England

A HUGE new holiday resort is set to open in the Cotswolds – and it will be the third of its kind in the UK.

It will have beautiful luxury cabins, a relaxing nature spa as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Cabu, which designs eco-cabins, is set to open its third site in the Cotswolds after it secured a £24million loan to build the resort.

The site will have 51 self-catered cabins with either one, two or three bedrooms.

The new range of “ultra cool timber cabins” have been revealed in the renders to have wooden panels and green window detail. 

On the map render, the 51 cabins surround the main building which will have additional amenities inside.

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£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

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Guests will be able to use all of them, which include a nature spa, hot tubs, saunas and plunge bucket.

There will be an indoor swimming pool too, which looks like a calming space surrounded by loungers and huge windows letting in plenty of natural light.

There will be an outdoor pool too as well as a shop, restaurant, two bars and a studio events space.

On its website Cabu said it “will offer their high quality short-term stays all year round.  We are aiming to provide guests with 2, 3 or 4 night stays.”

It will also have “low adrenalin activities and provide an excellent base to discover all the Cotswolds have to offer.”

The resort will open in Langley on the site of a former Marconi radio site which is a short distance from popular villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford.

Cabu already has two sites in operation – Cabu Sea in Kent and Cabu by the Lakes in County Cavan, Ireland.

Cabu by the Sea lies on a stretch of privately owned grassland next to the seafront between Romney Marsh and the English Channel.

The one in Kent is described as an intimate retreat with easy access to the coastline.

A variety of luxury accommodations are available, ranging from a Writers Studio cabin for couples to a three-bed Boat House perfect for families.

The price for a cabin in Cabu by the Sea starts from £395 for two people (based on a two-night stay in March).

Meanwhile, Cabu by the Lakes is found deep within the woods of Killykeen Forest Park in Co. Cavan.

This unique hideaway has log cabins and lake houses – it also has a nature spa with a forest bathing area and a Japanese Bath.

The price for a cabin in Cabu by the Lakes starts from £544.18 for two people (based on a two-night stay in March).

Plus, here’s the tiny Cotswolds villages where you might bump into a celebrity with quaint pubs and famous farm shops.

And hear from one Sun Writer who grew up in the Cotswolds and reveals their favourite village with old-school sweet shops and riverside games.

Two weeks ago, 12 miles from Twickenham, Scotland parked coaches on very English lawns.

In the stately surroundings of RGS Surrey Hills school in Dorking, a group of Under-16 and Under-18 prospects ran through drills under the eyes of staff from Scottish Rugby’s SQ (Scottish Qualified) programme.

The scheme is designed to establish connections with youngsters who, like Ashman, Rodd and many others, live and play outside of Scotland, but could one day represent its senior sides.

The SQ programme’s coaches, which include English-born former Scotland international Peter Walton, act on tip-offs from schools and clubs.

They also set up a recruiting station at high-level age-grade rugby events, inviting those with the ancestry and interest to scan a QR code and enter their details.

All countries work to maximise their talent pool.

England are keen to ensure that Under-20 Rugby World Cup winner Junior Kpoku, who plays for Toulon and could become available to France, will go on to wear white at senior level.

South African-born centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg will soon be eligible for England on residence grounds after the Rugby Football Union successfully asked for a review of his tie to the Springboks.

But for nations with a smaller talent pool – Scotland has about 50,000 club players, compared to England’s 880,000 – there is a higher premium on making sure a particular promising youngster chooses to represent them.

What are the factors that come into a player’s decision?

First and foremost, there is national pride.

Ashman said that back in 2021, he explained “quite bluntly” to England’s coaches that he wanted to play for Scotland.

Sometimes, however, players can be torn between different parts of their identity.

Flanker Gary Graham, the son of former Scotland prop George Graham, grew up in Carlisle. He attended a training camp with England and, perhaps in an effort to wind up his father in a joint interview, told the Daily Mail in February 2018, external that he “feels more English than Scottish”.

Within a year later, having not played for England, he made his debut for Scotland, assuring fans that he has “always wanted to play for his country”.

League A

Group A1: France, Italy, Belgium, Turkey

Group A2: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Greece

Group A3: Spain, Croatia, England, Czech Republic

Group A4: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Wales

League B

Group B1: Scotland, Switzerland, Slovenia, North Macedonia

Group B2: Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, Northern Ireland

Group B3: Israel, Austria, Republic of Ireland, Kosovo

Group B4: Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, Sweden

League C

Group C1: Albania, Finland, Belarus, San Marino

Group C2: Montenegro, Armenia, Cyprus, Gibraltar/Latvia*

Group C3: Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Faroe Islands, Moldova

Group C4: Iceland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Luxembourg/Malta*

League D

Group D1: Gibraltar/Latvia, Luxembourg/Malta, Andorra

Group D2: Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein

*Gibraltar and Latvia, and Luxembourg and Malta, will contest play-offs in March to determine who will play in Leagues C and D.

WHEN it comes to day trips some places leave you disappointed – but one place that has never let me down whatever the weather is Cambridge.

From tucking into sticky Chelsea buns to exploring the famous colleges and free museums, you can easily spend a day here – so here are my top tips for a half-term staycation.

Out & About

Depending on whether you want a day bracing the outdoors, or tucked up inside, there’s so much you can do Cambridge.

And one thing the city is so famous for is punting – which you can do year-round.

So if you want to head out on the water, you can opt to go with a guide (which I’d recommend), or have a go yourself.

Lots of different companies offer tours, but if you book through Cambridge Punt Company you can join a shared tour which takes you along the Cambridge Backs.

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SIGHT SEA

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Experts talk about the colleges, share stories and it only lasts around 50-minutes.

Prices for shared tours start at around £15 per adult – if you book online you can save 15 per cent on morning tours.

If you want to go it on your own at your own pace then you can go for a self-hire punt which with Punting in Cambridge are priced at £32 per hour.

Just a warning for the self-conscious, a favourite pastime of tourists and locals is to watch first-timers attempt punting and get stuck – so you might spot some giggling onlookers.

If you’re around the punting area, then you may as well take a look around the colleges.

Cambridge is well-known for its prestigious university, and it does no harm that it looks like a set from Harry Potter either.

You can book an official tour with college alumni – although it might not be the most interesting for small children.

If you want to poke your head in, lots of the colleges offer free entry to the public like Pembroke, Christ’s, Magdalene, and Peterhouse.

While you’re there, have a look at the very strange-looking Corpus Clock with a grasshopper on the top.

From there, head into the centre for a walk around the market which is open everyday with stalls selling street food, clothes, jewellery and books.

For some shopping, head into the Grand Arcade or walk across the park to the Grafton Centre.

Free Activities

There are some great places in the city where you don’t have to spend any money at all.

If the weather holds out, the parks are lovely places to go and there are some huge ones in Cambridge like Parker’s Piece and Jesus Green.

Christ’s Pieces is a Victorian park and yes, kids can run about in the open space – but they can also try their hand at table tennis.

On the green are three outdoor tables and you can collect bats and balls from the neighbouring coffee kiosk – free of charge.

Lammas Land has a huge adventure playground with lots of swings, slides and climbing frames to play on.

If it’s a bit chilly then parents can warm up with a hot drink at the cafe which is usually open until 6pm in the winter.

If punting isn’t your thing, but you still want to wander by the water, you can easily take a walk along the River Cam.

You can pick how long you walk for but trails go for miles – some good routes are Magdalene Bridge to Silver Street.

Or the riverside trail through Midsummer Common to Jesus Green.

Sadly there won’t be any cows grazing on the commons in February – but if you return later in the year, you’ll be able to spot them usually near Mill Pond.

Usually they’re there from April until October.

If the weather doesn’t play ball, Cambridge has plenty of museums to take a gander around – and most are free entry.

I remember going into the Fitzwilliam Museum on a school trip and it’s filled with all sorts of artefacts that span across three floors.

It’s currently got an exhibit on Ancient Egypt too (although you’ll have to pay from £14.50 to see this).

The Museum of Zoology is also free and a great one for fans of the Natural History Museum.

Here you can see skeletons of a 21-metre long fin whale, an Asian elephant, Komodo dragon, Goblin shark and even a giant clam.

Check the ‘what’s on’ page as they often hold events and workshops through the year.

Food & Drink

The only struggle you’ll have in Cambridge is deciding where to eat because there are so many good cafes and restaurants.

There are lots of your classic chains that are a hit with kids like Las Iguanas, Zizzi, Honest Burger and Bill’s (who I have to say do a great brunch).

Of course, the city is filled with plenty of fab pubs too.

The Eagle is possibly the most famous as it’s where the finding of the DNA was first announced by  Francis Crick and James Watson in 1953.

They serve up food like Chicken Kyiv, mac and cheese, fish and chips, burgers, as well as lighter options like salads and toasted sandwiches.

Head to The Mill for a fishfinger, sausage or brie sandwich.

A little outside of the city centre is the Milton Arms which has special offers on Pie Tuesdays, Pizza Wednesdays, and Burger Thursdays.

If you get peckish and want something sweet, I cannot recommend Fitzbillies enough.

There are three bakeries around Cambridge and they’re known for their enormous and delicious Chelsea Buns.

The original bakery is the one on Trumpington Street opposite the Fitzwilliam Museum with the other two on Bridge Street and King’s Parade.

You can pick up an original Chelsea bun for around £4.

But there are plenty of other flavours to try like blueberry cheesecake, Nutella, and cinnamon buns.

Or even savoury choices like cheese and marmite, or tomato, basil and pesto.

Getting There

When it comes to getting into Cambridge, if you’re heading there by car it can be very busy with car park prices being extortionate.

The worst by far being the Grand Arcade – if you’re there for over five hours it will set you back £36.10.

A great option, and one I used to go all the time as a child is hop on the Park and Ride.

My family would park the car at Trumpington and hop on the bus.

It’s free to park for up to 18 hours and then it’s £4 to the city centre and back for adults.

Up to four children (under 5) go free with each fare-paying adult.

Otherwise, for children aged between 5-15 years it’s just £1 for a return ticket.

The bus will drop you right outside the Grand Arcade shopping centre in the middle of the city too.

There’s also a train station – but for families be warned it’s around a 20-minute walk into the city centre.

But there are buses and taxis you can hop into – or request an Uber.

For more on Cambridge, check out this pretty hotel that’s perfect for city exploring with a beautiful bar and free walking tour.

And here’s a quiet village just 15 minutes from Cambridge that’s the backdrop of an ITV drama.

With its winding cobbled streets, charming cottages and pretty harbour, it’s no wonder a quaint UK fishing village remains one of the country’s most adored coastal spots for visitors

Tucked away on the Cornish coast, about three miles south of Penzance and in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the village and fishing port of Mousehole.

The picture-postcard hidden gem has seemingly remained unspoiled for years and is where poet and author Dylan Thomas spent significant time, including during his 1937 honeymoon. It was said he treasured the narrow, cobbled streets and fishing harbour and described it as “the loveliest village in England”.

Today, visitors still appreciate the beauty of the sleepy hideaway, with its sandy beach and calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for children to safely play in, a selection of cafes, shops, and galleries for grown-ups to explore, and “sheer beauty” that is perfect for capturing Insta-worthy memories.

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Mousehole, which is actually pronounced ‘Mowzel’, is steeped in history and dates back to the 1300s when it was a prominent harbour and the main port for Mount’s Bay. Pilchards were exported to France, and the trade continued until the late 1880s. Along with other villages on the coastline, Mousehole was attacked by the Spanish in 1595. The only surviving building from the raid was the local pub, the Keigwin Arms. Today, it is a private residence with a plaque in memory of the former owner, Squire Jenkyn Keigwin, who was killed defending his property.

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Famous for its rugged coastline, golden beaches, picture-perfect villages and rich maritime heritage, Cornwall is one of the most-visited corner of the UK. Sykes Cottages has a large number of holiday homes to choose from, with prices from £36 per night.

Now charming granite cottages line the maze-like winding streets, along with independent galleries, gift shops, and places to eat. The Grade II listed Lobster Pot hotel, where Thomas spent his honeymoon, is now a private residence and holiday let. Still, visitors can admire its uninterrupted sea views, which captured the poet’s imagination from other nearby pubs and restaurants.

The Ship Inn, which Thomas also frequently visited, serves seasonal, local food such as fish and chips, mussels, and Sunday roasts, and is situated directly opposite the harbour, making it the perfect spot to recharge the batteries. Inside the harbour is the small, sandy beach, lapped by crystal clear waters, where children can go crabbing or build sandcastles.

Known for its thriving sense of community, Mousehole hosts a variety of festivals and is famed for its Christmas lights during the cooler months. On 19 December every year since 1981, the lights have been turned off to commemorate the eight crew members of the lifeboat service who were lost during a rescue in hurricane-force winds. Tom Bawcock’s Eve is celebrated every 23 December to mark the end of a 16th-century famine. The festival is the birthplace of stargazy pie, which features fish heads poking out of the pastry topping.

Recent visitors to Mousehole soaked up its tranquility and charm, with one writing on Tripadvisor: “Mousehole is a very beautiful place. You can snap off photos all day and never capture all of its quirkiness, quaintness and sheer beauty. As someone with an interest in photography, I found so much to capture.”

Another added: “This village is absolutely stunning and well worth visiting, it’s truly gorgeous.” A third loved the safe beach and local amenities:: “A lovely little harbour with small sandy beach. Safe for children to play. Very picturesque with little cottages surrounding it. The Mousehole is an excellent gift shop with friendly staff. We also visited Jessica’s Dairy to get a cup of tea,” they shared.

Rutherford’s 76 and spinners’ control help the two-time champions beat the 2022 winners at the Wankhede Stadium.

Sherfane Rutherford struck ‌a belligerent half-century and Gudakesh Motie produced a brilliant display of spin bowling ⁠as West Indies ⁠thumped England by 30 runs in T20 World Cup Group C.

Rutherford smacked seven sixes in his unbeaten 76 off 42 deliveries to provide ⁠the bedrock of his team’s imposing total of 196-6 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Twice champions West Indies returned to choke their opponents with spin and bundled out England for 166 in 19 overs ⁠to top the group with their second successive victory.

England slipped to third place, behind Scotland, after their first defeat in the tournament.

“Disappointing. It’s never nice to lose a game, but West Indies played outstanding,” England captain Harry Brook said.

“We thought it was a chaseable total for ‌sure but it didn’t dew up as much as we expected and didn’t skid onto the bat.”

Put into bat, West Indies lost both openers in the first seven deliveries of their innings.

Shimron Hetmyer (23) and Roston Chase (34) steadied the ship before Rutherford walked in to light up the Wankhede Stadium.

He shared a 61-run stand with Jason Holder, who struck four sixes in his 33 off 17 balls, to take West ⁠Indies close to 200.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid excelled for England, conceding only ⁠16 runs in his four overs and claiming the wickets of Chase and Rovman Powell.

England made a flying start before losing Phil Salt (30) in the fourth over.

Chase removed Jos Buttler for 21 and left-arm spinner Motie ⁠produced a double strike to turn the heat on England, who slumped to 93-4 at the halfway stage of their innings.

The ⁠situation demanded caution and Brook duly curbed his normal ⁠aggression but the West Indian spinners would not be denied.

Motie (3-33) caught Brook off his own bowling and Chase trapped Will Jacks lbw to further turn the screw.

Sam Curran made a valiant 43 not out down the order ‌but lacked support.

“I have put in a lot of work coming into the World Cup,” Rutherford said.

“I trust my process and I can score runs in the end when ‌I ‌play with a clear mind. We were maybe 10 runs behind what we wanted given England’s powerful batting but the guys bowled well.”

Brook’s assessment is a familiar one.

After England were bowled out for 131 in a one-day international against South Africa last year, he said his could have “gone a little bit harder with the bat”.

When they lost an ODI in New Zealand before Christmas, Brook asked, “Can we go harder?”.

Against the impressive Windies, Tom Banton also chipped a catch to extra cover pushing a drive off Motie, while Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks were bowled and pinned lbw respectively playing from the crease.

“Chasing nearly 200 is always a big ask and we thought the pitch would get a little bit better and it would slide on to the bat a little bit more, but that didn’t happen,” Brook said.

“We were probably a little bit careful, myself included.”

In the absence of dew, which makes it harder for bowlers to grip the ball, the pitch at Wankhede Stadium offered more turn than any other at this World Cup so far.

England played spin well on their recent tour of Sri Lanka, where they won a T20 series 3-0, but here familiar issues resurfaced.

“I thought we played spin outstanding in Sri Lanka and we’ve just had a bad day today,” Brook said.

“We didn’t manage to get over the line and they bowled well.”

Brook also backed leading pace bowler Jofra Archer, who conceded 48 runs from his four overs after being hit for 42 in the win over Nepal on Sunday.

“Everybody knows how good Jof is,” Brook said.

“He’ll bounce back for sure. He’s bowling rapid and I’m sure he’ll execute better in the coming games.”

England face Scotland on Saturday before their final Group C match against Italy on Monday, with both games taking place in Kolkata.

GAUDY arcades, faded bucket and spade shops and donkey rides on the beach. You may call Blackpool stuck in the past, but I think it’s timeless.

Recently named as one of the best big towns in the UK, Blackpool may be about to see a resurgence.

As Britain’s original seaside holiday resort, this sometimes sunny stretch on the Lancashire coast embodies everything us Brits want from a holiday.

Blackpool, with its seven-mile sandy beach, three pleasure piers, seafront theme park and iconic tower landmark has everything you need for a family holiday – and unlike other coastal towns in the UK – can be enjoyed at an affordable cost.

As a travel writer and content creator, I travel almost every month for work and I’m lucky enough to have been to many of the world’s best holiday destinations, such as New York City, Thailand, Australia and Florida.

In fact, as a Disney travel expert, I’ve been to Disney World more than 50 times, but but I’ve had just as much fun on a weekend in Blackpool as I have at the Florida theme park.

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I live in London now and I also lived in Los Angeles in my 20s, but Blackpool has always held a special place in my heart. I know I will always go back.

Being from a working-class family, overseas family holidays were not something we did very often when I was growing up.

Instead, we would get the train to destinations like Weymouth, Margate and Blackpool from London.

No passport required, but holidays were still the most exciting thing we did every year.

Blackpool was always my favourite.

The seafront was so exciting. We would always walk from the station, passing B&Bs with neon Vacancy signs glowing in the window, that always smelled like egg and chips.

The Blackpool illuminations were dazzling for a little kid like me. Designed in 1879 as an ‘artificial sunlight’ attraction, this appeal has never faded.

Modern light trails and events are popping up from Land’s End to the Scottish Highlands these days – and often charge guests to enter. Even in 2026, Blackpool’s illuminations are still completely free to enjoy.

Who needs Vegas? The Blackpool arcades would be flashing and whirring, luring you inside to win big on the 2p machines. With the great British weather, this was often a necessary past time.

I became a master at winning naff pastel-coloured teddy bears in the grabber machine.

As a theme park nerd, something I inherited from my dad, Blackpool Pleasure Beach was my Disneyland.

The Big Dipper, a wooden rollercoaster built in 1923 and still going strong, was my first thrill ride. Being tall enough to ride this was like graduating tweenhood. My dad was thrilled as he finally had a rollercoaster buddy.

When The Big One opened in 1994, it was the highlight of the holiday. I was 12. From the top of the 235ft drop, you can see the whole of Blackpool Seafront laid out in front of you. It’s spectacular.

As you tip over the edge and race to the ground at 85mph with the wind in your hair, it’s exhilarating. For 12-year-old me, I was on the top of world.

Family holidays these days feel far more complicated. Even with short breaks in the UK, costs can add up.

I often want to create the wholesome British beach breaks of my childhood, but many destinations feel very different.

Some UK hotspots cost more than flying abroad. But, nabbing a great deal overseas can sometimes be stressful, confusing and time consuming.

Then you have to factor in long travel days, airports and finding somewhere with something for everyone that comes in under budget.

Like most parents, if I can take advantage of a kid’s club or send my two children on the rides together, while I wave from the side-line, I will. Life is busy these days and even 10 mins of peace can feel like a mini break.

But Blackpool hasn’t changed much since my memories of the early 90s.

Everything can be enjoyed together. Paddling on the beach, sharing a bag of chips, screaming in the lift to the top of the Blackpool Tower and enjoying the famous Blackpool Tower Circus.

The foundation for family fun is at the heart of this seaside town and I think it always will be.

Unlike many places which jump between personalities, Blackpool has always known its place – and better still, been proud of it.

I have gone back many times. I’ve also sold my friends on to Blackpool’s charms and we try to get a girls’ weekend in every couple of years too.

It’s an ideal weekend break for all ages.

Bursting onto the scene as a leisure destination for industrial workers and working-class families, in over 150 years, nothing has changed.

While other seaside towns have been infiltrated with artisan coffee shops, art galleries and trendy crowds migrating from the big cities, sending house prices and rents through the roof, Blackpool is still an affordable place to live and visit.

It’s not the spot for a delicate macaron or an eye-wateringly expensive afternoon tea.

But if you’re happy with a £2 doughnut and a hot cocoa in a paper cup, you can enjoy a great snack with sea views for under a fiver.

Budget-conscious visitors can get a decent hotel room for only £17 per night. Haven Morten Mare Holiday Park, just 15-minutes down the road has deals for £112 for a weekend for the whole family.

Attractions like the Blackpool Illuminations, Stanley Park, the promenade and piers are all free to experience. There are sometimes deals to enter Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park for only £10 too.

As a mum, knowing I won’t be racking up a huge debt makes holidays less stressful from the start.

My kids are far more travelled than I was at their age, but I have noticed that spending big doesn’t always make them happiest on holiday.

Kids, like me and like my parents 30 years ago, just want to let off steam, have a bit of fun and have a bit of a break from life.

You don’t have to spend a lot to get that, especially in Blackpool.

I do sometimes splash out though. Mr Whippy with two flakes? Oh go on then.

England’s men survived a fightback from Spain to secure a 4-2 win in Valencia and move level on points with leaders the Netherlands in the FIH Hockey Pro League table.

England went ahead after only three minutes through Jacob Payton before Sam Ward doubled their lead via a drag from a penalty corner.

A Jose Basterra brace either side of half-time pulled Spain level, before Stuart Rushmere edged England back in front.

Spain had a chance to equalise with two minutes to go but could not take advantage of a penalty corner, before England raced up the field on the counter to seal victory through Ward’s second goal.

England remain second in the table on goal difference behind the Netherlands, with both sides having secured 15 points from eight matches.

England’s women bounced back from defeat by the Netherlands on Monday with a 2-0 win against China.

Grace Balsdon put England ahead by dragging in from a penalty corner, before goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard kept out a flurry of attempts in the third quarter.

China piled on the pressure in the final quarter in search of an equaliser, but it was England who found the net again, this time via a Tessa Howard deflected strike.

The victory sees England remain fifth in the table on seven points.

WATFORD may not be top of your staycation bucket list, especially after it was named one of the UK’s worst big towns.

Ranked poorly by The Telegraph, it was slated for its its ‘concrete centres and bad vibes’.

They might not like it, but as a local – I’m 30 mins down the M1 from there – I feel the need to jump to its defence.

I look at the town with an air of nostalgia because – believe it or not – some of the highlights of my childhood were spent in Watford.

In my teens, it was the closest thing to an action-packed city we had, unless we wanted to trek into London, which quite frankly was a cost my pals and I didn’t want to incur, plus our parents all worried about our safety in the big smoke. 

Days were spent at the Harlequin shopping centre, which had all the top high street shops but without the London crowds. Mum would take me here in early school years to buy new shoes from Clark’s.

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I’d watch the Disney movies in shoe heaven while mum and the shop assistants liaised over styles and measured how much my tootsies had grown.

I spent weekends as a season ticket holder watching Watfords now distinctly average football team play on its home turf, stopping for chippies to celebrate (or commiserate) post game.

When I turned 17, my pals and I graduated from the shops to the clubs and bars.

In the 2000s party glory days, we’d grab our glad rags and the tallest platform heels we could find, starting at Vodka Revolutions where shots were cheap as chips, then heading on to one of the mega clubs like Oceana or Area (both now gone).

We wouldn’t walk between venues, instead we’d hop on a bicycle tuktuk, just like the fairy-light clad ones you find in London, only cheaper. 

Top Golf was another cherished activity at the weekends.

The experience is still there today, home to a lively bar and several putting stations.

You don’t have to be good at golf to play, the aim of the game is to whack the balls into targets laid out on the vast green ahead.

Admittedly, I don’t visit Watford as frequently nowadays as most of my time is spent either close to my office in London Bridge, or my hometown, when I’m not off travelling the world.

But it still holds a charm nonetheless. And well worth a visit.

For starters, the is where the UKs leading Harry Potter attraction is, Warner Bros Studio Tour.

Potter fans will be blown over by what’s on offer here and you can pick up some wizarding treats seen on screen and read in the books, like butterbeer, before getting a first hand look behind the magical scenes seen on screen.

Don’t forget to pull a squealing mandrake out of the dirt and explore the Dursley’s house in Privet Drive.

There’s a decent restaurant scene now, too.

Humo is a great option for meat lovers with grubs scorched over an open flame.

The shopping is still decent – and less busy than those in London!

And little kids can take advantage of a Vue cinema and pottery painting while older ones test their nerve at indoor go karting or ninja warrior adventure.

So even if Watford is a little rough around the edges and not the prettiest place to look at, it’s still got it perks. 

One things for sure, you’ll never get bored. But I do wish they’d bring back those booming clubs

Available for 29 days

Mark Chapman is joined by T20 World Cup winner Tymal Mills, former England spinner Phil Tufnell and Chief Cricket Reporter Stephan Shemilt to discuss the opening few days of the World Cup.

The big news today is that Pakistan will play India in the Group match on Sunday after Pakistan’s government lifted their boycott with Bangladesh’s blessing. Wisden editor Lawrence Booth joins the panel to talk about the internal politics of world cricket.

England are off to a winning start, just, so what did we learn about Harry Brook’s captaincy? 

And are the smaller nations catching the established powers in international cricket?

You can hear ball-by-ball commentary of every match of the T20 World Cup on BBC Sounds

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The ‘proud of the effort’ mantra from Townsend is the biggest red rag to the biggest Scottish bull.

The scale of the failure was epic, not so much because they lost – because this was always going to be a tight game against a fine Italy team – but in the way they lost.

Their lack of aggression and intent from the start, their defensive disorganisation for Italy’s tries, the terrible weaknesses in their lineout (while Italy were nailing most of theirs), the self-harming bouts of indiscipline at critical times, their inability to problem-solve on the move.

Italy were missing some key players. Scotland were missing no-one.

When it came to coaching nous and player execution, Italy had a little too much of both.

They inflicted a soul-destroying defeat on Scotland, but, in many senses, Scotland did it to themselves. A recurring theme, that.

The feeling of fury in the aftermath is unprecedented since Andy Robinson’s team lost to Tonga in 2013 and Matt Williams’ team lost to, well, pretty much everybody in his slapstick years in charge.

A campaign over after just one game? Maybe premature, but you can’t fault anybody for thinking it.

England will expect an angry Scottish reaction on Saturday. Some of the visitors, hard-bitten by recent experience, will know that there’s fire and brimstone coming their way.

The home fans in vast numbers are now dead against Townsend remaining as coach, but come kick-off time in Edinburgh, you won’t know it. The place will be electrified.

Could you discount a Scotland upset? No. Would you bet on it? No, again.

At Murrayfield, the decision-makers are sitting in silence, apparently still confident that improvement will come if they just hold their nerve.

As a reminder, Townsend took over in 2017. He’s nearly 100 games in. This is his ninth Six Nations. Scotland have never contended.

His future is being talked about, but not by the people who might determine it. Not yet.

That might come later, depending on what happens in the weeks ahead – ‘might’ being the operative word – but for now there is a Calcutta Cup to deal with and a world of questions for Townsend to answer.

The Seattle Seahawks defence put on a clinic to lead their team to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60.

How does the saying go? Defence wins championships – and that’s exactly what happened at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.

Here are some of the best pictures from a memorable night as the Seahawks got their hands on the Lombardi trophy for the second time in franchise history.

The Seattle Seahawks produced a devastating defensive display to beat the New England Patriots and claim their second Super Bowl victory.

Two of the NFL’s strongest defences battled it out in Sunday’s showpiece and the Seahawks emphatically came out on top to win 29-13 at Levi’s Stadium.

It was a defensive performance for the ages and Briton Aden Durde played a pivotal role, becoming the first overseas coach to win America’s biggest game.

Seattle’s 46-year-old defensive coordinator has helped create the most-feared defence in the NFL, which has become known as ‘the Dark Side’, and they showed why on American football’s biggest stage in Santa Clara, California.

New England’s second-year quarterback Drake Maye narrowly missed out on this season’s Most Valuable Player award but was stifled by the Seahawks, who claimed six sacks, forced three turnovers and scored a defensive touchdown.

After Seattle led 9-0 at half-time, Maye’s first turnover resulted in the game’s opening touchdown for tight end AJ Barner early in the fourth quarter.

Linebacker Uchenna Nwosu then returned an interception for a 45-yard touchdown, while Jason Meyers kicked a record five field goals.

“We were the better team, we’re the best team. We loved each other, we believed in each other and now we’re champions,” said Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald.

“We went to the dark side tonight, we love our players, they made it happen. They made it come to life and we won the game.”

Mumbai, India — For most of a warm and breezy Sunday afternoon in Mumbai, the Wankhede Stadium felt closer to Kathmandu than India’s southern metropolis as thousands of Nepalese fans sang, danced and dared to dream while their cricket team took on the mighty England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

A sea of red and blue replica shirts heaved in every nook and corner of the iconic 33,000-capacity venue, with supporters turning the famed Indian stadium into their adopted home.

A banner, saying “Feel the Thrill” stretched across stands and captured the mood perfectly as chants, drums and Nepali tunes echoed throughout the ground.

From children arriving with flags painted on their faces to elderly supporters proudly wearing the traditional Dhaka topi – a traditional Nepalese hat – fans of all ages turned up for what felt like a cricketing festival drenched in Nepali culture.

‘We almost won’

On the pitch, Nepal’s players delivered one of their most memorable performances in recent years, with the match ending in heartbreak as the team’s spirited chase fell agonisingly short on the final ball.

With the odds stacked heavily against them, Nepal walked out to face two-time champions England fully aware of the vast gulf in experience and pedigree compared to their opponents.

They hoped, though, that their hunger, intensity and fearless approach to the game could keep them firmly in the contest.

Chasing a challenging target of 185, the Rhinos proved why they are one of the most promising teams in associate cricket, as Lokesh Bam’s late heroics, coupled with Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee’s onslaughts, pushed the contest to the last ball.

“We almost won but couldn’t go through because the players lack experience,” Nepal fan Subodh Dhakal, who travelled from Kathmandu, told Al Jazeera. “Experience will come with time, but the team played well.”

Dhakal, a doctor and passionate Nepal supporter, planned a quick two-day trip to attend the match with his wife, after watching the Nepal Premier League – the domestic league whose growth has been central to the nation’s progress in the sport.

Like Dhakal, Satyam Pokhrel also made his way to Mumbai from the Nepalese capital. Joined by a group of friends, Pokhrel revealed his plans to stay for the remaining three Nepal games, all of which are scheduled at the same venue.

“Nepal had a really good chance [to win], but were unlucky,” he said. “The match was very close; I’m proud of the team. They showed great energy and are capable of winning the upcoming games.”

Sunday’s heroics against England were not the first time Nepal troubled stronger opponents. Five months before the World Cup, they beat the West Indies 2-1 in a three-match series — their first bilateral series victory over a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) — while in 2024 they came within a run of upsetting South Africa at the T20 World Cup.

Nepal’s debut at the tournament, in 2014, led to a famous win over a highly-rated Afghanistan team.

‘Don’t count us out’

For many in the stands, being part of the atmosphere required journeys just as memorable as the match itself.

Bhuvan Rawal travelled from Tikapur in far-western Nepal, spending three days on the road to reach Mumbai by bus.

“I wasn’t bothered by the time or money taken to come here. Watching Nepal play at a World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me,” said the 26-year-old.

“I’ve come with around 200 to 300 supporters from Nepal. We were aware of the match schedule since last year and were excited to be at Wankhede Stadium… Mumbai is our second home now!”

Rawal, who played cricket in his younger years and works as a gym trainer, believes lowly-ranked teams such as Nepal aren’t just here to make up the numbers at the expanded 20-team T20 World Cup.

“We may be a small country, but Nepal is very beautiful and can play wonderful cricket. I understand there’s a difference between full ICC members and associate teams, but don’t count us out.

“No team is too small to challenge the giants,” he said.

Lokesh Bam’s late heroics with the bat are not enough as Nepal are beaten by two-time champions in their Group C match in Mumbai.

Nepal were left heartbroken after they came agonisingly close to pulling off a massive T20 World Cup upset against England but fell short by four runs as the two-time champions won the Group C match in Mumbai.

Lokesh Bam’s heroics with the bat – 39 runs off 20 balls – were not enough to see Nepal over the line at the Wankhede Stadium, which was packed with Nepalese fans on Sunday.

Nepal finished on 180-6, handing England a nervy win to kick off their campaign in the controversy-hit cricket tournament.

When England’s captain Harry Brook (53) and teammate Jacob Bethell (55) hit fifties to power England to 184-7, they seemingly did enough to take the match out of Nepal’s reach.

But Rohit Paudel produced a captain’s innings of his own as he, alongside star all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, put Nepal on course for a shock win.

The pair’s departure slowed down Nepal’s progress, but Lokesh resumed the big hitting against some wayward bowling by England’s seamers.

Needing 10 off the last over, the Rhinos were unable to get Sam Curran’s accurate bowling over the boundary and could only score six runs.

The Rhinos’ fans, hundreds of whom had travelled from across the border, were left disheartened.

Earlier, electing to bat at the Wankhede Stadium, England slumped to 57-3 in the seventh over to find themselves in a spot of bother.

Sher Malla struck with the first ball on his World Cup debut, dismissing Phil Salt for one, and the pressure mounted on England after Jos Buttler and Tom Banton fell in quick succession.

Bethell had no problem adjusting to the nature of the track, where other batters found shot-making difficult. He and Brook combined in a 71-run partnership during their 45-ball collaboration to rebuild their innings.

Airee (44) and skipper Paudel (39) kept Nepal in the hunt with a stand of 82 from 54 balls.

Curran brought relief to the English camp when he had Airee caught in the deep and Paudel also departed soon afterwards.

Bam hit Jofra Archer for back-to-back sixes to turn the match on its head.

With Nepal needing 10 runs off the last over from Curran, Bam needed to hit the last ball for a six, but he managed only one as England heaved a huge sigh of relief.

Tommy Freeman is rapidly approaching world-class status.

The package that he brings to Test rugby – the pace, size, aerial ability and appetite for the ball – is pretty special.

He was a starter for the British and Irish Lions in all three Tests against Australia in the summer and he is inked into this England team as one of those who will always have a place when fit.

However, there is a question over which number Borthwick will write next to Freeman’s name.

This was Freeman’s 23rd England appearance but only his third as a centre.

Considering that relatively paltry midfield experience, he was pretty damn good against Wales.

He hit superb lines, either hitting the ball up bravely into the heart of Wales defence or acting as a decoy, and worked instinctively with Northampton team-mate Fraser Dingwall inside him at 12.

They are turning into a dangerous and cohesive pairing – and England have been crying out for a midfield combination with those qualities for ages.

Where once the supply of centres was quite low, there are now a bunch of alternatives.

Ollie Lawrence, who is working his way back from a minor knee injury, may be available for Scotland. Max Ojomoh was very impressive against Argentina in the autumn. Seb Atkinson has credit in the bank from his performances on the summer tour of Argentina.

It means England can mix and match according to the opposition.

Do they want a punch in midfield or the ability to distribute quickly into wide channels? Gas around the outside or the ability to probe behind with kicks?

The ability to change tactics with different midfield selection is very, very exciting.

South Africa – the gold standard for everyone in world rugby at the moment – have the same.

The mix of Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse and even Andre Esterhuizen gives them different ways of playing.

That adaptability is a fantastic attribute for any team.

France arrive in Cardiff next Sunday with Wales searching for a first Six Nations home win in four years.

The calamitous state of Welsh rugby means the WRU are struggling to sell out their three home games this year, with thousands of tickets still available for next weekend.

Tandy hopes Wales will receive the usual home backing.

“The fans have been amazing support for the team,” said Tandy.

“We know what it means to the boys to play in the Principality Stadium and the fans give them huge belief.”

Whether the Wales head coach will make changes remains to be seen as he balances reacting to an underwhelming display and the need to develop a settled side.

He says there would be no “knee-jerk reaction” and full-back Louis Rees-Zammit appears to have done enough to keep the number 15 jersey.

The former NFL triallist was making his first Six Nations appearance for almost three years and is settling into a new position after switching from the wing.

After a shaky start where he had an early kick charged down, Rees-Zammit settled down and produced one searing second-half break.

“He did well in his first start at 15 in a while for us,” said Tandy.

“In Test match rugby, there’s not much space but I thought he adapted with the aerial battles.

“He’s a big man and lit the game up in moments. It’s looking how we can get more of those moments.”

So maybe one thing for Welsh fans hold onto. There is currently not much more.

Who: England vs Nepal
What: 2026 ICC T20 World Cup
Where: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
When: Sunday, February 8, at 3pm (09:30 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the buildup on Al Jazeera Sport from 06:30 GMT in advance of our text commentary stream.

England are undoubtedly among the frontrunners to lift the T20 World Cup title, but, unlike years gone by, they do not start as one of the red-hot favourites.

Despite his undoubted ability with the bat, questions surround the captaincy of Harry Brook, while English cricket as a whole is licking its wounds following recent woes – including the Ashes humiliation in Australia.

Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at their open against Nepal.

What have England said about the pressure on Brooks?

All-rounder Will Jacks said on Friday that under-fire England T20 captain Harry Brook had “100 percent” support from the players after going through a “tough time”.

The 26-year-old Brook, in charge at a global tournament for the first time, has recently been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

He had to apologise last month for being involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer during England’s white ball tour of New Zealand last year, something that had been a “terrible mistake”.

Jacks has been close to Brook since they were roommates with England Under-19s.

“Obviously, it’s been a tough time, and that’s been well documented in the media,” Jacks told reporters before team training in Mumbai on the eve of the tournament.

“I wasn’t actually in New Zealand, so I didn’t know anything about it.

“He’s obviously made the wrong decision, but he’s accepted that. He’s obviously making amends on the pitch, and we all back him 100 percent.”

Brook, a richly gifted run-scorer, has an early chance to shift the focus back onto his batting in England’s opening match against Nepal in Mumbai on Sunday.

“He wants his cricket to do the talking,” said Jacks.

What is England and Brook’s T20 form before the World Cup?

England come into the World Cup in good form in T20, heartened by a 3-0 series win in Sri Lanka – one of the tournament co-hosts – this week.

In the preceding ODI series against the same opposition, the explosive Brook bludgeoned 136 off just 66 balls.

“It’s not so much we are taking momentum from that, but team unity, feeling strong within ourselves,” said Jacks.

“We have been performing well over the last 12 months, since Harry’s become captain, and we’re very happy with that.

“What we did in the last few weeks in Sri Lanka is another stepping stone.”

Who else is in England and Nepal’s group?

England are expected to make the Super Eight stage from a Group C that also features two-time winners West Indies, debutants Italy and Scotland.

“We come into here full of confidence and belief that we can go a long way in this tournament.

“But that doesn’t guarantee us anything. We know that there’s amazing teams in this World Cup.”

“India, on home soil, I think everyone knows who’s favourites.”

What is England’s T20 World Cup record?

England are the joint-record winners of the T20 World Cup with two trophy lifts to their name, alongside West Indies and holders India.

Paul Collingwood captained the English to the third edition of the competition, before Jos Buttler’s side sealed their second win in 2022.

What is Nepal’s T20 World Cup record?

Nepal made their debut at the 2014 edition of the competition, but had to wait until the West Indies and US co-hosted tournament in 2024 to make a second appearance.

On both occasions, the Nepalese were eliminated at the first stage, with 12th- and 17th-placed rankings.

Salt passed fit for England’s opener

Hard-hitting batsman Phil Salt was passed fit as England named their team on Saturday for their first match in the T20 World Cup.

He will open the batting alongside wicketkeeper Jos Buttler against Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday in Group C.

Salt missed Tuesday’s third T20 against Sri Lanka with a back spasm, but trained successfully on Friday and will take his place at the top of the order.

Tom Banton, fresh from a sparkling 54 off 33 balls against Sri Lanka five days ago, is preferred to Ben Duckett and will bat at number four.

Left-arm fast bowler Luke Wood gets the nod ahead of Jamie Overton and joins express man Jofra Archer and Sam Curran in the seam attack.

England have opted to have four spinners at their disposal, with spearheads Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson backed up by all-rounders Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks.

England’s starting lineup

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (capt), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood

England squad

Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt (captain), Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

Nepal squad

Rohit Paudel (captain), Aarif Sheikh, Aasif Sheikh (wicketkeeper), Dipendra Singh Airee, Basir Ahamad, Kushal Bhurtel, Sundeep Jora, Lokesh Bam, Gulshan Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sher Malla, Lalit Rajbanshi, Nandan Yadav

IF you want a holiday rental with a difference – check out these five rail-inspired stays around the country.

From converted Pullman carriages to upgraded former stations – these cosy stays are perfect for train enthusiasts.

The Old Station

In West Sussex is a B&B called The Old Station which has Pullman carriages and the opportunity to dine on a disused platform.

The Old Station is on what was formerly Petworth Railway Station and guests can choose whether to stay in the house or one of the renovated carriages.

Inside the Station House, guests can stay in the Lower Room with an ensuite and large walk in shower and super king size bed.

Up the spiral staircase is the largest bedroom with a super king size bed and an ensuite with room for three guests.

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

SIGHT SEA

£9.50 holidaymakers’ favourite Skegness activities… away from the beach

Outside are traditional Pullman carriages, and six Standard Classic Pullman Rooms – each is fitted with a double bed with a table and chairs for dining and an ensuite.

The B&B serves up hot breakfast and continental in the Waiting Room, or outside on the platform by the exotic garden in good weather.

With Host Unusual, guests can book from £130 per night.

High Cross Camping Coach and Living Van

Tucked away in the Dorset countryside is this charming Victorian railway carriage called the Camping Coach.

The carriage has been completely transformed with modern touches but has original leather window straps and luggage racks overhead.

The main living area is heated by a wood burner and is fitted out with a small dining table and plush sofa.

It also has a compact kitchen, bathroom and snug bedroom that can sleep up to two people.

Outside is a private garden and the Edwardian Living Van which also sleeps two.

With Host Unusual, up to four guests can stay for £90 per night – which is £22.50 per person.

The Signal Box

This Signal Box that once perched at Wymondham Station is now a rural haven in the Norfolk countryside.

The rail retreat is found in Melton Constable and inside it has a kitchen and cosy living on the upper floor – it’s surrounded by windows and incredible views.

Downstairs is the double bedroom with an en-suite shower room.

During the summertime, step outside to enjoy quiet by the pond or even fire up the barbecue.

One holidaygoer left a review and said: “The Signal Box was a wonderfully quirky place to stay, we loved every part of it.

“It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop & the views were amazing, everything you could wish for to have a quiet relaxing holiday.”

The Signal Box sleeps two with a seven-night stay starting from £538.

The Carriage at Creagan

This holiday home was once a working train carriage that transported milk along the GWR Line.

Now, it’s tucked between Oban and Fort William at Creagan, an Edwardian station that closed in 1966.

Inside the carriage is a cosy bedroom with wooden panelling, as well as an open kitchen and living space with a squishy sofa, Smart TV, and a warming wood-burning stove.

Outside on the patio is a table and chairs, large gas fire pit and even an outdoor path.

Nearby there’s plenty of activities to do from walking, cycling, watersports and wildlife-watching.

You can book a stay at the Carriage at Creagan from £200 per night.

Harvey of Hayle

Just a short stop from St Ives is this converted vintage railway coach called Harvey of Hayle.

It’s been described as a ‘time capsule’ with vintage décor and objects from the 1950s like lampshades, luggage racks and signs.

Harvey of Hayle has even appeared on Great British Railway Journeys with Michael Portillo.

Next door is a signal box playhouse – for the kids to exert as much energy as they like, and a wooden deck for watching sunsets.

For the trainspotters in the group, there’s even a viewing platform so you can see more locomotives on the Cornish main line.

St Ives is just one stop away on the train, meanwhile Hayle Town and its beautiful beach is a short walk from the carriage.

The carriage can sleep up to six guests and costs up to £693 (based on a seven-night off-peak stay).

For more on station stays here’s one that is one of Tripadvisor’s best has Pullman carriages and breakfast delivered to your bed.

Plus, five abandoned train stations that are now beautiful hotels with bedroom carriages and huge grand lobbies.