Highland

Let’s just kick the elephant out of the room right away. It’s hard to write a guide to Highland Park without addressing the “G” word. The neighborhood has been described as a poster child of gentrification, and for anyone who spends time there, it’s easy to see why.

Get to know Los Angeles through the places that bring it to life. From restaurants to shops to outdoor spaces, here’s what to discover now.

Within the Northeast neighborhood nestled between downtown L.A. and Pasadena, you’ll see the Highland Park of the past: find remnants like the stone castle that was once the home of Charles F. Lummis, a poet and journalist who famously walked from Cincinnati to Highland Park — yes, you read that correctly — to accept a job at the Los Angeles Times in the mid 1880s. (He later went on to found the Southwest Museum, L.A.’s first museum, close by.)

You’ll see the Highland Park that remains: a working-class hub where bandas practice outside for all to hear, the smell of street tacos fills the air, multigenerational families play together at the park and iconic fixtures like the 22-foot-tall Chicken Boy statue that hovers over North Figueroa like a friendly mascot.

And you’ll see the Highland Park that’s emerging: an L.A. hot spot where young people flock to sip on fancy cocktails along York Boulevard and hang out at a chic Prohibition-era bowling alley.

Somehow, all these versions exist together. These days, it’s common to see luxury companies like Le Labo, which sells candles for upward of $90, move next door to small businesses such as the beloved Mexican family-owned Delicias Bakery & Some that has been serving fresh pan dulce for nearly 35 years. The community collectively mourned when its 100-year-old historic movie theater closed last March.

As one of L.A.’s first suburbs, Highland Park began the 20th century as an artsy oasis that was dotted with charming Craftsman homes. By the 1960s, the neighborhood had transformed into an epicenter for Latino life. The evolution of Highland Park has brought all the usual tensions between longtime residents and newcomers, many of whom were priced out of areas like Silver Lake and South Pasadena.

In spite of that, Highland Park has managed to hold onto its roots and small-town charm. This is in part thanks to nonprofits like the Highland Park Heritage Trust and community members who have been working to preserve the neighborhood’s rich history and cherished cultural hubs.

“A lot of the identity is still here, things that just make it feel like home,” says Michael Nájera, 35, whose family has lived in the neighborhood for three generations. He and his wife co-founded a running club called Tofu Scramble that meets at local coffee shops on Friday mornings.

“There’s a strong sense of community here. Even with everything going on these days, it’s amazing to see people out — some of us because we can, and others at risk because they have to,” he adds, referring to the recent ICE raids. “And still, this feels like a place where it’s OK to be brown and to be outside.” It’s common to see local businesses displaying Know Your Rights cards in support of their neighbors.

Rocio Paredes, a director and photographer who attended Franklin Middle School and High School in Highland Park, adds that “Chicanoism is very engraved in our DNA here.” You can see the culture’s influence in spaces like the Centro de Arte Público and the Mechicano Art Center, both of which were home to Highland Park’s Chicano Arts Collective, an organization that helped advance the political aims of L.A.’s Chicano movement in the 1970s. And also at local restaurants. At Las Cazuelas, a family-run Salvadoran pupuseria that’s been open since 1985, Parades says, “It’s like a f— time capsule.”

From historic Craftsman homes, beautiful hills, bountiful green spaces, cuisine from various cultures, vintage shops of varied prices and a vibrant nightlife scene, there’s so much to appreciate about Highland Park.

The sitcom star is thought to split his time between London and a quaint Scottish village, with which he has a ‘very special relationship’

A tiny Scottish village captured the heart of Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne. Worlds away from the Essex residence of his character in the beloved television programme, the 46-year-old actor is previously thought to have abandoned city life and relocated to Helmsdale on the eastern coastline of Sutherland.

Hailing originally from Nottingham, the sitcom star, who has also featured in the Catherine Tate Show and Dad’s Army, was believed to divide his time between his working commitments in London and a calmer, more serene lifestyle in the picturesque yet isolated village.

Discussing his passion for the Highlands, Horne previously revealed on That Gaby Roslin podcast that he “would very much like to live there. I am all things Scotophile.”

During another interview, the actor told the Sunday Post, calling Scotland “the best country in the world. My shoulders drop and I feel free. It is where my heart lies and hopefully one day I will have a place of my own there so I can retreat as and when I need to.”

He added: “I love the peace and tranquillity and the people. The food is wonderful, the weather is nowhere near as bad as everybody says and midges don’t like me, so that’s good.

“Most of my downtime when I’m not working is now spent in Scotland.”

Helmsdale, a picturesque village on the North Coast 500 (NC500) route, offers a breathtaking 516-mile journey through the stunning beauty of the Scottish Highlands, reports the Daily Record.

Chatting with the Sunday Post, he shared: “I have a very special relationship with Helmsdale. It’s partly because of discovering it when I was in the Highlands because of my ancestry through my great-great-grandparents who were from Huntly.”

He further added: “That makes me one-eighth Scottish, although I wish I was more.”

The village’s roots can be traced back to 1814 and are deeply intertwined with the 19th-century herring boom, which brought prosperity to many coastal Scottish communities.

The once bustling harbour still remains in use by local fishermen and is a favourite spot for a scenic walk. Nearby, there’s a small shingle beach offering incredible views across the Moray Firth.

The village is also home to the Emigrants statue. A poignant reminder of the town’s darker past, the landmark pays tribute to those who were forced to leave their homes and travel far and wide to start a new life.

Today’s visitors can drop by The Timespan Heritage Centre, a popular community hub that houses not only a local history museum but also a contemporary art programme, herb gardens, a shop, a bakery and a cafe.

Helmsdale could also be the ideal location for those partial to a drink or two. The charming village is conveniently located near the Old Pulteney, Clynelish, Glenmorangie and Dornoch Distilleries.

Mathew also previously named Glasgow as his ‘favourite city’ and has a special fondness for the city of Edinburgh, where he first made his comedy debut at the Fringe Festival in 2000.

THE NEW series of The Traitors is in full swing backstabbing and scheming amongst popular celebs for the very first time.

But where exactly is the famous castle? Well, you’ll find it on the outskirts of this very quiet Scottish town.

Called Alness, the Scottish town in the Highlands is home to just under 6,000 residents and is slightly inland of Cromarty Firth.

It’s not overly well-known, but millions have seen its nearby Ardross Castle on-screen as it stars on The Traitors.

The 19th-century building sits on the outskirts of the town set in formal gardens and over 100 acres of parkland.

As for Alness, the Highland Guide describes it as a ‘charming highland town’ known for its “friendly community, and scenic beauty”.

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In fact, Alness stop on the North Coast 500 (NC500) route – a popular 516-mile scenic road trip in the Scottish Highlands.

Around Alness you get great views as it’s close to the Cnoc Fyrish hill, and the Cromarty Firth which is home to seals and bottlenose dolphins.

One of the best views is up near the Fyrish Monument, a stone ruin high up on the hillside that overlooks the Cromarty Firth.

For anyone driving through on the NC500, or visiting, make sure to make Dalmore Distillery one of your stops.

It’s one of Scotland’s most famous whisky producers and Dalmore Distillery has been making single malt Scotch whisky since 1839.

The site has said it will re-open to visitors in 2026 with a “new experience” for whisky enthusiasts.

Very near the distillery is Dalmore Farm Shop & Restaurant, the town’s locally run farm where you can pop in for a bite to eat.

The farm shop won a Travellers‘ Choice Award in 2025 for its consistently high reviews, particularly for its cakes.

But they also serve up breakfast from eggs benedict and the ‘breakfast stack’ to lunch, like steak flatbread to scampi and chips.

For anyone wanting to hunker town in Alness, the two hotels on the high street are the Commercial Hotel with rooms from £80 per night.

Or at the other end of the high street is the larger Station Hotel with big rooms around £110 per night, and there’s a pub underneath.

Nearer to Ardross Castle is the Kildermorie Estate, a traditional Scottish Highland Estate open throughout the year.

It’s around 19,000 acres with plenty to do for those looking for activities from fishing in the lochs to bird watching and hiking up the Carn Chuinneagh mountain.

There’s accommodation on the estate too from cottages that sleep two to the lodge that can host up to 20 guests.

As for Ardross Castle, it’s sadly not open to visitors.

But if you’re up for a hike, some fans of the show have said you can get views of the front of the castle across the valley at Wester Lealty.

Others say you can hike along the coastal path where you can spot the castle in the distance.

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Here are 7 castles you can stay in to feel like you’re on The Traitors…

Leasowe Castle
Leasowe Castle is nestled along the Wirral seaside and is a 15 minute drive from Liverpool city centre. The castle has basic twin, double and master bedrooms with four-poster beds. It also has suites in the castle including one in the tower and one in the turret. Historically, Leasowe dates back to the 16th century, and has a unique octagonal tower.

Tulloch Castle Hotel

Tulloch Castle is a 12th-century-castle set against the landscape of the Highlands of Scotland, and is a five-minute drive away from Dingwall. The hotel is dog friendly, and nature fans can explore the North Coast 500 route too. The castle retains many of its period features, including the 250-year old panelled entrance hall, and restored original fireplaces and ceilings.

Castle Bromwich Hall

Castle Bromwich Hall really gives off Traitors vibes thanks to its gothic appearance. The mansion on the outskirts of Birmingham is a Grade I listed building and has retained many original features from the 1700s, including the huge entrance hall and grand staircase. The bedrooms are kitted out with traditional looking furniture, from four poster beds to chandeliers and claw foot bath tubs. You can even stay in their ‘Bridal Suite’ which was used in by Queen Elizabeth I.

Cave Castle Hotel

Cave Castle Hotel has over 350 years of history with original turrets and stone features. The huge castle in Hull has 71 rooms, some with four-poster beds and modern features in the newer wings. Cave Castle also has offers like Galentines, which for a girls night away includes Prosecco on arrival and treatments at the spa. The hotel has got ratings of 4 out of 5 on Tripadvisor with guests “impressed” by the “spectacular” building and “picturesque” grounds.

Walworth Castle
Walworth Castle, in the Tees Valley countryside, dates back to 1189, and is set in 18 acres of lawns and woodlands. It’s a good choice for anyone who has an interest in the paranormal as the castle its said to be haunted, with murder mystery evenings too. They offer four poster tower suites with double Jacuzzi baths as well as an also an award winning restaurant and farmers bar.

Lumley Castle Hotel

Surrounded by parklands and overlooking the River Wear is the Lumley Castle Hotel in County Durham. Lumley Castle Hotel was built in 1388 and converted into a hotel in 1976. The most impressive room is the King James Suite which has a 20ft high four-poster bed, its own reception room and Jacuzzi bath.

Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa

The four star castle hotel is found within the Clwydian Range in North Wales and has been dubbed “romantic” by guests. Ruthin Castle has rooms from standard to deluxe suites as well as on-site spa with mud room, woodland hot tubs and massages, body scrubs and facials. Guests on Tripadvisor were particularly impressed with the gardens and the “peacocks on the grounds”. They also have garden games like croquet and giant chess.

Here’s more on the Scottish Highlands from one Sun Writer who went on the UK road trip that felt more like New Zealand – with white sand beaches, rugged mountains & magical islands.

And another stayed in a historical former monastery in Scotland that felt like something from Harry Potter.

CITY SECTION

Banning 28, King/Drew 7

Birmingham 6, Sherman Oaks CES 0

Chavez 2, Sun Valley Poly 2

Diego Rivera 25, Simon Tech 0

East Valley 54, Valor Academy 0

El Camino Real 19, Cleveland 13

Fairfax 36, LACES 6

Maywood Academy 20, Elizabeth 0

Maywood CES 18, Torres 0

North Hollywood 20, Arleta 0

North Hollywood 12, Arleta 7

Sotomayor 19, Marquez 7

Sotomayor 18, Marquez 0

Sun Valley Magnet 40, AMIT 0

Sun Valley Poly 13, Chavez 0

Taft 19, Chatsworth 12

Torres 9, Maywood CES 6

USC Hybrid 19, TEACH Tech 0

Van Nuys 34, Grant 0

Van Nuys 7, Immaculate Heart 0

Verdugo Hills 32, Monroe 13

Verdugo Hills 43, Monroe 6

Westchester 14, LACES 0

SOUTHERN SECTION

Alhambra 27, Bell Gardens 13

Anaheim 26, Garden Grove Santiago 6

Anaheim Canyon 7, Sonora 6

Antelope Valley 26, Eastside 6

Azusa 19, Duarte 14

Bakersfield Christian 25, Highland 12

Beckman 19, Tesoro 6

Bellflower 26, Paramount 0

Beverly Hills 12, Hawthorne 0

Bishop Amat 50, St. Bernard 0

Buena Park 24, Godinez 0

California 22, Sunny Hills 7

Channel Islands 45, Hueneme 21

Chino 14, Ontario 8

Covina 19, Northview 0

Cypress 28, Esperanza 19

Dominguez 13, Norwalk 12

Don Lugo 7, Chaffey 6

El Modena 13, Villa Park 12

El Toro 25, San Juan Hills 6

Estancia 20, Savanna 0

Fountain Valley 19, Los Alamitos 14

Fullerton 24, Laguna Hills 19

Garden Grove 28, Costa Mesa 19

Huntington Beach 21, Corona del Mar 7

Inglewood 26, Culver City 0

Irvine University 32, Irvine 6

La Habra 27, Brea Olinda 12

Lakewood 6, Long Beach Cabrillo 0

Lakewood St. Joseph 36, Gardena Serra 6

La Serna 24, El Rancho 24

Leuzinger 50, Compton Centennial 0

Linfield Christian 60, Ontario Christian 12

Los Amigos 32, Magnolia 7

Mater Dei 43, Dana Hills 19

Millikan 34, Long Beach Jordan 0

Montebello 13, Keppel 0

Mountain View 14, El Monte 13

Newport Harbor 27, Edison 7

Northwood 13, Woodbridge 6

Palm Desert 19, Xavier Prep 13

Pioneer 20, Glenn 18

Placentia Valencia 32, Tustin 6

Pomona 13, La Puente 0

Portola 44, Sage Hill 0

Ramona Convent 19, Cantwell-Sacred Heart 0

Rancho Alamitos 6, Orange 0

Redondo Union 13, Palos Verdes 7

Riverside King 33, Moreno Valley 19

Riverside Poly 47, Redlands 6

Rosemead 6, Arroyo 0

Rotary 14, Laguna Beach 13

Saddleback 38, Western 6

San Marino 42, Temple City 0

Santa Ana Foothill 18, Garden Grove Pacifica 0

Santa Fe 13, Whittier 12

Santa Paula 35, Fillmore 0

Saugus 39, St. Bonaventure 7

Schurr 22, San Gabriel 0

Segerstrom 33, Loara 18

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 33, Alemany 0

Sierra Vista 46, Baldwin Park 26

Simi Valley 13, Burbank Burroughs 7

South El Monte 19, Gabrielino 0

St. Paul 34, Bishop Diego 0

Trabuco Hills 26, Aliso Niguel 6

Van Nuys 7, Immaculate Heart 0

Vista del Lago 21, Lakeside 0

Warren 13, Downey 6

West Covina 34, Hacienda Heights Wilson 6

Western Christian 41, Newport Beach Pacifica Christian 6

Westminster 19, La Palma Kennedy 13

Yorba Linda 32, Troy 0

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

SOUTHERN SECTION

Costa Mesa 19, Katella 6

Dos Pueblos 31, Ventura 19

Highland 52, Littlerock 12

JSerra 35, Mater Dei 7

La Mirada 7, Mayfair 0

Knight 13, Palmdale 0

Orange Lutheran 26, Santa Margarita 13

Oxnard 41, Santa Barbara 6

Oxnard Pacifica 14, Buena 8

Quartz Hill 20, Lancaster 0

St. Bonaventure 19, Bishop Diego 12

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS

CITY SECTION

Bell 13, Franklin 7

Bellflower 47, WISH Academy 13

East Valley 38, Valor Academy 6

Granada Hills Kennedy 27, Arleta 6

Kennedy 33, Arleta 0

Narbonne 43, Sherman Oaks CES 6

Panorama 27, Sherman Oaks CES 6

Panorama 6, Narbonne 0

San Fernando 32, Chatsworth 0

Sun Valley Magnet 32, AMIT 0

Verdugo Hills 18, San Fernando 6

Verdugo Hills 30, Chatsworth 6

SOUTHERN SECTION

Alhambra 19, Ramona Convent 18

Aliso Niguel 34, Corona Santiago 14

Antelope Valley 66, PACS 0

Arroyo 27, Mountain View 12

Baldwin Park 60, Edgewood 0

Bellflower 47, WISH Academy 13

Bell Gardens 25, Hawthorne 0

Bolsa Grande 31, Garden Grove Santiago 6

Brea Olinda 41, Sonora 20

Castaic 13, Valencia 6

Corona Del Mar 21, Marina 8

Costa Mesa 26, Estancia 0

Desert Hot Springs 34, Banning 8

Downey 32, Westminster 0

Fullerton 14, La Palma Kennedy 7

Garey 20, Chaffey 14

Gahr 25, Buena Park 13

Glendora 13, Azusa 0

Hart 26, Golden Valley 0

Highland 32, Fillmore 0

Huntington Beach 14, Edison 12

Inglewood 18, Corona 13

JSerra 27, San Juan Hills 0

Katella 34, Whitney 0

La Habra 14, California 7

Lakewood St. Joseph 20, Bishop Amat 0

Long Beach Jordan 34, Long Beach Cabrillo 0

Mater Dei 33, Beckman 27

Millikan 12, Anaheim 0

Montebello 28, Pioneer 0

Newport Harbor 21, Los Alamitos 0

Norco 31, Chino Hills 0

Northwood 24, Irvine 6

Orange 42, Western 0

Placentia Valencia 13, Laguna Hills 7

Rialto 13, Artesia 0

Rosary 6, Irvine University 0

Saddleback 26, Santa Ana Valley 20

San Clemente 41, Troy 0

San Dimas 19, Bonita 6

Santa Ana Foothill 6, Dana Hills 0

Segerstrom 26, Tustin 0

Sherman Oaks Notre Dame 16, Royal 12

Sierra Vista 20, Rowland 13

Simi Valley 31, Santa Paula 19

South El Monte 7, Rosemead 6

St. Anthony 22, Mayfair 13

St. Paul 26, South East 12

Vasquez 7, Canyon Country Canyon 6

Villa Park 44, Paramount 0

Warren 18, La Serna 12

West Ranch 20, Saugus 8

Westridge 24, Duarte 0

Whittier 12, Newport Beach Pacifica Christian 7

Windward 38, Compton Early College 12

Woodbridge 10, Portola 12

Xavier Prep 18, Rancho Mirage 6

INTERSECTIONAL

St. Paul 26, South East 12

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

CITY SECTION

Legacy 28, Lincoln 6

Wilson 53, Torres 0

SOUTHERN SECTION

Bolsa Grande 18, Newport Beach Pacifica Christian 6

Buena 12, Santa Barbara 6

Cerritos d. Buena Park, forfeit

Channel Islands 44, Knight 21

Dos Pueblos 53, Rio Mesa 0

Edison 19, San Clemente 13

El Toro 33, Millikan 13

Fountain Valley 39, Garden Grove 6

Highland 32, Fillmore 0

Magnolia 33, Glenn 6

Mater Dei 45, Traduco Hills 40

Mira Costa 13, Santa Monica 7

Orange Lutheran 52, Esperanza 6

San Jacinto Valley Academy 13, Hemet 6

San Marcos 33, Oxnard 6

Torrance 27, El Segundo 7

Vasquez 13, Eastside 6

Ventura 46, Oxnard Pacifica 14

Westlake 34, Moorpark 12