English

Beautiful English village is foodie paradise with scenic views

Breathtaking countryside views make this village feel like you’ve stepped onto a film set – and foodies will love the Michelin Guide-listed restaurant in this tiny hamlet

For such a tiny hamlet, this stunning Lancashire village packs a mighty punch. Located roughly three miles from the thriving market town of Clitheroe, this charming village is enveloped by spectacular countryside vistas across Lancashire’s renowned Ribble Valley, transporting visitors into what feels like a scene from a picturesque film.

Its remarkable location cannot be overstated – nestled at the meeting point of two significant Lancashire waterways: the River Ribble and River Hodder. Indeed, the village derives its name from Old English, reflecting its position as a settlement at the “mythe”, meaning “confluence” or “junction” of two streams.

Great Mitton, alongside its neighbouring village (officially a civil parish) Little Mitton, occupies fewer than 2,000 acres within the Forest of Bowland, establishing it as the smallest township in the Forest, reports Lancs Live.

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Sykes Cottages

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Lancashire is known for its wide open skies, stunning landscapes and lively coastal resorts. Sykes Cottages has a wide range of self catering accommodation across the county from £42 a night.

Gorgeous riverside panoramas, undulating countryside landscapes, and exceptional award-winning cuisine – what more could you desire from this idyllic hamlet?

Things to do in Mitton

Housed within a magnificently restored 19th-century building, The Three Fishes now operates as a farm-to-fork restaurant at the heart of Great Mitton and has been described as “outstanding” by customers who have experienced the venue.

Led by Michelin-starred chef Nigel Haworth, The Three Fishes has garnered numerous accolades throughout the years and maintains an impressive 4.4 rating out of five on Tripadvisor.

Diners consistently sing the praises of both the cuisine and service at this establishment. So impressive is the offering that it has secured a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide restaurant list since 2022, with inspectors deeming it “worthy of a place”.

One Tripadvisor reviewer gushes about The Three Fishes: “Everything about this place is total perfection. Everything. The staff, the service, the atmosphere, the surrounding area, the layout. And, of course, the food is as good as anything I’ve ever experienced. Difficult to imagine how this place could be improved.”

Another jewel in Mitton’s crown, lovingly restored to its former glory, is the magnificent 15th-century manor house, Mitton Hall, which stands majestically on the banks of the River Ribble in the heart of Little Mitton.

Serving dual purposes as both a sought-after wedding venue and a country house hotel, it offers sumptuous accommodation in the scenic Ribble Valley and is adored by locals and tourists in equal measure.

Staying on the Little Mitton side of the river, there’s the celebrated Aspinall Arms, which greets guests with a roaring fire during winter months and a delightful riverside terrace garden come summer – ideal for enjoying a refreshing pint alongside delectable contemporary dishes drawing inspiration from British classics and “exotic global influences”.

This 19th-century coaching inn boasts views of the beloved All Hallows Church and Mitton Hall, making it a favourite haunt for ramblers, cyclists and their four-legged companions.

One delighted guest remarked about the Aspinall Arms: “We’ve been to the Aspinall Arms twice now, both times following a hike in the Ribble Valley. The first visit we just had drinks, but were really impressed with the pub and its outdoor area. Immaculately maintained, the beer garden is substantial in size and offers some beautiful river views!

“On our second visit, we again intended just to pop in for a riverside view drink in the sunshine, but having perused the menu decided to have a meal also! Considering we only popped in for a drink, we ended up spending three hours in the Aspinall Arms and had a great time.”

Another must-see attraction in the picturesque hamlet of Great Mitton is All Hallows Church, formerly called the Church of St Michael. Constructed during the 13th century, the building underwent significant modifications and extensions throughout the 15th and 16th centuries.

All Hallows Church contains the burial sites of the renowned Shireburne of Stonyhurst family and has held Grade I listed status from English Heritage since 1954. The church also boasts the magnificent Shireburn Chapel and is thoroughly worth exploring.

Edisford Bridge, a Grade II listed structure dating back to medieval times, represents another essential sight in Mitton. Constructed from sandstone and incorporating four arches with cutwaters, Edisford Bridge has earned recognition as a scheduled monument.

Another bridge of note (and scheduled monument) is the Grade II Listed Old Bridge, which dates from 1562. Now no longer in use, it’s constructed from sandstone and spans the River Hodder.

The Mitton Bridge represents another striking landmark, probably built during the 19th century and likewise fashioned from sandstone with Grade II listed status.

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The London hotel that’s on the former grounds of a famous English king

A hotel room with a large bed, a curved orange sofa, and a round blue rug.

SITTING on some former royal grounds, Hyatt Regency Blackfriars is bang in the middle of London.

Here is everything you need to know about the hotel from room rates to restaurants.

Hyatt Regency Blackfriars is in a great location
Make sure to grab dinner at the Chinese Cricket Club

Where is the Hyatt Regency Blackfriars?

The Hyatt Regency Blackfriars hotel is in a great location.

It’s opposite Blackfriars train station and minutes away from St Paul’s Cathedral, this very grand looking Grade II-listed five-star hotel  is fit for a King.

The property sits on the former grounds of King Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace, which was built around 1515.

What are the rooms like?

All the 205 rooms and suites have luxury mattresses, air conditioning, decent WiFi and a fridge.

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We stayed in a club twin room on the fifth floor.

It was a good size, especially for London, with super-sized single beds and a small sitting area.

The bathroom was equally lovely, with a good shower and luxurious toiletries.  

Rooms from £228 per night and suites from £420. See hyatt.com.

What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?

On site there are two restaurants and a lounge which serves light meals, coffee and pastries as well as a Latin American-inspired cocktail bar set in the former prison vaults.  

We had the cocktails and dinner of dreams in the Chinese Cricket Club.

It serves modern Chinese cuisine and was recently awarded two AA Rosettes.

We feasted from the Rose Set Menu which is £78pp and includes dim sum, smoked Peking duck and stir-fried lobster.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

Although the hotel is five-star, it has a chilled, easy-going vibe so you feel relaxed  from the moment you arrive.

The location is also ideal: It’s super-close to the City, plus we walked to the South Bank in ten minutes and Covent Garden in just 15 minutes.

Is the hotel family-friendly?

The hotel has options including the Family Room, which has two connecting King bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping up to five people.

Kids also get their own bathrobes and slippers, plush toys and activity books.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

There are accessible rooms as well as accessible access to the public areas including bathrooms and the restaurant.

Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here.

The dinner options are raved about, including the tofuCredit: �2018 Giane Portella
Rooms start from £228 a night

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The English hotel right on the beach with sea-view rooms and gorgeous spa

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Relais Cooden Beach outdoor dining area next to a pebble beach with a view of the sea, Image 2 shows Restaurant dining area with red patterned banquette seating, caned dividers, and a view of a gazebo, Image 3 shows Hotel bedroom with two beds, two armchairs, a small table, and a window overlooking the sea

WHEN it comes to seaside resorts, Relais Cooden Beach Hotel is one of the most beautiful along the English coastline.

Here’s everything you need to know from room prices to dining.

The Relais Cooden Beach is right on the beachCredit: Not known clear with picture desk
The hotel restaurant is a must too

What is the Relais Cooden Beach Hotel like?

A recently restored mock-Tudor hotel, the former holiday home of the aristocratic De La Warr family, set right on Cooden Beach.

A lot of hotels claim to be by the sea but this one really is – and with uninterrupted views across the Channel.

It’s friendly, welcoming and perfect for relaxing or for walking the dog.

What are the rooms like?

Take your pick from a range of comfortable and spotless sea-themed rooms and suites, many with sea views and all with wifi, 24-hour room service and tea and coffee-making facilities.

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There are single rooms, family rooms, accessible and dog-friendly ones available.

Rooms from £170 a night with breakfast included.

What is there to eat and drink there?

The Rally Restaurant offers a good range of evening meals, from burgers, steaks and pork belly to fish and chips and catch of the day, much of it locally sourced.

Plenty for veggies too.

If it’s sunny, sit on the terrace and enjoy the view as you eat.

What else is there do to at the hotel?

For a real taste of luxury visit the hotel’s spa.

We had a Deep Sea Soother facial, which was 90 minutes of bliss – but make sure you book treatments when you book the hotel room as it gets very busy.

The Relais is also very handy for Cooden Beach Golf Club and there is free parking.

It’s a great base for a holiday exploring East Sussex, for a long weekend or that special celebration.

It’s also perfect for an overnight stay if you go to a gig at the De La Warr Pavilion in nearby Bexhill.

Is it family friendly?

Yes, there are family rooms that sleep four and have direct access to the shoreline.

The restaurant has a kids menu, along with an ice cream cart and garden games in the summer.

Does it have accessible facilities?

They have accessible rooms which have wide doorways and an adapted bathroom with grab rails and a walk-in shower.

There are family and accessible rooms tooCredit: Gregoire Gardette
You can directly access the beach from the hotel

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I visited the English region which is just as good as going abroad

SOMETIMES it is easy to forget just how many stunning seaside destinations we have access to.

For gorgeous stretches of homegrown coastline, North Devon is one of the best places to go.

Once settled, why not hop in the car to feel the golden sand between your toes (or maybe under your trainers if it’s wet) a short drive away at Saunton Sands?Credit: Alamy
My base for a weekend was cosy two-bed Rose Cottage, in the welcoming village of High BickingtonCredit: Supplied
For a more relaxing day out, RHS Rosemoor should be high on your ‘must see’ listCredit: Alamy

You’ll find breathtaking countryside plus endless attractions for all ages.

And, of course, the chance to indulge in the county’s famous cream tea (clotted cream first, followed by jam if you don’t want to be chased out of the region).

In fact, whatever the weather does, you’ll never be bored on a break in this corner of the South West.

My base for a weekend was cosy two-bed Rose Cottage, in the welcoming village of High Bickington.

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From the outside, this 18th-century thatched house with its garden full of scented blooms looks like something from the front of a postcard.

And inside, the rural “cottagecore” vibe continues with an inglenook fireplace, stone walls, wooden beams and a stunning slate floor.

Thoughtfully, amid all the higgledy-piggledy charm, there is also an abundance of hi-tech modern luxuries.

You’ll have no issue streaming your devices, and the Sonos surround sound system in the living room takes movie nights up a notch.

Meanwhile, there’s a traditional copper bath in one of the bedrooms — and a decidedly 21st-century hot tub outside.

It’s lovely and romantic, so spot on for cuddling up if you’ve escaped with your significant other, or perfect for channelling Cameron Diaz in The Holiday if, like me, it’s a solo trip.

Once settled, why not hop in the car to feel the golden sand between your toes (or maybe under your trainers if it’s wet) a short drive away at Saunton Sands?

This three-mile stretch of water is a surfing hotspot and great for people-watching if you don’t plan on riding any waves. You can also hire a wetsuit if you are feeling brave.

For a more relaxing day out, RHS Rosemoor should be high on your “must see” list.

With 65 biodiverse acres of themed garden “rooms” to explore, you’ll leave bursting with ideas for your own flower beds — or, in my case, window boxes.

I’m not that green-fingered, but you’re guaranteed to feel your shoulders drop when strolling around this wonderfully perfumed site.

This part of the world is perfect for people who love a potter.

The quaint bedroom oozes rural charmCredit: Supplied
You can even make friends with some local alpacasCredit: Alamy

So if your idea of bliss is, like mine, wandering around cute local towns and browsing shops, arty spaces and foodie stalls, you’ll soon find yourself losing track of time.

I spent a lovely few hours mooching around Bideford, which was packed with galleries, ceramics and other artisan treats.

South Molton is ideal for a grey day thanks to its indoor market.

Here, you will find lots of in- teresting crafts, including baskets called panniers, as well as snacks, gifts and other goodies.

Part of Rose Cottage’s appeal is how much you can access right on the doorstep.

A hike (or a gentle walk) across the grounds of the Millbrook Estate blew cobwebs away.

There are two private lakes for wild swimmers or those who fancy fishing. (Separately, of course!)

I’ll admit the alpacas I met slightly took me by surprise but, like all the locals, they seemed very friendly.

You’ll want to stay nearby when it comes to food, too.

Whether you want a traditional roast or a fancier “out-out” night of dining, the choice in North Devon is bountiful — and most restaurants come with a side order of amazing views.

The Pier House in Westward Ho! is perfect for sundowners and nibbles, and gave chic Costa Del Devon vibes on the sunny day I visited.

Or, for something a bit more traditional, The Globe in Beaford has incredible home-cooked pub grub.

You’ll find seafood that’s as fresh as it comes, so I’d suggest you try at least one dish containing the local crab meat, washed down with a glass of wine or two, then a long soak in that hot tub.

After all those country walks, you will be grateful for the bubbles.

The traditional copper bath is perfect for channelling Cameron Diaz in The HolidayCredit: Alamy

GO: DEVON

STAYING THERE: A three-night weekend or four-night midweek break at Rose Cottage is from £540 in total, based on four sharing.

See rosecottagedevon.co.uk

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Five European city breaks that are CHEAPER than an English train ticket

WE all know rail travel across the UK is expensive – but did you know you can go on these five city breaks for less than the price of a train ticket?

TravelSupermarket has found five two-night holidays – including flights and hotels – that all cost less than the £193 single walk-up train fare from London to Manchester.

You can stay in Krakow for just £129pp – explore the bars and see Wawel CastleCredit: Alamy
See the canal-lined streets in Amsterdam from just £149ppCredit: Alamy

Krakow, Poland

Starting with Poland’s southern city of Krakow, two nights at the 4-star Q Hotel Plus Krakow costs just £129pp.

This includes flights departing London Stansted on March 7.

The hotel sits in the heart of Krakow City Centre, from there you can walk to some of the most famous attractions like Wawel Castle and the Old Town.

It’s also just a 15-minute walk to the buzzing Kazimierz district with plenty of pubs, cafes, museums and art galleries.

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Krakow is nicknamed the ‘jewel of the Baltic’ and one Sun writer who took a city break there late last year described the city as a “medieval fairytale”.

To make it even better, they also discovered the average price of beers was just £1.50.

Budapest, Hungary

The capital of Hungary is just two and a half hours away from the UK.

And two nights departing from London Stansted on March 2, with a stay at the 3-star ibis Budapest Heroes Square Hotel, starts from £129pp.

The modern hotel is close to the Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian Art Gallery, Zoo and the famous Heroes Square – so you can see it all.

Budapest is known for having quirky ruin bars, Neo-Gothic architecture and thermal spas – the grandest being Szechenyi.

The spa has multiple swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, a restaurant and even a beer spa where guests can pour themselves as many pints as they like from the side of the hot tub.

A day ticket to Szechenyi start from €36 (£31.33) a full-day ticket at the spa with a 45-minute Beer Spa session is £79.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has always been a great choice for a city break thanks to having plenty to do and flights taking less than two hours.

You can spend two nights at the 3-star Ibis Praha Wenceslas Square departing Manchester on March 2 from £129pp.

The hotel is minutes away from the city centre where you’ll find Prague Castle which happens to be right next to the world’s poshest Starbucks.

Other must-sees across the city is Charles Bridge, Prague’s Retro Museum, and of course take a beer tour.

Czechia is the birthplace of Budweiser, Pilsner – you can learn all about it and have a taste at The Original Beer Experience which starts from €24 (£20.89).

For beaches and city head to Barcelona for £189ppCredit: Alamy

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Two nights at the 4-star XO Hotels Blue Tower found in Amsterdam West with flights leaving Manchester on March 3 starts from just £149pp.

From here you can explore all aspects of the canal-lined city. Take a 20-minute tram ride and you can get to the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and dig into a stroopwafels along the way.

Travel Writer Helen Wright revealed how she would spend a day in Amsterdam.

She said: “Start in Runstraat, known as the ‘9 Streets’. As well as picturesque canals and bridges, there are lots of cute boutiques and shops to browse.

I could spend all day here just grabbing coffee and nipping in and out of the stores, soaking up the laid-back Ditch vibe. If you want a beer, there are lots of fun pubs too.

“It’s here you will find the viral Fabel Friet chip shop – chucky fries topped with truffle and garlic mayo.”

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is the best of both worlds when it comes to beaches and city.

You can spend two nights in the 3-star NH Barcelona Diagonal Center with flights departing Edinburgh on March 10 starting from £189pp.

Make sure to check out Gaudí’s masterpiece at Park Güell, tapas bars, and the beach that’s a 15-minute walk away from the hotel.

When it comes to shopping, the Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski said: “I’ve never understood why Barcelona’s Las Ramblas gets more attention than the Gothic Quarter when it comes to shopping.

“The maze of narrow streets that make up the Gothic Quarter, however, are so much fun to explore, flanked by pokey antique stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques.

“You’ll find lots of little tapas joints and bars, too. Nevermind Bar has outrageously cheap drinks and nibbles – beers will set you back €3.50 while a hefty portion of chips costs €1.50”.

For more on city breaks, these are the 39 best European city break destinations – and the no.1 is VERY cheap.

And here are five European cities with lesser-known tours that let you explore like a local.

City breaks to the likes of Prague cost less than a UK train ticketCredit: Alamy

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Popular English seaside town’s much-loved attraction set to reopen after £8million upgrade

PLANS have been revealed to rescue a historic English seaside venue and return it to its former glory.

The Margate Winter Gardens in Kent – where stars such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones have performed – is set to be restored and reopened.

Margate Winter Gardens in Kent is due to get a £8million upgradeCredit: Lee Evans Partnership LLP
The venue opened over 100-years-ago and has hosted stars such as The BeatlesCredit: Lee Evans Partnership LLP

Dating back to 1910, the venue has previously had a number of different areas including the Main Hall, Queen’s Hall, two side wings and an open-air amphitheatre.

As part of the Thanet District Council’s plans, the seafront venue will reopen with a new rooftop bar and restaurant, a drama school and a 100-place nursery.

As part of the plans, the Main Hall and Queen’s Hall will be made fully accessible and reopened.

And the decor and balconies inside will be kept.

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There are also plans to create two mezzanine pods, similar to those found in Peckham Library.

The restaurant will then be located above the Main Hall, with both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace.

As for the nursery, that will be in the upper part of the site and will feature separate areas for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

The new drama school will be held in the smaller Queen’s Hall and have classrooms and dance studio spaces.

In all, the project is expected to cost around £8million to complete.

According to the plans, the vision for Margate Winter Gardens “marries both history and opulence, creating a visually stunning seafront icon with nods to its luxurious past as well as futureproofing the building for years to come”.

The aim is to reopen the Main Hall by late 2026, then other parts of the venue will open in phases from 2027.

Margate Winter Gardens, which closed two years ago, sits on a site known as Fort Crescent and looks over Margate Main Sands and the English Channel.

When the venue opened, it featured a Concert Hall, four entrance halls, two side wings and one open-air amphitheatre.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the Winter Gardens was a much-loved entertainment venue with performances including cabaret and tea dances.

Under the new plans, there will be two mezzanine pods similar to the pods found in Peckham library (pictured)Credit: Wikipedia
There will also be a rooftop bar and restaurant with sea viewsCredit: Lee Evans Partnership LLP
The Main Hall will be made fully accessible as wellCredit: Lee Evans Partnership LLP

Then, during World War II, the venue was used initially as the Dunkirk evacuee reception before later being turned into an ARP shelter and food depot.

In 1946 the building was partially rebuilt after bomb damage.

After the war, Winter Gardens was once again used as an entertainment venue with performances by Laurel and Hardy, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Dame Vera Lynn.

However, over the decades visitor numbers declined and in 2022, the Winter Gardens closed for a while to assess concerns over the building’s condition.

In other attraction news, here’s how to get into hundreds of the UK’s top attractions for free next month.

Plus, London’s most underrated attraction is the best place for skint families.

Parts of the venue are expected to reopen in late 2026Credit: Thanet.gov.uk

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Is this the most fun spa resort ever? English retreat with neon cocktail bars, disco balls and giant hot tubs

FORGET everything you thought you knew about spas, this one is unlike any other – it doesn’t have white walls and you don’t have to silently tiptoe from the sauna to the hot tub.

At Ffolkes you can natter as much as you like, indulge in cocktails from the comfort of a giant hot tub all under the glow of neon lights and a disco ball.

Ffolkes spa in Norfolk has a huge hot tub with neon lights and a barCredit: FFOLKES
You can sip on cocktails in a giant hot tub at this spaCredit: FFOLKES

Inside the Norfolk spa are 12 thermal spa experiences across four zones called Ibiza, Sauna, Steam and Cold – and Ffolkes suggests visitors start in ‘Ibiza‘.

The party island-themed zone has a giant hot tub with a bar right beside it, so you can order drinks without leaving the water.

It has everything you could want from beer to wine, bubbles, margaritas, mojitos, winter sangria and non-alcoholic options.

On the outskirts of the tub are heated loungers and foot spas.

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For those who want the quieter spa experience – head to Soft Play which has double loungers, bean bags, a swing and infrared heaters.

When you want to heat up, check out the three saunas – each with its own mood and scent.

The Global Sauna is the spa’s biggest and is where visitors can try a ritual and guided sessions.

The Salt Sauna is filled with the scent of sea fennel, lavender and lemon. 

And the Herbal Sauna infuses heat with botanical smells.

There’s one Aroma steam room which is infused with essential oils and the other is Eucalyptus, a calming spot where you can really clear your head.

To cool off, head to the cold plunge pool which sits between 10-12C.

Visitors can then chill off even more in the mist shower and the ice fountain.

It has 12 thermal spa experiences, three saunas and two steam roomsCredit: Unknown

A visit to the spa wouldn’t be complete without a treatment and here, there are many options from Indian Head Massage to facials and scrubs.

All that relaxing is hungry work – and Ffolkes offers lots of food from brunch to quirky afternoon tea.

In the mornings, tuck into full English breakfasts, pancakes, fruit salads and cinnamon rolls.

It also offers a unique afternoon tea with chocolate chip scones and homemade chocolate spread, cheeseburger sausage rolls, Korean BBQ bao buns (from £30pp).

There’s a choice of Indian food every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday evening from butter curries to coconut dahl and flatbreads.

If there’s room for dessert, tuck into a s’mores dip sharer, apple pie or even a cookie dough baked cheesecake.

The spa even has a 9-hole crazy golf course with loop-de-loops and a golf ball vortex – all inside shipping containers.

You can book an overnight stay in the luxe is the Spa CabinCredit: FFOLKES

The spa with a difference in King’s Lynn opened in September 2025 and you can book in for a relaxation session.

Spa sessions start from £65 with the three-hour Twilight experience where guests have access to 12 thermal spa experiences.

It includes unlimited tea and coffee and pick ‘n’ Mix nibbles whilst in the spa.

Half-day sessions either in the morning or afternoon start from £95 which has additional post-spa food in the pub.

This is either Afternoon Street Tea (Monday–Saturday) or Pie FEAST (Sundays).

Morning or afternoon half-day spa with treatment start from £150pp which includes a 45-minute treatment.

The spa offers overnight stays for those who want to relax for more than one day which starts from £300 per night.

The brightly decorated rooms have huge beds and some even have outdoor baths in the courtyard.

The most luxe is the Spa Cabin which has a private hot tub, wood burner, sauna and outdoor shower.

For more on spas, this Bridgerton-like countryside hotel has a beautiful spa, gardens and restaurant.

And this dreamy English staycation with infinity pools, pic ‘n’ mix pantries and new spa gardens.

Forget all the white walls and staying quiet at the Ffolkes spa in NorfolkCredit: FFOLKES

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The beautiful English village with one of the UK’s best pubs

WHO needs to hop over to France for some wine tasting when the UK is home to some that is better?

Kent is often called the Garden of England, and is home to many award-winning wines.

The Five Bells is the village’s only pubCredit: Booking.com
Brabourne is often overlooked but has a great wine sceneCredit: TripAdvisor
The pub has a huge beer garden that opens in the summerCredit: Booking.com

This has seen the opening of vineyard massively increase in recent years, with big names including Chapel Down and Balfour.

However, a small village that has remained off the beaten track is Braebourne.

With no nearby train stations – it sits between Ashford International and Westenhanger – it is often overlooked.

Yet is is home to Braebourne Vineyard, which offers unique wines such as a Pinot Noir.

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They’ve even won awards – the 2017 Blanc de Noirs and 2018 Classic Cuvée won silver in the WineGB Awards, while the 2019 Rosé de Noirs won Bronze

Visit in the summer and you can grab a seat within the vines, as well as enjoy flights of wines alongside some snacks or even go on a guided tour.

They recently also opened Fig Cottage, a cosy home than can be rented and overlooks the vineyard.

Otherwise just down the road is The Five Bells Inn, once named the best pub in Kent.

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Both kid-friendly and dog-friendly, expect delicious menus that are everchanging, from charred corn and mushroom risottos to hearty burgers.

It has a huge pub garden in the summer too, with a shaded terrace and heaters for when the temperature dips.

You can stay here too, with rooms from £115 a night.

If you need to walk off all the wine and food, there are a number of great walks throughout the nearby North Downs villages as well.

Go off road or stay on the public footpath which goes through the nearby farmlands.

Trains to Ashford International take around 45 minutes from London, with taxis another 20 minutes to Braebourne.

Here’s another English village nearby that has one of the world’s best vineyards.

Or here’s how to find the “golden triangle” of vineyards in the UK.

A walk across the field from East Brabourne towards West Brabourne is a great way to burn off some wineCredit: Alamy

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English lido forced to close after 50 years set to finally reopen next year

A LIDO that first opened five decades ago is hoping to welcome swimmers back after a three-year closure.

Popular swimming spot Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool is raising money for repairs and upgrades needed to open its doors once again.

Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool hopes to reopen for summer 2027Credit: Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool / Facebook
The once popular swim spot has been closed since 2023 after an electrical faultCredit: Alamy

The once bustling open air pool in County Durham was the area’s only heated lido.

It first opened in 1974 and welcomed swimmers for 48 years before its closure in 2023.

In 2023, the lido was forced to shut after it experienced electrical issues in the plant room.

But prior to that, the lido saw more than 8,000 swimmers in 2022.

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Now, the charity looking after the pool is hoping that it will once again reopen to the public by next year.

The charity posted on Facebook about the update: “We are delighted to announce that we have agreed a new 30-year lease with our landlords. Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool first opened in 1974, with a life expectancy of 30 years.

“The hard work of our wonderful volunteers kept things going for much longer, but the pool infrastructure now needs complete renovation.”

It detailed that lots of essential works are still needed to restore the lido to its former glory.

This includes relining the pool, rewiring the whole site, refurbishing the plant room and upgrading the changing rooms and snack bar.

It added that it will need to “raise hundreds of thousands of pounds”, but locals remain optimistic.

One wrote on the post: “That’s fantastic news, loved that pool, be lovely to see it up and running again.”

Another added: “Great news, it is quite an asset to the area. Hope the future is bright!”

The pool saw over 8,000 swimmers in 2022Credit: Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool / Facebook

The charity is asking for the community and users to donate to help the cause – but is also applying for grants for the refurbishment.

The lido is 25metres long and when it was open was always heated to 27C – so it was warm even on the cool summer evenings.

It even had a springboard, so the depth of the pool was a maximum of three metres deep.

Along with the main pool was another smaller one for children which was just half a metre deep – it was also heated to the same temperature and had a slide.

Visitors were also able to use the on-site sauna, cafe and shop where they could buy dive toys, armbands and goggles.

Here are all of the new lidos set to open across the UK from seafront pools to city swimming spots.

Plus, this English lido with heated swimming pool and Full Moon swims reopened after a £120k upgrade.

Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool is hopes to reopen after a three year closureCredit: Stanhope Open Air Swimming Pool / Facebook

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