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BRILLIANT sunlight flickered against a blue, cloudless sky. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for my 10km hike around Derwentwater, the third largest lake in the Lake District.

Trundling along the grassy trail with a flask of coffee in hand, every direction I turned in offered impressive sights of sweeping mountaintops and the motionless body of water below.

The views are simply spectacular and should have been reward enough for my valiant hiking efforts.

But I was already thinking about the pint waiting for me back at the newly refurbished Royal Oak.

Slap bang in the middle of Keswick, this pub with rooms re-opened only a few months ago following a £1million facelift by its owner, Thwaites. And what a good job they’ve done.

Downstairs, the bar area is full of cosy nooks with huge armchairs to relax in, while the dining area is awash with indoor plants and countryside- inspired touches that make it feel more like a home than a pub.

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Add a roaring fireplace and dog-friendly bedrooms to the mix and you’ve got a proper ramblers’ paradise.

I was staying in one of the upper-floor bedrooms, where the piping-hot showers are a soothing antidote to aching muscles after tackling the surrounding hilly landscape.

Each of the 18 rooms reflects a similar ambience to the main pub, with rustic wooden headboards backing plump beds and autumnal coloured curtains that give the space a woodland feel.

Modern bathrooms feature fancy toiletries from Lake District company Bath House, while flat-screen smart TVs make it all too easy to enjoy a lazy lie-in.

Make sure you don’t sleep too late, though, as you wouldn’t want to miss out on breakfast.

The kitchen dishes up cracking homemade grub, most of which is sourced locally. Think loaded fry-ups with fat, juicy sausages and pub classics like fish and chips with mushy peas.

I kept things simple at dinner with a 10oz rib-eye steak which came with a roasted vine tomato, mushroom, rocket and chunky chips that were very moreish – all washed down with a bottle of red.

If the food and decor aren’t enough of a selling point, then the location of the Royal Oak sure will be.

At the centre of a charming high street, the pub is within walking distance of quaint wine shops, boutique clothing stores and excellent bakeries, including the newly opened Snack Shack.

I’ve never seen more sausage rolls stacked in a window before! That was all the persuading I needed to buy one. A great idea – the pastry was buttery and flakey and the caramelised onion filling was a delicious touch.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday, take a wander to Keswick market, where you’ll find stalls selling all sorts of local food, products – and more flat caps than you’d see in an old folks’ home.

If you prefer to carry on rambling, I’d recommend making the journey to Cat Bells fell.

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But only if you’re up for a challenge, as the summit is equivalent in height to ten Big Bens stacked on top of one another. I reckon I was about seven high when I decided to give up.

People in the Lakes are made of sturdier stuff than I – it’s probably those sausage rolls.

Totnes in Devon is known for its independent shops, art galleries, antiques and its vibrant high street that’s lined with an array of colourful buildings and a market

A Devon town boasting its own castle and a wealth of independent retailers is a hidden gem for tourists.

Art galleries, antique stores and fantastic gift shops are flourishing along the high street of Totnes – whilst the charming little town sits amid beautiful countryside.

If you’re seeking a break from Devon’s bustling coastal resorts or fancy some distinctive shopping then a trip to Totnes is an excellent choice.

There’s a market operating most days in the heart of this vibrant town’s high street, which radiates positive energy.

This location is famous for its independent enterprises – and you’re guaranteed to discover quirky treasures in shops that are worlds apart from the typical British high street, reports the Express.

This southwest England town is celebrated for its alternative atmosphere, artistic residents and mystical ambience – it sits upon a ley line, unseen ancient spiritual pathways believed to connect important locations throughout Britain.

This has attracted hippies and new-age enthusiasts to the town since the 1960s and 70s, with the otherworldly reputation persisting today – and residents even managed to oust Costa Coffee.

One tourist wrote about the town online: “The high street throbs with trails of diverse colourful locals and tourists commingling.

“People are so friendly that everyone calls you love or darling, there’s something down to earth and authentic about Totnes that makes you want to go back again to return to the trail.”

Visitors can also explore Totnes Castle – a well-preserved ancient Norman motte and bailey castle, home to an old tower that dates back to the 12th century.

The town boasts a unique shop, the Magical Earth Emporium, known for its crystals and ‘witchy’ items, alongside traditional Devon bakeries offering an abundance of traditional pasties.

There are several pubs scattered around the town, along with numerous cafes and restaurants where you can indulge in a Devon cream tea if you fancy it.

It’s easy to venture out into the countryside too, with river walks at the nearby Dartington Estate where wildlife and stunning views are plentiful.

The Dartington Estate website paints a picture of what you can enjoy not far from the town of Totnes: “Boasting over 800 acres of verdant forests, abundant wildlife and clear rivers, the Dartington estate offers the perfect backdrop to walks of all lengths and difficulties.

“Experience a sense of tranquillity at our impressive Grade II listed gardens, which have been shaped and inspired by the remarkable custodians of this special place for over 1,000 years.

“On your visit to the 26 acres of tended grounds, you’ll find a range of stunning features with beautiful vistas and creative sculptures, including ancient trees and impressive plant species.”

Ever wondered why you have to put your phone on airplane mode during a flight? Here, people share the real reason behind the long-standing rule, and it may surprise you

As your plane ascends, you’re well aware that your mobile phone must be switched to airplane mode. But have you ever pondered why this is necessary, especially considering your phone probably wouldn’t function at 42,000 feet anyway? One curious traveller took to Reddit’s ‘ask’ forum to find out what could possibly go wrong if they used their phone mid-flight and whether it could lead to disastrous consequences.

And they finally uncovered the true reason behind the need to switch off your phone on a plane. They queried: “Why do they ask us not to use our phones during flights? I am just curious, what are the stakes here? Will it go boom?”

A response came: “No. There are two reasons for this:

1. Against popular thinking, the main reason is that it was feared that as the plane is taking off and landing, the phones would be connecting/disconnecting to multiple phone towers rapidly, which would cause issues with those towers. However, this isn’t really a problem in this day and age, especially. It was a precaution anyway.
2. It could mess with flight instrumentation, especially the radio. Ever had a speaker or radio open and when you get a call, you can hear sounds from the speaker? This does still happen, but is more rare nowadays as you need to receive GSM call really”.

Another Redditor chimed in: “And to have a better chance that people will listen to the safety briefing. Pay attention, people! It might just save your lives!”

“Honestly, that’s probably 100% the reason. Using your mobile on a plane shouldn’t interfere with any instruments. Doesn’t even make sense. We are surrounded and being bombarded and flying through all sorts of electronic signals. Plus they offer WiFi ON some planes,” someone else added.

Another person shared: “It’s for peace and quiet and to control a herd of people. It’s the only place left on earth where you can disconnect and nobody cares. I hope it never changes”.

One bloke stated: “I’ve read it largely has to do with potential interference with the pilot’s headset”.

When somebody responded saying it’s been tested and showed no interference, he replied: “That small sample size doesn’t dismiss the risk, nor does it take into account future headsets. I’d rather play it safer than sorry during the statistically most dangerous parts of flying”.

What is the real reason you can’t use your phone on a plane?

The genuine reason you’re told not to use your phone for calls or texts during flights is chiefly down to regulations and potential interference concerns, rather than any immediate threat to the aircraft.

Previously, there were worries that signals from numerous phones might potentially disrupt the delicate navigation and communication systems on board, particularly during take-off and landing.

Today’s aircraft are well-protected, and the likelihood of interference is now deemed extremely minimal.

Nevertheless, rules have stayed cautious.

Another factor is that at flying altitude, your mobile would attempt to link with several ground-based cell towers, potentially creating network issues for phone companies and rapidly depleting your battery.

Furthermore, airlines and aviation authorities wish to preserve a peaceful cabin atmosphere, and permitting voice calls might disturb fellow travellers.

For these reasons, you’re usually required to activate aeroplane mode, which switches off cellular connectivity whilst still enabling Wi-Fi access if the carrier offers it.

Therefore, it’s advisable to turn off your phone, or activate flight mode, whenever you step aboard an aircraft.

Michael, 64, and Kathryn, 72, Roper were enjoying a drink in the departure lounge at Leeds and Bradford Airport when they found the sharp knife in her bag, prompting alarm

A British couple inadvertently caused a security stir when they breezed through airport checks with a 10-inch steak knife in their luggage.

Michael, aged 64, and Kathryn Roper, 72, were left gobsmacked after sailing through Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) security, only to discover the sizeable blade nestled in her bag while sipping pints in the departure lounge, eagerly anticipating their flight to their Spanish holiday home.

The sharp discovery, featuring a six-inch blade, was made as the couple from Oxenhope, near Bradford, Yorkshire, were about to embark on their sunny getaway. Kathryn recalled how the knife ended up in her possession after using it to slice some cake during a visit to her stepfather earlier that day, an innocent oversight that led to the alarming find.

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Upon realising the blunder, the Ropers promptly alerted the security team, who confiscated the blade.

Michael criticised the effectiveness of the security process: “It’s pretty rubbish, either the scanners were not working properly, or the bloke looking at the bag station has not been paying attention.

“My wife had been down to see her elderly step-dad, she took a knife and some cake for him. She put the knife in her bag, picked up our passports, bags, etc. and off we went. We went through security, sat having a beer and she pulled it out and she was like ‘oh my God’. Both of us fought it was shocking no one noticed – we couldn’t believe it.”

The pub-owning pair noted that upon their arrival at LBA, they passed through modern scanners designed to allow passengers to keep liquids inside their carry-ons.

After discovering what they’d brought through with them, the couple were initially uncertain about how to proceed, but ultimately Michael decided to pocket the knife, return through security, and alert the head of security.

Michael recounted: “We were stuck with an offensive weapon, a sharp steak knife, airside. You can’t put it into a bin, you’ve got a responsibility, it could get into the wrong hands, we all know what can happen. You can’t just give it to a member of the public there.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), located in Yeadon, confirmed that an internal investigation is currently in progress. An airport spokesperson said: “As the incident is under investigation internally, we can’t comment any further.”

This summer hoolidaymakers have been urged to plan ahead and do their research before travelling abroad to avoid being caught out by hand luggage rules. The Transport Secretary has told air passengers to assume the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage remains in place, after two airports changed their policies.

To avoid confusion, make sure you check out guide of the UK’s major airports and their security policies.

Experts from an Australian airline and the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre have been looking into the best ways to help beat jet lag – and it turns out that chocolate is one of the key elements

A sweet surprise awaits holidaymakers as researchers suggest that tucking into chocolate could be just the treat to boost your mood on long flights.

The recent study has revealed chocolate as one of the “key elements” in beating jet lag, particularly if it is filled with some spicy options like chilli.

Qantas, in collaboration with the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, embarked on ‘Project Sunrise’ to investigate how certain foods could minimise jet lag during long-haul travel.

As Qantas gears up for their direct London to Sydney flights slated for late 2025, the findings of their study come at an opportune time. In 2019, Qantas conducted three research flights for Project Sunrise, tweaking meal times and leveraging specific dietary choices to help sync passengers’ biological clocks, including pairing proteins like fish and chicken with swiftly-digested carbs, alongside comforting delights such as soups and milky desserts.

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Part of the tactic involved increasing travellers’ tryptophan levels, an amino acid known for its sleep-inducing properties. Peter Cistulli, a professor of Sleep Medicine from the University of Sydney, conveyed optimism about the ongoing study, highlighting “clear signs” that the gastronomic strategy can alleviate some of the strain of extended air travel.

Researchers travelled on the aircraft and monitored 23 volunteer customers who were fitted with wearable device technology during the 20-hour flights as they followed specially designed menu, lighting, sleep and movement sequences.

The inflight trials involved tailored cabin lighting schedules to facilitate adaption to the destination time zone and integrating simple stretch and movement activities.

They also adjusted the timing of meal services to align the passengers’ body clock and encouraged waking and sleeping by using specific menu items including fish and chicken paired with fast-acting carbohydrates, as well as comfort foods like soups and milk-based desserts to encourage sleep.

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Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce has expressed excitement about the potential to reduce jetlag and transform international travel for all passengers.

“Given our geography, Qantas has a long history of using imagination and innovation to overcome the tyranny of distance between Australia and the rest of the world,” said Mr Joyce.

“Now that we have the aircraft technology to do these flights, we want to make sure the customer experience evolves as well, and that’s why we’re doing this research and designing our cabins and service differently.

Meanwhile, there are numerous tips and tricks available to combat jet lag and secure a decent amount of sleep on flights.

A woman’s ‘clever’ hack for better sleep on planes recently took the internet by storm, requiring just an armrest and a jacket. In her TikTok video, she demonstrates how she folds a jacket or blanket and uses the armrest to fashion a makeshift headrest, insisting that “it doesn’t matter if you have an aisle seat or a window seat it works everywhere”.

The comments section was abuzz with travellers commending the ingenious method, calling it “so smart” and “perfect” for lengthy journeys.

One commenter shared: “I’ve been doing this for years and it’s so much better than sleeping on the food tray”. Another traveller, who apparently had a less-than-comfortable flight experience, remarked wistfully: “This would’ve been helpful about 2 days ago,”.