feels

It’s hard to believe this stunning town is within the UK, and it’s the perfect place for Brits to get away

Tucked away in North Devon, this charming town offers a seaside escape with views so breathtaking it’s been likened to Switzerland.

Lynton & Lynmouth is famed for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, attracting Brits who are keen to experience its unique environment, which feels worlds away from the rest of England. Indeed, its spectacular waterfalls and expansive landscapes could easily be mistaken for those found in a mountainous European town, rather than a British coastal resort.

These vistas can be admired from the famous Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, offering families the opportunity to ascend high into the mountains. This isn’t your average railway – it’s multi-award-winning, having first opened its doors in 1890 as the steepest and highest entirely water-powered railway in the world.

The cliff railway itself is a major draw for tourists, nestled in the heart of Exmoor National Park. It seamlessly connects the towns of Lynton and Lynmouth, providing unforgettable coastal views that will stay etched in your memory forever.

Its iconic structure is one of only three of its kind globally and remains a grade II listed building. With regular services throughout the day, waiting times are typically short, and prices are reasonable at just £3.75 for adults and £2.25 for children, reports the Express.

One holidaymaker took to TripAdvisor to share their delightful experience, writing: “Had an amazing time here, Lynton is a town with shops and beautiful scenery. You have the cliff railway to Lynmouth village that took my breath away. It was an overwhelmingly little village that definitely had little Switzerland feel.”

Another traveller added: “Excellent village and fantastic view; you can feel like you’re in a small village in Switzerland, and the village is absolutely free compared with Clovelly, where you have to pay to see the village.

“When you get to Lynton, you have to go by Cliff Railway, which will cost you around 11 pounds for a family of four but is absolutely worth it.”

The charming twin villages are nestled within Exmoor National Park, a haven of tranquillity and serenity. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views of babbling brooks and deep valleys or yearning for a sense of adventure, the national park caters to all.

Tucked away within the park are several stunning waterfalls, reminiscent of those found across the picturesque landscapes in Switzerland. Two particularly renowned ones are Watersmeet, nestled quietly within woodland and coastal trails.

However, to witness them in their full splendour, it’s best to visit after a heavy downpour.

A visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “A walk down steeply wooded paths, with many seats along the way to stop and admire the place, to a magical meeting of two rivers and waterfalls. A charming house, now a cafe, offers delicious food, and there are many trails to explore.”

TORONTO — As Shohei Ohtani leads a wave of international baseball popularity, major league officials are working with the players’ union and LA28 officials to conclude an agreement for major league players to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

The concepts on the table include an extended Olympic break during the 2028 season, which could include an All-Star Game in San Francisco to keep baseball’s best players on the West Coast for two weeks rather than shuttling them around the country, and an Olympic baseball schedule that could start before the opening ceremony.

There is no final deal. But, for the first time over years of discussions, commissioner Rob Manfred said publicly that the owners have stopped wavering about whether to interrupt the major league season for a week so that baseball’s biggest stars can play in the Olympics.

“I am positive about it,” Manfred said Saturday at the World Series. “I think the owners have crossed the line in terms of, we’d like to do it if we can possibly make it work, but there are logistical issues that still need to be worked through.”

Manfred suggested that major leaguers participating in the Olympics might be a one-time event. Stopping the season for one week and flying players to Los Angeles, he said, would be very different than stopping the season for two weeks in 2032 and flying players to Australia.

“The chances that we’re playing in Brisbane? Difficult,” Manfred said. ‘“Way more difficult than being in L.A.”

Manfred said the World Baseball Classic would “remain our centerpiece” for international competition. With a Canadian team in the World Series, and with Ohtani as the face of the sport, ratings and merchandise sales are soaring outside the United States.

In the Olympics, Ohtani would play at Dodger Stadium.

“Shohei has just absolutely been the greatest benefit to the game you can imagine throughout the year,” Manfred said. “In the LCS, he had probably the greatest game of all time, and we are fortunate to have him here in the World Series.”

IF you miss the 1990s, then there is a place in Europe where you can feel like you are back there.

Sitting on the shores of Lake Altausseer in Austria is a small village of Altaussee that’s home to less than 2,000 people.

While it might be small, the village is mighty and there’s plenty still to do there, including a big annual festival.

The village hosts an annual beer festival called Altausseer Bierzelt where you can expect traditional Austrian food, beer, and music.

Each year the Oktoberfest-style experience appears in a tent with locals wearing Lederhosen and Dirndl and brass bands play.

One visitor said: “Altausseer Bierzelt feels like stepping back in time; it’s basically Oktoberfest as it was 30 years ago.

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“Smaller crowds, authentic traditions, and a truly breathtaking backdrop.”

Outside of this, visitors can explore the lake with hikes having incredible views of the towering Loser mountain.

Brown and white alpine-style houses as well as churches and waterfalls can be spotted along the way.

One of the other things to do in the village is head on a salt mine tour where you also get to see the former Nazi Stolen Art Repository, with deep tunnels and even slides in the mine.

If you are visiting during the winter season, there is the ski resort of Loser, which boasts around 29km of slopes with all levels of difficulty.

The village has a few restaurants to choose from including Schneiderwirt, which features an ornate wooden facade and serves comfort dishes.

As for where to stay, accommodation ranges from boutique alpine hotels to guesthouses and family-run inns, many within easy walking distance of the festival.

The easiest way to get to the village is by flying to Salzburg and then hopping on a train for just under two hours.

Flights to Salzburg cost as little as £30 return and from the UK takes an hour and 55 minutes.

Discover more on Salzburg from Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley who visited the city and discovered mountain top fortresses.

To entertain children, one spot you have to see is the Toy Museum where kids can construct palaces, test marble runs and draw in the chalkboard caves.

And hear more about the places where she found tasty Austrian dishes and sweet treats like Salzburger Nockerl.

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THE TEMPUS, Northumberland is a hotel surrounded by natural serenity and an immersive, sophisticated experience. 

Here’s everything you need to know – from room rates to dining options at the hotel’s restaurant.

Where is the hotel?

Located just 7 miles from Alnwick and just off the A1, The Tempus is just 12 miles from the nearest station in Alnmouth, where taxis can be arranged for an easy journey. 

What is the hotel like?

Sparkling blue sea, rolling sand dunes and sunshine beating down on glorious ancient ruins. I could be on an island in the Med.

But this was a plush hotel in Northumberland.

The barns of this 18th century estate have been tastefully converted into 32 rooms. 

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What are the rooms like?

Inspired by Alice In Wonderland, the Superior King with a Terrace was decorated with eye popping hot-pink walls, a comfy sofa and two armchairs, alongside a gorgeous gold and marble coffee table.

The bathroom was huge with multiple lighting options, giving guests the choice of a disco shower, while rooms come with a Nespresso machine and biscuits, as well as dressing gowns and slippers.

Double rooms cost from £195 on a B&B basis.

What is there to eat or drink there?

 A gastro pub-style menu at the hotel’s Orangery restaurant combines hearty with sophisticated dining and features favourites such as burrata, succulent beef burgers and salty chips.

I had a veggie ragu pasta while my partner Jonah devoured lamb coupled with shepherd’s pie, followed by a delicious cheese board.

For brekkie, guests can pick a range of cooked options or there’s a continental buffet.

What else is there to do at the hotel?

There are some excellent walks on your doorstep, including a four hour coastal hike, starting at Embleton and ending at the grandiose Bamburgh Castle.

Relatively flat, the trek winds through villages that have lovely cafes and pubs.

We also enjoyed an evening in Alnwick town, which features an array of characterful boozers filled with friendly, chatty locals.

Absolutely a place to go back to. Owners Judith and Nigel were a delight. 

Is the hotel family friendly?

Yes, there are dog-friendly rooms available, as well as family suites. 

Is the hotel accessible?

Yes, The Tempus Northumberland offers ground floor rooms, accessible accommodation and accessible dining spaces.

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Additionally, there are plenty of ramps making movement around the site easier. 

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

LAS VEGAS — Aaron Mahan is a lifelong Republican who twice voted for Donald Trump.

He had high hopes putting a businessman in the White House and, although he found the president’s monster ego grating, Mahan voted for his reelection. Mostly, he said, out of party loyalty.

By 2024, however, he’d had enough.

“I just saw more of the bad qualities, more of the ego,” said Mahan, who’s worked for decades as a food server on and off the Las Vegas Strip. “And I felt like he was at least partially running to stay out of jail.”

Mahan couldn’t bring himself to support Kamala Harris. He’s never backed a Democrat for president. So when illness overtook him on election day, it was a good excuse to stay in bed and not vote.

He’s no Trump hater, Mahan said. “I don’t think he’s evil.” Rather, the 52-year-old calls himself “a Trump realist,” seeing the good and the bad.

Here’s Mahan’s reality: A big drop in pay. Depletion of his emergency savings. Stress every time he pulls into a gas station or visits the supermarket.

Mahan used to blithely toss things in his grocery cart. “Now,” he said, “you have to look at prices, because everything is more expensive.”

In short, he’s living through the worst combination of inflation and economic malaise he’s experienced since he began waiting tables after finishing high school.

Views of the 47th president, from the ground up

Las Vegas lives on tourism, the industry irrigated by rivers of disposable income. The decline of both has resulted in a painful downturn that hurts all the more after the pent-up demand and go-go years following the crippling COVID-19 shutdown.

Over the last 12 months, the number of visitors has dropped significantly and those who do come to Las Vegas are spending less. Passenger arrivals at Harry Reid International Airport, a short hop from the Strip, have declined and room nights, a measure of hotel occupancy, have also fallen.

Mahan, who works at the Virgin resort casino just off the Strip, blames the slowdown in large part on Trump’s failure to tame inflation, his tariffs and pugnacious immigration and foreign policies that have antagonized people — and prospective visitors — around the world.

“His general attitude is, ‘I’m going to do what I’m going to do, and you’re going to like it or leave it.’ And they’re leaving it,” Mahan said. “The Canadians aren’t coming. The Mexicans aren’t coming. The Europeans aren’t coming in the way they did. But also the people from Southern California aren’t coming the way they did either.”

Mahan has a way of describing the buckling blow to Las Vegas’ economy. He calls it “the Trump slump.”

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Mahan was an Air Force brat who lived throughout the United States and, for a time, in England before his father retired from the military and started looking for a place to settle.

Mahan’s mother grew up in Sacramento and liked the mountains that ring Las Vegas. They reminded her of the Sierra Nevada. Mahan’s father had worked intermittently as a bartender. It was a skill of great utility in Nevada’s expansive hospitality industry.

So the desert metropolis it was.

Mahan was 15 when his family landed. After high school, he attended college for a time and started working in the coffee shop at the Barbary Coast hotel and casino. He then moved on to the upscale Gourmet Room. The money was good; Mahan had found his career.

From there he moved to Circus Circus and then, in 2005, the Hard Rock hotel and casino, where he’s been ever since. (In 2018, Virgin Hotels purchased the Hard Rock.)

Mahan, who’s single with no kids, learned to roll with the vicissitudes of the hospitality business. “As a food server, there’s always going to be slowdowns and takeoffs,” he said over lunch at a dim sum restaurant in a Las Vegas strip mall.

Mahan socked money away during the summer months and hunkered down in the slow times, before things started picking up around the New Year. He weathered the Great Recession, from 2007 to 2009, when Nevada led the nation in foreclosures, bankruptcies soared and tumbleweeds blew through Las Vegas’ many overbuilt, financially underwater subdivisions.

This economy feels worse.

Over the last 12 months, Las Vegas has drawn fewer visitors and those who have come are spending less.

(David Becker / For The Times)

With tourism off, the hotel where Mahan works changed from a full-service coffee shop to a limited-hour buffet. So he’s no longer waiting tables. Instead, he mans a to-go window, making drinks and handing food to guests, which brings him a lot less in tips. He estimates his income has fallen $2,000 a month.

But it’s not just that his paychecks have grown considerably skinnier. They don’t go nearly as far.

Gasoline. Eggs. Meat. “Everything,” Mahan said, “is costing more.”

An admitted soda addict, he used to guzzle Dr Pepper. “You’d get three bottles for four bucks,” Mahan said. “Now they’re $3 each.”

He’s cut back as a result.

Worse, his air conditioner broke last month and the $14,000 that Mahan spent replacing it — along with a costly filter he needs for allergies — pretty much wiped out his emergency fund.

It feels as though Mahan is just barely getting by and he’s not at all optimistic things will improve anytime soon.

“I’m looking forward,” he said, to the day Trump leaves office.

::

Mahan considers himself fairly apolitical. He’d rather knock a tennis ball around than debate the latest goings-on in Washington.

He likes some of the things Trump has accomplished, such as securing the border with Mexico — though Mahan is not a fan of the zealous immigration raids scooping up landscapers and tamale vendors.

He’s glad about the no-tax-on-tips provision in the massive legislative package passed last spring, though, “I’m still being taxed at the same rate and there’s no extra money coming in right now.” He’s waiting to see what happens when he files his tax return next year.

He’s not counting on much. “I’m never convinced of anything,” Mahan said. “Until I see it.”

Something else is poking around the back of his mind.

Mahan is a shop steward with the Culinary Union, the powerhouse labor organization that’s helped make Las Vegas one of the few places in the country where a waiter, such as Mahan, can earn enough to buy a home in an upscale suburb like nearby Henderson. (He points out that he made the purchase in 2012 and probably couldn’t afford it in today’s economy.)

Mahan worries that once Trump is done targeting immigrants, federal workers and Democratic-run cities, he’ll come after organized labor, undermining one of the foundational building blocks that helped him climb into the middle class.

“He is a businessman and most businesspeople don’t like dealing with unions,” Mahan said.

There are a few bright spots in Las Vegas’ economic picture. Convention bookings are up slightly for the year, and look to be strengthening. Gaming revenues have increased year-over-year. The workforce is still growing.

“This community’s streets are not littered with people that have been laid off,” said Jeremy Aguero, a principal analyst with Applied Analysis, a firm that provides economic and fiscal policy counsel in Las Vegas.

“The layoff trends, unemployment insurance, they’ve edged up,” Aguero said. “But they’re certainly not wildly elevated in comparison to other periods of instability.”

That, however, offers small solace for Mahan as he makes drinks, hands over takeout food and carefully watches his wallet.

If he knew then what he knows now, what would the Aaron of 2016 — the one so full of hope for a Trump presidency — say to the Aaron of today?

Mahan paused, his chopsticks hovering over a custard dumpling.

“Prepare,” he said, “for a bumpy ride.”

A Christmas lover has highlighted a festive event that they think could be the ‘most underrated’ in London

It’s not long now until Christmas celebrations kick off across the country, with festive markets, ice rinks, and the like returning to many cities and towns. In London, there will be no shortage of family-friendly events for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit.

2025 also sees the return of a festive fayre that’s been described as “the most underrated Christmas market in London.” The Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre returns for two weekends in December, running between December 5-7 and 12-14.

One previous visitor who shared high praise for the event recommended the ticketed event in a social media video. Posting on TikTok as @travelfromessex, the blogging duo wrote: “If you are planning on hitting a London Christmas market this year make it Hampton Court Palaces Festive Fayre!

“In our opinion it’s the most underrated Christmas market in London! Running on 5-7 & 12-14 December 2025, book your ticket now. You can wander the palace & grounds during your visit too! It makes you feel like you have travelled back in time. Enjoy festive stalls, food & drinks as well as live entertainment.”

The post racked up over 5k likes, and viewers loved the recommendation. Someone replied: “Oh I can’t wait for this!!!” A viewer praised: “Looks amazing.” Another fan said: Definitely need to go!”

According to Hampton Court Palace’s website, the fayre features over one hundred artisan producers, with Henry VIII’s palace serving as the backdrop. The event page states: “Experience a ‘truly magical day’ at this year’s Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre.

“This much-loved Christmas shopping event is back for two unforgettable weekends, hosted entirely in the stunning Great Fountain Garden of Henry VIII’s famous palace. There is no better way to kick off a festive season to remember!

“Don’t miss an unforgettable festive day out with your loved ones. Eat, shop and be merry at this spectacular palace. Visit on Fridays to save on entry. Return on the second weekend to discover even more independent stallholders, with members visiting for free. Included in your ticket, why not also explore the grand palace, 60 acre gardens and famous maze.” Adult tickets start from £28.

Hampton Court Palace has thousands of reviews on TripAdvisor, with many mentioning the festive fayre. For example, one previous visitor said: “This place, in my opinion, is simply magical. It is just a privilege to walk around this stunning place. We kicked off our festive activities by visiting the Palace, the Christmas fayre, followed by ice-skating.

“Yes, a lot of things are expensive, but I considered this as a treat; we ate several times from the wonderful stalls. We are Royal Palaces Members so enjoyed benefits there of course. We all came away with smiles on our faces. Lovely staff.”

Another wrote: “We have membership to the royal palaces, but this was our first year attending the 3 day Festive Fayre event. It was absolutely wonderful.

“The courtyards are filled with stalls, offering everything from craft gins and beers, to wonderful trinkets and gifts and every cuisine under the sun. Once the sun started to set, the fairy lights in the courtyards made the experience even more magical.”

EVER wondered what Thailand might have looked like in the ‘90s, years before the first selfie was snapped or before travel influencers descended in droves?

When I landed on the shores of Koh Yao Yai this August, I got a first hand glimpse.

Just 20 minutes away from Phuket’s tourist-choked roads and party-hopping beaches, this peaceful little paradise in the heart of Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay feels frozen in time – almost as if it’s
veiled by a ‘90s sepia-toned filter.

Life moves slowly here, carried by the chorus of tropical
cicadas and the gentle lull of the sea.

Meaning “big long island,” Koh Yao Yai drifts in relative anonymity between Phuket and Krabi.

The afternoon I arrived on the island by speedboat, I wandered along the empty stretch of Loh Pared Beach, feeling a bit like young Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach, eyes wide as he stumbled upon a deserted Maya Bay for the first time.

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Ironically, today, Maya Bay remains packed with tourists, while this secret spot, just two ferries away, brims with the kind of charm that time forgot.

What To Do in Koh Yao Yai

Enjoy Sidecar Rides Along Phang Nga Bay

One of the best things to do on the island is hit the roads on a 110cc scooter and drift aimlessly through its fishing villages.

I loved drinking in the sights of island life as they whizzed past: water buffalos wallowing in muddy fields, sparkling sea views layered with limestone karsts, and stilt-propped homes in shades of pink, and blue.

Many hotels and local motorbike operators rent scooters for as little as £6 (฿300) a day.

You can also hire a vintage-style scooter with a sidecar – a fun way to get around these parts – if you fancy a romantic twist to your island holiday.

Take a Batik Painting Class By The Sea

Across the hill from Klong Hia Pier, a local batik shop offers a relaxing afternoon escape from the island’s heat-hazed beaches.

When I visited Batik De Ko Yao, the instructor Lai led me to a bench overlooking the sea and guided me through the basics of batik painting.

The entire process, from tracing the design with molten wax to brushing it with vibrant dyes, was surprisingly meditative.

Once done, Lai dyed and proofed the piece before packing it up for me to take home.

Explore Crowd-Free Beaches

The beaches of Koh Yao Yai are starkly empty save for ghost crabs scuttling in and out of flint-coloured sand, or the occasional longtail boat with locals out fishing.

Especially worth visiting is Laem Haad beach, where the tide retreats beyond the shore each morning, revealing a serpentine sandbar that’s fun to walk across.

From there, you can spot the island’s smaller sibling, Koh Yao Noi.

In the evenings, watch the sun smear the skies in orange-pink hues at Loh Pared Beach, a soft white-sand cove on the island’s western end.

Another excellent spot is the Klong Son beach, where I arrived after braving a rocky road flanked by rubber trees.

The sun was blazing, the water warm, and although I craved a cold
drink, I was pleased to see that there were no shops or shacks lining the beach.

Take a Mangrove Tour

The island’s mangrove routes are perfect for relaxed and low-impact activities like kayaking.

Local guides lead you through canopied mangrove forests and sunlit lagoons in southern Koh Yao Yai, where you can spot a variety of indigenous wildlife – from mudskippers and tree snakes to monitor lizards and tropical birds – as you kayak through the waters.

Where To Eat and Drink

Koh Yao Yai is home to a predominantly Muslim population, which means bars and booze shops are rare – but not impossible to find.

Small, family-run shacks also dot the island, serving fragrant Massaman and Panang curries with rice, spicy salads, and Thai specialties for as little as £3 to £4 per plate, or under £20 for a meal for two.

One local favourite is Isaan Fine1, which has a bar menu serving cheap Thai beers like Singha, Leo, and Chang’s for just £3 a pop.

While you’re here, make sure to fill up on pad thai, drunken noodles, and fresh Thai salads, too.

Another spot to enjoy drinks, grub, and music after a day out is Gypsy, a rustic island-style shack on the far end of Loh Pared Beach.

Sink your toes into the sand while you enjoy a cold beer or a mojito for just under £5.

For a more elevated experience with bay views, head over to the Jetinn Sunset at Pier at the Santhiya Resort.

Open from 5p.m to 7 p.m. daily, this overwater bar offers a lively sundowner vibe with panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay.

Cocktails are a bit pricier than elsewhere, but the vibe and views more than make up for it.

Where To Stay

If you don’t mind the splurge, lavish retreats like the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai and Anantara Koh Yao Yai offer idyllic sea-view villas and suites from £140 and £275 per night.

For a more laidback stay, the Thiwson Beach Resort offers rustic bungalows overlooking the sea from just £70 a night.

A short walk away, the Better View Resort has sea view rooms for £84 a night.

If you prefer to keep it simple and stretch your stay, budget-friendly options like the Koh Yao Beach Front are excellent.

Located steps away from the Laem Haad beach sandbar, you can rent breezy bamboo huts here for as little as £27 a night.

Tucked further inland, the Patcharin Homestay and Bahnwalee offer clean wooden cottages between £20-£30 a night.

Wherever you stay, Koh Yao Yai presents a glimpse of Thailand as it once was: unhurried, unfiltered, and magical.

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If you are still looking for holidays in Thailand, then you could go kayaking, hiking, have cooking classes and zip-line in the Thai city that is top place to visit next year.

Plus, the Thai island Brits have no idea exists that is like going back in time – and loved by famous footballer.

FEARNE Cotton has admitted she’s not sleeping well and her brain “feels a bit wobbly” – after it was revealed her paedo ex Ian Watkins was killed in prison. 

Two prisoners serving time at HMP Wakefield were arrested this week for the alleged murder of the shamed Lostprophets singer after he was stabbed to death. 

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Fearne, 44, was rumoured to be dating Ian – who was 48 at the time of his death – in 2005, before he was jailed for 29 years in 2013 for offences including abusing babies.

Now the presenter has opened up about the struggles she’s been facing recently. 

Writing on Instagram, Fearne said: “Four life lessons from this week. 

“I’m not sleeping well. My brain is a bit wobbly at the moment but I’m grasping the lessons life is chucking my way.”

Fearne was flooded with support from followers and friends, including fellow presenter Holly Willoughby. 

Holly, 44, commented: “Love you Cotton Chops.” 

The two stars, who have been friends for 17 years after starting their careers hosting kids’ TV, are said to have reconnected last year after drifting apart. 

They worked together on Celebrity Juice but reportedly grew apart when Fearne quit the show in 2018. 

Meanwhile Ian is understood to have been ambushed and stabbed as inmates were allowed out of their cells.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed Watkins had died after being “seriously assaulted”.

The force said: “Detectives have charged two men with murder after the death of a prisoner at HMP Wakefield on Saturday.

“Ian Watkins, 48, was pronounced dead after being seriously assaulted at HMP Wakefield on Saturday morning(11 October).

“Rashid Gedel, 25, and Samuel Dodsworth, 43, both of HMP Wakefield have both been charged with murder.

“They are due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court this morning.”

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Price felt he “didn’t play well” in the 3-1 win away to Luxembourg when his early penalty was saved despite Jamie Reid tucking away the rebound.

However, he responded with a goal against Germany to bring his international tally to 10 and credits manager Michael O’Neill for giving him the confidence to bounce back against the four-time world champions.

“It’s about not getting too high when things are going well or getting too low when they aren’t,” he said.

“The Luxembourg game I missed a penalty, didn’t play well and was coming off a low point but then you play against Germany.

“The night before, Michael came over and said ‘forget about what happened the other night, you’ll go and do something tomorrow’ and it happened. Michael has been around so long he’ll have seen it with other players, so it was a great feeling to get one against Germany.”

The 22-year-old is part of the new crop of Northern Ireland players bidding to reach a major finals for the first time since Euro 2016 when O’Neill was in his first stint as manager.

However, he believes the “maturity” in the camp can help them through the upcoming games.

“The ground and the fans will be electric, but it’s about staying calm and composed because if you let the occasion get to you, it’s never the best thing.

“We’ve the right level of maturity in the group and players who have been there before, so they can help us.

“I hope they (opposition) realise we have a good young side and every team comes here fears it as they should do.”

Swinbrook is a village that has stood the test of time and has maintained its pretty countryside appeal.

Oxfordshire, brimming with history and lush landscapes, is perched on the edge of the Cotswolds, making it a prime location for picture-perfect villages.

As city dwellers increasingly yearn for a break from the urban grind, this county offers an ideal retreat for a tranquil weekend in the countryside.

If you’re seeking rolling hills and charming villages this summer, Oxfordshire is your destination.

With its stunning Cotswold hamlets, traditional British pubs and more, there’s a plethora of attractions at your disposal.

It’s no surprise that numerous celebrities opt to make their homes in the verdant Oxfordshire countryside.

With spacious houses, ample land, and nature right on your doorstep, the allure of these villages is clear.

One such village that has retained its bucolic charm over time is Swinbrook, reports Oxfordshire Live.

The village’s serene and enchanting character is further underscored by the 2011 Census, which recorded a minuscule population of just 139.

Nestled along the River Windrush, Swinbrook is renowned for its stone buildings and wall that have seemingly remained untouched for generations

This quintessential English village boasts a beautiful church, a wooden pavilion, and a local pub dating back to the 17th century.

With a stone bridge spanning the river, you’ll feel as though time has stood still in this idyllic setting.

The beloved local pub and restaurant, The Swan Inn, enjoys tremendous popularity amongst both residents and tourists, earning recognition from The Guardian as one of the top 20 establishments of its type situated beside water.

Visitors can also book overnight accommodation, with several bedrooms available on the premises.

The Guardian praised the Swan, declaring: “The perfect-picture book Cotswold pub with bantam hens under the apple trees and sturdy tables on the banks of the Windrush river.

“It has a legendary Sunday lunch (booking is essential) with all the meat sourced locally, and there are 11 bedrooms between a cottage and a converted stable block.”

AUTUMN weather can be challenging to dress for, but M&S just restocked a fashion bestseller for beating the showers.

Shoppers have been raving about the stylish outerwear, comparing it to Burberry’s £1,300 designer parka jacket.

M&S’ Stormwear Car Coat, £65

M&S’ Stormwear Car Coat has a water-resistant design for protection against the elements, along with practical internal and external pockets.

It features a structured collar and relaxed raglan sleeves that give an effortlessly put-together feel, finished with tortoiseshell buttons.

It bares a resemblance to the iconic Burberry Parka Jacket, but for a fraction of the price.

The £59 high-street buy comes in navy and cream colours, but stock is selling seriously fast.

Launching on the Marks & Spencer website earlier this year, the coat has been constantly selling out.

The navy version is finally fully stocked, while the cream colourway is available in select sizes.

Finding a raincoat that actually looks stylish can sometimes feel impossible, but M&S has nailed it with its lightweight but practical staple.

M&S’ Stormwear Car Coat, £65

The fashion find could be thrown on with everything from jeans and heeled boots to leggings and trainers for dog walks.

It has a sophisticated design that could also be worn for formal occasions, including wide-leg trousers and loafers for days in the office.

Lighter jackets are perfect for this time of year, as they offer an extra layer that’s still lightweight enough to feel comfortable in.

M&S has been dropping plenty of viral hit after hit lately, including its Checked Collared Short Jacket, which is currently marked as the top bestseller.

Several TikTok users have been showing off the stylish number, and the stock appears to be flying off the shelves.

As for the popular Stormwear Car Coat, over 1,000 shoppers have given it a five-star rating.

One reviewer wrote: “Smart, stylish raincoat that’s lightweight and easy to wear. 

M&S Checked Collared Jacket, £60

It’s loose enough to go over a jumper, or you could size down for a fitted look. 

I love the pockets, buttons and back slit, and it’s great value.”

Another added: “Such a great price for this coat, it’s very smart and the material is of good quality. 

I have gone down a size based on what people have stated in previous reviews and it’s true, you need to size down for a perfect fit. 

I wear it to work and it’s perfect for this weather.”

While I’m yet to try the high-street raincoat for myself, I did put M&S’ viral trench coat to the test — and I can confirm its also a winner for autumn (if you can fight to get your hands on the remaining stock).

If you’re still struggling to find the right outerwear for the new season, read Fabulous’ roundup of the best coats for autumn for inspiration.

The lack of incisiveness in Martin’s team is remarkable for a set of players put together for a relative king’s ransom.

We’re told that Rangers’ net spend this summer has been £21m, including transfer fees and loan payments. You could put a dot between the 2 and the 1 and still wonder if they’ve got value.

They had Youssef Chermiti up front, a 21-year-old brought in from Everton at a cost of £8m.

It’s easy to bash the young striker, but he didn’t lack hunger or work-rate. What he lacked was a modicum of a chance, a sniff at goal. Just one.

The life of a Rangers centre-forward is a lonely existence right now. Isolated and joyless. They’re on their own up there. Sink or sink would appear to be the range of their options.

Diomande’s moment of madness was the last thing Martin needed, but it was Martin who picked him and it was Martin who picked others who struggled to make passes.

It was Martin, again, whose management of this team produced very little threat while giving up big chances even when it was 11 versus 11.

His midfielder let him down on Thursday, and on other days and nights it was others who let him down, didn’t show enough leadership, failed to make a difference.

The cast of characters on that front is long and thunderously unimpressive.

Martin gets filleted but the Rangers players can’t escape censure here. A lot of this mess is down to the manager, but not all of it.

He said the red changed the game and he was correct, but there’s always something – players being anxious, a red card, a penalty not given, another decision given in error. There’s a fatalism about all of this.

And on Sunday they have a trip to Livingston. Plastic pitch, canny manager, physical team motivated to the high heavens. A gauntlet awaits this meek Rangers outfit.

Betws-y-Coed in north Wales is a beautiful town surrounded by craggy mountains, peaceful lakes, and lush woodlands – making it an ideal spot for an autumn break

As autumn slowly makes its arrival, those planning to have a seasonal getaway may want to look towards Wales. With autumn’s fresh air, the crackling leaves beneath your feet, Wales’s stunning landscapes transform into a brilliant tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds.

The country is home to countless autumnal destinations where you can marvel at spectacular foliage, enjoy steaming hot chocolates in welcoming cafés, and explore independent shops for seasonal delights. One picturesque town is Betws-y-Coed, with its distinctive alpine atmosphere and delightful stone structures and bridges.

Regarded as the entrance to Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), its name translates to “prayerhouse-in-the-woods” and is believed to derive from the 14th-century St. Michael’s Church, where ancient yew trees have flourished for over 500 years.

For generations, St. Michael’s Church served as Betws-y-Coed’s vital centre until the settlement expanded, and, in 1873, St. Mary’s Church arrived with its impressive scale to assume control. Both places of worship and the railway terminus, constructed in 1869, were crafted by Owen Gethin Jones – quite the regional icon.

The introduction of transport links and rail connections proved transformative for Betws, drawing artists, poets, and authors to the region, captivated by the invigorating atmosphere and woodland panoramas. It wasn’t long before Betws-y-Coed established itself as Britain’s inaugural artists’ settlement, where artistic expression flourished.

By the Victorian era, this quaint village had transformed into a posh tourist hotspot for affluent visitors seeking wellness and relaxation.

Hotels began to pop up, offering horse-drawn tours to showcase Betws’ stunning beauty. Fast forward to the 1930s, steam trains started transporting factory workers from Lancashire to Betws-y-Coed for a much-needed break from urban life.

The Trefriw Spa became a massive attraction, drawing in crowds of visitors. Paddle steamers even moored at Trefriw Quay, adding to the village’s allure, until the outbreak of World War II sadly brought everything to a standstill in 1939.

Today, Betws is at the centre of all the action in Eryri, with a plethora of nearby activities including waterfall walks, canyoning, hiking, and ziplining.

Gwydir Forest Park practically envelops Betws-y-Coed, offering a magical blend of tranquil mountain lakes, woodland paths and frothing waterfalls cascading through the wild Welsh landscape.

Several trails are located in this area, so download the handy AllTrails app to find your preferred route and enjoy the dazzling foliage as you trek along.

Embark on the two-mile-long Swallow Falls walk to see the cascading falls. This often muddy trail meanders through woodland to a viewpoint over the waterfall – you get a fantastic view from this side of the river, so don’t forget your camera.

For adrenaline junkies, Zip World is a family-friendly adventure hub nestled inside a beautiful woodland that looks absolutely stunning in autumn.

Fancy a thrilling woodland adventure? You can jump on the UK’s only alpine coaster and whizz through the trees at 25mph right here. The rugged glacial valleys and craggy canyons around Betws-y-Coed are perfect for bracing water adventures.

For those seeking an adrenaline kick, canyoning and gorge walking are a must. With Seren Ventures, you can scramble through river-filled canyons, abseil down cliffs, and even zipline across rivers.

Betws-y-Coed isn’t just about outdoor pursuits; it’s also home to charming Victorian architecture and Swallow Falls at Ty’n Llwyn – often dubbed North Wales’ most picturesque spot, with a backdrop that could easily double as a film set.

But it’s not just the scenery that’s captivating; the falls are steeped in local folklore, adding an extra layer of charm to this already enchanting place.

Here, the River Conwy meets three tributaries – the Llugwy, Lledr, and Machno – flowing in from the west, creating a dramatic mix of waterfalls, rapids, and deep, mysterious pools. The natural beauty is absolutely spellbinding.

Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) are just a 15-minute drive from Betws, and you can park at the Ty’n Llwyn car park in Gwydir Forest Park, which is a starting point for a walking trail to the falls.

Alternatively, parking is available in the nearby lay-by on the A5. You can also take the regular Snowdon Sherpa S1 (Betws-y-Coed to Caernarfon) and T10 (Betws-y-Coed to Bangor) bus services.

Once you get there, you’ll encounter a coin or card-operated turnstile to gain access to the viewing area for the falls. For just £2 per person, you can enter the viewing areas, which are only a short stroll from the turnstiles.

The sound of the falls will likely reach your ears before the sight does, as the thunderous noise of the white water cascading over the rocks pierces the tranquil woodland.

You can admire the falls from timber boardwalks and a footbridge, with platform access in a gently steep gorge. There’s no need for an extensive hike; simply amble to the platforms and start capturing some stunning fall photos.

The falls are made up of multiple cascades, adding up to approximately 42 m (138 ft) in height, tumbling over a stepped rocky platform and hold the title of the highest continuous waterfall in Wales.

It’s one of the most accessible and picturesque falls in Wales and is definitely worth a visit this autumn.

Worked up a hunger after all that waterfall gazing? Make your way to the newly revamped Swallow Falls Hotel just across the road. This delightful old inn has been a welcoming spot for travellers and locals for over 150 years, and now, following a swanky multi-million-pound refurbishment, it’s looking better than ever.

Expect cosy pub vibes, comfortable rooms, and relaxed food and drink served all day, every day. It’s the ideal place to recharge with a pint and a pub lunch.

Back in the village, there are plenty of dining and drinking choices. For authentic excellent pizza, Hangin’ Pizzeria is a brilliant choice for traditional Italian pizzas topped with inventive ingredients.

Dog-friendly Y Stablau is a delightful venue for local ales, hearty portions crafted with Welsh ingredients, and a selection of bespoke cocktails. It’s ideal for relaxing after a big day of hiking or canyoning.

Upmarket B&B Olif boasts an onsite tapas bar that combines Spanish tapas and traditional Welsh fare to deliver a cracking menu of small plates packed with locally sourced Welsh produce.

The beloved Alpine Coffee Shop is a favourite destination for coffee and homemade cakes in a charming atmosphere. Bonus points: they’ve even got a “sausages for dogs,” loyalty card so your pooch can enjoy a cheeky treat.

If you fancy a brief drive (roughly 20 minutes from Betws-y-Coed), The Old Stag in Llangernyw is essential. This traditional country pub is a properly welcoming venue and nestles beneath a 4,500 year old yew tree.

Constructed in 1640 as a farm, it’s now packed with quirky treasures from centuries past. There’s nothing quite like settling into one of its comfortable seats beside a crackling fire with a delicious Welsh ale.

There’s simply too much to experience in beautiful Betws-y-Coed to squeeze into just one day, so why not stay around for a while?

After all, you’ll need time to discover everything this stunning village provides, and trust me, it’s worth it. For a charming, rustic stay, consider the Tŷ Gwyn Hotel, a centuries-old coaching inn complete with beamed ceilings and stunning bedrooms.

If you’re after a more tranquil setting, Pengwern Country House is just a mile out of town. Constructed from beautiful Welsh stone and slate, it offers breathtaking views over the lush Lledr Valley.

For those who prefer their accommodation with a bit more excitement, Pont-y-Pair Inn is the place to be. This family-run, traditional inn boasts 10 luxury en-suite bedrooms and is surrounded by endless hiking and biking trails.

The inn also hosts a variety of entertaining events, from karaoke to live music, perfect for a lively evening after a day filled with autumn adventures.

Women’s Rugby World Cup – Pool C: Ireland v New Zealand

Venue: Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium Date: Sunday, 7 September Kick-off: 14:45 BST

Coverage: Live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 14:30, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 14:30 and BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle from 14:00; also live with text commentary on the BBC Sport website.

Ireland head coach Scott Bemand says he is “confident” Aoife Wafer will be ready for a World Cup quarter-final after resisting the urge to include her for Sunday’s final Pool C game against New Zealand in Brighton.

The back row is yet to feature in the competition because of pre-tournament knee surgery and although she was considered for Sunday’s game against the defending champions, the Irish camp has erred on the side of caution.

Bemand confirmed there was a temptation to introduce the Wexford woman for the meeting with the Black Ferns, but with either France or South Africa to come next week, having the Women’s Six Nations player of the tournament ready for then takes priority.

“All the way through there has been a bit of a plan around Aoife, from the very beginning to her joining up with the group a couple of days after we arrived, and everything is tracking and trending,” Bemand said.

“Aoife is back in training, she’s doing well, and she’s desperate to be involved.

“We considered picking her this week, but we’ve made a decision as her best opportunity and the team’s best opportunity, is to go hard in training again next week and we’ll see where that stands us for the following week.

“I’m really confident and if you look in her eyes you can see she is really confident as well.”

“The Wizard of Oz” is certainly the right movie to face the great and powerful ambitions of Sphere, the most expensive entertainment venue in Las Vegas history. Since 1939, the treasured classic has hailed the awe of gazing into a glowing globe, whether it’s glinting atop a fortune teller’s table, transporting the meddlesome Glinda the Good Witch or spying on a teenage girl and her companions like a sinister security camera.

Special effects are central both to “Oz’s” appeal and its plot: The big reveal is that technicians, not wizards, pull the levers that make an audience gasp. For Sphere — officially, there’s no “the” — those tools include three football fields of bright 16K LED screens that curve around its domed interior, with another 10 on the outside that light up Vegas day and night with rotating animations. (I saw blue gingham, scarlet sequins and thatches of burlap and straw.) Sphere cost an estimated $2.3 billion to build and must have an electricity bill scarier than the Wicked Witch. You can make out Dorothy’s slippers from an airplane.

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With no heel clicks needed, I was whisked to “The Wizard of Oz’s” Sphere premiere in a red sedan by a Lyft driver named — no fooling — Ruby, who said she was grateful that the Backstreet Boys’ recent stint at the arena “made Vegas busy for a minute.” There’s a lot of financial pressure on “Oz’s” girl from Kansas. Adapting the film to Sphere’s stunning dimensions took about $100 million. Although the arena seats 17,600 when full, “Oz” showings only offer a slice of the middle section, roughly a third of its capacity. A trimmed 70-minute edit of the movie is playing two to three times a day, nearly every day, through the end of March 2026, with a ticket price that currently starts at $114.

Eighty-six years ago, when a kiddie fare cost 15 cents, my then-6-year-old grandmother watched the theater blink from sepia to vivid color splendor. That innovation gets credited to Hollywood, but the idea of contrasting lush and luminous Oz against soul-drainingly monochrome Kansas is actually right there on Page 1 of L. Frank Baum’s book, published in May 1900, a self-proclaimed effort to write a “modernized” fairy tale that swaps Old World elves for American scarecrows. “When Dorothy stood in the doorway and looked around, she could see nothing but the great gray prairie on every side,” Baum wrote, adding that her house and her weary aunt and uncle and everything else were gray too, “to the edge of the sky in all directions.”

That’s exactly what Sphere was designed to do: stretch to the edge in all dimensions. It exists neither to save film nor supplant it, but to augment a rectangular screen with new digital and (controversially) generative-AI-supplied imagery, timed props and seats that vibrate whenever the Wicked Witch cackles.

Despite my queasiness about cutting “Oz” by half an hour, the experiment is a romp. I was immersed in — or, more accurately, surrounded by — scenes from one of my favorite movies, a pivotal blockbuster whose artistic influence extends from David Lynch to Elton John to Salman Rushdie. Even more giggle-inducing, I was pelted with scented foam apples and dive-bombed by half a dozen drone-piloted flying monkeys.

“The Wizard of Oz” has always braved new technology. An early adopter of Technicolor, it boasted a lighting budget nearly double that of its rival, “Gone With the Wind,” yet the latter gobbled nearly every Academy Award and poached “Oz’s” director, Victor Fleming, who swapped projects halfway through and won an Oscar for his vision of Sherman’s March instead of the Yellow Brick Road. In the 1950s, when the rest of Hollywood was terrified of television, “Oz” agreed to be the first theatrical movie to screen in full on a prime-time network. TV transformed the prestige money-loser into a hit. Sphere has turned “Oz” into a flash point in the industry’s fundamental fight over the use of AI. Artists and audiences alike fear a future in which, behind the curtain, there might not be a man at all.

I like my art made by human beings. But I’m no nostalgist. “Oz” was a book, a musical, a silent short and a cartoon before MGM made the variant we adore. It should be a playground for invention.

Entering Sphere, the escalators are tinted sepia and the soundscape hums with birdsong and lowing cattle. The implication is that we’ve not yet been whirled over the rainbow. Preshow, the view from one’s seat is of being in a massive old opera house with dusky green drapes flanked by rows of orchestra seats. None of the proscenium is actually there, nor are the musicians heard running scales and rehearsing “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.”

The simulation of human handicraft — of stagehands and horn players hiding in the wings — is unnerving. But it gets you thinking about the actual, contemporary people who are behind that curtain. Visual artists who labored on the Sphere project have justly grumbled that their sweat has gotten publicly dismissed as AI. An actual symphony orchestra rerecorded “Oz’s” mono score on the very same MGM stage used in 1939, allegedly with some of the same instruments. It sounds fantastic, and it’s so loyal to every jaunty warble that audiences might not notice.

A few scenes have been lopped off entirely. The Cowardly Lion no longer trills about becoming king of the forest. The majority of the shots have been micro-trimmed to be snappier, a pace that wouldn’t suit stoners’ penchant for synchronizing the movie to Pink Floyd’s dreamy, woozy “The Dark Side of the Moon.” Occasionally, the camera’s placement appears to have been adjusted to allow the visuals to expand to fill the space. Inside Dorothy’s Kansan house, a once-shadowed frying pan on the wall now dangles front and center, as does a digitally added “Home Sweet Home” needlepoint nailed to the threshold. (The plotting has become so brisk that we might otherwise miss the message that there’s no place like it.)

The tweaks can be subtle and lovely. Dorothy belts “Over the Rainbow” underneath newly actualized bluebirds and an impressively ominous sky. When the tornado happens, the tech changes hit us like a cyclone. We’re pulled through the window and into the eye of the storm, where a cow spirals around like it wants to outdo the scene-stealing bovine from “Twister.” A great, giddy blast of air from the 750-horsepower fans blew my bangs straight off my forehead. I kept one eye on the screen while trying to catch a flurry of tissue-paper leaves. The wow factor is so staggering that you might not spot that Sphere’s founder and chief executive, James Dolan, and Warner Bros. president and CEO David Zaslav have superimposed their faces on the two sailors twirling past in a rowboat — an apropos in-joke for people concerned the moguls have been swept away by their own bluster.

“Anyone can blow wind into your face,” Dolan said to the premiere audience before the film began. “Not everyone can make you feel like you’re in a tornado.” Wearing the Wizard’s green top hat and suit and with his microphone dropping out inauspiciously, Dolan never introduced himself, but he did compliment the other creators of the event, who also wore costumes. (I overheard that some of them thought Dolan was kidding about dressing in character until they found themselves spending four hours getting groomed to look lionesque.)

Just a week earlier, in trial runs, perfumes were piped into the air so people could get a whiff of the Emerald City. (Gauging by the souvenir candles in Sphere’s gift shop, it is chocolate mint.) They’ve currently been scaled back out of concerns that it all might get too overwhelming. Having figured out how to do sight, sound, feel and smell, Dolan conceded that only one sense remains: “We still haven’t figured out taste.”

Taste is definitely still a concern. Oddly, Sphere’s “Oz” loses a dram of its spellcraft once audiences touch down in Munchkinland. Seeing the newly added tops of Oz’s trees makes the fantastical place look smaller.

The margins of “The Wizard of Oz” have been expanded by generative AI to fit the enormous venue.

(Rich Fury / Sphere Entertainment)

You feel for the design teams. They’ve been challenged to magnify a 4-foot matte painting of the arched hallway into the Wizard’s throne room — initially done in pastels on black cardboard — into a 240-foot-tall tableau. One of the 1939 film’s production designers, Jack Martin Smith, said that his instructions were to make Oz “ethereal” and “subdued.” Descriptions of the cornfield’s hand-painted muslin background make it sound like a proto-Rothko. Now, you can see every kernel. The razor-sharp mountains on the horizon don’t inspire your imagination — they make you think of Machu Picchu.

More troublesome are the Munchkins and the citizens of Emerald City. Tidied into high definition, they often appear restless. As Dorothy pleads for the Wizard not to fly away without her, we’re distracted by hundreds of waving extras who visibly don’t give a hoot what happens to the girl. Worse, they occasionally seem to glitch. If that’s the best AI can do in 2025, then Sphere isn’t a resounding endorsement.

By contrast, Judy Garland’s performance, delivered at just age 16, feels monumental. Her big brown eyes dominate the screen. When the heartbroken girl sobs that the Wicked Witch has chased away her beloved Toto, I found myself annoyed by a flying monkey on the left side of the frame who simply looked bored.

The field of poppies is dazzling; the additional deer, ants and rodents skittering across the golden sidewalk are simply strange. Overall, you’re so caught up observing the experience itself that the emotions of the story don’t register as anything more than theme-ride hydraulics. Still, it’s nice to have a sweeping view of the first film’s prosthetic makeup: the Cowardly Lion’s upturned nostrils, the Scarecrow’s baggy jowls, the real horses painted purple and red with Jell-O. (Due to pace tightening, we only see two ponies, not all six).

I recoiled when the Wizard’s disembodied head loomed above. Who decided to make him look like a cheesy martian? Flipping through sketches from 1939 afterward, I realized that he always looked that bad. His gaunt cheekbones just weren’t as obvious before. Nevertheless, be sure to look to the right when Toto reveals Oz’s control booth. In a clever touch, Sphere lets us continue to see the monstrous green face, now neutered and ridiculous, mouth along as the panicked geek apologizes for being a humbug.

Can Sphere win big on its risky gamble that there’s no place like dome? It’s not the first Las Vegas attraction to bet on our love for the MGM extravaganza. “The Wizard of Oz” has been tangled up with Las Vegas’ fortunes for more than half a century, ever since real estate investor Kirk Kerkorian purchased MGM Studios in 1969 and, one year later, auctioned Dorothy’s slippers to help fund the construction of the first MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. The second MGM Grand, the one that opened in 1993, was branded for “The Wizard of Oz” — that’s why it’s green like Emerald City — and during the first year, visitors could walk through an animatronic forest of lions, tigers and gamblers.

The Strip was once a magical place where innocents like Dorothy flocked to get into trouble, often in encounters with sleight-of-hand hucksters like Professor Marvel. Hopes are high that tourists will come back to be transported to Oz, even at a ticket price that costs a chunk of the family farm. The hurdle is that although audiences have become begrudgingly accustomed to spending more than $100 to see their favorite bands, they’re still seeing an actual band and not a shortened version of a movie that’s popular in part because everyone grew up watching it on TV for free.

But on opening night at least, the crowd was treating the cinema like a concert. Many folks were in some sort of costume, including me. (I couldn’t resist wearing a pair of red shoes.) When I complimented a man’s blue gingham suit, he handed me a handmade beaded, Taylor Swift-style bracelet that read: Toto Too.

If fans like him turn this techno-incarnation of “Oz” into a hit, Sphere has said it would consider following it up with a similar presentation of “Gone With the Wind.” Imagine the smell of the burning of Atlanta. Much better than the air of burning money.

‘This is probably the wildest place in the whole of the Vallée des Belleville,” says Roland, our guide, sweeping one arm across a bank of saw-toothed peaks as though conducting a great, brawny orchestra. My husband, two sons and I are midway through a four-day stretch of the Grand Tour de Tarentaise hiking trail in the French Alps, and we’ve stopped near the top of Varlossière, a roadless side valley among a great arc of mountains that runs to the west of the ski resorts of Val Thorens, Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. Hiking up here from Gittamelon, a rustic, summer-only mountain refuge in the neighbouring Vallée des Encombres, we’ve paused to exhale breath, and to inhale the primeval views.

High peaks loom either side of us, their shocking green flanks underscored by an elegantly designed bothy and its shepherd-dwelling twin, and we can hear the rush of water far below. It’s midmorning but the moon is low and large in a cloudless sky, adding to the otherworldly scene. Climbing higher, an eagle flies past almost at eye level, no more than six metres away. Though we meet three other hikers on the other side of the Col du Bonnet du Prêtre, the 2,461-metre (8,074ft) pass that leads from Varlossière to the Nant Brun valley – and detect from sheep bells that at least two shepherds must be somewhere among the great folds of these hills – it feels as though the landscape is ours alone.

That may not be the case for long. Soaring temperatures across Europe this summer have fuelled a rush to the mountains, social media funnelling many visitors to the same honeypots and creating infrastructure pressure points; in Italy some farmers in the Dolomites have resorted to installing turnstiles and charging tourists €5 to pass, incensed at having their meadows trampled.

Navigating these challenges is no easy task for Europe’s mountain resorts, which are increasingly encouraging summer tourism as the climate crisis signals a limited lifespan for ski tourism. One of the biggest issues is that many of these new summer visitors are first-timers, unfamiliar with the mores of mountain adventuring: treading gently on the environment, respecting local countryside codes, wearing suitable kit, knowing how to read a map rather than an app (we had no wifi or phone signal for two days of our hike), and packing enough food and water. In France, call-outs to mountain rescue services by inexperienced hikers have risen so sharply that workers now trawl social media looking for potential disaster hotspots in advance.

In an attempt to tackle these issues, the Vallée des Belleville tourist office has introduced a range of summer initiatives to support new hikers, from kids’ mountain skills activity days to free wildlife talks and events. Lower-level footpaths and bike trails for children, pushchair-users and visitors with reduced mobility makes it safer for those groups to access the mountains, and easier for local communities to manage the larger numbers that tend to make use of them. And while challenging marked trails through more remote corners of the mountains are fairly easy to follow, visitors are encouraged to hire a guide (something we are glad of at Col du Bonnet du Prêtre, when Roland tracks down the shepherd owner of an aggressive dog and persuades him to move away from the trail).

It is at our accommodation each night, in mountain refuges, that we really see support for new hikers in action, though. Several have been designed specifically with families and first-timers in mind, including Refuge Plan Lombardie, where we end our 12-mile (19km) hike from Gittamelon.

We are not first-timers, but staying here is a good opportunity to remind ourselves of the rules of refuge culture, and for the boys to hang out with other children. Though we hike in, it’s possible to park about 20 minutes’ away and walk from there, something several guests with preschoolers have done, grateful for the treasure hunt-style sculpture trail the refuge has installed along the route to entice younger visitors uphill.

Though we have seen less than a handful of hikers during the day, we find Refuge Plan Lombardie as packed as a marmot’s burrow. Approaching it in the soft glow of the afternoon, earlier arrivals have already nabbed the terrace’s deckchairs with a view. Instead, we collect beers and lemonades and find a free bench to enjoy them before swapping our boots for the refuge’s borrowed Crocs, and finding our allocated bunk beds.

Refuges like this are more than just places to sleep. Full of city folk temporarily escaping to higher ground, they’re the human equivalent of a centuries-old rhythm of transhumance, where families bring sheep and cows up to the high pastures for the summer months. At dinner, we share a table with a mother from Chambéry who has brought her four-year-old son for his first visit to a refuge. “My friend gave me a list of the most family-friendly ones and I’ve decided to start a new tradition of visiting one every year with my son. I want him to love them as much as I do,” she told us between bites of a Savoyard blueberry version of Eton mess.

The previous evening, in cosy Gittamelon refuge, we’d shared similar tales, and a dorm, with three generations of a Belgian family who were following the same trail as us but in the opposite direction. And the evening before that, we’d followed suit with other families, playing cards at Refuge du Lac du Lou, a modern, child-friendly refuge just 90 minutes’ hike above the resort of Les Menuires.

Between Lac du Lou and Gittamelon we’d hiked with Estelle Roy-Berthaud from Les Menuires tourist office, following the trail through harebells, cotton grass, neon-coloured lichens and, much to the boys’ delight, thickets of wild blueberries. Stopping for lunch with Mont Blanc spearing the horizon in the distance, I ask her how the valley is managing increasing summer numbers.

“Summer tourism is a relatively new concept here, so we are not seeing the overtourism issues experienced by more well-known summer destinations in the Alps,” she says. “We’re also protected by not having too many places to stay. In winter, we have around 27,000 beds, but in summer this reduces to just 8,000, so this naturally restricts the number of people in the valley.”

Further along the trail, at Plan Lombardie, I wake in the night and slip out of one of those beds. Outside, the sky is luminous with stars, while the peaks and folds of the land are now entirely black beyond the winking of a distant light – a shepherd’s stove, perhaps, or the torch of a camper. The Belleville valley still feels wonderfully wild tonight.

Transport from London to Chambéry was provided by Flixbus; return fares from £89pp. Half-board accommodation at Refuge du Lac du Lou from €39 children/€69 adults, Refuge Gittamelon €46pp, and at Refuge Plan Lombardie from €32 children and €52 adults. Hiking guides from €25 for a half-day (guides-belleville.com). More information at lesmenuires.com

Growing up in a ranching community on California’s Central Coast, I reaped the benefits of being surrounded by vast landscapes — hikes in the nearby mountains, adventurous lake activities and family games under the sun. Now, living in the city, I crave these experiences. In planning vacations, I often daydream about trading office lights and parking meters for dusty boots and wide-open spaces.

Enter the dude ranch, a cattle ranch-turned-resort that lets guests live like a cowboy (or gal) — sans the early morning chores. California has several of these destinations spread across picturesque landscapes, from the oak-studded hills of Central California to the dramatic Sierra Nevada foothills. At these family-friendly ranches, you can choose your daily adventures among a full slate of activities and programming. You might take a morning wagon hayride in the mountains, try fly fishing or archery in the afternoon, kick up your boots at a line dancing soiree in the evening and end the night with a s’mores-filled campfire under the stars.

And you can ride horses, of course. Ranch staff and professional wranglers are usually on hand to tailor your experience, whether you’re a skilled rider or have a kid getting in the saddle for the very first time. At a weekly rodeo at Alisal Ranch in Santa Ynez Valley, intermediate and advanced riders can enter a team sorting competition, an exciting event where participants must move cattle against the clock.

At dude ranches, accommodations range from cozy log cabins to upscale lodges and usually include hearty ranch-style meals, often made from locally sourced ingredients. Most ranches offer all-inclusive packages, though some activities and excursions require an extra fee.

As more people live out their Wild West fantasies through travel, staying at a classic dude ranch has become a unique vacation style. But ranching has long been a way of life in California. The state’s ranching roots stretch back to the late 1700s when Spanish settlers introduced cattle and established sprawling ranchos. These vast tracts of land, worked by vaqueros (a.k.a. the original cowboys), laid the foundation for California’s farming culture. Since the early 20th century, ranches have been welcoming guests from the city, offering a taste of unplugged cowboy life.

Today, a dude ranch vacation is more than a peaceful getaway. It’s a connection to a rich, dusty legacy that helped define the American West. Step into the boots of a cowboy — if only for a few days — at one of these guest ranches across California.

The area is renowned for spectacular sunsets and visitors say they love the quieter vibe on the beach compared to busier nearby spots

Llandudno is a cherished coastal escape renowned for its vast beach. The town is home to a delightful Victorian promenade and unique cable cars that climb the Great Orme, a stunning headland on the north Wales coast.

While the bustling North Shore Beach tends to attract the masses, Llandudno also offers another stretch of sand that remains a ‘hidden gem’ for many. On the opposite side of the headland is West Shore Beach, a secluded bay bordered by rolling sand dunes.

It provides a tranquil alternative to the lively North Shore Beach, ideal for those seeking a quiet escape from Llandudno’s main attractions.

The beach paints a picturesque scene, with awe-inspiring views extending across the Conwy Estuary to the peaks of Snowdonia. Swimming is possible at West Shore Beach, but given the shallow waters and lack of lifeguard supervision, it might be safer to stick to paddling.

It has been praised as a “hidden gem” by numerous TripAdvisor reviewers. One visitor commented: “A real hidden gem! Only 15 minutes walk from the promenade, but feels like a world away.

“There is a quiet beach, and even sand dunes to explore.” Meanwhile another visitor remarked: “This place is a hidden gem. It is so unlike the busy North Shore. It is peaceful with few shops and a vast sandy beach.”

A third reviewer noted: “This is a very nice quiet place, you can walk along the beach, there is a children’s play area, boating lake for model boats, a lovely coffee shop with hot snacks, pub on the corner.

“If you want to get away from the Llandudno seaside, Jump on the bus, £3 each way and it leaves from just by the monument we’re all the busses that leave for the Great Orme.”

West Shore Beach Café provides ice creams and light refreshments, whilst a pay and display car park sits handily positioned close to the shoreline, reports the Liverpool Echo. From May 1 to September 30, dogs are banned from the main stretch of sand directly in front of West Parade.

Nevertheless, there are well-marked areas of the coastline where dogs are welcome throughout the year, so make certain to observe the regulations if you’re travelling with your four-legged companions. Lavatory facilities and a youngsters’ playground are readily accessible.

Those intending to remain for the full day shouldn’t overlook the spectacular sunset at West Shore Beach — it ranks amongst the most breathtaking in the area.

Watch as the sun disappears beneath the skyline, painting magnificent colours across the waters.