English

DRIFTING off to sleep to the sound of the ocean waves regularly tops the polls of mindfulness apps.

But the real deal is up for grabs at Bournemouth’s stunning Highcliff Hotel – a stone’s throw from the beach.

And nodding off here is also helped by the luxury beds installed as part of a refurb of 141 rooms at Marriott’s historic retreat.

The lavish redesign complements the imposing exterior of the seaside town’s flagship hotel, overlooking seven miles of golden sand.

The short hop to the beach is particularly handy for parents juggling kids and a load of kit.

But if it is not quite beach weather, Bournemouth’s colourful pier is just a five-minute stroll from the hotel – and full of fun.

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With two teenage boys, we didn’t need buckets and spades, but made the most of other attractions nearby.

The 18-hole Smuggler’s Cove adventure golf course was so much fun, as were the penguins, stingrays and sharks in the Oceanarium – which is home to 75 sea life creatures.

The town’s seafront marvels, bustling arcade, and pier rides will keep kids entertained for hours.

A personal highlight for me was the thrilling £6-a-pop Red Arrows simulator, which sends riders soaring through virtual skies just like the real deal.

If that doesn’t get your heart pumping, there’s the 250m pier-to-shore dual zipline, where the riders’ screams of excitement can be heard even over the crowds of holidaymakers on the ground.

Youngsters will be exhausted and happily ready for bed after a day of fun and games in the town.

But there’s a good time to be had inside the Marriott, too.

The outdoor pool is a treat and offers grandstand views of the town. It’s a tempting rival to the beach, even on a chilly day.

The well-equipped, 24-hour Marriott gym also allows guests to burn off the calories after taking advantage of the amazing slap-up food that is on offer at the hotel.

Starter menu highlights in the cosy Brasserie Blanc restaurant included snails with garlic and herb butter and baguette – six for £8.95.

And among the mains, the £19.99 pan-fried sea bream took some beating.

For dessert, the £8.95 pistachio souffle and tarte au citron meringue, at £9.50, both went down a treat.

Charming hotel

The children’s menu has a large variety of options, costing a reasonable £10.50 for two courses or £13.50 for three dishes.

And in the mornings, breakfast is a sumptuous selection of hot and cold treats, with every dish you can think of up for grabs.

The relaxed vibe in the hotel is ramped up at weekends when a DJ pumps out holiday tunes from the hotel bar.

The historic building can be traced back to 1873 and famous guests have included Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde author, Robert Louis Stevenson.

Within minutes of checking in to this charming hotel, it was easy to see why it’s still such a hit, more than 150 years on.

I will definitely return, to lie on a comfy Marriott bed, window ajar, and listen to the sea below.

I’ll have to make do with an ocean-waves sleep app until then.

• Rooms at the Highcliff Hotel Bournemouth cost from £84 per night. See marriott.com.

A HUGE festival that is completely free to visit will land in the UK next month.

Bristol Light Festival will return to Bristol for 10 nights next month, between February 19 and 28.

One of the headline events recently announced will be an installation called The Lite Series.

Visitors will be able to see a number of illuminated hot air balloons gathered by Cameron Balloons, which when fired will create a burst of colour in the balloon.

The more people who fire the hot air balloons, the brighter they get and more sound plays from them.

Jess Siggers, marketing manager at Cameron Balloons, said: “Bristol’s skyline has been shaped by our balloons for generations, so we’re thrilled to bring that heritage back down to earth in an entirely new way for Bristol Light Festival.

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“The Lite Series invites everyone to feel the magic of ballooning up close.

“It’s playful, it’s interactive and above all, it celebrates the engineering and imagination that Bristol is famous for.”

Another exhibit at the festival will be an installation by artist Liz West, who will transform Cabot Circus’ multi-storey car park into a light show.

The entire festival will sprawl across the city and will host a number of events for the public to get involved in.

Other details about the festival will be announced in the coming weeks but in previous years activities and events have included a Neon Kids Rave.

The rave was free of charge and kids even ate for free.

Other family-friendly activities have included art clubs as well.

It isn’t just about families though, as there are plenty of adult activities on as well such as paint in the dark, dine in the dark and run club events.

And there are usually photography and walking tours.

A number of venues around the city usually have offers too, such as cheap drinks.

Last year’s festival brought in £11million to the city, with visitors spending £9.4million across the event.

Many people have taken to social media to express their excitement for the festival.

One person commented: “We’re coming up from Cornwall again for the festival ! Can’t wait was brilliant last year !”

Another added: “I can’t wait to return to epic Bristol.”

A third person said: “One of the highlights of Winter – can’t wait to see what spectacular light you’ll be bringing to the darker months!”

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in the city, there is a spa hotel with an award-winning restaurant and salt sauna.

Or you could head to another hotel with a sauna, that is opposite the historic railway station.

And for inspiration on what to do when you are there, the city has street art tours, 19th century hotels and ‘top-notch’ cuisine.

In other festival news, pop megastar in talks to play massive UK festival comeback show nine years after last British concert.

Plus, new farm-themed festival to launch in the UK and Jeremy Clarkson is headlining – with live music and tractor shows.

ONE county in the UK is on the must-visit list for 2026 as it celebrates 200 years of a beloved children’s story.

The tales of Winnie-the-Pooh written by A.A. Milne were inspired by Ashdown Forest in East Sussex.

New York Times named ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’s England‘ as one of the best places to visit in 2026.

Winnie-the-Pooh first appeared in print on December 24, 1925 – and just over 100 years on the destination has become a must-see for fans of the bear around the world.

The publication said: “The focal point will be in East Sussex, where Milne lived in a 16th-century farmhouse with his wife and son, Christopher Robin, who played there with his stuffed bear.“

The author A.A. Milne lived in East Sussex for most of his life – and it’s where he was inspired to create Winnie-the-Pooh.

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Milne lived in Hartfield, which is found 30 miles south of London.

He based the story in the fictional Hundred Acre Wood which is inspired on the real-life Ashdown Forest just minutes away.

Fans of the tale can actually see locations like Poohsticks Bridge which was originally called Posingford Bridge and was built in 1907.

There’s also Galleons Lap which is the real-life inspiration for “The Enchanted Place” – essentially a circular clump of trees on a hilltop.

Visitors who want to explore the actual forest and find these spots to relive the magical adventures of Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and friends can do so on a guided walk.

Throughout 2026 there are even organised Pooh Treks through Ashdown Forest.

The guided walk will “reveal awe-inspiring views across the forest, with story locations within comfortable walking distance of each other.

“With our expert local guide sharing the literary history and natural surroundings, your visit becomes something rather special.”

The experience is for four to six explorers and there can be tailored itineraries.

It can also includes lunch at a classic English country pub and afternoon tea at Piglets Tea Room in Pooh Corner.

Pooh Corner is also home to a range of original Winnie the Pooh sketches by illustrator EH Shepard, and another room filled with movie posters and other artwork.

If you fancy, taking a gander around Ashdown Forest on your own – it’s free entry into the woodland.

A.A. Milne lived at Cotchford Farm in Hartfield which is now a holiday cottage – so you can actually stay in it yourself.

The 16th-century farmhouse has six bedrooms and three reception rooms which includes Milne’s writing study and a music/library room.

There’s also a kitchen, oak-panelled dining room, family rooms along with two acres of gardens, wildflower meadows, swimming pool and a tennis court.

The whole property that sleeps 12 can be booked from £1,200 per night.

Check Out The Top Destinations Around The World To Visit In 2026…

Here are the 52 top destinations to go to New York Times…

1. Revolutionary America
2. Warsaw, Poland
3. Bangkok, Thailand
4. Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
5. Bandhavgarh, India
6. Dallas, Texas
7. Oran, Algeria
8. Route 66, USA
9. Saba, Caribbean
10. Poblenou, Barcelona, Spain
11. Nepal’s Other Mountains
12. Bayreuth, Germany
13. Canadian Rockies by Train
14. Top End, Australia
15. Penang, Malaysia
16. Los Angeles, California
17. Nagasaki, Japan
18. Breuil-Cervinia, Italy
19. Memphis, Tennessee
20. Armenia
21. Sorolla’s Spain
22. Winnie-the-Pooh’s England
23. Seychelles
24. Inhotim, Brazil
25. Iceland
26. Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Florida
27. Hyde Park, Chicago
28. Træna Islands, Norway
29. Miches, Dominican Republic
30. Portland, Oregon
31. Tien Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan
32. Assisi, Italy
33. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
34. Vietnam
35. Querétaro, Mexico
36. Medora, North Dakota
37. Camiguin, Philippines
38. Messinia, Greece
39. Guyana
40. Deer Valley, Utah
41. Yunnan, China
42. Bentonville, Arkansas
43. Cape Froward, Chile
44. Genoa, Italy
45. Dongseo Trail, South Korea
46. Okinawa, Japan
47. Río Pastaza Watershed, Ecuador
48. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
49. Melbourne, Australia
50. Virginia Beach, Virginia
51. Big Sur, California
52. Møn, Denmark

For more on country escapes, here are ten of our top country houses to visit in 2026 – including tropical seaside gardens, deer safaris and luxurious spas.

And here are six holiday homes from TV shows and films that you can stay at in the UK… with game rooms and hot tubs.

SEOUL, Jan. 8 (UPI) — The Oxford English Dictionary has added eight words drawn from South Korean culture in its latest quarterly update, reflecting the continued influence of Korean food, customs and everyday life on global English usage.

In a press release issued Wednesday, Oxford Languages unveiled the newly added words, highlighting how Korean-language terms have entered English alongside the worldwide popularity of K-culture.

Among the additions are ajumma, a term commonly used to refer to a middle-aged or older woman; sunbae, meaning a senior colleague or mentor; jjimjilbang, a large communal bathhouse offering saunas, lounges and sleeping areas; and officetel, a blend of “office” and “hotel” describing mixed-use residential buildings common in South Korean cities.

Food-related entries include ramyeon, Korea’s version of instant noodles, and bingsu, a shaved-ice dessert topped with ingredients such as red beans, fruit or condensed milk.

The English phrase Korean barbecue was also added for the first time. While specific terms for grilled meat dishes such as samgyeopsal and galbi were already included in the dictionary, this year’s update marks the first formal appearance of the broader English term. Its earliest citation dates to a 1938 article in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.

Another new entry, haenyeo, refers to the traditional female free divers associated with Jeju Island, whose seafood-harvesting practices have drawn international attention for their cultural significance.

The update continues a recent pattern of Korean-origin words entering the dictionary. Seven Korean words were also added in 2025, following a larger group of 26 terms introduced in September 2021 amid a period of heightened global interest in Korean popular culture.

In an analysis cited by Oxford Languages, scholar Simon Barnes-Sadler examined how Korean-origin words have entered the dictionary in relation to the rise of hallyu, or the Korean Wave.

“While words of Korean origin have been attested in English texts stretching back to the nineteenth century, a large number of such words have been added since 1997, the year to which the beginning of the Korean Wave is conventionally attributed,” Barnes-Sadler wrote.

He added that many Korean-origin words still occur relatively infrequently in the English-language sources tracked by the OED, raising questions about how quickly their emergence will translate into sustained everyday usage.

First published in 1884, the Oxford English Dictionary is widely regarded as the authoritative record of the English language. It contains more than 500,000 words and phrases from past and present English usage and traces their development through millions of quotations drawn from books, academic sources, news reports and social media.

DEVON’s ‘English Riviera’ is bouncing back to its former glory.

Once a 19th-century Golden Age hotspot that boasted visiting Royalty such as Princess Victoria, the trio of towns known as Torbay (also the English Riviera) is getting a multi-million-pound makeover.

Known for its microclimate and green palms, the region once attracted the likes of Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Darwin, and dancer Isadora Duncan.

Famous crime writer Agatha Christie was even born in one of the towns.

But after years of decline and boarded-up shops, a massive overhaul is getting underway. Here’s everything you need to know.

Torquay

Torquay is known as the ‘Queen of the Riviera’ with a population of over 50,000 people and while Paignton is bigger, Torquay is often seen as the main hub for tourism in the area.

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The town was named in a Which? survey last year as Britain’s least favourite town, with locals admitting they felt “embarrassed” by the state of the town centre.

The good news is that the town will soon see a number of changes, including at the top of the high street, where Union Square Shopping Centre is found.

The rundown destination will be demolished and in its place around 100 new homes, healthcare facilities and new shops will be built, with construction starting this year.

Also on Higher Union Street, the area surrounding the shopping centre will be revitalised as part of a broader 10-year plan.

Moving down the high street, you will eventually reach the harbour, which will have a completely new look, including a completely new promenade already in place.

A derelict Debenhams store will be demolished and replaced with a mixed-use development, which might include a high-end boutique hotel.

The total cost for the town centre and harbour redevelopment is set to cost between £60 and £70million.

Moving around the harbour, on the cliffside, there is currently a huge netted structure which is the former Living Coasts site – a visitor attraction that had seals, penguins and a number of other marine life.

The coastal zoo featured the world’s first open-air aviary for birds but closed permanently in 2020.

The site is now hoped to be turned into a marine innovation hub, run by Arc Marine, which will work on reef restoration.

Back towards the harbour, you will find Torquay Pavilion, which opened back in 1911.

The iconic building features a copper-covered dome which is topped with a life-size figure of Britannia and was originally a theatre, then a shopping centre before closing to the public in 2013.

Currently, there is a consultation for what the venue could be turned into in the future, with the project reportedly costing £11million.

Rumours and past suggestions have included an Agatha Christie attraction – who was born in the town – with a permanent exhibition and research centre or a concert hall.

With the flurry of new developments, there are also new hotels popping up across the bay.

A QUIET UK beach in the UK has been named one of the country’s most secluded.

A study conducted by Jeep and Ordance Survey named Berrow Beach as one of the best, off-the-beaten-track spots.

The Somerset beach is often overlooked in favour of the nearby, more famous Brean Down and Burnham-on-Sea.

Stretching six miles, the beach is completely flat, and protected by dunes across the top.

One of the only things on the beach is a shipwreck, where the Norwegian SS Nornen ran aground in 1897.

And the beach is mainly used by dog-walkers in the winter months.

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However in the summer months, there is an ice cream van that comes right onto the sand.

There are some warnings to avoid going into the soft sand areas during low tide, as well as a beach patrol car.

Many have said it is good for people with mobility issues or young kids, being mainly flat and being able to drive right onto the beach.

One person wrote: “This is one, huge sandy beach, especially when the tide is out.

“Perfect for my son to drive his RC car around without bothering anyone.”

Another commented: “There are sometimes horses having a gallop. People flying kites.

“It’s not a Blackpool type of beach! We love it people watching. Well worth it.”

Visitors can park right on the beach for £8 a day.

Taking of the stufy, Jeep Managing Director Kris Cholmondeley said: “There is so much of the Great British outdoors people have yet to experience.

“And together with Ordnance Survey, we want to enable people this Christmas period and beyond to travel ‘Off the Beaten Track’ in the Jeep spirit.

“Our ‘Get Lost with Jeep Compass’ map lists 100 ‘Off the Beaten Track’ outdoor locations – spots which showcase the best of Britain’s stunning landscapes, yet those that are lesser-known to the wider public.”

Other beaches to make the list include:

• Dungeness, Kent
• Crook Point Sands, Exmoor
• Shingle Street, Suffolk
• Sheringham Beach, Norfolk
• Saltwick Bay, Whitby
• Porth Joke Beach, Newquay

They didn’t just names beaches on the list either.

Lesser-known destinations named include Piddington Wood in Oxfordshire, Wimbleball Lake Activity Centre in Somerset and Oxendon Tunnels in Northamptonshire.

IF you fancy visiting one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ – there’s a place right here in the UK that has made it onto a new list.

It might not be one of the classics like the Great Wall of China or Petra, but rather one with modern twist.

Condé Nast Traveller declared the Bradford Pennine Gateway in England to be a ‘wonder of the world’ that should be on your must-visit list for this year.

The publication said: “One of the reigning monarch’s ongoing Kings Series of nature reserves, the Bradford Pennines Gateway is part of a nationwide initiative to protect and celebrate the UK’s natural heritage, enhance biodiversity, and give local communities better access to nature.

“Rather like King Charles himself, there’s something stoic and un-showy about this 1,272-hectare region, resided in, and beloved by, the Brontë sisters and encompassing Ilkley Moor, Penistone Hill Country Park, Harden Moor and Bingley North Bog.”

It continued: “These are landscapes of unhurried drama: undulating moors, wind-polished gritstone tors and views that collapse into long, moody distances broken only by the slow, stately flap of a marsh harrier.”

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Bradford Pennine Gateway was only declared a Nature Reserve in May 2025.

It forms part of the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and is the first in West Yorkshire.

These were launched in 2025 to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and ‘create a lasting public legacy for people and nature by accelerating the pace of nature recovery in England‘.

The Bradford Pennine Gateway spans 1,274 hectares – twice the size of Ilkley Moor.

The reserve links together eight nature sites within the Bradford and South Pennines area.

The sites include Ilkley Moor, Baildon Moor, Shipley Glen, Trench Meadows, St Ives Estate, Harden Moor and Bingley Bog North.

Another is Penistone Country Park which was the home of authors Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte.

The natural surroundings which consist of heathlands and wetlands were said to inspire novels like Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.

Ilkley Moor is a place to go for panoramic views across the countryside, and is home to rock formations like the Cow and Calf Rocks.

The two rocks got their names because the bigger one looks like a cow and a smaller boulder nearby resembles a calf.

There’s also the ancient site of the 12 Apostles Stone Circle.

Other major sites in the reserve include the Harden Reservoir and the Goit Stock Waterfall.

By 2027, there’s set to be 27 major NNRs across England including the Lincolnshire Coronation Coast National Nature Reserve.

Others are the Mendip National Nature Reserve in Somerset and North Kent Woods and Downs National Nature Reserve.

This quaint English village that inspired one of UK’s top TV soaps…

The village was used for filming the British ITV soap, Emmerdale…

The rural village of Esholt, just outside of Bradford, is an unlikely hotspot for soap fans.

Despite no actors or camera crew setting foot in it for almost 30 years, it regularly attracts crowds of telly addicts because the stone cottages, shops and local farms were used to film exterior scenes in Emmerdale until the nineties.

Esholt, on the outskirts of Shipley in West Yorkshire, was the backdrop for what was then called Emmerdale Farm between the 1970s to the 1990s.

Producers first chose to film Emmerdale in the village because of the classic North Yorkshire village look, and it being a half hour drive from the Leeds studios.

The local pub found on Main Street was originally called The Commercial, but it was later renamed The Woolpack, after the owner got sick of changing the signs back and forth.

The pub is still called The Woolpack to this day, despite production leaving the village in 1996.

Home Farm was based on the real Home Farm on the Esholt Estate, which dates back to 1691. The row of six cottages on Bunkers Hill was used for filming Demdyke Row. Emmerdale stopped using the plot in 1993 when there was a fictional plane crash that demolished the houses.

Plus, discover the UK’s ‘mysterious and untouched’ rainforest that’s now a protected nature reserve.

And here’s the free wildlife reserve in the middle of a UK city – with ‘beast hunting’ and nature trails.

WHOEVER or whatever chiselled Chesil Beach did a mighty fine job.

The XXXL sandstone cliffs and 12 miles of shingle on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast are a treat for fossil hunter, swimmer and rambler alike.

But for a winter getaway, whether you like a bracing seaside walk, or brooding, storied villages like from the Thomas Hardy novels, Dorset is your wonderland.

First stop on our recent break was the latter — the village of Cranborne, inspiration for Hardy’s Tess Of The D’Urbevilles with its Norman church, coaching inn and thatched cottages.

But our Victorian hotel-restaurant La Fosse was as worldly as it was olde-worlde — chef-patron Mark Hartstone’s cuisine as classy as the interior design by his French wife Emmanuelle and the dining area’s woodland mural with REAL branches.

The menu proudly lists Mark’s local suppliers and our three-course feast, £75 for two, included treats such as anchovies and rhubarb compote, pork tenderloin in apple sauce, and braised quince with praline ice cream. Our bedroom was then just as sumptuous, with church view.

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Our next stop, Portland Peninsula in the English Channel off Weymouth, could not have differed more — the full windsock, this wild outpost, but great for blowing away thoughts of the annual tax return.

Our home, though, was the height of comfort — literally so, for the Pennsylvania Estate’s luxury Clifftop Apartments lord it high over the Channel with grandstand terraces.

Hewn of the same Portland Stone as Buckingham Palace, these glass-fronted superpads with James Bond-style kitchen-lounge, two bedrooms, and your own telescope for whale-watching, are quite the treat for two couples sharing or a family.

We swam in nearby Church Ope Cove, named for a now ruined 11th- century chapel with pirate graves — and it was a fine appetiser before bussing into Weymouth for dinner.

Star of the town’s bouji harbour is seafood restaurant The Catch, hailed recently by one posh critic as “the best restaurant in the world”.

Again, you are in treat land — the tasting menu and wine flight for two costs several hundred. But our fare, from oyster with fermented chilli and pickled shallot, and pickled mackerel with beetroot and salted plum, to chocolate, pear and hazelnut praline choux, was of the gods.

The harbourside Ebike Cafe, in a former grain warehouse, is also foodie heaven — its power porridges, buddha bowls, smoothies and fine wines as hipster-trendy as anything East London could serve up.

Across the harbour is Bennett’s Fish & Chips — top spot to meet the locals and admire old photos of the town — before the posh eateries then spill out on to nearby Chesil Beach.

Walk the epic shore, famed for TV drama Broadchurch, and The Watch House, Hive Beach Cafe and The Club House all offer premium bites.

At the first, we had the best beer-battered haddock, with craft cider, and at The Club House sea bass in seaweed butter sauce, and oysters.

If all that makes you lazy, The Island Sauna, overlooking Portland Harbour, is just the place to flop.

Another trip highlight, literally, was a tour of the Edwardian Portland Bill Lighthouse. As you climb its stair, you hear a haunting recording of the foghorn, at a polite fraction of full might, before being regaled with Spanish Armada tales.

Offshore is the Portland Brace tidal race where currents collide to create perilous turbulence, and our guide told how Sir Francis Drake suckered the Spanish into it before turning his guns on them.

Dorset get more exciting? Surely not.

WE’VE taken a look at how to spend a family day out for FREE across multiple locations in the UK.

We’ve pinpointed three UK counties brimming with free activities for all ages, ensuring everyone stays entertained without spending a single penny.

And with activities covered for all ages, you can be sure there’ll be no getting bored.

Sussex: Beach days, railways and pirate festival

Across Sussex there are plenty of free things to do, meaning that you can take the kids out for an action-packed day of activities without breaking the bank.

If you’re visiting when the sun’s out, head to one of the many beautiful beaches in the county.

Camber Sands is perfect for families with its sprawling stretches of golden sands, perfect for bucket and spade days and paddling in the water.

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It’s a top choice due to its nearby facilities including parking, cafes and loos – perfect for parents of young children.

A sunny day is also the perfect time to go for a family bike ride.

The South Coast East route will take you along the coast, past stunning cliffs and landscapes.

And if the children (or Dad) are into steam trains, there’s multiple ways to enjoy them in Sussex – without booking a pricey ticket.

The Bluebell Railway is a great spot to visit, with its interactive “SteamWorks” exhibition at Sheffield Park station, and its own outdoor playground at Kingscote station.

There is no charge for platform entry on non-service days, and the gifts and models shop often remains open on these days too – just check their website ahead of time.

You can also head to Hotham Park, a short walk from Bognor Regis town centre, where there’s a popular miniature railway.

The park is free to enter if you’re wanting to stroll and have a look around.

But there’s loads to see and do for an optional small fee, such as crazy golf, a boating lake and kids’ adventure play area.

And if you do visit with some change in your pocket, the Hotham Park Railway is only £2.50 for adults and £2 for kids (under 2s go free).

Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, recommends Hastings in Sussex for its annual Pirate Festival.

She said: “Hastings is brilliant for live music, with lots of events on the seafront like the pirate festival.

It’s a pirate-themed weekend with free things to do including a treasure hunt, craft workshops and kids pirate tattoos.

Lastly, Sussex is home to some fantastic free museums.

The Shipwreck Museum is free to enter, and is full of fascinating maritime artifacts.

Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham recommends The Novium Museum in Chichester for families.

It also has free entry, and kids can learn about history covering the Stone Ages to the Saxons.

Lincoln: Horse sanctuary, lakeside picnics and history museums

There’s loads of free and cheap things to do for families in Lincolnshire.

So much so, that there’s a Facebook group with more than 15,000 members sharing free things to do with the kids “in and around Lincoln”.

If you’ve got any mini history buffs in the family, they’ll enjoy a visit to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.

The museum takes a deep dive into life in the county, from 1750 to the present day.

There’s an authentic WWI tank, interactive exhibitions and group quiz sessions.

Similarly, The Lincoln Museum is another indoor attraction well-worth the visit.

Aside from the fascinating exhibitions, it offers “Play at The Lincoln Museum” – a free activity centre packed with activities for younger children and a play zone for babies.

For older kids, there’s lots of interactive games and trails too.

Alternatively, just 20 minutes from Lincoln you’ll find Bransby Horses.

The charity owns a 600-acre site which is home to over 300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

Visitors can walk through to admire the animals and set up for lunch at the designated picnic area.

There’s also a play park, cafe and gift shop.

Entry is free, although donations are recommended upon visiting to support the charity.

Sun reader Sarah Al-Aidi recommends Hubbard’s Hills – a vast green space near Louth with plenty of trees and a water valley.

“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks” she says.

In the park you’ll find a play area and plenty of scenic picnic spots by the river – and it’s a great place to bring the dog, too.

Devon: Free soft play, giant animal models and discovery trails

Whilst Devon is known for it’s family-friendly beaches, there’s more to it than building sandcastles and wasting away your change at the arcades.

One of the best ways to explore the county is by undertaking one of its many outdoor discovery trails.

Haldon Forest near Exeter has a popular family activity trail which often has new themes depending on the time of year.

It’s a beautiful winding trail which ends at a picnic spot, home to an impressive Gruffalo sculpture.

And for kids of all ages, geo-caching can make for an exciting and energy-burning day out – and can get your kids away from their screens.

Geo-caching in Dartmoor or Exmoor National Parks is a fantastic way to get the kids to explore the outdoors.

Hidden around the parks you’ll find stashes of hidden items known as caches.

They’ll often have quirky items in to trade, as well as a log book to record your win finding the geo-cache.

In fact geo-caching happens all over the UK, and all the rules are on the geo-caching website.

Plus, the Royal William Yard Geo Trail in Plymouth is a fascinating look back in time to 380 million years ago.

And whilst you’re visiting Plymouth, dads can make the most of free soft play.

“On Thursdays, Barnardo’s runs a Dads and Dinkies session, which is free soft play for dads and the children” says Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay holiday park.

“Mums can have a rest while Dads take the kids down to the YMCA for a play.”

The free soft play sessions take place every Thursday at 1.30pm. Just make sure to prebook first!

Lastly, on the outskirts of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey you can’t skip out on The Jolly Roger.

Here you’ll find incredible showrooms displaying giant animal and dinosaur models – and the best part is, it’s free to visit.

There’s also models of race cars, fairies, and at Christmas time the showroom even gets decked out with Santas and sleighs.

ONE little-known holiday park has scooped up two awards for its accommodation and it’s right next to a UK theme park.

Sundown Adventureland is a popular spot for families with over 30 rides and attractions as well as a huge soft play – and the adjoining holiday village is now award-winning.

Wild Acre Village in Retford won two awards at the recent Hoseasons’ Diamond Awards.

The accommodation came first place in the categories ‘Best in Britain – Holiday Park’ and ‘Relax & Explore – Heart of England – Small Park’.

Winners were chosen using reviews and ratings from Hoseasons’ own customers, who share their views after their visits.

Debs Griffin, director at Sundown Adventureland said: “When we opened the lodges, we knew there would be a demand for staying overnight at Sundown Adventureland.

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“But we never could’ve anticipated that three years on, we would be consistently fully booked with so many of our customers returning for repeat visits.

“Offering families a good value, very clean, comfortable and entertaining stay has been central to the success of Wild Acre Village, and our team works extremely hard to ensure every guest has a memorable stay, wants to keep coming back and laps up the magic and exciting nature of Sundown Adventureland.”

While Sundown Adventureland first opened its doors in 1968, Wild Acre Village just three years ago in 2022.

The self-accommodation style village was built after feedback from visitors who said they couldn’t fit all their exploring into one day.

As Sundown Adventureland is catered towards families with children 10 years old and under – the accommodation is too.

There are single cabins which sleep five people with a king-size bed for the adults and triple bunk beds for the kids.

Double cabins can sleep ten people and are ideal for multiple generations holidaying together with interconnecting doors.

Each cabin and lodge has a living and dining area, bathroom and well-equipped kitchen.

There are outdoor patio areas with picnic benches and disposable BBQ stand – some even have hot tubs.

Currently, Wild Acre Village has offers from £299 for a three-night break, which includes free park tickets for guests.

Over at Sundown Adventureland, families can enjoy over 30 rides and attractions that are specially designed for younger children.

It also has a huge soft play area called Crash Landings which is jungle-themed and over four storeys high.

Inside there’s also a newly extended cafe with hot food, snacks and drinks.

Rides include the Giddy Piggies to the Jolly Pirate Boat Ride to Robin Hood’s Merry Adventure.

The Lillipoppet Castle is a huge, sweet-inspired castle with an ice cream centrepiece, and it even smells of liquorice.

Storybook Village is based on popular fairytales like Humpty Dumpty and the Three Little Pigs.

Across the theme park are eight themed play areas like Shotgun City, a wild west town with a traditional saloon and an animatronic sing-song show.

Here’s the English theme park with world-first rides crowned best in the UK…

ThemeParks-UK.com announced the winners of this year’s best parks around the country with this one scooping up awards across 10 categories…

The theme park in question is Paultons Park which has over 70 rides and attractions, as well as Peppa Pig World.

Found in Hampshire just outside of the New Forest, the theme park has nine Peppa-themed rides as well as rollercoasters, splash parks and even an animal park.

At the recent UK Theme Park Awards 2025, Paultons Park was crowned Theme Park of the Year beating the likes of Thorpe Park and Legoland.

Not only that, but it also scooped up nine other awards including Best New Attraction for Ghostly Manor.

It also topped the two categories for Best Theme Park for Families and Best Theme Park for Toddlers.

Next year, the theme park will open a new land called Valgard – Realm of the Vikings.

It will be a viking-themed world with the park’s first inverting rollercoaster, called Drakon.

Drakon will be the park’s most thrilling ride with a vertical lift hill and two twists taking riders upside down.

Also in the Viking world will be the Vild Swing that swirls riders 12 metres in the air, two brand new thrill rides, retheming of Cobra – a famous ride at Paultons Park, into a bobsled adventure.

For more on family fun, here are six UK theme parks that you can easily reach by train – and how to find the cheapest fares.

Plus, hear more from one travel writer who went to one of Europe’s biggest theme parks with more than 40 attractions and record-breaking rollercoasters.

THE Holiday is one of the UK’s favourite Christmas watches – and who hasn’t wanted to step into the magic of the film?

From the Cotswolds to Yorkshire, here are five of the best villages that will make you feel like you’re Cameron Diaz exploring England for the very first time.

Shere, Surrey

Of course first up is Shere in Surrey which fans of The Holiday will know that it was actually used as a filming location.

Found in the Guildford district, the pretty village is considered to be most photographed of all Surrey towns.

You can actually have a pint in the pub where Amanda (played by Cameron Diaz) and Graham (Jude Law) have their first date.

The couple visit The White Horse, a cosy pub that serves up hearty breakfasts, Sunday Roasts and lunches.

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You can also pop into The Dabbling Duck cafe, or take a hike around the nearby Surrey Hills.

The Holiday isn’t the only film to have set scenes in Shere – it’s also been the backdrop of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and The Wedding Date.

Kettlewell, Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire village of Kettlewell is filled with classic stone cottages – just like Iris’.

But there’s also traditional tea rooms, and a quaint High Street and incredible views of the countryside – perfect for a weekend walk.

The village has three pubs, The Blue Bell Inn – a homely spot which serves up tasty home-cooked food by its crackling fire.

Or check out The King’s Head and The Falcon Inn.

Elterwater

Elterwater is a village in the Lake District, Cumbria.

The village lies half a mile north-west of the lake of Elter Water – where it gets its name.

It’s tiny with around 100 residents, some of whom live in its charming slate or stone cottages along the narrow roads.

The local pub is The Britannia Inn which serves seasonal food by its log fire – and during the summer has a pretty beer garden.

The village has incredible views of the Langdale Pikes which are famous mountains in the Great Langdale Valley.

You can also go for a stroll along the River Brathay or go further afield and you might even spot a waterfall or two.

Burford, Oxfordshire

The Cotswolds is an obvious choice when it comes to pretty English villages – and Burford is a very charming spot.

It has the classic pretty stone cottages and a very traditional feel to it.

Along the High Street are antique shops, tea rooms and pubs like The Angel at Burford, The Prince Of Burford and The Lamb Inn.

The oldest pharmacy in England can be found here, and there’s a medieval bridge that crosses over the River Windrush as well as a Grade I listed church.

And for even more magic from The Holiday, actress Kate Winslet used to live very nearby.

Stanton, Gloucestershire

Another very English-looking Cotswolds village is Stanton.

40 minutes up the road from Burford is Stanton, which looks very ‘The Holiday’ with its limestone and half-timbered cottages.

The village is on the smaller side so there isn’t too much to do, but it makes for a charming trip – and there will be great photo opportunities.

Nearby you can hike the Cotswold Way or visit Snowshill Manor, and if you fancy it, you can even book to go horse-riding through Stanton.

The Mount Inn pub is the only pub in the village and has incredible views of the Malvern Hills.

For more, here are 10 UK locations featured in iconic Christmas movies that you can visit this festive season.

And even more filming locations in the UK that you can visit with movie tours. 

The famous Christmas film stars Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black and Jude Law

A chocolate box village in England is the setting of a Christmas movie that has become a modern classic. The Holiday is a cherished Christmas story that many enjoy annually during the festive season.

The 2006 movie tells the tale of two women who switch homes for two weeks during winter, allowing them to recover from heartbreak and discover new love. Iris, portrayed by Kate Winslet, escapes her life in England to enjoy a stay in a luxurious California house, while Cameron Diaz’s character moves from Hollywood to a charming, traditionally British cottage.

Although ‘Rosehill Cottage’ was specially constructed for the film and isn’t a real location, its picturesque countryside setting makes it worth visiting around Christmas. Remarkably, you can even visit the same pub where Cameron Diaz’s character had her first real date with Graham, played by Jude Law.

The enchanting village of Shere in Surrey is situated halfway between Guildford and Dorking. Its river filled with ducks, and its historic ambience attracts both tourists and filmmakers, and it was also a filming location for Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.

Yet, 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 offers a variety of traditional dishes, such as hearty British steak and ale pies and Sunday roasts, all enjoyed by guests beside cosy fireplaces.

According to a previous Mirror article, a description from the Chef & Brewer Collection read: “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 visiting The White Horse, tourists might also want to explore the village’s charming tearooms or stop by the 12th-century St James’ Church. It is believed to be the place where Bridget Jones’ parents, played by Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones, renew their wedding vows in The Edge of Reason.

The wedding celebration spills out of the church into the snowy yard. Bridget and Mark Darcy, portrayed by Colin Firth, follow the parents as they leave 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.”

To visit Shere, the nearest station is Gomshall, about a five-minute drive away. It typically takes around 20 minutes to walk from Gomshall to Shere, and bus services are also accessible in the vicinity.

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OMAHA — The Federal Railroad Administration has sent letters to two railroad operators demanding they make sure that Mexican crews can speak English and don’t operate a train more than 10 miles inside the United States.

A number of Mexican train crews who recently hauled trains over the border to rail yards in Texas had trouble understanding important safety information in English during inspections the Trump administration ordered, U.S. officials said.

Railroads Union Pacific and CPKC routinely rely on foreign crews at times to bring trains over the border to their rail yards in the U.S. before switching to American engineers and conductors. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union said handoffs used to happen at the border. The engineers union has been worried about using foreign crews for some time because of safety, security and job concerns.

Union Pacific and CPKC said the railroads are committed to ensuring safety and security and will work to ensure they are complying with the rules.

The Trump administration has also been cracking down on truck drivers who don’t speak English, saying it seeks to make sure crews can communicate in an emergency and understand crucial instructions.

“Whether you’re operating an 80-ton big rig or a massive freight train, you need to be proficient in our national language — English,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. “If you aren’t, you create an unacceptable safety risk.”

The Transportation Department has withheld $40 million from California, which it accused of not enforcing the English proficiency requirement. Duffy has also threatened to sanction several other states that he says have improperly issued commercial driver’s licenses to unauthorized immigrants.

That became a key concern after several deadly crashes involving semitrucks driven by immigrants in the country illegally.

Inspectors cite problems

Federal Railroad Administration Administrator David Fink told both railroads they could face enforcement action if inspectors find additional occurrences of train crews operating in the U.S. without being proficient in English.

Inspectors found problems in Union Pacific’s Eagle Pass rail yard and CPKC’s facility in Laredo, Fink said.

Union Pacific had a interpreter on hand to help its Mexican crews, but Fink said the railroad might try to remove that person in the future, and inspectors said they worried about how well the crews understood operating rules and required brake tests.

At CPKC’s rail yard, Fink said, inspectors found numerous instances of train crews having a hard time understanding operating bulletins and U.S. regulations that require information about hazardous materials and emergency responses to be maintained in English.

Unions support the move

The engineers union and the SMART-TD union that represents conductors welcomed the Trump administration’s move because they say Mexican crews aren’t as well-trained and need to understand crucial safety information.

Earlier this year, the engineers union also highlighted two arrests of members of Mexican crews on suspicion of smuggling — one accused of helping migrants cross the border illegally and the other for allegedly trying to bring drugs into the U.S.

“The administration should be commended for standing up for border security, public safety and American jobs by creating stronger safety standards for crews that bring trains from Mexico to the United States,” Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen National President Mark Wallace said. “It’s critical that locomotive engineers are able to speak to dispatchers and first responders in English when trains are moving on U.S. soil.”

Railroads’ response

“We have the same goals — a safe, secure border that keeps the supply chain fluid,” Union Pacific spokesperson Kristen South said. “Part of ensuring safe operations is good communication.”

CPKC spokesperson Patrick Waldron said the railroad — which operates one continuous network across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico — makes sure international crews at both borders do not travel more than 10 miles into the U.S.

“Safety is foundational to everything we do,” he said.

Union Pacific picks up and hands off trains to its partner, FerroMex railroad, at the border. It said changing out crews at its rail yard seven miles over the border in Eagle Pass helps keep freight moving, because previously the switch was done at a single-track bridge, forcing rail traffic to come to a halt. The railroad said it worked with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to make the change.

Funk writes for the Associated Press.

ONE of the UK’s prettiest English seaside towns is getting new direct trains to the capital city

Eastbourne was once connected to London Bridge, but these direct routes were scrapped during the Covid.

The new direct route launched earlier this week, running from London Bridge to the Sussex coastal town.

The new route as part of the December timetable will run two trains, with one in each direction.

The Eastbourne train will leave at 6:47am, arriving in London Bridge at 8:25am.

The return London Bridge train will be at 5:03pm, arriving in Eastbourne at 6:35pm.

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The trains will run Monday to Thursday so is mainly a commuter route, and it will sadly not run in the school holidays.

However, a day trip mid week means it can easily be visited with the new route.

Josh Babarinde MP said: “I am delighted that our campaign to restore the direct train service between Eastbourne and London Bridge has been successful – this is a massive win for our town.”

It will also stop at Lewes, another seaside town previously without a direct London route.

It was also backed by Jenny Saunders, Southern’s Customer Services Director, who said: “I am delighted that we’ve been able to introduce this direct service from the coast to the capital.”

Tickets start from around £25.

Of course, you can still travel to Eastbourne from London Victoria.

Eastbourne was a popular seaside destination during the Victorian times, but became run down over the years.

Yet a resurgence in popularity has even seen it named one of the UK’s best seaside towns.

CN Traveller said it was the “quintessential, old-fashioned seaside resort”.

And back in 2023, Time Out named it one of the best places for a British day out.

It was praised for being a “hub for creatives,” with the Towner Eastbourne art gallery.

One of the most popular spots of Eastbourne is Beachy Head, the beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea.

Otherwise there is Eastbourne Pier, with arcades and live music.

A UK town dubbed the ‘Queen of the English Riviera’ is set to undergo a multi-million pound project.

Torquay in Devon is known for its many palm trees and sprawling beaches, leading it to being compared to the French Riviera.

And soon the town will undergo a number of projects to upgrade multiple areas as well as introduce new attractions.

Via the government’s ‘Pride in Place’ fund, Torquay’s Strand is one area that will be redeveloped.

There are also plans to introduce a ‘Festival of Torquay’ in 2027.

In total, 30 projects have been chosen for further consideration as part of the council’s 10-year aim to spend £20million on schemes that will make the town better, healthier and happier for those who live there.

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Other projects include restoring historic destinations in the town, such as The Royal Lyceum Theatre.

And for younger people, there are ideas of introducing a number of cultural spaces including a ‘Hidden High Street Creative Space’, a children’s society wellbeing hub, a creative and cultural space for young people and a Torbay Creative Exchange.

According to Torbay Weekly, Torbay Council interim place manager JonPaul Hedge said: “There have been so many brilliant ideas.

“And there are some super-quick wins in terms of delivery.”

Tracey Cabache of Torbay Communities said: “We need something to come forward in the first six months that is very visible for everyone to see.”

There will be a number of projects that aim to improve access to services in the town too, such as connecting different places, establishing a town centre drop-in for disabled and vulnerable people, opening a support and wellbeing hub, opening a number of community hubs and launching a homeless hostel.

The town will be tidied up as well, with more community bus information and opportunities to sponsor a path.

The Strand, which looks on to Torquay Harbour, could also see a large hotel in the future.

According to Willmott Dixon, the spot where a former Debenhams store stands could be transformed into an upscale hotel, with shops on the ground floor, a brasserie-style restaurant, a rooftop bar, fitness room and event space.

Willmott Dixon’s site states: “The food and beverage offering will showcase local produce, delivering a ‘Best of Devon‘ experience.

“The rooftop bar, accessible from The Terrace, is designed to become a destination in its own right, offering panoramic views of Torbay.”

Work is also being carried out on Torquay Pavilion, an Art Nouveau building that opened back in 1912 as an entertainment venue for concerts, theatre and cinema.

The Grade II-listed structure closed in 2012 and over the past months Torbay Council has been carrying out assessment works to understand the condition of the Pavilion.

That work is now complete and the council is now coming up with a proposal for the site.

Another site in Torquay that hopefully has a brighter future is where Living Coasts used to be located.

The tourist attraction, home to penguins and seals, closed back in 2020 and has been left abandoned since.

But now, ARC Marine – a reef technology company – has signed a long-term lease to use the site as a world-leading Marine Innovation Hub.

The projects in Torquay coincide with transformations in the other two towns that form the English Riviera – Paignton and Brixham.

For example, via the Brixham Town Centre Place Vision, Brixham is due to become a vibrant coastal community, according to Torbay Council, with a focus on its historic fishing heritage.

Proposals include more pedestrian links in the town, creating family areas and launching more street food and waterfront activities.

In other regeneration news, a popular London borough to get huge £10billion makeover with parks, restaurants and ‘flower amphitheatre’.

Plus, a historic city centre is set for £2.5billion revamp in the UK’s largest regeneration project.

A POPULAR safari park and celeb hotspot got the green light to build accommodation overlooking its lion enclosure.

Construction of the 12 all-weather luxury “Lion Lookout” pods at the much-loved menagerie could begin as early as next year.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has approved the plans for the Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, near Hythe, Kent, which will offer guests a safari-style overnight experience.

Port Lympne already features the £1,800-a-night Lion Lodge, known for hosting stars including Amanda Holden, Alison Hammond and Kelly Brook.

Guests will enjoy uninterrupted views of the big cats including daddy lion Hunter and mummy lion Oudrika, as well as their five cute cubs.

Managing director of Howletts and Port Lympne Estates, Tony Kelly, said: “I’m incredibly pleased we have been granted planning permission for our Lion Lookout plans.

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“Nestled alongside the largest lion enclosure in Europe and our pride of seven lions, this unique offer will extend our accommodation offering to our guests with uninterrupted close-up views of these magnificent animals.

“The accommodation will be aimed at a family audience and add to our already award-winning offerings.

“Whilst planning has been granted, there are several pre-commencement conditions to fulfil, but we would hope to start the project in late 2026.”

The site will be connected by a newly built timber walkway and designed to keep environmental impact to a minimum.

Each tent will will stand on a raised platform, including a veranda and private viewing area, carefully positioned among the trees so the landscape remains largely unchanged.

Bosses say the new development will complement Port Lympne’s existing luxury overnight stays, which attracted 82,000 visitors last year.

Other famous faces who visited the wildlife park include Emily Atack, Westlife’s Mark Feehily and Rio Ferdinand.

A quintessential town has long been named one of the prettiest towns in the UK, and it’s easy to see why with its cobbled lanes and independent shops filling the quaint streets

During this time of year, there’s nothing better than wandering around a charming UK town before stopping off at a cosy pub. There’s one location that’s well worth a visit.

The unspoilt English town of Petworth in Sussex is like stepping back in time, featuring quaint cobbled lanes lined with antique emporiums. There are independent shops tucked among the streets, along with cafes, delis and inviting pubs that make for an idyllic day out.

Petworth Antiques Market itself is home to more than 40 dealers, where you can discover everything from stunning furniture pieces to ornaments and various home accessories. When peckish, pop into The Hungry Guest delicatessen on Middle Street before venturing out to explore the sprawling 700-acre Petworth Park, which lies beneath the magnificent 17th-century Petworth House.

Inside, visitors can explore the 17th-century stately home and uncover a treasure trove featuring an internationally significant collection of art and sculpture. You may even recognise it from films such as Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as its appearance on Netflix’s Bridgerton.

One Tripadvisor reviewer commented: “Pretty Petsworth. Petsworth House is a beautiful period home with an amazing Mural up the staircase. The artist who painted the mural can be found hiding behind one of the pillars in the painted mural. A favourite of Turner – the famous artist who used to stay here and paint. The grounds and lake are really pretty.

“The Town nearby has some beautiful medieval houses, which are antique shops, as well as a great antique market. A great place to walk around and have afternoon tea. One of my favourite historical towns.”

Another shared: “Our first visit to Petworth and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Although the house isn’t particularly impressive from the outside, the artwork within certainly is worth viewing. We did a guided tour with an extremely knowledgeable gentleman, which was greatly enjoyable and informative.

“I’m not even a great art fan, but he brought everything to life. Afterwards, we enjoyed a coffee in the cafe and a lovely walk around the estate in the sunshine. I would say it is more suited to adults than children, but we really enjoyed our visit.”

Petworth sits just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and approximately 50 minutes from Portsmouth. If you’re a fan of nature and wildlife, be sure to look out for the hundreds of deer that freely wander around the park.

The park is one of the best-preserved examples of an English landscape designed by the renowned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the South Downs, with the park offering the perfect vantage point.

It’s also the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle to enjoy a refreshing walk. Not to mention that Petworth has been so highly praised, it was hailed as one of the UK’s most picturesque towns by Condé Nast Traveller earlier this year.

So, if you’re planning a day trip in the UK, consider Petworth for a delightful and tranquil outing this winter.

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