AS an ignorant southerner, I barely believed the idyllic world I had seen on TV of Cumbria’s lakes, valleys and mountains could truly exist here in Britain.
And even as I gazed across the shimmering Ullswater lake, with the sun setting over the trees, I had to pinch myself.
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I barely believed the idyllic world I had seen on TV of Cumbria’s lakes, valleys and mountains could truly exist here in BritainCredit: GettyDave took his family to the Lake DistrictCredit: Supplied
I was so mesmerised I even tried to get the kids (aged five and seven) to stop fighting with sticks to take in the view with me. It didn’t work.
Even if it was a slightly different holiday to the one we’d taken in 2017BK (Before Kids), the 328-mile journey from East Sussex to the Lake District sure was worth it.
The drive even felt like part of the adventure, travelling in Skoda’s fully electric 2025 Elroq SportLine 85, complete with heated seats.
We only needed to stop to charge once, which gave us a welcome coffee and toilet break.
Known as England’s official “Book Town”, thanks to the high number of book shops here, its Emmerdale-esque scenery inspired my first attempt to get my children to “just look at the views”.
But like all later efforts to get them to marvel at, arguably, Britain’s greatest natural landscapes, it failed miserably.
I was told by my son that “I don’t really do views, I prefer doing things, like knee slides”.
The drive even felt like part of the adventure, travelling in Skoda’s fully electric 2025 Elroq SportLine 85, complete with heated seatsCredit: Skoda
Fair enough, and luckily for him there was plenty to keep him and his sister happy other than the scenery.
There’s lots for adults too, not least the food.
Cumbria claims to have the most Michelin stars outside of London, but my partner and I left the fine dining for a trip without youngsters.
Cumbria claims to have the most Michelin stars outside of London, but my partner and I left the fine dining for a trip without youngsters.
Instead, we spoiled ourselves in top-notch pubs, enjoying delicious, hearty grub.
Our local, The Dalesman, dished up beautiful pies by a roaring fire.
A delicious pie at the Punch Bowl InnCredit: suppliedWe enjoyed fireside meals at the The DalesmanCredit: supplied
And the nearby Black Bull cooked up a stupendous full English and the biggest bacon sandwich I’ve ever seen, setting us up nicely for a day exploring.
Choosing where to eat is almost as important as picking which lake or waterfall to visit.
But while the Elroq features a smart windscreen display and huge navigation screen, I didn’t find cruising around narrow country lanes on a dark night that much fun.
They didn’t waste a penny on tarmac when they built the roads.
So we were lucky the 17th century Punch Bowl Inn in Crosthwaite was nearby and that its renowned cheese souffle lived up to the billing.
We also made use of the brilliant local produce by raiding the nearby Meat Hook butchers for fire-side steak and sausages at home.
While our electric Skoda may be the future of travel, we still enjoyed heading back in time with an unmissable trip on the steam train from Haverthwaite to Lakeside.
It is a great way to see some of the area and we combined it with a boat ride up the mighty Lake Windermere to Bowness where, once again, the views are jaw-dropping.
Bustling Bowness boasts a huge choice of pubs and shops, but we spent the afternoon in the magical, and reasonably priced, World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction.
As well as a Peter Rabbit cafe selling home-made cakes and afternoon tea, there is a free activity trail and interactive videos showing yet more cracking Lake District views, except on a screen.
The kids loved completing the puzzles about Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Co.
And while that kept their little minds entertained, the best way to burn off energy was climbing through the trees and adventure playgrounds of Brookhole on Windermere.
There, you can brave tree-top adventures in Zip World, try axe-throwing or take a boat out on the lake, among other activities.
We left there with the kids suitably exhausted and ready for an eight-hour drive home.
Luckily, they slept the entire way, tucked up in the back of the car, while I soaked up the last of those views.
GO: Lake District
GETTING THERE: The all-electric Skoda Elroq SportLine 85 starts from £41,610 or £412.67 per month.
This picturesque fishing village in Waterford has everything needed for a tranquil getaway, yet it’s often overlooked by those visiting Ireland’s coast
It’s home to plenty of lively pubs and restaurants (Image: Walter Bibikow via Getty Images)
Compact and picturesque, this Waterford fishing village offers everything required for a peaceful retreat, yet it frequently goes unnoticed by visitors exploring Ireland‘s coastline.
Nestled discreetly on the western edge of Waterford Harbour lies the charming village of Dunmore East, where there’s far more to discover than initially apparent.
Boasting up to six hidden beach coves and numerous scenic walking routes, visitors can fully embrace the splendour of the Irish seaboard.
While it’s thought people have lived in the village since pre-Iron Age times, the area truly flourished during the 1800s when it evolved into a holiday destination.
Playing a significant role in the fishing trade, featuring a delightful beach, a working harbour and an extensive selection of restaurants, it remains an excellent escape from everyday life, even now.
Beaches
Waterford itself boasts up to 147 km of coastline, with Dunmore East comprising part of that stretch, hosting up to six coves throughout the village alone.
These provide ideal locations for snorkelling and swimming, with two principal beaches proving most favoured amongst visitors – Councillors Beach and Lawlors Beach.
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Lawlor’s is situated directly in the village centre, whilst Councillors is a south-facing shore overlooking dramatic cliffs. One recent visitor posted a Google review, describing it as a “beautiful beach with stunning cliff views”, while another remarked it was “popular for a reason”.
They added: “The most popular beach in Dunmore, which can lead to it becoming crowded at times; however, it is popular for a reason.
“It is the largest beach here, so there is adequate space for everyone. It is sandy rather than rocky, and it is located in an area with very safe water, and lifeguards are on duty often.”
Walks
The standout trail in the vicinity, and arguably throughout the whole of Waterford, is the Dunmore East Cliff Walk, spanning 5km along the shoreline. During the 1830s, the path served as a commuter route for labourers travelling between Portally and Ballymacaw.
It’s a route suitable for all fitness levels and ages, typically taking around two hours to complete, whilst showcasing breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife throughout.
Particularly noteworthy are the sweeping coastal vistas, including views of Hook Head Lighthouse – one of the world’s oldest functioning lighthouses.
One walker described their experience on TripAdvisor, noting: “An absolutely gorgeous and easy walk along the cliffs above the sea. Stunning vistas, pretty flowers, pastures of sheep and cows. We took a lot of photos! The path is well marked and easy enough for a basic level of fitness.”
For something slightly different, there’s also the Dunmore East Woods walk, guiding you through an impressive 42-acre woodland expanse teeming with wildlife. Visitors can complete a circular route of the grounds or opt to discover one of the four distinct zones within it.
Restaurants
Dining in Dunmore East is an absolute must for genuine food enthusiasts, with numerous establishments offering locally caught seafood that diners consistently praise. A considerable number of these eateries also feature stunning coastal panoramas to complement your meal.
According to TripAdvisor ratings, the village’s top culinary destination is Azzurro, a family-operated restaurant and bar. They primarily offer Mediterranean fare, which patrons have labelled “top class”.
One delighted customer wrote: “This restaurant is top class. Pizzas to die for as well as heavenly desserts. Peroni on draught and fab coffee also. Pleasant and efficient staff. Can’t recommend highly enough.”
For highly-rated seafood in Dunmore East, The Strand Inn Seafood Restaurant sits directly on the waterfront, commanding views across the bay. A previous visitor shared: “Really exceptional service and a great energy in the restaurant and bar.
“Amazing views, sea air, great chowder. The front of house is very helpful, and I can’t recommend it more. It feels like a five-star hotel.”
Additional favourites amongst both locals and visitors include the Bay Café and Harper’s Point, perfect for a swift coffee or midday meal. A recent patron described the Bay café as “uniquely beautiful and quaint”, with many stumbling upon it during their seaside strolls.
Breathtaking countryside views make this village feel like you’ve stepped onto a film set – and foodies will love the Michelin Guide-listed restaurant in this tiny hamlet
The hamlet has extraordinary places to visit
For such a tiny hamlet, this stunning Lancashire village packs a mighty punch. Located roughly three miles from the thriving market town of Clitheroe, this charming village is enveloped by spectacular countryside vistas across Lancashire’s renowned Ribble Valley, transporting visitors into what feels like a scene from a picturesque film.
Its remarkable location cannot be overstated – nestled at the meeting point of two significant Lancashire waterways: the River Ribble and River Hodder. Indeed, the village derives its name from Old English, reflecting its position as a settlement at the “mythe”, meaning “confluence” or “junction” of two streams.
Great Mitton, alongside its neighbouring village (officially a civil parish) Little Mitton, occupies fewer than 2,000 acres within the Forest of Bowland, establishing it as the smallest township in the Forest, reports Lancs Live.
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Lancashire is known for its wide open skies, stunning landscapes and lively coastal resorts. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of self catering accommodation across the county from £42 a night.
Gorgeous riverside panoramas, undulating countryside landscapes, and exceptional award-winning cuisine – what more could you desire from this idyllic hamlet?
Things to do in Mitton
Housed within a magnificently restored 19th-century building, The Three Fishes now operates as a farm-to-fork restaurant at the heart of Great Mitton and has been described as “outstanding” by customers who have experienced the venue.
Led by Michelin-starred chef Nigel Haworth, The Three Fishes has garnered numerous accolades throughout the years and maintains an impressive 4.4 rating out of five on Tripadvisor.
Diners consistently sing the praises of both the cuisine and service at this establishment. So impressive is the offering that it has secured a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide restaurant list since 2022, with inspectors deeming it “worthy of a place”.
One Tripadvisor reviewer gushes about The Three Fishes: “Everything about this place is total perfection. Everything. The staff, the service, the atmosphere, the surrounding area, the layout. And, of course, the food is as good as anything I’ve ever experienced. Difficult to imagine how this place could be improved.”
Another jewel in Mitton’s crown, lovingly restored to its former glory, is the magnificent 15th-century manor house, Mitton Hall, which stands majestically on the banks of the River Ribble in the heart of Little Mitton.
Serving dual purposes as both a sought-after wedding venue and a country house hotel, it offers sumptuous accommodation in the scenic Ribble Valley and is adored by locals and tourists in equal measure.
Staying on the Little Mitton side of the river, there’s the celebrated Aspinall Arms, which greets guests with a roaring fire during winter months and a delightful riverside terrace garden come summer – ideal for enjoying a refreshing pint alongside delectable contemporary dishes drawing inspiration from British classics and “exotic global influences”.
This 19th-century coaching inn boasts views of the beloved All Hallows Church and Mitton Hall, making it a favourite haunt for ramblers, cyclists and their four-legged companions.
One delighted guest remarked about the Aspinall Arms: “We’ve been to the Aspinall Arms twice now, both times following a hike in the Ribble Valley. The first visit we just had drinks, but were really impressed with the pub and its outdoor area. Immaculately maintained, the beer garden is substantial in size and offers some beautiful river views!
“On our second visit, we again intended just to pop in for a riverside view drink in the sunshine, but having perused the menu decided to have a meal also! Considering we only popped in for a drink, we ended up spending three hours in the Aspinall Arms and had a great time.”
Another must-see attraction in the picturesque hamlet of Great Mitton is All Hallows Church, formerly called the Church of St Michael. Constructed during the 13th century, the building underwent significant modifications and extensions throughout the 15th and 16th centuries.
All Hallows Church contains the burial sites of the renowned Shireburne of Stonyhurst family and has held Grade I listed status from English Heritage since 1954. The church also boasts the magnificent Shireburn Chapel and is thoroughly worth exploring.
Edisford Bridge, a Grade II listed structure dating back to medieval times, represents another essential sight in Mitton. Constructed from sandstone and incorporating four arches with cutwaters, Edisford Bridge has earned recognition as a scheduled monument.
Another bridge of note (and scheduled monument) is the Grade II Listed Old Bridge, which dates from 1562. Now no longer in use, it’s constructed from sandstone and spans the River Hodder.
The Mitton Bridge represents another striking landmark, probably built during the 19th century and likewise fashioned from sandstone with Grade II listed status.
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The unassuming market town in a corner of Herefordshire where Gloucestershire meets Wales was the inspiration behind Britain’s first ever travel guide
Ross-on-Wye – the birthplace of UK tourism
It’s an unassuming market town, nestled in the crook where Herefordshire meets Gloucestershire on the Welsh border.
I’d never have guessed that Ross-On-Wye is the birthplace of British tourism, and THE holiday destination of the late 18th and early 19th century. Nevertheless, given there is some suggestion we are experiencing a revival of romanticism (think Wuthering Heights and Bridgerton rather than the latest rom-com), it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s a surge of soul-seekers retracing the steps of their forbears across the UK’s most beloved natural spaces.
And what better way to explore Ross-on-Wye for myself than from the Hope & Anchor. Located right on the edge of the River Wye, it was just outside this inn that the boats would set off on their tour. So it seemed like the perfect place for my toddler and I to stop for the night as part of a trip organised by Visit Herefordshire.
Before we checked in for the night, we set off to explore a town peculiarly located on the northern edge of the Forest of Dean, less than 10 miles from the Welsh border, and six miles from Gloucestershire.
Stepping onto the streets of Ross-on-Wye, it doesn’t take a great imagination to be transported through time and see what inspired the Reverend William Gilpin to write Britain’s first ever travel guide. Published in 1782, Observations on the River Wye centres on a boat tour he took down the River Wye from Ross-on-Wye to Chepstow. The words of the pioneer of the “picturesque” adventure were so captivating that mimicking his journey soon became the fashionable thing to do – especially during the Napoleonic Wars, when taking part in the Grand Tour across continental Europe became impossible.
As market towns go, Ross-on-Wye is a fairly well-sized one, with a population of around 11,000 according to the 2021 census. However, 250 years after it was first made famous, it still carries an old-world charm, littered with stunning black-and-white timber-framed buildings and cute little independent shops where you can while away the afternoon browsing.
After working up an appetite, taking in the street scenes surrounding the prominent Market House building in the town centre, we trekked towards the High Street looking for Truffles Deli, which Visit Herefordshire had suggested we nab a quick bite from. Unfortunately, the highly-rated eatery promising delicious sandwiches, soups and cakes is closed on Sundays. Instead we followed directions on a chalkboard pointing us towards Maggie’s Place a few doors down.
Cosy and inviting, incense wafted through the interior as we stepped inside, admiring the open beams and brickwork. The café – which also welcomes four-legged friends – has only been open a number of months, and the owners have just started introducing a more expansive menu, including sandwiches and cakes.
“We’re trying to be completely locally sourced”, the owner tells me, saying the ham in the mouth-watering sandwich I bite into is from the delicatessen around the corner. He says they are working on bringing in crisps made nearby, and the bread has been locally made too.
And if the taste is anything to go by, lunch is terribly under-priced. I cannot get enough of the garlic spread in my ham sandwich, offering a smooth and creamy edge. I’m secretly grateful that my toddler is only interested in the packet of crisps I bought to share.
But the thing that impressed me most about Maggie’s is the coffee. I’m not exactly a coffee snob – my mornings start with instant – but if I’m buying a coffee, I do have certain standards. The owner serves me a Café Au Lait – his version of a flat white – and it’s the first coffee I have bought out in at least two years that I haven’t had to add sugar to. Rich, smooth, and bitter without the burn, I’ve finished it all too quickly.
After lunch, we take a wander up the hill towards The Royal Hotel. Some 200 years ago, this is where we would be staying before embarking on our boat trip as per Gilpin’s guidebook. And it’s easy to see why – the massive historic inn stands proudly above the town, boasting commanding views of the River Wye set to take your breath away.
Built on the foundations of a 13th-century Bishop’s Palace, the Greene King hotel has 42 bedrooms and can host weddings. But for now, we just admire the views before heading around the corner to The Prospect.
Nestled in the pleasure garden at the back of the graveyard of St Mary’s Church, the Prospect was laid out around 1700 by John Kyrle – also known as the ‘Man of Ross’. From here, you can see the famous horseshoe bend in the Wye and as far west as the Black Mountains.
Settling in for the night
If you look directly down from The Prospect, you can see the Hope & Anchor, just a small car park’s width from the water’s edge. Recent rainfall has seen the River Wye swell, pushing against its banks and saturating the paths and borders.
We check into our room for the night, a stunning ensuite with an impressive chandelier-type lighting, which captivates my little girl even more than the cartoons on the television. A little love seat adds a romantic touch to the room, which has gorgeous views of the river. I’d love to come back in the warmer months. After settling in, we wander downstairs to the dining room.
While it appears to be a cosy, neat, and rather unassuming little pub, there is nothing ordinary about what you put in your mouth at the Hope & Anchor. Even the wine I ordered for myself as a little holiday treat far exceeded expectations. I asked for a medium glass of red wine – and instead experienced a blast of rich, powerful flavours echoing with plum and black fruits with a woody finish (Vina Cerrada Rioja, £5.5 a small glass).
I ordered from the specials menu to start – whipped camembert brulee (£8) served on a bed of fig chutney, toasted sourdough and topped with hazelnut and apple. If you’re a fan of Camembert, this is not something to be missed. The tartness of the chutney offset the creamy richness of the cheese, topped with the satisfying crunch of the hazelnuts and apple sprinkled on top. The chutney lent an earthy flavour, and the whipped texture of the camembert offered a delightful change to both its cold and melted states.
This was followed by the garlic-and-thyme-roasted supreme of chicken (£19.50). Out of the kitchen came a massive, steaming plate of a roast dinner, served with garlic and rosemary roast potatoes, braised red cabbage puree, glazed parsnips, roasted heritage carrots, herb and apricot stuffing, seasonal greens, Yorkshire pudding and red wine gravy. I even had a generous bowl of cauliflower cheese on the side.
Now, as everyone knows, the true test of a roast dinner is in its potatoes. After all, no one can ever beat your mum’s, right? Although the Hope & Anchor certainly has given her a run for her money. Rather than the rubbery roasties we regularly forgive pubs for, these were perfectly crispy on the outside, and steaming and fluffy on the inside, representing the gold standard all roast potatoes aim for.
Partnered with beautifully sweet roasted vegetables, offset with the leafy seasonal greens, and one of the biggest Yorkshire puddings I’ve ever seen on a plate, there was no way I was going to finish the meal. The cauliflower cheese also made the perfect addition, not too cheesy, not too creamy, but just perfectly balanced and toasted on top. I couldn’t resist a second helping despite my groaning stomach.
Even the chicken nuggets and chips served with baked beans to my daughter were artistry on a plate. Succulent and juicy chunks of battered chicken served with crisp, hand-cut chips, I regretted not having room to help her finish them.
But what made the meal so truly special is how well we were looked after and attended to. From the forgiving fellow guests who stole smiles from my little girl to the attentive staff, it was a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I was particularly taken with the way staff overlooked the fact that my little gremlin left most of her meal and was more taken with licking tomato ketchup off a spoon. But then again, she is two, and clearly has no taste.
Gilpin’s footsteps
After a restful night, we popped into the neighbouring café for breakfast, eager to stock up for what I hoped would be another active morning. The Pavilion, which is also part of the Hope & Anchor, is a bright, welcome space with a chic, timeless interior.
It was the perfect setting to tuck into my eggs Royale for breakfast – and yes, the yolk was delightfully gooey with a delicious crunch from the toasted muffin.
We then made our way to the river’s edge, determined to follow in Gilpin’s footsteps despite the swollen Wye and saturated paths. I downloaded the Museum Without Walls App – Ross-on-Wye’s virtual museum, which uses AR (augmented reality) to impose pictures showing what a particular location would look like in days gone by. I point the app at the sign just outside the Hope & Anchor, and in an instant I can see the boats from days gone by preparing to set sail down the Wye towards Chepstow.
With determination, we set off, with every intention to at least reach where Wilton Bridge crosses the river some half a mile away, despite my daughter’s insistence on making friends with a couple of rather tame swans, and an alarming game of chase which took her frighteningly close to the swollen banks of the fast-flowing river.
Unfortunately, the path was simply too waterlogged to get even that far. Instead, we turned on our heels, considering taking a stop in the popular Riverside Inn in Wye Street as part of our return. This was the only downside of our trip – but one which sadly could not be helped.
Hopefully, next time, my companion will have long enough legs to make the journey on her own feet, too, perhaps when the weather is slightly less boggy.
What you need to know
The Hope & Anchor offers lunch and dinner options as well as overnight stays, while next door, The Pavilion restaurant and bar offers breakfast and cocktail masterclasses. There is also The Hut on the river’s edge, serving cakes, hot drinks and ice creams for those on the go. A one-night stay at the Hope & Anchor costs from £90 based on two sharing on a Bed and Breakfast basis. Find out more or book your visit here.
Follow Gilpin’s Wye Boat Tour by downloading the Museum Without Walls App here
Maggie’s Place at 24 High Street is open 10.30am-4.30pm Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Sundays. Find out more here.
The Royal Hotel is open all year round with breakfast served between 7am and 11am Monday to Friday and 8am to 12pm on weekends. You can also eat in the evening until 9pm. It’s also dog-friendly. Find out more here.
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The sandy beach in one of the sunniest parts of the UK has been ranked 15th on Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best beaches worldwide, beating destinations in Turkey, Indonesia and Greece
12:09, 17 Feb 2026Updated 12:45, 17 Feb 2026
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The coast is the sunniest part of the UK (Image: Oscarhill via Getty Images)
A breathtaking sandy beach in one of Britain’s sunniest corners has earned a spot on a prestigious list of the world’s finest coastal destinations.
Yaverland Beach at Sandown on the Isle of Wight has secured its place on Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best list, unveiled this morning. Claiming the No. 15 position in its first appearance, it outranks beaches in Turkey, Indonesia and Greece. Celebrated as a jewel in Britain’s coastal crown, Yaverland Beach features an expansive, golden, dog-friendly stretch with crystal-clear, shallow waters and striking multi-coloured cliffs.
With top-notch facilities on site and the award-winning The Beach Cafe nearby, it makes for an ideal day out throughout the year.
There’s solid reasoning behind why Yaverland deserves a visit. The Met Office has recently named the Isle of Wight Britain’s sunniest location, with inhabitants of this southern haven enjoying an average of five hours of sunshine daily, reports the Express.
This stands in stark contrast to the UK’s gloomiest spot, Lowther Hill in Scotland, which manages just shy of 2 hours and 45 minutes of daily sun.
Since last May, the brightest spot in the nation’s brightest region has officially been Shanklin, a beloved seaside destination on the island’s eastern shore that’s witnessed a surge in visitor numbers lately. Sandown lies merely 2.5 miles along the coast from Shanklin, meaning it’s clearly absorbing plenty of sunshine too.
The picturesque Sandown Bay earned the title of Britain’s favourite beach from Countryfile Magazine readers back in 2019. The stunning stretch spans eight miles of coastline linking Sandown and Shanklin.
Capitalising on this glorious setting and beautiful shoreline, a local community group is currently constructing a new tidal sea pool at Yaverland. Billed as “Olympic-sized and accessible”, it would mark the first development of its kind in the UK for a hundred years, according to the organisation.
Sykes Cottages offers a wide range of handpicked holiday homes across the UK and Ireland, from cosy countryside retreats to stunning coastal escapes. Prices start from £27 per night
Another remarkable local attraction is Shanklin Chine – a striking, largely concealed tourist destination that carves through the clifftops overlooking the Shanklin stretch of beach before descending onto the sand. A chine refers to a stream eroding into soft cliff faces, with Shanklin’s example formed over the past 10,000 years, extending 400m with an impressive 32m vertical drop. This wooded coastal gorge features waterfalls, woodland, and abundant greenery, with pathways and walkways offering paid entry for tourists.
This coastal location has welcomed numerous distinguished guests, including Charles Dickens, poet John Keats, American poet Longfellow, Lewis Carroll, and Charles Darwin, who penned portions of his work Origin of the Species there.
Top 10 Beaches in the World for 2026 according to Tripadvisor
Good for: Pink sand phenomenon, shallow lagoons, protected nature reserve, and can be easily accessed from Chania through the Elafonissi Beach Trip from Chania tour.
Best time to go: May & September
Unique features: Rare pink sand created by crushed shells
KATIE Price and her new husband Lee have insisted they’re the “strongest” and most “beautiful” couple they know as they revealed their plans to return to the UK.
The former glamour model, 47, tied the knot with the businessman in a secret ceremony last month and they’re currently on their honeymoon in Dubai, where he lives full time.
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Katie Price and Lee Andrews have revealed they are both set to return to EnglandCredit: wesleeandrews/InstagramKatie and her new husband have claimed they’re ‘strongest’ and most ‘beautiful’ couple they knowCredit: wesleeandrews/InstagramThe Sun recently revealed Katie had put a deposit down on a pad in the UAECredit: wesleeandrews/Instagram
Lee Andrews was supposed to come to UK a few weeks ago but he claimed he was forced to delay his flight to look at properties for the pair to live in.
While fans of Katie were convinced it was because he wasn’t allowed to leave the country, we revealed Katie has put a deposit down on a pad in the UAE.
The loved-up pair have now revealed their both returning to the UK and it could be very soon.
Katie said: “So yeah we’re still in Dubai and we are coming to England very soon.
ARE you not entertained? You will be if you are at a gladiators’ colosseum with no queues and no crowds for just three quid.
El Jem is the world’s third-biggest Roman amphitheatre, but it is not in Italy. You’ll find it in Tunisia instead.
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Tunisia’s mighty El Jem amphitheatre rivals Rome’s Colosseum — but with no queues and entry for just £3Credit: GettyLife Of Brian was filmed in MonastirCredit: Getty
The 35,000-seat stone structure dates from the 3rd century AD.
Built by local imperial official Gordian, later emperor Gordian II, it is as spectacular as the 50,000-capacity Rome Colosseum it is based on, minus the £15.80pp admission and crowds.
It is well preserved despite being plundered for local construction after the Romans left, then bombarded by Ottoman troops in the 17th century when rebels sheltered inside.
Today it hosts summerclassical music concerts and offers a fascinating insight into Roman times.
My wife Debbie and I were amazed how much freedom to, er, roam we had when we visited in early September.
No queues to get in, no forests of selfie sticks – we went straight in to the underground chambers where lions, tigers, leopards and bears were kept.
Then we headed up past the posh seats (close enough to the action for blood splashes!) to the lofty third tier for great photo opps from where the plebs jeered and cheered.
We finished in the arena where gladiators – in what was imperial outpost Thysdrus in Roman times – battled those animals and each other and criminals were executed by being thrown to leopards. Lion v bear fights? Yep, that too.
Take a sun hat, as this place is on the edge of the Sahara and can get ferociously hot. But there is a shady cafe for a cooling drink or ice cream.
While Sousse is brilliant for soaking up the sunshine year-round, with September temperatures in the high 20s, heading out to discover more of this fascinating country makes a perfect break from the sunlounger.
You can visit El Jem (in the town of the same name) by taxi or train if you are staying around Sousse or Monastir, but we joined an excellent all-day coach tour with easyJet holidays’ partner Musement from our Sousse hotel (£60pp, with lunch).
While Sousse is brilliant for soaking up the sunshine year-round, with September temperatures in the high 20s, heading out to discover more of this fascinating country makes a perfect break from the sunlounger.
Our day-trip itinerary also included the 670 AD Great Mosque of Kairouan, one of the most prominent in Islam, and the ornate ‘Barber’ Mosque, where guide Ibrahim offered a toe-curling “snippet” about 17th-century circumcision techniques.
There’s a genuine movie moment at the final stop in charming, historic Monastir.
The Ribat, an 8th-century Islamic fort, featured in Monty Python’s Life Of Brian but, whether you are the Messiah or just a very naughty boy, it is a must with the tower offering fine views over the mausoleum of Tunisia’s first president, Habib Bourguiba, the beach and marina. Like El Jem, it’s social media selfie heaven.
Tbut there are still some places where you can get a drink for less than £5.
Here’s where to find the cheapest pint(Image: Getty)
The cost of a pint continues to creep upwards. Tracking down a boozer flogging pints for under a fiver has become nearly impossible, yet certain spots still won’t leave your wallet crying.
A report from takepayments has uncovered which UK cities offer the most wallet-friendly drinking experience. The research examined 34 major UK cities against 16 affordability measures, encompassing housing, transport, wages, and discretionary spending (such as the cost of a pint).
Each location received a score out of 10 for overall affordability, identifying where Brits can enjoy the cheapest tipple.
Derby emerged as the nation’s most affordable city for a beverage, with pints priced at a mere £3.60. That’s a bargain when you fancy unwinding after a day discovering what the city has to offer – and there’s loads to see.
Situated in the East Midlands within Derbyshire and hugging the River Derwent, Derby serves as an ideal starting point for venturing into the picturesque British countryside, boasting numerous walking routes and cycling trails, reports the Express.
Among the finest is the Vicar Wood & Mackworth loop accessible from Markeaton Park. This 6.1km ramble takes roughly 90 minutes, beginning at the Mundy Playcentre car park.
Winding through farmland and parks, it’s ideal for families. There’s also Calke Abbey – a dilapidated stately home boasting sprawling gardens and a remarkable natural history collection.
Originally an Augustinian Priory, the property was acquired by Sir Henry Harpur in 1622. The estate remained in the family for generations, and from 1924 onwards, Calke was left largely untouched, though it underwent gradual modernisation.
Today, the National Trust has preserved the house much as it was, offering a fascinating glimpse into life from a bygone era.
After exploring the residence and grounds, visitors can stop by the on-site cafe and gift shop – ideal for picking up mementos.
