The stunning Yorkshire town of Whitby has been named the UK’s most popular staycation destination – and it’s easy to see why
‘Magical’ seaside town with sandy beaches named ‘UK’s most popular staycation’ destination (Image: Getty)
Staycations are all the rage these days, with a surge in Brits choosing to holiday at home rather than venturing overseas. A recent survey has revealed that a whopping 63% of Britons are planning a UK-based break this year, and by 2025, the average holidaymaker is expected to enjoy three domestic getaways, each spanning roughly six days.
Sykes Holiday Cottages has put together a list of the top ten staycation spots, crowning the picturesque Yorkshire town of Whitby as the number one choice. The charm of this northern gem has tourists raving, with one visitor recently describing Whitby as “absolutely magical” on TripAdvisor.
It’s no wonder Whitby has emerged as Sykes’s most booked destination for the fast-approaching school summer holidays.
Whitby Abbey inspired Bram Stoker to use Whitby as the setting of his novel Dracula(Image: Getty)
Whitby boasts an array of attractions suitable for the whole family, including the Whitby Museum, brimming with fascinating collections from fossils to maritime memorabilia, and the awe-inspiring historic abbey that sparked Bram Stoker’s imagination for his novel Dracula.
Additional highlights include the Whitby Marine Discovery Centre, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, and the enchanting Falling Foss Tea Garden and Waterfall, reports the Express.
Not to mention, Whitby is dotted with beautiful sandy stretches such as Whitby Beach, Sandsend Beach, and Saltwick Bay Beach.
These beaches are a haven for dogs, offering either full access or dedicated dog-friendly zones even during the height of summer, ensuring your pooch can also bask in the charm of this picturesque town.
Whitby is home to several sandy beaches(Image: Getty)
James Shaw, managing director of Sykes Holiday Cottages, commented: “It’s no surprise to see Whitby leading the way for school summer holidays this year.
“It’s mix of natural beauty, rich history and family-friendly activities continues to draw visitors, both with and without children, from across the country.
“We’re seeing more families prioritise stress-free getaways that cater to all ages – whether that means scenic coastlines, charming local towns or easy access to the great outdoors.
Whitby has numerous family-friendly attractions(Image: Getty)
“The destinations featured in the top 10 strike the right balance between convenience and character, making them ideal for switching off, reconnecting, and creating lasting memories together.”
Following closely behind Whitby is Windermere in the Lake District, securing second place, while Weymouth on the Dorset coast clinched third. Both locations are renowned for their outdoor pursuits, vibrant town centres, and an array of walking paths.
Top 10 most popular locations for the school summer holidays
Brits are said to be “ditching” a popular holiday destination as prices to visit continue to soar. They instead seem to be opting for a cheaper alternative
It’s said the destination has become “quiet” (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
In recent times, disgruntled travellers have been vocal about the escalating costs, with many considering a boycott in favour of more budget-friendly sunny escapes. Now, it appears a new destination has caught their eye, as viral posts suggest holidaymakers are swapping Turkey for Albania, and they’re loving the change.
A TikTok user by the name of ahmadsquad1 shared her bewilderment in a video post-holiday in Turkey, pondering over the noticeable lack of bustle. She acknowledges the inflation issue but is curious about why certain spots remain deserted.
In her video, she queries: “So we just got back from Turkey, and [in] every single shop we went to they were complaining about how quiet it is, and how there’s not that many people on holiday and, if they are on holiday, they are broke and don’t do loads of shopping – us included, but why is it?
“Where are people going? Why is that you have stopped going? One thing we did notice when we were there was like, for example, any kind of can – whether it’s branded or local brand – they would be like £4.00. Ice cream was like £4.00. Everything was so expensive.”
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She mentioned that a typical meal such as a kebab and chips would set you back roughly £8.00, leading her to wonder whether the sparse crowds are down to inflated costs. Alternatively, she suggested that holidaymakers might simply be hunting for more budget-friendly getaways.
When she invited viewers to share their opinions, many disputed her claim that Turkey had ever been the top choice for British tourists. Nevertheless, some confessed they’ve sworn off returning to the country.
One person responded: “Been going to Turkey for years, but last year was different. Inflation hit hard, prices were high, getting overcharged. Hospitality didn’t feel the same. Not surprised fewer people are going now.”
Another suggested: “Should try the Balkan countries. Bosnia and Albania are lovely and very affordable.”
A third chimed in with: “Turkey has gone more expensive now, especially in Istanbul which makes it not worth it. People are now going to Bosnia or Albania.”
Meanwhile, a fourth contributor noted: “Turkey has gone expensive and a lot of people are choosing cheaper options like the North African countries, Balearic Islands or Greek islands.”
However, not everyone was convinced by the complaints, with one person writing: “Turkey isn’t that expensive – I don’t see what everyone is moaning about.” Another countered: “Of course the tourist areas are expensive, but decent places are cheap.”
Why is Turkey becoming so expensive?
There are a few reasons why prices are said to have shot up in Turkey. Statista has offered one explanation.
The website reads: “Domestic producer price indices have been continuously rising, which has directly resulted in a price increase in all consumer goods and services. Accordingly, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in all commodity groups increased extremely since 2022.
“In the same year, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category had one of the highest inflation rates in the CPI. This particularly affected Turkish consumers, as these products accounted for the highest share of household expenditure in 2023.
“Since 2020, food prices have increased significantly around the world, and Turkey is no exception. Although inflation has started to slow down recently, food prices in Turkey continue to go up steadily, increasing by 48.6 percent in November 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.
“It is not surprising that food inflation has not simmered down, as the producer price index (PPI) of agricultural products followed a constant increasing trend in the country over the past few years.”
Nevertheless, Turkey is reportedly implementing measures to revitalise tourism, tackling escalating costs, diversifying holiday experiences and pumping money into infrastructure. Authorities are allegedly working to curb inflation, whilst some are championing specialised tourism sectors such as wellness retreats and medical tourism.
Brits cruising around a popular set of European islands this summer have been warned over a new tourist tax, that slaps holidaymakers with charges of up to €20 (around £17) for entering the port
The hefty tax will come into effect later this month(Image: Getty Images)
Brits flocking to an insatiably popular set of European destinations this summer have been warned over hefty charges.
Last year, a whopping 40.7 million tourists headed over to Greece and its cluster of picturesque islands, marking a 12.8 per cent spike compared to the year before. While the huge influx is believed to have generated a staggering €21.6 billion (around £18.6bn) in tourism revenue, officials argue local people aren’t seeing the benefit.
In fact, many residents argue the surge in holidaymakers is pricing them out of the property market – and wrecking the country’s environmental beauty. As a result, many hotspots have started to introduce a tourist tax – with profits designed to support local infrastructure and ‘promote’ sustainable tourism levels.
Cruise passengers have been told they will have to pay €20 for entering hotspots like Santorini and Mykonos(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Cruise ships are a huge issue in Greece, often flooding tiny islands with thousands of tourists in one big hit. This stretches the island’s amenities, creating sudden surges of demand in cafes and restaurants, and results in insufferable crowds and queues.
This is why cruise passengers will be charged a hefty tourist tax when entering Greek ports. The fee, which comes into effect on July 21, 2025, until September – is €20 for hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini, and a much lower €5 in less popular ports. This works out at around £17 and £4.31, respectively.
The tourist tax will help support local infrastructure and aims to create a sustainable tourism model(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“Please note that this mandatory fee applies to all guests, regardless of age, who transit through a Greek port – including ports of call as well as the port of disembarkation,” MSC Cruises reportedly told its customers. Rather than having to carry cash with you, the tourist tax is added to passengers’ onboard accounts.
The cruise line will then pay the tax directly to the port authorities. “If you choose to stay onboard and not go ashore, the expense will be automatically removed from your account within 24 hours,” the firm added.
Santorini gets insufferably busy during the summer months, and is a popular stop for cruises(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
In the shoulder seasons (April, May, and October), the tax is lowered to €12 (£10) for visits to Santorini and Mykonos and €4 (£3.43) to other ports. In Winter, when tourism levels are at their lowest, this goes down to €4 (£3.43) and €1 (86p).
Over on the mainland, Greece has implemented an accommodation tax that charges tourists staying overnight. This ranges from €0.50 (43p) per night, per room, to €4 (£3.45) depending on the star-rating of your hotel. For a couple spending a week in a luxury five-star hotel, this adds €28 (£24.13) to their overall hotel costs.
Do you agree with the cruise tax? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
Nice, Venice, Barcelona and Amsterdam are other European cities that have also imposed limits on cruise ships.
The French Riviera resort of Cannes has become the latest famous European destination to join the growing global backlash against overtourism by imposing what its city council calls “drastic regulation” on cruise ships.
Cannes city councillors voted on Friday to introduce new limits on cruise ships in the city’s ports. Starting on January 1, only ships with fewer than 1,000 passengers will be allowed in the port, and a maximum of 6,000 passengers will be allowed to disembark daily. Larger ships will be expected to transfer passengers to smaller boats to enter Cannes.
Two cruise ships were scheduled to dock in Cannes, world-renowned for its film festival, on Sunday, each far larger than the upcoming 1,000-passenger limit with a combined capacity of more than 7,000 people.
“Cannes has become a major cruise ship destination, with real economic benefits. It’s not about banning cruise ships, but about regulating, organizing, setting guidelines for their navigation,” Mayor David Lisnard said in a statement.
Cruise operators have called such restrictions damaging for destinations and for passengers.
The nearby city of Nice announced limits on cruise ships earlier this year as have some other European cities, including Venice, Barcelona and Amsterdam.
France – which drew in 100 million visitors last year, more than any other European country and more than the country’s population – is at the forefront of efforts to balance economic benefits of tourism with environmental concerns while managing burgeoning crowds.
Cannes and Nice are not the only French cities to take action against overtourism.
On Monday in Paris, Louvre workers went on strike to protest “untenable” working conditions, “chronic understaffing” and “unmanageable crowds” caused by overtourism, which they felt the museum’s infrastructure and current staffing levels could no longer manage.
Similar protests have taken place recently in other European cities.
Demonstrations took place this weekend in Venice against Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s wedding to highlight wealth inequality and protest against the impact of mass tourism on the city. Activists argued that the lavish three-day event exemplified the disregard for local residents’ needs, including affordable housing and essential services, in a city already struggling with mass tourism and environmental concerns.
Residents of Barcelona took a quirky approach by using water guns in protests against overtourism, aiming to highlight their frustration with how excessive visitor numbers are driving up housing costs, displacing locals and eroding the city’s unique character.
When William Rath mapped out his post-law school trip to Los Angeles in May, his itinerary included the city’s quintessential landmarks: gazing up at the Hollywood sign from Beachwood Canyon, taking a celebrity homes tour, scanning the Pacific Ocean for whales off the coast of Long Beach. But amid these classic stops, one destination rose above the rest. Erewhon, the luxury grocer, was a nonnegotiable — not for its groceries, but for the clout, the curiosity and the spectacle.
Rath, a freshly minted graduate from the University of Oregon and influencer, made his pilgrimage to the Beverly Hills location, the gleaming wellness emporium nestled just steps from Rodeo Drive, where Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie routinely draws queues 20-people deep. Unable to find a seat outside, he retreated to his rental car in the shade of a nearby parking garage, and filmed a TikTok review.
“TikTok was the main reason I went. It’s always been on my ‘For You’ page,” says 25-year-old Rath. “I always see a lot of influencers going there and trying different things. It’s a big trend, and it hasn’t stopped.”
Once the domain of wellness devotees and Hollywood insiders, Erewhon has transformed into something more universal: for some, it’s their local grocery store, but it’s also now a bucket list tourist destination. Like the Hollywood Walk of Fame or the Getty Museum, the upscale grocer draws out-of-town visitors in search of not just sustenance, but status — a smoothie, a snapshot and social media proof they were there.
Aspiration defines much of Erewhon’s appeal. In an era when tourists seek experiences as much as landmarks, the store offers something singular: a way to sample a certain kind of shiny L.A. life. It’s wellness as entertainment, grocery shopping as status symbol. Some tourists are just people on vacation there to gawk, while others are influencers there for content.
“It’s a cultural moment,” says Christina Basias, 36, who has checked out Erewhon’s Santa Monica, Venice and Silver Lake locations when traveling from New Jersey with wife Alexis Androulakis, 38. When they go, the beauty product educators and entrepreneurs scope out new product trends and wellness ingredients that haven’t yet hit mass retailers. “At least 40% of what I see at Erewhon, I can’t find anywhere else,” Androulakis adds.
Founded in 1966 by macrobiotic pioneers Michio and Aveline Kushi, Erewhon began as a natural foods stall in a Boston market before opening a location in L.A. in 1969. The pair borrowed the store’s name, an anagram of “nowhere,” from Samuel Butler’s 1872 satirical novel of the same name, which centered on a utopia where illness is considered a crime. After Tony Antoci and his wife Josephine acquired the brand in 2011, the stores became sleeker and more light-filled; valet parking became the norm. Perhaps most significantly, Erewhon began partnering with celebrities on exclusive smoothie collaborations with none more iconic than Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie.
The exterior of Erewhon is seen in Culver City in 2024.
(Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
By mastering the intersection of curated wellness and celebrity cachet, the brand has turned everyday shopping into a kind of luxury theater.
For many first-time visitors, going to the store is driven by seeing the phenomenon for themselves. That was the appeal for Chloe Forero, an influencer from Chicago, who visited L.A. in May. “It was very much a Whole Foods on steroids,” she says. “It just seemed more like a social experiment than a place people shop day to day.”
Forero, 22, walked away with a sushi roll, two juices and a cookie totaling $65. “The cookie was great,” she admits. “But I ate that sushi thinking maybe this will change my life. Perhaps this sushi will be so good it’ll be worth the price tag that comes with it. It was not.”
Some longtime Erewhon shoppers — yes, some of whom are influencers themselves — grumble on social media about the Erewhon tourists. Meredith Lynch, a Los Angeles native, writer and influencer who frequently dissects influencer culture online, says the Beverly Hills location, in particular, has become a stage. “So much about L.A., for better or worse, is about being seen,” she says. “Erewhon is a place where people go, and they get seen.”
Inside the Culver City Erewhon in 2024.
(Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
The performative aspect resonates with young out-of-towners. Kiara Dewrance, a chef from Cape Town, South Africa, had hoped to try the Bieber smoothie when she visited L.A. last September. But after seeing the price ($20), she opted for two less expensive drinks and still walked away thrilled.
“It kind of feels like when you’re watching a movie. It kind of felt like a movie moment seeing it in real life,” says Dewrance, 27.
Gibson Ardoline, a 19-year-old influencer and business administration major at the University of Florida, spent $91 on lunch when he first toured L.A. last November, which included sushi, juice and one of the store’s hot bar meals. He offset the costs by filming two TikTok reels chronicling his experience, which received more than 1 million views combined and earned him more than what he spent at Erewhon thanks to payments from TikTok as part of the platform’s Creator Rewards Program.
“It was worth going one time, just to have the laugh and say I spent $90 on lunch,” he says, although he wouldn’t disclose how much he made. “It might not be a laugh for everybody, but to me, it was profitable.”
Not everyone leaves ambivalent. Patrick Oatman, a model and economics major at the University of Connecticut, was genuinely impressed when he dropped by Erewhon last June.
“It seemed to be miles away from a regular grocery store, so it was entertaining in that perspective. It felt like this out-of-reach L.A. thing,” says Oatman, 21.
Erewhon carries several branded wellness products, like this Neptune Blue Sea Moss gel.
(Juno Carmel / Los Angeles Times)
For Rath, who hopes to move to L.A. and practice entertainment law one day, his $100 tab was less a trip expense than a rite of passage.
“This couldn’t be my weekly place for groceries, but If I had a job in L.A., maybe I would go, although it would have to be like once every two weeks,” he explains.
When asked to rank Erewhon among the other iconic spots he visited, he didn’t skip a beat.
“Honestly?” he says. “In-N-Out was fine, but I preferred Erewhon.”
A new report has named one Canary Island destination the most tourist-dense island in all of Europe, and singled out one EU country in particular for overcrowding
Most year-round visitors to Malta are from Britain(Image: Getty Images)
As housing shortage protests grow in intensity across Europe, one EU country is still taking on the brunt of overcrowding. A new report reveals that Spain is home to Europe’s most overcrowded islands.
Using data from the European Commission, the report from BookRetreats.com ranked Europe’s islands by tourist density – measured in overnight stays per square kilometre. The spatial metric reveals how physically saturated some destinations have become, especially on islands where land, housing, and infrastructure are limited, according to the analysts.
Malta topped the list with the highest tourist density of any island in Europe. Equally significant, the report revealed that four of the top five most tourist-dense islands on the continent are Spanish islands.
Across these islands, tourism levels have reached the densities of most major cities. According to the report, while Malta is small enough to fit into London five times over, it sees more than 38,700 overnight stays per km². Of these year-round visitors, British travellers make up the largest share.
Spanish locals are protesting soaring housing prices and housing shortages exacerbated by overtourism(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The tourist impact is most visible at peak sites like the Blue Lagoon on Comino, where daily summer crowds reach up to 12,000. In response, authorities have recently capped visitor numbers at 4,000 per day and introduced mandatory booking to help protect the fragile coastal environment.
Protests are also growing across the country and governments are now considering enhanced restrictions to manage the pressure on infrastructure. In Ibiza and Formentera, officials have responded with new Tourism Containment Measures. The reforms ban new short-term lets in apartment buildings and step up enforcement against unlicensed holiday rentals in a bid to ease the strain.
The Menys Turisme Més Vida organised a protest in Palma on June 15, 2025(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
On Sunday, June 15, the Menys Turisme Més Vida platform also organised a protest in Palma calling for an end to touristification. The group issued a statement the next day, insisting: “Let us be clear. We will not stop. This fight does not end here.
“We will not allow one more measure of tourism growth, nor one more attack on our language and culture, on migrants, on the territory, or on the working class.”
Elsewhere in Spain, governments have pushed back even further on holiday lets, including a crackdown on 65,000 Airbnb listings. In the Canaries, a new holiday rental law could also ban newly built properties from being used by tourists for 10 years after construction.
“Tourism has transformed many of Europe’s islands, but the pace and scale are no longer sustainable,” says Sean Kelly, co-founder of BookRetreats.com.
“When local systems are stretched and communities are pushed out, it’s a sign something needs to change. That’s why it’s so important we look at the data, understand where the pressure is highest, and start making more informed choices about where and how we travel.”
Cara Piper splashed out £129 and had high hopes for a weekend away in New York(Image: Jam Press/@carapyper_)
A student was left gutted after buying a Wowcher mystery holiday and discovering she’s paid to go to Edinburgh – the city where she lives. Cara Piper splashed out £129 on it and had high hopes for a weekend away in New York.
The 23-year-old opened an email from Wowcher and discovered the trip was to Edinburgh, the city where she’s lived for the past four years. “I saw the Wowcher master holiday on social media and impulsively decided to do it for a cheap holiday,” said Cara.
“I was honestly happy with anywhere as long as it wasn’t the UK. I opened it in Edinburgh because that’s where I’ve been living for the past four years.”
Cara, originally of Derry, Northern Ireland, filmed herself revealing where she was going to jet off to. In the clip, Cara shouts “no” as she discovers that she’s paid to go to the city where she goes to Queen Margaret University and studies education.
Cara Piper was gutted after buying a Wowcher mystery holiday
She said: “Me and Ethan decided last night to book a Wowcher mystery holiday. It’s £129 each if we want to go during the summer months. We want to go in July I think and we’re redeeming it right now.
“The only problem is, we have to travel from Belfast. We’re limited on where we can go. We don’t think it’s going to be New York or anything like that. We’re happy with anywhere. I’m nervous.”
Cara is on the phone with a friend as she anxiously opens the email from Wowcher. She said: “No, no, no, no. We got Edinburgh. I’m in Edinburgh right now. We did not just pay £130 each to go where I go to uni for the past four years.
“For f*cks sake. We can ring up and change, I think. I literally live here. I actually can’t believe that.
Cara filmed herself revealing where she was going to jet off to
“I was saying if we got somewhere in the UK I’d be fuming. I’m going to see if I can change it.”
Cara shared the video on TikTok where it racked up more than 126,000 views. Morgan Mcsherry said: “I’m not joking, as soon as you said Wowcher I was like ‘they’re either getting Belfast or Edinburgh’“.
VIDEO CONTAINS LANGUAGE SOME MAY FIND OFFENSIVE
Cara filmed herself revealing where she was going to jet off to
Claire Ferguson added: “I honestly would have ended it right at that minute. Devastated for you.”
Keisha Deane said: “This is heartbreaking.”
Another viewer added: “No, literally, out of everything I would be fuming. Bless you.”
A fifth person said: “Oh my God, I’d be raging.”
Anna MacAuley added: “I’m dying. What are the chances.”
HUGE plans to create the UK’s first garden city in a century are underway.
The ambitious proposals will transform unused land into a bustling green city and are slated to be finished in the next decade.
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The new garden city will be the UK’s first in a centuryCredit: Ebbsfleet Landmark Project Ltd
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The plans will add 15,000 new homesCredit: Ebbsfleet Landmark Project Ltd
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The city will be built by transforming unused landCredit: Ebbsfleet Landmark Project Ltd
The idea for Ebbsfleet Garden City was born in 2015 following soaring demand for more houses in Kent.
Costing almost £4 billion, the plans aim to create the first garden city in 100 years across 2,500 acres of brownfield land on the Kent Thames Riverside.
Ebbsfleet will feature a staggering 15,000 new homes with 50 new parks and open spaces.
Green and blue space will comprise 40% of the city by 2035, which is when the project is expected to be finished.
It will, according to developers, become a place for Brits to “grow a family, build a business, socialise, and enjoy a unique city-country lifestyle on the edge of London and Kent.”
The planning application is expected to be submitted later this year.
It will be made up of a collection of brownfield development sites within Dartford and Gravesham Boroughs.
Three major projects comprise the Ebbsfleet Garden City: Ebbsfleet Central, Northfleet Embankment and Community buildings and spaces.
Ebbsfleet Central will be a mixed-use residential and commercial area and will feature around 2,100 homes, of which 35 per cent are Affordable Housing.
It will also include up to 100,000 square metres of office floor space and 10,000 square metres of retail floor space.
Huge new £1.3billion redevelopment to create new ‘cultural hub’ in London
The Elms Park development, located in the north of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, was approved by local authorities yesterday.
Councils have given the go-ahead to the massive new town serving almost 9,000 people.
It will be situated on the outskirts of the Cotswolds, just off junction 10 of the M5, and will feature roughly 60 acres for employment land.
Tewkesbury Borough Council described the approval of the 4,115 homes as the “biggest decision” it had ever made.
The plans include a 25-acrebusinesspark, a hotel, shops, cafes, newschools, healthcare facilities and atransporthub.
Elms Park Consortium, led by house builders Bloor Homes and Persimmon, claims that the project will create as many as 8,000jobsin the area.
It estimates that thedevelopmentwill provide 1,000 affordable homes while generating up to £300m for the local economy each year.
Rob White, agent for the applicant, said: “Approximately £25m will be spent on community infrastructure.
“It will contribute £300 million a year into the sub-regional economy, creating and supporting over 8,000 new jobs, with 30 apprenticeships a year during construction over 20 years.
“Over 4000 new homes will be built, providing for a new community of around 9,000 residents, many of whom will already be living in the area.
“Approximately £50 million pounds will be spent on providing new schools, including a secondary school and two primary schools on site.
“A sports hub containing new facilities for cricket, football, tennis, and an all-weather 3G pitch will be provided on site along with significant contributions to local rugby and hockey clubs.
“They are committed to bringing forward Elms Park as a well-designed, sustainable and healthy place where the new community can thrive.”
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It will also include up to 100,000 square metres of office floor spaceCredit: Alamy
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Green and blue space will comprise 40% of the city by 2035Credit: Ebbsfleet Landmark Project Ltd
If you’re not taking a big summer trip this year, or if you are and want something to make the stress of traveling feel relaxing by comparison, NBC’s new reality competition series might be up your alley. “Destination X” features a mix of known reality stars and civilians as they put their geography knowledge and deduction skills to the test in Europe for a chance at a cash prize. Executive producer Andy Cadman stopped by Guest Spot to discuss the latest entrant in the travel-competition genre.
Also in this week’s Screen Gab, TV critic Robert Lloyd unpacks the appeal of Netflix’s new series about a traumatized Edinburgh detective tasked with investigating cold cases, and film editor Josh Rothkopf explains why a quartet of travelogue comedy films featuring improv impresarios Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as they road-trip across Europe makes for an enjoyable binge.
Plus, a service announcement: The Emmys season of The Envelope video podcast launched this week. The premiere episode features Cooper Koch and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, the stars of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story,” as well as “Andor” actor Diego Luna. You can watch here or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
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Jamie Sives, left, and Matthew Goode in Netflix’s “Dept. Q”
(Justin Downing / Netflix)
“Dept. Q” (Netflix)
In this dark yet strangely warm series adapted by Scott Frank (“The Queen’s Gambit”) from a book series by Danish writer Jussi Adler-Olsen and transplanted from Copenhagen to Edinburgh, Matthew Goode plays Carl Morck, a moody police detective recovering from an incident, arguably his fault, that left him wounded, a partner partially paralyzed and a rookie dead. Talking his way back into service, he’s given a basement storage space for an office and a cold case involving a missing prosecutor (Chloe Pirrie), whose distressing circumstances we see without learning why. (It’s the mystery!) The primary pleasure of the series is in the team of fellow misfits who gather around Morck — a civilian expat (Alexej Manvelov) keeping mum on his experiences in the Syrian police; a chirpy cadet (Leah Byrne) back from a breakdown and tired of pushing pencils; and Morck’s recovering partner (Jamie Sives), joining from a hospital bed. It feels like the beginning of a beautiful second series. (With Shirley Henderson and Kelly Macdonald as a bonus for Scots watchers.) — Robert Lloyd
Steve Coogan, left, and Rob Brydon in “The Trip to Greece.”
(BBC / Revolution Films)
“The Trip: The Complete Series” (Criterion Collection, starting June 1)
Intensely bingeable (the movies actually got their start as four six-episode BBC runs), “The Trip” makes beautiful sense as an afternoon of viewing, maybe one accompanied by different cuisines as you go. The central premise: Actor-comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, playing barely altered versions of themselves, take to the road for epic conversations behind the wheel and at dinners, where the contours of their hyper-competitive friendship take shape, as does a parade of celebrity impressions. Director Michael Winterbottom steers the duo toward a deeper appreciation of life viewed through the rearview mirror, though honestly, you’re there for the vicious backbiting. For anyone wanting to dip in selectively: 2010’s “The Trip” features the guys’ classic dueling Michael Caines; 2014’s “The Trip to Italy” takes on “The Godfather”; 2017’s “The Trip to Spain” unleashes a killer, preening Mick Jagger; and 2020’s “The Trip to Greece” goes for Dustin Hoffman. — Joshua Rothkopf
Guest spot
A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they’re working on — and what they’re watching
“Destination X” contestants Rick Szabo, left, Allyson “Ally” Bross and Rachel Rosette during a challenge from the show.
(Helmut Wachter / NBC)
Imagine the pressure of trying to figure out where you are in the world while a man known for carrying a bat studded with barbed wire watches on. NBC’s new reality competition show, “Destination X,” follows 12 players who are whisked around Europe in a blacked-out bus — no windows or GPS to guide them — and tasked with trying to decipher their mystery locations through clues and challenges for a chance to win a cash prize. There’s plenty of alliances and rivalries that get formed along the way. The show is hosted by actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan, known for his chilling turn as charismatic villain Negan in “The Walking Dead.” New episodes air every Tuesday on NBC, and can be streamed the next day on Peacock. Executive producer Andy Cadman stopped by Guest Spot via email to discuss the show’s mix of known reality TV personalities and civilians and more. — Yvonne Villarreal
“Destination X” is adapted from a Belgian format. How true to the original version is it? How much needed to be changed to suit American audiences?
The DNA of the original Belgian format is still present: the idea of being lost and trying to work out where you are. To this we added elements of strategy, giving the players more opportunities to mislead one another, forcing them to make difficult decisions, keep secrets, form alliances and ultimately allowing the players to decide who was at risk of elimination in each episode. Pitting the players more directly against one another transformed the show from a game about geography into a strategic, social competition, more accessible to an American audience and ultimately a more dramatic and exciting reality competition show.
The first season of the U.S. version of “Traitors” featured a mix of reality TV personalities and civilians, but quickly pivoted to an all–celebrity lineup. “Destination X” features a mix of reality personalities and civilians. Is the hope to keep that kind of combo? And is that kind of blend becoming more important in today’s reality competition landscape?
I believe that there’s a real benefit in the mix between civilians and established reality personalities. With “Destination X,” we wanted to do a couple of things. Firstly, discover and get to know some amazing new reality personalities that we’ll see on our screens for years to come. We have some brilliant characters in this season that are new, unique and surprising. Secondly, we wanted to see how some of the established reality faces might react to this incredible adventure. It was an opportunity to see some familiar faces taken out of their comfort zones and challenged in totally new ways. I think that this combination is a very valuable tool — it gives viewers the chance to meet some new favourites, while still giving them the comfort of some old friends dropping in.
What’s the game or competition series that hooked your interest in the format as a viewer and led to you pursuing a career in it?
I grew up on the original “Big Brother” and then made that show for many years here in the U.K. It was such a groundbreaking show and has survived the test of time like nothing else. Many of the production techniques that we still use today came from “Big Brother.” The lure of the genre for me lies in the way that people react to difficult situations. The entertainment can often be in the competition, but for me the greatest interest lies in the social politics, relationships people make, what people will do when faced with a dilemma and how far people will go to win. We used all of these levers in “Destination X” to create the most dramatic and engaging show possible.
What have you watched recently that you’re recommending to everyone you know?
“Slow Horses” [AppleTV+], [a] British spy thriller; “The Glass Dome” [Netflix], [a] Scandi noir, and if you like tricky puzzles and social strategy, the U.K. version of “Genius Game” is worth a look.
What’s your go-to comfort watch, the film or TV show you return to again and again?
I genuinely don’t have one; I find comfort in new seasons of my favourites though. I’m very excited for the next [season of] “Stranger Things” [Netflix]!
Simon Calder was speaking on ITV’s This Morning as he discussed different destinations for Brits to consider over summer – and one place stood out in particular for value
Bulgaria has many sunny beaches for tourists to enjoy(Image: Getty Images)
Travel expert Simon Calder has revealed the ultimate cost-effective hotspot for sun-seekers looking for a bargain break, tipping Bulgaria as a top budget-friendly summer destination. Simon waxed lyrical about the beauty spot, emphasising that savvy travellers can bask in all-inclusive luxury while enjoying prices reminiscent of a bygone era. “Bulgaria. It’s a great, great destination. Cheap as chips,” he raved.
“This is an all-inclusive favourite. Great long beaches and prices which are kind of out of the 1980s.” Reassuring that Bulgaria offers tremendous value, he said that it’s roughly a third of the cost compared to a holiday in Italy, with just a slight language challenge thrown into the mix.
“It’s really cheap when you get there,” Simon declared. “So whatever you want, whatever you’d be spending in Italy for instance, you just divide it by three and that’s what you’d pay in Bulgaria.
“You’ve got to master the Cyrillic alphabet though. Back to front Rs and all that but it’s a three hour flight so just do that on the plane.”
According to Muveone, a pint of local beer in Bulgaria will only cost you around 3.00 BGN, which is roughly £1.50. The country offers popular destinations such as Burgas, a city on the Black Sea Coast.
It boasts stunning beaches and is just a short distance from the lively Sunny Beach – a favourite amongst young Brits. Visitors can also explore the city’s Sea Gardens, home to a vast array of sea plants from across the globe, designed by landscape artist Georgi Duhtev.
Alternatively, head to Lake Atanasovsko for a relaxing dip in its black mud pools for a natural yet luxurious spa experience.
Further south of Burgas lies the ancient seaside town of Sozopol. Here, the Old Town provides a glimpse into local history and the tranquil Kavatsite Beach.
Sozopol offers breathtaking views of the Black Sea, and tourists can take a boat trip to St Ivan Island to spot monk seals and birds.
Europe is a popular tourist destination for many people around the globe, but one common travel destination is sinking, and people fear it will ‘end up like Atlantis’
A popular European city is sinking and some people have compared it to ‘Atlantis’ (stock photo)(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
One favourite European hotspot is going underwater, and travel fans fear it could vanish just ‘Atlantis.’ The iconic city Venice is built on over 100 small islands and intersected by 177 canals, and it is sinking.
Located in northeastern Italy and serving as the capital of the Veneto region, Venice is best explored on foot or by boat due to its car-free policy. This unique characteristic draws flocks of tourists to the Italian gem. However, BBC Future warns that due to subsidence and rising sea levels, Venice is at “real risk of being consumed by the sea”. The outlet even suggests that in the worst-case scenario, the city could “disappear beneath the waves by as early as 2100”.
This alarming situation has led to comparisons with Atlantis, the legendary lost island described by ancient Greek philosopher Plato.
Jennifer Napolski shed more light on the issue in a TikTok video. A voiceover in the clip states: “Venice is an ancient city that once had the most powerful people, materials and power in Europe.”
It goes on to mention Piazza San Marco, the main public square in Venice, and St Mark’s Basilica, some of the city’s most famous attractions.
The voiceover concludes: “However, today, due to climate change, the foundations of Venice are sinking. The sea level is rising and Venice’s life is coming to an end.
“Perhaps in 50 years this miracle on the sea will sink to the bottom of the sea. By then the charming streets, romantic century-old buildings and dreamy islands in the water will disappear onto the sea.
“If you have the opportunity, you must take your family to visit this disappearing city.” Venice grapples with flooding during certain seasons due to “acqua alta”, which translates to “high water.”
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This flooding is caused by a mix of high tides, wind conditions like the Adriatic’s sirocco winds, and low atmospheric pressure causing waters from the Venetian Lagoon to inundate the city.
Flooding is most likely between October and December but can happen at other times depending on the weather. Rising sea levels due to climate change are making the flooding worse, but there is a ray of hope for Venice.
The city awaits the completion of the Mose (Experimental Electromechanical Module) project to save itself from sinking.
The initiative includes putting in place 78 moveable gates to act as sea barriers which will hopefully help prevent severe floods.
Jennifer’s TikTok footage showing Venice under water has sparked almost 3,000 comments as travel fans express their worries over the fate of the enchanting city. One user ominously predicted: “One day they will talk about Venice like we talk about Atlantis.”
Another mused: “What if Atlantis was a prophecy instead of historical fiction?” A third voiced: “Venice underwater. About to be the new Atlantis.”
Someone who has visited Venice shared: “I was there 10 years ago and it was NOT this flooded.” Another user expressed their concern: “This is kind of terrifying for the people who have lived there for generations.”
Someone else commented: “It’s so sad that it could disappear I love Venice. I’ve been there so many times.”
Scarborough, a charming seaside town located in North Yorkshire, has been named one of the top destinations in the UK to visit and is known for its stunning coastline and rich history
Scarborough Beach is one of the town’s main attractions(Image: Getty Images)
With summer on the horizon, holidaymakers are busy planning their getaways, and for those favouring a staycation, there’s no need to look further than a delightful beach escape right on your doorstep. Scarborough, a charming coastal gem in North Yorkshire, is famed for its breathtaking shoreline that offers spectacular views of the North Sea.
The area is a haven for nature lovers, boasting proximity to the North York Moors National Park, dramatic cliffs, shimmering sandy beaches, and the majestic Scarborough Castle perched high above the sea. The town has been lauded as one of the top UK destinations to visit by Time Out magazine in 2023, and CN Traveller hailed it as the “most beautiful seaside resort in England” for its historical charm.
They remarked: “The dramatic castle occupies the headland which separates the two main bays steep cliffs stretching away in both directions. The old town ascends the slope to the castle in a maze of crooked streets, with buildings dating back to Tudor times.”
Scarborough’s allure is heightened by the promise of a fresh adventure with each visit.
A perfect start to any trip could be the colourful Scarborough Fair Collection, home to Europe’s most extensive collection of classic fairground rides and historic vehicles.
This museum provides a unique historical lens, complete with bumper cars, penny arcades, a merry-go-round and the opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea whilst watching a stage show.
Scarborough is popular with holidaymakers and daytrippers as the town has many attractions(Image: Getty Images)
Another must-visit is the Scarborough Rotunda Museum, a Jurassic geology museum that delves into 65 million years of history, showcasing thousands of fossils, dinosaur footprints and even a Speeton Plesiosaur skeleton.
Entry is free for under 18s, and adults can explore the Rotunda Museum for just £5, which also includes admission to the Scarborough Art Gallery.
But no seaside getaway would be complete without a trip to the beach, and Scarborough boasts two stunning beaches: North and South Bay.
South Bay Beach is ideal for a family day out, having been a hit during the Victorian era, it still offers similar attractions like donkey rides and a lively promenade brimming with activities.
North Bay Beach, on the other hand, is much quieter and the perfect spot for relaxation or a leisurely stroll with a camera in hand. With numerous rock pools and charming vintage beach huts set against a backdrop of stunning hills and cliffs, there’s plenty to explore.
The two beaches are divided by the remnants of the grand Scarborough Castle, a 12th-century fortress that has withstood Viking invasions and served as a significant royalist stronghold during the Civil War.
After a day of sightseeing, it’s essential to visit the Scarborough Castle Great Tea Room, which offers stunning views of both beaches and an array of homemade cakes, jams, and other comforting treats.
No matter your itinerary, Scarborough is the perfect spot for a peaceful beach getaway, offering magnificent views, a rich history, and a host of entertaining attractions at one of England’s most beautiful seaside resorts.
Malta’s beautiful climate, endless activities and top-notch gastronomy make it a great year-round destination for couples, families and solo travellers
It’s not the summer destination you’d expect from the head of the Catholic Church, but Pope Leo XIV’s friend has revealed his favourite summer destination
The beautiful holiday destination, the Pope fell in love with(Image: Getty Images)
Surfing, beaches, camping and long road trips – not your typical summer for the man leading a billion Catholics. But for Pope Leo XIV, that lifestyle feels like a second home.
While Rome is now where he lives, it was in Australia where he truly enjoyed spending his down time. The 79-year-old has visited Australia many times and is said to have fallen in love with its lifestyle – its beach culture, vast roads and famous laidback spirit.
A close friend revealed it wasn’t just the beaches he fell in love during his trips, but he genuinely connected with the country’s pace and spirit. Father Banks, originally from Melbourne is a close friend of Pope Leo XIV revealed he visited the country many times and “loved the beaches”.
Father Banks revealed the Pope’s favourite summer destination(Image: Philip Coburn/Daily Mirror)
Banks has lived in Rome for the past 12 years and has witnessed how the Pope’s bond with Australia has grown stronger over time. “He felt very much at home in Australia, as a second home,” he added. “He enjoyed being in our company.”
But it wasn’t only the sun that he enjoyed, Pope Leo also saw the beauty in the country’s scale and silence. “He enjoyed driving from Brisbane to Sydney,” Father Banks said. It was the “the loneliness of the distances” that he was really drawn to.
However his connection with Australia was deeper than holidays. He once visited during World Youth Day – a Catholic gathering, typically held every few years. In 2008, it was hosted in Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse.
The beautiful sunrise in Australia(Image: Getty Images)
Over that time, he also stopped at St Augustine’s College in Brookvale and met students and staff in a warm, down to earth exchange. “He has many great memories of Australia,” his friend added.
Australia is known for the relaxed atmosphere, surf scene and beautiful nature, which may seem a world away from the Vatican, but it seems the contrast is exactly why the new Pope loved it.
The country offered something he often didn’t find elsewhere, a place to slow down and just be – enjoying the outdoors and easygoing attitude. Whether it was the freedom of an open road or the casual warmth of a location conversation, Australia gave Pope Leo something beyond a holiday – it gave him a feeling of home, according to Father Banks.
Pope Leo was appointed last week and as he steps into one of the most powerful spiritual roles in the world, the memories he made in Australia will undoubtedly stay with him.
