Beautiful

This picturesque coastal town sits in the Roseland Peninsula and is a favourite location of King Charles and Queen Camila – and was even enjoyed by the late Queen Elizabeth II

Sitting on the south coast of Cornwall within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a gorgeous, tucked away town with one of the mildest climates in Britain and temperatures comparable to Mediterranean resorts.

Set within the Roseland Peninsula district of Cornwall, which itself is an unspoilt landscape of cliffs, creeks, woods and beaches, this beautiful beach town is renowned as a premier sailing spot with a pretty harbour and countless independent shops.

St Mawes boasts a unique ‘subtropical’ climate meaning it can offer warmer temperatures, even in the winter, than the rest of the UK. Unsurprisingly, this makes it a very popular holiday location – even with the Royal Family – and its relaxed coastal atmosphere and quaint, narrow streets and stunning sea views encourage those visiting to stay even longer.

A favourite holiday haunt of King Charles, Queen Camilla and even the late Queen Elizabeth II, the area’s maritime climate one-of-a-kind in the UK.

Influenced by the Gulf Stream with the Atlantic acting as a thermal buffer, St Mawes regularly experiences warm, sunny summers and mild, wet winters with little to no frost or snow. Visitors can enjoy water sports, scenic walks, all-year round boat trips from Falmouth, high-quality dining and St Mawes Castle – a well-preserved coastal fortress built by Henry VIII.

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The infamous King built the Castle to guard the important anchorage of Carrick Roads – the estuary of the River Fal. The distinctive clover-leaf shaped castle provides breath-taking views of the sea and passing ships from its battlements and has a number of carved inscritions praising Henry VII and his son Edward VI.

Away from history, St Mawes’ charming town centre has a number of quaint galleries, local shops and a variety of waterfront pubs and restaurants.

The aesthetics of the area are outstanding – from thatched roofs, white-washed cottages to Marine Parade which offers lovely independent shops and Waterside Gallery which houses galleries and stylish boutiques filled with timeless coastal fashion.

St Mawes has several lovely beaches for visitors to choose from including Summers Beach and Tavern Beach ideal for swimming and rock-pooling and Harbour Beach which, although only accessible at ow-tide, is dog friendly all year round with calm water sheltered by the estuary.

For walkers, the coastal path to St Just also in the Roseland peninsula is unforgettable or, in summer, tourists can use the ferry to the small, tidal inlet of Place Creek to follow the scenic trail to St Anthony’s Lighthouse.

One reviewer of St Mawes said: “We walked up to the castle and back in the beautiful and picturesque village of St Mawes. We definitely want to revisit this beautiful and classy village.”

Another said: “St Mawes is beautiful in all weathers and is well worth a visit any time of the year.”

Want to check it out for yourself? You can find plenty of beautiful stays in St Mawes with the likes of Sykes Holiday Cottages and Cottages.com.

Tourists have been flocking to the hidden gem as a way to escape the cold weather, and Brits have the chance to discover the island paradise for themselves for quite a decent price

British tourists are flocking to a hidden gem of the Atlantic with flights from just £45 each way, beating the crowds to explore their own island paradise.

Many tourists are set to jet off to popular destinations over the summer, including the Canaries and the Balearics, with Tenerife, Lanzarote and Majorca big hits for many holidaymakers. However, whilst these holiday hotspots are great for a sun-soaked break, other islands are now becoming more popular.

Now, Portugal is fast becoming one the go-to destinations for travellers, with its blend of history, culture and food. But leave the bright lights of Lisbon and Porto behind, and the nation’s islands are where the real gems of the country can be found.

The first is Madeira an incredibly popular spot, with its own landscape, people and dialect — it has become its own little spot of Portugal that is distinctly different from the mainland, and is often tipped to be Europe’s answer to Hawaii.

The same can also be said of the Azores, which have had a completely different life to those living on the continent. The islands boast a much more relaxed way of life, whilst still basking in gorgeous temperatures, even in the depths of winter.

The island of Terceira, one of the largest islands in the archipelago has recently rocketed in popularity, thanks to its luscious green hills, immense nature and distinct culinary treats compared to the rest of the country. And with the mercury reaching an average of 21C in February, the island serves as the perfect getaway for tourists wanting a slower way of live.

Heading down to the sea coast, nature shows off its raw nature at the Biscoitos natural swimming pools, located in a small cove in the north of the island. With the islands being born from volcanic eruptions, the feeling the archipelago are still young runs right through the island.

The island is bursting with wildlife both on land and in the waters around it. Whale watching is an incredibly popular activity, as the animals use the warm water in the island’s bays to catch fish in a truly breathtaking experience. But if you are looking for something more adventurous on land, as there are hundreds of hills to hike to take in the beautiful nature surrounding you.

The Serra do Cume viewpoint is a popular hiking point on the island which shows off the beautiful landscape of the island, with hundreds of reviews from tourists speaking of the stunning views of the surrounding area. But if going up is not your thing, there are also incredible caves to explore, such as the Algar do Carvão, which is set to reopen this summer.

History is also key to Terceira, as the oldest city of the Azores, Angra do Heroísmo, is located on the island. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city used to serve as the capital of the archipelago and is still used today for local government tasks, as well as a military base for both the Portuguese and American air forces.

The local people on Terceira are also renowned for their hospitality and it is often that locals will invite a tourist back to their homes to cook for them. But for those who are not as comfortable to do so, there are plenty of luxurious restaurants offering a host of classic wines, including the world famous “vinho verde” — from Portugal itself.

It’s worth noting that there are no direct flights to Terceira from the UK, but there are still fairly easy routes to reach it. For example, Ryanair and easyJet offer flights to the likes of Porto, from which you can get connections onwards to Terceira. When we took a look on Skyscanner we could find fares from £45 each way, with March being one of the cheapest months for return tickets from £106.

There are plenty of accommodation options too, with Expedia offering options from £46 a night, while Booking.com has a handy guide to some of the island’s popular hotels.

Spain is filled with beautiful destinations, but are often packed with tourists — but now Brits can fly to one Spanish city without fighting through the hustle and bustle

A breathtaking Spanish city could be yours to discover — for just the cost of a £13 flight.

Spain has a slew of destinations that are filled with amazing history, phenomenal beaches and great natural trails. However, this often comes at the cost of being inundated by tourists trying to capture their own private moment.

But now, a new destination has opened up for Brits to explore the glorious Spanish sun, without the need for wrangling through swathes of holidaymakers trying to take the perfect picture. The hidden gem also sits right on the Mediterranean coast, making it an unspoilt beauty, but still close to other holiday hotspots.

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Castellón de la Plana is a small city sitting just inland of Spain’s Costa de Valencia. With a population of just over 174,000 people, the city is often dwarfed by its popular neighbours, including Benidorm, Valencia, and even Barcelona further along the coast.

However, the city is brimming with culture and history, being the fourth-largest city in the region. The town has been mentioned in history books as far back as 1233, when it was taken over by a Spanish king, and has since built up an impressive history, filled with castles and stunning panoramic views, all with 30 °C temperatures at the height of summer.

Being located close to the sea, the city boasts access to the stunning Islas Columbretes Natural Park, where tourists can take in the amazing natural landscapes. With huge sea stacks and rock formations coming out of the sea, the panoramic views are like no other in Spain itself.

Back on dry land, travellers looking to get stuck into the hustle and bustle of daily life can get lost strolling through the Mercado Central, filled with locals selling their best produce. Seafood is in plenty of supply, with customers often queuing around the markets to get fresh quality goods, including food and drinks.

But if the market chaos is too much, the city also boasts a number of quiet, peaceful plazas that show how locals live their lives. Places such as the Plaça Major offer spots for people-watching, whilst taking in the breathtaking architecture of the local cathedral and other prominent buildings.

Beaches are also dotted around the city, with the songs such as the Playa del Pinar and Playa El Gurugu being the perfect spots to catch the sunrise over the horizon of the Med.

Food and drink are also staples of the city’s thriving life, as there are a host of bars and restaurants offering traditional meals for a reasonable price. Modern history is also covered, with the Refugio Antiaereo air-raid shelter now serving as a museum, adding an extra quirk to the Spanish diamond.

British tourists are now able to catch a flight to Castellón de la Plana, after Ryanair officially connected London Stanstead Airport to Castellón Airport, based some 30 kilometres away from the city itself. The cost of the flights themselves are also incredibly cheap, with the cheapest one-way flight to the Spanish getaway coming in at £13 this month.

The airport can also serve as a great gateway to the rest of the Valencia region, with holiday hotspots such as Valencia City, Alicante, and Benidorm easily accessible. The price of flights also do not fluctuate that much, meaning a cheap flight to Spain is always guaranteed.

THE beautiful village of Dedham is getting a visit from royalty today.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the pretty Essex village and pop into one of the country’s best pubs along the way.

The royal couple are heading through Dedham on their way to Colchester, to celebrate it being given city status two years ago.

The pretty Essex village is frequently named as being one of the most beautiful in the country thanks to its bright Tudor buildings, pretty high street and location on the River Stour.

The River Stour, which begins west of Great Bradley in Cambridgeshire and ends in the North Sea at Harwich, passes through the village.

It’s often used for canoeing and kayaking with picnickers sitting along the bank during the summer.

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Dedham village is found in the heart of Dedham Vale, which is known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Last year, Dedham was named as one of ‘Britain’s 30 greatest villages’ by The Telegraph where it called it ‘picturesque’.

In 2024, The Times called Dedham Vale one of the best “off-radar places to target if you are craving countryside without the crowds.”

During their visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the Sun Inn pub – which was on 100 best pubs by the Good Food Guide.

The pub sits along the main High Street and was formerly a coach inn – the 500-year-old building previously served as a vital resting point for travellers and horses.

Now, it serves up grub to visitors – the Sun Inn has a seasonal menu and is well-known for its hearty roast dinners.

According to the Good Food Guide it’s a place where you’ll get some of the tastiest food in the country.

On the Sun Inn, the Good Food Guide said: “As slices of English heritage go, Piers Baker’s 15th-century yellow-washed coaching inn right in the heart of Dedham is nigh-on perfect.

“There’s a sense of seasonality too in menus that offer a winning mix of updated pub classics and more inventive, Italian-accented dishes built around prime seasonal ingredients.”

On Sundays you can get one course for £25, two for £35 and three for £45.

Mains include roast rump of beef, pork loin and celeriac puff pastry pie – each comes with roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.

Upstairs are seven bedrooms available for visitors to book – some are dog-friendly, and all have big beds and ensuite bathrooms.

A one-night stay in February costs £185 and comes with breakfast.

The royals aren’t the only well-known figures to have stepped inside the pub – it’s previously been visited by Sting and ex-footballer Frank Lampard.

From the Sun Inn, King Charles and Queen Camilla will head to the Essex Rose Teahouse.

Here you can get breakfast, lunch and of course an afternoon tea, which comes with a selection of freshly made sandwiches followed by homemade fruit scones for £25pp.

If you don’t fancy a whole afternoon tea – you can get a cream tea from £9.95pp.

Dedham is 9 miles away from Colchester which was given city status just two years ago as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

For more UK villages, here are five that will make you feel like you’re in The Holiday with cosy pubs and cottages.

And here are even more quaint British villages with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs – handpicked by our travel writers.

IN Arkengarthdale, North Yorkshire is the beautiful Charles Bathurst, the perfect cosy bolthole.

Here is everything you need to know including restaurant menus and room rates.

Where is the Charles Bathurst?

Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, the Charles Bathurst is on the edge of the Pennine Way, so an ideal spot for walkers to stop at.

What is the hotel like?

The “CB” is essentially a village pub with stripped floors, wooden tables, open fires and a wide range of beers.

It gets its name from the 18th-century Lord of the Manor, who operated the local lead mines.

In a stunning location, it is the perfect stop after a long walk it is a great place to relax.

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What are the rooms like?

There are 19 en suite rooms that have been modernised for the thousands of tourists, especially walkers, who visit the area every year.

We took our five-year-old son and had a family room with a king-size bed and a fold-down sofa.

There was a modern bathroom, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, locally made shortbread in a jar and fresh milk in a fridge in the corridor.

Double and twin rooms start at £145 per night and include a full English breakfast. See cbinn.co.uk.

What is there to eat and drink there?

There’s not another place to go to for food in the village, but that’s fine.

The pub does hearty Yorkshire food that while not the the cheapest, but faultless.

I had a smoked bacon loin with a fried egg, chips and salad for £15.95 and my husband had beer-battered fish and chips for £16.95.

It’s back to the bar for breakfast and that was a great spread.

You can help yourself to fruit, yoghurt, cereal and toast, plus they served up an amazing full English – the best sausages I’ve had in years.

What else is there to do there?

The small village was the backdrop for vet series All Creatures Great And Small as well as mini-series A Woman Of Substance.

Is it family friendly?

Yes, extra beds are bookable on request, and highchairs are available at the restaurant.

Is it accessible?

There is accessible access as well as five floors on the ground floor.

The charming village is a haven for peace and tranquillity, with its idyllic surroundings and rich history, but what makes it so distinctive is its unique building designs

Nestled peacefully at the mouth of the River Dun, this delightful village brims with charm and tales aplenty, encircled by stunning natural beauty.

Cushendun boasts both a scenic harbour and a serene shoreline, courtesy of its prime position along the Northern Irish coast whilst being embraced by undulating agricultural hills. It creates the perfect retreat from life’s chaos, allowing visitors to lose themselves in nature’s splendour.

Indeed, one of its natural caverns proved so captivating it served as a filming venue for the HBO hit series, Game of Thrones. These crimson caves took shape over 400 million years ago but gained fame during series two of the show when they provided the setting for the notorious shadow assassin’s emergence.

After exploring the cave, one visitor noted in their review: “The area around the caves is absolutely beautiful. I found the caves to be fascinating. The walls were made up of giant round rocks and solid dirt. Make sure you wear shoes to walk to the caves.”

Throughout the village, guests will notice the idyllic cottages that lend it such serenity. Ronald John McNeill crafted the surrounding area in 1912, commissioned by Ronald John McNeill, Baron Cushendun, aiming to replicate a Cornish settlement.

Constructed in 18th century fashion, a neo-Georgian dwelling joined the collection and Cushendun evolved to appear as though it had been transplanted directly from Cornwall’s coastline.

Combined with its tranquil coastal setting, this enabled the town to achieve Conservation Area status in 1980. Today, the area remains largely under the stewardship of the National Trust, which has protected it since 1954.

The village’s distinctive Cornish character was crafted as a tribute to the Baron’s wife, who hailed from Penzance, Cornwall.

This devotion persisted beyond her death, when Ellis commissioned a terrace of whitewashed cottages specifically in her honour – now known as Maud’s Cottages.

One recent visitor declared it their new “favourite spot”. They posted on TripAdvisor: “I would live there in a heartbeat. It’s a special place in every way. The beach is beautiful and safe. The little houses are cute, and the village is filled with flowers and hanging baskets. We’ll be back.”

Another added: “Cushendun is probably the nicest small town/village on the coastal drive. It is set in a conservation area managed by the National Trust at the mouth of the Glendun river and attracts many visitors annually. Anyone travelling the Antrim Coast road northwards should make a point of reaching here for a break to enjoy the tranquillity.”

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TRAIN travel is on the up and what could be more glamorous than a train that travels through the desert with stops to stargaze?

A new luxury train experience is being launched in Saudi Arabia called Dream of the Desert.

Across different journeys, the train will travel through breathtaking Saudi landscapes.

Due to launch in late 2026, the rail experience will carry 66 passengers on each journey and travel across a 807 mile network.

The train will feature 14 carriages with 33 suites, two restaurant cars and a traditional Arabic-inspired lounge.

In the two restaurant cars, there will be a rotating menu that celebrates both local and international chefs.

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One of the restaurants will focus on Saudi flavours and regional ingredients and the other restaurant will use Italian techniques.

Meals are all included as part of the journey, as is the onboard programme and off-train experiences.

Inside, the Italian-built cabins will boast a design that reflects Saudi traditions, such as carved wood, woven textiles and a desert-inspired colour scheme.

According to Globetrender, the interior designer, Aline Asmar d’Amman, said: “The desert’s palette of earthy tones, and sandy browns are balanced with a zest of lavender, oasis green and burnt oranges, infusing each space with a sense of culture and serenity.

“From the reception lounge to the restaurant, the interiors become a continuous meditation on presence and place in motion.”

So far, five different journeys have been announced, which will run between October and May.

Though, there will be two seasonal routes.

The journeys include a two-day return between Riyadh and Jubbah and a longer route that travels to Al Jouf and AlUla.

Each journey is expected to have its own unique experiences – for example, on the Ramadan Nights itinerary passengers will experience a stargazing stop in Qassim.

Then on the Summer Mirage route, passengers will stay entirely on board during the hotter months.

Other experiences include desert camps, guided heritage tours and hosted outdoor meals.

On some routes, accommodation off of the train is included as well.

Prices don’t come cheap though, start at SAR 30,000 (about £6,000) per cabin per night.

The train is being developed by Italy-based Arsenale Group and follows the launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy.

The chief executive of the group, Paolo Barletta, also commented that the Dreams of Desert train marks the company’s first overseas luxury train.

In other rail news, here’s the UK train journey that feels like the Hogwarts Express with stunning views along the way.

Plus, one of the UK’s most beautiful train journeys runs right across the beach and it costs less than £20.

WHO needs to hop over to France for some wine tasting when the UK is home to some that is better?

Kent is often called the Garden of England, and is home to many award-winning wines.

This has seen the opening of vineyard massively increase in recent years, with big names including Chapel Down and Balfour.

However, a small village that has remained off the beaten track is Braebourne.

With no nearby train stations – it sits between Ashford International and Westenhanger – it is often overlooked.

Yet is is home to Braebourne Vineyard, which offers unique wines such as a Pinot Noir.

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They’ve even won awards – the 2017 Blanc de Noirs and 2018 Classic Cuvée won silver in the WineGB Awards, while the 2019 Rosé de Noirs won Bronze

Visit in the summer and you can grab a seat within the vines, as well as enjoy flights of wines alongside some snacks or even go on a guided tour.

They recently also opened Fig Cottage, a cosy home than can be rented and overlooks the vineyard.

Otherwise just down the road is The Five Bells Inn, once named the best pub in Kent.

Both kid-friendly and dog-friendly, expect delicious menus that are everchanging, from charred corn and mushroom risottos to hearty burgers.

It has a huge pub garden in the summer too, with a shaded terrace and heaters for when the temperature dips.

You can stay here too, with rooms from £115 a night.

If you need to walk off all the wine and food, there are a number of great walks throughout the nearby North Downs villages as well.

Go off road or stay on the public footpath which goes through the nearby farmlands.

Trains to Ashford International take around 45 minutes from London, with taxis another 20 minutes to Braebourne.

Here’s another English village nearby that has one of the world’s best vineyards.

Or here’s how to find the “golden triangle” of vineyards in the UK.

I’VE found the Loch Ness monster. Big and green, she’s a lot fluffier than I was expecting, plus the marathon bib on her front surprised me a little.

OK, I obviously didn’t find Nessy but I gave it a go – running the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon’s shorter 10k race last autumn.

And I’m sure Nessie had stuck her head out of the loch at some point, mystified but impressed by the 11,000 runners taking part in the marathon as well as the 10k and other shorter races on a gorgeous Sunday morning.

The scenery in Scotland is stunning and that’s one of the main draws for this event.

We were lucky enough to be greeted by autumnal blue skies.

‘Nessie’s hungry’

And as I flew down the road with hundreds of other brightly coloured runners, the Scottish humour kept me going.

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“Faster! Nessie is hungry,” one sign read.

“Pain is temporary, Strava is for ever,” another declared.

The kilometres ticked by and soon I found myself hurtling down the home stretch, with masses of Scots cheering on the red-faced runners.

Crossing the finish line, I was handed a tote bag of goodies including a tin of Baxters soup – one of the perks of having the famous brand sponsor the event.

Plus, there was a medal, which is always a good reason to take part in a run while on holiday.

I stayed around and cheered as thousands of other runners made their way over the finish line.

A course record for the full marathon had been set in an impressive two hours and 15 minutes.

Inverness is just a 40-minute bus ride from Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness

But I was not just there to watch hundreds of puffing men and women throw themselves across the finish line.

Inverness is just a 40-minute bus ride from Urquhart Castle, on the shore of Loch Ness and, after a shower, I headed off to explore.

The castle ruins hold hundreds of years of history and thanks to a tour guide, I learned how the castle’s medieval lords kept their foes at bay and how, in 562AD, St Columba saved a man from a “water beast” that rose from the depths, in what is widely considered to be the first recorded “sighting” of Nessie.

But legend aside, a young boy on the tour also turned to me and very seriously declared he had spotted Nessie earlier in the year.

Using his hands, he showed how it bobbed up and down in the water, leaving him with no doubt he was just metres from the mythical beast.

Also, if you’re not into running, there’s always cycling. Etape Loch Ness is Scotland’s largest closed-road cycle sportive.

Its riders tackle a 66-mile loop around Loch Ness, starting and finishing in Inverness.

But the 10km run was enough for me.

As I boarded the bus back to Inverness, medal around my neck and legs still buzzing, I knew I’d be back.

Maybe, this year, Nessie will make an appearance.

The traditional Irish seaport village with a number of popular tourist attractions – and it’s easy to see it’s a firm favourite amongst visitors

The ideal base for those discovering the Wild Atlantic Way, this charming village isn’t just a feast for the eyes but also offers numerous tranquil retreats for a much-deserved rest.

Kinvara is a harbour village in County Galway, Ireland, that has preserved many Irish customs whilst welcoming visitors from across the globe. The main street boasts an array of delectable dining establishments and a lively pub culture, with many specialising in mouth-watering seafood, courtesy of its coastal position.

The brightly painted yellow bar and eatery called the Pier Head is particularly popular with residents. It’s joined by other outstanding venues including Keogh’s Restaurant, Connolly’s and The Glass Door – all boasting impressive TripAdvisor reviews.

Traditional Irish pubs throughout the village regularly feature live music alongside their warm, welcoming atmosphere. In keeping with Irish tradition, many pour a proper pint of Guinness alongside various regional beers in cosy surroundings. Enhancing that sense of community is the weekly Kinvara Farmers’ Market, taking place every Friday between 10am and 2pm.

Operating from March through October annually, it highlights regional produce allowing tourists to savour an authentic flavour of Ireland. As well as this, positioned on the village’s edge sits Kinvara Harbour, which forms the beating heart of this coastal gem.

Every year it plays host to the Cruinniu na mBad Festival, an event which honours the Galway hooker, a collection of traditional sailing vessels, and serves to preserve the village’s cultural legacy. One visitor revealed they could easily “sit there all day” gazing out across the waters.

They wrote: “This lovely little harbour is just the best! There are benches right along the grassy area alongside the harbour that you can sit on and enjoy the breeze, the sunset or sunrise and the movement and activity of the town.”

A favourite destination that draws many to the village is the remnants of the stunning Dunguaire Castle. The 16th-century tower house commands views over Galway Bay’s shoreline, providing breathtaking vistas and a pleasant stroll from the village centre.

In the 17th century ownership of the castle transferred to the Martyns of Galway and served as the home of Galway’s Mayor until 1642.

At present, while the castle’s exterior remains accessible to wandering visitors, the interior has been sealed off for several years due to safety concerns whilst awaiting refurbishment.

One recent guest posted on TripAdvisor: “A castle in a magnificent setting on the banks of Galway Bay, overlooking Kinvarra Town. You can even wander around the castle, but be cautious during the wet season. Although the castle is not open to the public, it is well worth a visit.”

Another commented: “We visited this castle during our tour in Ireland, and it was a stunning surprise. Just half an hour’s drive from Galway, this small castle is perfectly preserved and contains a detailed explanation of its history.”

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Frequently crowned the county’s ‘most beautiful village’ with its stunning natural landscapes, historic 17th-century stone cottages and charming rural atmosphere – it’s the perfect tranquil paradise.

Tucked away between the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Ribble Valley, brimming with fascinating history and stunning scenery, lies a village that appears ‘frozen in time’, often celebrated as Lancashire’s ‘most gorgeous village’.

The Lancashire community of Chipping ranks amongst those quintessential ‘picture postcard’ places you’d typically spot on television and instantly dream of calling home.

Boasting sweeping woodland vistas and immaculately maintained cottages, this settlement captures the true spirit of English countryside allure.

The area is equally famous for its deep historical foundations and cultural legacy, housing ancient stone dwellings, a historic inn with supernatural stories, and a flourishing community.

Chipping village’s past stretches back over a thousand years, and strolling through this charming hamlet feels like journeying through history, with the community exuding a distinctly medieval yet delightful ambiance, reports Lancs Live.

Indeed, many village stone cottages were built during the 1600s and 1700s.

A perfectly rural retreat, Chipping offers a wealth of attractions featuring cheese producers, a farm store, a furniture workshop, café, and arts centre, plus countless public walkways, bike paths and hiking trails.

This enchanting settlement showcases some of Lancashire’s most spectacular countryside directly at its entrance, providing endless attractions and pursuits in the neighbouring region.

Among Chipping’s most renowned attractions is Brabin’s Shop and Café, Britain’s longest continuously operating trading establishment; as of 2026, it functions as both a corner shop and eatery.

This modest enterprise has maintained its commercial role since initially welcoming customers in the 17th century, never fulfilling any alternative purpose.

The Sun Inn pub, an inviting yet notoriously legendary establishment, nestles discreetly on the corner of Chipping’s main thoroughfare, showcasing with pride its extensive paranormal heritage.

Upon reaching the village, visitors are greeted by evidence of Chipping’s RHS Gold Award for Britain in Bloom, with stunning floral displays scattered throughout the locale.

Venturing further into this magical settlement, a slender pathway, seemingly constructed for horse-drawn transport of bygone eras, draws travellers, flanked by delightful dwellings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Investigating more thoroughly into the community, Chipping’s mesmerising heritage becomes immediately apparent to guests.

The village showcases the 13th Century St Bartholomew’s Church, an active Anglican place of worship holding Grade II Listed status, which has experienced partial restoration in 1505, 1706, and during the 19th Century.

However, whilst the settlement boasts an extensive and captivating history, it’s genuinely the residents who make this charming village truly extraordinary. Evidently taking enormous pride in their locality, numerous properties showcase spectacular floral displays, breathtaking facades, and remarkable stone-constructed dwellings with charming architectural features.

How to reach there

By car: Chipping sits roughly 10 miles from junction 31A on the M6.

By public transport: The closest railway and coach stations are situated in Preston.

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FANCY a holiday? This island is the perfect place for winter sun with highs of 26C this week.

Found in Cape Verde, the main island of Sal has sandy beaches, bright blue seas – and what’s even better is there’s no jet lag for Brits either.

Despite its fairly long flight time of six hours, Cape Verde off the coast of west Africa doesn’t result in jet lag for Brits as it’s just one hour behind GMT.

Throughout February, there are average daily highs between 23-25C, minimal rainfall and as many as eight hours of daily sunshine.

Cape Verde is made up of 10 islands – its most popular is Sal which is known for its sunny, dry climate and pretty golden sand beaches.

One of the popular activities on the island is due to the strong winds, which make it a great destination for surfing and kitesurfing.

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Must-see attractions include the glowing, natural pool of the Blue Eye (called Buracona), the salt flats of Pedra de Lume, and even shark spotting.

Sal’s capital is Espargos, but most holidaymakers head to Santa Maria which is where most of the hotels are located along with lots of shops, restaurants and bars.

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Sal – there’s plenty of choice and some holidays come in at under £400.

A seven-night stay at the Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde Resort from February 26, 2026 costs just £399pp with loveholidays.

It’s a four-star self-catering hotel with rooms across four floors and all come with a private bathroom that has both a shower and bath.

Each apartment also comes with a fully-equipped kitchen, TV and aircon.

The hotel has an outdoor pool with a dedicated children’s swimming area surrounded by sun loungers and parasols – there’s a kids’ club too.

There’s an on-site restaurant that serves buffet-style breakfast and a poolside bar.

Nearby are watersports facilities and bike hire, the beach is just a 20-minute walk away, or there’s a free shuttle bus

And the price includes direct flights from Manchester Airport with easyJet.

TUI also offers a stay at the Agua Hotels Sal Vila Verde on the same dates flying from Glasgow from £534pp (based on a room-only stay).

Or opt for an all-inclusive with TUI at the Sol Dunas resort across seven-nights from February 23, 2026 flying from London Gatwick from £781pp.

It’s not just the hotels that are cheap on Sal, your food and drink won’t cost a lot either.

A mid-range three course meal for two people costs around £39.28.

Coffee will set you back just £1.53 and a pint will set you back between £1.65 and £2.59.

It’s easy to island hop too if you want to head to the likes of Boa Vista – the journey between the two takes just 25-minutes and one-way flights in February start at £44.

Boa Vista is known for having beautiful beaches too, and it’s home to loggerhead turtles.

Find out what one Sun Travel Editor got up to during a visit to Cape Verde…

Here are Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey’s highlights from her visit to Cape Verde…

“The islands in the Atlantic Ocean, just 350 miles off the west coast of Africa, celebrate 50 years of independence this year and I’m exploring Boa Vista, the lesser-developed island often overlooked in favour of its busier sister, Sal.

“Tour giant TUI has just added extra flights from the East Midlands to the island, starting next weekend, in addition to its flights from Gatwick.

“My guide Paolo gave me a brief insight into the history of the island, colonised by the Portuguese until 1975.

“We learn of morna music — created by the indigenous population when they were enslaved by both African nations and Portugal — slow, danceable rhythms with tales of love and longing for the homeland.

“And one can understand their longing to return when you discover Boa Vista’s blissfully quiet beaches. Santa Monica, on the southeast of the island, is the finest in Cape Verde and often named as one of the best in the world by Tripadvisor.

“Despite the abandoned apartment complex overlooking the beach (left half-finished for decades), the rest of the beach is almost as idyllic as any in the Maldives.

“I was the only person there, sinking my toes into the soft golden sand, so powdery it almost felt like flour.

“My other favourite beach was Praia Carlota, where you can lose the days in the hippy Morabeza beach hut, chilling out while enjoying fried fish and local Strela beer and admiring the soaring kite-surfers braving the winds that whip across the waters.”

Here’s more about how it will soon become even EASIER to island hop on Cape Verde.

And here are the ten best things to do in Cape Verde, from turtle-watching to desert-biking.

Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Abkhazia, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Belarus have some seriously interesting bus stops

Find yourself at a bus stop in the UK, and there’s a decent chance you’ll share it with some wads of chewing gum and a bit of scrawled graffiti, sat on an uncomfortable bench designed to stop unhoused people from lying down.

In terms of artistic flair, the most creativity you’re likely to see is a traffic cone balanced on the roof.

The same cannot be said for former Soviet Union countries, where the world’s most striking and strange bus stops are scattered across the rural landscape. From Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, to Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Abkhazia, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Belarus, the Eastern Bloc nations are adorned with a reminder of the Empire in the form of public transport infrastructure, 30 years after it collapsed.

Do you have a story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

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The Mirror’s Jonathan Reynolds found himself enchanted by the unusual shelters during a recent trip to Moldova, a country of 2.2 million that is the poorest in Europe. What it is rich in, Jonathan discovered, is bus stops.

“For Christmas a couple of years ago, my brother had bought me the book Soviet Bus Stops volume 1, and in it was a section of Moldova and pictures of these amazing bus stops that had been designed and built with such creativity and care. Often, it includes intricate mosaic designs in a structure created to provide shelter and comfort for the local commuters,” he explained.

“So, I woke up early, before the sun came up, picked up my hire car at 6am and headed out into the Moldovan countryside to find as many bus stops I could. I wasn’t disappointed.”

One particularly striking bus stop has large, intricately designed mosaic stars running along the wall, beneath a ski-chalet style roof. Another is a long, dry-stone wall with a corrugated roof lolling over the top of a small bench, providing protection from the elements, while echoing the style of contemporary British artist Andy Goldsworthy.

The creator of Soviet Bus Stops volume 1 is Canadian photographer Christopher Herwig, who has spent years travelling more than 30,000 km by car, bike, bus and taxi across 14 former Soviet countries to document the unexpected treasures of modern art.

He started the project in 2002 during a trip from St Petersburg to Sweden, on which he pledged to take a photo of something every hour. “I was trying to get out of that mindset that I needed to find a stunning National Geographic monument. I wanted to make ordinary things look cool or interesting. Bus stops, clothes lines, power lines, whatever you’d find on these farm roads.”

When he got to the Baltic countries, he started coming across the bus stops. “They were much more individualist, unique, minimalistic. They were beautiful pieces of architecture and design.”

In the two decades since, Christopher has returned to the Bloc multiple times, to take more photos and to unravel the history of the bus stops.

“I spoke to architects and designers to find why these curious things are on the side of the road. They’re quite unexpected, in that it’s a bus stop, on a rural road, but also, in that it was the Soviet Union. I had a different impression, growing up in Canada, of what the Soviet Union was like in terms of creativity and art. I thought a lot of things were standardised and controlled, without a great scope for freedom of expression, but these bus stops went against that,” he said.

“I could not find any evidence that it was a centralised plan from Moscow. But it was not something that was discouraged either. Bus stops were classified as something called a small architectural form, which didn’t have the same stringent rules and necessity to be approved or ideologically controlled as other monuments or bigger buildings.”

One of the key architects behind the bus stops was George Chakhava, whose unusual work decorates Georgia’s Black Sea coast.

“He created some of the wildest bus stops I could find. He was working in concrete and mosaics. George had a lot that went over different animal themes. An octopus, an elephant, a fish, a wave. One of his has a big concrete crown with a large gap in the roof. It gives no protection from the elements.”

This intriguing tension between form and function is replicated in Kyrgyzstan, where a plump bird forms the main structure of the bus stop. Its wings are too small to offer any protection to passengers from the wind or rain. Another is, simply, a large hat.

“The bus stop showed a lot of regional and national pride, more so than communist ideals. The Kyrgyzstan hat is a traditional hat, for example. There are some, however, that are blatantly propaganda and have hammers and sickles.”

While Christopher did meet people who loved their bus stops, such as a group of Estonian factory workers who took great pride in designing their very own, others saw them as eyesores.

“They are not something that’s treasured. They are seen by a lot of people as something that should be taken down. People tend to go to the bathroom there or throw their rubbish there. I’ve had people approach me asking why I’m taking photos of this yucky scene,” the photographer explained.

Copes of Christopher’s book are available online. His Instagram page is herwig_photo.

A striking airport following a major revamp with an art gallery has been named as the world’s most beautiful, but some travellers have hit back, condemning it as ‘nothing special’

Many of us see airports as a functional form of transport, rather than an architectural phenomenon or iconic landmark. Yet there’s one airport that’s been deemed the most beautiful in the world – although not all travellers are impressed.

Each year, the Prix Versailles architectural competition is held across eight categories with 24 prizes awarded, including one to honour the world’s most beautiful airport. For the second year in a row, San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with its Harvey Milk Terminal 1, was crowned as the winner.

Following a multi-billion-dollar revamp, Harvey Milk Terminal 1, which opened in June 2024, was praised for its eco-friendly design and cutting-edge features, cultural importance, traveller experience and striking architecture. Natural light seeps through the terminal, which boasts a preaeful ambience away from the rush of travel, even replacing overhead announcements with quieter features, along with gender-neutral bathrooms.

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It stands as the globe’s first airport terminal named after an LGBTQ+ pioneer. It also features a museum gallery and an exhibition honouring Harvey Milk, an American politician who became the first openly gay man elected to public office in California.

Elsewhere in the terminal, travellers can find a mezzanine-level security checkpoint, four new concessions, and a connecting walkway that links all terminals beyond security. Remarkably, the terminal managed to slash its carbon footprint by 79 per cent and cut energy consumption by 59 per cent.

San Francisco International Airport has four terminals and welcomes more than 50 million passengers each year. Following the reward, Airport Director Mike Nakornkhet shared: “We are truly honoured to be named the top airport in the world by Prix Versailles.

“Harvey Milk Terminal 1 was designed to establish a new benchmark for an extraordinary airport experience, bringing to life our mission to put people and planet first. Being the first airport terminal in the world named for an LGBTQ+ leader only enhances the significance of this recognition, and my thanks go out to the entire project team for this milestone achievement.”

Despite its noble achievements and worldwide recognition, some travellers aren’t impressed. Following the news of being the world’s most beautiful airport, one flyer shared on Reddit: “I don’t get it. It’s nice and modern. Don’t really know what’s beautiful about it.”

Another responded to its grand title, commenting, “I fully disagree.” A third also penned: “I have a hard time seeing it. The Harvey Milk upgrade is nice and all, but the curb appeal is meh. Inside, it kind of relies on having a couple of areas that make the terminal feel spacious, that open area by the water bottle fillers and extends out to the museum.”

They continued: “Otherwise, it’s fine and all, but it’s nothing special. All the restaurants and the like with their kind of fake outdoor patios and the like are something that exists everywhere else. It’s just look at me, I’m modern and have big atriums.”

However, one voiced: “The ‘quiet airport’ concept cannot be understated. I was recently in an airport that had broadcast announcements for every gate throughout the entire airport. It’s a cacophony, and with so many announcements I really don’t care about it’s hard to hear ones that affect me. With smartphones and text notifications, there really doesn’t need to be these broadcast announcements (except in an emergency, of course).”

While another simply said: “SFO is great, totally agree.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

A pretty English village looks like a postcard, but it’s also one of the UK’s most expensive

Tucked away in a tranquil corner of the Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary lies a charming village that’s earned a reputation as one of Britain’s “poshest villages”. South Pool in Devon boasts picture-perfect cottages with thatched roofs, set against a backdrop of lush, verdant hillsides.

Those who’ve visited describe “glorious Devon countryside” as well as praising the unique free house pub located here. This diminutive village is home to around 150 residents, guaranteeing plenty of peace and tranquillity.

Yet property prices in this idyllic spot average around £410,000 based on the past year’s sales figures, according to Zoopla. The village recently secured its place among Britain’s 48 “poshest villages” in The Telegraph’s rankings. South Pool also featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2022 list of the UK’s 20 most stunning villages.

Despite its modest size, the village boasts rich heritage, with its historic buildings and meandering lanes “would befit any chocolate box or postcard”, according to local holiday lettings company Toad Hall Cottages. They’ve also dubbed the village one of the area’s “hidden gems”, reports the Express.

At the village’s highest point stands a Grade-I listed church, believed to have been built in 1318. There’s also the Millbrook Inn, a celebrated gastropub that’s accessible on foot, by car and, unusually, by boat.

Tucked away where land meets water, perched at the head of a tidal inlet on the Salcombe estuary, the Millbrook Inn bills itself as a “hidden haven” where visitors arriving by canoe, boat and even paddle board can stop off for a pint of local brew or a freshly prepared pub favourite.

A recent visitor to the much-loved pub reviewed their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “A return visit for a spot of lunch at this wonderful freehouse village pub. Situated by the stream in the centre of South Pool, probably one of the prettiest villages deep in the glorious Devon countryside.

“A hearty soup of the day with crusty fresh bread and a decent amount of butter. Quality paper napkins. It’s the little things that count. Log fire, doggy friendly cosy bar area. “

The surrounding picturesque English countryside provides the perfect setting for this charming village and pub, with rolling fields and lush greenery stretching to the horizon. The panoramic vistas are especially breath-taking during summer when sunshine bathes the nearby hills in golden light.

Given its proximity to the tranquil backwaters of the South Hams, aquatic pursuits prove hugely popular locally, from guided canoe excursions to stand-up paddle boarding adventures. The settlement also offers convenient access to nearby coastal spots, such as Lancombe Beach, South Sands Beach and Salcombe North Sands.

Naturally, rural life comes with a hefty price tag. The Telegraph reports that some of the area’s priciest homes have changed hands for as much as “£844,429”.

Village life in this sought-after location commands a premium when buying a home in the vicinity, with the equally pricey Devon town of Salcombe neighbouring South Pool.

Several of the properties in these locations, once family homes not so long ago, are now listed as “secret getaways” on short lettings sites such as Airbnb.

Gwithian Beach forms part of three miles of beach called the Towans, which is Cornish for dunes, and is perfect for all the family and even the dog

A gorgeous spacious beach often overlooked by tourists has received a huge boost after a UK travel content creator visited it and described it as ‘the most underrated beach in the UK’.

Gwithian Beach – also known as Gwithian Towans – is near Hayle, just north of St Ives in Cornwall, and is a beautiful, quiet area that forms part of three miles of beach called the Towans, which is Cornish for ‘dunes’.

Filled with rock pools, dramatic cliffs and miles of sand stretching out to Hayle, this is a great spot for families interested in exploring marine life and untamed wilderness. The beach also has two cafes, toilets and a large car park and is great for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, kite-buggying and rock pooling at low tide.

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Travel content creator Hannah – who posts on social media under the handle, hannahsukwanders – described it as ‘one of her favourite beaches in Cornwall’.

In her review of it, she said: “It’s a beautiful golden sandy beach with stunning cliffs to back it. The beach was dotted with natural sea pools and it’s also a great surfing spot thanks to its Atlantic swells.”

It also has a lifeguard on duty during the summer season and is dog-friendly all year round, except from 10am – 6pm in July and August.

Hannah added: “There are miles of incredible sand dunes ad at low tide you can access other beaches too. If you’re lucky to might spot grey seals and the beach is a great habitat for seabirds too.

“Watching Godrevy Lighthouse turn into a silhouette with the sunset behind is definitely a view to behold.”

Hundreds of Instagram users flooded Hannah’s comments section after her post telling her to keep quiet about her find because it’s such a special place.

One commenter said: “Sshhh don’t tell anyone about this beach, it’s the best sandy beach in the world IMHO.”

Another wrote: “So lucky to say this is just down the road from me. Special memories made since I was little, growing up here and now with my own children. It’s a special place for sure.”