCredit: tiktok/@karinacarrel
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And is virtually unrecognisable from her former selfCredit: tiktok/@karinacarrel
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Her transformation is so insane that some people have even said it must be AICredit: tiktok/@karinacarrel
She’s been documenting her weight loss journey on her TikTok page, and is now no stranger to confidently flaunting her new figure in skintight ensembles.
But it was a different story two years ago, when Karina was a whopping 10 stone (65kg) heavier.
In a slideshow of pictures on TikTok, she showed how she looked before losing the weight – soundtracked by Michael Bublé’s cover of Nina Simone’s Feeling Good.
In the final picture, at the culmination of the song, she showed how she looks now – with her figure perfectly highlighted by her bodycon dress.
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“The journey is worth it. This is your sign to start,” she captioned the TikTok.
Unsurprisingly, people were gobsmacked by Karina’s new look, with some even alleging her glow up was AI.
“Feelinggggg… AI,” one laughed.
“Convince me that’s not AI!” another said.
While a third wrote a simple “AI”, to which Karina responded: “I’ll take this as a compliment!”
And others praised Karina for her dedication to her weight loss and transformation.
I lost 6st on Mounjaro but hate my body even more – I feel disgusting
“My jaw just dropped at your last picture,” one wrote.
“Wow girl! You owned it!”
“This is a glow upp for real,” another said.
“You look like sofia vergara,” a third added.
“Biggest glow up,” someone else said.
“Wowwwww big respect, you look gorgeous,” another wrote.
Znojmo, a town in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic, is one of the most pleasant yet overlooked places in Europe and the flights are so cheap.
Znojmo is a town in the South Moravian region of the Czech Republic(Image: Getty)
Visitors can enjoy over 120 samples of local wines from leading winemakers for as little as 50p(Image: Getty)
With 34,000 residents, Znojmo represents one of Czechia’s most ancient municipalities, tracing its origins to the 11th century. Established by King Ottokar I of the Premyslid dynasty, this enchanting Royal settlement continues to radiate its abundant heritage from every cobbled lane, reports the Express.
Znojmo has earned recognition for its viticultural traditions, which have flourished since mediaeval times. Within Znojmo’s historic heart sits Enotéka, a wine establishment featuring a contemporary café.
Positioned on the grounds of the Znojmo brewery, offering spectacular panoramas of the settlement and Dyje river valley, guests can sample over 120 varieties of regional wines from prominent local vintners for as little as 50p. Nevertheless, Znojmo offers far more than viticulture. The settlement features a complex maze of tunnels beneath the town centre, known as the “underground passages”.
Guests can participate in a 60-minute guided exploration, discovering the settlement’s history and its tunnels, which have generated numerous theories regarding their purpose. Some reckon these were once used as storage spaces and for transporting goods, while others suggest they served as hideouts from foes.
Don’t miss out on visiting the Znojmo castle, Louka Monastery – one of Europe’s most significant monastery complexes dating back to the 12th century, now housing millions of wine bottles – and Podyjí National Park, nestled between the towns of Znojmo and Vranov nad Dyjí.
Despite its relatively small size, the park is teeming with natural beauty. It tempts travellers with its stunning vistas, untouched charm, pervasive tranquillity, and hundreds of rare animal and plant species. Podyjí is a must-visit for every nature enthusiast.
With Ryanair flights starting at just £16 from the UK to Brno, a nearby airport, you can reach this delightful destination in merely two hours. Brno, the country’s second-largest city, is just over 70 km away from Znojmo, while Vienna, Austria’s capital, is less than 90 km away. The short distance from these two popular cities makes Znojmo an ideal day trip destination.
If you’re planning a journey to the south of Czech Republic or even to Vienna, make sure to include Znojmo in your travel plans!
A government-backed pay rise of 4.2% for police officers in England and Wales “barely treads water”, the association representing front-line officers says.
The Police Federation said the pay rise was “worth the price of a Big Mac per shift” and would not stop “record levels of resignations, record mental health absences or the record number of assaults on officers”.
The organisation, which represents more than 145,000 officers, said it would now ask its members whether they accept or reject the award.
The home secretary said the increase, which is marginally above the current rate of inflation of 4.1% and is recommended by an independent review body, was “a clear signal of our gratitude”.
The amount is also above the 2.8% proposed by ministers in December, for which police forces budgeted.
It will mean the starting salary for a police constable will go up by £1,256 to £31,164. The typical salary for a constable who has been in post for six years will be £50,256 and the average salary for a chief superintendent will be £98,500.
In addition, on-call, away from home and hardship allowances will be increased by £10 and London weighting will also rise by 4.2%.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Our brave police officers work day and night, often making enormous sacrifices to keep us safe.”
She added: “We are committed to investing in the front line and supporting officers who work every day to tackle crime, keep our streets safe and protect our communities.”
The pay award will be supported by £120 million from the Home Office to “help protect police force budgets”, the government said.
The Police Federation said while it welcomed the government’s decision to reject police chief constables’ calls for a pay rise of 3.8%, the award was not enough.
Deputy national chair Brian Booth said: “After more than a decade of real terms pay cuts, this award does little to reverse the long-term decline in officers’ living standards or address the crisis policing faces.”
British Transport Police Federation chair Stuart Cowan said 4.2% “is simply nowhere near enough”.
He said: “Officers who are battered and bruised and stretched to their physical and psychological limits are worth so much more than repeated paltry pay increases.”
But the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said the 4.2% increase was above inflation and “it is essential that we attract and retain the best people into policing through competitive pay”.
NPCC lead for pay and conditions, Asst Ch Officer Philip Wells, said the pay award “is what we believe our officers deserve and reflects the nature of the work they are required to undertake to keep our streets safe”.
He added it was “vitally important that additional costs for pay are fully funded if we are to maintain services and be able to continue to invest in areas such as neighbourhood policing and technology”.
This gorgeous Italian city has been referred to as Venice’s little sister, and it’s the perfect getaway destination with stunning historical buildings, delicious Italian cuisine and more
Padua is a gorgeous city full of art, markets and gardens(Image: Getty)
This breathtaking Italian city, often dubbed as Venice’s little sister, is a treasure trove of historical architecture and an ideal spot for a long weekend getaway. Italy is renowned for its captivating city break destinations, but some can be overrun with tourists. Padua, nestled in the north of the country, offers a fantastic escape without the throngs of visitors.
The city is a haven of Renaissance art, medieval marketplaces, and tranquil gardens, yet it has managed to stay relatively untouched by mass tourism. It’s a highly underrated gem, brimming with arcaded streets and bustling piazza cafe-bars.
Padua is full of historical buildings and art(Image: Getty)
Art enthusiasts can marvel at the Scrovengi Chapel, adorned with Biblical scenes painted by Renaissance artist Giotto in 1306. The artwork is so invaluable that visitors are only permitted a 15-minute viewing.
Padua also houses Musme, the Museum of the History of Medicine, showcasing interactive displays and artefacts that highlight the city’s contribution to modern science, reports the Express.
From there, guests can stroll over to Palazzo del Bo to witness the world’s first anatomical theatre, constructed in 1595, housed within the University of Padua’s historic headquarters.
Padua has remained unaffected by overtourism unlike Venice.(Image: Getty)
Take a leisurely walk through the Arena Gardens adjacent to the canal, where you’ll find the remnants of a Roman amphitheatre nestled among lawns and coffee kiosks.
The university also lays claim to the world’s oldest botanical garden, established in 1545. Back then, circular plots of medicinal plants would have been meticulously cared for.
A frequently missed gem in Padua is a visit to the Cathedral Baptistery. Competing with the beauty of the Scrovengi Chapel, the Cathedral Baptistery was adorned in the 1370s by Giusto de’ Menabuoi, a disciple of Giotto.
Oratory of Saint Giorgio
The patron saint of Padua has been resting in an open tomb for visitors in St Anthony’s Basilica since the 13th century, which also boasts bronze statues and a lavishly decorated ceiling.
Just a stone’s throw away is St George’s Oratory. Once serving as a Napoleonic prison, this Gothic-style Roman Catholic chapel showcases a stunningly detailed portrayal of its namesake.
Padua houses numerous UNESCO-listed frescoes, some of which are free to admire at your leisure. If you wish to observe these frescoes, other sites worth visiting include Church of the Eremitani, Palazzo della Ragione and the Oratory of Saint Michael.
Inside Scrovegni Chapel with 14th century frescoes by Giotto(Image: Getty Images)
Of course, it’s also a major destination for Italian food-lovers, as the city boasts several delicious local dishes, including bigoli in salsa (spaghetti with anchovy and onion sauce), risotto with rovinassi, and the local chicken dish Gallina Padovana.
If you’re a sun worshipper, now’s the ideal time for a city break to Padua as temperatures can soar to 29C in July. If you fancy a cooler getaway, hold off until October when temperatures hover around a more temperate 19C.
Defying the crime-riddled reputation of UK seaside resorts, this tiny coastal village – framed by its own island – has been crowned of the most relaxing spots in the country
This coastal gem really does offer something for everyone(Image: Western Morning News)
Tucked away in the stunning South Devon coastline, where rolling countryside melts into turquoise seas – lies one huge anomaly. Bigbury-on-Sea boasts some of the UK’s very best scenery, from long stretches of golden sands to crystal clear waters. But, it was also branded one of the safest and most ‘relaxing’ resorts in the country.
The gong comes after UK holiday firm Parkdean Resorts compared coastal hotspots from across the UK, analysing factors such as cleanliness, green space, local safety, light and noise pollution, and population density. According to the Express, it crowned Bigbury-on-Sea the ultimate winner, thanks to its unspoilt nature (being surrounded by three areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty helps) and low crime rate.
Bigbury-on-Sea has been crowned the UK’s most relaxing seaside resort(Image: Western Morning News)
Whether you’re after an active holiday filled with beach-side yoga, surfing, and paddle-boarding – or want to soak up the rays with a good book – this village has you sorted. There are also plenty of hiking trails of varying ability for those who can’t resist those Instagram-worthy views – or boat cruises for holidaymakers not wanting to break a sweat.
“One of the distinctive features of Bigbury-On-Sea Beach is the tidal causeway that connects the mainland to Burgh Island,” hailed Visit South Devon, the area’s official tourist board. “At low tide, visitors can walk across the sandy pathway, immersing themselves in the tranquil surroundings and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline.
“As the tide rolls in, the sea covers the causeway, creating a sense of isolation for those on Burgh Island, accessible only by sea tractor or boat. It also boasts an award-winning hotel, elegant and rather genteel; it’s an ideal romantic retreat for couples.”
The village even has its very own island(Image: Getty Images)
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Bigbury-on-Sea is some 234 miles from London, meaning you’ll need to endure a gruelling four hour-and-a-half-hour drive to get there. However, direct trains from the Big Smoke to Totnes slash two hours from the journey time. You’ll then have to get a 41-minute taxi ride.
If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £44. If you have a railcard, you’ll be able to get tickets for even cheaper.
Accommodation in Bigbury-on-Sea varies depending on your budget. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, June 6-8) at the four-star Swallow Barn will set you back £653, based on two adults sharing a two-bedroom holiday home. However, a one-bedroom apartment at Steepfield Studio costs a much more affordable £485 on the exact same dates.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
What’s your favourite UK seaside resort? Let us know in the comments section below
