gem

Nestled near Peak District National Park, this charming Derbyshire village is bursting with character and offers the perfect pit stop after a day of hiking around Mam Tor

Tucked away near the Peak District National Park, this picturesque rural village provides an ideal stopping point for ramblers exploring Derbyshire, with numerous welcoming pubs just a short stroll away.

Located next to the renowned Mam Tor, a 517-metre peak within the national park, Castleton ranks among the most spectacularly positioned villages in the region. The settlement is encircled by breathtaking vistas of limestone and gritstone escarpments, which regularly draw visitors from cities including Sheffield and Manchester.

Numerous visitors pause in the village either before or following a day’s trek up the hill, where a stone-paved footpath guides walkers along a circular route spanning roughly three miles. The moderately challenging ramble typically requires up to two hours – an expedition well worth rewarding with a refreshing beverage afterwards.

One recent rambler shared on TripAdvisor: “I finally decided to pay Mam Tor a visit to walk up to rather than just driving past it. It’s so dominating on the horizon as you drive through Castleton. Now, you can walk up to it from a variety of paths. The tourist path from the official Mam Tor car park is a popular one; however, you pay for car parking there, and it usually gets busy.”

At its core sits a thoroughly English village, packed with pubs, tearooms, bakeries and shops, ideal for leisurely browsing. Highly-rated drinking establishments in the village include The George, Ye Olde Nags Head, 1530 The Restaurant and the Bulls Head. All within a stone’s throw of each other, these pubs provide the perfect haven after a hard day and maintain a cracking atmosphere throughout the year. Ye Olde Nags Head, believed to be the oldest in the area, has been serving pints since the 17th century. One satisfied punter left a review, stating: “The pub is lovely, warm and welcoming. The staff were very friendly. The building is old and tired in places, but it’s part of the character of the place.”

In addition to the beer selection, the village boasts a high number of cafes for its size, offering passers-by a cuppa and a sweet treat. Regardless of the weather, both locals and tourists pack the rooms for a hot beverage and their locally baked cakes, biscuits and other treats – delicious and totally Instagram-worthy.

Castleton is believed to be the only place on earth that possesses the precious Blue John stone, found within several of its hidden gem caverns. There are four caves in total, open for anyone to explore, including Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern and Blue John Mine. The most frequented is the Peak Cavern, nestled beneath Peveril Castle and amusingly dubbed ‘the devil’s arse’. Eager explorers flock to the site for tours lasting over an hour, detailing its history and showcasing the intricacies of the underground hidden gem.

One of the most acclaimed indie films of the year from the winner of last year’s Best Picture Oscar will be streaming on Netflix from Friday

Netflix is adding one of the best films of 2025 that you may not have heard of but is definitely worth your attention this week.

From director Shih-Ching Tsou and co-written by her long-time collaborator Sean Baker, Left-Handed Girl is a brilliantly understated family drama that will leave you breathless.

Baker is the most recent recipient of the Best Picture trophy at the Academy Awards for his masterful modern epic Anora, starring Mikey Madison, while Tsou has worked with him on his other films such as Tangerine and The Florida Project.

Tsou has now made her solo directorial debut with Left-Handed Girl, a heartfelt portrait of single mother Shu-Fen (played by Janel Tsai) who moves back to Taipei with her two daughters.

When her five-year-old I-Jing (Nina Ye) develops a dominant left hand, the family struggles to come to terms with her newfound quirk when her superstitious grandpa calls it her “devil hand” and forbids I-Jing from using it.

Set to stream on Netflix from Friday, 28th November, the film has already received critical acclaim and will be Taiwan’s submission for best international film at next year’s Oscars.

The Guardian has awarded it five-stars, writing this “striking Taiwanese family drama is a real marvel”.

They went on: “Tsou and Baker’s script sharply examines what it really means to lose face: which shames are noble, which are indulgent and what should be passed from one generation to the next?”

“Above all else, this film features what may be one of the best child performances that I’ve seen in recent memory,” one Letterboxd reviewer claimed after seeing Left-Handed Girl at the Toronto International Film Festival.

“Where this movie goes from one innocent little assumption passed by family escalates into something unexpected. It’s enough to prove Shih-Ching Tsou is on her way to becoming a great filmmaker in her own right too.”

Someone else shared: “Genuinely a very strong contender for the best film of the year. So glad I took the time to see this.

“It was so nice to hear the incredibly positive reactions from the other folks around me in the theatre when the credits rolled. It’s been a minute since I’ve been in a theatre where the audience clapped at the end. So lovely!”

A third wrote: “It does not surprise me that Sean Baker is one of the screenwriters on this film. It is a beautifully nuanced depiction of family dynamics, and family secrets.

“The wonderful performances, sometimes very raw, also felt very flawed and real. This film and also their other collaborations all worth revisiting!”

Watch Bridgerton on Netflix for free with Sky

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

from £15

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.

This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Bridgerton.

And a final fan said: “What a remarkable film. One of the most charming kid performances I’ve seen.

“The stories/struggles of each character in this family are so well balanced. Every heartwarming and heartbreaking moment just lands perfectly.”

Will you be checking out this lesser-known gem from Taiwan now it’s becoming available to stream at home?

Left-Handed Girl is streaming from Friday, 28th November on Netflix.

The Global Cities Index has named the “most liveable destination” in the world, with a picturesque European city taking the top spot due to its walkability

A stunning European city has been crowned the world’s “most liveable destination” in the Global Cities Index, thanks largely to how easy it is to get around on foot. Researchers examined six crucial factors when compiling their rankings: life expectancy, income per person, income equality, recreational and cultural amenities, internet speed, and housing costs.

Whilst European destinations dominated the list, one Australian city also secured a place in the top rankings.

10. Nantes

Nantes, a vibrant city in western France, is renowned for its rich history, cultural attractions, and bustling city life. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, once the residence of the Dukes of Brittany, now houses the Nantes History Museum.

This museum offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past through its well-preserved architecture and exhibits, reports the Express.

9. Ghent

Ghent, a delightful city in Belgium, is known for its medieval charm, dynamic cultural scene, and stunning architecture. It’s also the country’s most pedestrian-friendly destination.

The city’s picturesque canal-side streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The historic buildings along the canals cast beautiful reflections in the water, providing iconic views of the city’s architectural heritage.

8. Zurich

Switzerland’s largest city, Zurich, is renowned for its high standard of living, breathtaking surroundings, and vibrant cultural scene. Residents can enjoy walks along the shores of Lake Zurich, embark on a boat tour, or relax in one of the lakeside parks.

7. Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, consistently ranks among the world’s best places to live. The city centre features Tjörnin, a scenic pond surrounded by charming buildings, providing a peaceful spot for leisurely walks and bird-watching.

6. Luxembourg

Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg, is known for its low crime rates and spotless streets, contributing to a strong sense of safety and well-being among its residents. The city’s public transport network is highly efficient and extensive, with the recent introduction of free public transport further enhancing accessibility and convenience for residents.

5. Basel

Basel, a Swiss city, is praised for its high standard of living, combining a vibrant cultural scene with practical, top-quality living conditions. The city is home to world-class healthcare facilities such as the University Hospital Basel, renowned for its high standards and innovative treatments.

4. Bergen

Bergen, located in Norway, is famed for its stunning natural landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and coastal vistas. The city offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from hiking in nearby mountains like Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken to sailing and kayaking in the fjords.

3. Bern

Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and landmarks such as the Zytglogge clock tower and the Bear Park add to its unique charm.

2. Canberra

Canberra, Australia’s capital city, is celebrated for its exceptional liveability, thanks to a unique mix of natural splendour, contemporary facilities, and well-thought-out urban design. With its high living standards, Canberra offers clean and safe surroundings, well-kept public areas, and efficient public services.

The city’s low crime rate and high personal security levels significantly enhance its liveability.

1. Grenoble

Tucked away in the French Alps, Grenoble is a treasure that blends natural beauty, a lively cultural scene, and a high quality of life. It’s also a centre for scientific research and technological innovation, especially in nanotechnology and biotechnology fields.

Grenoble is particularly renowned for its cycle-friendly initiatives, including extensive bike lanes and hire services.

During the winter months, this city break destination is a real-life winter wonderland thanks to its snowy weather. With Jet2 launching new routes it’s now easier than ever to visit its famous Christmas market

Jet2 is set to launch three new routes to a city break destination that’s famous for its medieval old town and Christmas market.

Flights from Edinburgh to Tallinn will run from November 27, with flights from Manchester and Birmingham launching on November 28. These seasonal flights come just in time to explore Tallinn when it’s often at its most beautiful, with frozen, snowy weather typical in the run up to Christmas. There are flights this December for just £30.

Jet2 describes Tallinn as looking like a “medieval fairytale”. The old town is UNESCO-listed, and has historic squares, cobbled streets, and colourful architecture. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend the day wandering around, looking at the perfectly-preserved old buildings and stopping for a strong black coffee and a sweet pirukad pastry.

In the winter months, the old town is particularly charming, decked out in Christmas lights and often with a sprinkling of snow on the ground. The Christmas Market opens on November 21, and runs until December 28, with wooden stalls selling traditional crafts, fairground rides, and a land train decked out in fairy lights to take you round the town.

At the heart of the square is, what locals claim is Europe’s first Christmas tree. The area has been home to a Christmas tree since 1441, long before other nations took on the tradition of decorating trees in their homes. Once you’ve wandered around the square, try some traditional Christmas foods such as gingerbread or Estonian favourites like black pudding and cabbage. A spicy sausage called verivorst is also a very popular treat this time of year.

This walkable city boasts numerous incredible landmarks in its center. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a distinctive Eastern Orthodox church featuring onion domes. Or explore the imposing Toompea Castle, a medieval structure now used by Estonia’s parliament. The original castle was built by the Danish in the 13th Century, but parts were destroyed and rebuilt in the Middle Ages, while another newer wing features 18th-century baroque elements.

Visit Kadriorg Palace, which sits within vast areas of parkland. Founded by Russian Tsar Peter I in 1718, this spectacular baroque palace was modelled on Versailles. It’s home to the Kadriorg Art Museum, which has an impressive array of European and Russian art from the 16th to 20th centuries, while the surrounding Kadriorg Park looks beautiful in winter, with fountains and snow-covered greenery. At the edge of the park, you can even enjoy views across the Baltic Sea.

The old town offers a variety of hotels, hostels, and apartments to choose from. The four-star Nunne Boutique Hotel has excellent reviews and old-world charm. Twin rooms start at just £70 a night for two sharing, and for €10 per person you can enjoy the hotel’s spa, which features a massage pool and saunas. There’s even a kids’ room with toys and games to keep small visitors entertained.

The Merchants House Hotel is full of character and offers 36 rooms and suites just steps from the old town’s top attractions. This unique hotel is made up of historic, converted homes set around a courtyard, and offers economy double rooms for just £66 a night for two sharing.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected]

There are plenty of affordable flights from UK airports and the average temperature in October is 20C

Travel guru Simon Calder has revealed his top pick for an autumn getaway – the delightful seaside town of Cassis in southern France. He highlighted that there are plenty of budget-friendly flights from UK airports and the average October temperature is a pleasant 20C.

Cassis is also ideal for those who enjoy exploring on foot, making it a perfect choice for pensioners seeking an affordable and accessible holiday destination. The travel expert enthused: “I just came back from Côte d’Azur on Friday, and it was absolutely magical, particularly the lovely town of Cassis. Beautiful port, very close to St Tropez. It’s just a gorgeous place, the food is great!”.

“You can even take a bus from Marseille that costs £3 and takes you around one of the greatest drives in the world,” reports the Express.

Travel blogger Sam shared on her blog theblondescout that Cassis was “one of the nicest surprises” during her time living in France.

“This small fishing town is colourful, quaint and next to one of the most extraordinary landscapes I have ever witnessed: the dramatic limestone inlets that make up the Calanques between Cassis and Marseille.”

She further noted that Cassis is a small town, so it is “very walkable and easy to get around”.

Gorgeous Italian city is 30 minutes from Venice but without the huge crowds

Gen Z and Millennials now expense spa treatments and gym classes for this reason

“All of the streets are picture-perfect and have that colourful French Riviera vibe! Our favourite little square was at the bougainvillaea-filled Place Baragnon.”, she said.

Travel expert Simon Calder also recommends the Algarve, in southern Portugal, as a stunning and “very affordable” seaside destination that’s not too busy at this time of year.

This picturesque island off of the coast of Northern Ireland stands out for its unique charm and natural beauty, as it sits completely isolated from the rest of the UK

Tucked away and untouched by mass tourism, this remote island provides the perfect retreat for anyone wanting to reconnect with nature and breathe in the crisp coastal air.

Rathlin Island boasts an incredible array of wildlife, making it an idyllic destination in Northern Ireland for birdwatching and walking, with a tranquillity that only a community of just 150 residents could provide. And yet, they share their home with tens of thousands of seabirds.

The Rathlin Seabird Centre provides a magnificent vantage point to watch the delightful antics of puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes in their natural surroundings. Additionally, seals are frequently spotted basking on the rocks, whilst Irish hares and mink can be seen wandering across the terrain.

One visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor, saying: “The beautiful and peaceful place. Very little tourism, but it’s not needed; everything is basic, normal everyday life. It’s so simple just to walk the island.

“We have done this on several occasions and walk to each lighthouse. I recommend getting the bus to the bird sanctuary, as it’s quite a walk and very hilly. The scenery is like you will never have seen before.”, reports Belfast Live.

Thanks to the distinctive shape of this small island, it features three stunning lighthouses, each with its own character. Next to the seabird centre stands the West Lighthouse, renowned for being Ireland’s only upside-down lighthouse and an essential stop on any visit.

The East Lighthouse, Rathlin’s oldest, stands tall on the edge of a cave that is steeped in history. It’s said that this very cave was the refuge of Robert the Bruce in 1306 after his defeat in Scotland.

Legend tells us that while hiding away, he found inspiration from a spider to continue his fight for Scottish independence. This tale has forever linked him with the island, and many visitors come to pay their respects at the cave, gazing out towards Scotland from Rathlin.

One satisfied visitor said: “The scenery is mind-blowing, and taking the bus up to the lighthouse and bird sanctuary was fantastic. So much to see, and not just puffins. Lots of other nesting birds, plus the old upside-down lighthouse. Just very cool.”

Another tourist wrote: “A perfect day on an idyllic and unspoilt island. From start to finish… from the scenic crossing to the cold drink at McCuaig’s bar overlooking the swimmers and paddle boarders in Church Bay (at the end of a long walk on a sunny day), Rathlin has everything you could desire.”

However, the only way to reach Rathlin Island is by ferry from Ballycastle Harbour. You have two options: a passenger-only ferry that takes about 25-30 minutes, or a larger ferry that accommodates both people and cars, which takes up to 45 minutes.

It seems the nation’s favourite beach has been named – and it’s nestled on the eastern coast

Gorleston-on-Sea Beach, a gem on the Norfolk coast just south of Great Yarmouth, has been crowned with the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award, placing it amongst Europe’s top holiday destinations. The UK beach, renowned for its stunning views and golden sands, finds itself in good company, rubbing shoulders with popular spots in Greece and Spain.

The coveted ‘Best of the Best’ accolade is bestowed upon beaches that consistently receive glowing reviews on TripAdvisor over a year. With fewer than 1% of the 8 million listings achieving this milestone, Gorleston-on-Sea Beach stands tall on an impressive pedestal.

Visitors to the beach can enjoy views of grassy cliffs, engage in a game of pitch and putt, or try their hand at bowling greens, tennis and basketball. For the little ones, there’s a playground, a model yacht pond and a splashpad.

One of the major attractions is the free parking, coupled with public toilets, including facilities for disabled visitors. Known for its popularity among surfers and body boarders, Gorleston-on-Sea beach is a hit with water sports enthusiasts.

Just a five-minute stroll away is the town centre, brimming with shops, cafes, and amusements for visitors to explore.

Gorleston boasts an Edwardian theatre offering seaside shows throughout the year, reports the Express.

For those who enjoy a good walk, a trim-trail on the cliff top offers breathtaking views of the beach and harbour.

One holidaymaker shared their glowing review on TripAdvisor, stating: “A lovely place to visit. Lots of space and not overcrowded.

“A great play park on the clifftop which we had to ourselves even in school holidays. Few cafes and good toilet facilities. Lovely and clean area.”

Another visitor was charmed by its “old fashioned charm” and “miles of sandy beach”, while a third praised the “beautiful beach and calming atmosphere”.

Another tourist gushed: “Beautiful beach, so clean, so long and so relaxing. Sandy parts, stony parts, lots of lovely views. Amenities nearby and public loos.”

Yet another posted: “Beautiful beach with all that you need for a lovely family day at the beach. Drinks, ice cream and delicious fish and chips. Added bonus of plenty of free parking. Would defo recommend.”

Gorleston is touted as an excellent base for exploring Norfolk and Suffolk, and it’s a breeze to get there from Great Yarmouth, whether by car or public transport.

There are several bus services that run between Great Yarmouth and Gorleston.