charming

A pretty UK seaside town is a popular destination for many – including French travellers and it’s easy to see why so many people flock to the coastal area during the summer

The UK has many charming towns – including this one, once thought to be a ‘prestigious’ holiday destination for French tourists. Folkestone in Kent is a town full of buzz and atmosphere, located in the south-east of England on the coast. Bustling with creative outlets, vast range of food, local beers and wines there is so much on offer for visitors.

With beautiful beaches and independent shops it’s a great destination for a long weekend away. Folkestone has also had some famous historic residents who once called it home, including Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie – which can all be found at the Folkestone museum.

READ MORE: I’m a regular to UK’s ‘poshest’ seaside town is just like Spain but I have mixed feelings about it

According to Visit South East England, Folkestone has seen lots of regeneration and development, with brand new shopping areas, leisure facilities and boutique hotels. The nearby designated coastal park of Samphire Hoe is a great place to wander, and is a haven for wild birds. The area’s maritime history is well preserved too, through ancient remains and architecture.

With an elegant clifftop promenade, a lower coastal park, a fishing harbour and Victorian cliff-tops, it’s an idyllic town by the beach and offers many things to do. The booming economy has grown in the past 10 years. It’s home to the world’s first multi-storey skatepark, a New York Highline-inspired garden walkway, leading to the revitalised Harbour Arm, an annual Pride, and LGBTQ+ bookshop and even mini golf on the beach.

It’s also home to the iconic Mermaid Beach, which boasts a glorious stretch of pristine goodness with an eye-catching coastline which is in the shape of a mermaid’s tail. There’s loads to do in Mermaid Beach if you do plan on taking a trip. You could check out the Folkestone Mermaid sculpture located on the beach.

There’s also the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is one of the most visited tourist spots. This award-winning park has one of the largest free adventure playground for children, as well as beautiful gardens and forest treks, perfect for the whole family.

Meanwhile Folkestone itself is gaining recognition as a hub for art and culture. There’s the Folkestone Triennial which is an international public art festival that scatters sculptures and other artistic creations throughout the town.

Folkestone is also one of the best connected towns on the coast, with direct rail links to London and is the ideal base for exploring the beautiful surrounding landscape – while still being easily accessible. Visit South East England recommended some of the best things to do in Folkestone including:

• Animal lovers should head straight for the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. It’s a great place to see dozens of exotic and rare species.
• The nearby Kent Battle of Britain Museum has the best collection of Battle of Britain memorabilia of any war museum in the UK (including dozens of aircraft).
• Take a ride on the miniature steam trains Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.

One impressed visitor took to TripAdvisor and said: “Folkestone have really made a shining example of what to do with a cliff area. After leaving the amazing boardwalk (again, genius idea) on the beach we walked right up and beyond the playground. The accessibility to the beach in several places was brilliant.”

While another chimed: “This is such a beautiful walk between the cliff and the beach. Nice flower beds and landscaped arrangements. It was also protected from the wind, which was quite strong when we were there.”

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With quaint cobbled streets, stone cottages, golden sands and a rich wildlife – there’s no surprise this genteel seaside village was branded one of the UK’s prettiest

A beautiful seaside village where rolling countryside melts into golden sands and crystal-clear water has been ranked as one of the best staycation spots in the UK.

Situated on the idyllic north Norfolk Coast, and enveloped in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blakeney is the epitome of quintessential seaside charm and serenity. Here, you’ll find a slew of acclaimed eateries, cosy pubs, gift shops and art galleries – all of which are nestled in picturesque alleyways and cobblestone walkways that lead out to the coast.

At the heart of the village is Blakeney National Nature Reserve, a vast open space boasting uninterrupted views of the coastline beloved by walkers and wildlife lovers alike. Here, you’ll be able to spot a range of birds including ringed plovers, oystercatchers, brent geese and common teal – or, you can take a boat trip to visit the seal colonies on Blakeney Point, a huge breeding site for grey seals and their pups.

READ MORE: Beautiful UK seaside village 98 miles from London ranked best beach in the south

Blakeney is also steeped in history, with routes linking back to the Middle Ages when the village boasted a thriving port and England’s largest harbour. “Tucked away in an alley just off the quay is Blakeney Guildhall, where you will find the remains of the house of a prosperous Blakeney merchant, which has a fine 15th century brick-vaulted undercroft,” hails Visit North Norfolk, the area’s official tourist board.

“On the village outskirts, lies St Nicholas church, built between the 13th and 15th century, which unusually, has two towers. Blakeney has lots of quaint, pretty streets to wander around with spectacular views.”

And of course, there’s Blakeney Point Beach – a four-mile stretch of shingle and sand dunes. This area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and is managed by the National Trust. With all of this in mind, it’s no surprise Blakeney was recently in The Times’ list of the 25 prettiest village mini breaks in the UK.

The publication hailed the destination’s ‘holiday desirability’ thanks to its rich wildlife, easy coastal walks, cafés and flint cottages. “Over the past 600 years Blakeney, just inland from the north Norfolk coast, has gone from being a medieval metropolis to a clear contender for Norfolk’s cutest village,” it added.

Located some 134 miles from central London, it takes around three hours and 11 minutes to drive from the Big Smoke up to Blakeney. Alternatively, you can get the train from Liverpool Street over to Sheringham – which usually involves a change in Norwich and takes a similar amount of time.

If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £17. After arriving in Sheringham, you’ll have to catch the CH1 Coasthopper bus towards Wells-next-the-Sea and alight at Blakeney Bus Shelter. This journey takes just 25 minutes.

Accommodation in Blakeney is limited due to its small size, but you’ll still be able to find a range of properties at varying costs. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, August 15-17) at the Manor Coastal Hotel & Inn will set you back £468. This is based on two adults sharing a Classic Single Room.

If you’re looking for something a little more spacious, check out Delphinium. This three-bedroom holiday home comes with a fully equipped kitchen, ‘comfortable seating area’ and private garden – but costs a much pricier £784 on the exact same nights.

*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

What’s your favourite UK seaside resort? Let us know in the comments section below

The UK is home to some stunning scenery, including forests, rivers and charming villages, but one lake has been named the most beautiful in the country

The UK boasts some truly breathtaking landscapes. From forests and rivers to quaint villages and lakes, we’re spoilt for choice. But new research suggests one lake in particular outshines the rest with its stunning beauty.

According to Go Outdoors, the crown for the most picturesque spot in the UK goes to Loch Lomond in Scotland, a vast lake complete with a nearby National Park and even an ancient village ripe for exploration. Tucked away in southern Scotland, Loch Lomond is the UK’s most scenic lake, boasting over 600,000 social media posts.

This 22-mile-long expanse of water, the largest by surface area in Britain, is nestled amongst hills in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, making it the ideal location for that Instagram-worthy snap.

Visitors can maximise their experience by scaling the nearby Ben Lomond mountain for even more jaw-dropping vistas.

The colossal loch is peppered with a staggering 22 islands. To get a glimpse of these islands, hopping on a boat tour is your best bet, reports the Express.

Inchcailloch is one of the most accessible islands of Loch Lomond, with a ferry service running from Balmaha. It’s part of the Nature Reserve and is home to otters, deer and a plethora of bird species.

The largest island, Inchmurrin, is also reachable by ferry, with a service departing from the jetty at Arden. This island is steeped in history and hosts several intriguing ruins, including Lennox Castle and a 7th-century monastery.

Nestled on the western banks of the lake, you’ll find the enchanting village of Luss, a settlement steeped in history dating back to the 11th century.

Luss is a picturesque haven of quaint stone cottages, blooming gardens and offers stunning vistas across the loch.

Beyond its medieval allure, Luss boasts an array of independent boutiques ideal for securing mementoes of your visit, along with a wealth of cafes, restaurants and pubs where you can unwind while soaking up the breathtaking scenery.

While Luss tends to draw crowds during the summer season, an early arrival can help you sidestep the throngs and fully savour your day trip.

This quaint city has a vibrant shopping scene, stunning architecture, and rich heritage – and is a mere stone’s throw from one of the UK’s most infamous seaside resorts

Take a ‘step back in time’ in this quaint UK city that can be seen all the way from the coast. England’s South East was recently dealt a huge blow after the iconic town of Bognor Regis was crowned the ‘worst’ seaside resort in the country by Brits. #

The savage ranking saw the hotspot receive a measly 36 per cent overall destination score, with holidaymakers giving the town just one star for its seafront, pier, tourist attractions, scenery, shopping offerings, and value for money.

However, just a stone’s throw from the ‘rundown’ resort lies a charming city that has managed to perfectly preserve its rich heritage and squeaky clean reputation. Constantly named as the best and happiest place to live in the UK by the likes of the Guardian and Sunday Times, this genteel region has marginally escaped becoming a commuter belt due to being 90 minutes away from London on the train. However, it still makes for the perfect staycation.

READ MORE: UK seaside town home to huge Butlin’s site named the ‘worst’ by Brits

If you haven’t guessed already, we’re talking about Chichester – a Roman cathedral city steeped in history – and the only city in the West Sussex county. Evidence of its fascinating past can still be seen on the streets today, including the Roman baths, a city wall (which was replaced by a Georgian wall), and an amphitheater which now serves as a park.

“[The city] has a plethora of grade II listed buildings and other points of interest include the Chichester City Cross which is a type of butter market and sits in the centre of North, East, South and West streets,” hails Discover Sussex. “The City Cross was built in 1500 by Bishop Edward Storey as a shelter for people who sold their wares on market day.”

The city is renowned for its 11th-century cathedral which soars into the sky – and can be spotted all the way over from the coastline on a clear day. This impressive architectural wonder attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims every year – and hosts organised tours for those wanting to learn more about the building.

But if you’re not a huge history buff, don’t worry. Chichester has a vibrant shopping scene with a bustling high-street that is mainly pedestrianised. You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to grabbing a coffee or having lunch after a hard day of retail therapy.

And of course, a trip to Chichester isn’t complete without heading over to Bishops Palace Gardens. “If you want a peaceful area to sit and relax, then this is the ideal spot and we love visiting the gardens to enjoy a coffee and sit and listen to the birds and enjoy the beautifully maintained gardens,” adds Discover Sussex. “The gardens are open from 8am till dusk and just a short walk through the cloisters which open onto Canon Lane.”

Chichester is located just over 80 miles from London, meaning it’ll take around two hours and 14 minutes in the car. However, direct trains can slash the journey time down to just one hour and 25 minutes. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £10.

If you’re coming from Bognor Regis as a day trip, you’ll only need to drive 7.1 miles north (which takes less than half an hour) or hop on a 23-minute train, which usually involves a stop at Barnham. Single adult fares start from just £6.40.

Chichester is home to a range of accommodation types, meaning you’ll easily be able to find something within your budget. For example, a weekend’s stay (Friday, July 25-27) at the Cherry End B&B will only set you back £239. This is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double Room.

However, if you’re after something a little more luxurious – check out Harbour Hotel and Spa. This stunning 18th-century building is just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral and features its own brasserie offering locally-sourced meals. Staying here on the exact same nights will set you back £390.

*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.

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After living in her two-bedroom apartment in Los Feliz for more than a decade, Debra Weiss encountered a problem experienced by many renters in Los Angeles: She was evicted.

“I moved into the apartment in 2014, and four years later, my landlord sold it to a wealthy family who bought it at a loss,” said Weiss, 69, who works as a textile artist. “They knew they couldn’t evict us due to rent control.”

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When the landlords put the three-unit complex on the market in 2022, however, they offered Weiss $50,000 to move out — far more than the amount required by law — to make the building easier for them to sell. She declined, concerned it would affect her Social Security benefits, as there is a limit to how much one can earn and still receive full benefits.

Then, last February, the three tenants received eviction notices under the Ellis Act, which allows landlords to evict renters from rent-controlled apartments if the building is being torn down or removed from the rental market. It’s currently for sale for $3.2 million.

As a senior, Weiss was entitled to a full year’s notice because she had lived in her unit for more than a year. Still, she knew she would eventually have to move out of the comfortable 1,200-square-foot duplex, for which she paid $2,670 a month in rent.

Artist Debra Weiss stands in her dining room where she often works as a fiber artist.

When she began looking for another apartment in the area, Weiss quickly learned that she could no longer afford to live in Los Feliz. “The apartments were so much more expensive than what I was used to paying, and they had no parking or a washer and dryer,” she said. (Weiss was paid $24,650 in relocation assistance, which was taxed, due to her age and the length of time she lived in her Los Feliz apartment.)

She also visited some small studios and considered purchasing a TIC, or Tenancy in Common, where buyers purchase a share in a corporation that owns a building. However, to secure a loan, she’d need someone to co-sign. “Even though they are cute, they are tiny and not necessarily in the best neighborhoods,” she said. Another option, a Craftsman apartment near USC, wasn’t in a good walking neighborhood, something that was important to Weiss. It was also dark and hundreds of dollars more a month than her previous apartment. “I’m almost 70 years old and I need light to work,” she added.

Handknitted sculptures, embroidered weavings and a tufted rug adorn the guest room.

When her son-in-law spotted a charming two-bedroom apartment near the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for $2,950 a month on Zillow, Weiss decided to check it out.

“My initial reaction was, ‘I want this,’ ” Weiss said of the fourplex.

The rental had high ceilings, oak floors, ample sunlight, an appealing fireplace, a garage and a washer and dryer. A newly redone modern kitchen felt out of character for the 1930s building, but that didn’t bother Weiss. “The kitchen is a blank canvas,” she said of the all-white cabinets and countertops. “The white background makes all of my stuff stand out,” including ceramics by Mt. Washington Pottery and Altadena artist Linda Hsiao.

Weiss knits a sweater for her granddaughter with yarn she purchased in Japan.

Concerned that the landlord wouldn’t want to rent to her because of her age, she was pleasantly surprised when she got the apartment. “The light is amazing,” Weiss said. “I was initially worried about some of the modern touches like the overhead lighting, but it floods the room with bright light that allows me to work at night.”

Nearly a year after moving in, Weiss has filled the apartment with her stitched collages, quilts and the artworks of others, many of which she described as “trades.” “I like color and pattern and objects,” she said as she pointed out some Japanese ceramics on her buffet and a dress that she crocheted with scraps of fabric, yarn and metal.

In the guest room, a wall hanging composed of three separate weavings in a gingham check pattern is embroidered with a series of characters she based on her 5-year-old granddaughter’s drawings. “It’s about people coming together in chaos and supporting each other,” Weiss said. “I like the pattern; it reminds me of eating together on picnic tables.”

“I like objects,” Weiss said of the many treasures and collections of things that are featured throughout her rental.

On the opposite wall of the guest room above her sewing machine, a series of metal sculptures she knitted with copper and silver hangs alongside cloth dolls and purses. In the corner, a cowl made of macrame, textiles and yarn adorns a mannequin. There’s also a colorful latch hook rug that she made with acrylic yarn that looks more like artwork than a functional accessory.

In her bedroom, a coverlet that Weiss assembled from vintage quilts adorns the bed.

The long hallway ends at the laundry room and is lined with her colorful quilts, some of which are mounted on Homasote board, along with weavings and stitched works, which, like her cooking, are improvisational.

“I work without planning and respond to the materials and see what it becomes,” she said. “I start knitting and see where it goes. I get excited about the material, and then I go for it. “

The hallway in Weiss’s apartment is lined with her artworks.

Much of the wood furniture in her apartment was made by her father, who died 13 years ago.

“I’ve had this since my kids were little, and you can see all the markings,” she said of the hutch in the corner of her dining room. “My dad made it 40 years ago for the Van Nuys house I grew up in.”

It is here, at the dining room table that her father made, that she works, hosts workshops and teaches lessons in fiber art, collage and stitching. Later this year, she hopes to host a sale of her work at a holiday open house in her apartment.

Weiss is an expert in mixing texture, pattern and color in her Mid-Wilshire apartment.

The mixing of colorful Persian rugs, textiles, natural materials, chunky wood pieces and intricately knitted metal sculptures creates a warm balance throughout her apartment.

Bursting with color and pattern, the rooms offer a sense of calm that Weiss appreciates as a woman who raised three daughters alone and has had to pivot during major life changes. Over the years, she has run a clothing company, Rebe, which closed in 2019 due to economic uncertainty, declared bankruptcy and sold her Woodland Hills house. Most recently, she was forced to weather the eviction process.

“I’ve always been an entrepreneur,” said Weiss, who works six to eight hours a day at home and sells her artwork and sewing patterns on her Specks and Keepings website and at L.A. Homefarm in Glassell Park. “I’ll always figure out a way to make money by selling the things that I make.”

Even though the process of having to move was stressful, Weiss is happy with her new home and neighborhood. “I take the Metro bus everywhere and hardly ever drive,” she said. “I go to the Hollywood Farmer’s Market on Sundays. Kaiser is nearby and I can walk to LACMA. Everything worked out perfectly.”

Weiss pulls out a drawer of her flat files cabinet filled with her artwork.

Cara, who runs The Magic Geekdom channel, spent the day in Knaresborough and said she was “seriously considering” moving to the UK after her visit to the North Yorkshire town

An American YouTuber has been left utterly enchanted by Yorkshire, declaring her desire to relocate after being awestruck by the region’s charm.

The vlogger named Cara, who operates The Magic Geekdom channel with a following of 75,700 subscribers, has had her “mind blown” by Knaresborough, which she dubbed a “hidden gem”.

In the blurb for her most recent video, entitled This Yorkshire Town Made Me Want to Move to the UK (Again), she shared: “I’ve been wanting to visit this Yorkshire town for YEARS after seeing it in a YouTube video and it absolutely lived up to the hype.

“This charming place completely stole my heart with its medieval castle ruins, fantastic cream tea in a 400-year-old tearoom, and England’s oldest paid tourist attraction.” She added: “By the end of the day, I was seriously considering how much those riverside houses cost…”

Kicking off her video as the sun rose, she remarked on Knaresborough’s “lovely, sleepy and quiet” atmosphere at dawn.

Diving into the local sights, her adventure began at Knaresborough Castle, where she expressed to her audience: “A sign at the entrance says there’s been a castle here since the 12th century which always blows my American mind.”

Subsequently, she was taken aback by the spectacular views from the castle grounds, affording panoramic views not only of the landscape but also of the impressive viaduct and the township below.

She said: “It is just really beautiful here. I am sure part of it is that we are here early but there is something very peaceful and lowkey that I really enjoy about Knaresborough so far.”

Echoing Cara’s sentiment, a former police officer who patrolled the town shared his experience in the comments section, saying: “I was lucky to be a village bobby here for 6 years. Knaresborough folk were the best and policing the town was a dream.

“The local nick is right next to [the] castle and [has a] surprise view overlooking the viaduct.

“It was the best feeling ever to be able to go out, walk the town on foot, and take in the view at first light with a pork pie from the local baker who seemed to be the only other living soul up and at work.”

The officer reflected that this sense of fulfilment will always stay with him, before emphasising: “Some things in life are as good as the expectation but occasionally they are better.”

On her day out, Cara popped by Honey Bee’s at Hannah’s for some cream tea before making her way down to the riverside.

She described the area as “so beautiful” and noted that despite more people arriving, it managed to retain its tranquil charm. During her explorations, she remarked on the “magnificent looking” homes and expressed her desire to live there, while recognising they appeared quite pricey.

The globetrotting tourist, who’s explored the length and breadth of the UK, next experienced England’s most ancient visitor spot, Mother Shipton’s Cave, followed by a museum showcasing petrified possessions of famous individuals like John Wayne, Agatha Christie, Warrick Davis, and Queen Mary at the local wishing well.

Reflecting on her day, she cheerfully commented: “What a lovely day out this place is. It is just full of mystery. It has a nice stroll through the woods and cool petrified things – you can’t go wrong.”

Her video captured the hearts of many, with one local responding: “I live in Knaresborough. And it is indeed beautiful. It’s a thrill to think that you were here.”

Another encouraged: “If you wanna move to England, get the process moving, you’re more than welcome.”

An excited American shared their anticipation: “My first ever trip from the US to England is in two days and I’m beyond excited to explore Yorkshire.”

And a Lancashire woman reminisced: “Lancashire lass here, but my lovely dad was a Yorkshire man, so I lay claim to having Yorkshire blood. At least once a month, he’d drive us down the A59 across the border to breathe some good Yorkshire air and Knaresborough was one of our favourites. And Yorkshire tea is the only tea I drink, nothing else comes close.”

The experts at International Living have included one town on France’s Cote d’Azur on their list of the top eight best European towns for “adventurous expats”.

If you are considering a move to the EU to either save money or escape the city crowds, this little-known spot in France might be your best bet.

International Living has published its Hidden Places Initiative report which reveals eight of Europe’s best towns for adventurous expats, including one on the French Riviera. “Everybody talks about places like Barcelona, Lisbon and Florence. But the best overseas destinations aren’t always the ones you’ve heard of,” says Jennifer Stevens, executive editor at International Living. Enter Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a stunning town located between Nice and Monaco on France’s Cote d’Azur. The town offers expats a quieter perspective on the glitzy French Riviera and International Living calls it “a mash-up of wildly elegant, flower-flowing villas and earthy, burnt-pastel homes stacked haphazardly along the Mediterranean”.

That said, Villefranche-sur-Mer still maintains the iconic Riviera glamour of its neighbours like Nice. In fact, part of the James Bond classic Never Say Never Gain was filmed nearby.

READ MORE: ‘I ditched London to live in underrated UK seaside town just one hour away’

The hilly landscape allows for heightened views of the bay below, while stairs take residents up to the steeper parts of the town, including its historic centre. Describing Villefranche, International Living says: “It’s as if Positano and Florence, Italy, did an 1800s collaboration with a palette of muted orange, yellow, and deep turquoise.”

Two of the biggest draws of the town are its horseshoe-shaped bay and its impressive architecture – including a smattering of pastel-coloured French villas and cafes and medieval alleyways. But those picture-perfect villas and apartment buildings don’t come cheap.

According to International Living: “A couple can expect to spend at least £2,233 a month, with rent starting around £2,527”. Thus, Villefranche is not for every budget, but it is ideal for expats with a love of French art and culture.

As confirmed by International Living “music is a big deal in town, as is art”. Villefranche residents enjoy open-air cinemas throughout the summer and impressive art shows at the town’s Citadel. Other favourite events including classic car races, the Naval Flower Battle, jazz concerts, and open-air plays performed in the historic centre.

If you want to improve your French while living in town, you can also take lessons at the Institut de Français. The school offers courses ranging from two weeks to one month and also organises excursions and homestays.

Given the higher cost of living compared to other European destinations, Villefranche-sur-Mer is best-suited for digital nomads and retirees craving serenity, cultural enrichment and a touch of glam.

Full list of International Living’s Hidden Places destinations

• Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
• Toulon, France
• Litochoro, Greece
• Kavala, Greece
• Ioannina, Greece
• Esposende, Portugal
• Rayong, Thailand
• Guimarães, Portugal
• San Pancho, Mexico
• Cádiz, Spain
• Palermo, Italy
• Amed, Bali
• Ascoli Piceno, Italy
• Isla Holbox, Mexico

Wells might be England’s smallest city, but it’s bursting with charm and history. From its stunning cathedral to the medieval Bishop’s Palace, there’s plenty to explore

Don’t let its size fool you – England’s smallest city, Wells, may be compact but it’s brimming with history and allure. The city’s quaint architecture and winding cobbled streets are the epitome of a storybook setting. The quirky name of this hidden gem is derived from the springs found in the Bishop’s Palace grounds.

Nestled within a stone’s throw of Bristol, Bath and Cardiff, Wells is an often-missed treasure by holidaymakers, yet those who venture to this petite cathedral city on the River Brue in Somerset are never left underwhelmed. Wells Cathedral stands as a beacon of historical splendour and architectural genius, making it an essential stop for any visitor to the city.

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As one of the UK’s most magnificent Gothic cathedrals, it boasts stunning design and medieval artistry. Its construction spanned from 1175 to 1490, earning it accolades as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals.”

Not only famous for its striking West Front, but Wells Cathedral also features distinctive elements that distinguish it from other cathedrals across England, such as the mesmerising ‘scissor arches’ that prop up the central tower.

These were ingeniously installed in 1338 when the addition of a hefty spire threatened to bring down the entire structure, reports the Express. The Cathedral is home to one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country.

The Jesse Window at Wells Cathedral, considered by experts as one of the most magnificent examples of 14th century stained glass in Europe, narrowly avoided destruction during the English Civil War.

Additionally, the Cathedral proudly showcases the renowned Wells Clock, believed to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Great Britain. It also houses the intriguing octagonal Chapter House and one of only four chained libraries in the UK.

Other must-visit attractions in this beautiful city include The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells, which has been the residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. This breathtaking medieval palace is now open for public enjoyment.

It offers a fantastic family day out in Somerset with a full calendar of events throughout the year, complimentary guided walks, outdoor music and theatre, garden workshops and more.

Plus, a slice of cake with afternoon tea at the ever-popular Bishop’s Table café is always a treat! Since the 1800s, the palace’s moat has been home to mute swans, with the tradition of swans on the moat thought to date back to the 1850s.

Legend has it that a Bishop’s daughter may have initially taught the swans to ring a bell at the Gatehouse when they were hungry. Today, two swan bells are installed, with ropes for the swans to pull to signal for food.

There are 14 acres of stunning RHS Partner gardens to discover, including the beautiful well pools from which the city derives its name, the medieval Palace building equipped with multimedia audio visual guides, Dragon’s Lair play area, guided tours, children’s trails and workshops, and a café boasting the best views in Wells.

Adjacent to the Cathedral is Vicars’ Close, believed to be the only complete medieval street remaining in England. This significant landmark was designed to provide communal accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who performed daily worship within the Cathedral.

This centuries-old tradition continues today and is a unique and much valued part of life at Wells Cathedral. The houses of the close, all Grade I listed, were constructed in the 14th century under the direction of Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, and the iconic chimneys were added in the 15th century.

Originally, 42 houses were built (one per vicar), but some were combined following the Reformation when vicars were permitted to marry.

Today, the Close comprises 27 residences, a chapel, library, treasury and muniment room. There is also a dining hall connected to the Cathedral by a covered walkway, the Chain Gate Bridge.

The current occupants still include all twelve men of the Vicars Choral, plus the organists and virgers. Vicars Choral have remained at the heart of life at Wells Cathedral since the 1100s and are now recognised as a world-class choir.

For food lovers, Wells boasts a historic market in Wells Market Place. This lively square, surrounded by stunning historical architecture, offers a perfect snapshot into the everyday life of Wells that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

Today, a bustling market is held twice a week – on Wednesdays and Saturdays – featuring local produce and goods. The square also hosts a larger street food festival annually, with the next Wells Food Festival scheduled for Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Additionally, a funfair is held twice a year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the market. Wells also has an abundance of independent bookshops and boutiques, as well as antique and vintage shops, ensuring hours of browsing pleasure.

A beautiful UK seaside village has been named the best staycation destination for Brits this spring – but it’s not just the charming streets and pubs that keep visitors coming back

A charming village in Cornwall has been named the UK’s best staycation destination for spring, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Nestled amidst green hills and boasting a sandy beach, Port Isaac in Cornwall is already a firm favourite with tourists wanting to make the most of the Cornish coast, away from some of the larger beachside spots that can become home to large crowds during the summer.

Research conducted by Sykes Holiday Cottages unveiled the fishing village as Brits’ top must-visit for a staycation in spring 2025, thanks to its picturesque location, great eateries and abundance of accommodation. Although it’s no hidden hotspot – there are plenty of visitors who flock there during the summer months – in spring and autumn it can be a little quieter, making it ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle found in other holiday spots.

Known for its narrow and winding streets (keep an eye out for Squeezy Belly Alley – one of the narrowest passageways in the UK, measuring only 18 inches wide), you’ll find plenty of charming boutiques, pottery shops, pubs and restaurants tucked away amidst the whitewashed cottages that the village is renowned for, not to mention everything is a short walk away so you can make the most of a short break. That’s no doubt one of its selling points, as the research revealed that 22% of Brits are generally looking to make the most of their limited annual leave by taking shorter, more frequent trips in the UK.

TV fans may also recognise the quaint spot as it doubled up as Port Wenn in BBC show Doc Martin. Visit Cornwall has a useful guide to some of the main locations such as Fern Cottage, aka Doctor Ellingham’s surgery, the Liberal Club which served as the location for the local shop, and the Golden Lion Pub which doubled up as the Crab & Lobster in the series. You can even take a guided walking tour of the village that ensures you won’t miss the highlights, not to mention you can learn plenty of fun behind-the-scenes tidbits.

As for those all-important coastal walks, Port Isaac boasts a location right on the South West Coast Path, with a few shorter walks for those who don’t want to have to grab all of their hiking gear, but would still like to enjoy a leisurely stroll to take in the views.

Sykes Holiday Cottages’ Short Breaks Tester, Charlotte, headed to the breathtaking destination to see if it lived up to the hype, and was clearly enthralled by what she found. “I gave up counting how many times we said, ‘Wow’ – every angle in Port Isaac is picture perfect,” she explained. “We headed up the other side of the harbour and into the fields that lead to the South West Coast Path.”