castle

“I’M still the same person as the 15-year-old me,” decides Blur guitarist Graham Coxon.

“Still a romantic idiot, still reasonably innocent — and I think that’s a healthy way to be,” he continues.

“I don’t want to be a cynical old bastard, so I’m lucky I still have a magical outlook on life.”

I’m talking to Coxon, 57, about his “lost” solo album, Castle Park, which is finally set to come blinking into the sunlight.

The product of sessions which took place in the winter of 2011, it is named after his teenage stomping ground in the centre of Colchester — an affirmation of that younger “same person” self.

In a wider sense, it serves as a nod to his Essex hometown — a city since 2022 — where he attended Stanway School, met Damon Albarn and where, in 1988, they formed Blur with Dave Rowntree and Alex James.

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It was there, too, that his band leader and clarinet-playing dad introduced him to music, namely, “the Bs — Beethoven and The Beatles”.

The album cover resembles a classic picture postcard, divided into quarters and depicting scenes from the park with its vast Norman castle and an ornate Victorian bandstand.

Coxon says: “There were a few occasions when me and a group of friends would stay in the park rather too long, get locked in and have to climb over the fence.

“I remember being slightly inebriated and dancing around the bandstand — and then, of course, there was the statue.”

He’s referring to the imposing bronze Angel Of Victory which stands atop the Colchester War Memorial at the southern entrance to Castle Park.

“I had some dangerous moments when I climbed up and gave that statue a kiss,” he admits. “I used to do it regularly — she was very beautiful.”

If that fearless act of youthful exuberance was an example of Coxon’s romantic nature, it’s clear that he carried it forward to the album that was shelved until now.

“It comes through,” he agrees, “even though there are songs about getting dumped.

“There’s a lot of processing my own romanticism on that album, but not in a heavy way.

“It’s reasonably light-hearted for the first half at least, even if it takes a tumble down to the most depressing song I’ve ever written [album closer All The Rage]. But that’s life, isn’t it?”

Looking back at ten tracks of “romance, break-ups, heartache and alienation”, he says: “When I was writing them, I was in a very problematic situation emotionally. Somehow, songs have a way of describing your situation more succinctly than whatever is going through your mind.”

In 2026, I’m happy to report that Coxon is in a much better place. It’s 10am when I’m connected via video call to the home he shares with partner and bandmate in The Waeve, Rose Elinor Dougall, and their daughter.

“You’ve got me before my brains kick in,” he warns me, but he soon warms to the task of talking about his music outside of Blur.

Aside from the imminent release of Castle Park, this year sees reissues of Coxon’s back catalogue, beginning with his debut album The Sky Is Too High (1998) and its follow-up, The Golden D (2000).

He’s also working on the third Waeve album with Rose, which he describes as “a lot less hard-edged” than 2024’s City Lights.

“It’s more floaty and summery,” he reveals, before reaffirming his romantic credentials.

“Lyrically, there’s a lot more affection. Rose and I go through life together and, sometimes, saying things in lyrics is the nicest way to show affection away from our normal hectic lives.”

But it is his “lost” Castle Park, with lyricism and songcraft as assured as anything in his solo repertoire, that we are focusing on. So, how come the album joined a legendary list that includes The Who’s Lifehouse and The Beach Boys’ Smile by lying dormant for years?

Coxon casts his mind back to 2011 when he headed to The Pool studios in Bermondsey with Ben Hillier, co-producer of Blur’s 2003 album Think Tank (made without Graham except for one track) and engineer on The Golden D.

He says: “It was really odd because I recorded 20 songs and ten of them became A&E [released in 2012], which was based around improvised bass lines.

“The other ten were weirdly different — more trad indie, jingle-jangly, with a bit of Sixties influence.”

Those songs, you may have guessed, were earmarked for Castle Park.

Speaking of parks, Coxon had form thanks to Parklife, Blur’s immortal hit with lyrics by Damon Albarn and music by the whole band, not to mention a vocal masterclass from Phil Daniels.

Despite a widely held belief, the song wasn’t inspired by Castle Park but, as Albarn once explained, by London’s Hyde Park where he used “to watch people and pigeons”.

It seems as if the Britpop icons’ 2012 reunion, which included a momentous Hyde Park show to mark the end of the Olympics, is the chief reason why Coxon’s next album didn’t appear.

That rapturously received performance led to Blur’s run of festival shows in 2013 and a new album in 2015, The Magic Whip.

Then Coxon moved on to mastermind soundtracks for Channel Four comedy drama The End Of The F***ing World as well as embarking on a sci-fi music/graphic novel project in 2021 called Superstate.

He founded The Waeve with partner Rose and, of course, reunited with Blur for their 2023 album The Ballad Of Darren and a tour including two barnstorming nights at Wembley Stadium.

In other words, while Castle Park gathered dust, Coxon kept himself busy.

He says: “I’m really not sure what happened. Maybe it was lack of confidence. Maybe I thought these songs weren’t fashionable and who would give a s**t?”

Over the years, however, his theory didn’t stand up as fans would repeatedly ask him to release Castle Park. “They even knew the name of the album.”

The clamour heightened when Coxon broke out some of the songs during live shows.

These include opening track Billy Says, a spiky three-minute slice of mod-pop, which finds him channelling his heroes, The Kinks and The Jam.

He says: “Ray Davies is the best songwriter we ever had, followed closely by Paul McCartney, and The Jam was a huge band for me. I thought that being a Jam fan elevated me as a person.”

Other tracks to receive a live airing were Alright, with its pithy putdowns of a love rival, a playful duet with Lucy Parnell called There’s A Little House, and gorgeous acoustic guitar-led Easy.

Of all the Castle Park songs, there’s one which Coxon is most proud of, the poised, richly atmospheric Isn’t It Funny.

“It came to me in the dream,” he says. “I had the chords and half of the chorus, I heard some words — and then I woke up. I thought, ‘My gosh, I need to make a quick note of this.’”

Isn’t It Funny contains the lines: “The sun made black her hair and the river her eyes. She needs no man, no sea, nor heather. She’ll change your mind and slip away.”

By way of explanation, Coxon says: “I realise that there’s always been this elusive feminine spirit or a goddess of nature in my work.

“I don’t write songs about this entity for my own excitement. They just come out.”

Then there’s the sublime Mélodie Pour Christine, a lyric-free classical piece for harp and strings with Lucy Parnell’s vocals serving as another instrument.

“That piece was important to me,” he says. “I devoted it to a French friend of mine — a wonderful person who I loved very much and is no longer with us.”

Another song that hits the mark is bleak All The Rage, which, he says, “communicates one’s despondency around the creative life — and that has got even worse 15 years later!”

If most of Castle Park is filled with distinctly English sensibilities, American influences arrive with a cover of When You Find Out by short-lived Seventies punk-pop trio The Nerves.

“It’s a great song, even Blondie would go, ‘Hey, this is a good one’. I just made it slightly less than perfect,” laughs Coxon.

Then there’s “an attempt at soul” with Forget Today which finds him employing his considerable saxophone skills and Ben Hillier providing Hammond organ. (Worth noting that Coxon played sax on Parklife.)

Dripping Soul ventures into territory occupied by Ennio Morricone’s spaghetti western soundtracks, “so it’s not exclusively weird south-east of England s**t”.

“I love westerns, particularly Sergio Leone films. A Fistful Of Dollars and all that,” says Coxon.

In the song, he is peering “beyond the veil” at the “souls of those cowboys who came from a place where life is cheap and death is taken for granted”.

With its galloping guitars, Coxon realised he couldn’t turn Dripping Soul into “a hanging out in Camden sort of thing”.

But he does believe that the house he shares with Rose in London is populated by the souls of dead people.

“I don’t even believe in ghosts, but I’ve seen them,” he reports. “So that’s a bit of a quandary.”

Coxon says he still likes to talk to dear departed loved ones: His mum, Christine, drummer Graham Fox, the Irish journalist who first wrote about Blur, Leo Finlay, and the head of Food Records, Andy Ross.

“I don’t really see them as gone,” he says. “I can still talk to them — they may have disappeared but they’re still fully alive in my mind.”

With that said, we return to 1998 when all those people were still with us — to the making of Coxon’s debut solo album The Sky Is Too High.

It was an unvarnished, largely acoustic affair featuring his own artwork and, as he explains: “It was recorded through really good gear but approach was quite raw.”

Sandwiched between Blur’s self-titled fifth album and its follow-up, 13, “It was done in a bit of a hurry — I wasn’t f***ing about.”

The project had begun when a neighbour asked Coxon to write a couple of songs for a film about Victorian bare-knuckle fighter Tom Sayers — setting wheels in motion that are still spinning.

He says: “That request turned into an addiction to writing songs and releasing them.”

So, how did his solo endeavours affect his relationship with his Blur bandmates. “They didn’t talk about it,” replies Coxon, “Though I did once catch Damon singing R U Lonely? He said, ‘That’s quite a catchy little tune’.

“Attempting to develop as a songwriter when Damon Albarn is your best mate is hard work. I mean, he’d already written some bloody good songs by then.”

Released in 2000, Coxon’s second effort, The Golden D, is very different — heavier, more abrasive and driven by searing electric guitars.

The mood changes with the funky Oochy Woochy, which tapped into Coxon’s fascination with Nineties’ fusion of hip-hop and jazz — a style developed by American rapper Guru called Jazzmatazz.

He says: “I’ve always liked that skinny beat stuff with James Brown loops or similar. Stuff like Public Enemy and 3rd Bass. Oochy Woochy is not a mickey take but a go at that.”

With physical releases of Coxon’s other albums still to come this year, there’s plenty more scope to revisit his solo journey.

Then, in November, he’s hitting the road for a UK tour, bringing the songs back to life still further.

Looking back on his output, Coxon says: “I think it has had a lot to do with my development as a person.

“You know, that anxiety-ridden creative weirdo who puts all this stuff out there.

“I guess that’s why I like Castle Park coming out — because now there are no secrets. You’ve got it all.”

GRAHAM COXON

Castle Park

4.5 STARS

• Also released: The Sky Is Too High and The Golden D

THE world’s BIGGEST bouncy castle is coming to the UK – and it won’t just be for kids.

‘Mega Bounce’ is set to open at Braintree Village in Essex next month, and will run until the end of the summer holidays.

The massive attraction spans 2,500 square metres – the size of two football pitches – and is more than eight metres tall.

Inside will be giant slides, obstacle courses, sports challenges and, of course, dedicated bouncing arenas.

And outside of it will be other entertainment zones with food vendors, games such as giant Jenga and Connect 4, and music.

Visitors will also find giant Jenga, Connect 4, ping-pong, food stalls and drink vendors throughout the event arena.

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There will be day-time quieter sessions designed for guests who prefer a more relaxed environment, before moving into all-ages sessions featuring music, lighting effects and entertainment throughout the day.

And it’s not just aimed at children – during the six-week run, a number of adult-only sessions will launch.

Once family sessions finish each evening, there will be adults-only events featuring DJs, karaoke, a fully stocked bar and even foam parties..

Josef O’Sullivan, centre director at Braintree Village, said: “After the success of The Monster at Braintree Village last summer, we wanted to come back with something even bigger and better this year.

“Mega Bounce making its UK debut here at Braintree Village is incredibly exciting, and we expect to see visitors from far and wide.”

The bouncy castle was previously in Dubai.

Mr O’Sullivan added: “We’re certain that this is going to be one of the best attractions available in the country over the summer holidays.”

Visitors booking a bounce session will get unlimited access to the attraction during a 60-minute slot.

General admission tickets are priced at £18, with discounts available for larger groups and members of Braintree Village’s PLUS+ rewards scheme.

The attraction opens daily from 10am until 9pm.

Just over the Litani river line, the IDF has confirmed it has captured one of the key strategic prizes in the area – Beaufort Castle. It was built as a fortress commanding views from high on the cliffs above the Litani river by the Crusaders some 900 years ago, and has been fought over many times since.

Brimming with independent businesses and cosy tearooms down its iconic high street, this charming Cotswold town rivals the likes of nearby villages, Castle Combe and Bibury

A beautiful Cotswold town with a timeless and storybook feel easily outshines some of its neighbouring villages, at least in my books.

The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), characterised by its honey-stone cottages, rolling hills, cobbled streets and its abundance of picturesque villages and towns. Castle Combe and Bibury have often been deemed the most beautiful settlements found in the Cotswolds, while Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are strong favourites among tourists.

While they all offer that quintessential English charm and picture-perfect settings that feel as though you’ve stepped into a storybook, I found that Burford is, if anything, even more beautiful. While the medieval market town in Oxfordshire is well known and still attracts hundreds of visitors, its scenic setting, famous high street and status as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’ make it stand out from the rest.

During a weekend trip to parts of the Cotswolds, I was delighted by what I discovered in Burford, conveniently positioned just 40 minutes from Oxford and 30 minutes from Cheltenham. Renowned for its sweeping, steep high street, it immediately caught my attention and was a haven to spend a Saturday afternoon exploring.

Burford has one of the most picturesque roads I’ve encountered. The Hill is lined with beautiful honey-coloured Cotswold stone cottages with arched doorways and medieval windows, decorated in purple wisteria and perfectly trimmed hedges. A walk from The Hill and down through the High Street towards the winding River Windrush was enough to transport me into a fairy tale scene.

The High Street is filled with treats in the from of independent businesses and traditional tearooms. Even on a chilly May day, locals were sat outside under a blanket with a slice of the day’s bake. I spent time browsing its array of independent shops and was delighted to find such a selection.

There was an abundance of stores, from homeware and gifts at Ma Maison Belle, in addition to No 31 Burford and Three French Hens, which was filled to the brim with coasters, signs, and everything you’d need for your adobe. I even stumbled across The Oxford Brush Company store, dedicated to selling every type of brush you could ever imagine. There’s also a traditional sweet shop with a charming green facade that felt as though I had stepped back in time, evoking pure nostalgia.

Elsewhere in the Tudor-style half-timbered buildings on the iconic High Street were Antiques at The George and a quaint, traditional red post office that still displayed postcards and decorated flags around its doorframe.

One of the highlights on the High Street has to be The Madhatter Bookshop.

With a noticeable nod to Alice in Wonderland, the bookshop is packed with novels, suitable for all ages, and a doorframe lined with books that leads into a reader’s oasis. Nestled at the back of the store is a vibrant area adorned with shelves brimming with your next read, quirky lights, picture frames, and a snug seating area, where visitors are actively encouraged to take their time.

After time spent browsing its shops, I stumbled across the Davenford tea room for a coffee and cake stop, and it was a delight. Opting for the Hummingbird carrot cake and lavender, orange and Earl Grey cake – it was a match made in heaven!

The town’s coffee and cake offerings are certainly a favourite in the area, with ample charming tea rooms to choose from. Other notable highlights include Huffkins and The Priory, while there’s also the Bakery on the Hill, Burford Pantry and the butchers, W J Castle Burford, where you can pick up a warm sausage roll or a pork bap to go – I went for the latter!

There are also traditional pubs tucked down the side streets of Burford, including the Angel and the Royal Oak, while others, including the Mermaid, take centre stage on the famed high street. Their local supermarket, Your Coop Food, can also be found along the main road, and in a nod to the town’s quintessential charm, it is where you can purchase a wicker basket, I mean, it’s the Cotswolds after all.

For those eager to explore this timeless town, there’s parking down the main high street, but on weekends it can be hard to secure a space, as I found out. Luckily, there’s a free car park just around the corner with plenty of space, though be warned that the access road is rather narrow and can be busy during peak times.

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

OFF the coast of Northumberland is a remote, tidal island that you’ll have to time right to visit – as it is cut off from the mainland twice a day.

Called Lindisfarne, or by its other name, Holy Island, it might be familiar to fans of horror movies.

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The island off the coast of Northumberland was used to film post-apocalyptic film, 28 Years Later, which came out just last year.

The 2025 movie was about a group of survivors of the rage virus living on a small island starring actors like Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes.

Filming spots included the tidal causeway and Lindisfarne Castle which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

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The National Trust took over the property in 1944 and it has been open to the public ever since.

Inside the castle, visitors can explore the different rooms, including a dining room, a kitchen, and bedrooms, as well as the upper battery, which has panoramic sea views.

In addition to exploring the interior of the castle, there are plenty of other things to see.

Entry to the castle is £14.30 for adults and £7.20 for children (between 5-17).

The island is also referred to as Holy Island, and it got its nickname after becoming the centre of Anglo-Saxon Christianity in the 7th century.

It was home to saints and it’s considered a very religious place.

But for those who want to move away from its history, there’s plenty to do on the island, like visit its coffee roastery, Pilgrims Coffee.

The business first set up in a yurt, but now even has a cosy cafe on the island too serving up caffeine hits and homemade cakes.

The family that runs Pilgrims Coffee moved from the mainland to Holy Island in 2022.

Another spot to visit is St Aidan’s Winery, where Lindisfarne Mead is made, and visitors to the island can pop in for tastings and browse the shop that sells its wine and beer.

The island has around 160 permanent residents, but it does have places for visitors to stay from hotels to holiday lets.

One of the top spots on Tripadvisor for Holy Island is Belvue Guesthouse which sleeps two guests.

One guest on Tripadvisor wrote: “We had such a lovely stay in Belvue, I think it was one of the best guesthouses we have ever been to!”

There are also cosy B&Bs as well as rooms in the local Ship Inn Pub.

The pub dates back to the 18th century with a dedicated dining room and a beer garden to the back.

It has also made an appearance on TV and was featured as the fictional ‘Seahorse Pub’ in ITV’s Vera.

Visitors can walk the historic Pilgrim’s Way or visit the Gertrude Jekyll Garden.

For seal spotting, head to the harbour or the sand flats around Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve where there are thousands of grey seals especially between February and October.

To get to Lindisfarne, you have to cross the causeway from the mainland which is only accessible at low tide from the town of Beal.

While the tides can be predicted, holidaymakers will need to check the crossings on the day on the Northumberland County Council website.

A picturesque walking route in the UK with award-winning gardens and views of a breathtaking castle has been praised as being just like a ‘fairytale’

A “real-life fairytale” destination in the South of England could be just what you need. We all crave an escape from the chaos of city living every now and then, and if you’re on the hunt for somewhere in the South of England to visit that is tranquil and peaceful, then a stroll through these breathtaking castle grounds could be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Getting out into nature can work wonders for both our physical and mental health, and the UK is brimming with stunning locations perfect for a leisurely walk. One particularly enchanting route, complete with magnificent gardens and awe-inspiring castle views, has recently been making waves on social media – and it’s located in the heart of West Sussex.

A Sussex-based couple, Cat and Nathan, shared the walk on their TikTok account, describing it as “a real-life fairytale” that they had no idea had been “on their doorstep” for years.

The destination in question is Arundel Castle, a beautifully restored and remodelled medieval fortress nestled in Arundel, West Sussex. It features spectacular gardens that visitors can explore at their own pace, and you can also venture inside the castle itself – or simply admire its magnificent exterior from the grounds.

Arundel Castle currently holds the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award, having claimed the title back in November last year. Spanning an impressive 38 acres, the grounds are divided into a number of distinct areas, including a tropical garden, a rose garden, a wildflower garden, and a kitchen garden bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables.

It’s not solely about the blooms, however, as there are numerous striking landscape features, amongst them the Earl’s Garden, complete with Italianate terraces, pergolas, and the recently refurbished Antler’s Temple.

In the caption accompanying their video, Cat and Nathan wrote: “Can’t believe this has been on our doorstep for years. Honestly, this was the most beautiful day, seeing the castle up close and walking around the grounds, just wow. I’d definitely recommend bringing a picnic on a nice summer’s day, too!”

Viewers of the couple’s footage were left speechless by the breathtaking scenery captured in the clip, with many enquiring about how to visit. Those already familiar with the castle even jokingly urged the pair to take the video down, insisting they’d rather keep their tranquil retreat to themselves.

One viewer commented: “I went last week, and I try to go every year for the tulip festival. It’s just so beautifully stunning.”

Another added: “Absolutely amazing, just peace all the way through.”

A third posted: “Wow it looks so beautiful and peaceful! I have to add it to my list of places to visit.”

Getting to Arundel Castle will depend on where you live, but if you’re coming from London, it couldn’t be easier – and it only takes a little over an hour. Head to Victoria Station and board the Southern service towards Bognor Regis, getting off at Arundel. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a leisurely 15-minute stroll from the station to the castle gates.

Admission to Arundel Castle comes at a cost, with pricing varying depending on what you’d like to experience. A combined ticket covering both the castle and its grounds will set you back £29 for adults and £13 for children. If you’d rather skip the castle itself, garden-only tickets are available at £17 for adults and £8 per child.

The castle gardens welcome visitors between 10am and 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Do note that the gardens are shut on Mondays, with the exception of bank holidays and throughout August, when they remain open seven days a week.

Several Disneyland Paris visitors have gone online this week to share photos of the ‘eyesore’ white construction board that’s been put in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle while refurbishment work happens

The iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle is one of the main attractions at Disneyland Paris, with many visitors excited to get their first glimpse of it when they go there. However, many have been left “gutted” as the main bridge and central archway entrance are currently closed for a major refurbishment scheduled to last until late September 2026.

Several Disneyland Paris visitors took to Facebook groups this week to share photos of the ‘eyesore’ white board that was put in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. They said they were left ‘devastated’ that this would be their family’s first experience at Disney and that it would now be ‘ruined’.

One person shares a wrote on Wednesday (May 6): “Not being funny but they could have at least got a feature wall maybe to represent the bridge. This is not a little refurbishment, Disney planned this and definitely have the money to make it more attractive whilst the park is still open to visitors paying a lot of money.”

Another agreed: “I’d be so devastated if this was my first and only time being able to go to Disney. Everyone wants pics in front of the castle. It’s a lot of money to be paying and for many a once in a lifetime holiday and yes while you’re not paying just to get a photo at the castle that is a big part of the experience for many.

“Gutted we can’t get our annual photo in front of it this year but lucky enough to have gotten three photos in front of it so far.”

A third chimed in: “Actually gutted. We’ve booked for June. Why is this being done in the summer months when logically it will be busier period. Surely it makes more sense to do in the winter.”

Despite the complaints, many Disney fans argued you could still get nice pictures of the castle behind the boards.

One person wrote: “We got a picture this morning behind the boards, and a nice empty bridge too.”

While another added: “You can still get lovely pictures, if not better from the side.”

Another person also showed people what the castle looked like at night during the fireworks. They wrote: “We have just got back from being in the reserved viewing area for the fireworks this evening. I know a lot of people wanted to see what the view is like.

“To be honest we didn’t even look at the boards. They’ve moved the area backwards so you’re looking up and none of the projection is limited. Honestly we still had the best time.”

It seems Disney could have listened to the complaints, as an online post from today (May 7) shows the white board decorated to blend in with the castle. However, some people are doubting if it’s real until more posts emerge.

The post was captioned: “They have officially decorated the white wall, and it definitely looks prettier.”

One person replied: “Is this real? If so it looks a million times better and has made me feel so much happier about our trip in a couple of weeks. I know everyone is going on about photos but I don’t care about getting the perfect shot-it’s about the impact for my two girls walking up to the castle for the first time in their lives and getting that first impression and ‘wow’ factor.”

Another asked: “Is this real or AI?”

Disneyland Paris has been contacted for comment.

The cliff face bridge leads to an 800-year-old castle, but some visitors have refused to cross due to the ‘pretty scary’ height.

The UK boasts countless historic marvels, yet getting to one of its most stunning and ancient castles can prove remarkably challenging, with some tourists abandoning their visit the moment they catch sight of the crossing. Tintagel Castle Bridge is a fairly recent addition, constructed in 2019 to provide easier access to the 800-year-old castle sharing its name, which sits dramatically atop a rugged coastal island.

It’s frequently cited as one of Britain’s most nerve-wracking bridges, being lengthy, slender and suspended roughly 200 feet above the cliffs, meaning anyone making the crossing can see the ocean waves pounding against the rocks far beneath. The Cornish coastline is notoriously blustery too, so while the bridge is entirely secure, traversing it during powerful winds can leave visitors feeling rather unsettled.

The bridge also features a small gap at its centre, deliberately designed by architects to symbolise the journey from mainland to island, though peering down at the sheer drop below is enough to make anyone’s legs turn to jelly.

Tintagel Castle is deeply entwined with Arthurian legend, widely believed to be King Arthur’s birthplace, which makes it an exceptionally popular visitor attraction. The castle is additionally connected to the tale of Tristan and Iseult, a heartbreaking medieval love story involving a Cornish knight who falls for an Irish princess.

It’s a spectacular location that has been inhabited since the mid-5th century, though the castle structure itself was erected in the early 1200s by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, King Henry III’s brother.

Yet it remains an extraordinarily isolated location, and accessing it before the bridge’s construction proved challenging, requiring visitors to descend hundreds of twisting steps down a cliff face into a valley before climbing back up onto the island.

Throughout the Middle Ages, a natural land bridge linked the two sections, though it vanished sometime between the 14th and 17th centuries.

The new Tintagel Castle Bridge emerged from an architectural competition and was constructed by William Matthews Associates, who designed it to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Building Tintagel Castle Bridge cost more than £4million, but it marked the first time in five centuries that the two stretches of land were reconnected.

On Tripadvisor, numerous visitors have given Tintagel Castle Bridge glowing reviews for its stunning views, though many have cautioned that it can feel quite daunting when you first attempt to cross it.

One visitor wrote: “It’s not for the faint-hearted. Looking at it from a distance, when you can see the drop, it looks long and narrow and pretty scary. However, it feels surprisingly safe when you walk across it.”

Another reviewer said: “It’s a beautiful spot, but if you are scared of heights, then don’t bother. You need to walk alongside a drop into the sea to get to a bridge to get over to the castle itself, and then once there, you are faced with narrow paths, one person width only, with drops to the side. “

Another visitor remarked: “Upon seeing the bridge I realised my fear of heights would prevent me from walking over it, it looked amazing but it is also very exposed with iron bars at each side to give you a fantastic view of the sea and cliffs around/beneath you and a small gap in the middle of the bridge where both sections meet.”

THE sun tickles my face as I gaze across the North Sea on a bright April day. 

And I can safely say that this amazing spot on Sweden’s west coast radiates a stillness that could relax even the busiest soul. 

Varberg, a 40-minute train ride from Gothenburg, is emerging as a proper wellness spot. 

One where holidaymakers come to escape life’s rigours and experience authentic Sweden, without the modern-day malls and restaurant chains that have taken over many major cities across Europe. 

Here, old-fashioned practices and a fuss-free way of life are still very much the norm — and I couldn’t wait to try them out. 

Throwing myself straight into the action, I head to the town’s Kallbadhuset — which translates as “cold bathhouse” — perched on the sea and reminiscent of a Disney castle.  

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Plunging into the water, I brace myself for the rush of cold — and the brief dip certainly wakes me up.  

Luckily, I can follow it up with a visit to the spectacular sauna, warming my limbs while I soak up the stunning view of the town’s pier. 

Of course, cold plunges are not the only perk of being by the sea.  

Varberg and its surrounding towns in Halland County are a haven for seafood lovers. One of the best places to sample it is Spiseriet.

Translated, it means “the place to eat” — and it certainly does its name justice.

Having worked at a string of Michelin-star restaurants throughout Gothenburg, charismatic host Peter Hallden and chef Martin Anneflod decided to open their own place in the picturesque Johnssons Gard. 

Diners sit in a renovated former stable and choose from a ridiculously fresh menu of classic Swedish grub.  

My Norwegian langoustines, Peter informs me, were in the sea four hours earlier, having been collected from nearby fishing village Traslovslage.

Make sure to try the falafel, too, made from local fava beans and pesto rustled up from local nettles. It is Michelin-star quality, but with a home-cooking feel to it and without the extortionate price tag. 

If you do want to push the boat out, however, then Restaurant Ang by the Astad Vineyard is a great spot to sample Michelin-star dining.  

At just over £100pp, its eight-course tasting breakfast is less eye-watering in price than its dinner and will keep you full for hours.  

Star dishes include waffle with a side of caviar, thick hash brown with fava beans and a breakfast cheesecake. 

Attention to detail is the name of the game here and doses of morning caffeine are served with a difference. Kenyan coffee beans are soaked in local lingonberries for 18 hours before being served as what looks like juice, but tastes like a refreshingly fruity iced coffee. 

After gorging on several hearty courses, I’m properly fuelled for my hiking trip in Steninge, 45 minutes south of Varberg. This area is filled with glorious trails, although Steninge, home to the Steningedalens nature reserve, has some of the best. 

An excellent path winds along the Hallandsleden coast, enabling ramblers to take in sensational views of the sea. Or if you prefer to cycle, stretching parallel to the coastal path is bike trail Kattegattleden.  

The 240-mile route begins in Helsingborg and weaves past idyllic farm shops, guesthouses and fishing villages as well as sandy beaches. 

Along the way is Steninge Kuststation, where I stop for vegetarian Swedish meatballs, mash and local lingonberries. If you think Ikea’s meatballs are good then these will knock your socks off. 

Co-owned by Frida Fernbrant and Martina Gustafsson, the guesthouse is a perfect overnight stop for cyclists — with tastefully decorated old-fashioned rooms, sea views, homely food and an outdoor stage for live music. 

Back at my base, the Varbergs Kusthotell resort helps me properly unwind and rest my weary legs.  

The modern facility sits just 52 steps from the sea, with spa facilities open late so that guests can enjoy an after-dinner swim. 

Three outdoor pools arc around the main spa building, which houses an indoor swimming facility in addition to two luxurious hot tubs. 

As I watch steam from the heated pool rise into the still night air, I can’t help but feel totally at ease. 

Wellness breaks don’t get much better than this.

THE Scottish capital is the perfect spot for a weekend break – and we’ve found an affordable but central hotel.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Novotel Edinburgh.

Where is the Novotel Edinburgh hotel ?

A beautifully-appointed city hotel, the Novotel Edinburgh Centre is extremely well-located, about a ten-minute stroll from the mighty castle and around 20-minutes from Waverley station (although it’s a very hilly walk).

What is the hotel like?

The property is made to feel like a home from home, with plenty of little nooks in the foyer to tuck yourself away in.

Hotel staff are attentive and everything is easy to find.

What are the rooms like?

Guests are well looked after here.

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We were greeted by refreshing fruit kebabs in our room, as well as cold water in the mini fridge, and a tea/coffee station.

There was ample room around our twin beds which meant we weren’t tripping over our luggage.

A shower in a separate room from the toilet made getting ready in the morning easy.

Classic family rooms cost from £168, sleeping up to two adults and two children.

Pets are allowed at an additional charge of £10 per day. See all.accor.com.

What is there to eat and drink?

The on site restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.

The buffet breakfast will keep any adventurer well fuelled with everything from a full Scottish fry up, continental options and a waffle station to cereal, fresh fruit and pastries — there are options for those who are lactose intolerance, too.

There’s ample choice for dinner, too.

I chose a light meal option, the Superfood Salad Bowl (£16) which was packed with paprika roasted chickpea, quinoa, asparagus, beetroot, avocado and feta while my pal opted for a heartier meal of grilled lamb chops (£25).

What else is there to do at the hotel?

Guests have use of a pool, sauna, steam room and gym on site.

Whisky fans will have their pick of tours.

Although choose carefully; a well-established distillery is a better investment if you are fussy about your tipples, although these tend to be a little more costly.

But if you only want to learn briefly about the distilling process and get a few drinks in you, the cheaper options should have you covered.

Otherwise the city’s stunning architecture, modern shops and restaurants are all within easy walking distance

If is family friendly?

Kids aged under 15 stay for free at the hotel, and get free breakfast with every paying adult.

Is it accessible?

The hotel has nine accessible rooms and there is a ramp to the entrance of the hotel, along with handicap parking.

A Lebanese man who returned to his village in southern Lebanon after the temporary ceasefire was announced removes the Israeli flag from Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif). The castle which dates back to the 12th century is in the Nabatiyeh Governorate.

THERE’S a town in the UK which is not only beautiful, but is said to have some of the longest living locals in the country.

Lewes, in East Sussex town is known for being a big foodie destination.

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The Telegraph declared Lewes to be the country’s ‘prettiest town‘, and it’s also one of the top 10 places in the UK where Brits ‘live the longest’.

According to the publication, the average life expectancy in Lewes is 85.1 years for women, and 80.9 for men.

This is compared to the UK average which is 83 years for women and 79.1 years for men. (The lowest in the UK is in Blackpool with 78.9 years for women and 73.1 for men).

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Lewes was described as a ‘hip and historic’ market town with access to the South Downs National Park.

The main feature of the town, however, is its medieval castle which sits on a hilltop looking over it.

Visitors can climb up the steep staircase, and if they do so are rewarded with the best views of Lewes and the hills of the South Downs.

Entry tickets into the castle cost £12 per person.

Heading back into the town centre there are top bakeries, breweries and pubs to explore.

The Flint Owl Bakery was recognised in the top 50 UK bakeries by the Good Food Guide 2025.

It’s well-known for its Lewes-baked organic breads and pastries that are freshly baked each morning.

Lewes has its own local brewery called Harvey’s – which should be a spot that every visitor pops into, especially as it runs its own tours around the factory.

If you don’t fancy a tour, Harvey’s Brewery Shop is in the town too so you can pick up a few bottles of beer and ale to enjoy at home.

Something very unique about it is that its drinks are still delivered to the local pubs by dray horses.

For more British charm, here are some of our favourite seaside towns…

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Sidmouth, Devon
Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.

BOOK A STAY

Whitby, North Yorkshire
With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.

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Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

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Seahouses, Northumberland
This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.

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The Swan Inn on the high street is a popular spot to head into for a pint.

It has a unique pub garden too as it sits on the Greenwich Meridian – an invisible border which divides the world into east and west.

Another pretty spot just outside of the town is Glyndebourne, which is an opera house where Pavarotti once performed.

It sits amongst 12-acres of gardens with flowers, ponds and delicately trimmed hedges.

Every summer, it holds a festival where world-class opera singers perform – during the interval, guests can enjoy a fine dining dinner, or have a picnic on the grounds.

For more pretty gardens, head to Southover Grange Gardens, a former private garden built in 1952, which one visitor describes as a ‘gorgeous floral garden’.

The town is known for its annual bonfire celebration – which is the largest of its kind in the world.

It’s organised by six different societies, they each have a festival on the day with a torch-lit procession and of course huge firework displays all over the town.

For those who can’t get enough of being by the seaside, you can reach Brighton in under half-an-hour by car.

Or if you head to Brighton by train, it takes just 17-minutes from Lewes station.

Check out the other destinations in the UK where people live the longest…

Here is where people live the longest in the UK, according to The Telegraph…

Wokingham

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.6 years. Men 82.8 years

Kensington and Chelsea, London

Average life expectancy; Women – 87.1 years. Men 83.9 years

Windsor

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.1 years. Men 81.3 years

Richmond

Average life expectancy; Women – 86.3 years. Men 82.5 years

Totnes

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.9 years. Men 82 years

Bearsden

Average life expectancy; Women – 83.9 years. Men 80.3 years

Monmouth

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.2 years. Men 80.7 years

Fleet

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.5 years. Men 83.5 years

Lewes

Average life expectancy; Women – 85.1 years. Men 80.9 years

Stroud

Average life expectancy; Women – 84.4 years. Men 80.8 years

For more on the UK, staycations are set for a record high in 2026 – here are our top holiday wish list spots from trendy beach resorts to historic cities.

And here is one Travel Reporter’s favourite English village which is under an hour from London and a perfect day out.