The beautiful seaside town is perfect for a winter getaway. The town has a pier, sandy beaches, a number of attractions and is famous for its crabs.
Cromer Pier is a famous landmark in the town(Image: Getty)
The summer season has come to an end, and many Brits are now setting their sights on a winter escape. While seaside towns are a hit for holidays during the balmy months, they also offer fantastic getaways during the colder, darker days.
Winter visits provide a unique ambiance, ideal for tranquil seaside strolls, snug pubs, and fewer crowds. The town of Cromer, situated 23 miles north of Norwich, has been hailed as the perfect alternative to more frequented spots like Brighton or Bournemouth.
The Norfolk Coast Path, which offers sweeping views of the rugged Norfolk coastline, is easily accessible from Cromer and is an ideal route for families to explore. The historic Grade II listed Victorian Pier, home to the world’s last end-of-pier theatre, hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including a Christmas Show that always draws both locals and visitors alike, reports the Express.
Cromer is also renowned for its Cromer crab, celebrated for their sweet and flavourful meat, caught in the chalky waters off the North Norfolk coast. The town honours its unique seafood heritage with the annual Cromer and Sheringham Crab and Lobster Festival.
Within the town centre, visitors will discover numerous shops, restaurants and pubs. The 14th century St Peter and Paul church dominates the skyline, boasting Norfolk’s tallest church tower at 160 feet.
History enthusiasts frequently visit Cromer Museum, which offers captivating exhibits about the area’s past, including the Cromer Shoal Chalk Bed, known as “Britain’s Great Barrier Reef”, and the wartime story of how the Government planned to destroy the pier to prevent it being used as a landing strip by Britain’s enemies.
The town also houses a Banksy artwork that materialised on a sea wall in 2021, forming part of the elusive artist’s Great British Spraycation tour of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Referencing Cromer’s crab fishing heritage, the piece depicts hermit crabs, with one occupying a shell whilst displaying a placard reading “luxury rentals online” – believed to comment on local housing concerns. The council has protected it with resin coating against weather damage.
TripAdvisor reviews from tourists are overwhelmingly favourable, with many highlighting the town’s charm and available amenities.
GrahamN66 said: “First visit to Cromer, summer 2025. It is a gem, as it says itself! Excellent, long sandy beaches with shingle at the top. Just great, even if loads of people are using it, there is always space and it is just lovely. Amazing sunsets, facilities, all within easy walking distance – would totally recommend.”
Anglian Wanderer shared: “Cromer is one of those places I return to time and again, and it never loses its charm. The beach is as beautiful as ever, with wide stretches of sand, fascinating rock pools at low tide, and postcard-worthy sunsets.
“What I love most about Cromer is an unspoiled seaside town full of character, charm, and community. If you want fresh sea air, real coastal beauty, and a town that feels like a well-kept secret, Cromer will win your heart.”
Cutiepie19 said in: “Stayed at Hotel facing pier in Cromer. The place is beautiful. Visited its museums and church. Coffee shops are delightful. Lots of places to stop off and enjoy. Quaint little streets full of delightful independent and main street shops.
“Lots of cute food places and pubs. Very, very clean too. Gorgeous pier which is very well maintained. Beautiful prom to walk along and admire the view out to sea. Spotless beaches. Highly recommended.”
Halloween is a big deal in the UK, and one of the most famous pumpkin patches is Tulleys’ Pumpkin Farm, which plays host to a pumpkin festival each year
Halloween is a big deal in the UK, and one of the most famous pumpkin patches is Tulleys’ Pumpkin Farm, which plays host to a pumpkin festival each year(Image: Ellen Jenne)
Halloween certainly feels different now that I’m on the cusp of 30, but my memories of past celebrations vary greatly. As a child, I spent Halloween trick or treating around my village, while my university years were marked by celebrating a Halloween birthday, reports the Express.
Now, in my mature years, it’s all about recreating a sense of nostalgia. I’ve never been particularly drawn to the Americanised version of Halloween, even less so as an adult (what on earth is a Boo Basket?). However, one tradition that remains constant is the art of pumpkin carving.
Last weekend, I embraced the Halloween spirit slightly more than usual, visiting one of the UK’s most renowned pumpkin patches and festivals. Tulleys’ Pumpkin Farm in West Sussex has a rich history of embracing all things autumnal and Halloween-related. Each year, it hosts Tulleys’ Pumpkin Festival, Tulleys’ Pumpkin Nights, and Shocktober Fest.
Shocktober Fest was a big deal during my teenage years, along with Thorpe Park’s Fright Night, with hordes of friends making the journey across county borders to scream into the night. Tulleys’ Farm has been around for quite some time, because when I mentioned to my mum that I was heading to the Pumpkin Festival, she gasped, recalling that it was a place she used to visit with her parents when she was younger. That surely means it’s legendary.
Two Irish mates were keen to embrace the Halloween spirit, and as their London tour guide, I was more than happy to whisk us away from the city with their Golden Retriever, Millie, for a soggy afternoon in a muddy field brimming with pumpkins. The relentless downpour and heavy grey skies only added to the autumnal atmosphere.
The Pumpkin Festival is a blend of traditional British farms and Colonial America – think Salem Witch Trials – teeming with hundreds, if not thousands, of different types of pumpkins and squash. Ever seen a star-shaped pumpkin? Well, now’s your chance.
You’ll encounter knobbly ones, wrinkled ones, green ones, white ones, big ones, small ones, striped ones. They’re absolutely mad about pumpkins.
There’s an entire field dedicated to capturing that perfect pumpkin patch Instagram snap, with row upon row of vibrant orange pumpkins. Over 600,000 seeds are sown across 100 acres of land to yield one million pumpkins and gourds for the festival.
It’s the ideal spot to wear out kids or four-legged friends while you wander amongst the field. Personally, I enjoyed perusing the plethora of pumpkins in the garden centre/pumpkin-village.
You can purchase as many as you like, and plenty of people were carting them around in wheelbarrows. Prices vary depending on size, and the most unusual variety could set you back as little as £1.
We acted like proper Millennials, ensuring that Millie was the centre of attention, snapping pictures of her like mums and dads do with their little ones and tots. She adored it, I’m certain.
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Next to the pumpkin patch sits the American-style village, complete with typical Yankee street grub, a dive bar plastered in memorabilia that screams “USA! USA!”, a big wheel, and a mock cemetery showcasing cringe-worthy spooky dad gags.
The entire setup is part of the charm, designed to whisk you away from dull West Sussex to Salem, Massachusetts, 1692. You’ve got to chuckle at it. But honestly, it’s all part of the entertainment.
The Pumpkin Bar serves as an excellent refuge, and believe me, you’ll likely need it. There are also loads of food choices, though my selection of chips with cheese sauce probably wasn’t the wisest pick. I should have opted for the build your own crumble or DIY s’mores. It’s the ideal spot to get you and the clan in the spirit for spooky season.
Tulleys provides a complete experience for young and grown-up children alike. It was my first experience at a pumpkin patch as an adult, and despite resembling a soaked rodent from the instant we turned up, it was the perfect way to spend a weekend.
Tulleys left my mates so impressed that they’re keen to tackle the two other Halloween attractions next year. There’s something extraordinary for the whole family to enjoy, even the four-legged variety.
Daytime tickets for Tulleys Farm’s Pumpkin Festival, for adults (over 14) and children (from aged two to 13), are priced between £8 and £13.95, with carers admitted free of charge. For the Pumpkin Nights at Tulleys, prices range from £11.95 to £19.95 for both adults and children.
England’s Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones are bowled by Pakistan’s Diana Baig and Fatima Sana in the second and third over respectively at the Cricket World Cup.
The stock’s ultra-cheap valuation might entice investors looking to score big returns.
Ford(F -0.65%) impressed investors when it reported that U.S. unit sales jumped 8.2% year over year in the third quarter (ended Sept. 30). Key models are doing very well, like the F-Series pickup trucks, Mustang Mach-E, Expedition, and Bronco. The momentum is partly why shares have done well this year, rising 15% (as of Oct.10).
But can this auto stock beat the market for buy-and-hold investors? History provides a clear answer.
Image source: Getty Images.
Investors shouldn’t expect outsized long-term returns from Ford
In the past 10- and 20-year periods, Ford shares have generated total returns of 33% and 150%, respectively. These gains failed to exceed that of the S&P 500 index. And it’s not even close.
The disappointing performance likely won’t reverse course as we look to the next 10 or 20 years. Low growth, weak margins, huge capital expenditures, and cyclicality describe Ford’s business. It’s not controversial to say that this isn’t a high-quality company.
Ford shares might always trade at a cheap valuation
Ford’s valuation is dirt cheap. The market is offering the stock at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 9, which makes the dividend yield hefty at 5.26%. This might look like a compelling opportunity.
However, there’s no reason to assume that the market will expand Ford’s valuation in the years ahead. Fast growth, wide margins, capital-light business models, and durable demand trends are traits that investors reward. Ford just doesn’t fit the bill.
Neil Patel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
If you’re looking for hidden gems that could return significant value as driverless vehicles take over roads, start here.
Like it or not, and whether we trust driverless vehicles yet or not, they’re on the way, and the future is coming faster than many investors realize. The driverless vehicle market has enormous growth potential and is projected to be worth trillions of dollars in a decade’s time.
Don’t take it from me: Goldman Sachs Research predicts that robotaxis’ ride-share market alone is on the path for a 90% compound annual growth rate between 2025 and 2030, and that’s merely scratching the surface. If you’re looking to dip your toes into what could be a generational investing opportunity, here are three stocks to keep an eye on.
One way to play robotaxis
Mobileye Global (MBLY -6.56%) is in the business of developing and deploying Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies and solutions. With a comprehensive collection of software and hardware technologies, Mobileye can offer end-to-end products and services for automakers. Investors should look at Mobileye as a solid robotaxi investment for those who don’t want to deal with the drama currently surrounding Tesla.
With the automotive industry heading toward driverless vehicles, Mobileye’s technology and systems will bolster automotive safety, productivity, and vehicle utilization through solutions such as Supervision, Chauffeur, Drive, and EyeQ. Meanwhile, management has been working hard to secure new ADAS deals with large customers, while finding new opportunities with untapped clients. One driving force for the company is a growing adoption of multicamera setups due to the need for increased safety and a push toward hands-free highway driving.
Adding to Mobileye’s growth is its strategic partnerships, including ZEEKR, using Mobileye as its launch partner for its ADAS, and its design wins with automakers such as Porsche and Mahindra, among other major OEMs. Just this spring, Volkswagen announced a collaboration with Mobileye to improve safety and driving comfort for some of its upcoming vehicle pipeline.
The company remains unprofitable, with full-year guidance expecting an operating loss between $436 million to $512 million. That said, Mobileye boasts roughly $1.7 billion in cash and cash equivalents, rising free cash flow, very little debt, and should be able to navigate choppy waters as the industry slowly figures out the path to full autonomous vehicles.
The business of connectivity
Aptiv PLC(APTV -2.47%) is a technology company working to bring the next generation of active safety, autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and connectivity through its decades of experience pioneering advances in the automotive industry.
While the stock has faltered from its all-time highs as electric vehicle hype died down with slower-than-anticipated adoption in the U.S. market, it’s still performing well, with earnings expected to check in at $7.48 per share in 2025, up significantly from $2.61 in 2021 — a compound annual growth rate of 30%.
Image source: Aptiv.
But its growth prospects might improve even more, with the company’s business split on the horizon for the first quarter of 2026. Aptiv plans to split into two companies: one that will focus on slower-growth electrical distribution systems (EDS), and the second on faster-growth safety and software — the latter aimed at a more driverless vehicle focus.
It’s easy to understand the rationale behind the business breakup when you consider the EDS business generated 2024 sales of $8.3 billion at earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) profit margins of 9.5%, while the safety and software generated 2024 sales of $12.2 billion with EBITDA margins nearly double at 18.8%.
The new Aptiv with a focus on safety and software that enable higher levels of autonomous functions won’t be limited to vehicles either, with potential applications for planes and other machines. Aptiv has already begun branching out its overall business with its communications software acquisition of Wind River in 2022.
All things autonomous
Hesai Group(HSAI -11.13%) is a global leader in lidar solutions, with its products enabling a wide range of applications including passenger and commercial vehicles ADAS, autonomous vehicles, robotics, and nonautomotive applications such as last-mile delivery robots.
Throughout the company’s second quarter, Hesai secured a notable number of new design wins through 2026, with 20 models from nine leading OEMs, highlighted by a platform win for multiple 2026 models with one of its top two ADAS customers. The design wins help cement lidar as a standard feature across the specific customer’s model lineups and will drive the company’s order book higher in the near term.
Outside its automotive wins, the company’s robotics business is also doing well, ranking No. 1 in lidar shipments in China for the first half of 2025, per Gaogong Industry Research Institute. Its robotics business is well positioned for the wave of physical artificial intelligence (AI), with lidars becoming essential for AI to perceive and sort the dynamic world we operate in, especially in driverless vehicles.
“In the first six months of 2025, total shipments have already surpassed those of full-year 2024. According to Gasgoo, we ranked first in installation volume among long-range lidar suppliers during this period,” said Hesai cofounder and CEO Yifan “David” Li in a press release.
Are the stocks buys?
The number of robotaxis and driverless vehicles on the roads is set to increase in the coming years, especially as leading autonomous vehicle operators reduce costs and begin scaling the business. Right now, roughly 1,500 such vehicles operate across a handful of U.S. cities, but that figure is expected to soar to about 35,000 across the country in 2030.
Even then, driverless vehicles will represent a fraction of the rideshare market, leaving plenty of long-term growth for investors who believe these companies have injected their technologies and solutions into the industry. Mobileye, Aptiv, and Hesai are all proven companies with products poised to push the boundaries of driverless vehicles, robotaxis, and ADAS going forward, and savvy investors would be wise to keep them on a watch list.
Nvidia’s sovereign AI business is on track to grow annual revenue much faster than its overall business.
In late August, I was listening to Nvidia‘s (NVDA -4.84%) earnings call for its fiscal second quarter (ended July 27). When Colette Kress, CFO of the artificial intelligence (AI) tech leader, gave quantifiable data about the company’s sovereign AI business, I thought, “Finally!” as such data is only rarely shared.
Nvidia’s sovereign AI business is growing like gangbusters. It appears to be the biggest growth engine of the company’s AI-driven data center platform, which accounts for the bulk of Nvidia’s total revenue. Yet, it gets little coverage in the financial press.
“Sovereign entities” are those that are independent and have total or at least significant control within their borders. This includes many nations, U.S. states, and the European Union (EU).
Image source: Getty Images.
Nvidia “on track to achieve over $20 billion in sovereign AI revenue this year”
From Kress’ remarks on last quarter’s earnings call:
Sovereign AI is on the rise as the nation’s ability to develop its own AI using domestic infrastructure, data, and talent presents a significant opportunity for NVIDIA Corporation. NVIDIA Corporation is at the forefront of landmark initiatives across the UK and Europe. …
We are on track to achieve over $20 billion in Sovereign AI revenue this year, more than double that of last year.
I’ll put the $20 billion in context below.
Kress said that the EU plans to invest 20 billion euros to establish 20 AI factories in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This will include five gigafactories, and it will increase its AI compute infrastructure by 10-fold.
A “gigafactory” means that the AI compute facility will contain the number of Nvidia’s graphics processing units (GPUs) — which dominate the market for AI chips — that require at least 1 gigawatt of power. For context, 1 gigawatt (or 1,000 megawatts) equates to about the power output of a large-scale nuclear power plant.
Nvidia CEO: “Nations are investing in AI infrastructure like they once did for electricity and the Internet.”
The above quote is from CEO Jensen Huang’s remarks on Nvidia’s fiscal first-quarter earnings call in May. Here are more Huang snippets from that call:
I was honored to join him [President Donald Trump, in May] in announcing a 500-megawatt AI infrastructure project in Saudi Arabia …
[In May,] we announced Taiwan’s first AI factory … Last week, I was in Sweden to launch its first national AI infrastructure. Japan, Korea, India, Canada, France, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and more are now building national AI factories to empower startups, industries, and societies. … [N]ations are investing in AI infrastructure like they once did for electricity and the Internet.
All the countries that Huang rattled off as building sovereign AI infrastructure are using Nvidia’s GPUs and related technology. Talk about big customers!
Putting the sovereign AI business’ projected annual growth in context
For the current fiscal year (fiscal 2026, which ends in late January), Wall Street expects Nvidia’s revenue to be $206.5 billion, up 58% from $130.5 billion last fiscal year. If that estimate proves relatively accurate and the sovereign AI business brings in revenue of $20 billion, it will account for about 9.7% of total revenue. And Kress said “over $20 billion,” so the percentage could be higher.
Below are more stats for further context.
Nvidia Market Platform
First-Half Fiscal 2026 Revenue
Year-Over-Year-Growth*
Data center
$80.2 billion
64%
Gaming
$8.1 billion
46%
Auto
$1.2 billion
70%
Professional Visualization
$1.1 billion
26%
Total
$90.8 billion
62%
Data source: Nvidia. *Calculations by author.
The above are half-year stats, but they give you an idea of what a standout performer Nvidia’s sovereign AI business is. Given the annual projections Kress shared, this business probably generated first-half revenue in the ballpark of $8 billion, or 10% of the data center’s revenue, and likely grew 100%-plus year over year.
Why Nvidia’s sovereign AI strategy is particularly brilliant
Nvidia is not only selling its technology to sovereign entities, it’s also assisting them in their massive undertakings. These relationships should make Nvidia’s sovereign AI business especially “sticky.” Countries that are happy with Nvidia are likely to stick with Nvidia when they want to upgrade or expand their AI infrastructure.
The sovereign AI business should also lead to other opportunities for Nvidia. Companies, researchers, and technology students that use and become familiar with a country’s sovereign AI infrastructure will probably be more likely to buy Nvidia’s offerings if and when they need their own AI-enabling tech.
These three companies have raised their payouts for 50 years or more.
Diving into the stock market can be an excellent way to build lasting wealth. One type of stock that you may find appealing is dividend stocks. A study conducted by Hartford Funds found that, over a 50-year period, dividend stocks consistently outperformed non-dividend payers with lower volatility.
Dividend Kings are companies that have consistently increased their dividends for 50 years or longer. These stalwarts have earned the trust of their shareholders and consistently demonstrated a proven ability to grow payouts year after year, regardless of the economic conditions.
If you’re looking to boost your portfolio with a passive income component and seek steady returns, here are three dividend stocks that could make excellent additions today.
Image source: Getty Images.
Federal Realty Investment Trust
Federal Realty Investment Trust(FRT -0.59%) operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT). It specializes in high-quality retail-based properties, which include shopping centers and mixed-use properties. As a REIT, Federal Realty is required to distribute 90% of its taxable income to shareholders, making it a popular choice among dividend investors.
Federal Realty holds the distinction of being the only REIT to earn Dividend King status, having raised its payout for 57 consecutive years. This impressive streak is a testament to its diversified holdings and strong balance sheet in what can be a volatile real estate market.
The REIT primarily invests in real estate regions characterized by high population density and affluent populations. This approach helps insulate it from changing economic conditions, as more affluent households can be resilient in the face of recessions or inflation in the economy. With a strong business and robust development pipeline supported by steady funds from operations growth, Federal Realty is a quality dividend stock to consider buying today.
Cincinnati Financial
Cincinnati Financial(CINF 0.06%) provides property and casualty (P&C) insurance to corporate and individual customers. It’s one of the top 25 largest P&C insurers in the United States.
In the insurance industry, underwriting profitable policies is the name of the game. Insurers like Cincinnati Financial operate in a highly competitive environment, so accurately assessing risk and pricing policies is crucial.
Over the past five years, Cincinnati Financial’s combined ratio has averaged a solid 94.6%. This means that for every $100 in premiums it writes, it has generated roughly $5 in profit. In the highly competitive insurance industry, the combined ratio tends to average around 100%, so consistently generating an underwriting profit is key to sustainable, long-term growth.
Cincinnati Financial boasts an impressive history of raising its annual cash dividend over the past 65 years. Only seven companies can boast a longer streak. Its long track record is a testament to its sound underwriting and stellar capital management. With a conservative dividend payout ratio of 29%, Cincinnati Financial is well-positioned to keep rewarding investors with a growing dividend.
S&P Global
S&P Global(SPGI -0.03%) provides credit ratings to entities that issue debt worldwide and serves an important role in financial markets. As a credit rating agency, it provides opinions about credit risk and the ability and willingness of entities to meet their financial obligations. Investors rely on these opinions on credit quality to help manage risk.
The company also owns the S&P 500 index (in a joint venture with CME Group), along with a variety of other index benchmarks used by professional investors. Finally, it provides data and analytics, such as through its Capital IQ Pro platform, which offers another stream of cash flow that’s uncorrelated with credit ratings.
S&P Global enjoys a robust 50% share of the credit ratings market, giving it a strong competitive advantage, especially considering the importance of credit ratings for the global economy. With its stable and diverse business model and strong balance sheet, S&P Global has grown its dividend payout for 52 consecutive years and has a solid platform to keep this streak going.
Courtney Carlsen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends S&P Global. The Motley Fool recommends CME Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
WITH the kids back in school and life just that bit calmer, could it be time for an indulgent parent pamper? On a budget, of course.
While a day spent lounging by the pool sipping a glass of prosecco might sound pricey, there’s some brilliant deals out there if you know where to look – with prices starting at just £9.50 and perks including two-course meals and extra treatments.
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Champneys Spa resorts across the UK have some decent deals in the autumnCredit: Champneys Spa
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After a busy summer, parents have earned a much-needed break, so now is the time to indulge in a little ‘me time’Credit: Getty
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Ocean Spa at Butlin’s Bognor Regis is a surprise hit with guestsCredit: Butlin’s
This is the season for spa deals with some gorgeous retreats offering packages with big discounts for a post-summer chill.
If you have a particular spa in mind, it’s always worth signing up to the newsletters of the spa you’d like to visit; you’ll get alerts about last minute deals, special offers, discounts and cheap off-peak slots.
Offer websites such as Groupon often have cheap spa day deals, but check out the reviews first, as it can be a mixed bag.
While the kids are at school, you can also book in for a light afternoon slot or an evening chill – which gives you access to the facilities for a fraction of the price.
This means that from less than £10 per person a day, you can book yourself a bargain and unwind in some stunning spa resorts across the UK.
Choose from a grand stately home with an outdoor pool, a cool Hackney hideaway or a truly tranquil spot in the Kent countryside, loved by celebrities like Kylie Minogue and Fern McCann.
This is our pick of the best UK spa days that you can book now for under £85 per person (prices correct at time of publishing):
Eden Spa at Down Hall in Essex for £20
This elegant stately home in Essex is set over a 110 acre estate and is a famous wedding venue as well as having two beautiful spas.
The Wet Spa is tucked away in the garden of the house and has a private, fenced area with relaxation beds, positioned under a Grand Fir tree.
Inside the English spa hidden in the countryside with a serene private outdoor pool away from everyone
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Eden Spa at Down Hall is good for celebrity spottingCredit: Down Hall
You don’t need to be an overnight guest to book into the spa, which has a hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna.
Celebrities like Fern McCann and Vicky Pattison have also been spotted enjoying the facilities.
Two hours access to the Wet Spa on Monday to Thursday costs £30, or you can take advantage of a one-hour Twilight session at 6.15pm each night for only £20.
Cheap spa deals in the Lake District are not easy to come by, which makes this even more of a bargain.
The boutique spa has a sleek thermal suite with hot and cold therapies and plunge pools, a salt room, ice fountain shower and a steam room with the uplifting scents of lemongrass, citrus, and cinnamon.
You can book into the day spa and use the thermal suite for 60 minutes for only £15 or 90 minutes for £20. Ideal if you’ve been out in the lakes boating, kayaking or hiking.
Netherwood Hotel & Spa is an affordable spa in the Lake District and ideal for relaxing after a hike in the hillsCredit: Netherwood Hotel & spa
Hackney Wick Community Sauna in London for £9.50
This simple spa is a not-for-profit Community Sauna, is to make sauna and cold plunge affordable and accessible to everyone in London, even those on a lower income.
Set in a charming back garden in East London’s Hackney Wick, this micro spa feels like a hidden oasis.
There are six wood-fired saunas and a choice of trendy ice plunge pools inside old whisky barrels.
It’s fantastic value, with 90 minute sessions starting at only £12 off-peak, or if you’re an early riser, you can go to a one-hour morning drop-in for just £9.50.
Groups can also hire the 22-person sauna for the exclusive use, so why not get all the school mums together for a luxury afternoon and still have money left for a cheeky vino before school pick up?.
If you didn’t already know, family-favourite Butlin’s at Bognor Regis has its own spa and – true to the brand – it’s great value too.
The catch here is that you already need access to the resort as an overnight guest or as a day guest (day passes start at £19 for adults and £1 for kids on selected days).
But, this boutique spa is fantastic for parents who have the opportunity to slip away for a few hours and have a much-needed pamper. Time to make the case to bring granny and grandad along with you?
A two-hour Spa Experience here starts at £25 per person and includes a Hydrospa, outdoor hot tub, sauna, relaxation pods, a crystal steam room and an outside sun terrace. You can also book individual treatments, but they are booked separately.
If you are visiting with teens, children aged 13+ -17 year olds are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Ideal for older kids to have some quality time with mum or dad, while siblings go wild in the playground.
Ocean Spa at Butlin’s is a way for parents to escape and unwindCredit: Butlin’s
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The newly opened Porchester Spa is historic and very affordable for its central London locationCredit: The Secret App
Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa, Leeds for £39 with a two-course lunch
Deal club Travelzoo often have fantastic spa deals, so if you want to make a lovely spa visit a regular trip, it could be worth signing up to the club (membership is £30 for the year and you will have access to holiday, entertainment and transport deals too).
Right now, Travelzoo Members can save 38% at six Daniel Thwaites spas across the country.
The Simple Ritual spa package offer includes three hours of spa access and a two-course lunch to recharge. Members pay just £39 per person. It’s £63 for regular guests.
As well as the stunning Leeds location, you can access the deal at five other locations across the country, including Aztec Hotel & Spa, Bristol, Cottons Hotel & Spa, Cheshire, Kettering Park, Northamptonshire, the North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Penrith and Solent Hotel & Spa, Fareham.
Crutherland House Spa in East Kilbride, Scotland with a glass of prosecco, £25
Crutherland House & Spa is a beautiful country house in East Kilbride, surrounded by peaceful gardens. The tranquil setting is a perfect antidote to the busy city of Glasgow, which is close by.
The spa offers a full day experience, but if time and money are tight, book into the twilight spa experience in the evening for just £25 per person.
This deal is excellent value and includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, ideal for mums who don’t have masses of spare time but do need a little R&R after the school holidays.
The spa has a huge pool with relaxation loungers, a hot tub, sauna and steam room. Plus, those visiting during Twilight sessions also get 20% of individual treatments (these are priced separately).
Also available at other Macdonald Properties across Scotland and also at Boatley Park in Hampshire. Book it: Crutherland House
Bannatyne Health Clubs, £34.50 with a 20-minute treatment
Bannatyne Health Clubs are offering a September Spa Saver that is aimed at frazzled parents who have finally packed the kids back to school.
Until the end of October, you can book packages that involve a full day use of the club facilities, including the gym and fitness classes, swimming pools, jacuzzi baths, sauna and steam room, plus relaxation rooms in some locations.
Plus, you get a 20-minute treatment as part of the deal. Choose from a 20-minute Swedish Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage or a Tailored Facial Express.
The Spa Saver (£34.50) is on until the 30th September and the Refresh Express Spa Day is an on-going offer for £39.50.
The Spa at Potters is excellent value and there are some great deals in the autumnCredit: SpaSeekers
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Book into a spa day at Bannatyne Spa in BelfastCredit: Bannatyne
Porchester Spa in London for £30
This one has been an internet hit, and for good reason.
After an £800,000 refurbishment, London’s oldest Spa, The Porchester Spa, has reopened in an iconic Grade 2* listed building, beautifully returned to its 1920s splendour.
Despite being in the centre of London, the spa offers affordable prices and excellent package deals from £30 per person.
Inside the spa, visitors you can get a look at the traditional baths and original art-deco features. The spa has two steam rooms, Turkish baths (Tepidarium, Caldarium and Laconium), a sauna, a plunge pool and relaxation lounge.
You can also book in for a range of spa treatments here too, but these are priced separately here
If you are staying all day, there is a Café on site providing hot and cold beverages, sandwiches and snacks.
Top tip: Remember to bring 20p coins to use the lockers.
The Spa at Potters, Five Lakes Hertfordshire, £75 for the whole day with a 50-minute treatment and afternoon tea.
If you have a whole day to devote to some ‘me time’, the Blossom Spa Day deal with luxury holiday park, Potters, is worthy of a mention.
You can book a whole day here, using facilities such as an expansive pool and hot tub, outdoor sun terrace, relaxation rooms, sauna and steam chambers.
Even better, this deal includes a 50-minute luxury facial and afternoon tea, which is excellent value for money.
Set in a serene location, surrounded by rolling hills, this is the ideal way to spend the afternoon with friends or as a peaceful solo adventure.
Champneys Springs in Leicestershire for £59 with a 20-minute treatment and a glass of bubbly
Luxury spa chain Champneys are also running a choice of spa-tember deals.
The beautiful resorts, which are located in country houses and stately homes around the UK, are loved by celebrities, including Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campbell and even Brad Pitt!
Full spa days here, which have stunning indoor and outdoor pools, zen-like relaxation rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, hydropools, cold plunge pools and ice fountains, start from £120 per person.
However, slip in for a bargain session but booking a Twilight Spa Evening from £59 per person, with a complimentary 20-minute treatment.
As part of the deal, you also get a welcome glass of bubbly, plus flips flops and a tote bag to take home with you.
Available at most Champney’s locations, including Eastwell Manor in Kent and Forest Mere in Hampshire, but prices do vary depending on the individual spa.
These tech companies aren’t chasing trends — they’re shaping them.
As a buy-and-hold investor, I closely follow my long-term investments through exchange-traded funds and retirement accounts. I’ve always followed a Warren Buffett-style of investing, in which I look for strong, profitable companies to hold over the long term.
However, I also recognize that tech stocks are way too important — and profitable — to miss out on. Tech stocks represent companies that are at the forefront of innovation and development, leading the world’s charge into the future. Without tech companies, we wouldn’t have a host of massively significant advances that we take for granted today — things like personal computers, online banking, 5G wireless service, the internet, smartphones, and GPS technology. Nor would we have the incredible types of tech that companies are still making rapid progress on today — such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things, generative AI, and autonomous vehicles.
Including strong, profitable tech stocks in your portfolio is one of the best ways to give yourself an opportunity to outperform the market. Consider that the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite is up nearly 18% in the last 12 months, handily outperforming the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500.
Three tech stocks that I think would be great choices for any retail investor’s portfolio are Nvidia(NVDA 1.65%), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing(TSM 2.58%), and Meta Platforms(META 2.04%).
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Nvidia
Semiconductor maker Nvidia is the biggest company in the world by market capitalization, so it naturally gets the top position on this list, too. While a recent pullback has driven the market cap from $4.4 trillion down to $4.2 trillion, the tailwinds that have propelled Nvidia’s upward over the last few years are still present — and they won’t be going away any time soon.
Nvidia designs graphics processing units (GPUs) that are used by data centers to provide the computing power required by a host of advanced computing tasks, such as training and running large language models (LLMs) and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Nvidia’s GPUs are designed to be deployed in clusters of hundreds or thousands, boosting the parallel processing power they can apply to workloads. In addition, Nvidia’s CUDA platform provides libraries and tools for developers who are working on software that will be powered by its GPUs. It’s a popular platform with developers, and it’s only compatible with Nvidia’s chips. That added competitive advantage is one reason why I’m confident that it will continue to control the lion’s share of the GPU market for years to come.
Nvidia will release its results for its fiscal 2026 second quarter on Aug. 27, and I think it’s going to be another sterling report. I’ll also be looking carefully at management’s guidance, as the company is expected to resume selling its H20 AI chips to customers in China after being blocked from exporting them to that country earlier this year.
2. Taiwan Semiconductor
As the company that fabricates the advanced chips designed by Nvidia (as well as an array of other chip companies), Taiwan Semiconductor benefits from many of the same tailwinds as the GPU leader. But there are some differences between their businesses that make TSMC stock even more appealing.
As the world’s leading third-party chip foundry, Taiwan Semi manufactured nearly 12,000 products for 522 customers in 2024, employing 288 separate process technologies. It’s involved in about 85% of all semiconductor start-up product prototypes. In short, this is an ideal stock to own if you believe that the semiconductor business broadly will continue to grow, but you want to hedge some of your exposure away from Nvidia.
Taiwan Semi is also moving to limit its exposure to the trade war between Washington and Beijing, and to expand its manufacturing footprint further beyond the island of Taiwan, which China has designs on. The company is in the midst of spending $165 billion to expand its new manufacturing and R&D facility in Arizona and bring some of its most advanced fabrication processes to the U.S.
3. Meta Platforms
Meta Platforms, which operates Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, is the unquestioned king of the social media companies. On average, 3.48 billion people use its platforms every day — and that number is increasing. Its daily active user count was up by 6% in June from a year earlier.
The company leverages that massive audience — and the mountain of information it collects about them — into an impressive revenue stream. Ad impressions were up 11% in the second quarter from the previous year. Overall, Meta reported $47.5 billion in revenue in the second quarter, up 22% year over year.
Meta’s own artificial intelligence platform, Meta AI, has been driving a lot of its recent success. Meta AI’s chatbot can generate content, answer questions, and create images. The company also provides AI-powered tools to advertisers to help them reach the customers they want, making their ads on its social media platforms more effective.
Tech stocks to buy and hold
Companies in the tech sector must constantly innovate in their efforts to stay relevant, and their stocks can sometimes be volatile. But Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor, and Meta Platforms aren’t merely chasing trends — they’re shaping them. I expect that these companies will remain at the forefront of their industries as we move into the second half of the decade, and I view them as good bets to continue outperforming the market. That’s why I like them for any buy-and-hold portfolio.
Upstart, Adyen, and Nu all look undervalued relative to their growth potential.
The financial sector is dominated by big banks which mainly focus on generating stable profits instead of breakneck growth. However, a new generation of fintech companies — which are modernizing traditional payment and banking services with their tech platforms — are growing a lot faster than those aging industry leaders.
But it can be tough to separate the winners and losers in that fragmented fintech market. So today, I’ll discuss three potential winners which have plenty of long-term growth potential: Upstart(UPST 8.34%), Adyen(ADYE.Y 2.86%), and Nu Holdings(NU 1.94%).
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Upstart
Upstart is an online lending marketplace that uses AI to approve loans. Instead of using traditional data like an applicant’s annual income or credit score, it uses non-traditional data points like standardized test scores, GPAs, and previous jobs to approve a broader range of loans for younger and lower-income applicants with limited credit histories.
Upstart doesn’t provide any loans of its own. It only serves as an AI-powered middleman for its partners, which mainly include banks, credit unions, and auto dealerships. It generates most of its revenue by charging those partners processing fees for approving their loans.
Upstart suffered a severe slowdown in 2023 as soaring interest rates curbed the market’s appetite for new loans. But its growth accelerated again in 2024 as interest rates declined, and analysts expect its revenue and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) to grow at a CAGR of 36% and 245%, respectively, from 2024 to 2027. Those are incredible growth rates for a stock that trades at 21 times next year’s adjusted EBITDA. The near-term concerns about slower interest rate cuts are likely squeezing its valuations, but its stock could soar a lot higher once those headwinds dissipate.
2. Adyen
Adyen is a Dutch fintech company that doesn’t provide any consumer-facing payment apps. Instead, it develops backend software for processing payments, analyzing customer data, and organizing financial information. Its software works behind the scenes and can be directly integrated into a merchant’s existing online, mobile, and on-store payment platforms. It also enables merchants to develop their own digital wallets and branded payment cards.
That flexibility makes it popular choice for businesses that don’t want to lock themselves to a bigger payments platform like PayPal(PYPL 3.43%). That’s probably why eBay, PayPal’s former parent company and top e-commerce partner, chose Adyen to replace PayPal as its preferred payment platform in a five-year transition from 2018 to 2023.
Adyen’s revenue growth accelerated during the pandemic as more customers ramped up their online spending, but it suffered a slowdown in 2022 and 2023 as it lapped those gains. Rising interest rates, geopolitical conflicts, and other macro headwinds exacerbated its slowdown.
But Adyen’s growth accelerated again in 2024, and analysts expect its revenue and adjusted EBITDA to rise at a CAGR of 22% and 28%, respectively, from 2024 to 2027. Adyen still looks reasonably valued at 22 times next year’s adjusted EBITDA, and it should keep growing as it pulls more merchants away from centralized payment platforms.
3. Nu Holdings
Nu Holdings owns NuBank, the largest digital bank in Latin America. It’s based in Brazil, and it also provides its services in Mexico and Colombia. Without any brick-and-mortar branches, it expanded much faster than traditional banks. It served 122.7 million customers at the end of the second quarter of 2025, compared to 33.3 million customers at the end of 2021. As Nu gained more customers, it increased the stickiness of its platform with credit cards, e-commerce services, and cryptocurrency trading tools.
As a result, its average revenue per active customer (ARPAC) jumped from $4.50 in 2021 to $12.20 in its latest quarter. Its average cost for serving each customer also held steady, and its margins expanded. Nu has plenty of room to grow because about a quarter of Latin America’s adult population remains unbanked.
From 2024 to 2027, analysts expect Nu’s revenue and net income (which turned positive in 2023) to rise at a CAGR of 23% and 36%, respectively. Yet its stock still looks dirt cheap at 18 times next year’s earnings per share (EPS) — presumably because investors are concerned about the persistent inflation and political instability in its top markets. If you expect Nu to overcome those challenges — as it did in the past — then it deserves a much higher valuation.
Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Adyen, PayPal, Upstart, and eBay. The Motley Fool recommends Nu Holdings and recommends the following options: long January 2027 $42.50 calls on PayPal and short September 2025 $77.50 calls on PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Ellie Kildunne’s lovely bit of skill sets up Jess Breach to score her second try for England against USA during the opening game of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup at the Stadium of Light.
This theme park in North Wales is set against the stunning backdrop of the Snowdonia mountains and home to a large variety of unique rides and nature-focused experiences
The Green Dragon rollercoaster is dubbed by the park as the “world’s first people-powered rollercoaster”(Image: GreenWood)
This theme park with enough attractions to captivate both younger and older children is every parent’s summer wish come true. It is even more enticing with it comes with a picturesque setting that offers a touch of escapism for grown-ups as well.
There’s absolutely no question that GreenWood theme park in North Wales boasts an idyllic location – proudly eco-friendly and nestled against the breathtaking Snowdonia mountain range.
This theme park in North Wales is only a 90-minute car right from Manchester(Image: MEN)
The journey takes approximately 90 minutes by car from Manchester, but it follows one of the most uncomplicated routes possible (via the A55 beyond Llandudno and A5 through Bangor). The stress-free journey also provides magnificent coastal vistas along North Wales.
As one Manchester Evening News writer discovered, travelling with two children aged 9 and 5, the theme park provides a thoroughly packed day out with an abundance of activities – plus a genuine diversity of rides that sets it apart from typical theme parks.
Consider, for instance, its Green Dragon rollercoaster – marketed as the “world’s first people-powered rollercoaster”. It’s apparently the only theme park attraction of its type in the world- but don’t fret, it doesn’t require everyone to run Flintstones-style to power the ride.
The attraction utilises funicular technology, first introduced in Welsh slate mines two centuries ago. All passengers clamber into a carriage which descends a hill, powering the rollercoaster up the incline.
There are plenty of very unique features to encounter at this family attraction. Another is the Barefoot Trail – where you kick off your shoes and stroll through the woodland, allowing your feet to feel an invigorating variety of surfaces from water to straw and stones.
Be prepared for some inclined walking as the park is set against a hillside(Image: GreenWood)
There is stilt walking for beginners, archery, and during the first week of the school summer holidays, there are virtually no queues for any of the 20+ rides across the site. The only unavoidable wait will likely be for one of the park’s more spectacular highlights – the colossal Solar Splash water ride.
Another world-first, this ride is powered by solar energy, and allows both kids and adults to zoom down two massive central chutes, or a spiral chute next to them, before making a splash landing at the end. All the wild woodland play features scattered across the site, add an extra dose of intrigue. The park is nestled against a hillside so be prepared for some gentle inclines as you explore the grounds.
The on-site Woodbarn restaurant boasts a large soft play barn inside, ensuring your little ones are kept amused while you order food and wait for it to be served at your table.
Entry is £25 for people over 1m in height(Image: MEN)
The attraction has recently introduced alpaca walks that you can book as an extra (for £20), where children aged over 4 accompanied by their parents can meet and feed the three resident alpacas on the site. You can then embark on a guided walk with these furry creatures around their enclosure.
Treetop Towers, filled with slides and climbing adventures, are situated across the park, and you can walk up to the top of the site to take in the view from the Snowdonia View Point.
Entry is £25 per person for anyone over 1m, while those under 1m pay £10. A family ticket saver option is also available, costing £95 for a family of four (saving you a bit at £23.75 each). GreenWood is offering a ‘Pay Once, Visit Twice’ deal for the summer holidays. If you visit between 19th July and 24th August, you can return within seven days at no extra cost.
Dogs are also allowed in for free, provided they’re well-behaved and kept on leads.
Goncalo Ramos gets on the end of a fizzing Ousmane Dembele cross as Paris Saint-Germain come from two goals down to draw level with Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup final in Udine.
Hunters Quay Dunoon Holiday Village is located near the town of Dunoon on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute, approximately 90 minutes from Glasgow
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Aerial view of Toward Point Lighthouse near Dunoon in Argyll and Bute(Image: richard johnson via Getty Images)
A Scottish family holiday village near a stunning beach is currently on offer with a whopping 50 per cent discount.
Hunters Quay Dunoon Holiday Village can be found close to Dunoon town on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute, roughly 90 minutes from Glasgow. And it boasts sweeping views across the Holy Loch and has plenty to keep adults and children busy.
Each caravan features central heating, a complete kitchen setup, a flat screen television, and fresh bed linen, reports the Daily Record
Holiday guests will also gain complete access to Hunters Quay’s recreational amenities. These feature two swimming pools – including one exclusively for adults – a fitness centre, a sauna, a steam chamber, and various on-site entertainment options.
Activites on offer include axe throwing, aqua run, ‘superhero academy’, sand art, and a teddy bear hunt. Additionally, there’s evening live shows and a children’s play zone and there’s an on-site pub serving “delicious meals” according to Wowcher.
Visitors can opt to dine in or request a takeaway and enjoy their meal back at their caravan. The Wowcher package also features a complimentary late checkout of 11am. Pet owners can bring their furry friends along for an additional £15 per dog per night.
While holiday parks remain a favourite for staycations, some travellers might fancy a traditional hotel instead. Popular nearby alternatives include the Royal Marine Hotel and the SGE Argyll Hotel.
Hunters Quay Dunoon Holiday Village has received largely favourable reviews from visitors. The resort boasts a 4.1 out of five rating on Tripadvisor based on 1,074 reviews.
One guest wrote: “The park was lovely and clean. Lodge was very clean and spacious. We had a great stay. Staff were friendly and worked hard.”
Another delighted holidaymaker commented: “This was our first proper family holiday and I couldn’t have wished for anything better. Everyone was so amazing and kind. Nothing was too much for anyone!”.
Another visitor said: “Caravan lovely and clean, quiet location at the bottom of the hill. So [it’s a] trek to the facilities. Very busy as [it was the] height of season.
“Would avoid restaurant due to length of time it takes to serve food after ordered. We had dog and granddaughter with us, who wre both fed up.”
However, another five-star guest gushed: “Amazing holiday at Hunters Quay, highly recommend this park. The staff are so helpful and friendly. The food was really nice and we enjoyed the evening entertainment.”
For further details on the Hunters Quay Dunoon Holiday Village offer, head over to the Wowcher website.
One bar stool was priced down to £10.32 from £103.20.
How to bag a bargain
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
Jane Austen fans may have missed this adaptation of her works
The Jane Austen adaptation gave a refreshing take on Pride and Prejudice (Image: MIRAMAX)
As Jane Austen marks her 250th birthday this year, fans are revisiting the celebrated author’s works.
Over the years, numerous adaptations of her novels have been created, along with fresh interpretations that draw inspiration from her books, reports the Express.
Some notable examples include Bridget Jones’s Diary, which reimagines Pride and Prejudice in a modern setting, and Clueless, which transposes Emma from Regency England to the complex social hierarchy of a 1990s Beverly Hills high school.
Additionally, there are productions like ITV’s Lost in Austen, where a contemporary woman finds herself in the world of Pride and Prejudice, and Austenland, which follows a romantic as she visits a Jane Austen-themed park in pursuit of her Regency dreams.
However, one lesser-known adaptation, featuring two Virgin River stars, is also worth watching.
On IMDb, one viewer praised the film as “brilliant”, saying: “Vibrant, colorful [sic], hilarious and lively, this movie was a sheer joy to watch. A refreshing take on an old classic.”
Martin Henderson stars in the Jane Austen-inspired movie (Image: MIRAMAX)
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Another reviewer commented: “Well, it’s pretty hard, isn’t it, to write a spoiler for a film which is based on such a well-known, well-loved novel! I will show my hand here and say that I am a Janeite.
“However, I am not a purist and I like many Jane Austen adaptations that many Janeites don’t (for example I like ‘Mansfield Park’).”
One viewer noted: “The script did a pretty good job of capturing the essence of the story whilst playing around with some of the details eg cutting out the fifth daughter whose role in the story is pretty minimal, and making the ‘tyrant’ in Darcy’s life his mother not his aunt (a more realistic situation in its modern setting).”
Another fan chimed in: “Gurinder Chadha has transported Jane Austen’s great novel to India. What a charmer this film turns out to be! The adaptation of the novel is excellent as the new locale is incorporated to the story.”
They continued: “The incredible Indian colors explode in front of our eyes giving the Western viewers such an opportunity to experience a little taste of India [sic].”
Martin Henderson and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Bride and Prejudice (Image: MIRAMAX)
Bride and Prejudice, released in 2004, masterfully blended Bollywood and Hollywood through the lens of Jane Austen.
Directed by Gurinder Chadha of Bend It Like Beckham fame, the film offered a refreshing spin on Austen’s classic tale of Pride and Prejudice.
Bollywood icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan took centre stage as Lalita Bakshi, who initially butts heads with the suave American businessman Will Darcy, played by Martin Henderson, before they inevitably fall for each other.
Joining Henderson was Daniel Gillies, known for his roles in Virgin River and The Originals, who portrayed his rival George Wickham – a role that amusingly mirrors their respective characters in Netflix’s romantic drama series.
The cast also boasts acclaimed Indian actor Anupam Kher, known for his roles in Bend It Like Beckham and Hotel Mumbai, Naveen Andrews of Lost and The English Patient fame, Namrata Shirodkar from Hera Pheri and Major, Indira Varma who starred in Game of Thrones and Luther, and EastEnders‘ Nitin Ganatra.
Bride and Prejudice is available to watch on Apple TV+
Liverpool John Lennon Airport has been named the best airport in the UK – despite being significantly smaller than some of its southern rivals such as Heathrow and Gatwick
Workers watching the Jet2 inaugural flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport.(Pic Andrew Teebay).
Liverpool John Lennon Airport has soared above its UK counterparts, despite being smaller than southern giants like Heathrow or Gatwick.
The local airport secured an impressive 35th place out of 250 in the 2025 AirHelp Score, which evaluates airports worldwide, making it the highest-ranking UK airport.
London City followed as the next best UK performer, landing at 56th. However, big hitters such as Gatwick and Heathrow didn’t fare as well.
In fact, Gatwick was dubbed the worst-performing UK airport, ranking a dismal 235th globally.
Heathrow, the busiest airport in the UK, also failed to impress, managing only 178th place, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Both major London hubs have had a challenging year, grappling with staffing shortages, strikes, delays, and even a power substation fire at Heathrow causing significant disruption.
The annual AirHelp report, running since 2015, assesses airports based on punctuality, passenger service quality (including staff and comfort), and the variety of food and shops.
This year’s report evaluated airports in 68 countries, providing valuable insights just as the bustling summer holiday season kicks off.
Other UK airports also struggled. Leeds Bradford landed mid-table at 132nd, while Manchester and Birmingham languished near the bottom at 220th and 214th respectively – largely due to complaints about delays and subpar customer service.
The latest findings reveal a concerning trend for some of the UK’s major airports, yet also shine a light on the dependability of smaller hubs like Liverpool as holidaymakers prepare for their summer getaways.
Globally, Cape Town International Airport in South Africa has clinched the top spot in this year’s airport rankings, with Doha Hamad and Riyadh King Khaled not far behind.
Conversely, Tunis Carthage Airport in Tunisia finds itself at the bottom of the list, deemed the worst globally.
AirHelp CEO Tomasz Pawliszyn commented on the significance of these rankings for passengers. “As millions of people get ready to fly off on holiday, our data shows exactly where you’re most likely to have a smooth trip – and where you might want to pack a bit more patience,” he remarked.
He praised the performance of Liverpool and London City airports but noted that there is room for improvement at other large UK airports.
Pawliszyn also offered advice to those travelling during the summer season: “For anyone flying this summer, it’s worth knowing your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled. Being prepared can make all the difference to your trip.”
Channel 4 has added a gripping three-part drama to its roster of shows, which first aired on the BBC in 2018 and was created by the creator of Happy Valley
Channel 4 has added a gripping three-part drama to its roster of shows(Image: BBC/Red Productions Limited/Steffan Hill)
Happy Valley fans have been urged to watch ‘brilliant’ three-part drama that has recently been added to Channel 4’s line-up of Programmes.
Channel 4 has recently added a captivating three-part drama to its line-up of programmes. The series, titled Come Home, is the brainchild of Danny Brocklehurst, known for his work on Fool Me Once and Brassic.
Described as a “touching and intriguing” drama, it explores the aftermath when a mother abruptly leaves her family. Originally broadcasted on the BBC in 2018, the series is produced by the creators of Happy Valley.
Set and filmed in Northern Ireland, the plot revolves around Greg, a father of three, who is left stunned when his wife of 19 years decides to abandon her family.
The official synopsis reads: “Greg and Marie have been married for nineteen years, when, seemingly out of the blue, Marie walks out on him and her three children – the last taboo of parenting.
The series first aired in 2018 on BBC and has now been added to Channel 4(Image: BBC)
“This touching and intriguing drama will take audiences on a roller-coaster of ever-changing emotions and allegiances. Multiple time-frames, viewpoints and flashbacks tell Greg and Marie’s story and force viewers to confront their own truths. How can two people that loved each other become so opposed?
“Can a child learn to forgive their mother for leaving them? And why would Marie make such a shocking and significant decision to change their lives and divide their loyalties forever?”
In an interview with the BBC, creator Danny gave viewers a taste of what they could expect from the show, stating: “The first episode is told from the perspective of Greg (Christopher Eccleston) and the kids, nine months after Marie (Paula Malcomson) has walked out. They are trying to find a way to cope, but a new woman in Greg’s life brings problems rising to the surface.”
“The second instalment of the series spotlights Marie, while the third episode delves into themes of fierce protection and divided loyalties,” he added.
Christopher Eccleston leads the cast(Image: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO)
Christopher Eccleston, known for his roles in Doctor Who and True Detective, stars as Greg, with Paula Malcomson of Ray Donovan and Mayor of Kingstown fame portraying Marie.
The couple’s three offspring are portrayed by Anthony Boyle, seen in Shardlake and Say Nothing, as Liam; Lola Petticrew, known from Say Nothing and Bloodlands, as Laura; and Darcey McNeeley of Derry Girls as Molly.
The show has been met with acclaim upon its debut, with viewers describing it as “brilliant” and “gripping”. Social media users have praised the series, with one stating: “#ComeHome was brilliant.
“Christopher Eccleston is an amazing actor; whole cast were brilliant. Intriguing stuff,” and another commenting: “What brilliant short series, great acting & storyline.”
