Favourite

Comedian Bob Mortimer shared a “sad” update on the Gone Fishing favourite’s health.

Bob Mortimer has shared a “sad” update on his beloved Gone Fishing co-star, their dog Ted. The comedian has fronted the beloved BBC programme with Paul Whitehouse since 2018.

Over that period, with the eighth series currently airing, Ted has frequently joined them, but during an appearance on Saturday Kitchen today, (29 November), Bob shared a concerning update.

When host Matt Tebbutt asked how Ted was doing, Bob jokingly put on a voice, imitating: “I’m alright mate.”

He then added: “No, he’s knocking on a bit.”

Bob revealed Ted was 15 years old, saying: “He still loves coming out with us, and he seems very happy.”

“I was quite sad when I saw him being wheeled around,” Matt replied.

Bob continued: “He doesn’t have to be wheeled around all the time, but for longer journeys, up the river bank, we put him in a pram now.”

Teasing the final episode of Gone Fishing, Bob went on to say “it’s a beauty,” adding: “It’s odd that people like it so much, but I kind of get it.

“We make the UK look really pretty – it’s nice to be reminded occasionally.”

This comes after Bob addressed his own health, revealing he’s ignored doctor’s orders to cut back on cheese after suffering a health scare.

The 66-year-old admitted he would rather “have three years less” than change his diet after having a triple heart bypass surgery.

Bob underwent the operation in 2015 after thinking he was suffering from a chest infection, and he later discovered 95% of his arteries were blocked.

He had been warned by his doctor that he would have had a heart attack on stage, and was forced to cancel tour dates with comedy partner Vic Reeves.

Despite the scare, he’s willing to take risks when it comes to giving up one of his favourite foods, telling The Daily Mail: “The dietitian said, ‘You can have a matchbox-size [piece] every week’.

“That broke my heart. There are probably those who do stick to it, but I’m probably in the school of thought that I’d rather have three years less.”

Last year, Bob opened up about his health struggles after facing shingles, and having to use a wheelchair while filming Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

He revealed he “wasn’t very well” and had to be “looked after” by co-star Paul after he was left unable to walk due to a six-month battle with the condition.

He said: “I wasn’t very well and it made it a bit of a struggle but, as always, Paul looked after me and pulled me through.”

The Last One Laughing star went on to say that he was getting better, while trying to “grow muscle back”.

He previously shared: “I got a bit unlucky with it, I lost the use of one of my legs but it’s coming back now, I’m a bit limpy but I’m very grateful to be back up and going.”

Saturday Kitchen airs at 10am on BBC One and iPlayer.

Winning tip: peace in the Peak District

After a beautiful wintry walk along the Roaches in Staffordshire (having been fuelled with Staffordshire oatcakes), we stayed at the historic YHA Hartington Hall youth hostel, a period drama setting for a cosy bunk. We woke up to find the Peak District under a blanket of snow, calm and with that magical silence that makes the world feel at peace.
Ruth Campbell

The power of the Gower in winter

Winter on the Gower is a windswept wonder – the peninsula’s long, empty beaches stretch beneath dramatic skies, perfect for invigorating dog walks and lungfuls of fresh sea air. After exploring the dunes and salt marshes, warm up in the cosy Britannia Inn at Llanmadoc, where you can tuck into a serving of tender salt marsh lamb, rich with the taste of the land and sea. There is also a community shop and cafe selling great homebaked cakes.
Kayleigh Witts-Thomas

Whisky and climbing in Eryri (Snowdonia)

The Pen-Y-Gwryd hotel at the top of the Nant Gwynant valley was the UK training base for Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s successful 1953 Everest expedition, and the tiny Smoke Room bar is a time capsule of that period. This wood-panelled snug is lit up by a roaring fire, where guests huddle together for a post-dinner whisky and to share tales of their days on Yr Wyddfa (Mt Snowdon), or the rain-lashed peak Glyderau on whose bedrock it is built. Test your resolve in the beautiful natural pool at the top of the garden; there’s a sauna to revive yourself in afterwards.
Gareth Roberts

Narrowboats and mountain passes in Clwyd

Last year, we spent a perfect weekend in the Clwydian Range national landscape, in north-east Wales. Our stay at Faraway Follies – charming cottages nestled in the hills outside Llangollen – was made magical by wood-fired hot tubs under crisp November skies. The drive into town along the Horseshoe Pass was breathtaking, and gliding by narrowboat over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct unforgettable. Llangollen itself brimmed with warmth: a maze of cosy pubs, flickering fires, and hearty food that made every evening feel like coming home.
Mike

Walking with Neolithic ancestors in Wiltshire

Basing ourselves at the George in Amesbury for a winter break last year, we set off on a pilgrimage through a landscape sculpted by our Neolithic ancestors into a vast temple dedicated to midwinter. From Durrington Walls, to where ancient peoples may have travelled hundreds of miles to join in celebratory feasts, past the burial mounds of forgotten chiefs, and finally to Stonehenge. We spent the evenings in cosy historic pubs, honouring the season with feasting of our own.
Emily Gray

Ancient ways in Herefordshire

Ledbury, the small market town in Herefordshire, seemed an unlikely place for a university friends’ reunion. But its impressive Tudor buildings, 17th-century market hall and Michelin star restaurant – 33 the Homend – soon won us over. The 12-mile ridge of the Malvern Hills was only 15 minutes’ drive away and provided a wealth of walking options through ancient woodlands and across common land, with magnificent views of three counties. Accommodation was a cosy Airbnb down a narrow alleyway, a short stroll from the welcoming Prince of Wales free house for a pint of local draught cider.
Jane

Cosy yurts near Rye, East Sussex

A November break in Barefoot Yurts, East Sussex, was almost too cosy. Two simply furnished but chic yurts, one a bedroom and one a lounge, look out over open fields studded with sheep and horses. A well-equipped semi outdoor kitchen and eco bathroom make up the rest of this isolated off-grid palace. Lying in bed with a wood-fired stove crackling, watching the morning sun disperse the mist, before a brisk roam across Winchelsea beach, enormous burgers at the Ship Inn in Rye and campfire s’mores made for a perfect late autumn weekend.
Cath

Hiking in the Highlands

Visit Easter Ross, north of Inverness, and stay in a four-poster bed at ancient Tulloch Castle on the edge of Dingwall. Take a walk to see the deep eerie canyon at Black Rock Gorge, or really get the blood pumping with a steep hike up Fyrish Hill and be rewarded with panoramic views at the summit alongside the 18th-century Fyrish Monument. Turn up hungry at The Storehouse to enjoy a pork belly poke bowl overlooking the waters edge of the Cromarty Firth and gazing out to the Black Isle peninsula.
Eilidh

Hot whiskies and weather in Co Fermanagh

Even arriving at Lusty Beg Island Resort and Spa in County Fermanagh is special: you have to get a two-car ferry across Lough Erne. Once you’re over it’s like being unplugged from the world, although unfortunately they have great wifi. We brought everything we needed – the kids, the dog and a paddleboard. Our cabin was warm and spacious with views of the lough from both sides. We spent our days walking or out on the water, followed by hot whiskies in the cosy bar and restaurant. The weather, in true Fermanagh style, was atrocious but this only made it feel even more cut off.
Ciaran Kearney

Toasty times in the Forest of Bowland

We love visiting the Forest of Bowland when it gets chilly, and Little Oakhurst near Clitheroe is our favourite place to stay. There are toasty shepherd huts and lovely walks nearby (with great pubs). It’s a very good area for birding, but getting in the hot tub when it’s icy out may be our favourite activity. Our favourite cabin to stay in, when it’s available, is the Ivy Shepherds Hut.
Amanda

With the days getting shorter (and colder), it’s tempting to go into hibernation mode. But winter can feel like a special time of year if you get out and embrace it. We’d love to hear about your favourite UK-based outdoor winter activity, whether it’s cold-water swimming, stargazing, birdwatching or simply wrapping up and going for a bracing walk or off-road bike ride.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 1 December at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

Dramatic hills and medieval charm in Emilia-Romagna

Approaching the town of Brisighella in Emilia-Romagna, it feels as though you are rapidly incorporating yourself in the backdrop of a Renaissance masterpiece, with dramatic rocky hills with singular trees perched upon them, and mysterious towers standing in solitary self-possession – leaving you to wonder what they must have witnessed over the years. The town is the perfect launchpad to explore such remarkably beautiful scenery, but it is also absolutely worth exploring its many medieval alleyways and its particularly unique elevated path, granting private nooks to take in the town’s charm.
Gioia

Walk in the heart of Sicily

We have just walked the Via dei Frati from Caltanissetta to Cefalù on Sicily. During the 54-mile walk across the Madonie mountains, we saw no walkers or tourists. Views are sublime and each day finishes in a beautiful Sicilian village such as Gangi. Although no one spoke English, communication was never a problem.
Michael

Castles and catacombs in Basilicata

The southern Basilicata region is packed with interesting places, but Venosa, birthplace of the Roman poet Horace, is unmissable. Once a major centre, now a remote small town, it has extensive Roman ruins, ancient Jewish catacombs, a breathtaking castle, beauty and interest at every turn. Local food and wine is terrific. Nearby, the castles at Melfi and Lagopesole and the ducal palace at Pietragalla are among several places that would be internationally famous if they were located in more touristy areas, but you can’t easily go wrong in this part of Basilicata as long as you skip Potenza.
Andy

Eco bliss in the Apennines

Eco hotel Mulino delle Cortine, lost at the end of a three-mile dirt track deep in the Apennines east of Florence, is almost cartoonishly peaceful. With its shaded river swimming pool accessed by climbing down a rope into the riverbed, array of hiking trails in the surrounding forests and along streams and not a single bar of phone reception, it’s the perfect place to truly switch off. Rustic plates of pasta, regional cheeses, meats and cheesecakes served slowly under planetarium skies add to the appeal.
Cath

Medieval gem in Friuli

In the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in the north-east, Cividale is a destination that feels like stepping into a living postcard. This Unesco world heritage site is a treasure trove of history, from its Roman roots to one of Italy’s most remarkable medieval sites: the exquisite eighth-century Tempietto Longobardo built by the Lombards. Wander through cobblestone streets, cross the Devil’s Bridge and soak in views of the emerald Natisone River. Beyond its beauty, Cividale offers authentic Italian charm – think family-run trattorias, local wines and vibrant cultural traditions.
Steve Bassett

A mini-Venice without the crowds

I doubt many tourists to Italy know about the mini-Venice, 16 miles south of its more famous sibling city, and easy for a day trip. Chioggia is what Venice must have looked like in an earlier iteration, and was actually mentioned by Roman author Pliny the Elder. It also features canals and narrow alleys, and has an important Museum of Adriatic Zoology to boast about, as well as beaches, a fort and medieval architecture.
Michael

Hiking in the Ligurian Apennines

I used to live not far from Santo Stefano d’Aveto, and I go back to the town in the Ligurian Apennines north-east of Genoa whenever I can. It’s a great base for exploring the Aveto natural regional park with trails winding around Monte Aiona, Monte Penna, Ramaceto and Zatta, with peaks rising to about 1,800 metres. Small lakes lie in the valleys, perfect for a pause on long hikes. The old Gambatesa mine makes a fun stop, especially with kids. Meals are simple: polenta, mushrooms, San Stè cheese, maybe wild boar. It’s not picture-perfect, just real.
Federico Bozzini

Truffle tagliatelle in the heart of Lazio

Tucked away in Lazio’s wild heart, Campoli Appennino perches dramatically on the edge of a vast sinkhole, a medieval village wrapped in dense forests, gorges and the hush of mountains. Hikers lose themselves on the Gole del Lacerno trail, chasing waterfalls and rugged ravines, while rescued brown bears roam freely in the village sanctuary. And then there’s the food: truffle tagliatelle at Il Tartufo, cream-filled pastries that vanish in a bite, and wonderful pizza. Hidden, wild and utterly captivating, Campoli Appennino is the kind of place you stumble upon once – and never forget.
Louise Warrington

Sweet wines in a Piedmont mountain village

Loazzolo is the home of a magnificent sweet wine and many fantastic classic sparkling wines. The little mountain villages are breathtaking, especially in the autumn when the landscape is painted in various hues of reds, yellows and greens. With truffles, porcini and hazelnuts too, this area is a culinary feast, best served in the early afternoon sun. This part of the Piedmont region always surprises me, especially because it is so overlooked by non-Italian visitors. Close to the vineyards of Barolo and the beautiful towns of Asti and Alba, it remains a hidden treasure.
Ruan Smit

Winning tip: explore Roman remains at your leisure, Le Marche

Even the locals thought it was hot when we visited the archaeological park at Urbs Salvia, south of Ancona in the Marche region. Walking between the perfectly preserved Roman theatre, the temple dedicated to Augusta and the amphitheatre, we sheltered under trees, drinking from our rapidly emptying water bottles. The guide clearly thought we were deranged – mad dogs etc – but free from the crowds of Rome or Pompeii, we had time to marvel at the city before us. Afterwards we detoured to Le Logge, a restaurant in Urbisaglia, the medieval upstart neighbour, and had a perfect lunch in the shade.
Alex

“PAUL will say to me, ‘There’s only four of us – now sadly two of us – who know what it’s like to be in The Beatles’.” 

So says Giles Martin, producer son of late producer, Sir George Martin, who some call “The Fifth Beatle”. 

For the past 20 years, Giles has been one of the chief keepers of The Beatles flame, involved in myriad releases from the band’s archive. 

For these, he maintains regular contact with those “two” — Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. 

The latest project to summon his skills is the one which, arguably, gets to the beating heart of The Fab Four more than any other — The Beatles Anthology. 

We’ll hear much more from Giles later but, to set the scene, let’s wind back to 1995 and catch what drummer Ringo has to say with his usual cheery charm. 

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“Now you can hear it from us,” he affirms. “Paul, George and myself — and old footage of John, of course — telling what it felt like to be a Beatle.” 

In 1995, it is 25 years after The Beatles split and 15 since the shocking assassination of John Lennon, and it is time for the world’s most famous band to tell their story. 

Over the previous four years, Macca, Ringo and George Harrison have been busy masterminding Anthology, a wildly ambitious, groundbreaking (you wouldn’t expect anything less) multimedia project. 

By using their own words, film and, of course, their immortal songs, they are in a unique position to reveal all — from the horse’s mouth. 

Here’s their chance to revisit their humble origins in Liverpool, cutting their teeth at the city’s Cavern Club and in the music dives of Hamburg.

They can relive having a first hit single, Love Me Do, Beatlemania, leading the British Invasion of the US, making madcap films like Help! and their eventual retreat from the live arena. 

They can share views on creating their psychedelic masterpiece, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the spiritual quest which leads them to India, their final studio hurrah, Abbey Road, and the various reasons behind them going their separate ways in 1970. 

This all results in an eight-episode documentary series filled with archive footage and candid interviews, three double albums of demos, alternate takes and snatches of spoken word and, later, an illuminating book. 

Now, in 2025 to mark the project’s 30th anniversary, we are being treated to an additional ninth episode of the series and a fourth volume of music. 

For his part, Giles Martin has created new audio mixes for most of the music featured on film, remastered the original LPs and curated the new album of 36 songs (13 previously unreleased). 

Episode 9 presents unseen glimpses of Paul, George and Ringo coming together in 1994 and ’95 to reflect on life as members of the Fab Four.  

Time, they say, is a great healer and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, the three clearly enjoying each other’s company with some of the old banter returning.

We’ve heard from Ringo but what does Macca have to say about it?  

“We decided we might try to do the definitive story of The Beatles, seeing as other people had had a go at it. 

“We thought it might be good from the inside out rather than from the outside in.” 

Harrison, who died aged 58 six years later, gives this telling perspective: “I’m glad it didn’t get made until now.  

The good thing about Anthology is that it’s four of us, even though John’s not here, he is here. He’s represented, he talks — it’s old interviews and stuff.

Paul McCartney

“I think it’s been nice for us and the public just to forget about The Beatles for a while, let the dust settle, and now come back to it with a fresh point of view.” 

And it’s up to the “quiet” Beatle, not so quiet in this setting, to sum up the band’s immortality. 

“We’ll go on and on,” continues Harrison, “on those records and films and videos and books and in people’s memories and minds.  

“The Beatles have just become their own thing now. The Beatles, I think, exist without us.” 

Of course it was all done with a gaping Lennon-shaped hole but Paul, George and Ringo are hugely mindful of their fallen comrade who they clearly miss very much. 

“The good thing about Anthology is that it’s four of us,” says McCartney. “Even though John’s not here, he is here. He’s represented, he talks — it’s old interviews and stuff.” 

Harrison adds: “I feel sorry for John because the Beatles went through a lot of good times but also went through some turbulent times.  

“And, as everybody knows, when we split up, everybody was a bit fed up with each other.  

“But for Ringo, Paul and I, we’ve had the opportunity to have all that go down the river and under the bridge and to get together again in a new light. I feel sorry that John wasn’t able to do that.” 

‘Unfinished business’ 

One of the key elements of Episode 9 is how the three Beatles make new music together under the watchful eye of the Electric Light Orchestra’s Jeff Lynne, a fellow member of the Traveling Wilburys supergroup with Harrison. 

Using Lennon demos from the 1970s, given to them by his partner Yoko Ono, they finish Free As A Bird and Real Love, employing John’s vocals backed by their vibrant new arrangements. 

Quite simply, it’s the nearest thing we’ll ever get to a full Beatles reunion. 

Another song, Now And Then, gets mentioned as “unfinished business” but, as you may remember, it finally saw the light of day in 2023 thanks to technological wizardry. 

Watching Paul, George and Ringo playing and singing along to John’s vocals is captivating, some of the old spark clearly etched on their faces. 

The affable Giles Martin, who I meet in Leicester Square this week and not at his usual stomping ground, Abbey Road Studios, has this take on the Anthology footage. 

“From talking to Paul and knowing him as much as I do, and from talking to Ringo, I know that the other Beatles were the favourite musicians that they ever played with.  

“Forget personalities, it was purely about being in a band — the best band they’d ever been in. 

“After they broke up, and I include my dad in this, they were looking for each other the whole time.  

“That’s the truth of the matter. I know that Paul misses my dad, and I know that Paul misses John.” 

So, in approaching Anthology, he clearly wanted to show how songs evolved. A bit of studio banter, all that kind of stuff

Giles Martin on his father George

This brings Giles to a significant moment during the completion of Now And Then, The Beatles’ final single. 

“I remember doing the string parts, and being with Paul,” he recalls. “He said, ‘That’s George playing the guitar again. Let’s listen to that because I want to respect what he’s doing, because he’s got great ideas’.”  

The original Anthology project wasn’t just a reunion for three Beatles but also for George Martin who came back into the fold to curate the double albums released on three separate dates between late ’95 and late ’96. 

Giles says: “My dad loved The Beatles — and he loved spending more time with them. 

“What I find interesting is the vulnerability on display, my dad included. Because no one else talked to them like that.” 

Being a Beatle or even The Beatles’ revered producer means that, out of respect, us mere mortals are not given to taking the p*ss. Seeing Harrison’s quip to McCartney, “Hello mate, vegetarian leather jacket?”, is a laugh-out-loud moment. 

Paul, with his famously meat-free diet, replies: “Yes it is. And my boots are vegetarian leather boots!” 

There’s a great scene where the band describe putting “uppers” in a teapot to get George Martin and engineer Geoff Emerick to keep going and stay late into the evening for a session at Abbey Road. 

“My dad always denied it but he wouldn’t have known,” says Giles. “It was probably some sort of amphetamine or caffeine. 

“He used to say that, with each passing year, The Beatles started work an hour later.” 

You might imagine that the producer, with his schoolmasterly image and close attention to detail, was a perfectionist. 

But Giles says: “I don’t think he was a perfectionist — although he was upset at me once for not measuring out Pimm’s properly!  

“The music wouldn’t have sounded like it did, fresh and alive, if he had been one. 

“So, in approaching Anthology, he clearly wanted to show how songs evolved. A bit of studio banter, all that kind of stuff.”  

Giles adds that The Beatles were on board with this, seeing it rather like “a trawl through the photographs that don’t make it into the family album”. 

‘Close to John’ 

“A good example is [the early version of] Yellow Submarine with John originally coming up with the idea and singing, ‘In the town where I was born, no one cared, no one cared’. 

“Obviously, that was not right for Ringo to sing so Paul got involved and they changed it, developing it into the Yellow Submarine that children sang in schoolyards.” 

I ask Giles to describe his father’s relationship with each of the four Beatles and he begins with Lennon. 

“He was very close to John to begin with, because John was perceived as leader of the band. 

My dad and Ringo always loved each other. Ringo was an ardent fan and he was also the glue which kept things together.

Giles on his father’s relationship with Ringo Starr

“He was the older one out of Lennon and McCartney and they were like the two favourite children which George felt rather bitter about.”  

On Anthology Vol. 4, you hear the producer calmly encouraging Lennon to sing rehearsals of the White Album song Julia, about his mother who died when he was just 17. Both agree that it’s a “very hard” song to sing. 

Giles maintains that, as The Beatles’ journey progressed, his dad’s dealings with Lennon changed. 

“John wanted things to be immediate, to be rock and roll, but my dad’s process was different. Then it annoyed him when John went with Phil Spector [for Let It Be] and all that multi-layered stuff.” 

If Lennon made wayward comments after the band split up, an encounter just before he died helped heal the wounds.  

Giles says: “In 1980, John contacted my dad, who went to see him at the Dakota Building in New York.  

“Yoko went out, and John admitted he’d said loose-tongued things in the past, when he ‘was high’. 

“John told my dad, ‘I wish we could record everything again, properly this time’. Dad goes, ‘How about Strawberry Fields?’. And he replies, ‘Especially Strawberry Fields!’.  

But they talked about working together again. Then my dad flew back to England and John was shot, yet there was a weird kind of redemption to the whole thing.” 

As for McCartney and George Martin, Giles says: “Paul always maintained a very close relationship with my dad. 

“Towards the end of The Beatles, Paul was the one trying to keep the band going, but with his vision. Then, as we know, he went off to Scotland and decided to make it on his own. 

“But he got back with my dad for Live And Let Die [in 1973] and they had an ongoing friendship.” 

And what about Starr? “My dad and Ringo always loved each other. Ringo was an ardent fan and he was also the glue which kept things together.” 

There’s a wonderful scene in Anthology’s Episode 9 when McCartney and Harrison joke about doing a stadium “mud-wrestling” contest and Ringo interjects with, “I’ll be the ref!”.  

And finally, we arrive at George Martin’s association with George Harrison. 

Giles says: “My dad always felt guilty that he didn’t give George the attention he deserved — but he couldn’t do it all.  

“So George would go off and do his own thing, like Savoy Truffle. He could be quite stubborn and driven, like they all were.” 

But Giles remembers the abiding affection Harrison had for his father, first encountering him at a Simon & Garfunkel concert in 1982 at Wembley Stadium “when I was very young”. 

“I went to the loo and this man said, ‘Are you all right?’. I was a bit embarrassed but I said, ‘Yeah’. 

“When I went back out, he was standing with my parents. It was George. 

“My dad said, ‘This is my son, Giles’. And he said, ‘We just met having a p*ss’. I remember thinking that he was really nice.  

“When my father became ill the first time around, with prostate cancer, George was the one who went to see him and sat by his bed.” 

As we prepare to go our separate ways on this cold November day, I can’t help thinking how Giles Martin has inherited a deep affection for The Beatles from his illustrious father. 

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He’s currently working on the FOUR Sam Mendes-directed biopics, each one presented from a different band member’s point of view. 

Following in the footsteps of Dad, it’s a long and winding road that won’t end any day soon. 

THE BEATLES
Anthology Collection

★★★★★

As another year nears its end, it’s worth taking stock of the new places we’ve discovered in 2025. Perhaps it was a quiet seaside resort, an exceptional gallery or museum, an unforgettable restaurant, a wonderful hiking route or vibrant nightlife in a small town. We’d love to hear about your finds in Europe and the UK – the more unusual the better!

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 24 November at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

ANOTHER airline has announced that it will have free Wi-Fi on board its planes from this week.

Emirates, which was voted by Sun readers as their favourite airline of year, in the Sun Travel Awards 2025, will soon feature Starlink on board its planes.

Starlink Wi-Fi is beamed down to Earth from satellites and will make in-flight internet up to 50 times faster than normal.

This means it will allow passengers on board Emirates flights to stream content, game, make calls, work and browse social media.

The airline will introduce the Wi-Fi on 232 of its planes, which is the airline’s entire in-service fleet.

In fact, the first Emirates flight with Starlink is set to take off later this week, with the airline then fitting out around 14 aircraft per month.

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Initially, Emirates’ Boeing 777 will be the first aircraft in the fleet to get Starlink and roll-out is expected to be complete by mid-2027.

The airline is then aiming to install Starlink beginning on the Airbus A380 fleet in February next year.

Emirates is also set to make live TV available via Starlink, which will initially be on personal devices before launching on seatback screens from late December 2025.

The Starlink Wi-Fi services will be free across all Emirates flights, no matter what cabin you are in.

Access requires one click and there is no payment or membership needed for using Starlink.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “We’re introducing the world’s fastest Wi-Fi, elevating what passengers can expect from in-flight connectivity, like seamless productivity, real-time communication with loved ones, and uninterrupted connection to their digital lives.

“But that’s just one piece of the transformation happening across our fleet.

“Starlink is being installed in tandem with the most ambitious cabin refurbishment programme in aviation including brand new Premium Economy cabins, an enhanced Business Class, refreshed First Class, expanded and upgraded entertainment system technologies, and now, industry-leading connectivity.”

Chad Gibbs, VP of Starlink Business Operations, SpaceX, said: “With Starlink onboard your Emirates flight, you’ll be able to stream, game, and have seamless video calls, just as you can do on the ground.

“We’re excited to transform Emirates’ travel experience and support the rapid installation of Starlink while maintaining focus on delivering overall quality of service.”

Emirates isn’t the first airline to introduce Starlink on its flights.

At the beginning of this month, British Airways also confirmed it would be launching Starlink on board all its planes next year.

BA boss Sean Doyle, British Airways said: “Launching Starlink on both our long-haul and short-haul aircraft is game-changing for us and our customers, elevating their experience on board our flights by offering them seamless connectivity from gate to gate.

“Especially on short-haul, this will really differentiate us from our competitors.”

Back in March, United Airlines also confirmed that they would be adding the free Wi-Fi service to more than 40 aircraft.

And Qatar Airways completed its installation of Starlink onboard its flights back in July – they even FaceTimed a flight attendant to show how fast it will be.

HORROR TOWN

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In other aviation news, a budget airline has slashed flights from a major UK airport in a scramble to cut costs.

Plus, a major airline with bunk beds onboard reveals plans to relaunch UK flights for the first time in five years.

An opulent stay in Venice

My husband and I stayed in a beautiful 500-year-old Venetian palazzo for just €100 for a double room. The exterior of Palazzo Abadessa, tucked away in the sleepy backstreets of the Cannaregio district, is low key enough, but the grandeur and opulence begin to hit your senses as you explore. First we strolled through the lush ornamental garden, then the huge entrance hall decorated with frescoes and Renaissance paintings going back to the golden age of Venice, lit by glittering Murano chandeliers. The reception area is furnished with an antique velvet armchair, perfect for sipping a prosecco or Venetian spritz. Back in the 16th century, the original owners provided Venice with two of its doges, and today the stone corridors and high-ceilinged rooms have a classy, noble air, as if the ghosts of Caravaggio or Tintoretto might appear any moment and begin painting. Breakfast of cappuccino and croissants in the courtyard served by the friendly owners was a delightful way to start the day.
April

An Italian cookery school in an old castle

Castello di Montalero, east of Turin in the heart of the Monferrato region of Piemont, is a beautiful building with history going back to the 11th century, though much of the present structure was built ​on the old castle foundations around 1700. It has been lovingly restored by the family who provide a fantastic residential cookery school, plus interesting outings and adventures. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Christine Mason

A beautifully restored manor in Romania

Sitting above the Romanian village of Mâlâncrav in Transylvania, the 18th-century Apafi Manor is a beautifully restored manor house next to one of the region’s most exquisite Saxon fortified churches. At the end of a lush forested valley, the grand but comfortable interiors by the British designer David Mlinaric feature historic local art and furniture, making you feel as if you have stepped into a 19th-century historical novel. Enjoy candlelit dinners on the veranda made by a cook from the village, and while away afternoons in the magnificent library. It sleeps up to nine, and reasonable prices make for an affordable and magical retreat.
Benjamin

A castle above the Danube in Germany

If you fancy going medieval, then this 13th-century castle perched on a cliff overlooking the Danube in Baden-Württemberg should satisfy. We arrived at Wildenstein Castle youth hostel via a punishing zigzag cycle up the near-vertical outcrop, having ridden from the grand old river’s source in the Black Forest. The whitewashed walls conceal a large courtyard with comfy rooms and a great tavern in a crypt. The panoramic setting provides brilliant views across the Upper Danube nature park and wonderful sunsets. It is reputedly haunted, and exploring the passages and alleyways for ghosts is great fun for all. The abundant breakfast had plenty of delicious pastries, fuel for the next leg of our cycle.
Matt Lunt

Stay in a pineapple in Scotland

It is hard to explain the Pineapple. Stay to appreciate this 18th-century tribute to a fruit and the rise and fall of an estate. It is perched on the Dunmore Estate near Stirling, and was the location of our first Landmark Trust holiday. One wing contains two bedrooms and a bathroom, separated from the simple kitchen and comfortable living room by the Pineapple tower. It’s certainly quirky – walking across the lawn to the loo was a novelty for four nights. It’s dog-friendly and sleeps four, with historic reading and logbooks dating back to 1970s offering entertainment in the absence of TV and wifi.
Berenice

First world war history in Belgium

In the city of Poperinge, one of the few Belgian towns that did not fall to the Germans in the first world war, Talbot House was transformed into a club to offer relief to British soldiers. The house has been very well preserved by knowledgeable volunteers, and the chapel in the attic is a very special place of remembrance. The rooms and breakfast are lovely and very much in the spirit of the original club.
Zoe Leonard

Courtyard apartments in Seville

Seville is steeped in historic hotels, but most were more than my budget. Corral del Conde was surprisingly affordable and near the city centre. It’s a 16th-century corral (although it has Mudéjar origins in the medieval period) – a traditional community of apartments around a courtyard, with shared ovens and laundry sinks – and it’s incredibly pretty. It is a particularly evocative place for any fans of Spanish golden age theatre, because stages would be built in these corrales and locals would watch performances from the wooden balconies. For contrast, it’s a short walk from the giant mushrooms of Las Setas, a very different (and more modern) structure made of wood.
Sarah Collings

An old station in Staffordshire

Our stay with children and older relatives at Alton station, a Landmark trust property in Staffordshire, was both exciting and relaxing. It has glorious Victorian features, including stunning Minton tiles, and one of the bedrooms was the ticket office. It is incredibly interesting for railway enthusiasts, and leisurely bike rides down the disused railway were enjoyed by all.
Esme

Fishers’ cabins in Norway

Touring the Lofoten and Vesteralen islands of Norway, we stayed in several historic fishers’ cabins, but the best place was a little wooden house in Andenes. It is traditionally furnished in 19th-century style and forms part of a small private museum. Alma House is redolent of a time when life for fishing communities was isolated and dangerous, but time at home was precious. Like many holiday rentals in Norway, you may have to share with other holidaymakers, but that only adds to the unique experience.
Noelle

Winning tip: Parador paradise in Spain

TRYING to figure out what to get someone for Christmas often feels like a part-time job – but if they love to travel, then they will love these finds for less than £15.

From frantic packers to document forgetters, travelling can sometimes be stressful.

On the other hand, it is the perfect time to indulge and get something for someone else that will make their holiday even more special.

Here are Sun Travel’s top gifts for under £15… bargain!

Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter

Important documents case

After leaving my home to catch a flight, I have already unzipped my bag to check I have my passport at least five times.

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But it can get lost in my bag, and often this is when the panic sets in.

Add to it trying to find you debit and credit cards, printed documents such as booking references and insurance and of course, once you’re at the airport, your boarding pass – it becomes a flustered nightmare.

All of this stress goes when you have a documents purse.

This sleek travel wallet from Amazon for just £13.98 is ideal.

It has several pouches and pockets for all your important bits, meaning they don’t get lost.

And the wrist strap means important documents are right in your hand.

Reusable travel cup

If you are anything like me, you will never be able to face the day or journey ahead without a good old cup of coffee.

And often, when I am rushing between airport, train, hotel and attractions, there is nothing I want more than a caffeine hit.

Paper cups just don’t do it for me – I am fed up of the dribbles down the side thanks to a loose fitting lid, having burnt hands when no coffee collars are available and of course, my drink going cold in a matter of seconds.

Husk’s reusable 12oz travel cup is simple and stylish.

It is made from the husks of coffee beans, hence the name and is super lightweight to throw in a bag.

The cup itself is super durable and keeps my coffee hot for much longer.

For £12, it’s a steal.

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter

Pretty hand luggage bag

After a series of unfortunate events in which my suitcase was misplaced twice during one trip, I’ve learned that one essential every holidaymaker needs is a sizable hand luggage bag.

Any seasoned traveller will know that to take just a handbag on a flight is unwise, especially if you’re taking a connecting flight.

You need at least a day’s worth of clothes and your essentials on the plane with you.

So a stylish bag for taking on the plane that you can slide under the seat in front of you is a great Christmas gift.

This one from Amazon fits airline dimensions of 40x20x25 and even has a separate compartment for shoes.

Or opt for this navy duffel bag which is water-repellent, tear-resistant with various pockets and strap options too.

And both are under £15.

World scratch map

Whether you know someone who is a casual jetsetter, loves a family holiday or a keen solo traveller, a scratch map is a great gift.

It’s incredibly satisfying to mark off everywhere you’ve been across the world, and if you get the right one, it can make for some fun wall art too.

Scratch The World Map Print from Not on the High Street is A2 size and has all the countries covered in gold until you scratch them off leaving colourful destinations underneath.

Plus, whoever you gift it to can even pop it in a frame and put it on the wall if they like – and it’s just £13.59.

Jenna Stevens, Travel Writer

Hot drinks flask

When you’re dragging yourself out of bed at 4am to catch a flight, a hot cup of coffee is essential to kick you into gear – especially if it is cold.

And if you’re choosing between downing a rushed cuppa out the door or forking out on an expensive airport latte, neither sound particularly appealing.

That’s where this simple gift becomes a travel lover’s saviour.

A reusable coffee flask is the underrated travel lover’s best friend.

From the airport journey, to filling up at the hotel for a day of exploring – and it’s especially handy for a caffeine hit mid-hike.

For skiers and snowboarders, a flask is a life saver when battle sub zero temps too.

Also, coffee shops like Pret a Manger and Starbucks discount your coffee if you bring your own cup – so they’ll be chuffed that you’re saving them money in the long run, too.

This bright choice from Smash is only £8.50 from Argos.

Power bank

Let’s be honest. No one is ever going to be mad that you’ve bought them a power bank.

It’s one of those gifts that can only be useful – whether you’re travelling, commuting, or stuck at a festival when your phone hits one per cent.

It’s a perfect choice for jet-setters, concert lovers and anyone who’s glued to Google Maps while exploring a new city.

A decent power bank means no more desperate searches for plug sockets in airports or cafés – and no missed photo ops because your phone’s dead.

It’s a small gadget that makes a big difference – the kind of gift they’ll be super thankful for when their phone survives a 12-hour travel day.

Just make sure that they are aware of the rules as to taking power banks on flights – they must be in your carry-on luggage, and some airlines don’t allow them.

This one from HMV is small and sleek, perfect to slide straight into your bag and it costs less than a tenner (£9.99).

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Lavender pillow spray

I have an overnight bag that I bring with me absolutely everywhere.

In it are several pairs of ear plugs, an eye mask and the most important (and giftable) item of all: lavender pillow spray.

As a self-confessed insomniac, there are few things that soothe me more ahead of a snooze than a cuppa and a spritz of my spray, whether that’s on an overnight flight or in an unfamiliar hotel room.

ThisWorks is my favourite brand, made from a dreamy combination of lavender, chamomile, and vetivert essential oils.

The mini 10ml spray costs just £10.80 in the Black Friday sale and is diddy enough to fit into a pocket.

For a more budget-friendly option, Feather & Down’s Sweet Dreams Pillow spray costs £8.

Packing cubes

Is your giftee a keen organiser?

If so, they’re sure to love a set of packing cubes.

I find them to be incredibly useful on short trips where I’m trying to cram a lot in.

They’re also great for more intrepid adventures where I’m travelling around a lot – that way I can keep track of where everything is without needing to fully unpack when I reach the hotel.

I use one for socks and underwear, one for trousers, one for tops and one for gym gear.

This Amazon bunch is an absolute steal at less than a tenner (£9.98) and it’s got a cube for everything: toiletries, shoe bag, cubes of varying sizes and even a laundry bag.

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Eye mask

If there is one thing I cannot do on a flight, it’s sleep.

And with my job taking me around the world 10+ times a year, I’ve tried everything to try and make that long-haul overnight flight easier.

But one game-changer I’ve found is ditching the travel pillow for an – albeit strange looking – eye mask that you attached to your head rest.

The contraption might look bizarre at first, but once you tie the straps around the seat behind you, it quickly looks like a normal eye mask.

Also padded, this means your head is kept in a much comfier upright position once you tie it around your head while blocking out any cabin light.

So if you care more about sleeping than how you look? Try this editor-approved bit of kit for just £9.99 on Amazon.

Toiletries set

I love to treat myself to a small kit of travel toiletries before I go on holiday, to get me in vacation mode.

And there are loads you can find for under £15 this Christmas that fit in your stocking.

There is the Space NK Caribbean Shores Body Duo, with body wash and lotion for £12, with smells that will take you straight to the beach.

Boots have both Sanctuary and Champneys travel essentials for £10 as well, with shower gels and moisturisers.

I wouldn’t blame you if you ended up keeping them for yourself this Christmas…

Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel

Travel gifts don’t have to just be for adults… these are all great stocking fillers, and I’ve tried and tested each of them on multiple trips with my child. 

Wikki Stix

These Wikki Stix are excellent for keeping kids occupied on planes.

You can mould them into all sorts of objects and animals and they pack away easily at the end for another use.

Plus, it’s super fun to use as an adult.

Pack of two for £13.99. 

Magnetic ball drawing board 

This magnetic ball drawing board has come on at least 20 holidays with my son, since he was just three years old. 

It’s great from an early age, as they don’t have to be good at drawing to create good designs.

Then as they get older, the creations can get more intricate.

As a family, we also play, guessing the drawing – where you have to guess quickest in order to have the next turn.

This works on planes, in cars, at restaurants – anywhere apart from the beach really. 

Available on Amazon from £6.99.

Magnetic chess board 

Ok, hear me out.

I never pictured myself as a chess player either.

But a friend taught my six year old a year ago and it has transformed mealtimes at restaurants on holiday. 

We’ve sat there for an hour as we battle it out, which gives me extra time to enjoy my wine. 

Definitely get a magnetic version though, as you’ll have a nightmare keeping track other the pieces otherwise. 

Available from £7.99 on Amazon. 

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If you fancy spending a little more money, you could get the item that travel reporter Cyann Fielding swears by – it’s a lifesaver and takes up very little room.

Or perhaps opt for the ‘high quality’ travel gadget that keeps your luggage safe – and means it will never get lost.

From ornately frescoed churches in Florence, to rock-hewn chapels in Greece, stained-glass filled sanctuaries in France or tiny seaside shrines in Cornwall, the UK and Europe has a stunning variety of churches and cathedrals. Whether it was a small rural discovery or a grandiose urban affair, we want to hear about favourite discoveries on your travels.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Tuesday 18 November at 10am GMT

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

An Edinburgh institution

W Armstrong in Edinburgh is a true institution. There are several locations, but the Grassmarket spot is a treasure trove. Frequented by locals, students and tourists alike, there is a price point for all. Whether I’ve been on the hunt for vintage cashmere, denim, fabulous 1950s dresses, garb for a fancy dress party or even a kilt, this store has sorted me out. It is always a favourite for when friends visit the city, and whether you are looking to buy or not, it is worth a visit just to see its eclectic collection.
Amy

An Erasmus exchange took me to Budapest, where I discovered a city full of vintage shops and flea markets. The city is dotted with Humana shops for staple wardrobe finds; there’s the Ecseri flea market for the more unusual (interspersed with the occasional plastic Stalin bust); plus chic, rambling stores like Szputnyik and Retrock Vintage – think racks of leather jackets and tulle tops among giant monstera plants. Antiques shops are also found tucked away, their contents spilling on to the pavements outside. A particularly favourite find was a set of intricate hand-painted embroidery layouts on kraft paper from the 1930s, each signed by the artist.
Katie

Lyon’s canalside treasure trove