English

WITH the temperatures dropping, the thought of being cosy couldn’t be more appealing – and there’s an English holiday cottage that’s the ideal place for just that.

Located in Weston-under-Lizard in Shropshire, you will find a little cottage called Hansa.

Looking as if it has been ripped from the pages of Hansel and Gretel, the cottage sits off-grid within 200 acres of Shropshire woodland.

This Victorian gothic lodge was built to originally host lunches for the Earl of Bradford, but now is somewhere you can stay.

And according to Unique Stays, it has a ” fairytale otherworldliness”.

It is surrounded by woodland with lots of wildlife and views over a vast lake.

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Guests enter the lodge through a small porch with benches and twisting tree branches.

On the inside, the original dark wood panels from 1856 cover the walls and above you rests a chandelier covered in metal ivy.

There are then two green velvet chairs and a plush double bed complete with a green throw.

The green colour palette is continued in the small kitchen with a four-ring hob, gas oven, fridge, small freezer and a Nespresso machine and there is a sleek, paler green tiled bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower as well.

Inside the main bedroom area, there is also a table and chairs, a desk and a woodburner.

Guests can park on a gravel drive and then the cottage can be reached via a woodland track.

In addition, guests get a welcome hamper full of local treats to enjoy during their stay.

And you will also get marshmallows for the fire, logs and kindling, a BBQ Grill Egg with a pizza stone, smart TV, Bluetooth speaker, Wi-Fi, iPad, two vintage-style bicycles, his and her Hunter wellies and a rowing boat to use during your stay.

Just outside of the lodge, there is another table and chairs for outdoor dining and a woodfired hot tub.

Babes in arms are welcome with cots available on request, as are up to two dogs which will be charged at £60 each, per week.

The cottage sleeps up to two people and costs from £1,450 per week or £1,095 per short break.

One recent visitor said: “Hansa was a brilliant home to stay in and I can’t sing the owner’s praises enough.

“The cupboards were stocked with everything you could possibly need, there were fresh eggs, milk, bread and even a hamper of goodies from both sweet treats to a full on cheese board with something bubbly to wash it down with.

“They really thought of everything!”

Another visitor said: “Hansa is a special place, we couldn’t have chosen a better calming little house to chill.

“Thank you for letting us stay in this fairy-style house, where it was warm, cosy, we had everything we needed.”

For things to do nearby, the cottage sits in a sprawling 26-acre estate that has seen battles of the 1642 civil war and even former King Charles II shelter in The Royal Oak of Boscobel House parkland after he fled the Roundheads.

In Weston-under-Lizard itself, guests will find Weston House – a 17th century manor house with a vast art collection and restaurant.

The site also hosts a number of events throughout the year.

Tickets to the house cost £11 per person.

Just a 30 minute drive away you could head to Dudmaston Estate in Quatt – a 17th century National Trust house with a Modern Art collection, pretty gardens, play areas and a second-hand bookshop.

Alternatively, also 30 minutes away, is The Bear Inn, in Hodnet, located inside a former 16th century coaching inn.

The friendly pub serves comfort dishes such as monkfish with mushroom, chicken wing, leek and madeira for £28, rose veal, ox cheek tart with carrot, ale and jus for £29 and goats cheese gnocchi with beetroot, chestnut and broccoli for £22.

It takes just an hour to drive from Birmingham to Hansa lodge.

For more holiday cottage and lodge inspo, here is the secluded English cottage where your garden is the beach and people say it ‘doesn’t even look real’.

Plus, stunning cottage is crowned ‘Best for Beaches’ in UK and you can book for £27 per person, per night.

GOOD evening, Miss Ruth, house Bubbles?

Yes please, I tell my lovely waiter Noor.  

My seven-day cruise around the English Channel was getting off to a sparkling start — and I felt pampered from day one. 

The cruise was for the over-50s and I soon discovered that you don’t have to be young to have fun.  

Many of my fellow Boomers told me they return to Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience to take in “the warmest welcome at sea” again and again. 

Ambassador, launched four years ago, specialises in no-fly sailings from home ports including Tilbury, Essex, just an hour’s drive from home for me. 

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Its Ambience ship has capacity for 1,400 passengers, so it’s smaller and less crowded than many of the mega-liners of today.  

Our ports of call were all places I had on my wish list. Fowey in Cornwall, the Isles Of Scilly, Guernsey in the Channel Islands and Honfleur in France. 

The food on board was exceptional. On the first night I enjoyed a special of steak and lobster for a small extra cost, served by waiter Adie.

He and Noor felt like friends by the end of the trip. After dinners, drinks in one of the many lounges or bars beckoned, or even a quiz, ending the evenings with a theatre show. 

My Expedition Drinks Package took away any worries about a drinks bill at the end of the trip. 

On the first day at sea I swam in the seawater pool — nippy but refreshing. But there are lots of other ways to relax too, including spa treatments. I was treated to an excellent Indian head massage.  

On the first of two formal dress-up nights I was lucky enough to dine with Captain Hugh Maynard, who was great company.  

For more laid-back, buffet-style meals, Borough Market serves fish and chips, roasts, curries, stir fries, salads and more.

I also loved the luxury of dining in the upmarket Sea And Grass restaurant. The seven-course tasting menu was fabulous.  

Saffron is another speciality restaurant for curry fans. Worth paying a little extra for. 

Our first stop was Fowey in Cornwall and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. We also passed author Daphne du Maurier’s former home in this very pretty town — no wonder Dawn French bought a house there too.  

Cute puffins 

The subtropical Lost Gardens are about 40 minutes from Fowey. Giant ferns, palm trees and exotic plants dominate on the 200-acre site created in the 18th and 19th centuries.  

Our next stop, and my favourite of the trip, was the Isles of Scilly.  

As the ship sailed past the outer, uninhabited islands, they were swathed in mist, making them look more mysterious.  

Our last stop was in Honfleur in Normandy. Popular excursions included Monet’s house and gardens, the D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry.

We dropped anchor outside the harbour of the biggest island, St Mary’s. There are five inhabited islands and over 140 smaller uninhabited ones and rocks here. 

We were picked up directly from the ship for a wildlife tour onboard an open-decked vessel of the St Mary’s Boatmen’s Association. Over an hour and a half we spotted Atlantic grey seals and an array of birds, including cute puffins.  

Other guests had chosen a boat trip to the island of Tresco to see the spectacular subtropical gardens there. This small taste of these stunning islands — with their white, sandy beaches and clear, turquoise seas, more like the Caribbean than Cornwall — will definitely lure me back. 

Next stop was Guernsey. Docking in the capital St Peter Port, I did a spot of VAT-free shopping along the town’s pretty cobbled streets.  

Other passengers chose to discover the island’s wartime history or its beautiful landscape by vintage bus.  

Our last stop was in Honfleur in Normandy. Popular excursions included Monet’s house and gardens, the D-Day beaches and the Bayeux Tapestry, but a simple stroll around this beautiful place is a delight.  

With its timber-framed houses and pretty Old Harbour and cafes and restaurants lining the quays, it is perfect for a lunch or just a beer. Also worth a peek is the 15th-century Saint Catherine’s Church — the largest wooden church in France.  

Leaving France on the last night of my cruise, I had plenty of special memories — and plans to make for my next sail-away adventure. 

IF you cross the Tamar Bridge from Devon, there is a pretty riverside town that is often dubbed the Gateway to Cornwall.

And the destination that sits on the waterfront has lots to see from historical cottages to a cosy award-winning pub.

Saltash is found on the western banks of the River Tamar right on the county’s natural border with Devon.

Thanks to its location, it’s known as the ‘Gateway to Cornwall‘.

Saltash is the very first town in Cornwall anyone will come to if they cross the border over the Tamar Bridge.

It’s also accessible by the Royal Albert Railway Bridge which is known as one of the UK’s Brunel Bridges – as it was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

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Anyone stopping to explore the town will find plenty of restaurants, cafes and independent shops.

Saltash even has an award-winning pub called The Two Bridges Inn.

It was voted Pub of the Year for 2025 by CornwallLive.

The pub sits on a hill with a view of the Royal Albert Bridge if you sit in the large beer garden.

It was selected by a public vote where Cornwall’s pub lovers voted for their favourite place to drink and eat.

Throughout the year, the pub hosts events like Murder Mystery evenings, Music Bingo, discos, quizzes and lots of live music.

Of course there are ale and cider festivals throughout the year too.

Visitors can explore the town on The Saltash Heritage Walk which is a series of trails exploring the town’s history.

It focuses on the area near the river and its connection to Elizabethan times, the Norman church, and Tudor architecture.

Someone who took on the walk wrote on Tripadvisor: “There is plenty of history to see in such a small town, lots of old-worldy buildings if you venture down most nooks or crannies.”

One historical attraction in Saltash is Mary Newman’s Cottage.

The a grade two listed cottage was built around 1480 and is even said to be the home/birthplace of Sir Francis Drake’s first wife.

Inside it’s authentically furnished and visitors can look at traditional Tudor tools, costumes and games.

Other areas to explore nearby are Whitsand Bay and Bodmin Moor.

If you’re looking for an alternative to Cornwall then one writer says to visit her seaside county instead with less rain, and earlier sunrises.

Plus, find out more on the UK’s most popular holiday destination has world-class beaches, great pubs and TV-famous attractions.

These pretty twin beach villages are in the ‘forgotten corner’ of Cornwall…

Down the coast from Saltash are the twin beach villages Kingsand and Cawsand.

Kingsand and Cawsand sit side by side on the south east of the county.

They are often described as being in the ‘forgotten corner’ due to their secluded location on the Rame Peninsula.

The adjoining villages aren’t visited by tourists as much as the likes of St Ives, Port Isaac, Mevagissey, and Mousehole.

But both villages have beautiful shingle beaches and cosy looking cottages.

The banks of Cawsand have plenty of rockpools to explore, and when the sea is calm, boats can be hired for another adventure.

During the summer season, a vintage ice cream called Cawsand Bay Vintage Scoops on the promenade next to Cawsand beach to serve iced treats.

The village of Kingsand has another of the area’s favourite beaches.

The bay is well sheltered so it’s perfect for swimming, and it’s dog-friendly all year round.

The two village were historically separated by a stream, with Kingsand in Devon and Cawsand in Cornwall.

This division continued until 1844, when the boundary was adjusted, and Kingsand officially became part of Cornwall as well.

Both have a rich history of smuggling and fishing, you can even see remains of old pilchard cellars from the late 16th century on the shoreline beyond Kingsand.

THERE are many vibrant seaside towns across the UK – but these ones have got some huge upgrades for next year.

VisitEngland has revealed what we can expect from big events to reopened hotels and brand new thrilling attractions.

Hull

Hull is set to be popular next year after the city was named one of ‘best places in the world to travel to in 2026’ by National Geographic.

This is mostly thanks to its ongoing project to conserve its maritime history.

Since 2020, the Maritime Museum has been undergoing a huge revamp worth £11million, but it will finally reopen to the public next year.

This has been part of a wider £27.5 million project to promote Hull’s maritime history which has gone into restoring the museum and ships.

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The Hull Maritime Museum will reopen in spring 2026 with new exhibits which explore its 800 year history.

When it reopens, you can expect to see a ship model of maritime art and a 40-foot whale skeleton.

The city also has its own showbiz trail for tourists, a famous and very big minster as well as an interactive dinosaur museum.

Morecambe

The seaside town of Morecambe will be celebrating in 2026 as it will mark the 100th birthday of Eric Morecambe.

The comedian grew up in the town and he took his stage name from it and celebrations with a comedy extravaganza in his honour will start in May next year.

Meanwhile in January, Morecambe will host The Bay International Film Festival with live cinema screenings and awards.

One of the major focuses of the festival will be ‘Stories Beyond Borders’ – a competition to choose the best ‘visually captivating and thought-provoking short films from around the world’.

The festival will run from January 23 to February 1, 2026.

Blackpool

Of course Blackpool is renowned for its Pleasure Beach theme park and this year marks its 130th birthday.

Next year, the attraction is set to open its new Aviktas “gyro swing” ride: a giant spinning pendulum.

It will be first of its kind in the UK and will stand at 138 feet.

The ride will feature a giant spinning pendulum that will swing 120 degrees and seat 40 riders at a time.

Riders’ legs will dangle giving them the feeling of flying.

There are other swinging pendulum rides in the UK already, but Blackpool‘s will tower higher.

The town’s Royal Carlton Hotel will also be restored to its former glory in a multi-million pound refurbishment.

It sits on the beachfront and has been closed since last year for the upgrades which will be to all 40 rooms, as well as the bar and restaurant.

Folkestone

In the Kent coastal town of Folkestone, the heritage Leas Lift cliff railway will reopen in spring of 2026.

The Grade II listed funicular railway first opened in 1885 and is one of the only three remaining water-balanced cliff lifts in the UK.

It has been closed since 2017, but will reopen next year so locals and tourists will be able to ride between the seafront and promenade.

There will also be a new café and community space in the Lower Station, and experience fresh exhibitions telling the story of this unique piece of seaside heritage.

Southport

Southport is having a year of entertainment as the historic seaside town is hosting a year-long programme of circus, theatre, art and music performances.

In February the town will hold Lightport – an immersive light and sound installation which will cast rainbows across the town.

At the beginning of April will be Cristal Palace where the world-renowned French street theatre company Transe Express will bring its spectacular show Cristal Palace to Lord Street .

There’s a 15-metre-wide flying chandelier – and the street will transform into an open air ballroom with live music, aerial performances and dance.

The Big Top Festival will see the circus take over Southport and you can watch this happen in May 2026.

There will be juggling performances, performances on open-air stages, live music and workshops.

In October will be Books Alive! a literature festival with a twist as storytelling comes to life with live performances and author-led workshops.

It’s during half-term so children can go along and enjoy their favourite novels in real-time.

All events are completely free for locals and tourists to visit.

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If you’re looking to step into the festive spirit, there’s a new Christmas market coming to a popular seaside area in the UK for the very first time, with a variety of stalls and seasonal treats.

It’s the most magical time of the year, when we start planning our festive day out – and there’s nowhere better than a Christmas market. And this year, the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark is welcoming its own for the very first time with free entry.

Stretching along the English Riviera on the South Devon coastline is Goodrington beach which is home to Splashdown Waterpark at Quaywest. The hugely popular attraction is the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark, boasting 11 adrenaline-filled flume rides and a giant play area for young children.

During the warmer months, Splashdown Quaywest welcomes hundreds of visitors to race down their slides and this year had a record-breaking number of thrill-seekers. While the waterpark is currently closed until Spring 2026, it will host its first ever Christmas market during two weekends this December, boasting more than 30 stalls.

The new Christmas market is designed to bring more activity to the desirable seaside area of Goodrington throughout the year, along with a touch of festive cheer. Along with its local craft stalls offering gift inspiration, seasonal treats and festive drinks will also be available, accompanied by a range of fun-packed activities and entertainment for children.

The Christmas market will be held on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14, and again on Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21 from 11.30am to 6.30pm. Joyfully, entry into the Christmas market will be free, with the event aimed at supporting local traders.

Group Marketing Director and co-owner of the waterpark, Jackie Richmond, told Torbay Weekly: “We are excited to be bringing the first of what we hope will be a number of fun events that will take place out of waterpark season. The Christmas Market Weekends and Festive Fridays will, we hope, bring vibrancy, community spirit and holiday cheer to locals and visitors alike.

“We love Goodrington and want to make it a focus for people both in the summer and beyond, creating something for our local community to enjoy. We hope this event will be something that we can grow year on year.”

Additionally, there will be another event called Festive Fridays, offering hot drinks and Bratwurst-style hot dogs from the Quaywest Snack Shack from 4pm to 6pm. You can grab a warming treat from the shack before a brisk walk along Goodrington beach on four consecutive Fridays on November 28, December 5, December 12 or December 19.

Aside from the famed waterpark, Goodrington is a popular destination for a seaside getaway, featuring Paignton Beach and its classic British pier nearby. While the weather will be brisk, this could be the ideal time to visit the Devonshire coast – shopping at the new Christmas market, taking a stroll along the beaches, and visiting some of the area’s beloved attractions, all while avoiding the usual summer holiday crowds.

What’s more, Paignton train station is just a short walk away from Splashdown Quaywest and Goodrington Beach, and there are plenty of hotels dotted along the coastline if you want to extend your stay.

WE all love a cosy pub, but what if you could head to the cosiest? Well, the smallest pub in the world has opened in the UK in time for Christmas.

Located in Yuletide Yard at Flat Iron Square in London, you will find – what is claiming to be – the world’s smallest pub.

Named The Three Jingle Bells, it isn’t just a cosy boozer but also a festive experience all in one.

Inside, guest can grab a tipple including Camden Town Brewery pours, as well as seasonal specials.

However, the tiny pub will only be open until December 22.

Essentially a small room, the pub has enough space or just one member of staff and three customers.

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And each booking lasts just 45 minutes.

There will be a number of events going on at Yuletide Yard too, including karaoke and a Michael Bublé tribute act.

There is even a Santa Speed Dating Quiz on November 25 and December 2, which costs £2.20 per person.

The pub though is free to visit.

Yuletide Yard will also have a dedicated cocktail bar and of course, there will be all the regular food vendors found at Flat Iron Square as well – many of which have limited edition specials for the festive season.

For example, you could grab Flock’s southern fried chicken tenders with cranberry sauce, potato rosti and pickled red cabbage.

If you are wanting to visit other small pubs, The Signal Box in Cleethorpes claims to be the smallest in the UK measuring just 2.4 metres by 2.4 metres.

Though, it does have a beer garden that holds up to 200 people.

Inside, the pub can only host up to four guests and two members of staff.

Yet, it still serves a range of ales, lagers and ciders.

The pub used to be a former train station signal box and was moved from Scunthorpe Steelworks to Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway in 1995 before being converted into a pub in 2006.

The Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk also claims to be the smallest pub in the UK and has the backing of a Guinness World Record.

The pub measures 4.57 metres by 1.5 metres. which actually makes it bigger than the signal box though.

The Dove, Hammersmith then holds the Guinness World Record for the smallest bar in Britain, measuring also 4.57 metres by 1.5 metres.

It once used to be a coffee house but now is owned by Fuller’s.

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A MAJOR train company has unveiled its plans for a new station, taking passengers from one world-famous city to another.

It comes as the rail company decided a far bigger station would be needed, with more than 80 alterations being made to the original idea so far.

East West Rail’s Oxford-Cambridge route is set to take passengers from one popular city to another, with stops in places including Bedford, Milton Keynes, and Winslow in between.

The nearly £7bn scheme is aiming to construct fresh stations, new entrances and a completely reworked service pattern.

It’s no small overhaul – it’s an incredible challenge to all involved, both strategically as well as in terms of design.

In preparation for the new train line, Cambridge will be getting a revamp, with a brand-new Cambridge East station near the city airport.

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The stunning city already has two prominent stations – Cambridge North and Cambridge Central located in the CB1 area.

The central station will also be receiving a long-awaited eastern entrance to ease foot traffic during rush hour.

All of these plans for Cambridge have been written into the scope of the plan, though elements of it are dependent on whether external funding is received.

Whereas in Oxford one of its old running lines – the Cowley Branch Line – will be reinstated to better suit the travel timetable once Oxford-Cambridge becomes available for travellers.

According to a press release by East West Rail, “millions of people across the Oxford to Cambridge corridor are set to benefit” from the project.

David Hughes, CEO of EWR, said: “These updates reflect our commitment to listening to communities while designing a railway that delivers long-term benefits for the region.

“Our latest proposals better reflect what matters most to people and will deliver better outcomes for passengers, local communities and the environment.”

Though one of the biggest challenges the construction team are going to be facing during construction is rethinking what to do with the Marston Vale Line that transverses central Bedfordshire.

The current plan is to switch out the nine existing rather tired-looking stations on its line for four larger contemporary ones.

ONE of the most famous streets in London is going car-free for one very festive day.

Without the hassle of dodging cars and going up and down the pavements, it means you can shop and even dance on a party bus well into the evening.

On Saturday, December 6, Regent Street will close to traffic and will be turned into a winter wonderland.

All of the festive mile will be completely walkable between 2pm and 9pm and as well as exploring the shops, there will be plenty of other fun festive activities too.

Parked up on Regent Street will be three vintage red buses with a different surprise in each.

In one will be The Spirit of Christmas Selfie Station where there will be an ‘Instagrammable’ selfie spot on the top deck with the backdrop of the iconic angel light displays.

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On another vintage bus will be a disco from ‘Choose Love’ where you can enjoy a boogie under flashing lights.

There will also be live music from choirs and DJs who bring the festive cheer.

Then make sure to check out The Gift Wrap and Festive Crafts Bus where you’ll find all sorts from wreath making or children’s Christmas crafting – you might have to book in advance for some so head here for more info.

If you’ve bought some gifts from the shops along Regent Street, take them onto the bus and take advantage of the free wrapping station.

Just show the receipt from a Regent Street or St James’s store and leave with a perfectly wrapped present.

This is the first time since 2020 that the busy shopping street has closed for a Christmas shopping afternoon.

Some of your favourite shops are holding special offers too – at NEOM you can have a go on the spin-to-win wheel.

If you land on the right spot, you’ll get your hands on some goodies and enjoy a complimentary travel candle (with any £20 purchase).

Marc Jacobs are having an exclusive in their shop with a DJ set and drinks.

66°North are giving out drinks to customers and if you choose to dine at Ziggy Green – the Soho Saint Brass Band will be playing in the background.

Or head over to Bentley’s where there will be Christmas carols on the terrace which you can listen to while sipping on mulled wine or having oysters – which you can also take away.

For Christmas, The Choose love Shop will return to Regent Street as part of the charity’s 10^th birthday.

Free gift wrapping will also be available in-store on December 11, 14, 20 – all that’s needed is a valid receipt from a shop in Regent Street or St James’s.

While this experience is just for one day, the road in the West End that runs between Piccadilly Circus and St James’s Park.

As part of the proposal, Regent Street St James would be prioritised for pedestrians, and Haymarket would become a two-way street for motors.

Some surrounding side streets would be restricted for vehicles too in order to make space for pedestrians, and possibly outdoor cafes too.

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It will introduce safer cycling routes, better pedestrian crossings and the removal of the central island on Regent Street itself.

Other areas that could become car-free include Oxford Street and Camden.

Here’s what you’ll find at Winter Wonderland this year…

Winter Wonderland in London – which was recently named the UK’s best Christmas market – will launch on November 14 and run for six weeks until January 1.

Santa Land has been revamped this year with a new interactive Elves Workshop experience.

Visitors can play puzzles, spin giant cogs and help the elves bring Santa’s toys to life. Families can also uncover hidden treasures and get Santa’s autograph.

Part of the revamped Santa Land will also be a free Santa’s Grotto experience.

Visitors will head off on a journey through the new Elves Workshop and see Mrs Claus before meeting the big man himself.

Completely new for this year is the world’s first street food market just for kids.

Known as Jingle Bell Bistro, inside elves have collected the top foodie finds from across the globe for kids to enjoy.

Whilst the Magical Ice Kingdom is nothing new, it will have a new theme this year – ‘A Mystical, Mythical Fantasy World’.

Visitors will be able to adventure through the Four Realms of Earth, Fire, Air and Water, which will all be made from 500 tonnes of snow and ice by sculptors from the UK and Belgium.

The Magical Ice Kingdom is rather chilly at -10C and it is one of Europe‘s largest ice attractions.

Over in the much-loved Bavarian Village – where there is usually live music, traditional German food and mulled wine – there will be a new Apres-Ski themed village.

Here visitors will be able to grab a festive-themed drink, bratwursts and enjoy live DJ sets.

The iconic Luminarie light arches were introduced to Winter Wonderland back in 2015, but this year will feature a new extension with an additional 50,260 LED bulbs.

It will also feature a market selling unique and traditional festive gifts.

This year the award-winning Cirque Berserk will return with their “most thrilling exclusive show yet” called Ignite.

It will include a number of daredevil performers, including motorbike stunts and fire acts.

WHILE the Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful places in the UK, that also comes with expensive trips and lots of crowds.

But there are some villages in the north of the county that are rising in popularity thanks to their charming chocolate-box look and celebrity visitors.

One coastal spot in particular that’s been dubbed an ‘alternative Cotswolds’ is Blakeney.

The village has pretty grey flint cottages that sit on the seafront and quaint colourful homes in the streets behind the quayside.

There are small bakeries, a delicatessen, little cafes, craft shops and like with the Cotswolds there are plenty of opportunities for pictures.

The Cotswolds is known for having celebrity residents like the Beckhams who own a home in Chipping Norton.

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Jeremy Clarkson and American presenter Ellen DeGeneres have also set up camp there.

However Norfolk has its own powerhouse, specifically, the Royal Family.

For many years the Royal Family have been seen on Holkham Beach which is close to the family’s Sandringham estate.

Last spring, Prince William and Princess Kate paid a visit to the Bakers & Larners food hall in Holt – which is just 12 minutes away from Blakeney by car.

The Cotswolds has award-winning hotels too like Lords of the Manor and The Slaughters Manor House. Well, Blakeney also has its own one.

Earlier this year, The Manor Coastal Hotel & Inn picked up a Travellers’ Choice Award on Tripadvisor for being one of the ‘Best of the Best Hotels’ in the country.

It was also the only one in Norfolk to make the top 25 – on Tripadvisor it has a rating of 4.7 out of five and 466 reviews.

One visitor wrote: “This was our first time at the Manor and it certainly won’t be our last. We felt so relaxed staying at the Manor. We stayed in a garden room, perfect!”

Another simply wrote “truly coastal. A very relaxing stay.”

The luxury boutique hotel has relaxing bedrooms with calming coastal colours ranging from a Deluxe Suite to a Classic Single Room.

It also offers food from brunch and lunch to afternoon tea and cocktails – including a Blakeney Collins.

Another similarity between the two locations, while it won’t affect your holiday is the house prices.

The Cotswolds are known for having big price tags on properties – but north Norfolk isn’t too far behind with homes selling on average around £365,000 in the last year.

There is one glaringly obvious difference between the Cotswolds and Norfolk which is the location.

One is in the rolling countryside hills and the other is by the coast.

But one thing you’ll get in Blakeney, and not in the Cotswolds is the chance to do some seal spotting.

Blakeney Point is home to England‘s largest grey seal colony. If you want to see a sweet Grey Seal pup then you’re best chance is to visit between late October and mid-January.

Travel Writer Jenna Stevens who was born and raised in Wells-next-the-Sea reveals some more great Norfolk spots.

For quiet havens that have less crowds than Sheringham and Cromer, visit Holme and the nearby Thornham Beach.

She added: “If you’re looking for a solid pub with great food where you can bring your pet along, the Rose and Crown in Snettisham has a dog-friendly bar and restaurant, as well as a cosy, walled beer garden.

“But perhaps my favourite corner of the coast is Old Hunstanton Beach Café.”

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Here’s another alternative to going to the Cotswolds..

The county of Bedfordshire isn’t on most people’s travel list just at yet – but with Universal’s arrival in a matter of years, its popularity is set to rise rapidly.

Sun Travel spoke to one local who said tourists should start visiting now to see what Bedfordshire has to offer – including pretty Cotswolds looking villages to it’s own “Little Italy”.

Lydia Pettet has lived in Bedford for almost all of her life, having a brief interlude in London and Leeds, but she promptly returned to her home county.

Bedfordshire is in the East of England, probably known mostly for the towns of Bedford, Luton, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard – and the fact that it’s set to be the home of the UK’s first Universal.

There are a number of villages in Bedfordshire that have even been compared to the Cotswolds.

The Telegraph even said “Bedfordshire has a secret equivalent to the covetable villages of the Cotswolds” – so they’re worth a visit.

Lydia explained: “I am a North Bedfordshire girl at heart and we have plenty of beautiful villages from Harrold to, Carlton and Sharnbrook.”

Not only do they have the classic chocolate-box houses, but also great pubs too – Lydia suggested The Oakley Arms in Harrold.

Lydia added: “You can have a really nice weekend away at one of these villages – the Cotswolds has been a tourist spot forever, so the villages around here don’t have as much going on, but they all still have so much to offer.”

Check out this quaint ‘under the radar’ English town that feels more like the Cotswolds but is much cheaper.

And this alternative Cotswolds town is a ‘jewel in the crown’ with very famous queen buried there.

The picturesque village is nestled in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside, is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and has easy access to a shopping outlet

Scattered across the UK, we have a plethora of picturesque villages offering the perfect day out, complete with tranquil river strolls and stunning vistas, providing a welcome break from city life. One such village, often used as a convenient meeting point, boasts a 19th-century pub and a contemporary designer outlet just a stone’s throw away.

Tucked away in the heart of the Gloucestershire countryside and perched on the banks of the River Avon is the charming village of Twyning. With its slower pace of life, it’s the ideal spot to immerse yourself in nature and soak up the beautiful surroundings that encase Twyning, whose Old English name translates to ‘meeting’.

For those who relish a good ramble, Twyning offers an impressive 52 footpaths, and community-minded locals have even put together a booklet of circular walks available for a small contribution to the Air Ambulance. Wandering these paths is a fantastic way to uncover the hidden treasures of this ancient village.

The village also plays host to the delightful The Fleet Inn, a pub offering views over a river garden and snug rooms for guests. Visitors have lauded the 19th-century inn for its ‘fantastic’ vistas, ‘delicious’ fare and ‘warm’ service.

In addition to the village’s natural allure, the Cotswolds Designer Outlet is conveniently situated just a 10-minute drive from Twyning. The shopping haven, which opened its doors in 2025, features 45 shops, making it the perfect spot for some festive retail therapy.

Shoppers can browse the offerings from Calvin Klein, Dune, Levi’s, Sweaty Betty, and North Face, or indulge in a sweet treat from Cadbury and Lindt. For a midday meal, there are plenty of dining options available, including Five Guys, KNEAD Bakery, Pret A Manger and Wagamama.

Given its vast size, you could easily spend an entire day at the outlet, but why not extend your trip into a delightful countryside weekend? Despite its proximity to the motorway, the surrounding verdant landscape provides a peaceful retreat from urban living.

Venture further east along the River Avon and you’ll stumble upon Bredon Barn, a 14th-century medieval threshing barn constructed from Cotswold stone, now under the care of the National Trust. Alternatively, head south along the River Avon to discover the picturesque town of Tewkesbury.

Tewkesbury Abbey, Nature Reserve and Battlefield are just a few of the attractions to explore in this charming spot. Just over two miles away is the Cotswold Designer Outlet, which will be hosting festive fairs throughout December on Sunday 7, Sunday 14, Thursday 18, and Sunday 21.

The fairs will take place from 11am until 2pm every Sunday and from 6pm-8pm on Thursday. For those interested, the address is Platinum Drive, Tewkesbury, GL20 7FY.

Moreover, you could broaden your horizons and discover the delightful town of Cheltenham, boasting Montpellier Gardens, boutique shops and its renowned horse racing. Alternatively, journey into Gloucester, where another outlet centre at Gloucester Quays awaits, offering more bargain presents for your loved ones this festive season.

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A TROPICAL garden in Cornwall has been named a top attraction in the UK.

The history of the gardens spans at least 700 years although only opened to the public in the 1980s.

South of Falmouth is Trebah Garden which has won the Large Visitor Attraction category at the 24th Cornwall Tourism Awards.

While Trebah Garden opened to the public in 1987, the earliest records of it dates back to the the early 1300s.

Trebah Garden itself was established by Charles Fox back in 1831 – that’s when he bought the estate and began creating the garden.

Now, the gardens are popular with Brits seeking a day out and inside the garden you’ll find the likes of ‘Bamboozle’ – a maze of paths made from 50 species of black, brown, yellow and green bamboo.

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There’s also the water garden which is built over a natural spring and is surrounded by lush plants and flowers like brightly coloured lilies.

Alice’s Seat is an open-fronted summer house which was built for Alice Hext who owned Trebah Garden with her husband Charles from 1907 to 1939.

Other pretty spaces include the Hydrangea and Rhododendron Valley, Mallard Pond, the Chilean Coomb and the Koi Pool which is home to around 10 koi carp.

One beautiful spot that you can’t see at the entrance is Polgwidden Cove – the hidden beach.

The sheltered pebbled cove is at the bottom of the garden and is a great place to relax in the summertime, or take a brisk walk in winter.

On the shore is the Boathouse beach café which serves hot and cold drinks, snacks and Roskilly’s ice cream, although it’s only open from spring to autumn.

Visitors can take their own picnic too, and take a dip in the sea.

One wrote on Tripadvisor: “Gorgeous views, greenery, a small amphitheatre and blooms on our way down to the beach.

“Small sparkling beach with a cafe which sold the most tasty vegan ice-cream I’ve ever eaten.”

Another called it “the best garden I have EVER visited”.

Trebah Garden is open daily throughout the year and also hosts events, exhibitions, and even festive workshops.

Its next major event is Stories with Santa where, in the lead up to Christmas, families can listen to a festive story, write to Santa, and get a gift.

Otherwise, you can head there to enjoy yoga at Trebah House, go to a Christmas Decoration Casting Workshop and Wooden Wreath Painting.

They also hold musical performances, watercolour painting classes and nature spotting sessions in the gardens.

There’s an amphitheatre in the gardens too which holds live events from theatre to music, comedy, even puppetry and dance shows.

As for food, Trebah Kitchen serves up roast dinners, Fish & Chip Fridays and seasonal Christmas lunch and New Year’s Day Brunch.

Admission prices for entry start from £16.50 for adults, £8.25 for children between 5-15. Children under five go free.

Any especially keen holidaymakers can even stay on site in Trebah Lodge, the pretty stone cottage, and guests can wander through the gardens after hours.

The lodge has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and sleeps up to four – you can bring your pet pooch inside too.

The lodge is almost booked out for the whole of 2026 with a few dates remaining in November and December.

A five-night stay in the lodge from December 14-19 in 2026 starts from £855 – which is £171 per night.

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Here are six pretty UK gardens that you can visit year round…

Gardening Editor and Associate Head of Features Veronica Lorraine reveals the exotic gardens to visit now…

Ventnor Botanic Garden, Isle of Wight

Overlooked by tall cliffs to the north – and the English channel to the south, thanks to it’s unique microclimate this garden in the Isle of Wight has an average of 5°C higher all year round. It’s a truly mild climate – with only 29 inches of average rainfall. We visited in January and you could actually feel the warmer air once you got into the gardens.

Outdoor Jungle, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Cornwall

In the Outdoor Jungle you can wander along winding paths through bamboo and banana plantations marvelling at the exotic plants.

Bought back from across the world since Victorian times – it also features one of the longest Burmese Rope Bridges in Britain, stretching 100 feet above ancient tree ferns.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Dorset

Home to tree frogs, and an unusual rough tree fern, Cyathea australis, exotic plants thrive in Abbotsbury’s sheltered coastal microclimate.

It boasts of brimming with exotic trees and perennials from the Mediterranean, New Zealand, South Africa, the Himalayas, and more. Found on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast – the subtropical gardens boast over 6000 species – and is open seven days a week all year round.

RHS Harlow Carr, Yorkshire

There’s a touch of the exotic in their Sub-Tropicana Garden.

It’s packed full of plants with a tropical nature – like hardy palms, soft tree ferns, and several bamboos providing a permanent framework – plus a heated glasshouse home to the most tender plants. 

Yewbarrow House, Grange over Sands, Cumbria

Its warm microclimate and valley-location allows exotic and rare species to flourish here. Plus, there’s a Japanese-style infinity pool, orangery, restored Victorian kitchen garden, and views over Morecambe Bay.

Overbecks Garden, Salcombe, Devon

A subtropical National Trust garden, it’s bursting with colour and filled with exotic and rare plants. Not to mention, it has beautiful views over Salcombe estuary.

Discover the pretty ‘secret’ garden in England that is more like going to China and Egypt.

Plus, here’s an exotic indoor garden in the middle of a UK city with free books and its very own amphitheatre.

Tourists can visit the Surrey village where parts of The Holiday, starring Cameron Diaz and Jude Law, were filmed

The Holiday is a beloved Christmas classic that’s easy to enjoy year after year during the festive season. The 2006 film follows two women who exchange homes for two weeks over winter, giving them the chance to heal from heartbreak and find new love.

While Iris, played by Kate Winslet, escapes her life in England to spend time in a luxurious California home, Cameron Diaz’s character swaps Hollywood for a quiet, quintessentially British cottage. Some fans may already know ‘Rosehill Cottage’ was actually purpose-built for production and doesn’t truly exist in real life, but its idyllic countryside setting is still worth visiting before Christmas.

In fact, you can even visit the very pub where Cameron Diaz’s character has her first real date with Graham, played by the charming Jude Law.

The picturesque village setting is Shere in Surrey, which is nestled midway between Guildford and Dorking. With its duck-filled river and old-world atmosphere, it draws in both tourists and filmmakers alike, with scenes of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason filmed there, too.

However, it’s at the corner of Shere Lane that you’ll find the historic 15th-century, Grade II-listed pub where parts of the Christmas movie were shot. The White Horse serves a range of traditional dishes, including hearty British steak and ale pies and Sunday roasts, all enjoyed by customers next to cosy fireplaces.

A description from the Chef & Brewer Collection reads: “Built in 1475, this stunning pub displays traditional features of solid wooden beams and natural stone fireplaces, creating the quintessential cosy pub atmosphere.

“Settle down and enjoy some hearty comfort food. From soul-warming Sunday roasts to perfectly seasoned steaks cooked just the way you like; each dish is crafted with the utmost care and passion. Connect to the free Wi-Fi and browse the well-stocked bar for your favourite local cask ale or quality wine, and don’t forget – we’re dog-friendly, so bring your four-legged pals.”

After enjoying The White Horse, tourists may also be tempted to enjoy the village’s endearing tearooms or visit the 12th-century St James’ Church. It’s believed this is where Bridget Jones’ parents, played by Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones, renew their wedding vows in The Edge of Reason.

According to Surrey Live, the wedding party then spills out of the building and into the snowy churchyard. Bridget and Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth, follow the parents out through the church’s Lych Gate.

Information from Visit Surrey also adds: “The Church of St James appeared in the Domesday Book. It contains a tiny enclosed cell in which Christine Carpenter, an anchoress (religious recluse) lived. Her only contact with the outside world was through a grid and an aperture through which food was passed.”

For those interested in visiting Shere, the closest station is Gomshall, located approximately a five-minute drive away. Walking from here to Shere usually takes around 20 minutes, though buses are also available in the area.

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A ROLLING mist was hugging the Somerset Levels beneath a crisp autumn sun as I opened the curtains and stepped out on to my balcony.

We had arrived in the dark the night before, to a welcome reception of hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows by a roaring fire pit at the Windmill Retreat Spa & Estate in Bridgwater.

We had been impressed by the state-of-the-art outdoor hot tub, cold plunge and private barrel sauna in the newly-built Avanto Spa Garden, for the exclusive use of six new Elements suites.

But waking up to these views – and catching a glimpse of the larger spa below – we knew we were somewhere extra special.

Rested from a good night’s sleep in the Thyme suite – with its king-size bed, and lounge with complimentary handcrafted gin infused with herbs from the garden – we headed down to the Levels Country Kitchen.

Guests can choose from a continental breakfast on their balcony, or a hot breakfast and coffee in the Kitchen.

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It was followed by a morning of yoga and meditation in the Wellness Dome, which has been built at the top of the site, with views over the local villages.

Suitably relaxed, we went for a stroll around the estate, picking up a hand-made necklace from the shop before returning to the cafe – where guests get ten per cent off.

There we had lunch of French onion soup and hot honey goat’s cheese and walnut salad.

The extensive seasonal menu includes a selection of sandwiches, salads and quiches as well as an all-day brunch and burgers.

As the afternoon rolled in, it was time to experience the main Windmill spa, where sessions start from £35 per person.

It is open to just 12 people at a time, so it never feels overcrowded.

We started in the main hydrotherapy infinity pool overlooking another beautiful garden, before venturing outside to the hot tub with a glass of ice-cold prosecco.

A steam and sauna followed, then we reclined on the warm stone beds with an iced towel to cool off, before treating ourselves to an express facial (from £43) in one of the five treatment rooms.

Back in our suite we helped ourselves to pick ’n’ mix from the pantry, alongside a herbal tea and a slice of home-made Victoria sponge cake – baked freshly each day – before heading back out to the Avanto Spa Garden for sunset by the fire pit with another round of marshmallows and lashings of hot chocolate.

Hearty breakfast

After washing off the day under the rainforest shower and using the spa’s home-made toiletries, it only felt right to get into our robes to enjoy a delicious charcuterie board – delivered to our suite – and a bottle of red wine in bed with Strictly on the TV.

For those wanting something more substantial, the highly-recommended George Inn is just a 15-minute walk away, or you can order in a pizza from the local takeaway.

Lights out by 10pm, we opened the skylight above our bed to look at the stars before drifting off for another sensational night’s sleep.

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The next morning, after another hearty breakfast – this time a sausage sandwich – we handed back our suite keys with heavy (but relaxed) hearts, before making use of the spa garden for one final time and packing up a lump of cake for the road.

• From £197.50 per person based on two sharing.

A MUCH-LOVED family attraction is set to reopen with a major revamp thanks to new owners.

Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft, Suffolk, has new owners that are promising to return the theme park to its “former glory”, as well as add new rides.

The attraction’s new owners, Premier Attractions, plan to invest in at least three rides when the park reopens next spring, according to Great Yarmouth Mercury.

Run by three brothers, Freddy, Spencer and Davis Stokes, Premier Attractions is hoping to restore some of the rides, such as Cannonball Express – a figure of eight-style rollercoaster that was built back in 1983.

Freddy Stokes Jnr, 42, the eldest of the three brothers said: “We promise there will be more rides next year – three big rides, possibly four.

“Some people love the Cannonball, others hate it.

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“It’s an iconic ride at the park, but I need to get it to where I’m happy to operate it.”

He added that the ride needs more trains and to move from its current location to “stand proud” in the centre of the park.

He added: “It definitely has life left in it, but it’s how and what we do with it.”

Other changes at the park will also be seen in the car park, which currently charges visitors a fee of £3 a day.

Premier Attractions has inherited the contract from Pleasurewood Hills’ previous owners and it is owned by the park but operated by a third party.

Freddy added: “We’re not going to fix everything overnight, but we promise we will improve the park.

“But without people coming back, it’s all for nothing, so we need their support.”

Pleasurewood Hills expects to reopen on March 28, 2026.

And it will be the first theme park owned by Premier Attractions after purchasing the attraction from French operator Looping Group last month.

The company usually operates rides at events and fairs across the UK and has been based in Manchester since 2011.

Currently, nine of the company’s rides are at Kuwait’s Winter Wonderland and another seven are on the way to Hong Kong’s AIA Carnival, where they will be based for 66 days before heading back to the UK.

Premier Attractions has also operated rides at some of the UK’s biggest events and fairs, such as Winter Wonderland, Edinburgh‘s Hogmanay Festival, Leeds and Download music festivals, Hull Fair and the Hoppings in Newcastle.

At Pleasurewood Hills, there are currently over 35 rides, shows and attractions for all ages including the region’s largest rollercoaster, a large drop tower and a log flume.

Day entry would cost from £27 per person, but it is not clear whether this price will be the same when the attraction reopens.

The theme park then closed for the season on November 2.

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When asked how much of the alien language used by the franchise’s central hunter species he is able to speak, “Predator: Badlands” director Dan Trachtenberg quickly answers, “Zero.”

“My mouth will not even permit me to utter [even] a phonic from it,” Trachtenberg says of the language created for his film, praising his actors for learning it. Linguist Britton Watkins “really developed the language as if it had evolved from the mouth shape and the throat sounds that we have heard before from the ‘Predator’ [movies], but it really fits the ecology of the Yautja species. And my throat won’t allow me to do it.”

“Predator: Badlands,” which opened to a franchise record $40 million at the domestic box office, is the first “Predator” installment where one of the alien hunters is the hero. The movie follows Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Yautja outcast on a quest to prove his worth to his clan by hunting a massive, nearly unkillable beast on a deadly planet.

Thia (Elle Fanning) and Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) meet on a deadly planet in “Predator: Badlands.”

(20th Century Studios)

During his hunt, Dek encounters Thia (Elle Fanning), an android that has been separated from the rest of her research party — as well as the lower half of her body — and is happy to provide helpful intel on the planet’s lethal flora and fauna.

For Trachtenberg, who rejuvenated the long-running sci-fi franchise with the 2022 prequel “Prey,” it was important that the Yautja and their culture feel “as authentic and archaeological” as the human ones he has featured in his “Predator” films, which also include this summer’s animated anthology “Predator: Killer of Killers.”

“I wanted to make sure that the Yautja species was treated seriously and with dignity,” the filmmaker says. “We’re asking people to empathize with a monster, with something that was the slasher in a slasher movie to some degree, decades ago.”

That meant consulting an expert to fully construct a language for the Yautja. Watkins was recommended to the “Predator: Badlands” team by Paul Frommer, the linguist who created the Na’vi language for the “Avatar” films. He was tasked with developing both the spoken and written Yautja language, first introduced in “Killer of Killers.”

Watkins understood that “Badlands” would involve both the type of action that audiences expect from a “Predator” film as well as more quiet moments where characters are just talking to each other. This meant creating a language that was as faithful as it could be to the trills and roars of previous “Predator” movies while also being “a tonal match and a kind of atmospheric match” to English for scenes when both languages are used in conversation.

“I started, rather than with a complete language and vocabulary and everything, a framework that I could build out as things changed with the production,” Watkins says, explaining that this involved creating both phonological and grammatical rules. “I built the framework for a language that was never going to have sounds that didn’t belong in it, but could expand in terms of vocabulary and grammar to suit whatever we needed over the long course of filming.”

He also knew that once Yautja was introduced, there would be fans eager to dissect and learn it just like there have been for other constructed languages created for sci-fi and fantasy movies and TV shows.

“I knew that … people would want to pause [the movie] and they’d want to rewind and they’d want to figure it out,” Watkins says. “So I wanted to keep it simple, but it’s not dumbed down. It’s culturally appropriate but it’s approachable as a language [for] people [that] want to learn it.”

Here are a few tips from Watkins for those interested in learning Yautja.

The alphabet includes complex consonant clusters

The Yautja alphabet can be seen in the writing on some of the objects in “Predator: Badlands.”

(20th Century Studios)

When designing the phonology of the Yautja language, Watkins took into account the aliens’ physiology.

“They don’t have lips, so they can’t make ma or ba or fa [sounds] because they don’t have the lips to do that,” Watkins explains. “To supplement not having F and V and Th and M, we have consonant clusters like jl and cht … that we don’t have in English, but they can be made lower in the throat.”

These consonant clusters comprise multiple letters when written out in the Roman alphabet, but are one letter in the Yautja alphabet. The Yautja word for prey, for example, starts with the letter hrr.

Their alphabet “is optimized for visual efficiency for their sound system,” Watkins says. Yautja writing can be seen on weapons and other objects in “Badlands.”

Basic sentence structure is the reverse of English

In Yautja, the structure of a declarative sentence — one that makes a statement, provides a fact or offers an explanation — is the reverse of those in English.

“The object or the predicate comes first, the verb is in the middle and then the subject comes at the end,” says Watkins. “Once you establish a rule like that, you have to keep it unless you have a legitimate reason to break it, like we do in English.”

Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) in “Predator: Badlands.”

(20th Century Studios)

Listen for recurring words

Yautja words are largely analytical, meaning “there aren’t 14 versions of a single noun,” Watkins explains. This includes the first-person pronoun ‘I,’ which in Yautja is chish.

“When it’s ‘me’ earlier in the sentence, it’s chish [and] when it’s ‘I’ as a subject at the end of the sentence it’s still chish,” Watkins says. “It doesn’t change.”

Another sound to try to catch is nga. Ngai is the Yautja word for ‘no,’ so nga occurs in any word that has a negative element in it, like “nobody.”

You can tell how Yautja feel about you by what they call you

Unlike chish, the Yautja use different words when addressing or referring to others based on respect and affection.

“The words for ‘you’ and the words for ‘he’ or ‘she’ change depending on who’s speaking about whom,” Watkins explains. “It’s culturally appropriate for Yautja, in the Yautja culture, [to] talk about other people pejoratively.”

Think of it a bit like the difference between using tú or usted in Spanish. When addressing someone they look down on or are disrespecting, the Yautja use wul, while someone they respect would be addressed as dau. Kai is the word used when addressing a close friend.

Yautja isn’t a gendered language (for the most part)

Unlike languages such as French and Spanish, Yautja has no grammatical gender, so nouns aren’t assigned gender categories.

There is, however, a pronoun gender distinction for he and she, much like in English. Similarly, all Yautja use chish for “I” and “me” regardless of gender.

One of the reasons Yautja has no grammatical gender is because that was most practical.

“There was not a lot of time [to create Yautja], and adding gender like that is going to add complexity to the language,” Watkins says, explaining that this complexity would have made it more difficult to quickly turn around any adjustments to the script that needed to be made over the course of filming.

That it also helps keeps the language accessible for Yautja learners is a bonus.

EVER wanted to step into your TV screen when watching a Christmas movie? Well, one village in the UK feels just like doing that.

Located in the Lake District National Park, the quaint and charming village of Hawkshead is full of old cottages and has a charming community feel.

Jerry Rebbeck, a local expert at Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages, said: “It’s like something out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.”

This small village becomes the ultimate festive spot thanks to its Christmas fair, which takes place between December 6 and 7.

Jerry said: “The fair takes place across one weekend every year, taking over the centre of the village with stalls, full of local produce, food and drink.

“This tiny village of around 500 people comes alive, with street performers, carol singing and even a lantern parade.

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“It’s a fabulous thing to visit and be a part of.”

But it isn’t just the Christmas fair that is worth heading to in the village.

Hawkshead is also home to a number of businesses with vintage shop fronts, which then in the lead up to Christmas create festive window displays.

Jerry shared: “Add that to the cobbled streets, and the village that look like they’re straight out of a Christmas fairytale.”

For those with a sweet tooth, head to the Chocolate Factory Hawkshead – which is a shop and cafe that hosts Christmas chocolate making workshops.

“It’s a great place to source stocking fillers, and makes for a great rainy day festive activity for families,” said Jerry.

The village also features a pretty church called St. Michael’s and All Angels.

It was built in around 1300 on the site of a Norse Chapel and what visitors see today mostly dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Jerry said: “The view of the village from the 12th century churchyard is beautiful, with an easy walk back down to get a hot chocolate from quaint cafes such as The Minstrels Gallery Tea Room, or a glass of mulled wine in pubs such as The Red Lion Inn.”

Just a seven minute drive away or a 55 minute walk, visitors can also explore Hill Top Beatrix Potter House, which is a National Trust property.

The house is believed to be the place that inspired a lot of Beatrix Potter’s stories, and it has a cottage-garden, small cafe and shop and a second hand book-nook.

It costs £18.70 per person to visit, but will be closed from November 17 for the winter season.

Visitors can choose to stay in Hawkshead or in the surrounding areas.

Jerry shared: “In the surrounding area, only a mile away you can find holiday cottages in Outgate, as well as Ambleside, around five miles away.”

The small village also just 22 minutes from Lake Windermere, which is where the closest train station can be found and it is just a 30 minute drive from Grasmere.

If you also want to tie in a nearby city, then Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds are all between one hour and 55 minutes and two hours and 22 minutes away.

For a slightly smaller city, head to Lancaster, which is just an hour away.

There are a number of quaint villages that are pretty to visit around the festive period.

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For example, you could also head to another village that was made famous by three Hollywood movies is perfect for feeling Christmassy.

Plus, the UK’s ‘most beautiful town’ set to star in huge new Christmas movie with Hollywood stars.

CHELTENHAM is famed for its racecourse and its annual “Greatest Show On Turf”.

But there’s so much more to do in this pretty Regency spa town than have a flutter on the horses.

Emma Glanfield takes you on a tour of the best of the rest.

WHY SHOULD I GO? Sitting at the foot of the Cotswolds hills, Cheltenham is vibrant and buzzy, with a backdrop of well-preserved Regency architecture and rolling countryside.

And its abundance of quirky hotels, lively bars and boutique shops make it perfect for a weekend away.

There always seems to be something exciting going on, too, with the town hosting more than 30 festivals and events a year.

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Among these are the 80-year-old music festival and the world’s longest running literature festival.

And, of course, it is the home of National Hunt racing, with the Cheltenham Festival boasting pinnacle event the Gold Cup.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? The spa town is sprawling but walkable, and there’s plenty of gorgeous architecture to enjoy on the way.

Wander the elegant, tree-lined Montpellier district — one of the town’s most historic areas — and take in the surroundings while popping into boutique shops and cosy cafes.

The Grade I-listed Rotunda, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon, was once a spa pump room but is now a branch of The Ivy hotel. You can dine there amid the Art Deco-style interior.

It’s also worth a stroll around The Suffolks, a sought-after district with mid-19th century buildings, independent shops and cafes, plus a friendly pub called The Suffolk Arms.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? It really is worth attending a Cheltenham race meet. There’s a reason the town is known for its horseracing, and you don’t have to be massively into the sport to enjoy it.

With food, drink and glam all on offer, it’s a great, fun-packed day out. Alternatively, take a walk up Cleeve Hill — the highest point in the Cotswolds — for breathtaking panoramic views across the town and towards The Malverns.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT? With burgers as big as your head, The Beefy Boys is not to be missed. It was buzzing on the Saturday night we visited.

The atmosphere was jolly but not so loud you couldn’t chat.

The award-winning Dirty Boy and Oklahoma Onion Boy are absolute beasts, but delicious. Go hungry!

For those wanting a more formal affair, or for a special occasion, Settebello, in Belgrave House, serves authentic Italian cuisine. We feasted on giant bowls of rigatoni with an ox cheek ragu, £18, and Spigola Puttanesca (sea bass with a punchy tomato sauce), £25. The two-course lunch menu at £19 is well worth the money.

FANCY A DRINK? There are stylish bars all over, but a visit to Mr Cambray’s Curiosity won’t leave you disappointed.

Cafe by day, cocktail room by night, it has five themed rooms to explore.

There’s also the recently opened Parler on Clarence Street, in the heart of town. This Georgian building has been reimagined into a Parisian-style cafe by day, and a Japanese listening bar come sundown, with a cosy retro vibe.

The Retreat Wine Bar in Suffolk Parade is a bit of an institution, having been serving drinks since 1982. For late-night entertainment, the Gin & Juice Bar has more than 400 gins on offer and regular live music.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? For those wanting to be in the town centre, Hotel du Vin is a great choice. The 4H boutique hotel is set in the Montpellier district just a five-minute walk from The Promenade, a local shopping district.

Breakfast is a continental spread with hot plate options, taken next to the impressive underground wine cellars.

At night, guests can enjoy a glass of wine in The Laroche tasting room before diving into soft Egyptian cotton sheets in one of the hotel’s 49 bedrooms. Our room had a huge double bed and walk-in “monsoon” shower.

For those seeking pure relaxation away from the hustle and bustle, you won’t go wrong with The Greenway Hotel & Spa.

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The 16th-century manor house — an eight-minute taxi ride from the town centre — was once a grand family home before being taken over by The Eden Hotel Collection. A £1.2million makeover included 21 beautifully revamped bedrooms.

The in-house Elan Spa is not to be missed.

A LARGE conservation charity in one of the UK’s most popular holiday spots has gone into liquidation – putting several tourist attractions at risk.

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT) is responsible for more than 1,700 acres of green spaces in and around the Devon seaside towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

That amounts to 80 per cent of the green space along the English Riviera including 40 miles of footpaths and bridleways.

The trust is also responsible for managing the entire 22-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path (SWCP) – made world famous in the recent Salt Path movie – that runs through the Torbay area.

Now these destinations known as the “crown jewels” of Torbay, are at risk.

One spot, Occombe Farm, which is an all-weather family farm attraction with indoor and outdoor play areas, animals, paddocks and walking trails – will close for good.

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The attraction opened nearly 20 years ago, and has been much loved by families since – including my own, as I grew up in the area and frequently visited as a child.

The attraction was the ideal spot for families to escape to, with something for all ages and interests.

Little kids could run around in the play areas, older kids could learn about the farm animals and even get up close to them, and families could gather over lunch in the cafe – it even hosted many events such as Halloween trails and beer festivals.

While Occombe Farm is the only attraction fully closing, the charity was responsible for many other spots and now locals are worried paths won’t be cleared, bins won’t be emptied and sites will become unmaintained.

This is because, Torbay Council (which owns the freehold for most of the land cared for by TCCT) has said that its “hands are completely tied” due to legal obstacles concerning the liquidation.

Essentially, this means that Torbay Council cannot enter and care for the sites TCCT cared for, until they speak to the appointed liquidator.

But this worry is part of a bigger fear.

If these sites aren’t cared for or maintained, they could be at risk of losing their prestigious titles.

This includes the UNESCO Global Geopark title, which destinations TCCT cared for helped to gain.

The English Riviera is one of just three UNESCO Global Geoparks in England and 10 in the UK.

TCCT said: “Many areas we manage form part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, due to their unique natural heritage and we’ve worked alongside national, regional, and local associations to ensure Torbay’s green spaces receive the recognition and preservation they deserve.

“It is with great sadness that the incredible achievements of our passionate team, including our volunteers, is drawing to a close.

“Our priority now is to support them as we navigate this process.”

Berry Head National Nature Reserve – also run by the trust – is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has the largest colony of guillemots on the South Coast and other threatened species like the Greater Horseshoe Bat.

Berry Head is also home to 400-million-year-old limestone, making it an internationally acclaimed geological site, as well as two well-preserved Napoleonic-era forts.

If all of these elements become uncared for, locals are worried that Berry Head won’t meet the requirements of the titles anymore, and consequently lose them.

Other destinations TCCT cared for include Anstey’s Cove, a small beach popular for kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling, and Elberry Cove – often compared to Mediterranean destination due to its crystal clear waters and romantic ruins.

Inland, Cockington Country Park is award-winning parkland that feels more like a hidden fairytale village spanning over 450 acres with pretty ornamental gardens, farmland and woodland – all within walking distance of Torquay seafront.

The park, which dates back to the Domesday Book, also forms part of the UNESCO Global Geopark and has been repeatedly awarded a Green Flag.

The liquidation means that events at this popular destination will be cancelled, such as the annual orchard apple picking.

The biggest jewel in the trust’s crown is the South West Coast Path though, which recently featured in Hollywood movie The Salt Path starring Gillian Anderson.

The trails are managed by TCCT, meaning over the years all the signage, walkways, handrails and so on, have been added by them.

Locals are concerned that the 22-mile stretch could become inaccessible without regular maintenance.

Whilst the future of each site isn’t clear, many have spoken out about the importance of saving English Riviera’s top places to visit.

Councillor David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council, said: “The closure of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust will have a significant and deeply felt impact on the people who were employed at sites across the Bay.

“In the coming weeks, we will be taking time to understand the full implications of this news and what it means for the future of these important spaces and initiatives.”

MP Steve Darling said in a Facebook post: “This is a huge loss for our natural environment and for the dedicated staff who have worked so hard to protect it.

“Despite repeated calls for support, the Conservative administration has failed to help the Trust find a sustainable path.

“As its assets return to council ownership, we must ensure they are not sold off without public input.

One person then commented: “Please fight your hardest for these natural, public and beautiful spaces to be protected and kept in the best interest for the people of Torbay!

“These natural spaces should remain as they are, with additional funding if necessary — selling any single part of it off to foreign investment, developers or anybody other than local charities or Torbay Council would be absolutely devastating to the people of Torbay.”

A Torbay Council spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We understand that the closure of the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT) will have a wide-reaching impact on our communities, and that many residents will have questions and concerns.

“However, at this time, due to the complex process for liquidation, we are unable to provide any further information on the individual spaces or services that are managed or provided by TCCT.

“We await confirmation of the liquidators’ appointment to determine its next steps, recognising how important these green spaces are to our community.

“We would like to reassure residents and visitors that we will continue to work closely with partners and stakeholders to assess the impact of the Trust’s closure.

“This includes considering what it means for our cherished green spaces, as well as the important environmental designations, community initiatives, and long-term stewardship of our natural assets.”

A spokesperson for the South West Coast Path said: “We are working with Torbay Council and SWISCo (a local service provider) to ensure that current works to improve accessibility along the South West Coast Path and King Charles III England Coast Path National Trails are not impacted by the recent news.”

Sun Travel has contacted TCCT for comment.

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Meanwhile, if you are considering visiting the English Riviera, The Sun’s head of travel Lisa Minot visited and found delicious seafood festivals and hidden beaches.

Plus, the English Riviera is home to the UK’s best B&B – here’s whether it is really worth the hype.

A HISTORIC Victorian bathhouse is getting a new lease of life after closing nearly 50 years ago.

Manor Place Baths in South London is a 19th century bathhouse that was once a huge swimming pool complex.

It later became a boxing venue before closing in the 1970s.

However, a new attraction is set to open inside the bathhouse, as part of a collaboration with Nike and Palace Skateboards.

Inside will be a thee ‘zones’ –  The Park and The Cage, The Front Room, and The Residency. 

A free to use skatepark is in the area where the men’s swimming pool use to be (having since been paved over).

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The ‘world-class’ skatepark will be made of concrete, with ramps, ledges and benches.

There will also be an underground football cage which can be used for three-a-side.

The Front Room will be an art venue with workshops and pop ups, as well as having Nike clothing on sale.

And The Residency will be creative studio spaces, which will be on rotation every nine months.

Events will include “skate jams,” women-only sessions and a number of others.

Opening from November 11, it will be free to visit and open six days a week.

Palace co-founder Lev Tanju said: “We had an idea of creating a large space for the community that would be about skateboarding and sport, and a space you could generally hang out in.”

Gareth Skewis, also co-founder of Palace, said: “I want Manor Place to be somewhere safe and friendly where people can skate, play football and discover new things.”

It has even been backed by English footballer Lenna Gunning-Williams.

She said: “Manor Place is important for the next generation because it’s so accessible.

“It’s going to be a place where people can connect — and it’s not just for footballers, it’s for skaters and creatives too.” 

Another Victorian bathhouse in the UK is being turned into a new attraction as well.

Kings Hall in Clapton, previously called Hackney Public Bath is undergoing a £71million upgrade.

With a new swimming pool and sauna, it hopes to reopen by 2028.

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This is the first Champions League season to feature six clubs from one nation and history will be made if all six of England’s representatives go through.

Back in 2017, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham all progressed, making England the first country to have five teams in the knockouts of the competition.

However just two of those sides – Liverpool and Manchester City – got beyond the last 16, while the Reds went all the way to final after knocking City out in the quarter-finals.

In the final, Liverpool were beaten by Real Madrid.

According to Opta’s predictions, Arsenal have a 99.8% chance of progressing to the knockouts, with Manchester City on 97.4% and Liverpool on 95.5%.

However, the predictions model is a little less confident over the automatic progress of the other three sides with Newcastle on 82%, Chelsea on 80.8% and Tottenham on 72%.

Former Liverpool midfielder Stephen Warnock told BBC Sport: “I’d say at the moment it is [significant what English teams are doing], but it doesn’t matter what goes on at the moment because we saw what happened last year, when Liverpool were dominating and finished top of the league stage – and then they were suddenly knocked out by PSG who had been rubbish up until then.

“So I just don’t see at the moment, unless you get knocked out, what effect it is going to have and it does not mean the English teams are going to get through the knockout stages because it all depends on the draw, and how you are set up later in the competition.”