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A PUB chain in the UK has been named the best for hotels in the UK – beating some very big names.

A new study conducted by Which? looked at both large and small hotel chains across the UK.

The research – which spoke to 1,776 people – looked at eight categories such as customer service and cleanliness as well as breakfast, bed comfort and value for money.

And coming in first place was Coaching Inn Group, which scored 81 per cent.

While you may not have heard of the pub/hotel chain, there are 35 inn-style hotels in the UK.

Dating back to 1996, this includes ones such as The Kings Arms & Royal in Surrey, The Pheasant Hotel in Norfolk and The Swan Hotel in Somerset.

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They recently closed The Warwick Arms ahead of a huge £1million renovation.

It was even named the ‘Best Accommodation Operator’ at The 2025 Publican Awards earlier this year.

When it comes to the Which? study, it scored a full five stars for customer service, as well as it matching the description online.

Despite the average room price being around £128, it still was given four out of five stars for value for money.

One person said it was a “very good mid-price range chain that does all the basic things well”.

Yet a surprising entry for the top five large hotel chains was Wetherspoons, who have a number of hotels across the country.

It was also the only hotel chain to be given the Which? Great Value badge, the first time for Wetherspoons.

With 50 hotels to choose from across the UK, rooms start from just £69 – most likely why it was given four stars for value for money.

Breakfast can be found for as little as £2.99 as well, with free tea and coffee refills.

Previous guests raved about it, calling it “clean, comfortable and good value”.

Other winners included Intercontinental, (80 per cent) and Hotel Indigo (79 per cent).

Sofitel followed suit with 78 per cent.

Premier Inn dropped in the survey with a score of 73 per cent, with one saying “prices are no longer budget level”.

Coming in last place once again was Britannia, which is often named the UK’s worst hotel chain (and the 12th year in a row for Which).

With a score of 44 per cent, it scored one star for bedroom quality.

The study also looked at small hotel chains, with the top going to both Andrew Brownsword and Brend Hotels, scoring 83 per cent.

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The world’s best hotels were recently revealed.

And here is what it is like to stay at an all-inclusive hotel in the middle of London.

THIS holiday home brings a new meaning to the phrase ‘beach break,’ as the property actually backs onto the sea.

The coastal retreat actually sits on the shingle beach, so you can bathe in the sun during the summer, or cosy on up with a cup of tea in the winter months.

Sykes Cottages announced their ‘Gems Winners 2025‘ – which were judged by a panel of experts – including the Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski.

Categories like ‘Best Farm Stay’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ were included, but the cottage called Bucket and Spades picked up ‘Best for Beaches’ – and Sophie revealed why it stood out to her.

She said: “When judging the Sykes Gems Awards, this property instantly stood out to me. Why? It’s its proximity to the beach. With bi-fold doors that open directly onto a pebble shore, but with your own private garden area, holidaymakers can benefit from a day at the seaside without needing to leave the home for the day.

“That’s a huge perk in my eyes. It reminds me a little of a beachside property in the Maldives that I once stayed in – I’d wake up and immediately plod into the open sea.”

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The cottage literally sits on the beach at Pevensey Bay in pretty East Sussex and is set over three floors starting with the open plan lounge, kitchen diner, where you’ll find bifold doors that open onto the beach.

Outside, there’s a private beachside area with a table, parasol and stepping stones that lead out onto the wider beach.

There are two double bedrooms with ensuites and the king room which has a balcony where you can enjoy a morning coffee looking at the view.

Inside, the rooms have a coastal and calming feel filled with light tones of blue along with splashes of hot pink and orange.

The cottage sleeps up to six guests, and there’s off-road parking for three cars – to bring along a pet dog costs an extra £40.

According to Sykes Cottages, if you book now, staying on Friday, November 7, 2025, for seven nights, you’ll be set back £1446 – but split between six guests, it’s £163.71pp, or £27.28pppn.

It’s very popular too, one visitor wrote in a review: “If I owned this property I wouldn’t rent it out because I’d live there myself”.

They added: “The location is amazing, Pevensey Bay is a well kept secret. I don’t think I would ever get tired of staring out at the view.”

The cottage has a customer rating of 4.9 out of five stars and a top Sykes rating.

Pevensey Bay sits between Eastbourne and Hastings on the East Sussex coast and is an old fishing village.

It might look familiar to anyone who watched ITV‘s Flesh and Blood series in 2020 as it was used as a filming location along with the nearby town of Eastbourne.

The village is small but still has a local shop and places to eat like The Aqua Bar and Castle Inn.

When it comes to coastal adventures, guests can walk to reach Cooden Bay in one direction and Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour in the other.

Sovereign Harbour has The Waterfront’s bars, restaurants and cafés with views out to the marina.

Further inland is the village of Westham, which is home to the Castle Cottage Tearoom, and as the name suggests, it sits right next to Pevensey Castle.

Pick up a slice of homemade cake, or enjoy a traditional cream tea for £8.20, or opt for sandwiches or toasted paninis instead.

Other nearby spots include Beachy Head, which is where you’ll find Britain’s highest chalk cliff with incredible panoramic views out to sea.

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For more incredible holidays stays, check out this one on the UK’s new Riviera with white sand beaches, celebrities and hidden holiday homes only visible from the sea.

Plus, here’s the secluded English cottage where your garden is the beach and people say it ‘doesn’t even look real’.

The UK has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and one of the most ‘underrated’ areas has been voted the top must-do experience for staycationers

The UK boasts stunning landscapes that are the envy of the world, offering a plethora of beautiful spots to discover if you’re planning a staycation this summer.

One of the most ‘underrated’ regions offers the top must-do activity for holidaymakers this summer, located on a picturesque island just off Scotland’s coast.

A list of the best staycation experiences in the UK was compiled by British travel expert and author, Richard Madden, along with Sykes Holiday Cottages, unveiling an essential bucket list for holiday-goers.

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A breathtaking drive along the Isle of Arran’s coast in Scotland has emerged as the top choice, according to a survey of 2,000 adults about their staycation dreams.

Often dubbed ‘Scotland in miniature’, the Isle of Arran boasts a range of spectacular landscapes, with the 109km Arran Coastal Way providing views of the coastline, charming villages, and mountain peaks.

Journeying around the stunning Isle of Arran presents ample opportunities to discover remnants of Scotland’s Gaelic and Norse heritage. It features numerous coastal towns, such as Lochranza and Kildonan, where you can enjoy a walk on beautiful beaches and explore ancient castle ruins.

Scotland is renowned for its rich culture and history, which you’ll experience at every turn when exploring Arran.

Things to do in Arran

Hiking

The breathtaking natural landscape of Arran offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy hiking.

Brodick, the island’s capital and primary point of entry for most visitors, is home to the Brodick and Goatfell range. This impressive collection of jagged granite peaks is dominated by Goatfell, the highest mountain on the island, which is often considered the easiest to ascend.

Lochranza, located in the north, serves as the starting point for several picturesque coastal walks. During low tide, you might even spot some seals.

The area also features a ruined castle and is situated near the quaint village of Pirnmill and its surrounding hills, offering stunning views.

Explore the beaches

Arran’s coastline boasts a plethora of beautiful beaches waiting to be explored. If you find yourself in Brodick, head further north to Strabane for expansive sandy stretches and crystal-clear waters.

Lamlash also offers several small sandy coves and shallow waters, particularly towards the south of the village.

Kildonan’s ‘silver sands’ beach is often hailed as one of Arran’s most beautiful spots. It offers incredible views across Pladda to the mainland, and you might even spot some seals, so keep your eyes peeled.

One of Arran’s best-kept secrets is Kilmory beach, with its pristine white sands nestled within a sheltered cove. From here, you can also catch a glimpse of the island of Ailsa Craig.

Enjoy local food and drinks

In addition to its stunning natural beauty, Arran is a haven for foodies with an array of restaurants, cafes, pubs, breweries and distilleries each offering their own unique delights.

Take for instance, the Douglas Bistro, renowned for its ‘modern yet classic’ approach to dining. The chefs here use fresh, seasonal ingredients from Arran and Ayrshire such as shellfish, venison and beef, all served in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

For those who love a cuppa, Cafe Rosaburn at the Arran Heritage centre is a must-visit. This delightful spot offers homemade sweet treats and freshly brewed beverages.

Summer is the ideal time to visit, with the opportunity to enjoy a picnic in the riverside gardens and indulge in some Arran ice cream from the gift shop.

Visit the brewery

No journey to Arran would be complete without a stop at the Isle of Arran brewery. Since 2000, this establishment has been crafting award-winning real ales on the island.

With a range from blondes to bitters to stouts, there’s a brew for every palate, and visitors can even embark on a tour to learn about the brewing process.

If you want ideas and inspiration to plan your next UK adventure plus selected offers and competitions, sign up for our 2Chill weekly newsletter here

We won! Or, at least those of us who were rooting for Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales to take home the prize on Season 7 of “Love Island USA.”

After a blockbuster season with its fair share of controversy, the 25-year-old nurse from New York City and the 28-year-old accountant, bartender and real estate agent from Boston, respectively, walked out of the villa $100,000 richer and became the first Latino couple to win “Love Island.” In a time when many Latinos in the U.S. are being inundated with threats to our safety and freedom, this example of a mutual, fun and respectful Latino love is an indulgent little triumph for us all.

The dating show became appointment viewing for millions of fans, including myself, with new episodes dropping almost nightly as the show airs in near real time. “Love Island” — which launched in the U.K. in 2015 and has since spawned several international versions — confines single hotties in a Fijian villa, where they must explore romantic connections and couple up with each other to remain on the show. Viewers and cast members known as “islanders” vote regularly to decide which contestants or couples must pack up their swimsuits and go home. As with most reality TV, there’s messiness, drama, silliness and sexiness that keeps viewers glued to their screens, and we clock in for our shift at the island mines with dedication.

Espinal, a self-described “Dominican Cinderella,” entered the villa as a “bombshell,” a cast addition meant to stir things up for the original couples. Meanwhile, her Prince Charming, Arenales, who is Puerto Rican and Guatemalan, came in during the Casa Amor segment of the show, when islanders are separated by gender and introduced to hot new cast members vying for their attention.

The two coupled up several episodes after meeting in Casa Amor, igniting a romance in large part over a shared understanding of their cultures. Being super hot probably didn’t hurt either, but it was seeing Arenales stand up for our sweet Amaya Papaya against a pile-on from his fellow male islanders that sealed the deal — not just for Espinal, but for the viewers, in particular Latinx ones.

Espinal’s rough start on the series reflected the cultural valleys that exist between Latinos and their non-Latino counterparts in the United States, which can generally make for a tricky dating experience. Three of the male contestants she coupled up with expressed discomfort with her personality and bold manner of expressing herself. It started with a blowup with contestant Ace Greene after he vocalized his discomfort with Espinal touching him and using terms of endearment, in particular the word “babe.”

The same issue came up when she coupled up with Austin Shepard and Zak Srakaew, who took issue with Espinal “moving too fast” by acting overly romantic (on a show called “Love Island,” mind you). This was despite her explaining that in Dominican culture terms like “mi vida,” “mi amor” and “babe” are common terms of endearment, and asking if it was OK that she use them. (Both agreed it was fine.)

Espinal certainly lost her cool — in most cases, I would argue, rightfully so — and regularly became emotional, struggling with feeling misunderstood and attacked. Still, she defended herself with confidence and strength from those who seemed intent on painting her as erratic, intense, pushy and aggressive. During a game in which islanders wrote letters to air out any grievances, she offered them a simple option: “I’m just not your cup of tea to be drinkin’, so don’t f—ing drink it.”

It was during that game in which Greene, Shepard and Srakaew went in on Espinal that Arenales stepped in to defend her, explaining what Espinal had long been saying: Those terms of endearment are common in Latino households. “You’re telling her to meet you halfway,” he said. “You gotta meet her halfway too.”

Arenales gallantly stepping up to support Espinal against a social firing squad sparked a flame between the two. Fan votes showed this moment to be a turning point for Espinal, who became a favorite. It doesn’t hurt that her nurturing personality and adorable zaniness make her very easy to root for.

Seeing Arenales voice his appreciation for who she is and understanding her background — and Espinal herself refusing to change parts of her personality that she views as the strengths of an “emotional gangsta” — made their coupling a powerful display of Latino love. Those two crazy kids just get each other!

“This is just a message to everyone out there who’s misunderstood: Nobody should be tamed and there’s always someone out there for you who’s going to love you for you and appreciate all your craziness,” Espinal told host Ariana Madix after their win was announced. “Don’t ever settle for nobody.”

This was an especially lovely and important win after this season was marred by a racism scandal in which two Latina islanders were found to have used racial slurs online and in a podcast.

As much as Espinal may have felt misunderstood, Espinal is not a difficult person. There’s no need to decipher her because it’s not that complicated, regardless of her cultural identity. From everything I saw on the show, she showed a tremendous amount of character and kindness. She just didn’t put up with B.S. from guys who were trying to diminish her, call her irrational and insinuate she was clingy. Amaya Papaya always stood on business.

I love that Espinal found someone who sees and appreciates her in Arenales. And judging by their win, she found that in innumerable people who voted for them as well. But there’s nothing anyone should struggle to understand about her.

Yes, parts of her behavior are informed by her culture — but yelling at a man who is trying to make you seem crazy is a universal experience we should all partake in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Despite its marmite reputation, a ‘rundown’ seaside town once dubbed the country’s worst has been featured in The Times’ league tables for the best UK beaches in 2025

A ‘rundown’ seaside town has surprisingly made the league tables for the best UK beaches in 2025 – despite its crumbling reputation.

Every year, around four million holidaymakers flock to Skegness, lured in by rows of flashing arcades, stomach-churning funfair rides, and a constantly lively beach. It’s long been one of the most iconic coastal resorts on the Lincolnshire coast, but has been stung with a barrage of complaints from locals and tourists alike – and was once even ranked alongside North Korea and Syria as one of the worst places in the world to visit.

Skegness recently came 16th-to-last in Which?’s annual league tables of the best UK seaside resorts – scoring a not-so-great 54 per cent overall destination score*. Travellers rated the town a respectable three stars for its beach, seafront/ pier, tourist attractions, parking availability and food and drink offerings – but gave just two stars for its shopping scene and one star for its scenery and peacefulness.

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It’s a slight improvement from years gone by – but prove that Skegness’ £20 million plan to transform the area is still urgently needed. In 2023, Skegness came in at the absolute bottom on Which?’s ranking, and scored 5th last in 2024. Back then, one reviewer described the beach as ‘horrible’, arguing they had to trek 30 miles up the road to Mablethorpe instead. “Overall, it’s a terrible place with terrible people,” they said. “I will never go there again.”

Another agreed, branding the town the ‘dirtiest place in England’. “The sea has a brown froth on the top,” they fumed. “The streets are dirty [and] the roads are potholed.” Despite the heavy criticism, it’s clear Skegness boasts an unwavering popularity, and still attracts swathes of positive reviews online.

“It’s a nice old-fashioned beach experience that brought back many childhood memories,” one person hailed. “The beach itself is clean and well-maintained and there are lots of attractions around to keep kids and adults amused.” Another recent traveller said they were ‘pleasantly surprised’ by how well-maintained the area is. “The beach and town look clean and well looked after,” they wrote.

Much of Skegness’ hate can sometimes feel unfair. It’s not the place to go if you want to sip on iced oat milk matcha while chewing on £5 sourdough with poached eggs. But, if you’re looking for that classic UK seaside experience, it has your back. In fact, The Times recently featured Skegness in its best 50 UK beaches in 2025 list – hailing the town for offering ‘all round entertainment’.

“Having spent 17 years watching the crumbling of our traditional seaside resorts, I’d argue that Skeggy is the new King of seaside tat,” the publication wrote. “There are donkeys, rollercoasters, wall-to-wall chippies, arcades, a pier and the Embassy Theatre, offering much more than the tide of tribute acts that flood other seaside playhouses. As for the beach, it’s big, soft and golden, with views across the Wash to the Norfolk coast.”

Earlier this year, Skegness was selected to receive a whopping £20 million of funding and support over the next ten years as part of the government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods. This scheme focuses on three goals: thriving places, stronger communities, and taking back control – and allows local authorities to drive forward their own priorities.

Paul McCooey, Chair, Connected Coast’s Skegness Sub-Group said: “We have been awaiting further steer on this funding and now that the details have been announced, we can get to work with our communities, partners, and stakeholders to shape a plan for investment. In Skegness, we have already seen what can be achieved through partnership working through the Town Deal projects, as exemplified by projects such as the Skegness Learning Campus which is set to be an economic game changer for our area. Now, we can bring even more improvements to the town to benefit more people long into the future.”

*Which?’s results are based on an online survey of 8,952 experiences from 3,872 Which? Connect panel members conducted between January and March, 2025.

Do you think Skegness deserves the criticism it receives? Let us know in the comments section below

A quaint seaside village that has recently welcomed a £150,000 upgrade has been praised for its pristine golden sand beach that stretches out for as far as the naked eye can see

A charming seaside village has been cast into the spotlight, after its 2.2 mile soft-sand beach was named as the best in Britain.

Sandwiched in between rolling hills of lush countryside and azure waters lies the often overlooked village of Hoklham. Touted as the ‘jewel’ of the North Norfolk Coast, this coastal gem is home to an impressive 25,000 acre estate which features perfectly manicured gardens and the grand Holkham Hall – an 18th century Palladian house, home to the Earl of Leicester.

Nearby, you’ll find Holkham National Nature Reserve, which is home to large flocks of wintering birds and is an important site for breeding Little Terns, Ringed Plover, and Oystercatchers. “During the winter large flocks of shorebirds can be found along the shore edge and on the developing saltmarsh in Holkham Bay,” Visit North Norfolk explained.

But it’s Holkham’s incredible coastline that really sets it aparts from the rest. Stretching out for as long as the naked eye can see, and sheltered by soaring pinewoods, this pristine beach makes you feel like you’re a ‘million miles away from civilisation’. It’s no wonder it recently came at the top of TimeOut’s league tables for the best UK beach.

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“Holkham would be flooded with visitors if it were just that little bit closer to London – or, like, anywhere,” the publication hailed. “It’s surrounded by a massive nature reserve of pinewoods and salt marsh, full of orchids, sea lavender and rare birds

“The beach itself is an enormous sandy stretch dotted with dunes, and it’s at least a half-hour’s walk from the car park to the shoreline, meaning you see nothing but nature and sea. Oh, and maybe the odd film crew: Holkham has deservedly starred in many a movie (Shakespeare in Love, for one).”

Earlier this year, work began on the boardwalk at Holkham beach – which runs from the beach car park through the forest and onto a viewing platform overlooking the sand, to make the nature reserve more accessible. Costing £150,000, the upgrade will allow wheelchair users and families with pushchairs to enjoy the area.

Dr Katy Owen, protected landscapes manager at Norfolk County Council, said: “We want more people to be able to experience the sound of the wind whistling through the pine woods, smell the salty sea air and experience Holkham Bay with as few barriers as possible… The boardwalk is the culmination of many years of collaborative work with the estate, and some time ago we recognised the need to upgrade the current facility.”

Located some 130 miles from London, driving to Holkham from the Big Smoke takes around three hours and 36 minutes. Alternatively, you can jump on a direct train from Kings Cross over to Kings Lynn, which takes around one hour and 45 minutes.

Once in Norfolk, you’ll need to catch the 36 Coastliner bus towards Wells-next-the-Sea and get off at Victoria. Then, you’re just a minute’s walk away from the stunning sand dunes and sea breeze. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £18.

Accommodation in Holkham is limited due to its small size, but The Victoria hotel offers 20 individually decorated rooms across two historical buildings. A weekend’s stay (Friday, 18-21 July) in a deluxe double room named the Hare Clump will set you back £330 per night. This is based on two people sharing.

If that’s too out your budget, the hotel’s smallest room – called Honk’s Pit – cost £210 per night over the exact same dates. All prices include breakfast.

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

‘Holiday hopping’ is a growing travel trend among Britons and one UK region in particular has been singled out as the ultimate hotspot for its natural beauty and historic landmarks

The emergence of a new travel trend has seen one UK region enjoy renewed popularity. The trend known as ‘holiday hopping’ has Britons booking consecutive stays at multiple holiday cottages to maximise their time off.

The new staycation trend is leading to a surge in multi-destination bookings ahead of summer 2025, reports holiday letting provider, holidaycottages.co.uk. Looking into their booking data, the provider reports that multiple regions in the UK have distinguished themselves as ‘holiday hopping’ hotspots, but one is the standout winner.

Cumbria is the UK’s top region for holiday hopping adventures with its abundance of national treasures including the clear waters and mountains of the Lake District and historic sites like Hadrian’s Wall.

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Located in the heart of Cumbria in the north west of England, the Lake District is one of the most picturesque destinations in the country. One of the most prominent features of the District is Scafell Pike – the 978 metre-tall mountain that is the tallest in England.

Cumbria is well known for its mountains as 10 of England’s tallest mountains are all located in the Lake District. But beyond the lakes and mountains that first come to mind with the mention of Cumbria, the region has plenty to offer hungry and rest-seeking holidaymakers.

According to holidaycottages.co.uk, Cumbria is an enticing destination for food-focused travellers. Here, foodies can “indulge in local delicacies such as Cumberland sausage and visit one of the many farmers markets or independent cafés or restaurants”.

For the uninitiated, Cumberland sausage has been a local specialty for around 500 years and is notably sold in a coil rather than links. It is defined by a unique blend of spices is typically longer and thicker than other sausages.

Another Cumbrian specialty is Cumberland sauce which is the perfect complement for cold cuts. The savoury and fruity blend combines red currant jelly, mustard, salt, pepper, cloves, orange peel and port.

The letting provider also makes note of the top destination pairings for summer 2025, listing Cumbria and North Yorkshire as a winning combination. North Yorkshire came in second on the provider’s list of top UK holiday hopping hotspots for its dramatic cliffs and Viking history.

Other great destination pairings for staycationers to consider include North Cornwall and West Cornwall and Norfolk and Suffolk. Suffolk promises “a tranquil escape with its golden beaches, nature reserves, and charming countryside” according to the letting provider.

The holiday hopping trend’s rising popularity mirrors a shift towards more meaningful, responsible travel. The flexibility, freedom, and the chance to provide valuable support to multiple local businesses along the way is of great appeal to travellers.

Top 5 regions for holiday hopping in the UK

1. Cumbria
2. North Yorkshire
3. Suffolk
4. The Highlands
5. North Devon

This German city has been named the most walkable in the world, with many of its main attractions including a jewel-filled palace, a unique surf spot and Gothic church easily accessible on foot

A study has named the world’s most walkable city and it’s only a short flight from the UK. The top-rated destination packed with bike and walking paths even managed to beat out beloved holiday hotspots like Paris and Milan.

Less than a two-hour plane ride from London is the most walkable city in the world: Munich. The study from Compare the Market ranked 53 locations on how good they are for being car-free and listed the Bavarian city as number one.

There were many factors used to assess each of the 53 cities, including the total distance of all bike trails and walking trails and the cost and efficiency of public transport. Each city was also given an overall safety score and public transportation score. Additionally, average monthly rainfall factored into the final walkability assessment.

According to the researchers, 86% of Munich’s population live within 1km of a car-free space. The city has 1,468,623 kilometres (912,560 miles) worth of bike trails – the second highest of anywhere in the world, according to Compare the Market.

The findings also reveal that despite Munich’s public transport being the third most expensive, it scores the fourth highest for safety. The city also tied for second highest destination for people living within a kilometre of healthcare and education facilities.

The Bavarian city is a great destination for tourists to get around on foot with many of its main attractions located within walking distance. Munich’s historic main square, Marienplatz, is one of many must-visit attractions, overlooked by a clocktower.

If you time your visit for one of the two performances a day, you will be able to see the mechanical characters in the Rathaus-Glockenspiel clock enacting scenes from the city’s history.

Marienplatz is just a five-minute walk to Frauenkirche, a restored Gothic Catholic church. The church is known for its ominous ‘Devil’s Footprint’, a large hollowed footprint set within one of the church’s floor tiles.

Less than a ten-minute walk from Frauenkirche is the Residenz Munch – a historic palace which houses the Bavarian Crown Jewels. The Residenz also served as Munich’s seat of government until 1918.

Those wishing to enjoy the natural beauty of the city – still on foot – can head to the city’s largest park: the English Garden. The park spans 375 hectares and one of its most notable features is the Eisbach wave, where visitors can see locals attempting to surf the river.

Of course, no mention of the Oktoberfest capital would be complete without mention of its incredible beer gardens and halls. After a long day of strolling, travellers can head to the 16th-century Hofbräuhaus München – one of the most well-known beer halls in the world – to enjoy a drink and traditional Bavarian fare.

Nine out of the top ten most walkable cities in the Compare the Market study are in Europe. The only non-European city that cracked the top ten list was Tokyo, which made it into sixth place. On the other end of the scale, Manila, the capital of the Philippines, was ranked as the least walkable city in the world.

Top 5 most walkable cities worldwide

• Munich, Germany
• Milan, Italy
• Warsaw, Poland
• Helsinki, Finland
• Paris, France