Food

ARE you a big train fan? Well, there is one UK spot where you can even get your meal delivered by a miniature train.

Found in Newenden in Kent is the Nibbles Railway Cafe – known for its miniature model trains that deliver meals and drinks to guests at their tables.

The family-ran spot serves up homemade dishes, which are then carefully placed on a model train which chugs around the cafe to deliver the meal to the customer.

And if you don’t want to leave your furry friend out, then you don’t have to as there are four bookable ski gondolas outside, which are dog friendly.

From 8am to 11:30am each day, the cafe serves breakfast which includes The Nibbles Breakfast with one fried egg, two rashers of bacon, a Cumberland sausage, baked beans and a tomato for £11.90.

Lunch is then served from 12pm to 1:30pm each day and options include jacket potatoes from £6 and paninis from £7.

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You could also grab a flame grilled burger from £5.95.

Lattes cost from £2.95, but you could also opt for a smoothie or milkshake.

One recent visitor said: “It was certainly a novel experience to have our drinks delivered by a model train.

“We came for breakfast and an excellent breakfast it was.

“Amply sized, served by very friendly welcoming staff and very good value for money.

“Even though the food was great, it was the trains that stole the show.

“Can certainly recommend and we will be back.”

Another added: “Our grandchildren had a lovely time and ate all their dinner which is always result!

“Definitely worth a visit if you want something a little different.”

Lots of visitors have documented their visits on social media, with some TikTok videos nearing 200,000 views.

The cafe is open Thursday to Monday, 8am to 3pm and booking is essential.

In the area you can also head off on a walk along the River Rother to Bodium Castle, which is around three and half miles away.

The path follows the river, allowing walkers to see the countryside and you will also pass the Castle Toll earthworks.

Bodium Castle dates back to the 14th-century and is surrounded by a moat.

It costs £12 to enter and visitors can explore its towers and exhibitions.

Also nearby in Northiam is Great Dixter House & Gardens – a 15th-century manor house surrounded by pretty gardens.

It costs £17 per adult and £5.50 per child to visit.

If you fancy staying in the area, head to The White Hart, which costs from £85 per night.

One recent guest said: “My wife and I recently stayed for three nights at this pub.

“We had a wonderful and very relaxing time. The room was very nice, with a very comfortable bed.

“We will definitely be back again, and will 100% recommend it to friends and family.”

If you are looking for more quirky spots to grab a bite to eat, here’s the UK’s weirdest pub that’s ‘built in a shoe’ with Egyptian coffin, secret bar… and a Minotaur.

Plus, inside incredible time-warp café transporting customers back to 1940s Britain – and it even has an outdoor toilet.

UN-backed food security experts have found improvements in nutrition and food supplies in Gaza since the ceasefire but say 100,000 people were still experiencing “catastrophic conditions” last month.

In August, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) found that half a million people – about a quarter of Gaza’s population – were living in areas suffering from famine.

Since a fragile ceasefire came into force in October, the UN and other humanitarian agencies have been able to increase food getting into Gaza.

Israel’s foreign ministry said the report was “deliberately distorted” and “doesn’t reflect the reality in the Gaza Strip”.

The latest IPC analysis suggests that a month ago, half a million Gazans were still facing emergency conditions and more than 100,000 were still under the highest level of food insecurity – IPC Phase 5 – experiencing “catastrophic conditions”.

It projects that number will continue to decrease but stressed the situation remains “highly fragile”.

IPC Phase 5 signifies the most extreme level of food insecurity , labelled “Famine” for an area or “Catastrophe” when referring to households. The report said no areas in Gaza were now classified as “in Famine”.

Israel rejected the original findings of famine by the IPC – which monitors and classifies global hunger crises – and has continued to criticise its methodology.

Cogat, the Israeli military body which controls Gaza’s crossings, said the number of trucks with food aid entering each week went beyond what the UN had determined it needed.

“The report relies on severe gaps in data collection and on sources that do not reflect the full scope of humanitarian assistance,” the body said in a statement.

The IPC said acute malnutrition was at critical levels in Gaza City and serious in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis.

In the coming months the situation is expected to remain severe but the number of people facing the most severe conditions is predicted to fall to 1,900 by April, according to the report.

But it added that if there were renewed hostilities the entire Strip would be at risk of famine.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this month that the second phase of the US-brokered peace plan – which would see Israel withdraw troops further from Gaza and Hamas disarm – was close but key issues still needed to be resolved.

The IPC said key drivers of food insecurity included restricted humanitarian access, displacement of more than 730,000 people and the destruction of livelihoods – including more than 96% of crop land in Gaza being destroyed or inaccessible.

Israel imposed a total blockade on aid deliveries to Gaza at the start of March this year, which was eased in May, saying it wanted to put pressure on the armed group Hamas to release hostages remaining in Gaza at the time.

Ahead of this IPC report Cogat said the body had not engaged with the US or Israel and its methodology, “reinforcing a false narrative, driven in part by Hamas-sourced claims, while ignoring the actual humanitarian conditions on the ground”.

It also denied Israel was preventing winter and medical supplies from entering the territory and that there was a shortage of drinking water.

Unwra, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said while the report stated Gaza was no longer in famine, the situation remained “critical”.

“Overall living conditions in the Gaza Strip are still catastrophic, made worse by the winter weather,” it said in a statement, adding there must be “sustained, expanded, and consistent humanitarian and commercial access”.

WE all know Wowcher is good for offers, but did you know you could go on holiday for just £89 and it is all-inclusive?

Holidays really can add up – by the time you book flights, airport transfers, and accommodation, you may have already spent hundreds.

Then add in the costs when you are there, like eating and seeing paid-for attractions.

Often, holidays aren’t cheap.

But this is what makes all-inclusive so appealing, as it takes away that stress.

And Wowcher now has deals as cheap as £89 for an all-inclusive break away.

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For example, you could head to a four-star all-inclusive resort in Tunisia.

The package includes return flights, two nights at a four-star hotel and all your meals and drinks.

The hotel is the Occidental Sousse Marhaba, which has recently been refurbished according to Wowcher.

At the hotel, guests will find two outdoor pools, a wellness centre, direct beach access, kids’ pools, on-site bars, and a sauna and hammam.

Rooms at the hotel include en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and either have a garden or sea view.

When it comes to food and drink, you get your daily meals, snacks and drinks included.

One recent guest said: “Lovely hotel, good choice of food, staff very pleasant.

“Evening entertainment was good. We paid extra for a sea view and it was well worth it.

“Five min walk through the grounds to the beach. Has a lovely pool.

“You can book trips out by speaking to the lovely Lee who explains the trips in detail. We did the Sahara Explorer, it was amazing.

“Would return to this hotel. Sousse is a beautiful place.”

Nearby you can explore the medina of Sousse, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are a number of souks as well, such as Sousse Medina Souk.

One recent visitor said: “Needs at least a couple of hours to soak up the atmosphere and wander.

“I love wandering around a souk. This one is easy to navigate and not overlarge.

“Also very pretty in parts as this is a very ancient medina area, where people have been trading and living since ancient times.”

History lovers should head to the Ribat of Sousse, a small fort that was built in the eighth century and has a tower boasting panoramic views.

Or head to the Sousse Archaeological Museum, where you can explore a collection of mosaics and statues, as well as sit in a pretty courtyard.

There is one date left in January, from January 18 to 20.

But there are several dates still available in February, including February 1 to 3, 8 to 10, 23 to 25 and 25 to 27.

Or for £99, you could head off on February 24 for two nights.

Prices then rise from March onwards.

Alternatively, you could head to Majorca in Spain, staying at the Bluesea Mediodia for £99 for two nights.

The hotel includes meals, snacks and unlimited drinks and your flights will be from either London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol or Edinburgh.

At the hotel, there is a swimming pool, restaurants and beach access.

One recent guest said: “Considering the price and the services offered, I was very satisfied!

“The hotel is in an excellent location, very close to the beach. The food is varied and can satisfy both those with simple tastes and those who are more demanding.

“The rooms have air conditioning, which is a great plus during hot days.”

The hotel is just a 16-minute drive from Palma, so is a great spot for exploring the city, but also soaking up sunshine on the coast.

Dates available for the £99 offer include January 19 to 21, and the 26 to 28.

Or if you travelled in February, you could go on the 4 to 6, 23 to 25 or 25 to 27.

Prices then rise from March onwards.

For more getaway inspiration, there’s an all-inclusive hotel that’s just been named best in Europe with ten swimming pools, free childcare and Jet2 flights.

Plus, 10 winter sun holidays for all budgets – with 7 nights from £193pp.

New research analysed nearly 500,000 ratings across more than 17,000 cities globally, with Italy claiming all three top positions.

When it comes to culinary delights, people often dream of indulging in pasta in Italy, savouring sushi in Japan or relishing tacos in Mexico. Indeed, for many holidaymakers, their trips seem to revolve around the local cuisine.

Now, a study by TasteAtlas has revealed the top destinations for foodies worldwide. The team analysed nearly half a million ratings from 17,073 cities listed on its database.

Interestingly, many of the top-rated locations are conveniently located not too far from the UK, with the majority of the top 10 situated in Europe.

Naples clinched the coveted top spot, thanks to its status as the birthplace of pizza, lasagna and macaroni. However, this picturesque city wasn’t the only Italian destination to make the cut, reports the Express.

Milan bagged second place, owing to its signature dishes such as risotto and panettone. And let’s not forget that Milan is also the home of Campari, perfect for those looking to wash down their meals with a refreshing tipple.

Italy dominated the top three, with Bologna securing third place. The city is renowned for its spaghetti bolognese, ragu and tortellini.

Despite the heavy Italian presence, other popular cities like Paris, Vienna and Mumbai also made it into the top 10.

However, the UK didn’t manage to secure a spot in the top 30, alongside other notable absences including Hong Kong, Barcelona, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, and Amsterdam.

Here are the top 30 best cities for food:

1. Naples
2. Milan
3. Bologna
4. Florence
5. Mumbai
6. Rome
7. Paris
8. Vienna
9. Turin
10. Osaka
11. Madrid
12. New York
13. Genoa
14. Nice
15. Lima
16. Jakarta
17. Kyoto
18. Gaziantep
19. Ferrara
20. New Orleans
21. Catania
22. Singapore
23. Venice
24. Istanbul
25. Tokyo
26. San Francisco
27. Lisbon
28. Guadalajara
29. Chicago
30. Philadelphia

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s going to be a busy time in the Radford household as mum-of-22 Sue has opened up about festive dinner plans

22 Kids and Counting star Sue Radford has revealed her Christmas food shop and fans are floored.

The proud mama of 22 children, Sue became a household name with the rest of the family back in 2012, when she let cameras into her home with husband Noel for the very first time.

Sue and Noel are parents to Christopher, Sophie, Chloe, Jack, Daniel, Luke, Millie, Katie, James, Ellie and Aimee, as well as Josh, Max, Tillie, Oscar, Casper, Alfie, stillborn in 2014, Hallie, Phoebe, Archie Bonnie and Heidie.

Since shooting to fame over 10 years ago, the Morecambe-based family have rarely remained off screens, with the latest series of Channel 5’s 22 Kids and Counting airing earlier this year.

And with Christmas just around the corner, it’s fair to say it’s going to be a busy time in the Radford household. In a clip from the latest episode, Sue revealed that she is hosting Christmas dinner for her entire family. And this includes Father Chloe, her partner Jake and their two-year-old daughter Mila.

During the instalment, Sue headed to her local Asda to stock up on food for her large family in the festive season. Piling her trolley high with groceries Sue said: “We’ve got pigs in blankets, so there’s 60 there.”

Sue added: “We’ve got 3kg of Brussels sprouts. I absolutely hate Brussels sprouts, but everybody else loves them.” She then picked up 4kg of carrots, 7.5k of potatoes and with it being Christmas, Sue stocked up on two large turkeys. Heading to the freezer aisle, Sue said: “Think I’ll probably try and get about 60 Yorkshires.”

Reacting to Sue’s food shop, one person on Facebook said: “I would just do beans on toast, would stress me out.” A second added: “Me too imagine cooking for them all, be my worst nightmare.” A third said: “So much food.” Another penned: “I can’t imagine cooking all that.”

It comes after Sue and Noel introduced their new four-legged family member in October – and fans were left gushing over the update.

Taking to their joint Instagram, the pair shared several photos of their adorable new dog. In the caption, they wrote: “Hi everyone I’m Mavie I’m a cream long-haired miniature Dachshund I’m settling in really well and everyone loves me.”

Animal lovers Sue and Noel have owned several dogs over the years. They have a border collie Lola, three French bulldogs Bluebell, Ivy and Mabel, and three miniature dachshunds Cookie, Minnie and Dolly.

22 Kids and Counting airs on Channel 5.

While I continue on my journey to achieve Christmas nirvana by exploring the plethora of festive markets around Great Britain, there’s one beloved Christmas market that I’m just not a fan of.

Going to Christmas markets is like an Olympic sport, and I, for one, am a self-proclaimed gold medallist.

I tend to find myself coming alive in the last two months of the year, as my hot chocolate-addled brain looks for its next fix complemented by Christmas lights and cheesy music. As Christmas chaos tightens its vice-like grip around unsuspecting UK residents, scores of us find ourselves Googling the million-dollar question: ‘Best Christmas markets in the UK?’

While I continue on my journey to achieve Christmas nirvana by exploring the plethora of festive markets around Great Britain, there’s one beloved Christmas market that I’m just not a fan of. Let’s just say — I’ve never met a Christmas market I didn’t like. Till I met the Southbank Christmas Market, that is.

While ‘absolutely hated’ is a strong phrase, ‘generally disappointed’ is not. And that’s how I felt about London’s Southbank Centre Winter Market. After hearing loads of complimentary things about it from my friends (and the internet) for ages, I decided to bundle up one fine Thursday evening and head on over to the ‘magical Christmas market on the River Thames’.

When I say the market ended before it started, I am not exaggerating. Southbank’s famed Christmas market had some seven odd stalls when I last visited (okay yes, I am exaggerating — it’s called a creative licence, look it up). And no, I refuse to add the scores of restaurants down the road — which earnestly dress themselves up in festive cheer and provide a jolly good time to visitors — to the count. I’m talking about the actual Southbank Christmas market, which actually is really quite tiny. I visited the market for the first (and last) time with my partner and our friend — all of us popping our Southbank Christmas Market cherry at the same time — and, as it goes with every ‘first-time’ virginity-losing story, we were all left wondering: is this it?

Having made the (never-ending) trek from East London, upon arriving, we felt like we were being Punk’d. Where were the rows of food and drink stalls? The gamut of overpriced souvenirs designed to entrap the unsuspecting tourist? The tat passing off as ‘must-haves’ this fashion cycle? It felt like someone clocked all the happiness Christmas markets brought to seasonally depressed individuals — and decided to suck every drop of joy straight out of them.

Because what’s the point of setting up a Christmas market if you can’t cause customers utter confusion over which bratwurst stall to go for? Why couldn’t I get four different shops selling the exact same patterned ceramic bowl and evil eye hangings at grossly varying price points? What is the point of this life, if I don’t buy mulled wine from 5 different stalls for a thousand million pounds each, as I happily hand them over all of my life’s savings?

There’s no point. And that’s why you won’t see me returning to the Southbank Christmas Market anytime soon. Except this Friday, because a spirited discussion with my colleagues before writing this article has already convinced me that I need to give it another shot (of overpriced Baileys, woohoo).

Dec. 17 (UPI) — The government of President Rodrigo Paz said it will push to revise Bolivia’s legal framework for coca leaf cultivation after official data showed that planted areas exceed authorized limits and continue to expand.

According to the 2024 Coca Crop Monitoring Report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, presented in La Paz, Bolivia ended 2024 with about 34,000 hectares of coca crops, a 10% increase from the previous year.

That figure exceeds by 12,000 hectares the cap set by the 2017 General Law of Coca, which authorizes 22,000 hectares for legal cultivation.

Coca leaf is recognized in Bolivia’s Constitution for traditional, medicinal and cultural uses, but part of the production is diverted to cocaine manufacturing, the report said.

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization decided to keep coca leaf on its list of controlled substances, citing the risk to public health posed by its easy conversion into cocaine.

Against that backdrop, the Office on Drugs and Crime urged the Paz administration to strengthen control strategies, particularly in protected areas, and to update data on domestic demand for licit consumption.

Vice Minister for Social Defense and Controlled Substances Ernesto Justiniano said the government plans to amend the law, but said new parameters will depend on a fresh study to determine how much coca is needed for traditional use in Bolivia, according to local newspaper El Deber.

“Bolivia has more coca than it needs for traditional uses. Crops have not stayed at 22,000 hectares. By 2024, they were at 34,000, and in the next report, we will probably be close to 40,000 hectares because very little was eradicated this year — barely 1,700 hectares,” Justiniano said.

He said he recalled a study released in 2013 estimated that 14,700 hectares were sufficient for legal consumption, but that the limit was raised to 22,000 hectares in 2017 — a decision the new government now questions as lacking “technical justification,” the outlet ERBOL reported.

At the same time, the government said the eradication of illegal coca crops will again become a central pillar of its anti-drug strategy, with a focus on what it calls surplus production feeding drug trafficking.

To prepare the new study on domestic demand for coca leaf, authorities said they will invite representatives from coca-growing groups, academic institutions and other sectors to ensure transparency of the data.

Officials expect that once the findings are released, negotiations will begin with coca growers from the Chapare, a coca-producing region in central Bolivia.

Justiniano said farmers there blocked eradication efforts this year, mainly in the tropical Cochabamba region, an area widely regarded as the political stronghold of former President Evo Morales.

IF you’re off to Scotland on a £9.50 Holiday, here’s something to excite your taste buds.

Surrounded by sea and with rolling fertile lands, this beautiful country produces much of its own food, from seafood to hearty haggis.

It’s also home to over 150 malt and grain distilleries, with countless whisky-tasting opportunities for those who like a tipple.  

You can’t miss the opportunity to sample haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes), traditional fish and chips or Scottish porridge.

And you can’t go wrong by starting the day with a full Scottish breakfast, with The Bandstand Bar & Restaurant in Nairn highly rated for theirs.

Another local speciality is Cullen Sink, a warming, thick soup made of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, which you can sample at somewhere like Garden Cafe Pitlochry. 

And that’s just the start. We’ve spoken to Scottish locals and holiday park staff to find out the best places to eat and drink – from sea-view restaurants to community-run cafes by the beach. 

Here are some places to check out on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday…

Best cheap eats

Morvyn Cattanach, General Manager at Sandylands Holiday Park in Ayrshire recommends Doon the Beach, a community cafe just behind Stevenson Beach.

She said: “It’s a cabin that they’ve done out as a cafe – a wee hidden thing that people might not know about.

“It’s the perfect place to get a cup of tea after a walk on the beach. And it’s really budget friendly – we got two soups, two drinks and a bag of dog treats for £10.”

In the Highlands, Milk Bar cafe and The Auctioneers pub, both in Inverness, are highly rated for their good value food and drink. 

Best dog-friendly cafe

If you have a pooch in tow, Morvyn Cattanach recommends heading to the coastal town of Irvine.

She said: “There’s a lovely cafe called GRO right next to the harbour where you can take your dog. It’s a great breakfast and brunch place – my favourite is avocados and eggs on toast (£9.80).”

The menu also features a “doggy section” with everything from sausages (£3) to “puppuccinos” (£2.50) for hounds. 

Best local pubs

Christopher Hill, Administration Manager at Tummel Valley Holiday Park in Perthshire, says Pitlochry is the place to find a variety of great pubs.

He said: “My favourites are The Old Mill Inn, Victoria’s and The Auld Smiddy Inn.

The Old Mill has a great setting, with a watermill outside and a nice beer garden.

The Auld Smiddy is a traditional pub with great food and a kids’ menu. There’s also the inn at the Moulin Hotel, which has a traditional brewery and cosy fire.”

Best for families

Adele Murray, a Scottish blogger originally from Aberfeldy in Highland Perthshire, says: “One of my family’s favourite pubs is Ailean Chraggan – or “The Crags” as locals call it – in Aberfeldy.

“It’s great for families, with a beer garden and outdoor play area. The Scottish Mussels are delicious and come from the west coast (£9.50 as a starter, £18.95 as a main), but I’ve also eaten pigeon and duck here – the food is great.”

The children’s menu includes garlic ciabatta (£3.50), mac and cheese (£6.25) and more.

Meanwhile, The Tree House in Ayr is a good option for families, with a genuinely good children’s menu and a laid-back vibe.

They also offer activity packs to keep kids entertained, and regular offers like steak nights for less than £15.

Best place for whisky tasting

The Scottish Sun Travel Editor, Heather Lowrie recommends The Blair Athol Distillery in Pitlochry, the Highlands.

She said: “It’s one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland.”

One-hour tours cost from £19. Heather added: “Blair Castle, home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries with its spectacular grounds, is just seven miles away and worth a look.

“You can even go segwaying there with Segway Ecosse and take in Hercules Garden, Diana’s Grove and St Brides Kirk.”

Further north, Lossiemouth in Moray is another good option for sampling the country’s finest malts, with plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants in the town.

Heather said: “Whisky drinkers will love it as it’s in the famous Speyside whisky area, and close to a few of Scotland’s most famous distilleries including Glenfiddich, Macallan and Tamdhu.” 

Best restaurant

Overlooking the Moray Firth, Sun Dancer is a modern bar and restaurant – the perfect place to watch the sunset beside a panoramic window.

Make the most of one of the offers, like “boozy brunch” Saturdays (£35pp for two courses and four cocktails, pre-booking essential).

Meanwhile, The Bistro in Ayr is a traditional Scottish restaurant that is highly rated for its dishes, which range from duck leg croquettes (£7.95) to hand-pressed burgers (£16) and butcher’s cut steak.

Last week’s announcement that Italian cuisine has been added to Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage list came as no surprise to anyone familiar with that country’s obsession with food. Unesco called Italy’s cooking a “communal activity” in which “people of all ages and genders participate, exchanging recipes, suggestions and stories”.

It might have added people of all walks of life, too, because in Italy being a foodie is not the “preserve” of the chattering classes. I’ve heard building workers in a low-cost trattoria gravely discussing what starter and wine best complement a certain lunch dish, and a shabbily dressed nonna at Turin’s Porto Palazzo market enthusing over a variety of carrot available only at her favourite stall.

And in this land where the salami will change from one valley to the next, many people take an endearing pride in foods from their region, village, even family. So, in no particular order, here is a selection of local delights from the Alps to Sicily.

Star baker, Verona

Panettone is now a British fixture alongside mince pies, but in fair Verona, the Christmas confection is pandoro, a soft, leavened cake made in a star-shaped tin, without the dried fruit that many dislike. It usually has a dusting of icing sugar to resemble the nearby alpine peaks. Pandoro, however, is a factory version of the older, round offella – made with sourdough matured for days, it has a denser crumb and comes topped with almonds. Try it at Antica Offelleria Verona, which uses a “mother” that is more than a century old.

Prosperity pulses, Umbria

Christmas foods vary around Italy, but on New Year’s Eve lentils are a must. With their round, flat shape, they’re supposed to resemble coins and mean a wealthy year. The best lentils in Italy (some say the world) are the small, tender and quick-cooking ones from the high Castelluccio plain in southern Umbria, near Italy’s pork capital, Norcia. Castelluccio village and Norcia are still struggling after the 2016 earthquake, and make tourists very welcome. Conjure prosperity with a sausage and lentil dinner at Granaro del Monte, close to Norcia’s basilica, which finally reopened just over a month ago.

Dairy delight, Puglia

For years it has been rare to open a menu anywhere and not find a starter involving burrata. But while this soft cheese feels luxurious, it originated in hard, thrifty lives near the ancient city of Andria in Puglia. Snowed in and unable to get their milk to market in the early 1900s, the Bianchino brothers were apparently casting around for a way to use it up. They mixed cream with scraps left from making mozzarella and stuffed them in a casing made of the same stretched-curd cheese – never imagining the wobbly pouches would later grace tables from Stockholm to Sydney. Today, Andria is known for the freshest burrata and cow’s milk mozzarella, and many Puglians, such as my friend Savio, won’t eat these cheeses anywhere else in Italy, as they’re best enjoyed within 24 hours. Buy at Caseificio Olanda, with its “milk museum”, on the outskirts of Andria.

Bread of heaven, Sardinia

Looking like an oversized poppadum, pane carasau is a crispy flatbread also called carta musica (manuscript paper). Double cooked so that it keeps, it was carried by shepherds spending months in high summer pastures and is one of Europe’s oldest breads: traces were found in 3,000-year-old nuraghe (stone tower) excavations. It is also delicious. Shards of pane carasau sprinkled with olive oil and sea salt are as moreish with drinks as any kettle chip – and much better for you. In Fonni, the highest town in Sardinia, the Sunalle bakery has made pane carasau for as long as anyone can remember. Panefratteria in Cagliari tops the flatbreads with tomato sauce, pecorino cheese and a poached egg.

Onions that won’t make you cry, Calabria

Also dating back millennia, sweet red onions grown around the seaside town of Tropea were probably brought to Italy by the Phoenicians. But Calabria has made the cipolla rossa its own, claiming you can eat them raw like an apple. Their sweetness comes not from a high sugar content but a natural lack of pungent pyruvic acid. Fresh onions are available from May through summer at the Saturday market in Tropea. When you tire of them in salads and sandwiches, stew them with olive oil, salt and a few chilli flakes to make cipollata calabrese – for cucina povera (poverty cooking) that feels anything but.

Fish in a barrel, Lombardy

From cheese and charcuterie to pickles, many delicacies arise from humans’ need to preserve food. So it was with missoltini, a freshwater answer to anchovies produced on the shores of Lake Como. Agoni, a kind of shad, are cleaned, salted, hung to dry for 10 days then packed in a barrel with bay leaves. They are traditionally eaten grilled with polenta, which modern palates may find rather strong and salty. I love them as an umami nugget in pasta or risotto recipes, or topping crisp crostini with honey and vinegar. Fishmonger and restaurant Da Ceko in Lecco does an excellent pumpkin salad with raisins and missoltini.

ARE you a “Just-in-case Jetsetter” or a “Chill Improviser” when it comes to travelling abroad?

A new travel quiz aims to uncover what type of traveller you are, by asking a series of trip-related questions.

Other outcomes include “The master planner” and “The social explorer”.

It comes after a poll of two thousand adults who go on holiday revealed Brits’ biggest travel blunders including getting lobster red sunburn (26 per cent).

Going exploring and winding up completely lost (24 per cent) and spilling my drink all over myself or even an unsuspecting stranger (14 per cent) also made the list of blush inducing mishaps.

Misreading a menu and ordering something unexpected (12 per cent) and accidently boarding the wrong train or bus (nine per cent) also made the top 30 list.

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The study was commissioned by ibis to support the launch of its new social media miniseries, the Go Getters.

Jean-Yves Minet, global brand president of ibis, said:  “Everyone travels differently. Some people prepare for every possibility, and others prefer to go with the flow – but no matter your style, the odd mishap is part of the experience and the story you tell when you get home.

“This research shows just how universal those moments are.

“We focus on making travel feel simple and stress-free, whether you’re the spontaneous type, or somewhere in the middle.

“What matters most is feeling confident on the move and being able to enjoy the journey, even when it does not quite go to plan. Sometimes the magic is in the mayhem – it certainly makes for the best story.”

The research found as many as 86 per cent have experienced some kind of mishap on holiday, with 11 per cent experiencing a mishap during most or all of their trips.

And while 68 per cent said other people had had a little laugh at their blunders, 77 per cent did manage to see the funny side too eventually.

When a holiday blunder strikes, 44 per cent would try to fix it, while 22 per cent said they would laugh it off straight away.

But while 56 per cent think a few travel dramas are all part of the adventure, 77 per cent believe they are pretty good at planning to avoid them in the first place.

Buying travel insurance (56 per cent), triple checking their passport is there (48 per cent) and continually applying sun cream (43 per cent) were among the key hacks to avoid disaster.

Followed by double checking the locks and keys (36 per cent), packing a first aid kit (31 per cent) and keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecast (30 per cent).

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed 31 per cent want to travel more in 2026 than they did this year, with 35 per cent claiming the experience is more important than just ticking somewhere off their list.

When it comes to planning these trips, they prioritise location (61 per cent), as well as price (59 per cent) and reviews (44 per cent).

While 64 per cent think the key to affordable travel means getting the best value for money and smart planning and budgeting (40 per cent).

Jean-Yves added: “Everyone has had a moment on holiday that didn’t quite go to plan.

“These findings show just how common they are, and how quickly most people turn them into moments of connection, laughter and shared stories.”

From majestic mosques to tasty treats, mum of two Hannah Britt reveals why the juggernaut of a city is a Turkish delight for all ages

Choosing where to travel with children can be tough. But when I tell you that you need to add Istanbul to your family travel bucket list, it’s no lie. I’m a mum of two and as a family of four we like to travel extensively. And when choosing where our wanderlust will take us, there needs to be something for each of us to enjoy. So I’m pleased to report that Istanbul in Turkey ticked boxes for all of us: me, John, five year old Molly and one year old Poppy. From mouthwatering food to incredible historic sites – and a brilliant fairytale sweet shop – we fell in love… and I think you will too. Istanbul has it all. Here’s why…

When to go

As with all of Turkey, Istanbul can reach searing temperatures in summer. And as sightseeing as a family in the heat can be a bit, well, testing, I would advise that the best time to check it out with little ones in tow is between October and May. We went in October half term. Temperatures rose no higher than around 20 degrees. While we couldn’t swim in an outdoor pool or the Bosphorus, it was really pleasant to walk around in T-shirts and jeans.

READ MORE: I’m a family travel expert – here’s how to spend 48 hours in Lisbon with kids

Is it safe?

When chatting about Istanbul with friends before we went the same question kept coming up: is it safe? And I’m pleased to report that whether day or night the city felt very safe indeed. There is beefed up security at the entrances to places like the Grand Bazaar market, tourist sites like the Basilica Cistern and many upmarket hotels. But the city has a relaxed vibe to it – people are friendly and absolutely love children. Istanbul welcomed us with open arms.

Where to stay

You want… to be in the thick of it

Four Seasons Sultanahmet

Right in the heart of the old city, the five star Four Seasons Sultanahmet is just steps away from the Blue Mosque, main square, endless shopping – and you can see the Hagia Sofia from the hotel’s open air rooftop bar. With delicious food and drink on offer, the rooftop welcomes children to enjoy the views too, which are particularly spectacular at sunset. Hearing the call to prayer ring out around the city gives you goosebumps.

Elsewhere, for the foodies, there’s fine dining eatery Avlu; a lovely little coffee shop in the foyer, which does a good flat white; and exceptional in-room dining. With kids in tow on our travel, when deciding what and where to eat I choose ease… and the extensive room service menu, quick service and good food, provided exactly that for us. Rooms themselves at the FS Sultanahmet are spacious, luxurious and have everything you could possibly want, from Diptyque toiletries to expensive sheets and artisan robes.

The hotel doesn’t have a pool, but a shuttle takes guests for free to nearby Four Seasons at the Bosphorus to use the two they have there. Staff on site couldn’t do more to help their guests, and remember names and coffee orders in the morning. Children are welcomed with open arms, and are gifted toys on arrival. A play tent was set up in the room too, which was a lovely touch and provided lots of fun. But the best bit? The building used to be a prison! My five year old absolutely loved that she was ‘staying in jail’. Prices from around £650.

You want… pools

Those two pools I mentioned… well they belong to Four Seasons’ other location in Istanbul: Four Seasons at the Bosphorus. Set, as the name suggests, right on the strait that runs through the middle of the city, it allows for glorious views over the water from many of the rooms. A renovated 19th century Ottoman palace, the grand five star hotel is pretty impressive to look at itself too. The word splendor springs to mind. Rooms are beautiful, light and airy with squishy window seats and gargantuan beds. One night, during our stay, there was an incredible thunderstorm. We turned all the lights off, snuggled up on a window seat, and watched the sky for hours. Magic. In both Four Seasons locations, nappies, bubble bath, wipes and more were supplied in a handy – and much appreciated – basket of baby essentials.

One for the water babies, FS Bosphorus has an outdoor pool (although this was too cold for us to frequent in October) and an indoor pool, which welcomes children around the clock. Molly loved this, and the hot tub. When it comes to food, seafood restaurant Aqua is completely divine, as is Middle Eastern-inspired Ocakbasi. With tired children, though, the in-room dining options available were sublime. An extensive menu for both adults curious to try the local cuisine… and little ones hankering after a margarita pizza… were catered for.

Toys on arrival delighted the children, in-room games provided screen-free entertainment after a day of sightseeing, and a seemingly never-ending array of tasty treats appeared in the room. Prices from around £650.

What to do

Hagia Sofia

Cavernous. Majestic. Awe inspiring. The Hagia Sofia (Holy Wisdom) is the biggest must-do of Istanbul. A monumental building with a rich history, it was originally built as the greatest church of the Byzantine Empire in 537 AD, later converted into an Ottoman mosque after 1453, then a secular museum in 1934, and reconverted into a mosque in 2020, making it a significant cultural landmark representing centuries of religious and architectural evolution. It’s famous for its massive dome and stunning mosaics. As a working mosque, it is fascinating to behold, especially for the children. Visitors can walk around the gallery on the upper level to take it all in.

Blue Mosque

At a mere 400-odd years old, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is almost new in comparison to the Hagia Sofia – but the stunning building is also steeped in history. An iconic 17th-century imperial mosque, it’s famous for its stunning blue tiles, six minarets, and grand domes, blending traditional Islamic and Byzantine styles to create a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, serving as both a historical landmark and an active place of worship.

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern was one of the places that took us most by surprise – it’s absolutely amazing. A massive, ancient (Roman) underground water reservoir built by the Byzantines in the 6th century to supply the Great Palace, it’s famous for its forest of marble columns, eerie lighting, Medusa head bases, and atmospheric setting that makes it a major tourist attraction. The cool location has served as a dramatic filming location for several major films – most famously the James Bond movie From Russia with Love (1963) and Inferno (2016) starring Tom Hanks.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most famous covered markets. A historic labyrinth of over 4,000 shops across 61 streets, selling everything from carpets, ceramics, and jewelry to spices, Turkish delights, and souvenirs, it attracts millions of visitors annually as a major cultural and commercial hub in the city’s heart. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and the tradition of bargaining, making it a quintessential Istanbul experience. We bought spices to take home, and a stunning handcrafted bowl.

Turkish delight

No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a haul of Turkish delight. A traditional Middle Eastern confection made from a gel of sugar, starch (usually cornstarch), and water, it’s often flavored with rosewater, citrus, or mastic, and sometimes filled with nuts like pistachios or walnuts. These small, soft, jelly-like cubes are typically dusted with powdered sugar or coconut to prevent sticking and are served with coffee or tea as a sweet treat. Oh so very moreish – there are shops everywhere you look to try and buy.

Where to eat

Calakasik, Kadikoy

Kadikoy is one of Istanbul’s coolest neighbourhoods, with antique shops aplenty. And for the hungry, there’s Calakasik. A very unassuming-looking ‘local’ looking restaurant, it’s relaxed, lively and serves absolutely incredible Turkish food – canteen style. Come hungry and choose lots of dishes to share – try the zeama, kebabs and peka.

Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine

Michelin Guide 2025 recommended, Deraliye serves authentic, historical Ottoman palace dishes, featuring rich flavors from Turkish, Balkan, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian traditions, with unique recipes including goose kebab, stuffed fruits like apples/quince with minced meat, unique grape leaf wraps (sarma) with cherries, and traditional dips (muammara, babaganoush) alongside grilled meats, pastries, and rich desserts like Katmer . I had an exceptional lamb kebab, with onions, grilled tomatoes and peppers and rice. The kids had meatballs and loved them.

Muutto

An anatolian tapas bar sat by the side of the Bosphorus in a new development at Galataport cruise ship port. When there isn’t a boat, it’s a lovely place for a shop and a stroll, with loads of bars and eateries lining the waters edge. Serving modern Anatolian tapas (mezze) and street food, Muutto offers creative twists on traditional Turkish dishes like potato bravas, stuffed meatballs, octopus, lamb wraps, and unique items such as liver with halloumi, alongside homemade drinks and a focus on fresh, flavourful small plates for lunch and dinner. Even the dips were a work of art.

*For more on planning a trip to Türkiye, see Go Türkiye

*Return flights with Turkish Airlines or SunExpress from Manchester to Istanbul start from around £185 per person (checked November 2025). Flights take approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.

READ MORE: I’m a family travel expert and these are the best things to do in Fethiye, south west Turkey, with kids

Dec. 12 (UPI) — Costa Rica and Israel finalized a free trade agreement this week that eliminates more than 90% of tariffs between the two countries, mainly on agricultural and industrial products. The deal also is expected to improve prospects for trade in services, technology and specialized investment.

Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Trade said the pact with Israel — which it described as a leader in innovation, cybersecurity, clean technologies, agrotechnology, digital services and semiconductors — creates a favorable framework for expanding trade, attracting capital and strengthening bilateral production chains.

The agreement must be ratified by Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly, a process expected to be contentious due to criticism from pro-Palestinian groups calling for a freeze on ties with Israel.

Activist groups collected about 12,000 signatures from Costa Ricans and delivered them to the government in November, urging it to halt the agreement on the grounds that Costa Rica would become “complicit” in genocide, local outlet Semanario Universidad reported.

Although current trade between the two countries — estimated at about $60 million — represents only a small share of each nation’s total exports, Costa Rican business groups welcomed the agreement, saying it will allow the country to strengthen specific niches where it has a competitive advantage or needs key inputs.

“In the current context, it is very important to diversify the sources of investment and the destinations of our products, particularly in a high-potential market such as the Middle East,” Ronald Lachner, president of the Association of Free Zone Companies of Costa Rica, told El Observador.

Costa Rican Foreign Trade Minister Manuel Tovar said the agreement “represents a strategic opportunity to position Costa Rica as a competitive supplier in high-technology sectors, quality agribusiness and specialized services.”

Israeli Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat said Costa Rica is “a natural trading partner for Israel — an advanced OECD country with a deep commitment to free and open trade.”

“The free trade agreement is expected to strengthen the growth trend in Israeli exports, deepen business cooperation and help reduce the cost of living in Israel by lowering import prices,” he said. “The agreement reflects the policy we are pursuing: opening new markets, diversifying trade destinations and strengthening the engines of growth of the Israeli economy.”

With the agreement’s entry into force, Costa Rican exports are expected to reach between $50 million and $60 million in 2026, driven by products such as green coffee, pineapple, honey, kosher and halal meat, medical devices, advanced manufacturing and digital services.

Beyond the exchange of goods, the free trade agreement aligns with Costa Rica’s national strategy to attract investment in high-technology sectors. Israeli investment in Costa Rica has shown a sharp increase, rising from $1 million in 2023 to nearly $20 million in 2024.

The scope of the agreement goes beyond tariff reductions. It includes plans to open a Trade and Innovation Office in Jerusalem in early 2026. The office is intended to facilitate joint projects in semiconductors, medical technologies, advanced agriculture and specialized tourism.

Israel’s ambassador to Costa Rica, Michal Gur-Aryeh, said the two economies are complementary.

“Israeli technology will contribute to Costa Rican productivity, making it more profitable and competitive, while Israel will gain access to Costa Rica’s wide range of products,” she said.

A UNESCO panel backed Italy’s bid, recognising Italian cuisine as a social ritual that binds families, communities.

Italian cuisine, long cherished for its deep regional traditions, has been officially recognised by UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage” – a designation the country hopes will elevate its global prestige and draw more visitors.

“We are the first in the world to receive this recognition, which honours who we are and our identity,” Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement on Instagram on Wednesday.

“For us Italians, cuisine is not just food, not just a collection of recipes. It is much more, it is culture, tradition, work, and wealth,” Meloni said.

The vote by a cultural panel of UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – meeting in New Delhi capped a process Italy launched in 2023, with the government portraying the country’s culinary tradition as a social ritual that binds families and communities.

🔴 BREAKING

New inscription on the #IntangibleHeritage List: Italian cooking, between sustainability and biocultural diversity, #Italy🇮🇹.

Congratulations!https://t.co/xoL14QjPPR #LivingHeritage pic.twitter.com/2iY86Obn3n

— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) December 10, 2025

‘Cooking is a gesture of love’

UNESCO did not single out any famous dishes or regional specialities. Instead, the citation focused on how much Italians value the everyday rituals around food: the big Sunday lunch, the tradition of nonnas teaching kids how to fold tortellini just right, and simply sitting down together to enjoy a meal.

“Cooking is a gesture of love; it’s how we share who we are and how we look after each other,” said Pier Luigi Petrillo, part of Italy’s UNESCO campaign and a professor at Rome’s La Sapienza University.

In its announcement, UNESCO described Italian cuisine as a “cultural and social blend of culinary traditions”.

“Beyond cooking, practitioners view the element as a way of caring for oneself and others, expressing love and rediscovering one’s cultural roots. It gives communities an outlet to share their history and describe the world around them,” it added.

The UNESCO listing could deliver further economic benefits to a country already renowned for its cooking and where the agri-food supply chain accounts for about 15 percent of the national gross domestic product (GDP).

It could also bring some relief to traditional family-run restaurants, long the backbone of Italian dining, which are facing a harsh economic climate in a market increasingly polarised between premium and budget options.

Honouring cultural expressions

Italy is not the first country to see its cuisine honoured as a cultural expression.

In 2010, UNESCO inscribed the “gastronomic meal of the French” on its intangible heritage list, calling out France’s tradition of marking life’s important moments around the table.

Other food traditions have been added in recent years, too, including the cider culture of Spain’s Asturian region, Senegal’s Ceebu Jen dish, and the traditional cheese-making of Minas Gerais in Brazil.

UNESCO reviews new candidates for its intangible-heritage lists every year under three categories: a representative list; a list for practices considered in “urgent” need of safeguarding; and a register of effective safeguarding practices.

At this year’s meeting in New Delhi, the committee evaluated 53 proposals for the representative list, which already includes 788 entries. Other nominees included Swiss yodelling, the handloom weaving technique used to make Bangladesh’s Tangail sarees, and Chile’s family circuses.

If you’re looking for the best Christmas market to visit this month then the good news is Hoppa has done the research for you and worked out the cheapest place to get into the Christmas spirit.

The airport transfer specialists have been analysing dozens of European winter getaway destinations, looking at the average cost of accommodation, reading the Tripadvisor reviews and adding up the price of a pint.

And the European spot that is the most cheap and cheerful this Christmas is…Prague! I must say I have to agree with them as I was lucky enough to travel to the picturesque city of Prague two years ago in the run up to Christmas and it probably is the most Chrismassy place I’ve been to.

With its stunning buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic Old Town Square, Prague is a pretty great place to visit all year round – especially in December when the Christmas lights are twinkling and locals are chanting traditional Czech carols.

READ MORE: Christmas market resembles Beauty and the Beast with cobbled lanes and £2 mulled wine

It has an iconic Gothic Church, a 20-Metre Christmas tree and is circled by dozens of wooden chalets selling everything from Trdelník (chimney cake) to Czech Marionettes (hand painted ornaments) and puppets.

And alongside a very good-looking Christmas market, you can expect to find a rather impressive 4,811 attractions to keep you amused. Scoring 7.5 out of 10, the average cost of a 3-star hotel in Prague is just £74 and the average cost of a pint is £2.17 according to secretldn.com

There are also some great restaurants where you can sit down and enjoy very reasonably priced food and drink while you people watch. You can expect to pay around 250-400 CZK (approx. £8 to £14) for a dinner with drinks, with street food being even cheaper.

And there’s so much choice – from classic dishes like Goulash, Svíčková (beef in cream sauce) or Vepřo knedlo zelo (pork, dumplings, sauerkraut) to mulled wine and roasted nuts.

In fact, the Christmas market is so picture-perfect, it’s been named the most photographed Christmas market in Europe, according to various media outlets and Prague City Tourism.

There’s still plenty of time to visit – the market runs annually from late November through early January, transforming the square into a fairy-tale scene dominated by the soaring Gothic towers of Týn Church and the Astronomical Clock.

One of the best things is that it might only be a two-hour flight from the UK but once your feet firmly land in the Old Town Square, you feel like you’ve stepped into the past. And you can get there for as little as £27 return (if you book it far enough in advance) leaving plenty leftover for a few £2 pints of Czech lager.

The 10 most affordable European winter getaway destinations:

1. Prague, Czech Republic
2. Bansko, Bulgaria
3. Sofia, Bulgaria
4. Budapest, Hungary
5. Tallinn, Estonia
6. Kraków, Poland
7. Tirana, Albania
8. Belgrade, Serbia
9. Bratislava, Slovakia
10. Vilnius, Lithuania

READ MORE: Where to shop Amanda Holden’s satin Christmas pyjamas that fans are ‘obsessed’ with

The Yorkshire town is renowned for its foodie credentials, with independent shops and eateries producing unique and acclaimed products – all sourced locally from the area

Food lovers travel from far and wide to sample the culinary delights of this market town, renowned for its locally sourced produce and skilled artisan makers.

Throughout Malton, you’ll find an abundance of independent shops and eateries crafting distinctive and sometimes award-winning products. Numerous local restaurants and pubs serve up mouth-watering dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from the surrounding area – including seafood from the nearby coast, meat from the moorlands and organic vegetables.

Experience it all at Malton’s Monthly Food Market, where visitors can sample everything from artisan breads to locally crafted beers. Beyond the food, the town also hosts a vibrant marketplace brimming with gifts, homeware, clothing and antiques, ideal for a leisurely browse. The market runs every Saturday from 9am until 4pm, making for a perfect day trip.

The town offers restaurants serving nearly every type of cuisine, from Italian to Indian and classic English pub fare, but topping TripAdvisor’s rankings in Malton is the welcoming pub, The Royal Oak. One recent guest described their visit, saying: “Visited on a very dark, rainy evening and found a lovely, cosy pub with great food and fantastic service.

“The friendly pub atmosphere was made by a great landlord and happy local clientele. Wish we lived closer; would definitely recommend.”

Another highly praised establishment in the town is Forty Six, offering an array of small plates and delectable cocktails. One satisfied diner raved: “This is by far the best place to eat in Malton. The food is great; the staff are first class. I have visited a few times over the last few months and will be visiting again soon.”

For those with an insatiable appetite for culinary exploration, Malton Food Tours provides guided tours allowing you to savour a variety of flavours. You’ll get the chance to meet the passionate individuals behind the food, pop into artisan shops and eateries, and sample the produce firsthand on the second Saturday of every month.

Beyond its beloved gastronomic scene, Malton serves as an ideal base for exploring the breathtaking Yorkshire coastline and the nearby North York Moors National Park. History buffs will also enjoy a trip to the Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum, a former prisoner of war camp that offers a fascinating journey back in time.

Visitors have praised it as “educational” and “interesting”, with one individual describing it as a “brilliant place full of history and knowledge of what happened in the war”. They added: “Another place we visited on our week in Yorkshire and another great place of history of the war.

“Each hut had so much insight into what happened during the war – a place I would highly recommend to visit.” Spanning 33 huts, visitors can gain a sense of life during the Second World War and appreciate its historical significance, all thanks to the family who made the decision to open this site to the public three decades ago.

Just up the road from Whitby, this village offers golden sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, traditional cottages and ‘the best seafood restaurant’ visitors claim

Nestled along Yorkshire’s captivating coastline, just a short distance from Whitby, lies this charming fishing village boasting secluded beaches – ideal for those seeking a more serene retreat.

Boasting its own stretch of golden sand, Sandsend provides a far more peaceful alternative to its lively neighbouring town. The scenery features dramatic cliffs, gentle sands and the most delightful traditional cottages, creating a picture-perfect British village. When the weather’s fine, both residents and tourists can enjoy a seaside stroll, a refreshing swim or simply unwind whilst catching some sun. A recent guest said on TripAdvisor: “A beautiful coast; would highly recommend. Lovely atmosphere and views. My children loved it here; it’s very peaceful, and if you love a quiet coastal trip, then I would advise visiting here. There are a few pubs, cafes and restaurants too.”

During the warmer months, one holidaymaker remarked: “Beautiful stretch of coastline any time of year. We often visit in the spring/autumn; this was our first time visiting during the summer, and it was great to see this beach in all its glory! Lovely calm water for swimming; it was great for beating the heat after we had walked the length of the beach.”

Originally two separate villages – Sandsend and East Row – the area boasts a lengthy heritage in fishing, operating as a local port engaged in inshore fishing that remains active today. Visitors can savour locally caught fish at the village’s diverse dining establishments, ranging from cafés to restaurants and, naturally, fish and chip shops.

Particularly noteworthy is The Fish Cottage in Sandsend, a charming whitewashed establishment serving as both a seafood restaurant and fish and chip takeaway. Located merely 20 yards from the beach, some diners have even dubbed it “the best seafood restaurant by far”.

Additionally, they operate another location in Robin Hood’s Bay, another picturesque village on the opposite side of Whitby. Following a spontaneous visit, one diner shared on TripAdvisor: “Whenever I’m in the area, I cannot help myself; be it lunch or dinner time, I have to call in, and I am never disappointed. Staff are so so nice and very accommodating. The restaurant, although small, is lovely. If you’re ever in the area, honestly, this fish restaurant is the best.”

If that’s insufficient to entice you, an enchanting castle, Mulgrave Castle, stands just beyond the village and features a fascinating ‘ancient’ tale. According to legend, the site was established by a 6th-century ruler of Hälsingland, with its ruins now serving as a testament to the area’s fascinating past.

One visitor said: “It’s a bit of a slog getting there through the beautiful woods, but it’s well worth the effort. There was only one other person up at the castle, so it felt like the place was all mine. The views are breathtaking, and the ruin itself is very romantic.”

Journalist Liv Clarke visited a joyful Christmas market in a UK town which she says matches any European-style winter wonderland – and has ‘the best’ hot chocolate

Christmas Markets have been bustling for several weeks now and journalist Liv Clarke says she’s “certainly no Grinch” when they pop up, adding that she “relishes” them. Based in Manchester, Liv took a train to an exceptional festive wonderland recently – and she was left enchanted with the “different” kind of Christmas market.

Liv said she loves to “uncover something new each year” at Christmas markets and found herself “whizzing over to Yorkshire on the train on a frosty November morning”, to see how they celebrate Christmas across the border. Heading to Halifax, which hosts an annual Christmas Market each year in the grand Piece Hall, Liv, being a “proud Yorkshire lass” herself, was more than happy to head to the West Yorkshire town.

She said that “getting to these markets couldn’t be simpler” via a pretty train journey – and Liv described the “stunning Grade-I Georgian building” of the the Piece Hall which “boasts a massive 66,000sq ft open-courtyard” as being truly memorable.

She said: “I hopped on the train from Manchester Victoria to Halifax, which takes around 40 minutes, and the Piece Hall is roughly a five-minute stroll from the train station. My ticket set me back £12.59 for an open return which I booked on Trainline the day before, including Railcard discount.”

This works out just over £6 each way, she added, having booked ahead of travelling, which means you can sometimes find one-way tickets at low cost, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Liv said: “The train journey itself was picturesque, especially with a heavy frost adding a sparkle to the rugged landscape of the South Pennines. I passed through Rochdale, Todmoden and Hebden Bridge along the way, admiring the canals and mills which looked particularly striking in the bright sunshine.

“Upon my arrival in Halifax, it was a mere short stroll to the Piece Hall, tucked away from the main thoroughfare. Entry is through one of four gates situated on each side of the square, and there’s something rather grand about stepping through the archway.

“The gate I chose boasted an exquisitely ornate design, adding to the enchantment of the experience. It was still early when I arrived, with many stallholders preparing for the day ahead, but I was already taken with the layout; compared to Manchester, it was refreshing to see the markets here confined to one area, providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of the main high street.”

While waiting for the markets to fully open, Liv took the opportunity to explore the Piece Hall itself, describing “dozens of shops” lining all four sides of the square.

She said: “Given its location on a slight incline, there are varying levels depending on which side you’re on, yet each open-air walkway affords stunning views of the square below.

“On the ground floor, you’ll discover a plethora of cafes and restaurants, many of which stay open late into the evening. I treated myself to a hot chocolate from The Bakery (£3.95), which ranks among the best I’ve ever tasted: rich, chocolatey and perfectly sweetened.”

The Piece Hall is home to shops selling a wide array of items, from handmade gifts to antiques – and while these independent shops operate year-round, “the markets provide a significant boost, with many market traders even supplying the permanent shops”, Liv reported.

Shelly Foster, who runs The Handmade Gift Shop, shared her recommendation for the best time to visit, telling Liv: “The markets are always full of joy, the best time is around 4.30pm, just before sunset when everything is glowing. The markets are open until 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays but the bars and restaurants stay open much later, often with live music creating a lovely atmosphere.”

Lou Harkness-Hudson, who operates Hudson Belle, a shop selling gifts and homeware, said: “It’s just the most unique, unusual place to come, it’s a fantastic building, an excellent community. The markets are a crucial time for us and really boost footfall, it doesn’t get any busier than this. They bring people here to shop and have a nice day out.”

Liv continued to explore, adding: “Back at ground level, the markets were open and shoppers started to wander around as the morning sun began to thaw us all out. There was a fantastic selection of stalls, with many naturally selling products from Yorkshire.

“From rum to cheese to chilli oil – if you can name it, they sell it. Then there were stalls selling hats, gloves and scarves, which I imagine were in high demand during my chilly visit, along with several traders offering the most beautiful decorations and trinkets you could imagine.

“Adding to the enchantment was a merry-go-round and a large Ferris wheel, although it was spinning a bit too quickly for my taste. Given that it was a swinging-seat style wheel, I opted to sit this one out. Nonetheless, it was pleasant to observe.”

In one corner of the square, a towering Christmas tree stood majestically, with a massive ‘Christmas’ sign displayed against the balustrades of the Piece Hall’s second floor behind it, creating an idyllic scene. Liv described.

Liv added: “It’s the setting of the Piece Hall that makes this place special – it genuinely feels like you’re in a European city, rather than in the north of England.

“Naturally, there are far fewer food stalls here than in Manchester, which I found quite appealing. No overwhelming choices here; instead, I easily settled on my early lunch: a Yorkshire Bratwurst from The Sausage Box.

“This was crafted with a locally sourced pork Bratwurst from ‘Lishman’s of Ilkley’, served in a brioche bun with sauerkraut, pickles, crispy onions, ketchup and mustard, all for £9. It was a sight to behold and almost seemed too good to be true.”

Upon taking a bite, Liv said it “lived up to its looks”. She described the sausage as “succulent with a hint of smokiness, the toppings combined to create a flavour explosion, and it was surprisingly easy to eat – no stringy bits of meat or tough bread causing a mess”.

Liv added: “It felt much more thrilling than the Bratwurst stalls we have here in Manchester.”

“Naturally, there’s a stall selling Yorkshire pudding wraps if that tickles your fancy. As a proud Yorkshire lass myself, I wouldn’t dare to sample a pudding made by anyone other than my own mum while in God’s Own County, so I gave that one a miss.

“Other stalls were serving up Indian street food and Paella, while the surrounding eateries included an Italian restaurant and a wine bar that looked rather inviting. After my Bratwurst, I fancied something sweet, so I made a beeline for the churros stall.

“I must confess, it took three attempts to get my hands on some churros, as twice I was informed that the machine was, quite literally, frozen. But as they say, third time’s the charm, and I finally secured my paper cup of golden churros, dusted with crunchy cinnamon sugar and sitting in a pool of chocolate sauce.”

The churros cost £8, with the sauce costing an extra £1, which “seemed reasonable given the generous portion size” which Liv “couldn’t even finish”.

She added: “While I’m not usually one for sweets, even I found these delightful, with the texture being spot-on and just the right amount of chewiness. The sauce was scrumptious and tasted like genuine chocolate rather than a synthetic substitute.”

Summing up the festive experience, Liv said that “everything about the markets was a joy: the location, the people, and the food” – and if she visits again she may even brave a spin on the Ferris wheel, but she’s “making no promises”.

This charming village near the Peak District offers an impressive food scene, independent shops, and the stunning 14th century ‘cathedral of the Peaks’

This sizeable village, nestled amidst the stunning beauty of the Peak District and perched high in the hills, boasts a fantastic array of small businesses serving up delicious fare to locals.

Tideswell, situated on a limestone plateau just six miles east of the renowned Derbyshire spa town Buxton, may not be as frequented by tourists but has much to offer. Serving as a hub for surrounding villages, it’s an excellent spot for a cuppa, a pub crawl, or sampling delectable food – all supported by local businesses. In honour of their culinary delights, the village hosts an annual food festival. The next one is slated for 2 May 2026, celebrating the local flavours. The community bands together to display their hard work and sample a diverse range of artisan foods, along with other handmade goods.

Among the village’s most acclaimed eateries are The Merchant’s Yard Restaurant, The Star Inn, Tideswell Lounge, The Anchor Inn, and the modest chippy, Elliott’s Fish and Chips. When it comes to food and drink, the village packs a punch, with seven pubs dishing out tasty grub within a compact area. Beyond its gastronomic offerings, the village is home to an extraordinary church boasting unique architecture, often dubbed the ‘cathedral of the peak’.

The Church of St John the Baptist, constructed in the 14th century, houses a collection of original monuments, brasses, and woodcarvings. The church has held Grade I listed status since 1967 and, with support from the Friends of St John Tideswell, has undergone numerous restoration, preservation and repair works.

The group continues to help preserve this magnificent structure, which they regard as “one of the most important of the county’s mediaeval parish churches”. A recent guest shared their thoughts on TripAdvisor, saying: “A beautiful church; it’s easy to see why it’s known as the Cathedral of the Peak. I’m told I’d been before, but I couldn’t remember anything about it, so I enjoyed a visit in peace and tranquillity. Spectacular stained glass windows and beautiful and intricate carvings in the choir, combined with an interesting history, make it worth a visit. Also don’t miss the altar tomb, which is very unusual, as is the stone effigy beneath.”

Tideswell historically served as an important centre not just for markets but also for numerous industries including quarrying, lead mining and cotton and velvet production. Much of this heritage survives in the town today, with many choosing to explore the Tideswell Dale walk, which passes the historic mill.

Following the river’s course through the village, this six-mile route takes walkers across level ground for a journey lasting two to three hours. Many consider this an excellent opportunity to appreciate the area’s natural splendour whilst discovering the town’s character.