cosy

A charming UK market town boasts, historic pubs, Europe’s largest secondhand bookstore, and affordable three-bedroom homes from £160,000 – as well as Harry Potter links

Nestled in the Northumberland countryside lies a delightful market town, brimming with winding cobbled streets that lead to eccentric bookshops, independent boutiques, and snug cafés.

A bi-weekly market continues to draw visitors, while an imposing castle and steam railway keep the town’s intriguing history alive.

Despite its allure, Alnwick in Northumberland was often bypassed as a tourist spot until its castle featured in a globally renowned film. Alnwick Castle morphed into Hogwarts for the Harry Potter films, with Quidditch matches shot on its outer green and memorable scenes like the flying car crash unfolding within its grounds.

Regardless of whether you’re a Harry Potter fan, Alnwick Castle is a must-see. Dating back to the 12th-century, this majestic edifice is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor, opening its gates to the public during the summer months.

In the town centre, remnants of Alnwick’s fortifications can be seen in the town walls, erected in the 15th century for protection. Bondgate Tower, with its robust stone walls and narrow tunnel, was heavily guarded during wartime.

However, while it served a purpose centuries ago, in today’s world, it tends to cause traffic congestion as only one vehicle at a time can navigate through its tight passage.

Harry Potter isn’t the only literary link the town can claim. It’s also home to Barter Books, one of Europe’s largest secondhand bookshops, housed within a former railway station.

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Among countless shelves of books, visitors will discover armchairs and crackling fireplaces, creating an inviting spot to while away an afternoon. Meanwhile, rival shop The Accidental Bookshop boasts what it claims is Britain’s tallest bookshop bookshelf, meaning staff assistance may be required for anything perched at the top.

Alnwick features numerous delightful independent shops tucked along the town’s winding narrow streets. Markets take place on Thursdays and Saturdays, with a well-attended farmers’ market on the final Friday of each month.

The cobbled Market Place transforms into a bustling hub of vibrant stalls offering fresh produce, flowers, crafts and food, with numerous vendors selling locally-made Northumberland goods.

An excellent way to explore the surrounding countryside is aboard the Aln Valley Railway, which operates seasonally. Comprising restored diesel and steam locomotives, it transports passengers on a 30-minute journey through lush landscapes.

Alnmouth Beach sits just 15 minutes away by car, offering an extensive sandy shoreline that welcomes dogs and provides various walking trails and birdwatching opportunities. After a full day of sightseeing, Alnwick boasts plenty of traditional, welcoming pubs where visitors can settle in for a pint or a hearty meal.

Despite its somewhat off-putting name, Dirty Bottles has an intriguing backstory rooted in local folklore. Trapped between two window panes are some aged, dusty bottles.

According to legend, more than two centuries ago, a publican met his demise whilst tampering with these bottles, prompting his widow to declare that anyone who disturbed them would meet a similar end. Consequently, the bottles remain safely encased, allowing patrons to savour traditional British pub grub or relax in the sunny beer garden without any supernatural worries.

Real ale enthusiasts flock to The John Bull Inn, celebrated for its impressive whisky collection. Tucked away on a quiet residential lane, it’s a true hidden treasure.

The Plough is another essential stop for those who appreciate historic watering holes, and whilst the interior has been updated, the façade retains its stunning 19th-century stonework and ornate carvings.

One might expect that residing in such a delightful town would command premium prices, yet whilst the UK’s average house price hovers around £300,000, Alnwick offers numerous three-bedroom properties for under £200,000. Current Rightmove listings feature a terraced house at £160,000 and another property complete with garage and driveway for £189,950, significantly undercutting the national average.

Of course instead of committing to a full move, you can just book a short break and enjoy everything Alnwick has to offer. Sykes Holiday Cottages has a wide array of beautiful cottages in and around Alnwick, while Lastminute.com can be a useful source for cheap hotels from £36 a night.

LIVING in rainy Britain, I’m not usually keen on cold- weather holiday destinations – but Copenhagen is an exception.

The autumn and winter months are where the Danish capital thrives.

Locals and tourists embrace the season, snuggling up by outdoor fires and sipping on hot chocolate or spiced Gløgg — the Scandinavian version of mulled wine.

Even in the bitter winter, Danes continue dining al fresco and sipping pints of Carlsberg, which was first brewed here in 1847.

In fact, making the most of the winter sunshine, crisp air and creating a comfy atmosphere has been factored into the way the Danish like to live, the concept of “hygge”.

Pronounced “hoo-gah”, it doesn’t have a direct translation but loosely, it is a quality of cosiness that leads to contentment and wellbeing.

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It undoubtedly forms part of the reason why Copenhagen was voted the World’s Happiest City for 2025 in the World Happy Index.

I certainly saw a lot of smiling faces as I wandered the streets.

There is even a Happiness Museum where you can learn how Copenhagen is leading the charge when it comes to cheerful citizens.

My favourite bit was the hallway of sticky notes where visitors are encouraged to write down what makes them happy, listing everything from meaningful anecdotes about friends and family to simple pleasures like cinnamon rolls and coffee.

Shopping counts as one of those simple pleasures for me and luckily, there is plenty of that here.

I suggest the Stroget district, which has all sorts of stores from luxury brands like Ganni and Gucci to ­budget-friendly alternatives.

Food is big on the happiness scale, too, and when it comes to eating in Copenhagen, you’re spoilt for choice – especially with Danish pastries.

There are around 140 bakeries on the corners of the main shopping streets and tucked away in alleyways.

Holms Bager is a great spot to try a sticky and sweet cinnamon bun with crunchy sugar pieces.

But Buka, a bakery that opened in 2019, immediately tempted me inside with its window display of pistachio-filled croissants and cream tarts.

I opted for Danish specialty Tebirkes – a brioche bun filled with rich remonce (spiced sugar paste), brushed with almond glaze and topped with poppy seeds. Delicious.

As for savoury dishes, Smorrebrod (essentially an open sandwich on rye bread) is served almost everywhere with toppings varying from prawns to pate and pickled herring.

Famous landmarks

With little time left and much of the city still to see, I headed out on a canal tour, booked through Tui as an added extra to my package break.

The tour started in the city centre and took me around the waterways to the likes of Paper Island – a new urban quarter, which is home to the most ex­pen­­sive penthouse ever sold in the city.

I saw CopenHill, the huge Opera House and went through Christianshavn before stopping by The Little Mermaid statue — although sadly, you only see the back of her from the boat.

If you want the best view, sit on the left-hand side as you board.

Not only did the tour offer me a chance to get out on the water, but I saw almost all of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks in just one hour.

That’s the other beauty of a package getaway like my Tui one – the organisational faff is kept to a minimum with all the essentials sorted for you.

That meant less time planning and more time exploring.

I had booked a room at the well- located Admiral Hotel Copenhagen, a former grain warehouse across the water from the Opera House.

The homely, loft-style set-up featured a little living area, plus a bathroom and a mezzanine level where my double bed sat below a skylight.

The hotel is just minutes from the postcard-perfect Nyhavn – a bright district with tall colourful houses sat right on the waterfront where boat bars bob on the water.

In the evenings, fairy lights zigzag above the cobbled streets and it’s a great spot to stop for a cocktail or warming Glogg if you prefer.

The art of hygge isn’t so hard to practise when you’re in Copenhagen.

West Yorkshire’s Colne Valley is one of the region’s best-kept secrets for tourists and locals alike, with its scenic canal, artisan shops and traditional British pubs making it a real hidden gem to explore

Nestled in West Yorkshire’s Colne Valley, this delightful village boasts a well-deserved reputation for its scenic artisan boutiques, coffee shops, bars and selection of classic British pubs.

The canal-side mill village of Slaithwaite, locally pronounced as Slawit, is regarded as one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets – a genuine hidden treasure that largely remains undiscovered.

Despite being relatively unknown, it’s far from quiet; indeed, independent businesses flourish in this tight-knit community.

Originally established on the foundations of the textiles trade, a strong sense of craftsmanship still lies at the village’s core.

Thanks to its strategic position alongside the River Colne and Huddersfield Narrow Canal, it experienced significant growth during the nation’s 19th-century industrial revolution, with particular emphasis on wool and cotton manufacturing.

What attracts visitors to this quaint village is its diverse collection of unique shops and dining establishments.

The vibrant high street features Cobweb Antiques shop alongside an antiques warehouse and charming independent boutiques including Otso Clothing, Acorn and Pip, Every Cloud and SOS Interior and Gifts – providing an unparalleled shopping experience.

When you’ve had your fill of browsing, there are numerous spots to take a break and grab something to eat – you’ll be spoilt for choice in the village centre.

Whether it’s independent eateries such as Nom, Ruddi’s and the Cookhouse or classic boozers like the Old Mill and the Rose and Crown, visitors could easily while away an entire day sampling the culinary delights of Slaithwaite.

Based on TripAdvisor feedback, Vanilla Bean should top your list – a charming little café dishing up homemade sandwiches, quality coffees and artisan ice cream. One satisfied customer said: “I love Vanilla Bean. The staff are welcoming, friendly and helpful.

“The food is excellent, and the prices are affordable. The menu has plenty of choice, all of which is superb. “Really, one is spoilt for choice.”

The Black Bull, meanwhile, attracts locals and visitors alike with its traditional charm and inviting ambience.

A visitor said: “Called in for a bite to eat and at the outset, received a very warm and friendly welcome. This was entirely matched by the quality of the hand-pulled beers on offer, demonstrating that someone knew how to keep a good cellar. The delight continued when the meals arrived.”

Once a crucial artery of the Industrial Revolution, the village’s canal served to transport goods between the mills.

Today it provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely summer walk as it winds gently through the village, whilst the historic mills stand as lasting reminders of its prosperous past.

The Spa Mill on New Street remains a striking landmark, towering over the area since 1907, whilst Globe Mills on Bridge Street stands as an abandoned but intact mill complex.

Swaithwaite boasts several other listed structures, including a church dating back to the 13th century and an array of fascinating stone-built farmhouses and cottages scattered throughout the village.

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This charming village has been dubbed a ‘hidden gem’ by travellers and it’s packed with historic sites and highly-rated cosy food spots serving some of the best treats.

Positioned along the St Oswald’s Way walking route, between Rothbury and Warkworth, lies a delightful hidden gem village that ranks among Northumberland’s best-kept secrets.

Tucked away beside the River Coquet, this small village gained fame for accommodating Oliver Cromwell during his journey to the Battle of Dunbar. It sits 8.9 miles from Alnwick and 12 miles from Morpeth, just 37 miles south of the Scottish border.

Felton village offers an ideal blend of historic and modern elements, particularly around its centre. Two distinct bridges, positioned close together, link Felton with the opposite bank of the River Coquet.

The historic stone crossing originates from the 15th century and remains closed to vehicles, whilst the more recent concrete structure was constructed in 1926 – both hold Grade II Listed status and draw considerable interest from residents and visitors.

The older crossing – recognised for its historical and architectural significance – regularly hosts key village gatherings, including the beloved wassailing tradition at Christmas, reports Chronicle Live.

Additional historical treasures in this picturesque settlement include the Grade I listed St Michael and All Angels church, constructed around 1200, which appears almost enclosed within another structure due to numerous extensions and modifications over the centuries.

Rambling and angling represent two favourite pastimes for both locals and tourists in Felton, with the River Coquet readily reachable via the village centre. Beyond that, Felton boasts two highly-regarded food and drink destinations.

First up is The Northumberland Arms – a beautifully restored 1820s coaching inn originally built by the 3rd Duke of Northumberland.

This delightful historic treasure sits opposite the river near Felton and boasts a River Room Conservatory alongside a bar, restaurant and six ensuite luxury bedrooms.

One delighted guest wrote on Tripadvisor: “The hotel is a lovely historic building in a great setting, easy access to river walks.

“The rooms were attractive , clean and spacious, I thought fabulous, not what I expected when I walked through the door of an old village pub.”

For visitors seeking a brief refreshment stop in Felton, there’s an ideal option available. An artisan bakery named The Running Fox, cherished by locals, has been delighting guests for years.

Since welcoming its first customers in 2011, The Running Fox has become renowned for its afternoon teas and baked goods.

Set in stunning rural surroundings, The Running Fox nestles beside the River Coquet and is encircled by numerous scenic country walks.

One satisfied customer left a glowing review on Tripadvisor for the bakery, writing: “One of the best afternoon teas. Afternoon tea, freshly made sandwiches which were delicious various fillings to choose from with home made bread, such a change from the usual pre made cardboard efforts you get in other places, choice of a wedge of pie or quiche, scones fabulously light, and a slice of cake also homemade from huge selection. Breakfast and lunch menu also looked very appealing. Service excellent, staff very friendly and helpful.”

Another visitor shared their praise, commenting: “I think that the Afternoon Tea offered at the Running Fox is outstanding – great value for money and the food; the variety and the quality are always excellent! We will be back (again!)”

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This charming North Lincolnshire village offers the perfect day trip for nature lovers, with scenic estuary walks, three traditional pubs, and stunning Humber Bridge views

In the north of Lincolnshire sits a tranquil village offering the ideal retreat for waterside strolls leading towards the East Coast sea.

A gentle stream meanders through the village of Barrow upon Humber, flowing towards Barrow Haven and out into the estuary that connects to the North Sea. The charming little village is positioned just off the south bank of the Humber Estuary and is merely a quick train journey from beloved seaside spots including Cleethorpes and Grimsby.

What draws visitors to the area is the picturesque walking path, called the Barrow Haven and Humber Estuary trail. The route guides you across diverse landscapes, showcasing 1,000 years of heritage from Viking fortifications to Victorian architecture and, naturally, the updated wildlife reserve.

A tiny settlement beyond the village, Barrow Haven, is tucked along the Humber Estuary, serving as the historic ferry crossing and a location where vessels would dock.

Today it continues to be a beloved destination for wildlife enthusiasts eager to experience its thriving natural environment.

Particularly noteworthy, a favoured attraction for passionate walkers is the celebrated Humber Bridge, located just three miles away and a brief drive from Barrow upon Humber.

When it was built in 1981, the bridge represented a remarkable feat of 20th century engineering as the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge.

The sheer magnitude of the structure is hard to comprehend until you’re standing beneath it or strolling along it, a popular choice for those seeking a better view.

The iconic bridge links Barton on the South Bank with Hull on the North Bank, previously necessitating a lengthy and challenging detour.

Visitors have labelled the bridge as a “must-see”, with one individual declaring it their “favourite bridge”.

A TripAdvisor review says: “We parked at the viewing point and sat on a bench to take in the beautiful view of this bridge that crosses the Humber.

“Constructed in the 1980s, it’s possible to walk across it, and the toll for cars is £1.50. It was fascinating to see it up close and observe how quiet the traffic seemed.”

Within the village, there are three traditional pubs, all adored by locals, providing a snug spot to unwind during your Lincolnshire explorations.

The Royal Oak, Harrisons and Six Bells are practically adjacent to each other and within walking distance of The Haven Inn, nestled between the village and its neighbouring settlement, Barrow Haven.

A recent guest recounted their experience at the Inn, writing: “Lovely country pub and restaurant, excellent service and very pleasant staff who are efficient, food is hot and fresh , we all ate something different and every meal was very good, reasonably priced.”

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