THERE is something to be said for an English seaside trip in autumn, when all the crowds have gone home.
And historic Broadstairs in Kent is certainly one of the UK’s finest coastal spots.
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The main beach at Viking Bay in Broadstairs, KentCredit: GettyBleak House, novelist Charles Dickens’ former holiday homeCredit: GettyDickens loved Broadstairs and called it the ‘freshest and freest little place in the world’Credit: Getty
The museum is housed in the cottage that inspired the home of Betsey Trotwood, the great-aunt of David Copperfield in Dickens’ novel of the same name.
It is only open from April to the end of October.
But time it right and you could experience a real-life Christmas Carol, with it reopening for a number of festive weekends in December, alongside live music and crafts.
And while you can’t go inside Dickens’ former holiday home Bleak House, you can enjoy it from the outside when it opens to the public for the monthly farmers’ market.
The town’s pretty high street is also a step back in time, with a quaint mix of old-school butchers and gift shops alongside modern coffee places.
My bag quickly became heavy after giving into the temptation to shop, stocking up on early Christmas presents and trinkets.
With the nights drawing in even earlier, dinner came round all too quickly.
And one of the best spots in town for a bite is Bar Ingo.
Opened in 2024, the tiny restaurant is a cosy affair — just five tables crammed against steamed-up windows. But it is worth the squeeze.
Bohemian auntie
It’s run by Swedish chef Tomas Eriksson, who once worked in the kitchens of celebrity-loved Soho House in London.
I gorged on small plates of rich braised beef, juicy octopus and crispy ham croquettes, alongside a glass of Portuguese orange wine.
It’s a place where you end up chatting to your table neighbour after they spot you eyeing up one of their dishes.
I had never been so grateful that my bed was just a few yards away.
Smiths Townhouse is one of the newest spots on the block, originally a coffee shop before reopening as a boutique hotel last month.
Enjoy fine dining for lunch at Bar IngoCredit: SuppliedThe bedroom at Smiths TownhouseCredit: SuppliedThe tasteful hotel bathroomCredit: Supplied
The six bedrooms take up most of the space in the pretty converted Georgian building. Each one feels like it’s been decorated by your bohemian auntie.
Think antique rugs and mid-century beds (one of which is rumoured to have been owned by Elton John).
The rooms are intimate and chic, with dark blue walls and floorboards that creak underfoot while padding over to make a cup of tea.
It’s tucked down a side road off the main high street, which means you’ll get a blissfully uninterrupted night of sleep.
I awoke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee coming from the downstairs cafe.
I thought I’d woken up early but I came down to find it already full of locals chatting about their night out over full English breakfasts and toasties.
The hotel has big plans for the future too, including an on-site bar, DJ sessions and a Pilates studio.
If you’re visiting during the summer, Broadstairs always has so much to offer, with big events including the Dickens Festival in June and Folk Week in August.
But for some bracing sea air, Michelin-worthy restaurants and stylish new hotels without the crowds? Maybe a trip is the best saved for an October weekend.
I get why ol’ Charlie sung its praises . . .
GO: BROADSTAIRS
STAYING THERE: One night at Smiths Townhouse starts from £160 a night, based on two sharing.
Extraordinary event will take place later this month and will be a ‘special community event’ with more than just switching on Christmas lights
Brunel’s SS Great Britain(Image: David Noton Photography)
Christmas is just around the corner and while cities all over the UK get ready to switch on the Christmas lights – one city has gone a step further.
Bristol’s SS Great Britain is set to host a variety of Christmas events this year, including the much-anticipated Christmas tree lights switch-on event.
The landmark’s Christmas lights switch on, described as a ‘special community event’, will take place on Thursday, 27 November at 6pm in Brunel Square.
Organisers have revealed that this year’s event has a unique theme – Golden Glow – which is linked to the SS Great Britain’s Golden Ticket education programme.
This initiative provides enriching learning experiences for primary schools most affected by deprivation in Bristol, as well as local SEND schools.
The Christmas lights switch on will showcase a beautiful tree adorned with festoon lighting and a snow machine, while performances from a local choir will certainly get locals into the festive spirit.
But it’s just one of the many Christmas events happening at the SS Great Britain this year.
Here are a few more you might want to check out…, according to Bristol Live.
Masquerade Ball
When: 6 December, 2025 at 6pm until midnight.
According to the event’s details: “Don your finest attire and most elaborate mask for an evening steeped in enchantment.”
You’ll have the chance to stroll around the decks, enjoy a bubbly welcome drink and tuck into a festive three-course dinner accompanied by a string quartet.
A magician will be wandering the ship, performing tricks and illusions, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the ship after dark. Tickets are priced at £99 per person with bookings closing on Saturday, 22 November.
Christmas Murder Mystery
When: 13 December 2025, 6.30pm until midnight.
This murder mystery event includes a welcome drink, a three-course dinner and promises guests an ‘exhilarating evening of entertainment’ onboard, where they must keep their eyes peeled for clues during dinner and help solve a mysterious crime – tickets are priced at £99 per person.
ANYONE seeking Christmas luxury can add a trip on this incredible train to your festive wish list.
For the seasonal period, the Northern Belle has launched three new offerings from exploring Edinburgh to wandering around Christmas markets, and indulging in dinner with all the twimmings.
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The 1930s style Northern Belle is returning to UK cities and towns for ChristmasCredit: InstagramGuests can expect luxury as well as plenty to eat and drinkCredit: Northern Belle
From November 15 until December 20, the Northern Belle, is going all out for Christmas.
One of the experiences is for the ‘Christmas Lunch’ where guests are welcomed in style as a red carpet is laid across the platform.
Onboard there’s welcome Champagne and tasty canapés, once guests are settled into a comfortable armchair, they will be served a seven-course festive feast.
The sample menu includes a Scottish salmon roulade starter, roasted white onion potage and a turkey dinner.
There’s a choice of three desserts; spiced apple and cranberry tart, dark chocolate and hazelnut delice, and a mandarin and gingerbread panna cotta.
To finish off the meal will be a seasonal dessert, cheeseboard and glass of Port.
Throughout the meal, live musicians will play festive tunes, and there’s even an onboard conjuror to entertain.
After the meal, passengers can relax with a Fortnum & Mason cup of tea and petite fours.
Most read in Best of British
The Northern Belle is heading all over the country for the festive treat, and is heading to cities like Newcastle and York.
But it will also visit some market towns too. For example the journey from Norwich will also pick up passengers at Ipswich.
After the seven course dinner, passengers will be served dessert and a cheeseboardCredit: Northern BelleMusicians will entertain by playing a selection of festive tunesCredit: Northern Belle
On the journey to Preston, the train will make three initial stops at Chester, Liverpool and Wigan – but wherever you get on, the Northern Belle does a round-trip to each destination.
Tickets for Christmas lunch on the Northern Belle start at £395 and are available to book now.
The Northern Belle came in fifth place between the Glacier Express at number four and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express at number six.
Other trips onboard the Northern Belle include Historic Edinburgh at Christmas.
The journey begins in Hull at 7.25AM where passengers can enjoy a three-course brunch with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary cocktail.
The vintage style train is made up of seven carriagesCredit: northernbelle
Passengers will journey up to Edinburgh where they will have five hours to explore the city.
On returning to the train, guests can indulge in a champagne reception that awaits before enjoying a six-course dinner with fine wine – the price for this starts at £495 per passenger.
The other Christmas offering is exploring York’s festive markets for passengers who hop on in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The journey involves the same cocktail and three-course brunch offering as the Edinburgh exploration and then free time will be exploring York and the markets.
On the return journey guests will again get to enjoy a six-course dinner – tickets start at £495pp.
Next year, the train is offering Mother’s Day Lunches onboard, Afternoon Tea, as well as trips to Cheltenham, Chatsworth House, the Sandringham Flower Show, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Torquay.
IT’S that time of year again where it’s cosy pub season – and one UK spot takes it to the next level with an extravagant Christmas display.
The Churchill Arms in Kensington, London may just be the most Christmassy pub in the country.
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The Churchill Arms in Kensington, London has a spectacular Christmas display of 22,000 lights and 80 treesCredit: PAInside the pub is also full of curiosities including memorabilia from the world warsCredit: Alamy
Each year it glows with over 22,000 lights over the festive period and is adorned with 80 Christmas trees.
This isn’t the most Christmas trees the pub has boasted, though – back in 2019 the pub featured 105 trees, which were dedicated to the NHS.
And if you head there on November 13 at 6pm you can watch the lights get switched on.
During the event, guests can grab some mulled wine and mince pies.
The pub’s Christmas menu includes lots of Thai dishes such as Jungle Curry for £14, which features coconut milk and vegetables cooked in Thai herbs.
Alternatively, you can grab some chicken wings for £7.50.
For dessert, a classic apple pie will set you back just £5.25.
When it comes to having a tipple, you can expect everything a normal Fuller’s pub would have, including craft lager and seasonal ales.
During the period the pub’s tables are first-come, first-served and the restaurant is walk-in only.
The pub was built back in 1750, making it one of the older pubs in London.
Plus, the pub has even had some notable visitors, including Winston Churchill‘s grandparents – which ultimately led to the pub being called what it is today.
And inside guests can look up to the ceiling which is full of items from the world wars and lots of garlands.
On the walls there are evening newspapers, such as an old copy of the Daily Mail with the headline ‘Stalin Attacks Churchill’.
There are multiple different areas to explore too, including one section with lots of hanging plants and another cosy area with a fireplace.
Look out for a small plaque ’round the back of the pub as well, which is dedicated to Gary O’Brien who was the pub’s landlord for 32 years before retiring in 2017.
The pub is also known for having amazing floral displays in the summertimeCredit: Alamy
It isn’t just Christmas when the pub has a spectacular display either.
In the summer, the pub is known for its extravagant flower displays which have even resulted in the spot becoming a Chelsea Flower Show winner.
One recent visitor said: “Such an adorable spot.
“We grabbed two pints of some tasty raspberry cider just to try out the place and it was very busy on a midday Friday.”
Another added: “Cool Christmas lights, definitely gets you in the festive mood.”
A ONE-of-a-kind ice rink will open next month at one of London’s most popular rooftop bars.
Anyone seeking Christmas fun will be able to ice skate at the highest rooftop bar in Peckham, and it has 360-degree views of the London skyline.
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London’s highest ice rink will open in Peckham next monthCredit: ICE at Bussey Rooftop BarThe Bussey Rooftop Bar is bustling in the summer and will transform for winterCredit: Instagram
On top of the Bussey Building in Peckham is a huge rooftop bar – and it is set to be turned into an ice rink for the winter season.
From November 17 until January 1, the Bussey Rooftop Bar area will be transformed into an ice rink with a bar.
On Facebook it said: “Tickets are LIVE for London’s freshest rooftop ice rink! Skate under the stars, then head to our Après Skate Bar for spiked hot chocs, winter spritzes, mulled magic and DJs every Fri & Sat bringing all the feels“.
The Bussey Rooftop Bar will become the Après Skate Bar and transform into a winter lodge – think twinkly lights, outdoor heaters and blankets.
Also on the rooftop, you’ll be able to buy bar snacks and grab stone-baked pizzas.
Tickets for the ice rink are on sale now and cost £14 for adults, £10 per person for family tickets, and £9 for children.
Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor, loves the rooftop bar, she said: “One of my favourite places to go isPeckham, because of its famous rooftop. I’ve spent many a sunny day at the Bussey building, a rooftop on top of a car park.
“It serves amazing pizzas and beers and has fantastic music playing as well. When the sun goes down, make sure to grab afilmat Peckhamplex with £5.99 tickets all day, or Four Quarters, a retro arcade bar.“
The Bussey Building is an old factory around the corner from Peckham Rye that hosts club nights, yoga classes and artists’ spaces.
It’s home toRooftop Film Club, an open-air cinema that shows classic, cult, and new release films during the summertime.
Skaters will be able to enjoy sunset views from the rooftopCredit: AlamyThere will be plenty of food and Christmassy drinks tooCredit: Instagram
The Peckham bar has been included in guides for “Best Outdoor Bars in London” and “Best Rooftop Bars in London.
Some of the regulars are excited to try out the new space, one wrote on Instagram under the skating announcement: “Can’t wait!”
Another added: “Just when I thought bussey couldn’t get better”.
UK staycations can often set you back hundreds, but for the same price – or even less – you could get into the festive spirit in another country.
According to travel money experts at eurochange, it can cost upwards of £1,600 for a family of four to stay in a lodge in the UK around the Christmas period.
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There are many destinations you could head to for the same price or less than a staycation in the UK, such as Zakopane in Poland (above)Credit: Getty
Yet, for the same price you could be jetting off to Europe and exploring local Christmas markets.
Here are five great alternatives for an adventure during the Christmas period.
Zakopane, Poland
Zakopane located in Poland is known for being a top ski destination, especially thanks to the Tatra mountains.
The town has its own Christmas market to get you in the festive spirit, with stalls selling regional food such as oscypek – smoked sheep cheese.
Accommodation prices for December stays aren’t bad either.
For example, you could stay at willa anulka na Hrubym for five nights for £191 total for two adults and two children – and it is only 1.1 miles from the ski lifts.
Alternatively, head to Willa Senator which is less than half a mile from the ski lift and 1.4 miles from the town centre and costs £214 for five nights for a family of four.
It is the perfect spot to stay in with kids as there is an outdoor play area and garden.
Kakheti, Georgia
Kakheti in Georgia is known for being a great wine region, with many wineries hosting Christmas events throughout December.
Visitors can head to one of the wineries and try wines made in the region, aged in qvevris – a traditional clay vessel used in the winemaking process.
Georgia also has a ‘feast’ culture, known in the country as ‘supra’, with local treats including churchkhela – candle-shaped walnut sweets.
Return flights to Tbilisi from London cost from £152 per person.
When it comes to accommodation, there are a vast array of options depending on your budget.
For example, you could stay in the winery at Elizbar Talakvadze for £391 for five nights in December, for a family of four.
If you fancy staying somewhere with a pool, then you could stay at Holiday Inn Telavi by IHG for £429 for five nights also in December, for a family of four.
Kakheti in Georgia is known for being a great wine region and many of the wineries host Christmas eventsCredit: Getty
Cologne, Germany
Cologne in Germany is often considered one of the most festive cities in the world with multiple Christmas markets to explore.
At the markets visitors can enjoy mulled wine and traditional German snacks, such as Reibekuchen, which are a type of potato pancakes.
Or alternatively opt for a Christmas market classic, a Bratwurst with sauerkraut.
The city is also home to a beautiful Cathedral worth visiting.
Flights from Manchester in December cost from £41 or from London you could head there for £64.
Five nights at the Mercure Hotel Köln West in December cost from £455 for a family of four.
Alternatively, you could stay in an apartment at FeWo Central, just 1.3 miles from the city centre for £373 for five nights in December for a family of four.
Cologne in Germany is home to many different Christmas marketsCredit: Getty
Courchevel, France
The French Alps are an idyllic spot for a holiday during the Christmas period with Courchevel being transformed with festive lights and cheery decorations.
The destination has lots of family friendly activities including skiing, with ski schools for little ones, ice skating and dog sledding.
Courchevel is about two hours from Geneva Airport, which you can fly to in December for as little as £46 return from London, £48 return from Liverpool and £50 return from Belfast.
Accommodation in Courchevel is typically more expensive, however there are some good deals out there, such as a stay during the first week of December at the La Tania 309 Le Britania apartment, which is just a short walk from the ski lift.
For five nights for a family of four it costs from £370.
There are many more options for chalets between the £600 and £1,000 mark for a week, for a family of four in December.
Courchevel in the French Alps is a great spot if you like skiingCredit: Getty
Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is known for its UNESCO-listed old town which looks like it has been ripped from the pages of a Disney fairytale.
Add in the snow the city often gets and some festive spirit, it becomes a great option for a Christmas getaway.
In the Town Hall Square, there is a Christmas market which claims to be one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1441.
The market has lots of stalls with Estonian snacks such as blood sausages.
It is cheapest to fly to Tallinn from London, with return fares costing from £44 in December.
Options for accommodation in the city are vast, including Park Inn by Radisson Central Tallinn for £413 for five nights for a family of four.
Alternatively, if you fancy a spa and some fun for the kids, head to Kalev Spa Hotel & Waterpark in the centre of the city for £494, for five nights for a family of four including breakfast.
THIS Christmas snag £365 of beauty must-haves for just £79 – including the fan-favourite ‘glass skin in a bottle’ and the show-stopping ‘Wonder’ serum.
The set brings together 32 carefully curated mix of skincare and beauty essentials, designed to keep your complexion glowing all winter long.
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It has 32 carefully selected treats across haircare, skincare, makeup, bath & body and lifestyleCredit: Justmylook
From hydrating serums to luxurious creams, each product promises a little bit of pampering magic, making it a perfectly indulgent gift for yourself or someone special.
Shoppers are already calling it a bargain not to be missed, with the full retail value adding up to over £365, yet the Christmas set is available for just £79 – a fraction of the price.
What’s included?
For haircare, there is a Hair Syrup Rapunzel Pre-Wash Oil Treatment (50ml, deluxe size), Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Diamond Illuminating Shampoo (75ml, deluxe size), and Alfaparf Milano Semi Di Lino Diamond Illuminating Conditioner (50ml, deluxe size).
You also get an Intense Moisture Hair Mask (300ml, full size), Bondi Boost Heat Protectant Spray (50ml, deluxe size), Incredilox Nourishing Argan Treatment Oil (100ml, full size) and a Brushworks Dry Shampoo (50ml, deluxe size).
Your skin will be pampered with a Madagascar Centella Ampoule (30ml, full size), a Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask (34g, full size), a TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner (50ml, full size), and a Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream (100ml, full size).
You can also enjoy a Dr.PawPaw Overnight Lip Mask (10ml, full size), a Geek & Gorgeous Jelly Joker Cleanser (50ml, deluxe size), Grace & Stella Under Eye Mask Set (full size), a Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Fluid SPF50 (15ml, deluxe size), a Clean Skin Club Clean Towels XL Travel Pack (x10, full size) and a Kanzen Anti-Bacterial Cleansing Water (125ml, full size).
The beauty set offers cosmetics such as the Clomana Marshmallow Sponge, a Spectrum Collections Everyday 4 Piece Makeup Brush Set, a Plump It! Volumising Lip Oil (3ml), and a Jecca Blac Glow Drops Highlighting Primer in Rose Pearl (20ml).
Treat yourself to a fresh manicure with the Nails Inc. It’s Topless 1-Step Gel Nail Polish (10ml) and Nails Inc. It’s Topless 1-Step Gel Nail Polish (10ml).
Relax with the bath and body samples, which include the ESPA Bergamot & Jasmine Body Wash (40ml), the ESPA Bergamot & Jasmine Body Lotion (40ml), a Fussy Natural Deodorant Stick and two Truly Beauty Unicorn Fruit & Coco Cloud Gift sets (60ml).
Other goodies include a Shay & Blue Parfum Nashwa Eau De Parfum (10ml), a White Silver Cloud Fluffy Sleep Mask, a Justmylook Spa Headband and three Justmylook Satin Hair Scrunchies.
The Lookfantastic Grooming Advent Calendar review: Is it really worth £425
Customer reviews
Customers loved the set last year, leaving rave reviews and calling it a “blow-away” buy for both the quality and quantity of products included.
Many praise how the items feel luxurious, perform well, and offer a real sense of value, making it one of the most talked-about beauty bargains this festive season.
One customer wrote: “Bought this last year for my daughter and she absolutely loved it!
“The variety and quality of products behind each door was exceptional, in fact she has since purchased some of the items to use throughout the year.
Most important skincare advice
Faye Purcell, Head of Research & Development at Q+A Skincare shared her knowledge with Fabulous.
What skincare advice would you like everyone to know/follow?
Can I give two! Firstly, wear SPF daily and secondly, double cleanse! Wearing SPF daily, even on cloudy days and during the winter months, is one of the most important things you can do for your skin.
Double cleansing is one of the most effective (and often overlooked) ways to upgrade your skincare routine – especially if you wear sunscreen, makeup, or live in a busy polluted city. I’d suggest an evening double cleanse for best results.
What is a big skincare myth?
Luxury doesn’t mean more effective. You absolutely do not need to spend a fortune on skincare to get great results and Q+A is the perfect example of this. Many affordable products use the same active ingredients as luxury brands like hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, peptides, or salicylic acid – we use these in lots of our face and body products. A smart, consistent routine with well-formulated products – regardless of price – is what truly delivers results.
If someone is new to skincare, what’s one product you’d recommend them and why?
A moisturiser with SPF. Moisturising daily is an essential for all skin types and can make a perceivable difference to the appearance of the skin quickly. As SPF is also essential, combining these two steps can build good habits quickly and prevent skin cancer. Not only is SPF essential for protecting the skin from sun damage/skin cancer but also helps keep premature ageing at bay e.g. wrinkles/pigmentation.
Q+A have three excellent facial SPF50s (£15 each) – Peptide Anti-Ageing SPF50, Niacinamide Balancing SPF50 and Squalane Hydrating SPF50, that are available from Sephora and Holland & Barrett.
What is Q+A’s number one best seller?
Our Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum. It’s our number one best-seller one is sold every 90 seconds!
When it comes to the body, it’s the Q+A Salicylic Acid Body Wash – we sell one every two minutes.
Q+A is available from Sephora, Holland & Barrett, selected Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose stores and qandaskin.com.
Another added: “I truly enjoyed opening this one. A few different products in it unlike some advents who seems to copy each other. Very happy and especially the price point.”
A third penned: “I have just received my box as a birthday present. Love. Love. Love. What is there not to love?
“The box itself is just gorgeous … the contents are just amazing. It’s going to take some time to go through all the boxes .. can I wait until December …. nnahhhhh Let’s start now. Thank you.”
A fourth said: “WOW in a word! I’ve just received my JML Advent today and it’s absolutely beautiful.
“The box is gorgeous and so well made, each drawer holding the full 25 (not 24 like a classic advent) individual boxes (though I note there are several boxes with multiple items).
“It’s truly a lovely gift for yourself or a loved one (I ordered one for myself and another for my mum). I can’t recommend it enough, honestly.
“The team at JML have clearly put a lot of thought in to both the design of the box and the goodies inside it, not to mention the incredible value for money.
“I’m blown away, truly. Thanks Team JML – this advent is fabulous!!”
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It has 20 full-size products and a total value of over £365Credit: Justmylook
Biggest skincare trends for 2025
Face The Future’s Head of Clinic, Kimberley Medd, shared the five skincare trends predicted to take off in 2025.
1. Exosomes
Exosomes are the buzzword for 2025, taking advanced skin regeneration to new heights. These micro-messengers signal skin cells to repair damage, boost collagen, and accelerate recovery, and they’re a gamechanger for targeting ageing.
2. Streamlined Skincare
The age of 12-step routines is fading as consumers shift to more intentional, multi-functional products. Streamlining skincare not only saves time but also reduces the risk of overloading your skin. In 2025, we’ll see a rise in hybrid products that combine active ingredients for simplified, effective results.
3. Vegan Collagen
Plant-based collagen will dominate the skincare world this year, providing a sustainable, ethical alternative to traditional animal-derived collagen. Expect vegan collagen in everything from moisturisers to serums.
4. The Rise Of AI
AI is revolutionising the beauty landscape, making it possible for consumers to get truly personalised skincare solutions. In 2025, we predict a dramatic shift towards AI-powered tools that help people understand their skin on a deeper level.
5. Hair Loss Solutions –
Hair loss is an issue that affects more men than we often realise, and it’s no longer just something we’re talking about behind closed doors. This year, expect to see a continued rise in demand for treatments that not only tackle hair loss but also nurture overall scalp health.
If you’re looking for a great day out for the whole family this winter, we’ve got you covered
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The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us… Why not meet Father Christmas himself at Lapland UK’s debut Cheshire event?
Lapland UK
After incredible success in the south of England, Lapland UK is coming to Cheshire this year – HOORAY! – and we cannot wait. A truly magical experience from start to end, as the name suggests the event is designed to transport visitors to Lapland, the home of Father Christmas. With incredible attention to detail, dazzling decor, mesmerising costumes, and a truly magical feel throughout, it really is core memory territory. It’s also as close as one can get to hopping on a plane to Lapland itself. Believe me, at times you’ll feel as if you’re actually there. During their visit, children (and their grownups!) can help elves make toys, have a go at ice skating, meet Father Christmas himself – and so so much more. Running between 13th Nov and the 24th Dec, Lapland UK is currently sold out BUT tickets do become available regularly through the returns portal though so it’s always worth keeping an eye out here just in case. Prices start from £60 per person.
East Lancashire Railway Santa Specials
All aboard the Santa steam train! Days out don’t get more magical than taking a trip on the East Lancashire Railway Santa Special Service. Get into the festive spirit with a mince pie as the train chugs along through the Great British countryside, with some very special guest appearances along the way. Presents are given to the kids, while grown ups can enjoy a Baileys. There are carols and music too – it’s just magical. The service, which sets off from Bolton Street Station, Bury, runs until Christmas Eve, with prices from £22.50 per person. New for this year, on 22, 23 and 29 November, ELR is also putting on a Santa Special train specially designed for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a quieter overall experience and a calm carriage.
Glow at RHS Bridgewater
Embrace the dark evenings and wander through the magical Glow light show with a mulled wine or hot chocolate. RHS Bridgewater will be lit up this December, with twinkles and sparkles adorning pathways, trees and bushes. It’s a real winter wonderland that the whole family will enjoy. Tickets are available from 4.30pm – 9pm, until December 30. Prices for members start at £8.25 for adults and £4.50 for children. Non-member prices start from £13.50 for adults and £7.25 for children. Under-fives go free.
Yuletide at Tatton Park
Take a walk through the world of winter folklore at Tatton Park and join in their Yuletide celebrations, with music, performance, puppets and a glittering light trail to enjoy. There will be marshmallows to roast around the fire, hot chocolate to drink and magical characters to meet, along with stories from a traditional teller. An unmissable, unforgettable, ethereal experience for the whole family. From the 15th November until 23rd December, off peak tickets (15th, 23rd, 30th Nov) cost £19 for adults and £11 for children (under twos go free), and standard tickets cost £22 for adults, £12 for children, and under twos go free.
Dunham Massey Christmas Light Trail
An enchanting after-dark experience is perfect for the whole family, this year’s Light Trail at beautiful Dunham Massey is set to be the best yet. Visitors will explore the enchanting grounds of Dunham Massey after dark, meeting the parkland’s resident deer, and marvelling at the sites 500 year old oak tree. Pause for pictures at the 30-metre-long Christmas Cathedral, marvel at new installation – ‘Tis The Season’ – which brings seven giant neon baubles to the estate’s majestic trees, enjoy Shatter, a striking collection of 50 illuminated shards up to four metres high, and delight at Fish are Jumping, a playful series of 20 leaping fish. The event runs from Friday 14 November to Saturday 3 January. Off-peak tickets are £19 for an adult, £12.50 for a child with family tickets (2 Adults & 2 Children) starting from £40. Standard tickets are £27.50 for adult, £18.50 for a child, with family tickets (2 Adults & 2 Children) starting from £60.
Christmas at the Trafford Centre
There’s plenty to enjoy at the Trafford Centre this Christmas! First up, kicking off proceedings on Nov 15th is the Christmas Parade, running from 11.30am til 2.30pm and featuring a whole host of Christmas characters – including Santa himself! Then, back for another year from Nov 22 til Dec 24, is the Trafford Centre’s beloved Grotto, where children can meet Santa himself. This year, little ones are invited on a top-secret toy-making mission as Santa prepares to launch the very first Giggle Gizmo — a magical super toy centuries in the making! Tickets cost £27 for children, which includes a gift. Adults cost £9.50. Elsewhere, there is plenty to keep families of all ages busy, from a glittering ice rink to a festive fairground. There’s lots to eat and drink too.
Oaks On Ice at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks
Making Christmas shopping magical, this year sees the launch of Oaks On Ice, a gorgeous ice skating rink and festive experience for the whole family. Elsewhere you’ll find festive food, drinks and treats on offer, as well as music and entertainment to enjoy. Launching on October 24th, tickets start from £12.50 for adults, £9.50 for children aged four and up, and £36 for families.
A Decade Of Magic at King St Townhouse
This winter sees King Street Townhouse celebrate its 10th birthday, with a whole host of Christmassy things to enjoy. First up, there’s the Festive Afternoon Tea, launching on 17th November and starting at £35pp, with nostalgic artisanal handmade desserts (an eggnog and clementine macaron, a mulled winter berry roulade topped with a miniature gingerbread man, and a rich Belgian chocolate and pistachio tart. Elsewhere, in the hotel’s gorgeous spa, visitors can enjoy the Decad’ant Ritual, a new limited-edition treatment available throughout November and December. This restorative experience begins with two hours of blissful relaxation in the thermal suite before a 60-minute ‘Comfort and Glow’ treatment, with facial and scalp massage. Finally, cosy up for some classic Christmas films (think Love Actually and Home Alone) in the Screening Room from 15th November to 24th December. Tickets start at £15pp.
City Centre Christmas Markets
Manchester’s Christmas Markets will open across the city on Friday 7 November and close on Monday 22 December. And this year will see the reopening of a section of Albert’s Square, with A Taste Of Christmas – jam packed with tasty food, drink and treats to enjoy, as well as crafts to buy. The square will also be home to a huge ferris wheel, giving breathtaking views of Manchester’s Town Hall. As well as Albert Square, you’ll find stalls at Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Cathedral Gardens, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street. Exchange Square, King Street and The Corn Exchange.
Bar Hütte
A seasonal alpine-ski themed Christmas pop up venue in Great Northern, this season Bar Hütte will play host to cosy karaoke booths, and festive events like wreath-making mornings and Santa meet-and-greets. A wonderful meeting place for all ages, there’s plenty to enjoy throughout winter. For groups of friends, and colleagues looking for an after-work social, guests can look forward to a bustling atmosphere under the twinkling lights too. Expect live music performed by local musicians and DJ’s, oven-baked pizzas and Bombardinos; an Italian mountain classic of warm rum, cream & cinnamon shot, served topped with whipped cream.
“We’ve been doing this for a while now,” laughs Channing Tatum, “and every once in a while a new thing comes out I haven’t heard.”
Tatum’s responding to the latest revelation of the press tour for his new film “Roofman”: Director Derek Cianfrance’s claim that he was the fastest checker in Walmart history. (“They gave you a raise if you got 18 rings a minute,” says Cianfrance. “I averaged 350.”)
The point, for Cianfrance, is that the characters at the heart of “Roofman” — good-hearted thief and unauthorized Toys “R” Us tenant Jeffrey Manchester (Tatum) and working mother Leigh (Kirsten Dunst) — are his kind of people.
And “Roofman,” which in its themes of personal responsibility, community and acceptance holds much in common with the work of Frank Capra, is his kind of film. The director behind the 1946 Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” loomed over Cianfrance’s film from the start. “As we were selling this movie, trying to get it financed, I was pitching it to everyone as a Capra movie and what I kept hearing is, ‘We don’t make those movies anymore.’”
Cianfrance always knew he wanted “Roofman” to be a Christmas movie, which often features characters rediscovering themselves in a small town and magical happenings like, as he says, “a fish shows up with wings.” Or, in this case, that Manchester — on the lam after escaping prison — ends up falling in love with Leigh and being embraced by her family and community.
Tatum as Jeffrey Manchester in “Roofman.”
(Davi Russo / Paramount Pictures)
“I love the populist filmmaker who’s making movies about regular people,” says Cianfrance. “You never feel like Capra’s ever judging people, or being snobby about the people he’s making movies about. He’s making movies about the people who go to the movies.” And while the film’s true-life tale is certainly stranger than fiction, Cianfrance avoided turning “Roofman” into Hollywood escapism. Instead, he says, he wanted to illustrate his respect for working people’s dreams and aspirations: “The thing that transformed it for me was when Leigh told me that Jeff was the greatest adventure of her life, and that she didn’t regret a thing.”
With that in mind, he urged the cast to live their characters’ suburban North Carolina lives. He encouraged actor Peter Dinklage, who plays the Toys “R” Us store manager, to actually manage the store. Dunst’s Leigh, a new hire, was given an actual job interview by Dinklage himself. “He would not give me an inch in that interview,” says Dunst. “I respect him so much as an actor, I think I was also just intimidated by him as well.”
Cianfrance calls the set “an aquarium for actors” — a place where, to pull another Christmas reference he drops, everyone was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on the island of misfit toys. Actors like Emory Cohen and Juno Temple expanded their characters beyond the page. Cohen, who plays bullied employee Otis, conjured up his character’s love for peanut M&M’s, while Temple, who plays the girlfriend of one of Manchester’s friends, saw her character as a hairdresser.
Even a scene where the Toys “R” Us is decorated for Thanksgiving gave Cianfrance and production designer Inbal Weinberg the opportunity to debate where to have Dunst place an inflatable turkey. “I was like, we’re gonna let the actors decide. Kirsten came to set. She got the turkey. And she started to decide where it went, and she put it where my production designer wanted it,” Cianfrance says. “And Peter Dinklage came out and was like, ‘No, the turkey goes here.’”
“As we were selling this movie, trying to get it financed, I was pitching it to everyone as a Capra movie and what I kept hearing is, ‘We don’t make those movies anymore,’’’ says “Roofman” director Derek Cianfrance.
(The Tyler Twins / For The Times)
Dunst had been wanting to work with the director since auditioning (unsuccessfully, the pair joke) for his 2016 feature “The Light Between Oceans.” “I would have done this movie without reading any script,” she says. “How he makes a set — he wants to capture all the nuance and the things that make us humans interesting.”
Tatum concurs. He knew immediately the role would challenge him as a performer. The actor had heard stories of how Cianfrance worked with performers to get authentic responses, like giving Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams — playing a married couple in 2010 drama “Blue Valentine” — contrasting information in scenes to heighten tension.
Dunst recalls a similar moment on “Roofman,” where Jeff scares Leigh by driving a car too fast with her and her daughters inside. “Derek held my arms and he was like, ‘Push against me as hard as you can,’” she says. “I did that and he held tight and then we went into the scene immediately after. It brought up emotions of being trapped and a feeling like everything was out of your control … but that really helped me a lot.”
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“I only told [Cianfrance] no one time,” says Tatum, “and that’s when he wanted me to sing.” That might surprise viewers considering Tatum has an extended nude sequence where Jeff tries to escape from Dinklage’s Mitch — the first time Dinklage and Tatum met, as it happens.
“[Derek] always jokes, ‘You read the script,’” says Tatum. “I’m like, ‘Yeah, I know I read the script. I just assumed you had a plan … a blocking plan.” The scene itself, which involved Tatum running through the toy store and leaping onto a small roof, took 15 takes to accomplish over almost eight hours. Tatum, Dunst and Cianfrance laugh about how the director broached the subject of keeping Tatum’s nudity tasteful. “He’s like, ‘You want me to blur it?’” says Tatum. “I’m like, ‘Don’t blur it. That’s even weirder.’”
As Dunst, Tatum and Cianfrance discuss the production, the conversation seems to be as much about the memories they made on set as the making of a film — which underscores Cianfrance’s approach to directing.
“I’ve always tried to make sure [the actors] have environments … so that they can have these accidents and surprises. Moments can happen one time that you can’t replicate, and they become the moment that you watch forever. They become immortalized because of that.”
Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has been named European Christmas Capital 2025 – and it’s easy to see why. The city has a stunning Christmas market and barely any crowds.
The charming city has a gorgeous market(Image: Getty)
If you’re dreaming of a festive getaway complete with Christmas markets and cosy eateries, but can’t bear the thought of battling through crowds, then some destinations are off the table.
For instance, Paris, despite its charm and beauty, welcomed 22 million tourists last year, while Vienna, another popular winter destination, saw an astonishing 19 million visitors.
Over tourism can turn a holiday into a stressful experience, particularly during the festive season when all you want to do is unwind.
However, there’s one stunning European city that remains relatively crowd-free – and it boasts an award-winning Christmas market.
Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, attracted just 1.2 million tourists last year – a mere fraction compared to Europe’s busiest hotspots.
With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the ideal time to consider a trip to this extraordinary city.
Vilnius has been crowned European Christmas Capital 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, backed by the European Parliament.
It offers a spectacular Christmas tree, a UNESCO-listed Old Town, and of course, markets brimming with mulled wine and handmade crafts, reports the Express.
The holiday season in Vilnius kicks off on 29 November with its most eagerly awaited tradition, the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Cathedral Square.
Each year, the tree showcases a fresh bold design, drawing people to the city to celebrate with their loved ones.
If you fancy being there for the big switch-on, Skyscanner is currently offering return flights from London to Vilnius starting at just £42 – arriving on 29th November and departing on 1st December.
As for digs, prices kick off from a mere £21 per night, making it an ideal budget-friendly getaway – just remember to save some suitcase space for all those pressies.
Airfares to the magnificent Christmas market cathedral city of Colonge have dropped significantly over the past 12 months, according to Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends report
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(Image: Getty)
Flights to the location of one of the world’s biggest and best-known Christmas markets have tumbled in price.
According to Skyscanner, airfares to the magnificent cathedral city of Cologne have dropped significantly over the past 12 months. The market opens to the public on November 17 and runs until December 23. Right now, there are one-way tickets available for when the market is open, from a number of different UK airports, from £14.
Chelsea Dickenson, a British bargain hunter with a knack for frugal festivities, champions Cologne’s Christmas markets as the best of them all. Not only does it boast an array of activities, but it also promises more bang for your buck compared to its British counterparts.
The savvy saver, who dishes out budget travel advice on social media, recently took to TikTok to share her insights: “If you haven’t booked a European Christmas market yet this year here’s why I think you should opt for Cologne. So last year I visited seven European Christmas markets and Cologne my absolute favourite.”
Cologne Tourism confirms the city’s festive allure, announcing: “This year the Christmas markets in Cologne opened their gates around November 18, and are welcoming visitors with delicacies such as mulled wine and waffles. You can explore the many markets in the course of a mulled-wine tour through the cathedral city.”
Milo Boyd
Chelsea, the savvy traveller behind Cheap Holiday Expert, has shared her enchanting experience at Cologne’s Christmas markets on her website. She gushed: “I loved Heinzels Wintermärchen Christmas Market in Cologne’s old town, spread over the Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares.
“This is a traditional market, centred around the folk legend of household spirits, the Heinzelmännchen. As well as stalls selling incredible hand-made gifts, there are food stands, live music, artist performances and an ice rink too.”
Cologne topped a Skyscanner list of the best-value holiday destinations, combining experience and affordability among those seeing the biggest year-on-year drops in flight prices.
Over the past year flights from the UK to Cologe have dropped 44%. There are a number of reasons why fares may drop to certain destination, including new routes opening up and more frequent services from low-cost carriers. For example, direct routes have resumed from London Heathrow to Ottawa.
Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner, said: “Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends report shows how travel is about to get more personal than ever. Whether it’s building a trip around a must-stay ‘destination hotel’, getting lost in a new favourite book on a reading retreat, incorporating a beauty routine into their travel itinerary or bringing the whole family along for the journey, travel will become more curated, grounded and unique.”
It’s worth noting that taking the train from the UK to Cologne is quick, easy and much less harmful to the environment than flying. A train journey from London to Cologne generates around 12.7 kg of CO2 per passenger, a fraction of the estimated 45 kg from a flight on the same route, according to Eurostar analysis.
MILLIONS of pensioners will be hit with £300 tax bills from HMRC this winter.
From November, around nine million pensioners will begin to see up to £300 land in their bank accounts.
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The benefit is issued by the DWP to help cover fuel costs over winterCredit: Getty
The cash boost comes as part of the Winter Fuel Payment, which is a benefit issued by the DWP to help elderly people with fuel costs over the colder months.
Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids’ beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now
What happens now?
If you did not opt out, HMRC will change your tax code and you will receive a tax code notice letter.
Changing your tax code means that your Winter Fuel Payment will be deducted from your income and paid to HMRC in monthly instalments.
So for example, if you received a £100 Winter Fuel Payment but had an income of £35,000, you will pay back around £9 every month.
You will be charged from April 2026, which is the start of the new tax year.
Households can check if they are over the income thresholds by visiting www.tax.service.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-hmrc-will-take-back-your-winter-payment/start/country.
How to opt out of future charges
The deadline for opting out of the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025 to 2026 has passed.
But you can opt out of getting the benefit for 2026 to 2027 from April 2026.
When it reopens, you will need to complete either an online form or phone the helpline on 0800 731 0160.
If you opt to complete the form online, you will need details such as your National Insurance number.
Who is not eligible for the payment?
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born before September 22 1959 and live in England or Wales.
But a small group of individuals will not be eligible, including:
live outside England and Wales
were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025
Most people are paid the benefit automatically but if you think you are risk of missing out you can apply.
Are you missing out on benefits?
YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to
Entitledto’s free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit.
MoneySavingExpert.com and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto’s data.
You can use Policy in Practice’s calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you’ll have left over each month after paying for housing costs.
Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
The Pantiles Christmas Markets will return this year, and will run between November 14 until Christmas Eve, December 24
Mary Harris and Chloe Dobinson
10:57, 07 Oct 2025
The festive spectacle will feature timber chalets and a decorated tree(Image: CBCK-Christine via Getty Images)
An enchanting Christmas market is set to transform a historic quarter of the elegant Kent town, Tunbridge Wells, known for its great rail connections. The festive spectacle will feature timber chalets, twinkling lights and a decorated tree on the bandstand, and if we’re lucky, there might even be snow.
The area, known as The Pantiles, is such an idyllic setting for festivities that it has been chosen as the backdrop for at least two Christmas television adverts, one for Morrisons supermarket and another for online retailer Very. This year, The Pantiles Christmas Markets are making a comeback, running from November 14 right up until Christmas Eve, December 24.
When this Georgian colonnade is adorned with festive decorations, bustling with people against the backdrop of period architecture, it’s the perfect scene for a Christmas jigsaw puzzle.
There will be performances from musicians, choirs and local theatre groups, along with family-friendly entertainment including a lights switch-on, reports Kent Live.
Pantiles Events, which organises the market and others throughout the year, said: “This Christmas, The Pantiles will once again be transformed into a festive spectacle, offering an enchanting experience for traders and over 170,000 visitors alike.
“Join us for a celebration filled with festive cheer. Our annual Big Reveal takes place as part of the launch of our Christmas market, including a grand switch-on of The Pantiles’ dazzling lights, followed by family-friendly entertainment.
“Plus so much more. There’s sure to be something for everyone this Christmas at The Pantiles.”
The Christmas Markets are set to run on the following dates, all from 10am to 7pm:
The Pantiles, a Georgian walkway and popular spot for visitors, was previously named one of the UK’s Top 10 High Streets for Independent Shops by American Express, as reported by KentLive.
In recent years, there have been several new openings in the area, including Charlotte’s on The Pantiles, Essence by Atul Kochhar, and Kypseli Greek Taverna, which is run by the same family that operates the co-working space Hive on the same site.
You can learn more about the Christmas market here.
The sale has kicked off featuring Zed’s Gummy Corn sweets for £0.75, described as “sweet, creamy and zesty”.
Other sweets encouraging shoppers to get into the spooky spirit for under £1 include crowd pleasers Haribo Bone Shakers and Sour Skeletons, both priced at £0.99.
Shoppers can also get their hands on a bucket of vanilla flavoured Hallow-scream candy floss for £0.99 in three colours – green, orange and purple.
The last item under £1 is the Pimlico Coffin Sour Gummy sweets at £0.99.
The spooky treat is described as “tangy and chewy” and is sold in a variety of flavours.
The prices range from £0.75 all the way up to £10.89 – with Vidal Monster Jellies at the top end of the Halloween sweets sale.
Bargain hunters can find chocolates, sweets, savoury spooky items and everything in between as Halloween approaches.
The sale is available at all stores across the UK and online.
‘Look at the cute Halloween pumpkins reasonably priced’ says Dunnes Stores fan as spooky must-haves hit shelves from €3
Lidl‘s Christmas-Ready Wooden Toy sale is set to launch with some of the country’s most sought after wooden toys massively discounted.
Kicking off on October 9, Lidl Plus members have a short six-day window to get their hands on early Christmas presents.
The long-awaited sale offers a collection of quality, sustainable toys at unbeatable prices, which kick off at £1.99.
Some showstoppers include the Wooden Play Kitchen (£44.99 with Lidl Plus, £49.99 without) and Bakery & Cafe (£16.19 with Lidl Plus, £17.99 without).
The new range will also come with a huge variety of wallet-friendly stocking fillers, such as the Wooden Food Play Set (from £4.99) and Wooden Railway Set (£6.39 with Lidl Plus, £7.99 without).
Hitting the stores very soon, the wooden toy collection has plenty of options to tackle a day of cheffing or provide hours of indoor fun.
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Pimlico Candy Coffins have hit shelves for under £1Credit: Homebargains
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Shoppers can find everything from chocolate to savoury snacksCredit: Homebargains
To keep kids from climbing up the walls, the sturdy Wooden Balance Board (£23.99 with Lidl Plus, £29.99 without) and Wooden Balance Beam (£17.99 with Lidl Plus, £19.99 without) are the ideal additions to help the little ones reach new heights.
Or for those looking for something more instrumental for their little treble makers, the Hape Baby Musical Instruments come in a groovin’ guitar or a classic keyboard for a price sure to strike a chord at £11.69 with Lidl Plus (12.99 without).
With cooler weather rolling in for the holidays, the Wooden Puzzle (£1.79 with Lidl Plus, £1.99 without) and Wooden Play Set available as a Farmhouse, Fire Station or Stable (£9.59 with Lidl Plus, £11.99 without) are perfect for providing hours of indoor fun for the chips off the old block.
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Zed Candy Double Dares are also part of the Halloween saleCredit: Homebargains
THOUSANDS of pensioners will be able to apply for a winter cash boost worth up to £300 in just days.
More than nine million people are set to get the Winter Fuel Payment to help with their energy bills over the colder months.
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Certain pensioners will need to apply to get the Winter Fuel PaymentCredit: Getty
Most people who are eligible will get the payment automatically, and will receive letters in the post from the DWP in October and November telling them how much cash they will receive.
However, certain pensioners will need to apply to get the benefit.
You can apply either by post or over the phone, and the DWP phone lines to make a claim open on October 13.
Postal applications opened earlier on September 15.
Pensioners have until March 31 2026 to make a claim.
income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
awards from the War Pensions Scheme
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Incapacity Benefit
Industrial Death Benefit
If you don’t receive any of these benefits, you’ll need to claim manually if you’ve not got the Winter Fuel Payment before, or if you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment.
While the highest amount of free support is £300, the total will depend on when you were born and your circumstances on the qualifying week, which is between September 15 and 21 of this year.
Pensioners born before September 22, 1959, with an income of £35,000 or below will be eligible for between £100 and £300 to help towards heating bills.
Those hoping to receive the cash must be 66 by the end of the qualifying week.
You won’t be eligible for the payment if you earn more than £35,000 a year, and HMRC will claw back the automatic payment made to you through your tax code or tax return.
Your income can come from a range of factors including, your private pension and state benefits.
Other people who won’t be eligible include those who:
live outside England and Wales
were in hospital getting free treatment for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025 and the year before that
need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave says that you cannot claim public funds
were in prison for the whole of the week of 15 to 21 September 2025
The Winter Fuel Payment was axed for 10million pensioners last year, with only those on certain benefits qualifying.
But the government was forced to perform a U-turn after a huge public outcry, with the funding now being reinstated for millions.
The gov.uk website provides further guidance on the scheme and how to make a claim.
Pensioners are also being warned to be wary of text messages from scammers posing as the DWP, who try to get you to click on a fake link to make a claim.
These are not official DWP messages and should be deleted, the government has said.
The Winter Fuel Payment is separate from the Warm Home Discount, which offers struggling households £150 off their electricity bill.
The money is not paid to you, and households that are eligible will have the discount applied to their bill by their energy provider.
What energy bill help is available?
There’s a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you’re struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
MARKS & Spencer is making a major change to all of its stores this Christmas – with more staff set to work on Boxing Day for the first time in five years.
The retailer is ending its recent tradition of keeping most shops shut on the bank holiday as it gears up for one of the busiest trading periods of the year.
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The retailer said this caused knock-on issues with replenishing stock and maintaining store standardsCredit: Getty
The change will impact stores across the UK, as M&S looks to boost its post-Christmas operations and ensure shelves are fully restocked.
According to The Guardian, around a quarter of store employees will now be required to work on Boxing Day, while all staff must work at least one of December, 26, 27 or 28.
A document from Marks & Spencer seen by the publication revealed that last year, over 40 per cent of permanent staff and 30 per cent of seasonal workers did not work on one of those peak days.
The retailer said this caused knock-on issues with replenishing stock and maintaining store standards.
To avoid similar problems this year, it stated that “all colleagues must play their part to deliver a successful Christmas.”
Jayne Wall, operations director for Marks & Spencer, said: “Christmas at Marks and Spencer is very special and we are grateful to our hardworking colleagues who make our stores great places for our customers to shop.
“Like most retailers, we always have some colleagues in our stores and depots on Boxing Day to help reset.
However, this year we will have more colleagues working than previously so we are in great shape to welcome customers on 27 December.”
The change marks a significant shift for M&S, which decided to close most of its stores on Boxing Day in 2020 as a gesture of thanks after staff worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
Clemmie Moodie tries the new Arctic Colin the Caterpillar
The retailer had continued the policy since then, saying it wanted to give employees a “much-deserved extended break with their family and loved ones.”
However, this year’s move comes after a turbulent few months for the business.
M&S was hit by a major cyber attack over Easter, which caused widespread disruption to its systems and operations.
The company has since faced staff shortages and logistical challenges, prompting the change in Christmas staffing.
Not all employees are happy about the decision.
Some have said they feel pressured into accepting additional hours during what is usually considered a family holiday.
One M&S worker said: “This has been an incredibly difficult year for colleagues dealing with the cyber incident and the company has been reluctant to give extra hours to stores, so many stores are dealing with low colleague numbers.
“After such a hard time many colleagues feel this is an extra slap in the face.”
Another team member is reported to have written on the retailer’s internal messaging platform expressing disappointment at the move.
They said: “Over recent months it’s been recognised that colleagues have gone above and beyond, doing everything asked of them to keep standards high and deliver excellent service during very challenging times.
“That’s why it feels especially disheartening that Christmas – such a precious time for family – is being disrupted for so many of us.
“Instead of feeling rewarded for our commitment, it comes across more like a punishment.”
HISTORY OF M&S
M&S was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds.
The first official Marks and Spencer store opened in Manchester in 1901.
Throughout the 1920s, M&SA gre rapidly, opening more and more stores across the country.
The retailer made its reputation in the early 20th century by selling only British-made products.
It began textile sales in 1926 and started selling food from 1931.
The St Michael trademark was introduced in 1928 as a guarantee of quality and value.
This was initially used only for a small range of textiles but was extended over the years to cover all goods sold by M&S.
M&S introduced its first in-store cafe in 1935 in the Leeds store.
It provided cheap, hygienic, and nutritious mass catering.
By 1942, M&S opened 82 cafes across its estate.
At the outbreak of the Second World War, M&S had 234 stores.
By 1945, over 100 of these had been damaged by bombs, and 16 had been completely destroyed.
BY 1960, M&S pioneered in the sale of fresh poultry following the invention of the cold-chain process.
In the 1970s and 1980s, M&S pushed into international markets including the US, Canada and France.
In 1979, M&S introduced the Chicken Kiev to its food halls across the UK.
In 1992, Percy Pigs were launched.
The Autograph range of clothing was introduced in 2000, and the St Michael brand was slowly phased out.
In 2019, the group announced 110 store closures as part of its plans, affecting several longstanding high-street shops.
In September 2020, M&S partnered with Ocado to allow for home delivery of the chain’s full food range.
M&S has recently announced new stores and is freshening up a swathe of others in a boost for shoppers.
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The company has since faced staff shortages and logistical challenges, prompting the change in Christmas staffing
Some people will no doubt go straight for old favourites like mince pies and pigs in blankets.
But this unconventional bag could be just what the doctor ordered.
The Flipz Gingerbread Flavour Coated Pretzel Share Bag offers a festive treat of a different variety.
A spokesperson said: “Bring festive flavour to your snacking with Flipz Gingerbread Flavour Coated Pretzels Share Bag.
“These special festive treats feature crunchy, sweet-and-salty pretzels coated in a smooth gingerbread flavoured layer, finished with a creamy drizzle, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and salty crunch.
“Packed in a larger 150g sharing pouch, this is the ultimate snack for winter movie nights with friends or to self-indulge.”
But it’s not the only treat to offer a Christmas-y flavour as the darker months await.
Those craving more gingerbread can enjoy the McVitie’s Gingerbread Flavour Milk Chocolate Digestives.
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Retailing for £2.25, these biscuits offer an old classic with a twist.
As spokesperson said: “Bring a festive twist to your celebrations with Gingerbread Flavour Milk Chocolate Digestives.
“Returning as a limited-edition treat for 2025, the rich, warming taste of gingerbread paired with creamy milk chocolate gives a new take on the nation’s favourite biscuit.
“If you did not manage to get your hands on this festive edition run from last year, you have been granted a second chance!”
Emma Johnson, Sweet Seasonal Brand Manager for McVitie’s, said: “The festive season is such a wonderful time, and McVitie’s is honoured to play a part in the nation’s celebrations each year.
“Whether you’re spending quality time with loved ones, looking to get-together with friends, or hunting down stocking fillers for the big day, our McVitie’s range promises something special for every moment.”
Travel firms including Love Holidays, Wowcher, TUI and Shearings are offering package trips to Christmas market destinations including Prague, Cologne and Krakow
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The Old Town market in Prague looks like a scene from a Christmas card(Image: Getty)
Across Europe, there are a whole host of fantastic festive markets that are excellent spots to soak up the seasonal atmosphere, get in the merry mindset, and bag some gifts for the big day.
Some of the UK’s biggest travel companies are offering bargain package deals that include transport to the Christmas capitals in question as well as accomodation while you’re there.
Places on some of them are limited, and the deals only run for a limited amount of time on others. So while it may feel a little early to get in the Christmas spirit, now is the time to start booking. Check out our selection below.
Krakow
As part of their Winter 25/26 Christmas Markets programme, Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks are offering flights and trips from London Stansted Airport to Kraków for the first time, where customers can indulge in festive Polish cuisine.
With twice-weekly flights (Thursday and Sunday) available from 27 November to 21 December 2025, Kraków is a great destination for those looking to enjoy a long weekend exploring the delights of the city’s festive markets and local treats.
The city is an undiscovered foodie paradise, with centuries-old history forming a winter wonderland backdrop for a vibrant and delicious culinary scene. From hearty stews and spiced mulled wine to sweet gingerbread treats and artisan cheeses, Kraków’s Christmas markets are a food lover’s paradise. Holidaymakers can wander through the iconic Rynek Główny, where the scent of roasting chestnuts, sizzling kiełbasa sausages, and freshly baked pierogi fills the crisp air.
Customers booking a Kraków Christmas markets getaway can choose from a flight-only option with Jet2.com or an ATOL-protected package holiday with Jet2CityBreaks, available for only a £60 per person deposit. Package options with Jet2CityBreaks include flights with Jet2.com, giving holidaymakers 22kg hold luggage and 10kg cabin luggage, as well as a choice of 2-5-star hotels.
Cologne and Düsseldorf
If you love a Christmas market, but prefer not to fly, then Shearings may be the perfect tour operator for you. Book a trip and then get ready to jingle all the way into the festive season with a Christmas market coach holiday.
Shearings offers trips to iconic European Christmas markets including Luxembourg and Salzburg, but it’s Cologne and Düsseldorf that really catch the eye.
From the multiple markets of Cologne to the gingerbread houses of Düsseldorf, there is plenty to get you in the festive mood with pretty little stalls offering unique handcrafted gifts and plenty of mulled wine to keep the winter chills at bay.
Right now Shearings is offering a four-day trip to the two festive cities from £389 per person.
Berlin
Germany is arguably the home of the Christmas market as we know it, and its capital is teeming with a variety of excellent festive spots. Among its best known is the famous and elegant WeihnachtsZauber Gendarmenmarkt, the traditional and bustling Alexanderplatz market with its Ferris wheel and ice rink, and the historic, artisan-focused market at Breitscheidplatz.
TUI is offering breaks to The Riu Plaza, which is within walking distance of the capital’s premier shopping avenue. This up-to-date, glass-fronted hotel’s in a prime position for shopaholics. It’s just a five-minute stroll to Germany’s biggest department store, and a further five minutes’ walk to Berlin’s best shopping street – the Kurfürstendamm – which is jam-packed with big-name brands and designer stores.
A two night stay in the hotel is on offer now for £382 per person, with flights from the UK included.
Prague
If Germany doesn’t grab the top spot in the festive market rankings, then it’ll be Czechia. Specifically, Prague.
The enchanting capital beckons holidaymakers with its fairytale charm and rich tapestry of experiences. Straddling the Vltava River, this city of a hundred spires casts a spell that captivates history buffs, art enthusiasts and night owls alike.
You can wander through the labyrinthine cobblestone streets of Old Town, where Gothic towers and Baroque façades tell tales of centuries past. The astronomical clock, a medieval marvel, still ticks away, drawing crowds with its hourly spectacle. Across the iconic Charles Bridge, Prague Castle looms large – a thousand-year-old fortress that once housed Holy Roman Emperors and now stands as a testament to Czech resilience.
Love Holidays has a whole host of Prague breaks on offer for the festive period, with hotel stays and flights from the UK included in packages that cost as little as £139 per person.
Mystery market
If you like to combine a taste for living life on the edge and Christmas markets, then Wowcher is your place.
Right now it is offering a Christmas Market Mystery Holiday with flights and a hotel stay at one of 80 worldwide potential destinations for the 2025 festive season. You can choose the travel dates that work best for you, but where you’ll be going is in the hands of the gods/Wowcher.
Destinations including New York, Chicago, Washington, Toronto, Salzburg, Cologne, Copenhagen, Bruges, Amsterdam, Tallinn and Rome are on the list of possibilities. During your getaway, you’ll slumber down in 3*+ accommodation, each with its own private room and en suite.
IRN Bru has launched a new winter flavour that has left shoppers divided.
Many have called for the popular soda to be “left alone” as others marvelled at the interesting mix.
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Irn Winter Bru is a mix of spiced ginger and cinnamonCredit: Irn Bru
Irn Bru’s latest venture is made with a blend of spiced ginger and cinnamon.
The quirky drink comes packaged in a red can with the firm’s trademark logo on the front.
Unlike the OG drink, however, this special edition also features a giant snowflake as a nod to the festive season.
The new flavour has inspired awe and ire as dozens hopped online to share their views.
Some shoppers called for the drink to be “left alone”, while another simply said “ew”.
One user said: “As a Scottish person. Some things are just best left alone. Can’t beat the OG drink. Some things just need leaving alone.”
Others, however, enthused it’s the perfect teetotal tipple for Christmas.
One shopper said: “I got some yesterday, quite like it! It’ll never replace the 1901 stuff but it’s a pleasant drink for Christmas
Another added: “That sounds tempting!”
Winter Bru will roll out across shops from November 1 for a period of eight weeks.
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It will be available in a 330ml can for £1.09.
Last year, the firm announced two new limited edition flavours that were said to taste like childhood sweets.
The Raspberry Ripple flavour and Wild Berry Slush were a huge success as fans rushed to stores to buy them.
One thrilled shopper took to social media and said: “The raspberry ripple one is lush.”
As a second chimed in with: “It tastes like Drumstick lollies.”
As a third agreed, saying: “I liked it tasted like a drumstick lolly to me.”
“Yesssirr that drinks my favourite flavour Irn Bru bought four cans of the raspberry ripple it was that good,” said another.
Before a final shopper commented: “Irn Bru is my all time favourite drink so wasn’t sure about these flavoured ones, but this tastes and smells exactly like a drumstick lolly. Soooooo good!!”
As others compared the interesting new flavour to an ice cream arctic roll, a classic screwball dessert or even raspberry sauce you find in an ice cream truck.
With one describing it as having “heavy nostalgic vibes of going to an ice cream van and asking for a screwball ice cream and they put that raspberry sauce on it. Taste vibes”.
