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It was the home of a self-proclaimed “white witch”

A picturesque Hampshire village has earned the title of the “witchiest village in the UK” from those who’ve visited. Nestled within the New Forest’s ancient woodlands, Burley boasts a history spanning centuries, and within living memory was home to a self-proclaimed “white witch”.

During the 1950s, Burley was inhabited by Sybil Leek, widely regarded as Britain’s “most famous witch”. She became a familiar sight wandering the village streets with her pet jackdaw perched on her shoulder, before eventually relocating to America.

Although nearly seven decades have passed since Sybil called Burley home, her legacy endures through numerous witch-themed gift shops that now populate the village.

The village’s connection to the paranormal extends beyond witchcraft, with local folklore claiming Burley Beacon once housed a dragon’s lair. According to legend, the creature would take flight each morning to Bisterne, a tiny hamlet merely three miles westward, where it would consume milk before returning home.

The tale concludes with the dragon being killed by Sir Maurice Berkeley, who served as lord of the manor of Bisterne during the 15th century. Whilst no actual dragon existed, some historians propose that elements of this legend may hold truth, with a wild boar or other sizeable creature substituting for the mythical beast.

Burley was formerly a popular hideout for smugglers, with renovation works at the Queens Head pub unearthing pistols, coins and other artefacts just a few years back. Local legend has it that the Queens Head served as the headquarters for Lovey Warne, the notorious 18th-century Smuggler Queen, where she orchestrated her illegal operations.

One recent visitor shared their enthusiasm on TripAdvisor: “If the weather is nice and you have some young people with you then I couldn’t think of a better place to stroll around than Burley. It [has a] fudge shop, tea rooms and an ice cream parlour (you must try the ice cream! A double scoop into a waffle cornet for £3.70 – my wife thought it should be £5 or more).”

Another reviewer commented: “I have been to Burley many times over the years with family who live in Dorset, and love checking out all the shops for a gift. Love to see the horses and donkeys roaming freely, and stopping when they see a picnic appearing in the field.”

The village offers an abundance of activities for visitors, from dining at the celebrated Queen’s Head to browsing the numerous mystical-themed boutiques, including Coven of Witches, Cobwebs and Crystal’s and Away With The Fairies.

Tourists can also take advantage of the encompassing woodland with deer safaris or cycling excursions on offer. For a more leisurely experience, horse-drawn wagon tours provide a charming way to explore the village.

The new measure, proposed by Mayor Tomislav Šuta, will restrict some late-night alcohol sales in problematic parts of the city from 8pm to 6am starting this summer

A sun-soaked European city beloved by Brits is introducing a strict alcohol ban.

Split has become the first city in Croatia to ban the sale of alcohol in shops and liquor stores after 8pm, in a direct response to what the mayor describes as “unacceptable” scenes of intoxicated visitors in the historic centre.

The new measure, proposed by Mayor Tomislav Šuta, will restrict late-night alcohol sales in problematic parts of the city from 8pm to 6am starting this summer. The city centre, with its high concentration of clubs, bars, and all-night shops, has been singled out as a particular problem point.

“It is precisely here that situations arise that impair the safety and quality of life of tenants,” Šuta explained, adding that the possibility of extending the rules to other parts of Split has not been ruled out. The restrictions will apply to grocery stores and liquor shops, and not to clubs and restaurants, meaning visitors can still enjoy drinks in licensed venues after 8pm.

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Darijo Šarić, CEO of luxury villa rental agency VIP Holiday Booker, welcomed the ban, seeing the move as part of a broader rebranding of Croatian tourism:

“In previous years, Split may have leaned into a ‘party destination’ image, sometimes encouraging partying among visitors. However, Croatian tourism is now actively rebranding to move away from that reputation, focusing instead on our rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and family-friendly environment,” Šarić said.

“These measures are designed to encourage responsible drinking rather than to stop the fun.

“Ultimately, it’s all about balance. Everyone wants visitors to Split to have an unforgettable experience, but we also don’t want residents to feel like the city is a 24-hour party zone. By drinking responsibly and respecting local customs, you help us keep Croatia a cherished, safe, and welcoming destination for everyone.”

This isn’t the only recent attempt to curb the effects of overtourism and antisocial behaviour in Croatia.

Last year, Hvar – one of the country’s most famous “party islands” – voted to maintain strict summer noise restrictions, limiting noise to 85 decibels (the equivalent of a noisy restaurant), despite pushback from local businesses.

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Split is not the only place in Croatia where locals are growing tired of tourists. Last year, the Mirror visited Dubrovnik, where work is currently underway to save the 1,400-year-old Old Town from becoming even more of an unbearable, sweaty mess than it was in the summer of 2017, when CNN condemned it as one of 12 global destinations to avoid.

Cruise ship numbers have been cut, and their arrivals have been staggered. Now, passengers must stay for eight hours, meaning the 600,000 who turned up last year spend more despite being 400,000 fewer than seven years ago.

Street vendor numbers in the Old Town are down 70%, while coach arrivals have been halved. Now a camera system counts visitors in and out of the Old Town. The “maximum comfortable limit” (according to a University of Dubrovnik study) of 11,297 a day is 800 higher than last year’s busiest day.

This island is proving popular with older Brits looking for accessible spring sunshine, with temperatures rarely dropping below 24C, sandy beaches and direct flights from the UK.

One of the delights of residing in the United Kingdom is the abundance of holiday spots right on our doorstep. Beyond our stunning domestic locations, countless destinations await just a brief flight away.

Greece stands out amongst these – and, lately, Greece has been attracting not only young globetrotters eager to explore, but also senior travellers seeking a peaceful retreat.

One important factor for older travellers is accessibility. Destinations offering direct flights are preferable, as journeys become more straightforward and quicker.

It’s equally important to assess accessibility – locations featuring numerous steep inclines or cobblestone streets might prove more challenging to navigate.

Additionally, consider the availability of vehicles and taxis; if driving isn’t an option for you, ensuring easy mobility is essential.

According to the Santorini Secrets blog, Corfu ticks all these boxes. Corfu benefits from daily direct flights from across Europe and the UK.

And it’s become a favourite destination for pensioners purchasing properties and visiting for relaxation. Corfu also boasts beautiful sandy beaches with straightforward access – ideal for senior visitors.

Santorini Secrets writes: “Corfu’s old town, with its Venetian architecture and alleys, is one of the cutest in Greece, with lots of excellent restaurants.

“There is no shortage of excellent sandy beaches with very easy access for older people, with lots of amenities and even hotels if you prefer to stay by the beach.”

Destinations such as Santorini and Mykonos, whilst undeniably stunning, aren’t particularly well-suited for older British visitors as they’re characterised by steep, cobblestoned and twisting pathways which can prove challenging for those with mobility concerns.

These spots are also regularly swamped with holidaymakers and can feel more chaotic than peaceful.

Additionally, both islands have earned reputations as “party destinations” – meaning they can get quite raucous.

If you’re keen on visiting Corfu for some spring rays, you’re fortunate. This Greek island boasts pleasant conditions throughout most of the year, with May temperatures seldom falling beneath 24C – ideally warm without being uncomfortably hot.

ONE beautiful Italian island known for incredible views and designer shops is cracking down on tourists.

It has implemented new rules in the hope of stopping large crowds from disturbing locals and other holidaymakers.

The pretty island of Capri, found in the Bay of Naples, is a beautiful spot that tourists flock to every year.

In the peak summer months of July and August there can be as many as 50,000 visitors each day.

In comparison, around 13,000 to 15,000 live on the island year round.

In an attempt to control and limit numbers, there are new tourism rules that will come into force this summer.

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The first is to limit groups to 40 people in an attempt to control overcrowding.

Talking to The Times, Paolo Falco, the island’s mayor said: “They look like herds of sheep and it’s not nice to see. We need to save beauty; we don’t have any other choice.”

The rules also request that tour guides leading more than 20 tourists at a time use wireless earpieces rather than loudspeakers.

The guides have been asked to avoid using umbrellas to identify themselves and opt for identifiable clothing instead.

In an effort to not block the narrow streets, etiquette similar to travelling on the tube has been requested for large groups.

Paolo Falco added: “We’re saying to stay on the right on the way up, stand on the left on the way down and don’t loiter in the square.

“Sometimes they completely prevent locals from passing through.”

Other factors being considered to limit the number of tourists include controlling the boat traffic at Marina Grande port.

One long-standing rule for tourists and locals that was introduced in 2019 stopped people using single-use plastics.

The former Mayor of Capri, Gianni De Martino, approved the ban seven years ago – and anyone breaking the law could receive a €500 (£435) fine.

Capri is a short ferry ride away from Naples, usually taking around one hour making it a popular day trip destination.

The island draws tourists in thanks to its pretty natural surroundings like the Blue Grotto.

It’s a natural sea cave that glows a deep turquoise, often visited via small wooden boats.

During busy periods, sightseers can wait for up to two hours to get inside.

Other popular spots are the Faraglioni rock formations which visitors can see on the southern coast of Capri.

The central point of the island is the Piazzetta which is easily recognised thanks to its huge clock tower.

Surrounding it are lively cafés with outdoor seating and luxury boutiques.

Other highlights include the Gardens of Augustus, the Monte Solaro chairlift, and the ruins of Villa Jovis.

For more on Italy, here’s another Mediterranean island that Brits don’t know about with spectacular beaches – and it’s loved by Italians.

And check out this beautiful island which has 200 beaches.

This amazing experience for two includes exclusive tickets to The Mystery of Banksy Exhibition at Depot Mayfield, plus overnight stay in the Banksy-themed room at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly

Fancy an unforgettable break in Manchester with art, culture and great food? We’ve teamed up with The Mystery of Banksy Exhibition at Depot Mayfield and Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly to give one lucky reader the chance to win an amazing experience for two.

The lucky winner and friend will win exclusive tickets to The Mystery of Banksy Exhibition at Depot Mayfield, where they can explore the story behind the world’s most famous street artist.

They will stay overnight in a deluxe room in the stunning Banksy-themed rooms at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly, including breakfast. We’ll throw in £100 Freight Island vouchers to spend on food and drink and up to £250 to help cover your travel to Manchester.

This incredible prize combines culture, comfort and some of Manchester’s best food and drink, making it the perfect city break for art lovers or anyone curious about the mystery surrounding Banksy.

The prize must be redeemed between March 13 and June 30, 2026. Some blackout dates may apply. Terms and conditions apply.

Simply fill in your details on the entry form below for your chance to win. Closing date for entries is 23:45 March 1, 2026.

If you cannot see the form above CLICK HERE

Terms and Conditions: This competition closes at 11:45pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Entries received after this date will not be accepted. One winner will be selected at random from all eligible submissions after the closing date and will be contacted by email within 7 days to arrange fulfilment. To enter the competition, you will need to submit your name and valid email address on the entry form. The winner has 48 hours/ 2 days from the date of the notification email to claim their prize, failure to respond within 72 hours will result in forfeiture of the prize / pick another winner. The prize is: one night’s stay for two in a deluxe king room in the stunning Banksy-themed rooms at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly, including breakfast the next morning. Tickets to The Mystery of Banksy Exhibition at Depot Mayfield, where you can explore the story behind the world’s most famous street artist. A £100 Freight Island voucher to spend on food and drinks (valid on selected dates). Travel costs covered up to £250 to help you get there and back. Travel expenses must be pre-approved and receipts may be required for reimbursement up to the stated limit. The prize must be redeemed between March 13 and June 30, 2026. Some blackout dates may apply. Prize cannot be exchanged, it is also non-transferable and no cashback alternative will be offered. Upon entering this competition there is an option to opt in to receive various newsletters sent via email. If you do opt in, you will receive these newsletters in accordance with their sending schedule. For those who do not opt in to receive any email newsletters, your data will be solely used for administration of this competition. The winners’ contact details will only be used to administer the competition and will be shared with the company’s prize fulfilment partner, We are Indigo – PR Agency to fulfil the prize. We are Indigo PR Agency will contact the winner to further liaise on the fulfilment of the prize (please make sure all entry details provided are correct). By entering this competition, you are permitting Reach plc to use your personal data to contact you to arrange prize fulfilment only. Entry to the competition is restricted to one entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Automated entries, bulk entries or third party entries will be disqualified. This competition is open to UK residents only. This competition is open to people over the age of 18. Employees of the promoter, their families, agents and anyone else connected with this promotion are not eligible to enter. By entering a competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. Entry implies acceptance of these rules. These terms and conditions shall be governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes arising under these terms and conditions. Standard competition rules apply. For more go to www.mirror.co.uk/rules.

The gothic village of Haworth in West Yorkshire is home to the Brontë Parsonage Museum where Emily, Charlotte and Anne Brontë penned their classic novels including Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.

A charming gothic British village, brimming with independent shops and a cosy atmosphere, is ‘well worth a visit’. This ‘mysterious’ spot was once home to the Brontë sisters, including Emily, the author of the classic novel Wuthering Heights.

Emily, Charlotte and Anne Brontë are among Britain’s most revered literary siblings. As the new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights premieres in UK cinemas tonight (February 13), the village of Haworth in West Yorkshire makes for an ideal weekend getaway.

With its unique brooding character, Haworth overlooks the moors where the new film was shot, transporting visitors back in time with its cobbled streets and historic alleyways. Some of these cobbled lanes even lead to an ancient church and cemetery where novelists Emily and Charlotte Brontë are laid to rest.

Anne Brontë, the youngest sibling, is also buried at St Michael & All Angels Church cemetery in Haworth. The three sisters wrote seven novels here, including Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

The village’s main street boasts ‘absolutely wonderful’ establishments, including shops with a mystical witchy vibe, a ‘heavenly’ sweet shop, and numerous unique gift and book stores to explore, reports the Express.

Food and shopping

The ‘magical’ establishments dotted throughout Haworth offer a gothic atmosphere, whilst the village is surrounded by stunning moorland and countryside, near to where the latest Wuthering Heights film was shot.

Spooks of Haworth functions as a ‘spiritual emporium’ in the village, selling crystals and gifts whilst offering tarot card readings. It first opened its doors in 1983 in Haworth, the heart of Brontë Country.

One visitor described the establishment as ‘magical, mysterious, and totally wonderful’ located in a ‘beautiful gothic village, well worth a visit’.

Another ‘fabulous little shop’ is The Cabinet Of Curiosities in the village, which one recent guest called a ‘little piece of heaven’, reviewing this treasure trove as ‘so interesting’.

“Every detail in the shop was very well presented, down to wrapping. It was like an adult sweet shop, of smelly stuff and other treasures”, they wrote.

The Haworth Artisan Market also features prominently amongst the village’s attractions on TripAdvisor. Despite only running one Sunday each month, it draws significant numbers of visitors and residents.

To capture the Wuthering Heights atmosphere, there are several must-see locations in the area:

Haworth Moors

Exploring the Haworth Moors, the setting for Wuthering Heights, can be done on foot or alternatively, aboard the historic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. This heritage railway offers a journey on vintage steam locomotives.

One can even indulge in afternoon tea on board, as one reviewer who embarked on this rail journey three months ago with an all-day rover ticket attested. They described it as a ‘very enjoyable day and highly recommended’.

The same reviewer of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway shared: “Just had the traditional afternoon tea experience, absolutely blown away. Fantastic food, excellent service, in short a really brilliant day, when I felt I got full value for my money.

“There is a nice selection of sandwiches, meringues/ macaroons and large scones with cream and jam.”

Holdsworth House – an ideal place to stay

This stunning four-star hotel is a “Jacobean manor built in 1633, set just outside Halifax in West Yorkshire”.

Situated a mere 20-minute drive from Haworth, the Holdsworth House website describes it as a “historic, quietly grand house” that provides a “calm, atmospheric base for visiting the Brontë Parsonage, Haworth itself and the wider landscape of Brontë country that shaped Wuthering Heights”.

Low Row, Richmondshire

Stone-built houses and sweeping countryside vistas served as the backdrop for the new film. The area is surrounded by countryside, offering the ideal setting for ramblers seeking a scenic route through the Dales, with the cosy Punch Bowl Inn waiting at the end – where you can savour a pint or a cup of Yorkshire Tea.

Top Withens, West Yorkshire

Devotees of the novel and films will want to include this location on their route, as the derelict farmhouse is believed to have inspired Wuthering Heights. Beginning from St Michael’s Church in Haworth, this walk leads you through Penistone Hill Country Park before reaching the Brontë waterfall and bridge – an ideal spot for photographs.

Swaledale

As one of the principal dales featured on screen, Swaledale’s limestone valley, stone barns and open moorland serve as the setting for numerous key exterior scenes. Today, it’s a sanctuary for slow travellers, providing tranquil riverside walks, historic mining remnants and picture-postcard villages such as Reeth (which acted as a production base and is anticipated to appear in or around multiple scenes).

Arkengarthdale

Also identified as a significant filming location, Arkengarthdale delivers rugged valley vistas and remote moorland backdrops that feature in various exterior sequences. Its quiet lanes, high moors and sense of remoteness make it perfect for visitors wanting to experience the raw, windswept landscapes that characterise Wuthering Heights.

Brontë Parsonage Museum Furthermore, on the edge of the countryside leading towards the moorland lies the Brontë Parsonage Museum – an absolute must for enthusiasts of the Brontë sisters’ literature, as this was the family home throughout the 1800s.

According to the museum’s website: “We have the largest collection of Brontë items in the world, offering fascinating insight into the life and times of Yorkshire’s famous literary family.”

Yorkshire’s historic towns

Byway’s has also developed a Historic Towns in Yorkshire trip, making it straightforward for visitors to discover these landscapes for themselves, journeying by rail through cities and market towns such as York and Skipton, with connections to the Yorkshire Dales and the broader Brontë Country.

Built around picturesque train routes and leisurely travel, the four-day programme offers a convenient entry point for devotees eager to discover the moors and locations associated with Wuthering Heights. Prices begin at £468 per person for an unforgettable four-day adventure.

A NEW Eden Project attraction is opening in a seaside town – although the latest plans show a much smaller one that previously announced.

Eden Project Morecambe in Lancaster is set to cost £100million and include two shell-shaped domes with gardens inspired by the coast.

In the most recent plans, the proposal for Eden Project Morecambe has been updated and submitted to Lancaster City Council.

The changes to the new attraction came after both residents and councilors raised concerns over the impact it would have on some of the nearby landmarks such as the Midland Hotel and Winter Gardens venue, as well as the rising costs.

Plans originally approved in 2022 included four domes, but now the plan includes only two domes which will be called Realm of the Sun and Realm of the Moon.

The Eden Project previously said that the Realm of the Sun will be “a bright, tropical landscape of the near future where humans have discovered how to heal and re-engage with the broken rhythms of the natural world around them”.

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The Realm of the Sun is planned to adapt to both the hot and cold seasons too.

Plans also revealed that in the Realm of the Sun, there will be vertical plants, hanging mini gardens, a multi-sensory area, a cascading waterfall, a 20-metre Elder Tree sculpture and a ‘Town Square’, but it is unclear how much of this will now go ahead.

As for the Realm of the Moon – it will be a darker space, with a “hyper-real rock pool” that has sped-up cycles of tides.

The two domes will then be connected by an area called Metronome, where visitors will be able to purchase tickets from.

Changes to the plans also mean there will be more outside areas with coastal plants and links to animals and human life.

According to the BBC, the report states: “The proposal continues to be a major new mixed-use attraction in Morecambe.

“It will combine a range of indoor and outdoor experiences, all based on connecting people with Morecambe Bay.

“The applicant has also engaged with other organisations particularly in relation to ecology, cultural heritage and transport.”

The first phase that will be built is a community space spanning 1.5 acres and called Bring Me Sunshine.

The space will be inspired by the landscape and seaside.

In addition, there will be a 750-capacity Tidal Theatre, 300-capacity restaurant and a shop.

To prevent flood damage, the revised plans include a new landscaped garden and sea defence area, that will wrap around the attraction by the beach and feature raised walkways.

The full attraction is expected to open to the public in 2028, after being pushed back from 2026.

Once the attraction does open, visitors will be able to interact with different exhibits including living structures, participate in storytelling sessions and try out workshops.

In total, eight concerts or events are planned for Eden Project Morecambe each summer, set to each attract 6,000 people.

The new attraction will be sat right by the beach on the former site of the Bubbles Leisure complex.

Original plans included three outdoor gardens, named All Seasons Garden, the Bring Me Sunshine Garden and the Rhythm Gardens.

And it isn’t the only new Eden Project site set to open in the UK – there are also plans to open an Eden Project in Dundee.

In the meantime, Morecambe itself is a pretty seaside town to explore and it is often overlooked.

It is known for having a five-mile bay with pretty sunsets over the Lakeland Fells.

If you visit on a Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, make sure to check out Festival Market – it features over 70 stalls selling local goods, food and gifts.

In other attraction news, inside the new UK Pixar experience that’s the world’s biggest – it felt like being a kid stepping into Toy Story & Monsters Inc.

Plus, there’s a new one-of-kind attraction at UK’s Warner Bros Studio, which is perfect for Harry Potter nerds.

In an incredible offer, British Airways is offering flights for just £2 to two popular sun-soaked destinations, but only some holidaymakers will be able to take advatnage of the flights

To help beat the winter blues, British Airways is offering flights to two beautiful holiday hotspots for as little as £2.

Holidaymakers could jet off to the sun-soaked city of Madrid, Spain, with its famed landmarks and beautiful parks, or to the coastal city of Toulon in France, home to one of the most spectacular harbours in Europe, for just £2. However, not everyone will be able to take advantage of the British Airways offer, as the £2 flights are Avios-only and available only to members of The British Airways Club.

Yet, for members, it’s a deal worth noting with flights departing from London City Airport to Madrid and Toulon. Plus, with the promise of blue skies, blistering sunshine and picturesque vistas at either of these popular destinations is more than appealing amid the gloomy British weather, especially when it could cost less than a cup of coffee.

Seats are now available to book, with prices starting from just £2 plus 21,500 Avios for Toulon, and £2 plus 28,000 Avios for Madrid. What’s more, 23kg of checked baggage is included, making it even more affordable.

Toulon is a new destination for the British Airways fleet arriving this summer, making it the ideal opportunity to explore the picturesque French city and discover its fascinating harbour. Meanwhile, Madrid has long been a route for the UK airline, yet it remains just as popular with its art hub, thriving food scene and gorgeous architecture.

British Airways launched Avios-Only flights in 2023 and has since operated 48 Avios-Only flights to 16 destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East, including Cape Town, Barbados, Sharm El Sheikh, Málaga and Marrakesh. The return flight from Madrid to London will mark its 50th dedicated Avios-Only flight.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re excited to release these latest Avios-Only flights to two top leisure destinations for summer. These flights are always incredibly popular, and we’re delighted to give our loyal customers even more opportunities to enjoy the benefits of The British Airways Club.”

Adam Daniels, IAG Loyalty’s CEO, said: “While it’s not been too long since our last Avios-Only flight, we are excited to be starting the year by announcing another two flights on London City Airport’s hottest new routes to Toulon and Madrid. With all seats onboard only available to book with Avios, the initiative shows the continued power of loyalty and opens up greater redemption opportunities for customers during the peak summer months.”

British Airways confirmed that the flights for the Madrid Avios-Only flight are as follows:

• 22 May 2026, BA3272, Depart London City 09:50, Arrive Madrid 13:10
• 25 May 2026, BA3273, Depart Madrid 13:55, Arrive London City 15:15

Meanwhile, the Avios-Only flight to Toulon, which also offers the chance to explore St-Tropez, will take place on:

• 13 June 2026, BA8747, Depart London City 07:00, Arrive Toulon 10:00
• 20 June 2026, BA8748, Depart Toulon 10:45, Arrive London City 11:50

For more information or to book your seat, you can visit the British Airways website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

TODAY is the day that Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s Wuthering Heights is out in cinemas.

The adaptation of Emily Brontë‘s novel is set to wow movie fans – and viewers will be stunned by the beautiful backdrop which was filmed across the sprawling Yorkshire Dales.

It was reported that the two Hollywood stars were filming in the Yorkshire Dales National Park early in 2025.

Cast and crew took over spots across the moors like Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.

Both valleys are known for their wild moorland scenery.

For those visiting, Swaledale is a great spot for hiking the Pennine Way, or take a drive to explore the Buttertubs Pass.

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It’s essentially a mountain road with steep climbs that crosses the moorland between Wensleydale and Swaledale.

It’s popular with cyclists and motorcyclists, one visitor called it “one of the best driving routes in the whole country.”

The village of Low Row in Swaledale which has traditional stone cottages also featured in the film.

Anybody wanting to stay nearby can pop into The Punch Bowl Inn.

They serve up ‘Yorkshire food with a modern twist’ – in the evenings you can munch on the likes of fish and chips, burgers and Cajun salmon salad.

Rooms are available there too with a one night stay priced at £160.

Arkengarthdale is quiet hiking spot and is known for being home to the highest pub in the country called the Tan Hill Inn.

The historic pub is 1,732 feet above sea level, and it dates back to the 17th century it has exposed beams, stone-flagged floor, and a cosy fire.

Dig into some hearty Yorkshire meals, or book a room from £119 per night.

Another backdrop from the film is Surrender Bridge – it’s a Grade II listed, 19th-century stone bridge just outside of Swaledale.

It first became famous for appearing in the opening scenes of the 1980s All Creatures Great and Small TV series.

Another spot that wasn’t actually used for filming, but could see more visitors, is Haworth.

It’s heavily tied with the Brontës, sisters Emily, Charlotte and Anne – as their family lived there.

The village is still described by visitors as like ‘stepping back in time’ thanks to its cobbled streets and old English pubs.

It pays tribute to the sisters with its Brontë Parsonage Museum.

These spots are set to see a boom of tourists this year – along with a hotel that housed the actors whilst on their shoot.

Jake Dinsdale, from Simonstone Hall Hotel, near Hawes, told the BBC that the “set-jetting” concept is a reality.

He added: “We are getting visitors coming in from Canada, Germany and the States.”

The Simonstone Hall Hotel is in heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park – rooms have boasting four-poster beds, soaking tubs and stunning views.

Room rates start from £118 per night.

For more on Yorkshire, this town has been dubbed the ‘Italy of England’ with historic viaduct and river boats.

Plus, one Sun Writer reveals the prettiest town in Yorkshire – it’s a real northern gem but most southerners have never heard of it.

With 5.6 million Brits vaping, travellers are warned to check strict new overseas laws or risk fines, confiscation and legal trouble abroad

British holidaymakers are being warned to double check vaping laws before booking trips abroad after a number of popular holiday destinations tightened restrictions. Online retailer HAYPP says they could risk fines or even legal trouble if local e-cigarette rules are ignored.

Vaping remains hugely popular in the UK with anti-smoking charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) reporting around 5.6 million adults currently use e-cigarettes — which amounts to roughly 11 per cent of the total adult population. ASH explained how vaping is particularly common among younger adults between the ages of 18 and 24.

Unsurprisingly, many travellers choose to pack their vapes when heading on holiday — but with international laws varying so widely, doing so could prove a costly mistake. HAYPP‘s Head of Legal & External Affairs, Markus Lindblad, says people must familiarise themselves with the rules as soon as possible to avoid expensive on-the-spot penalties or confiscation.

“Ignorance of your destination country’s laws could wreak havoc on your holiday plans,” he warned. But which countries are a no-go for vapers? The Mirror has a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know before jetting off.

Mexico

On January 16, 2026, Mexico introduced a nationwide ban on the importation, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and vapes. Lindblad warns that custom officials in destinations like Cancun, Cabo San Lucas or Cozumel are strong enforcers of the ban, and bringing one with you could come with hefty fines of up to £360. “Brits are being warned to leave their vapes at home”, he said.

Vietnam

According to HAYPP, Vietnam is tightening its grip on vaping products in 2026 with increased enforcement of rules around sale, import and public use. Though Cambodia and Laos has already banned vapes entirely, the online retailer says visitors should expect stricter airport checks, and that they should consider leaving the device behind before heading to the airport.

Singapore

Singapore maintains some of the world’s strictest rules against vaping, HAYPP claims. Possession and use of e-cigarettes remain illegal with fines of up to 2,000 Singapore dollars (around £1,150), as well as possible prosecution.

Malaysia

Maldives has followed suit and also restricted vape imports this year, with custom officials now authorised to confiscate the products on arrival. Bans on possession and public use are expected to tighten, warns HAYPP, particularly in tourist hubs like Kuala Lampur and Penang.

Maldives

Last but not least, Lindblad explains how any vape-loving holidaymakers from the UK should probably cross the Maldives off their list. That’s because the country has outlawed vape imports with the devices confiscated upon arrival. If you arrive into the Maldives with your e-cigarette or similar electronic device, you may face fines or further legal action, even for personal use, particularly at Malé International Airport.

I HAD been shrunk down to the size of Woody, Jessie and Buzz in Andy’s room – suddenly I wasn’t visiting an experience, I was a part of it.

The new Mundo Pixar Experience – the biggest of it’s kind in the world – has landed in the UK for the very first time at Wembley Park in London, after success in Madrid, Barcelona and Brussels.

Spread across 14 rooms, visitors can step into their favourite Pixar stories and meet the characters of each film.

As a 25-year-old who still loves Pixar films, I felt like I could be a big kid again as I ventured into the Monsters Inc Factory and met Sully and Mike before opening the door to glimpse into the bedrooms to see where the ‘scarers’ go to work.

The experience features all the movies you would expect including Toy Story, Up, Cars and Inside Out.

However, there are still a few classics missing such as The Incredibles and Wall.E.

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There are newer Pixar movies featured in the experience too, such as Luca and Elemental.

Before you enter each set, you are greeted by an information board telling you which film you are about to enter.

They also share interesting behind the scenes knowledge.

For example, did you know that the Pizza Planet Truck that Woody and Buzz travel in, in Toy Story, appears in nearly every Pixar film?

Once inside, the attention to detail in each room is impressive.

In Andy’s bedroom there were 3D-printed Green Army Men – though probably at least 100 times the size they normally are.

On the set of Luca you can even hop on the Vespa.

You can even step inside the diver’s goggles in Finding Nemo.

My only disappointment was to see that Anger in Inside Out was essentially a cardboard cutout and Bing Bong was nowhere to be seen.

All of the sets also have handy picture stickers on the floor too, to show you where the best photo moment is in the room.

And there is a crew member in each room to lend a hand in snapping the perfect shot.

A little bit of added fun for the kids and parents is to find Pixar’s iconic yellow and blue ball with a red star on it, in every room.

Trust me, it isn’t as easy as it seems…

The experience is open every day except Tuesday until June with sessions starting at 9am and 10am and running through until 7pm.

Each session approximately lasts 45 to 55 minutes, though if you can, I definitely would spend longer really exploring the sets.

And of course, taking lots of pictures and videos.

When you get to the end of the experience there is a large shop – which, be warned, you will want everything from.

Prices aren’t too bad either, with mugs costing £19.95 and t-shirts costing £29.95.

There are some really nice items as well such as the Adventure Book from Up and you can even own your own Pixar ball for £19.95.

Tickets are a little on the more expensive side considering the experience is mostly a picture and video opportunity, starting from around £20 per child and more for an adult.

Having said that though, it was heaps of fun and the more time you spend there, the more your imagination really immerses you in the sets.

Whilst obviously great for kids and families, as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed a walk down memory lane and allowing myself to be a child once again by running around Andy’s room and ‘swimming‘ with Nemo.

With half-term here and the rain not stopping, it is the perfect indoor escape to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained.

In other experience news, a brand new crime-themed train experience is coming to UK city… but you don’t actually go anywhere.

Plus, a huge new cowboy themed immersive experience will launch this summer – where you step into a real life western.

AS millions tune in to watch this year’s Winter Olympics in Milan, it is inspiring Brits to try out some of the sports for themselves.

Ski chalet specialist, Ski Beat, report a post-Games flurry with a spike in traffic during the global event.

According to Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell: “100 years ago, the Chamonix Winter Olympics inspired Brits to try out skiing for the first time – in fact the origins of modern-day ski holidays can be traced back to those early days.

“The same effect is true today. Throughout the competition we see spikes in website traffic.

“There’s a real buzz, with many people who have never skied engaging in the sport, our phones are busier, and we this year we expect that what is already a good ski season will continue right into April.”

According to Inthesnow.com, the UK’s leading ski and snow sports website and magazine, spending in Europe’s winter sports destinations is up 14.3% year-on-year, with France, Italy and Austria among the strongest performers.

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France remains the most popular destination for UK skiers, accounting for almost half of British ski trips.

Nearly seven in ten Brits say the Winter Olympics inspire them to try winter sports, and 45 per cent say their interest has increased over the past decade.

Around a third of UK adults booked a winter sports experience in the last year, with most choosing to travel abroad rather than stay in the UK.

The good news? There is no need to wait for next winter’s snow globe to settle as there’s still time to ski this season – and arguably the best weeks are just ahead.

Laura continued: “Spring skiing is the Alps’ best-kept secret. As the mercury softens, so do the prices, with late season deals on ski holidays making high-altitude getaways more attainable.

“The weather is kinder too: bluebird mornings, sunnier terraces, and longer daylight hours that stretch skiing well into the afternoon.

“With the half-term crowds gone, lifts hum more quietly and pistes feel wider, creating a relaxed rhythm that suits beginners finding their edges and families enjoying the snow together.

“Add in mountain restaurants serving lunch in shirtsleeves and you have a late season winter holiday that’s less about bracing for the cold and more about all about basking in the glow of it all.”

Skiing in February post the half term holidays means you can make the most of the tail end of the winter chill.

Wrap up well and go high altitude for the best snow where pistes and lifts are fully open.

If you wan to go in March, days are lengthening, temperatures rising and layers and outerwear can be lighter.

Pistes will be busier over Easter, which is around March 28 , so don’t hang around if school holiday dates are important.

If not, plan in a week mid-month for optimum conditions and fewer crowds.

But skiing in April is just as fantastic. There is plenty of ski mileage to be had, aim high (above 2000m is ideal) and enjoy more daylight hours, long, lazy days, bluebird skiing, and lower ski holiday prices.

High factor sun cream and anti UV eye-protection are essential, pack a few t-shirts and lighter layers too, but be ready to layer up when the sun goes down.

Here are some of Ski Beat’s top last minute deals to sneak in one last ski holiday this year.

February 21: 7 nights La Plagne, £994pp (saving £304pp)

Includes a chalet host to prepare breakfast, afternoon tea and three course evening meals with wine, return Gatwick flights and transfers, based on two sharing a twin or double ensuite room at Ski Beat’s Chalet Sorbier.

February 28 : 7 nights skiing in French Alps, £1143pp (saving £136pp)

Includes return Gatwick flights, transfers and accommodation at high altitude Chalet Gentiane in Plan Peisey, with a chalet host to prepare breakfast, afternoon tea and three course evening meals with wine, based on two sharing a twin or double ensuite room.

March 21 : 7 nights in Three Valleys resort, £999pp (saving £98pp)

Incudes accommodation in Chalet Vallon Blanc in La Tania. Prices include a chalet host to prepare breakfast, afternoon tea and three course evening meals with wine, based on two sharing a twin or double ensuite room, return Gatwick flights and transfers.

Or fly on March 7 and March 14 for £1125pp, saving £100pp.

April 11: 7 nights in La Rosiere for £716pp (saving £307pp)

Ski Beat’s has 30 per cent off April 11 ski holiday departures.

Staying in Chalet Perdrix in high altitude La Rosiere on the French/Italian border, includes return Gatwick or Manchester flights, a chalet host to prepare breakfast, afternoon tea and three course evening meals with wine, based on two sharing a twin or double ensuite room.

However, be wary of booking any ski holidays that seem too good to be true for the price.

Laura warned: “With skiing it’s all about value, rather than price.

“Bargain ski holidays can result in an inferior lift infrastructure, a resort that’s in the valley and requires buses or lifts before the skiing even starts, or lower altitude skiing where the snow is less reliable, especially late season.”

Other top ski tips include:

• Choose a high-altitude resort with reliable late-season cover
• Look for resorts with north-facing pistes that retain the snow longer
• Line up lessons in advance to build confidence from the first glide
• Warm up before departure, with time in an indoor ski slope to acclimatise
• Plan in a few visits to the gym, some power walks, or home exercise to get muscles in tone
• Check out spring packages inclusive of flights, transfers, accommodation and meals.
• Pack lighter layers and outerwear for sunnier slopes
• Invest in UV-protective sunglasses and goggles to protect against sun and snow glare
• Cover up with top-tier SPF defence to keep skin totally protected on bluebird days
• Start early, linger late, make the most of firmer morning snow then ease into long lunches on sunny terraces once the slopes soften.
• Book slopeside accommodation, a ski chalet close to ski schools, lifts and kindergartens is ideal, with a chalet host to point skiers in the right direction.
• Weigh up the advantages of catered accommodation; save time, money and energy on shopping, and let someone else do the cooking, cleaning and catering.

Ski Beat’s Laura Hazell adds, “While the aspiration to fly like an Olympiad is still fresh in mind, make the medal-winning moments a cue, not just an inspiration.

“The mountains are still very much open for business right until the end of April, and there’s no better time to answer their call.”

A HUGE new holiday resort is set to open in the Cotswolds – and it will be the third of its kind in the UK.

It will have beautiful luxury cabins, a relaxing nature spa as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Cabu, which designs eco-cabins, is set to open its third site in the Cotswolds after it secured a £24million loan to build the resort.

The site will have 51 self-catered cabins with either one, two or three bedrooms.

The new range of “ultra cool timber cabins” have been revealed in the renders to have wooden panels and green window detail. 

On the map render, the 51 cabins surround the main building which will have additional amenities inside.

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Guests will be able to use all of them, which include a nature spa, hot tubs, saunas and plunge bucket.

There will be an indoor swimming pool too, which looks like a calming space surrounded by loungers and huge windows letting in plenty of natural light.

There will be an outdoor pool too as well as a shop, restaurant, two bars and a studio events space.

On its website Cabu said it “will offer their high quality short-term stays all year round.  We are aiming to provide guests with 2, 3 or 4 night stays.”

It will also have “low adrenalin activities and provide an excellent base to discover all the Cotswolds have to offer.”

The resort will open in Langley on the site of a former Marconi radio site which is a short distance from popular villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford.

Cabu already has two sites in operation – Cabu Sea in Kent and Cabu by the Lakes in County Cavan, Ireland.

Cabu by the Sea lies on a stretch of privately owned grassland next to the seafront between Romney Marsh and the English Channel.

The one in Kent is described as an intimate retreat with easy access to the coastline.

A variety of luxury accommodations are available, ranging from a Writers Studio cabin for couples to a three-bed Boat House perfect for families.

The price for a cabin in Cabu by the Sea starts from £395 for two people (based on a two-night stay in March).

Meanwhile, Cabu by the Lakes is found deep within the woods of Killykeen Forest Park in Co. Cavan.

This unique hideaway has log cabins and lake houses – it also has a nature spa with a forest bathing area and a Japanese Bath.

The price for a cabin in Cabu by the Lakes starts from £544.18 for two people (based on a two-night stay in March).

Plus, here’s the tiny Cotswolds villages where you might bump into a celebrity with quaint pubs and famous farm shops.

And hear from one Sun Writer who grew up in the Cotswolds and reveals their favourite village with old-school sweet shops and riverside games.

Las Vegas is famed for its glamour and luxury, but there are remarkably affordable experiences and bucket-list encounters that don’t break the bank once you step into Sin City

I lay down on the table, bashed my chosen intensity and music choice into a tablet, and two extendable metallic arms started to twitch. And then they swivelled and swooped down on me. Within minutes, my worries had melted away.

I was not involved in some strange AI torture chamber. I was, in fact, in Las Vegas. Putting a futuristic massage robot through its paces. Aescape Robotic Massage Experience at Qua Spa in Caesars Palace is the Strip’s first AI robotic massage ($44 for 15 minutes) and delivers impressively good back and shoulder massages.

Still, I watched beadily as my robot masseuse worked each touchpoint, not quite sure whether to fully trust the machine. Certainly, it was different from a typical massage and one I won’t forget in a hurry. But I wasn’t just in Sin City to be pummelled by an android in Caesars Palace. I was there to discover if it really was possible for the Entertainment Capital of the World to offer serious bang for your buck.

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Las Vegas is notoriously expensive, with its iconic Strip serving as the backdrop, towering mega resorts lining the vibrant streets and the catalogue of luxury casinos that buzz with excitement. Not to mention all the extras of America’s playground, thanks to its around-the-clock nightlife, remarkable entertainment venues, famed attractions and celebrity restaurants.

Yet, among its dazzling scenes, there’s a lot more to Las Vegas than first meets the eye, with bucket-list encounters and remarkable experiences that don’t break the bank, and where you’d only ever appreciate in the Nevadan. My initial encounter with Las Vegas’ sheer magnitude came as I checked into the five-star Vdara Hotel & Spa, situated in the heart of the city and boasting 1,400 suites. My room ($131 per night + tax) was just as impressive as its towering scale, with a kitchenette, a generous living area, two TVs, and a stylish bathroom complete with a freestanding bath and a cosy cloud-like bed that helped keep jet lag at bay. Its panoramic windows, stretching across the width of the suite, were a highlight, allowing me to admire the iconic Strip, day or night, against its mountainous desert backdrop.

For two nights, I stayed at the luxurious Resorts World Las Vegas, comprising over 3,500 rooms across three of Hilton’s brands, Hilton, Crockfords, and Conrad. I checked into a sprawling room at the latter ($184 per night) with a sleek bathroom that had an enormous rainfall shower and carefully curated furnishings, including a king-sized bed, that felt like a home away from home. While it’s farther from the Strip, I was still able to marvel at the dazzling city skyline and enjoy a quieter night’s rest. It’s easy to spend time wandering the vibrant streets of the Vegas Strip, soaking up the lively ambience and themed establishments that transported me to Paris, New York, and Disneyland. But beyond the glitz, I explored the desert surrounding the city on a guided hiking tour through the Valley of Fire with Love Hikes ($129 per person).

I was instantly awestruck by the dramatic orange rock formations, miles of golden floor and towering valleys that made up this striking landscape. It felt as if I was walking through a Hollywood film set in the state park, a far cry from the casinos, but just a few hours’ drive away.

In Las Vegas, it’s not all casinos and Adele residencies. In the Arts District, you’ll find colourful graffiti adorning the streets, which are lined with antique shops, art galleries, coffee joints, and eateries, including the mouthwatering Good Pie, where I devoured a Detroit-style pepperoni pizza. For a reality-altering experience, head to Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart at Area15, a fun immersive gallery filled with quirky art installations, including a surreal supermarket. The store is stocked with unusual products, from butter-freshening spray and tattooed toy chickens to egg carton sliders. Open the right hidden fridge door and you’ll find yoursef led to otherworldly realms… Vegas is also brimming with history. At the Mob Museum (from $34.95pp), the rich stories of organised crime and law enforcement in the area are explored, while at The Neon Museum (from $25pp), you’ll have to squint to take in the splendour of old casino and business signs.

As expected, the nightlife was extraordinary. Music seeped from buzzing bars, including at Ole Red, where I listened to a live country band before admiring the Strip from their rooftop terrace.

On another night, I attended THE PARTY at Superfrico in The Cosmopolitan ($150), where I watched an intimate, immersive cabaret-style show featuring skilled circus performers from Spiegelworld and hosted by Laurie Hagen. It was a fun-packed evening like no other, where I was also treated to a three-course Italian-American meal and a welcome drink, all included in the price. It’s easy to find somewhere to grab an affordable cocktail, including during happy hour at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, but Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas was by far my favourite spot. The pedestrian-only area blew me away as I gazed at the 1,500-foot LED ceiling screen, which displayed their renowned Viva Vision Light Show, and wandered around listening to free live music from three different stages.

It’s known as ‘Old Vegas’ for its high-energy party atmosphere and affordable drinks, which is loved by Brits and Aussies – and it’s easy to see why. Another highlight was taking a ride on the iconic High Roller at The LINQ during their happy half hour ($60), which offered breathtaking views across Vegas and its never-ending array of dazzling lights, along with unlimited drinks. But its nightlife doesn’t just revolve around partying into the early hours. One evening, I took to the sky during a Maverick Helicopter ride ($139pp), gliding over the glistening Vegas Strip with incredible views of the notable Sphere, Caesars Palace and The STRAT. It was unbelievable and definitely a bucket-list experience.

Another moment that left me speechless was witnessing the world-renowned Fountains of Bellagio. I was mesmerised by the free fountain show, set to music, that soared up to 460 feet and across the 8.5-acre lake in front of the Bellagio resort.

Inside the five-star Bellagio, which sits centre stage along the Strip, is the famous Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. This is a free attraction open to everyone, beautifully designed and decorated with a different theme five times a year.

I visited during its Lunar New Year, with hundreds of fresh flowers, trickling water features, various sculptures suspended in the air and colourful lanterns. The Bellagio resort is also home to one of the world’s biggest chocolate fountains. The food scene in Vegas was nothing short of perfection, as I was treated to an array of flavours from Japan and Mexico. One of the highlights was eating at celebrity chef Roy Choi’s Best Friend bar and restaurant. It was a shop-style bar with a main restaurant where I sampled sharing-style dishes of tacos, BBQ, shrimp, and Korean wings.

I also dined with locals at Tacos El Gordo, where I had pork, beef, and chicken folded tortillas (from $4 each) before devouring a mouthwatering tasting menu of Italian dishes at LAGO by Julian Serrano. Elsewhere, I sampled a selection of innovative Japanese dishes at Kusa Nori, from sushi, seafood, sashimi, nigiri and robata meats – it was nothing short of showstopping, with smoking plates and melting slices of tuna. On the last night, I sat down for a sensational meal at High Steaks, with oysters, crab, a melt-in-the-mouth filet mignon, and their signature Tomahawk.

After a thrilling five days and experiences I’ll never forget, I can only describe Las Vegas as wild! It blew me away with its atmosphere that captivates you the moment you touch down in the Nevada city.

I found that you can absolutely make it affordable, pop $20 in the slot machines without a win, and still have the most unbelievable time in Sin City. Take advantage of the happy hours, wander around the city of lights, watch a show with dinner, and explore the desert – there’s no need to miss out on experiences or its vibrant nightlife this city has to offer. The party really is wherever you want it to go.

Book it

Resorts World hotels has three hotels in Las Vegas:

• Hilton – Starting from $154 per night
• Conrad – Starting from $184 per night
• Crockfords – Starting from $324 per night

A standard Studio King room in Vrada costs $131/night + tax. Return flights from London Heathrow to Las Vegas cost from £423 with Virgin Atlantic. Visit the Las Vegas website for more information.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Winning tip: Out-of-body experience in Sorrento

We had our wedding reception at the Grand Hotel Royal in Sorrento, south of Naples. We danced to two guitarists playing Justin Bieber’s Despacito with our 50 guests singing and dancing along with us. We watched as the sun began to melt into the Mediterranean Sea from this time-capsule hotel balancing on the edge of a cliff. I floated out of my body and felt a rush of euphoria – perhaps it was the limoncello spritzers. We’ve returned many times and I get the same rush – the gelato, the pizza, the people, it feels as if I’m in a Richard Curtis film.
Charlotte Sahami

A cosy whisky bar amid the majesty of Skye

Skye’s dramatic landscape and stunning viewpoints make the perfect romantic getaway. It’s steeped in history and captivating walks, such as the otherworldly Fairy Pools and the isolated Neist Point. We stayed at the Cuillin Hills Hotel where there’s a cosy drawing room with a fireplace and a great whisky bar. The rooms are comfortable, stylish and each one has a super-king-sized bed. However, the highlight is the Michelin-recommended restaurant which offers exquisite food with expansive views out over Loch Portree and the pretty harbour.
Nic

The silence of Slovenia’s Lake Bled

My girlfriend rowed us across the glassy water of Lake Bled in a wooden pletna, the only sound the creak of oars and the occasional splash of a swan settling nearby. The place is famously picturesque, but the island in the middle of the lake itself felt like a secret; quieter, stiller. It felt like ours for the evening. We climbed up the 99 steps to the Church of the Assumption, then sat on the worn stone as the sun dropped behind the Julian Alps, turning the lake amber and rose. Neither of us spoke. We didn’t need to.
Tom Cowie

A second honeymoon in San Sebastían

San Sebastián always does it whatever your romantic life stage! Amazing food (of course); two iconic, beautiful, sweeping beaches; views to die for; hotels to fit all budgets. My partner and I went first in 2001, pre-kids and marriage. We enjoyed the cheap wine and clubbing till 4am. We went back in 2013 – a second honeymoon – Hotel Monte Igueldo on the cliff top (reached by funicular) still has the best view of any hotel we’ve ever been to. We went back in 2023, with our late-teens kids renting an apartment – they did their own thing (loved it), and we recreated those bar crawls and walks on the beach – wonderful.
James

Chilling on the Seine in Paris

The best place for a romantic weekend? Off Paris Seine is a floating hotel and bar, permanently docked on the Seine River near the Gare d’Austerlitz, with an infinity swimming pool. It does brilliant breakfasts that are worth every euro. Walk it off by heading out to stroll along the quays to Île Saint-Louis. Hopefully, you’ll work up an appetite in time for wonderful Bouillon de l’île, a vegetarian restaurant only open to 3pm. So delicious. Carry on strolling Le Marais and then chill with the Monet water lilies at Musée de l’Orangerie. The city centre is a lot more pedestrian and cycle-friendly these days. Paris has been transformed.
Sarah Ackroyd

Fairytale gardens near Stuttgart

The Ludwigsburg Palace Gardens close to Stuttgart has an area called the Fairytale Garden where fairytales have been recreated in beautiful surroundings. You can ask Rapunzel to let down her hair and see Hansel and Gretel’s house. This may sound childish, but it is actually a very nice outing, including for couples who can be childish together (and are perhaps inspired about future sons and daughters!).
Asa

A roof terrace sunset in Venice

Two bedraggled tourists; after hours spent tramping the streets of Venice in the rain, we had one mission remaining. Arriving at the Danieli Hotel in soaked kagouls but sporting our most charming smiles, we pleaded with the concierge to be allowed up to the hotel’s renowned roof terrace. Our reward? As the clouds finally parted, a glorious sunset and unrivalled panoramic views over tiny gondolas in San Marco basin, the Grand Canal, and the Venetian lagoon beyond. With a couple of gins, we celebrated 30 years of love, life, and the thrill of romance.
Kate Harris

The love language of Seville

The gardens of the Real Alcázar in Seville are exquisite with their orange tree-lined avenues and pristinely kept paths – perfect for an afternoon walking hand-in-hand in the Seville sunshine. It’s easy to find a quiet corner of the enormous grounds to sit and contemplate life together or while away an afternoon at the easygoing cafe enjoying the warm air and each other’s company. The palace is also a maze of fabulous courtyards and if your love language involves visiting scenes from Game of Thrones together, then this also ticks the boxes (the Real Alcázar was the setting for the Martell family’s gardens and palace in Dorne).
Layla Astley

This spot near Howick is a secluded Northumberland cove with dramatic cliffs, a smuggling history, and connections to Earl Grey’s historic Bathing House

Nestled amongst the clifftops in a cove near Howick in Northumberland lies this stunning bay, boasting both historical and environmental importance.

Rumbling Kern is an isolated haven comprising dramatic iron-stained rocks and a small beach visible at low tide. Its distinctive location and cliff formation earned it this evocative name, as the geography helps generate a rumbling noise during stormy conditions.

When waves crash into the bay and strike the rocks, visitors can detect a profound and eerie sound beneath, rumbling like distant thunder. This distinctive acoustic phenomenon is unique to the location and lends an otherworldly quality to the already remote destination.

One keen explorer who documents their journeys on YouTube, Wilderhope Adventures, explained that the cove proves challenging to locate, as it doesn’t even appear on maps without entering the postcode for the nearby farm. She said: “I’ve seen pictures of this, but this is very, very cool. I can imagine this being a really cool swimming spot because it’s very protected.”

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Historical significance

The fascinating features don’t end there, however, as historical records indicate it served a particularly intriguing role in smuggling operations.

Given its coastal position and remoteness from populated areas, the cove proved popular for landing illicit cargo, most frequently whisky. They would subsequently move these goods along the remainder of the Northumberland coastline.

The neighbouring village of Boulmer was particularly renowned as the ‘smuggling capital’ during that era, with the kern representing just one element of a far more extensive network.

Bathing House

The cove provides stunning vistas of the Bathing House, nestled peacefully along the shoreline as a 19th-century residence constructed by the former prime minister.

It originally belonged to Charles Grey (2nd Earl Grey), whilst nearby Howick Hall served as the ancestral home where he was raised. This property functioned as a gateway for them to enjoy the great outdoors.

Throughout his time here, the earl ordered extensions to the swimming area along the tide, creating additional fresh seawater pools. On the upper floor of the property, they even created a vantage point for his wife to watch their children bathing below in the specially designed pools.

Today the property is available for holiday rentals as a cottage for friends and family, with bookings filling up rapidly. It continues under the stewardship of the Howick Trustees Ltd, a charitable trust.

Howick Hall

A brief journey from the scenic Bathing House and cove brings you to Howick Hall, a Grade II listed structure which was home to the Earls Grey. The very same prime minister, after whom Earl Grey tea takes its name, lived there throughout his lifetime, and it is now accessible to the public.

Howick Hall was originally constructed in 1782, but sadly a fire in 1926 ravaged much of the interior, necessitating significant renovations. The ever-expanding family vacated the property following the passing of the 5th Earl Grey in the 1970s.

By 1973, Lord Howick had transformed the west wing into his family residence, where they still live today. The ground floor is open to the public, offering a glimpse into the rich history of this family and their ancestral home over the centuries.

The hall’s grounds boast an array of enchanting gardens, conceived by the 5th Earl Grey, and an arboretum spanning more than 65 acres. Nestled within this verdant landscape is the ideal spot for a tea break at the Earl Grey Tea House, where tradition and legacy live on.

This picturesque fishing village has been hailed as one of the prettiest in Cornwall, offering unspoilt coastal views and traditional coastal village charm without the touristy crowds

Cornwall boasts a hidden treasure which genuinely appears untouched by the passage of time.

Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and brimming with quintessential Cornish character, this South Cornwall fishing village ranks amongst the region’s most remarkable destinations.

Dubbed by Secrets of Cornwall as “a great secret frozen in time”, this small harbour village sits magnificently at the base of a steep, imposing valley that opens onto the magnificent Veryan Bay.

Regarded as the jewel in the crown of Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula, this seaside village offers classically Cornish vistas, yet remarkably remains free from the typical tourist hordes.

The late Sir John Betjeman – Poet Laureate and famously the champion who rescued St Pancras Station from demolition during the 1960s – once lauded this small hamlet as “one of the least spoiled and most impressive of Cornish fishing villages”, and it’s fair to say Portloe has thoroughly justified such praise.

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Timeless Cornish treasure

The village takes its name from the Cornish ‘Porth Logh’, meaning ‘cove pool’ – an apt description reflecting its scenic setting within a cove encircled by striking hillsides.

This naturally protected location secured its position as a thriving pilchard fishing harbour throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

In fact, until the 20th century, more than 50 fishing vessels worked from the village’s sheltered cove harbour, a figure that has since plummeted to just two.

These remaining active boats continue their trade, catching lobster and crab which is subsequently sold to the village’s two establishments – The Lugger and The Ship Inn.

Regarded as amongst Cornwall’s most charming villages, Portloe represents a genuine hidden treasure, untouched by time’s march and contemporary development, reports Cornwall Live.

The precipitous valleys surrounding the village have ensured Portloe’s immunity from urban expansion throughout the years, leaving the settlement and its structures virtually unchanged since their original construction during the 17th and 18th centuries.

As with much of Cornwall, Portloe’s history is intertwined with smuggling, with French brandy serving as the primary illicit cargo trafficked through the village in an attempt by residents to bolster the hamlet’s declining fishing industry.

Famous connections

Portloe offers a genuine retreat from Cornwall’s renowned summer throngs, providing merely a picturesque historic harbour and a modest beach which reveals a small expanse of sand at low tide – its picture-perfect settings undisturbed by tourist bustle.

The village’s pristine charm has also made it a sought-after filming location through the years, notably featuring in Forever England (1935) starring John Mills, Treasure Island (1949), The Camomile Lawn (1991), and more recently in Richard Curtis’ rom-com smash hit About Time (2013), the BBC’s Wild West television series, and Irish Jam (2006).

What to see and do in the picturesque coastal village

Visitors shouldn’t miss Portloe’s two most celebrated establishments – The Lugger hotel and The Ship Inn.

Positioned right at the crown of the harbour slipway, The Lugger offers diners the chance to savour freshly caught lobster, crab and fish whilst enjoying unrivalled vistas of the Cornish coastline.

Steeped in Portloe’s history, The Lugger was formerly a notorious smuggler’s hideout, with its innkeeper even meeting his fate at the gallows during the 18th century for trafficking French brandy.

For those preferring a valley-facing outlook and a more traditional pub ambience, the much-loved Ship Inn beckons – originally a 17th century fisherman’s dwelling that remains adorned with nautical memorabilia. Offering delectable dishes, The Ship Inn has built its reputation on fresh seafood whilst also catering to fans of more conventional pub classics.

One Tripadvisor review of this stunning village reads: “One of those hidden treasures that we love. Tucked away and not easy to find, but so well worth the trip. There is no beach to speak of, this is still very much a fishing village. One hotel, one pub, lots of fancy pants second homes and a handful of old fishing boats plying their trade. A great place to start a section of the coast path also. Or just sit and be, and let the day drift by.”

Another delighted visitor remarked about Portloe: “Lovely, timeless location, where they still winch small fishing boats up on the beach. The only other place I know of like this is Cadgwith Cove on the Lizard peninsula. Simple and unspoiled – thankfully not inundated with tourists like Polperro. There are beautiful clifftop walks to enjoy, or you can just sit and listen to the waves lapping on the shore.”

There’s precious little else to occupy yourself with in this picturesque Cornish fishing village beyond eating, drinking and soaking up the spectacular coastal vistas – and quite honestly, we can’t imagine a more perfect way to while away your holiday hours.

The Derbyshire village is home to the UK’s only six-sailed stone tower windmill and three traditional pubs, making it an ideal countryside destination

Nestled peacefully between Ripley and Belper lies a delightful village offering far more than initially apparent for a perfect day out.

Heage is most famous for its windmill, but attracts plenty of visitors to its classic pubs, located within half an hour of Derby city centre. It’s a perfect location for an afternoon wander, with several opportunities to stop off for a pint or some hearty pub fare.

The distinctive name originates from the Anglo-Saxon term ‘Heegge’, meaning high or lofty, reflecting its agricultural heritage. The village is divided into two parts, Heage and Nether Heage, though neither has a traditional ‘centre’ and largely comprises houses dotted along country lanes, with the windmill standing peacefully on the outskirts.

Windmill

At the village’s core stands its windmill, remarkable not only for its construction, which commenced in 1791, but also for its six-sailed stone tower. It’s the sole remaining windmill of its type in the whole country and attracts visitors eager to witness this historic landmark.

The magnificent mill operated right through until 1919, when damage necessitated extensive restoration work. Each sail reportedly weighs one tonne, whilst the tower itself is constructed from robust local sandstone.

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In 1965, it finally received ‘listed status’ and remains carefully maintained, having undergone significant structural beam repairs in 2003. A recent visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor: “Brilliant visit to Heage Windmill; learnt such a lot and got to have a go with the sails!

“The team here has a fabulous knowledge of what it was like being ‘Windy Miller’ back in the day, and we even came away with some flour from the actual mill. Cannot recommend highly enough.”

Another guest commented: “This really is a wonderful place to visit. Beautifully preserved and so well looked after. The very kind people running the mill were so kind to watch our dogs while we had the pleasure of such a great tour and demonstration.”

Pubs

The village of Heage boasts three pubs – The Eagle Tavern, The Black Boy and The Spanker Inn, all within easy walking distance. Nestled in the heart of Heage, between the other two, is the Black Boy, which one patron described as being “a lovely place.”

They commented: “Locals, visitors, ramblers and even dogs – just as a pub should be! The food was lovely and very fresh. Would recommend.”

Others enjoy drinking pints at the Spanker Inn, a “brilliant little pub” beloved by locals, which is due to welcome new owners. One diner shared: “We stayed nearby on holiday. We visit this area about twice a year and always go to the Spanker for a meal.

“We are never disappointed. Plenty of choice on the menu, good prices and good food. Good atmosphere and service.”

For a vibrant ambience featuring regular live music and an authentic village atmosphere, the Eagle Tavern serves as a community focal point. Quiz nights, special events and live sports screenings attract visitors from throughout the surrounding area seeking quality entertainment alongside quality ale.

Guests have praised it as a “warm and welcoming pub” boasting a “lovely” outdoor seating space perfect for sunny days. When visiting the windmill, it’s tempting to hop between these charming local establishments.

Morley Park

Nestled within Heage village is Morley Park, a site of considerable historical importance, having once been among seven Royal parks within the Duffield Frith. This extensive forest served as an enclosed hunting and grazing ground under Royal ownership.

Throughout the industrial revolution, it transformed into a significant ironworks location, featuring blast furnaces now designated as Grade II listed structures. The two striking stone furnaces still tower at approximately 40 feet following restoration work in 1986, and can be located near the A38.

Benidorm Enthusiast Lucy Young took a stroll along the famous strip in the popular Spanish resort to investigate prices of pints in February before finding the cheapest and dearest

A British expat who has called Benidorm home for over 20 years took a stroll along the strip to investigate the average cost of a pint of beer – with one particular beverage’s price stunning her

Lucy Young, also known as the Benidorm Enthusiast, went on the boozy adventure after earlier this year revealing the one area that sees “violence beyond comprehension”.

But on the lighter topic of beverages, specifically pints on draft, she said: “Hi guys, the Benidorm enthusiast here, and today we are on the strip, the centre for all the bars and for all the British tourism and partying and we’re going to be finding out what is the price of a print.

“Prices are always something which people like to know about before they come on holiday. So let’s have a walk. We are going to go to every single bar that we find open at the moment, beginning of February, so not everything is open, and we’re going to find out what the prices of the pints are on the Benidorm strip 2026.”

During her adventure, she visited 10 bars — The Last Stop, The Wild Duck, the Western Saloon, Hotel California, The Crown Pub, Brit Station, Funky Flamingo, Million Dollar, Jumping Jacks and Rockstar.

Cheapest

In most bars she went to, the cheapest pint was usually the Spanish lager options, like San Miguel and Estrella, which could usually be snapped up for between €2 (£1.74) and €3 (£2.61).

However, after visiting Hotel California, she said: “They’ve got the local larger which is Cruzcampo on at €1.90 (£1.65) a pint — the cheapest we’ve found yet.”

The most expensive draft beer at Hotel California was a Guinness, and even that was just €3.70 (£3.22).

Busiest bar

Lucy said Brit Station, a fairly new bar in the strip, had the biggest selection of pints of beer available, with an Amstel being the cheapest at €2 to the most expensive being Guinness at €4.90 (£4.26).

And standing by the packed boozer, she commented: “Absolutely spoiled for choice for daytime offers here as well at Brit Station. Bucket deals, two for ones, happy hours, it’s all going on here.

“And it really shows because there’s a lot of people inside here today. And we’re filming this at a quiet time of year. It’s probably the busiest bar we’ve come across. They’re also obviously enjoying these daytime offers.”

Most expensive pint

At Rock Star, Lucy noted that Heineken was the cheapest pint option at just €2.

She continued: “Then you’ve got Carlsberg and Moretti — €5 a pint, quite pricey, but they do have an offer on the two for one.”

But as for the pint that really stunned her, it was a UK favourite. With a shocked expression, she explained: “We’ve got Guinness at €6.50 (£5.66) a pint! Again, quite pricey…”

As for other bars on the strip, she said Jumping Jacks was particularly popular in the daytime, especially because they don’t raise their pint prices at night.

She also visited Funky Flamingo where a Guinness is €4.60 (£4) and she said it was her favourite bar on the strip, but stressed that it was not just because she loves doing karaoke there.

Lucy also singled out the Western Saloon for always having a “great atmosphere” and a pint of Estrella was set at €2.70 (£2.35) while Guinness was priced at €3.80 (£3.31).

Concluding

Finishing her investigation on the video, which you can watch in full here, she said: “So there you have it guys, a good look around the Benidorm strip at daytime pint prices for 2026. I think on average, if you stick to the local lager, you are going to be looking to pay between €2 and €2.50. Very very cheap I think, still, even though a lot of prices for other things have gone up in Benidorm in recent years.

“But do bear in mind these are the daytime prices and a lot of the bars, not all of them, but a lot of the pieces will go up when the nightlife starts and the entertainment starts in the evening.”

One person replied: “Looks very reasonable I’m coming over with a few mates in June.”

Another said: “I tend to stick to bottles to be honest Lucy, on average though loads cheaper than here in the UK for sure.”

A third said: “No wonder Rockstar is empty at those prices, never been in plenty of other bars to try.”

One commenter advised: “Stick to bottles, had so many bad pints in Benidorm i wouldn’t touch it now no matter how much it was. No weights and measures there so no guarantee what’s coming through them taps.”

The NHS has issued crucial advice for anyone planning to travel abroad this year

The NHS has issued an important reminder for anyone planning international travel, emphasising that heeding this advice could prove life-saving. And it may be best to carry out a quick check at least eight weeks before your holiday.

On its website, the health service states: “If you’re planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world.”

The NHS guidance continues: “Vaccinations are available to protect you against infections such as yellow fever, typhoid and hepatitis A. In the UK, the NHS routine immunisation (vaccination) schedule protects you against a number of diseases, but does not cover all of the infectious diseases found overseas.”

It takes just a few seconds to check whether you need a booster from your GP or whether your travel destination requires specific vaccinations.

Six to eight weeks

You should consult your GP or a private travel clinic between six and eight weeks before departure. Certain vaccines require time to become effective, while others necessitate several doses administered across multiple weeks.

Additional protection may be needed if you’re backpacking, camping, exploring rural locations, or going on an extended journey. People with pre-existing health conditions may also be more vulnerable to travel-related illnesses.

Which travel vaccines do I need?

It’s advisable to consult the Travel Health Pro website to determine which immunisations are necessary for your journey. Certain nations mandate an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) for entry or departure. You should also keep a record of your vaccinations with you whilst travelling.

Where to get a vaccine?

Check with your GP practice to ensure your standard UK immunisations are up to date. They can also provide guidance on matters such as malaria prevention.

Alternatively, you can attend private travel clinics or pharmacies for specialist injections. Not all travel vaccinations are provided free of charge on the NHS.

If payment is required, request a written quotation for the complete course and any certificate charges.

Free jabs

The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS from your GP surgery:

• polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
• typhoid
• hepatitis A
• cholera

The NHS says: “These vaccines are free because they protect against diseases thought to represent the greatest risk to public health if they were brought into the country.”

Jabs you need to pay for

You’ll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:

• hepatitis B
• Japanese encephalitis
• meningitis
• rabies
• tick-borne encephalitis
• tuberculosis (TB)
• yellow fever

The NHS further explain: “Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres. The cost of travel vaccines that are not available on the NHS will vary, depending on the vaccine and number of doses you need.”

Where are you travelling?

The NHS have addressed some holidaymakers, adding: “If you’re only travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, you’re unlikely to need any vaccinations. But it’s essential to check that you’re up to date with the routine vaccinations available on the NHS.

Pregnancy and other worries

If you’re pregnant, it’s advisable to consult your GP before getting vaccinated. While most vaccines are safe, professional advice is always recommended depending on where you are going.

In addition, if you have a condition such as HIV or you are undergoing chemotherapy, or have had a transplant, certain vaccines may not be appropriate for you.

Other things you need to know

There are other things to consider when planning your travel vaccinations, including:

• your age and health – you may be more vulnerable to infection than others; some vaccines cannot be given to people with certain medical conditions
• working as an aid worker – you may come into contact with more diseases in a refugee camp or helping after a natural disaster
• working in a medical setting – a doctor, nurse or another healthcare worker may require additional vaccinations
• contact with animals – you may be more at risk of getting diseases spread by animals, such as rabies

After losing count of just how many bush poppy shrubs were blooming around me, I snapped a few photos of the delicate yellow flowers and texted them to my friend and colleague, Jeanette Marantos.

I didn’t expect to find so many blooming plants along the Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail in San Bernardino National Forest. Jeanette, The Times’ plants writer, was often tasked each spring with answering whether Southern California would see a superbloom, and I had planned to tease her about whether this counted. I didn’t realize our short text exchange would be the last time we’d speak.

Jeanette, a beloved mother, grandmother, plant queen and journalist, died Saturday from a sudden heart emergency. We, the entire Times Features team, are devastated, along with the rest of our colleagues who knew her.

“She was the most loving person I ever met, probably to a fault in some cases. If she knew you and you were a part of her life, she was fiercely loyal always,” said her son, Sascha Smith.

Jeanette started writing for the Los Angeles Times in 1999, doing Money Makeovers until 2002. She returned to write for The Times’ Homicide Report in 2015 and she started writing gardening coverage in the Saturday section in 2016 before moving to the Features team in 2020 to cover all things flora full time.

Jeanette was maternal to me (and many others on our team). She often messaged me to see if I’d returned from a hike I’d taken for The Wild. Whenever I went skydiving (for work!), she wanted updates about when I’d landed. After I sent her the video, she wrote to me, “You are so much braver than I! I kept watching and thinking ‘when is he gonna pull that chute?! WHEN IS HE GOING TO PULL THAT CHUTE?!!!’” (I don’t think that I am braver than Jeanette was.)

Jeanette Marantos at the L.A. Times Plants booth at the Festival of Books on April 21, 2024.

(Maryanne Pittman)

Jeanette was also a strong LGBTQ+ ally. I am one of the few transgender people at The Times, and I knew Jeanette always had my back when work-related issues arose. I wrote about being trans and nonbinary for “Our Queerest Century,” The Times’ queer history project that published in 2024.

“I have been thinking about what to say after reading your beautiful piece about growing up queer in Oklahoma,” she wrote to me. “My first reaction was I wanted to hug you and tell you how sorry I was for the mean, ugly, stupid things you were told. And my second reaction was simply awe, that you worked through all of that and embraced yourself nonetheless, and found a way to forgive.”

I hope you enjoy the three trails below. I had one of the best days Friday that I’ve ever had hiking in Southern California. I was just so overwhelmed by the endless possibilities of discovery and adventure the desert provides. I was grateful for that joyful reserve when my heart broke open the following day over the news about Jeanette.

I hope your trip to the desert provides joy, healing or anything else your soul needs to bring home.

A view of the massive Mormon Rocks formation in San Bernardino National Forest.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

1. Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail

Distance: 1 mile
Elevation gained: About 200 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed? Yes
Accessible alternative: Mormon Rocks Viewpoint Area (see note below)

The Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail is a one-mile loop east of Wrightwood in the San Bernardino National Forest that will take you through beautiful desert and past land and boulders with thousands of years of history to share.

If you’ve ever been driving on the 15 Freeway south of Barstow and wondered, “What are those massive rocks,” they were likely Mormon Rocks. I’ve passed the site several times on my way to Wrightwood to hike in the San Gabriel Mountains and always wondered about the name. “This area is called ‘Mormon Rocks,’ but perhaps a more fitting title would be ‘Serrano Rocks.’ The name refers to the jutting sandstone formations that provided brief shelter for Mormon colonists who crossed this area in 1851 and founded the city of San Bernardino,” according to a U.S. Forest Service brochure.

The brochure suggests “Serrano Rocks” because the area was home to the Serrano people, who lived in the area from about A.D. 1200 to the mid-1800s. “Before the Serrano, archaic hunters and gatherers lived in the area for thousands of years,” according to the forest service.

Massive rock formations in the Mormon Rocks area of San Bernardino National Forest.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

To begin your hike, you will park near the Mormon Rocks fire station. You’ll need to arrive early in the day, as the gate to the trail closes at 4 p.m. Additionally, there are no public restrooms.

The trail will take you on an easy loop where you’ll gain enough elevation to get striking views of the massive white, pink and brown sandstone formations across State Highway 138. The trail would be fun for children 7 and older, as long as you’ve educated them on how to react if they see a rattlesnake. (Stay tuned — even an outdoors reporter must be reminded every now and then how to react!)

I usually use the citizen science app iNaturalist to identify plant and animal life on trails. The app uses your phone’s camera and artificial intelligence to identify in real time what’s before you. I had several years shaved off my life when I pointed my phone’s camera at a blooming narrowleaf goldenbush only to have iNaturalist suggest I was pointing at a “western rattlesnake.”

I leaped away, cursing loudly, but no one rattled their tail at me or made a sound. Was it an AI mistake or was I simply lucky enough to have encountered the most docile rattler in the Mojave Desert? Either way, I skedaddled on down the trail!

Bush poppies bloom along the Mormon Rocks Interpretive Trail in San Bernardino National Forest.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

For those seeking an accessible alternative, the area around the massive boulders across the street from the Interpretive Trail might be an option. There are several unofficial dirt paths that are fairly flat, although they might be washed out in places. There is a gentle path, though, that will take you next to the ancient mountainous boulders.

For those who hike the Interpretive Trail, I’d recommend visiting the boulders across the way afterward too. There are several unofficial paths, so take good care in choosing the best route. Whenever I’m boulder hopping, I like to remind myself when considering my route: What goes up must come down, including you!

Also, there is unfortunately a lot of illegal dumping that takes place at Mormon Rocks. If you’d like to help organize a cleanup effort, please contact me. I’d love to help return this area to the pristine environment it deserves!

A faint rainbow forms over the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area near Pearblossom.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

2. Devil’s Punchbowl Loop Trail

Distance: 1.1 mile
Elevation gained: About 450 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed? Yes
Accessible alternative: Vasquez Rock’s Juniper Meadow Walking Loop

The 1.1-mile Loop Trail at Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area takes visitors past massive sandstone formations from millions of years ago before they were warped and forced upward by tectonic pressure from multiple fault lines, including the Punchbowl and San Andreas faults.

You’ll begin your hike near the Devil’s Punchbowl Nature Center, which I’d recommend visiting if open. Poe and Blair, two female ravens who serve as animal ambassadors, live in an enclosure outside the center. They’re bonded to each other, sometimes holding each other’s beaks. (Yes, it is as precious as it sounds.)

The Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area sits near the San Gabriel Mountains.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

As you hike down, you can observe 300-foot sandstone walls, shaped over millions of years by water, weather and other natural factors. The path dips down to Punchbowl Creek, which was flowing as of early February, and features several small water cascades. I enjoyed rock hopping along the creek, exploring more of the canyon.

Punchbowl Creek flows through the park, continuing to shape the sandstone rocks formed over millions of years.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

Keep a keen eye out near the creek, as bighorn sheep are sometimes in the area.

I would usually direct Wild readers to also check out the Devil’s Chair hike, a 7.4-mile out-and-back hike in Devil’s Punchbowl that leads to one of the most majestic overlooks in L.A. County. However, it’s closed right now. County workers told me it should reopen in a few weeks after they’re finished repairing it from damage caused by recent storms.

Instead, I’d recommend exploring the various boulder fields (with safety in mind!), a sort of choose-your-own adventure through the desert. Just make sure to respect any signage regarding private property or signs asking you to keep out of an area to protect sensitive habitat.

The Saddleback Butte Peak Trail leads hikers through the Western Mojave Desert to its Saddleback Butte, a 3,651-foot solitary mountain dating to the Cretaceous geologic period, roughly 70 million years ago.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

3. Saddleback Butte Peak Trail

Distance: 3.8 miles out-and-back (see notes for loop option)
Elevation gained: 1,030 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs allowed? No
Accessible alternative: Prime Desert Woodland Preserve in Lancaster

The Saddleback Butte Peak Trail is a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail near Lancaster that will take you past Joshua trees of every shape and size, fragrant creosote bushes and, if lucky, fields of blooming wildflowers. The trail ends at Saddleback Butte, “a 3,651-foot solitary mountain dating to the Cretaceous geologic period, roughly 70 million years ago,” according to a California State Parks brochure.

To begin your hike, you will park at the day-use spot in the campground area. You will first need to pay the day-use fee ($6 per vehicle, $5 for seniors, $3 for disabled guests) for Saddleback Butte State Park.

From the trailhead, you will hike about 1.3 miles east until the trail jags southeast and then north, a V-shaped path that will lead you to the top of Saddleback Butte. You will have impressive views atop this ancient peak of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Antelope Valley and miles more of the Mojave Desert.

Joshua trees dot the landscape at Saddleback Butte State Park near Lancaster.

(Jaclyn Cosgrove / Los Angeles Times)

If you’d like, you can turn this into a loop trail by hiking 1.5 miles back along the Little Butte Trail before turning southward onto the unpaved park road, which is just under a mile and will lead you back to the campground. This lollipop-loop style route would be just over four miles through this 2,955-acre park.

I hope you’re luckier than I was, and you spot desert tortoise, yucca moths and any other animals that will send delight into your soul.

(Altrendo / Getty Images)

3 things to do

1. Put the ‘fun’ in fungi in Arcadia
The Los Angeles Mycological Society will host its 42nd Annual Wild Mushroom Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the L.A. County Arboretum. The fair will feature a mushroom walk, cooking demonstrations and more. The event is included with paid admission and free for Arboretum members. Learn more at lamushrooms.org.

2. Love the land back in L.A.
Coyotl + Macehualli needs volunteers from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday to weed around budding wildflowers and emerging saplings. Participants are encouraged to bring offerings, like a song, tobacco or prayer, along with tools to help manage the land. Learn more at the group’s Instagram page.

3. Slam out the stumps in Chino Hills
Volunteers are needed Sunday at Chino Hills State Park Discover Center for Stump Fest 2, a community workday at the park. Volunteers will remove stumps that are taking water from the native tree habitat. Tools and leadership provided. Call to RSVP. Learn more at the park’s Instagram page.

The must-read

Video still of a wolf entering L.A. County.

(California Department of Fish and Wildlife)

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we have the makings of a howling good love story. On Saturday, a wolf entered Los Angeles County, marking the first time in at least 100 years that the elusive canines were documented in the area. Times staff writer Lila Seidman reported that the 3-year-old female wolf, BEY03F, is wearing a GPS collar she was outfitted with last May. BEY03F is seeking a partner “and the fact that she is still on the move is an indication that she has not found a mate and suitable habitat,” Axel Hunnicutt, gray wolf coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said. BEY03F was born in 2023 and has traveled more than 370 miles looking for a strapping lupine lover. Could this be the start of a local wolf pack? As of Tuesday, BEY03F was in southern Kern County.

Happy adventuring,

P.S.

Angeles National Forest announced this week that multiple trails in the Mt. Baldy area will be closed through Feb. 23 because of upcoming winter storms. Three hikers have died this winter while trying to traverse the Devil’s Backbone trail, a narrow trail that becomes perilous to cross once covered in ice and snow. The closed trails are: Mt. Baldy Trail; Mt. Baldy Bowl Trail; Devils Backbone Trail; Three T’s Trail (Timber Mountain, Telegraph Peak and Thunder Mountain); Icehouse Canyon Trail; Chapman Trail; and Ontario Peak Trail. The closure order comes with the potential of a hefty fine should hikers be caught violating the mandate.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild. And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here.