The perfect winter escape awaits just 4.5 hours from London, with temperatures reaching 22 °C and 300 days of sunshine annually. As well as charming mountain villages, visitors to Cyprus can also explore the world’s only divided capital, Nicosia.
This Mediterranean gem offers a welcome break from the UK’s current cold, wet weather(Image: Алексей Облов via Getty Images)
Brits looking for a sun-drenched getaway might want to consider this English-speaking island, just a short flight from the UK, with pleasant winter temperatures of 22 °C. Only a four-and-a-half-hour journey from London, this Mediterranean gem offers a welcome break from the UK’s current cold, wet weather.
With year-round sunshine and flowers beginning to bloom in March, Cyprus is a fantastic choice for families, offering numerous family-friendly hotels. The island also features a range of activities, from walking trails to discovering a variety of cultural and historical sites.
Winter sees fewer visitors, making it the perfect time to explore popular attractions without the lengthy queues. Whilst partygoers will be drawn to Ayia Napa, one of Europe’s top party destinations, those seeking blissful tranquillity can bask in the island’s 300 days of sunshine each year.
A trip into the Troodos Mountains unveils stunning scenery and a delightful village nestled in the valley below. In a surprising twist, there’s even a ski resort located within the breathtaking Troodos Mountain Range. Operating from January to March, it’s positioned on Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Cyprus, and an iconic destination bound to intrigue lovers of ancient mythology.
Visitors can drive up to the slopes, which feature several scenic viewpoints en route. Hidden in the valley is the picturesque village of Omodos, filled with restaurants serving traditional food such as fresh halloumi and lamb Kleftiko – the ideal conclusion to a day of mountain exploration. The village also boasts the Monastery of Timios Stavros, one of the most historically significant monasteries on the island, which offers tours.
A local fortified sweet wine, commandaria, is popular in the area and can be purchased from locals’ doorsteps for €2-€5 (£1.61-£4.23). Another must-visit is Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus. Following the 1974 civil war, the island was bifurcated into two states: the Greek Republic of Southern Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and this fascinating city remains a stark reminder of these troubled times.
The border, known as the ‘green line’, cuts through lively Nicosia, making it the only divided capital city in the world, with a rich history stretching back more than 5,000 years. Tourists may cross the border in a fairly straightforward process, at The Ledra Street Border Crossing and The Ledra Palace Border Crossing, the second of which allows for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Other attractions include underwater waterfall hikes, a turtle conservation station, Aphrodite’s Rock, the Tombs of the Kings, snorkelling adventures, Akamas Peninsula National Park, castles and even a wellness retreat.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com
THERE’S nothing worse than seeing the word ‘cancelled’ appear whilst waiting for a flight.
If you live in fear of a flight being cancelled last minute these UK airports saw the highest cancellation rate of 2025 – and Southampton Airport was at the very top.
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Southampton Airport saw the most cancellations in 2025Credit: AlamyA report found that three per cent of its flights were cancelled in 2025Credit: Alamy
The regional airport in the south of England recorded the highest cancellation rate of all major UK airports last year, according to AirAdvisor.
AirAdvisoranalysed Civil Aviation Authrity (AA) data across 20 of the busiest UK airports to figure out whichis the least reliable.
For the second year in a row, Southampton Airport experienced the highest amount of flight cancellations.
The report found that three per cent of its flights were cancelled in 2025.
Although, this is an improvement on 2024 when 3.3 per cent of services were grounded.
Data revealed that Southampton Airport had almost three times as many flight cancellations as the national average – which is 1.09 per cent.
A spokesperson for Southampton Airport told Sun Travel: “An airline’s decision to reluctantly cancel a flight can be due to a number of factors including weather issues, air traffic congestion, delayed arrivals or technical issues with aircraft.
“We will continue to work with our airline partners and their handling agents to support them in their operations.”
From Southampton Airport passengers can fly to Europe and within the UKCredit: Alamy
Just below Southampton Airport was Aberdeen Airport which had 1.6 per cent of its flights cancelled last year.
The UK’s busiest airport, London Heathrow also “exceeded the national average for cancellations” according to AirAdvisor.
Between January and November 2025, 1.4 per cent of flights at Heathrow were cancelled.
At the other end, Bournemouth Airport recorded the lowest cancellation rate of any major UK airport.
Between January and October 2026, it saw just 0.17 per cent of its scheduled services cancelled.
Other airports that performed well last year included Luton, Stansted, East Midlands International, Bristol and Belfast International, where cancellations were less than half the national average.
Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, said: “Air passengers in the UK can breathe a sigh of relief as we head into 2026, with most trend data suggesting that flight cancellation rates at British airports are decreasing.”
WATCHING sport in the pub, like queuing and putting the kettle on, is one of Britain’s great national pastimes.
And unless you’re going to the stadium, there’s no better place to catch the big match than down your local.
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From stadium seat gardens to TVS in toilets – some pubs are for the ultimate sports fansCredit: Thinking Drinkers
While loads of locals simply put the telly on in the corner, there are those venues who go that extra yard to make the big match experience a truly memorable one.
As The Thinking Drinkers – professional pub-goers and huge sports fans – we’ve picked the best sports pubs and bars across Britain.
Ranging from sizeable city centre sports outfits to historic pubs, quirky boozers and lovely locals – here’s where to go that even if you don’t like sport, you’ll have a good time.
Let’s find out who made the starting line-up in the Thinking Drinkers Sports Pub XI.
This London pub is rightly famous among fans of everything from football and rugby to ice hockey, Gridiron and even handball.
Boasting 39 HD TV’s, access to hundreds of sports channels and an awesome audio setup with the ability to ‘zone’ sound and commentary of up to 6 games at once, it’s no surprise that it has won numerous industry awards.
The King Street Brew House, Cambridge
This recently refurbished brewpub serves up loads of live sport alongside some decent drinks, including its own freshly brewed beers, and a cracking menu (including a curried lamb croissant).
If you’re in Cambridge, it’s certainly worth a punt.
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Ye Olde King & Queen, Brighton
Situated a short stroll from the seafront, this vast grade-II listed Mock Tudor castle of sport is like being in the Traitors.
A huge protector screen dominates the main bar with TVs scattered everywhere showing all domestic and European footy action.
Close to Turf Moor, home of Burnley FC, this now legendary local has become a football institution since renaming itself after ex-manager Sean Dyche who, back in 2018, secured European qualification.
It’s got stadium-seating in the garden, plenty of screens and there’s ‘claret’ everywhere (not blood or Bordeaux but Burnley FC memorabilia).
They also serve Benedictine – a French herbal liqueur loved by locals since it was famously drunk by soldiers of the East Lancashire Regiment during World War One.
Perhaps not the best pub for Preston fans.
The Royal Dyche has the best pub gardenCredit: Thinking DrinkersThey also serve Benedictine – a French herbal liqueur loved by localsCredit: 2FNWMEY Burnley Fan’s at The Royal Dyche pub ahead of Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley. Picture date: Wednesday May 19, 2021.
Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes, Leeds
Like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, this illustrious Leeds city centre sports bar is a stylish looking fellow.
Quality cocktails, fantastic food and a great 4K screen set-up and surround sound audio.
There’s not a single spot where you can’t clearly see and hear the action and, in the event of a sporting clash, they’ll dedicate areas of the bar to the different events.
The Murderers, Norwich
One of Norwich’s oldest locals, and named after notorious murder of a former landlord’s daughter back in 1895, this makes for a great cosy pub to watch the game.
But thankfully, when there’s a big game on, that doesn’t dampen the lively match day atmosphere – enhanced by a well-kept range of real ales and numerous screens skilfully snuck into all the pub’s snugs, nooks and crannies.
The Box, Manchester
With 35 top-of-the-range tellies this Deansgate venue doesn’t just have football but cricket, Gridiron, rugby, boxing and F1.
Fairweather fans can occupy themselves with some shuffleboardor some ‘bandeoke’ – karaoke with a live backing band on stage.
The food’s good, there’s brewery fresh Budweiser Budvar on tap and two-pint Steins to swig.
You won’t be short of TVs at some of these pubsCredit: Thinking Drinkers
Bloodsports, Central London
This down-to-earth dark, dimly lit dive bar and late-night hang-out has 30 screens showing a combination of live sports and horror flicks.
Open till 2am every night, it boasts Britain’s best ‘Bloody’ Mary menu, proper burgers and there’s even an Alfred Hitchcock’s Pyscho photo booth.
Golaccio, Huddersfield
If Luciano Pavarotti belting out ‘Nessun Dorma’ brings a tear to your eye or you spent much of the 1990s watching Serie A on Channel Four, then get yourself down to this retro love letter to the golden age of Italian footy.
Draped in old-school football shirts, scarves and posters from iconic Italian clubs, there are four large screens and a pull-down projector, banging Italian-inspired burgers and regular football quizzes.
Ye Olde Golf Tavern, Edinburgh
This awesome Edinburgh boozer is perched on the edge of one of the oldest golf courses in the world, dating back to 1456.
So, when the final whistle blows on one of the bar’s many screens, you can hire a couple of clubs for a few quid and tackle 18-holes of pitch’n’putt.
Ludo Bar, Cardiff
This ‘tidy’ temple of televised sport only opened last October but it has already established a strong following among sports fans of all persuasions.
Grab a beer from a very respectable range of local breweries before sliding into a booth to watch your chosen match on request.
Or, alternatively, bask in the glow of the UK’s largest ultra high definition screen in the garden – complete with a retractable roof.
There are even TVs in the toilets, which you won’t miss a moment of the game.
Ben McFarland & Tom Sandham, The Thinking Drinkers, recently rode a tandem bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats to ‘help save the British pub’. Watch the “Great British Pub Ride” on their YouTube Channel here.
Ye Olde King & Queen in Brighton looks more like a castleCredit: Alamy
The UK government is said to be planning a significant increase in the cost of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), hurting travellers’ pockets once again.
A second ETA fee increase in less than a year is reportedly on route(Image: )
Travellers heading to the UK could soon be forced to dig deeper in their pockets as the government plans to increase the cost of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). A 25% rise is claimed to be in the offing, which would push the fee up from £16 to £20.
The ETA scheme, first rolled out back in 2023, applies only to visitors from countries that do not require a visa to enter the UK. This includes citizens from EU member states, as well as visitors from the US, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, among others.
It allows multiple trips to the UK with stays of up to six months over a two-year period, or until a traveller’s passport expires. Nevertheless, this isn’t the first price rise in recent times, and is yet another sign of people’s pockets being hit.
Just last year, the cost of an ETA jumped up by 60%, going from £10 to £16, with this higher fee enforced in April 2025. Now, a home office briefing suggests ministers want to pump up the price once again, although no official date has been confirmed, and the increase would still require parliamentary approval.
“As with all our fees, the cost of an ETA is kept under review, and we intend to increase the cost of an ETA to £20 in the future,” said a Home Office spokesperson. “We will provide more information in due course.”
The government has been a strong defender of the scheme, revealing that 19.6 million ETAs were granted over its first two years of operation, up to last September. Further changes are on the way, however, with new rules from February 25 preventing eligible visitors from boarding transport on route to the UK without an approved ETA.
Travellers passing through UK airports on connecting flights via passport control still need an ETA, unless they are going through London Heathrow or Manchester airports and do not cross the UK border.
This potential price hike has sparked concern across the travel industry, with Joss Croft, CEO of travel association UKinbound saying: “Increasing visa and ETA costs risks pulling the visitor economy in the wrong direction and stunting that growth.
“International visitors have a choice, and the UK already has some of the highest entry costs in the world. Making it even more expensive to visit undermines our competitiveness and puts valuable export income at risk.
“Inbound tourism supports jobs, high streets, pubs and hospitality businesses in communities across the UK. If the government wants growth to be felt locally, it must rethink these increases and keep the UK open, welcoming and competitive.”
It comes after other countries and regions confirmed plans to raise their own travel authorisation fees. The EU is expected to charge €20 for its upcoming ETIAS system, due to launch in late 2026, while the US ESTA fee almost doubled to $40 in September 2025.
CONTROVERSIAL new plans are being introduced in a European country which bans kids from certain train carriages.
Rail operator SNCF has unveiled a new ‘Optimum’ carriage on its high-speed Inoui trains where during the week, there’s a ban on children.
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One French rail company has banned children in its ‘Optimum’ classCredit: AlamyThe carriage also has reclining seats, Wi-Fi and chargersCredit: SNCF
It’s described it as a “high-quality travel experience” and is generally for commuters who want quiet before heading into the office.
Optimum class is a dedicated first class carriage, with reclining seats, individual power outlets, reading lights, free Wi-Fi and winged headrests.
Online details add that “to ensure maximum comfort in the dedicated space, children are not permitted”.
The carriage will always be at the end of the train which will stop passengers from walking through the Optimum dedicated area so it will remain quiet.
The ticket also includes use of TGV INOUI lounges in stations which have high performing Wi-Fi, drinks, an entertainment portal as well as newspapers and magazines.
The Optimum carriage is only available on SNCF’s main Inoui brand of express trains, which run across France and into Germany and Luxembourg.
And the ticket is also only an option from Monday to Friday – during the weekends every carriage is open to passengers of all ages.
And tickets don’t come cheap, A one-way journey from Paris to Lyon taking just over two hours is regularly priced at €56 (£48.63).
But with Optimum tickets it’s €180 (£156.31).
Not everyone is onboard with the decision though.
On the French news outlet, BFM, the French high commissioner for children, Sarah El Hairy, described the child-free ban as “shocking”.
The podcast Les Adultes de demain also said that “a red line has been crossed” and the the company shouldn’t be excluding children.
In its response to criticism, SNCF pointed out that the Optimum carriage forms less than 8 per cent of the total capacity of a TGV InOui train.
The ticket also includes access to TGV INOUI lounges before departureCredit: SNCF
While this may be a first for rail, it isn’t for the skies as some airlines have introduced dedicated child-free zones in recent years.
Corendon Airlines has ‘Only Adult’ zones for travellers over the age of 16 on flights between Amsterdam and Curaçao.
Scoot Airlines has its own ‘Scoot-in-Silence’ section which isisa child-free zone for those 12 and under in the forward economy cabin of Scoot’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
And AirAsia Xhas a “Quiet Zone” on certain long-haul flights which is a, child-free area for passengers aged 12 – usually this area is in the first seven rows of economy class.
IndiGo is another airline that has under-12-free zones.
WHETHER you’re wondering which park to pick or you’ve already got yours booked, Tracy Kennedy is helping Sun readers make the most of their £9.50 holiday.
Tracy Kennedy, a Hols from 9.50 expert who has more than a quarter of a million followers online, has long been helping Sun holidaymakers plan their getaways.
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Tracy Kennedy is our £9.50 Hols Agony Aunt, and is answering more Sun reader questionsCredit: Paul Tonge
If you fancy asking Tracy something else about the Sun’s Hols from £9.50, she’ll be answering your questions in her new agony aunt column in Sun Club.
One top question each week will be rewarded with a £100 Amazon voucher – use the form further down to send her your question.
Having stayed in holiday parks across the UK from the Isle of Wight to Bognor Regis, Tracy has experience staying in a range of locations.
Along the way she’s picked up some of the best tips and tricks for making the most of your break – and now she’s here to answer your questions.
From how to plan a romantic getaway for couples, to how to find a quiet site to avoid the crowds, our £9.50 Hols Agony Aunt has got you covered.
This week, Sun reader Paula Cubitt has been awarded best question of the week – which means she’s been selected to win a £100 Amazon voucher. Congratulations, Paula!
If I am unable to go on the holiday after booking, can I alter the date or venue? How do I do it?
Denise Houghton
Once you’ve had your confirmation through, speak to your chosen holiday site.
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The £9.50 holidays website tells you to speak directly to the parks themselves.
They’re the best ones to tell you. Don’t do anything until you’ve spoken to them!
A lot of the parks are happy to change, but sometimes there’ll be a £20 admin fee or so to make amendments.
Some have rules that you can’t change dates, but some parks will change it for you. So it’s always worth asking. But they don’t give refunds.
How can I make sure I get disabled friendly caravans or chalets?
Paula Cubitt
If you need certain accommodation, use the contact form straight after you’ve booked.
You can fill it in to request the right kind of space. Make sure to contact them straight away, because there’s only so many at each resort.
It says more on the £9.50 Holidays website about how to speak to them once you’ve booked your holiday.
Tracy recommends going for a break in Italy, with resorts like Bella Italia available with Hols from £9.50Credit: Bella Italia Lake Garda
Where is ideal for a romantic getaway for couples?
Adam Meacham
For couples, I suggest maybe going somewhere abroad on a European holiday.
Somewhere in Italy, as there’s quite a few Italian sites. Because Italy is such a romantic country!
If you’re wanting to go away in the UK, it depends on how far you’re willing to travel and where you’re based.
But if you can, I’d say to go up to Scotland for one of the beautiful sites up there – plenty of the Scottish sites welcoming to dogs too.
Can an older couple enjoy a £9.50 holiday, or are they for families?
Tracey Wolverson
There’s lots of things to do for couples and older couples.
Check your preferred park on the website to see what they offer. You can always go for a drink, have a meal, play bingo or go swimming.
Walks along the beach are nice too, or going out to explore the little villages nearby.
For couples looking for lots of things to do, I’d recommend Billing Aquadrome in Northampton.
There’s loads of adults and kids stuff. Lakes and streams to walk around, a lovely bar. It’s absolutely amazing.
It’s also only a 10-minute taxi ride from the closest train station.
Go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page.
You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes.
Booking is already open and closes on February 15.
Grannies Helian Hame is a scenic choice in Scotland available with Sun Hols from £9.50Credit: Grannies Helian
Tips for those who want to travel by train?
Monica Johnstone
Firstly you should look at your preferred sites to work out how to get there from where you live.
Look at how far the train station is from the park and how easy it would be to take a bus or a taxi from there.
Also you should book your train tickets as early as you can to get the best deals.
If you go to somewhere like Caerelwan, you can literally get off the train, walk out the station and you’re there.
You’re practically next to the tracks, but you can’t hear the trains, it’s great!
There you’ve got a pub down the road, arcades, and a little shop.
How to find quieter sites?
Dora White
I’d say all sites can be quiet, if you book to go out of season.
Maybe book a holiday just before the kids break up. But bear in mind that Scotland break up for school before England do.
If you go between the school holidays, the sites won’t be full of children so are usually quieter.
A good park for some peace and quiet is The Lakes Rookley on the Isle of Wight.
The views are amazing around there, and it’s definitely very quiet.
You can go off site and do plenty of walking. Even on the site itself there’s a lovely lake to walk around, it’s very peaceful.
Everywhere is reachable from there, too. You can jump on an island hopper bus and they can literally take you around the whole island.
You just buy a day saver ticket. So then you can leave the car behind if you fancy a drink.
Tracy says sometimes you can bag yourself a last-minute holiday with surprise deals…Credit: Tracy Kennedy
Tracy’s top tips for £9.50 Holiday planning
Before booking, Tracy recommends researching any dates you can and can’t make ahead of time.
This includes making a note of when the school holidays are, and any key events you have coming up in the year.
You should also consider how far you’re willing to travel, and how exactly you’ll reach the holiday park.
This includes planning out the car journey, or researching ahead of time where the nearest train stations are to the holiday parks.
You should also double check that the park you want has the right facilities for you.
Whether this is accessible accommodation or dog-friendly sites, Tracy says you should definitely check ahead of time to see if the park offers what you need.
Entertainment on offer can change depending on which holiday park you choose, and which time of year you go.
Tracy recommends looking up the entertainment schedule ahead of time to know what will be available once you’re there – especially if you’re bringing kids.
And if your top picks have already been fully booked – don’t worry, they might just be back.
Lots of popular parks get snapped up the minute that booking opens, and gradually more and more places become filled.
But sometimes, later in the year, new spots open up at various holiday parks.
Tracy recommends hopping back on the website from time to time to see if any secret deals have been added.
However, there;s no guarantee that more spaces will open up – so make sure to have some backup holiday parks in mind that you wouldn’t mind booking.
Tracy Kennedy has taken her family away on Sun holidays for under £40 a breakCredit: Tracy Kennedy
In her exploration of so-called “banned” locations Ellie Whitby set out to investigate an island in northwest Scotland, renowned for its disturbing past, and where access was strictly prohibited
Ellie Whitby travelled to a mysterious island in northwest Scotland(Image: EllieMarieTV/YouTube)
A brave YouTuber has explored a remote Scottish island that was once erased from maps, but what she found was terrifying. Last year, Ellie Whitby, who runs the EllieMarieTV channel on YouTube, ventured to a mysterious island off northwest Scotland with a notoriously dark history as part of a video investigating so-called “banned” locations.
Ellie and a companion drove to Gruinard Island, also known as “Anthrax Island”, a sinister moniker it acquired after scientists contaminated the land whilst carrying out secret biological weapons experiments during World War II.
Anthrax is a potentially fatal infectious disease typically caused by the Bacillus anthracis bacterium. Following these experiments, Gruinard Island was deemed far too hazardous for both livestock and people.
The island’s grim history didn’t deter Ellie, who acknowledged it was “very scary”, but was determined to speak with local inhabitants about the site and, courageously, hoped to persuade someone to take her across to the island.
She explained: “So, we’re in the local town and see if there’s anyone willing to take me out to Anthrax Island, and I want to know their opinions on this. What do they think about this massive, secret government cover-up that happened a mile off their shores?”
Ellie proceeded to interview local residents, one of whom confirmed that the government kept the island under wraps, while another alleged that the tests resulted in the death of sheep on the mainland.
She ultimately discovered a kayaker called Will, who was willing to ferry Ellie across to the island. She remarked: “It was time to be one of very few people to ever step foot on an island hidden from the entire world and see if any of the conspiracies are true.”
Setting off across the water, she quipped: “I literally never used to leave my room out of fear of germs, and now I’m going all the way to an Anthrax Island. I think my therapist would be proud of me or, actually, very concerned.”
Ultimately, they landed on the island near a cave system, but Ellie seemed to have a change of heart. Once she determined there were no “nuclear bunkers”, she declared that she wasn’t “stupid enough” to remain any longer.
Back in 1942, then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill, concerned that Nazi Germany had developed a biological weapon, instructed scientists to investigate ways of weaponising the lethal bacterial infection, the BBC reports.
Located in Gruinard Bay, the 522-acre island served as a testing ground; residents in nearby settlements were unaware of these experiments, but rumours reportedly started to circulate once livestock began dying.
In a 2022 documentary, The Mystery of Anthrax Island, Edward Spiers, emeritus professor at the University of Leeds, stated: “The aim was to test whether the anthrax would survive an explosion in the field. They didn’t know that, and then would it remain virulent thereafter.
“Eighty-odd sheep were tethered at various stages downwind of the likely explosion. The explosion was done by remote control. It isn’t a great bang, a draught of highly potent spores moving down on the wind and causing infection and death wherever it goes.”
This led to devastating consequences, as the sheep rapidly developed symptoms and died; their bodies were then incinerated or buried under debris.
The covert trials lasted until 1943, but the impact of the experiments would be long-lasting. The highly resistant anthrax can reportedly remain in the soil for decades, and access to the island became strictly prohibited.
As reported by Lethbridge News, Gruinard Island was even erased from some maps due to fears that terrorist groups “would travel to the island to procure samples” of the deadly bacteria.
Deemed a success, the scientists concluded their work and returned to Porton Down, a secretive government facility in Wiltshire where research into diseases and chemical weapons is conducted.
Churchill’s proposed biological weapon was never used, and a militant group known as the Dark Harvest Commando of the Scottish Citizen Army (DHC) sought action from the government to decontaminate the island.
One of their strategies involved leaving a bucket of contaminated soil outside Porton Down. Years later, efforts were made to cleanse the island, which seemingly proved successful.
In 1990, the UK government officially announced that the island was free from anthrax, bringing a 48-year quarantine period to a close.
Thanet Council called the news “disappointing” for the park which has undergone a major revamp in the past decade.
In a statement, the theme park said: “The Scenic Railway has completed its journey as a roller coaster and will now take well-earned retirement from operation as a ride.
“This is not the end but a new beginning.
“We are committed to developing a new long-term vision that will not only showcase this remarkable Grade II listed structure, but reimagine its purpose so it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations in a fresh and meaningful way.
“This summer we will be hosting a pop-up exhibit celebrating the history of The Scenic Railway.
“In the longer term, it will be re-invented for people to enjoy in a different way.”
The ride has certainly had a difficult history, being destroyed by a fire in both 1948 and 2008.
Another fire in 2014 also broke out on the ride although this caused less damage.
As someone who used to live in Margate, visiting the theme park was always one of my favourite things to do.
Free to visit, it means you can just wander around and take in the atmosphere without paying a penny.
The iconic rollercoaster was forced to close back in 2024Credit: Alamy
But the thrill of the Scenic Railway – which still had a rather terrifying manual brake operated by a person – still beats other rollercoasters in my eyes.
Where else can you be thrown about a rickety track, with a few life-fearing drops before coming up to views of the ocean?
Thankfully there are other rides at the theme park that will still be open this summer.
This includes the Pirate Ship, Big Wheel and Rock ‘N Rollercoaster.
After uprooting himself from the UK, expat Mark Danby has revealed that there has been one surprising upside of moving from Britain to the Costa del Sol in Spain
It’s a less stressful way to live, Mark Danby says(Image: YouTube/TapasGuy)
As Storm Chandra batters the UK with fierce winds and heavy downpours, many Brits will find themselves fantasising about relocating to warmer climes. One Briton who made the move is Mark Danby, who left his home in the UK and moved to Spain’s Costa del Sol.
However, it wasn’t the holiday destination’s blistering summers that drew Mark in, but rather its gentle, temperate winters. On his Tapas Guy channel on YouTube, he reveals that winter on the Costa del Sol is when he feels most content as an expat.
He explains: “You may be surprised to know that I moved to the Costa Del Sol because of the winter, not because of the summer.
“Winter here is when a place actually reveals whether it’s the right place to live or not, or whether it’s just a place to come for your summer holidays. Before I came here, winter meant something very, very different to me. It meant short, dark days, and cold, wet mornings.”
The milder climate in southern Spain allows Mark to genuinely savour a complete day, wandering in the winter sunshine instead of sheltering indoors from the rain. “My first winter here felt somewhat unfamiliar,” he recalled. “The beaches were quiet. Evenings were calm. For the first time in a long time, my winter days weren’t dictated by weather extremes. I didn’t realise how much I needed that until I had it.”
Mark reveals that his relocation from the UK to Spain has had an unexpectedly positive impact on his mental health. He shares: “Here in the winter, mornings can start with a walk or a drink outside, even in January.”
He elaborates: “Physically and mentally, winter has changed things for me. I get out more. I walk more. I spend more time outside. And as a result of that, I do feel generally less stressed.”
He also notes that his improved mood has boosted his productivity. However, he points out that life isn’t just easier during the Spanish winter, it’s also more affordable.
“The winter in the Costa del Sol is when it becomes financially honest,” he says. “There’s no tourists. Rents drop, sometimes significantly. Leases become available and eating out feels sustainable not just like a luxury.”
Mark admits that some eateries and pubs do shut down during the winter, resulting in slightly fewer dining options.
On the other hand, he observes, the Spanish summer also brings everything to a halt. He adds: “It becomes too hot, everything shuts down and it takes even longer to get things done.”
The rhythm of life, Mark explains, is generally more laid-back throughout the year.
Yet it’s the winter season that holds a special charm. He concludes: “The mild climate removes friction from your daily life. You don’t have to fight the weather like you do in the summer. You can actually live with it.
“When you stay through winter, something changes. You stop being a visitor. You become part of the rhythm.”
The UK’s best gastropub has been crowned, beating off competition from thousands of venues. It’s a spot that’s much loved-by celebrities and famous for pouring the best Guinness in the country
12:34, 27 Jan 2026Updated 13:16, 27 Jan 2026
This classic British pub has become iconic in the capital(Image: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
The top gastropubs across the UK have been named, and the winner is a spot that has been enjoyed by many celebrities and was praised for its “premium quality, homemade food, focusing on the best of British produce”.
The Devonshire in Soho, which prides itself on offering a warm and welcoming vibe and has the style of a traditional British pub, took the number one spot in the new ranking. The venue sits on one of the lively neighbourhood’s narrow streets, amongst theatres, restaurants, and busy shops.
Downstairs is a wood-panelled bar which looks a lot like many of the historic pubs found in this part of the capital. Tourists and Londoners just finishing work crowd around the bar, often spilling out onto the street on sunny days, giving the pub a friendly, lively atmosphere.
What sets The Devonshire apart from other pubs in the area is its claim to serve the “perfect pint of Guinness”, with bar staff obsessed about getting the perfect pour. Its bar snack menu offers the chance to try the cuisine on offer, and includes snacks such as sausage on a stick, scotch eggs, and chips, among other British favourites.
Upstairs, the restaurant has a more upmarket vibe, and the handwritten menus feature seasonal specials and local ingredients. With an on-site butcher and baker on the team, you can be assured that everything is fresh and local. Highlights include Scottish beef, which is dry-aged and butchered on-site, and seafood from Devon, including lobsters and hand-dived scallops.
The Devonshire has gained a number of celebrity fans in recent years. Last summer, A-listers including Margot Robbie, Jon Bon Jovi, and Ed Sheeran were spotted among its diners. Yungblud and Florence Pugh even surprised punters by taking on duties behind the bar and having a go at pulling pints.
In second place was The Unruly Pig in Woodbridge, which, by contrast, sits among the Suffolk countryside. This 16th-century inn has a traditional pub vibe with wooden beams and a roaring fireplace, but adds a contemporary twist with colourful modern artworks on the walls.
The menu is a fusion of British and Italian cuisine, which they’ve dubbed ‘Britalian’, and uses fresh ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible. In the bar, there’s a wide selection of craft beers as well as over 60 choices of wine and fizz to accompany your meal.
The menu changes monthly, and in addition to its a la carte selection, the restaurant offers a three-course lunch menu for £35pp, with a choice of three dishes per course. It also offers a popular Sunday lunch, where you can opt for a sharing roast platter for two or dishes such as iberico pork and parmesan gnocchi.
Another London venue, The Red Lion & Sun, came in third on the list. The pub, set in leafy Highgate Village, has two beer gardens that are incredibly popular in the summer. And in fourth place was The Woolpack Inn, set in the quaint Cotswolds village of Slad, which offers real ales and hearty cuisine.
Full list of top 100 gastropubs in the UK
The Devonshire, Soho, London
The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge, Suffolk
The Red Lion & Sun, Highgate, London
The Woolpack Inn, Slad, Gloucestershire
The Star Inn, Harome, York
The Angel at Hetton, Hetton, North Yorkshire
Parkers Arms, Clitheroe Lancashire
The Rat Inn, Anick, Northumberland
The Rum Fox, Clitheroe, Lancashire
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock, Devon
Canton Arms, Stockwell, London
The Dog at Wingham, Wingham, Kent
The Abbey Inn, Byland, North Yorkshire
The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe, Somerset
The Broad Chare, Newcastle
The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market, Norfolk
The Baring, Islington, London
The Merry Harriers, Hambledon, Surrey
The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury, Kent
The Bell, Langford, Oxfordshire
The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The Crown, Burchetts Green, Berkshire
The Marksman, Hackney, London
The Hero, Maida Vale, London
The Kerfield Arms, Camberwell, London
The Sportsman, Seasalter, Kent
The Mariners, Rock, Cornwall
The Bull, Charlbury, Oxfordshire
The Coach, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
The Highland Laddie, Leeds
The Pipe and Glass Inn, South Dalton, East Yorkshire
The Silver Cup, Harpenden, Hertfordshire
The Waterman’s Arms, Barnes, London
Heft, High Newton, Cumbria
The Tamil Crown, Islington, London
Harwood Arms, Fulham, London
The Killingworth Castle, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
The Gurnard’s Head, St Ives, Cornwall
The Bull & Last, Highgate, London
The Kinneuchar Inn, Leven, Fife
The Tartan Fox, Newquay, Cornwall
The Queen of Cups, Glastonbury, Somerset
The Knave of Clubs, Shoreditch, London
The Mason’s Arms, Bampton, Oxfordshire
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham, Oxfordshire
The Black Bear Inn, Bettws Newydd, Monmouthshire
The French House, Soho, London
The Loch & The Tyne by Adam Handling, Old Windsor, Berkshire
The Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax West Yorkshire
The White Horse, Chester, Cheshire
The White Swan at Fence, Fence, Lancashire
The Cross at Kenilworth, Kenilworth
The Castle Inn, Castle Combe, Chippenham
The George, Kempsford, Fairford
The Hoop, Stock, Essex
The Scran and Scallie, Edinburgh
The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
The Edinburgh Castle, Manchester
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Camberwell Arms, Camberwell, London
The Parakeet, Kentish Town, London
The Boat, Lichfield
The Longs Arms, South Wraxall, Wiltshire
The Anchor and Hope, Southwark, London
The Pelican, Notting Hill, London
The Pack Horse, Hayfield, Derbyshire
The Drapers Arms, Islington, London
The Hand and Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
St Kew Inn, Bodmin
The Three Fishes, Mitton, Lancashire
The Bull Inn, Totnes
The Clarence, Glasgow
The Dog & Gun Inn, Skelton, Cumbria
Heathcock, Cardiff
The Fat Badger, Notting Hill, London
The Chagford Inn, Chagford
The Eagle, Farringdon, London
The Clarence Tavern, Stoke Newington, north-east London
The Five Elms, Weedon Aylesbury, Bucks
The Horseguards Inn, Tiilington, Petworth, West Sussex
The Oarsman, Marlow
The Two Pigs, Barton under Needwood, Burton on Trent
The Lady Mildmay, Newington Green, north-east London
The Royal Oak, Witney, Oxfordshire
The White Hart, Lydgate, Oldham
WildMoor Oak, Bromsgrove
The Double Red Duke, Clanfield, Oxfordshire
The Blue Stoops, Kensington, London
The Crown at Bray, Bray, Maidenhead
The Bucks Head, Sevenoaks, Kent
The Parlour, Kensal Rise, London
The Dog and Pickle, Essex
The Burleigh Arms, Cambridge
The Charlton Arms, Ludlow
The Suffield Arms, Gunton
The Hare & Hounds, Vale of Glamorgan
The Sun, Felmersham, Bedford
Pyne Arms, Barnstaple
The Standard Inn, Portscatho, Cornwall
The Swan, Bampton
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
Brits planning their next Türkiye holidays may want to check out the breathtaking region of Antalya that’s packed with beautiful beaches, epic hiking trails and unrivalled scenery
A driving instructor has shared three important rules for staying safe on the roads as Storm Chandra brings amber weather warnings, 290 flood alerts and winds of up to 80mph
Alan Johnson Social News Reporter
11:39, 27 Jan 2026Updated 11:39, 27 Jan 2026
Storm Chandra is set to cause havoc on UK roads (stock)(Image: georgeclerk via Getty Images)
A driving instructor has issued three crucial safety tips motorists must follow this week as Storm Chandra batters the UK. The Met Office has put an amber weather warning in place, with 290 flood alerts active as of Tuesday morning (January 27) and gusts reaching up to 80mph forecasted in certain areas.
A number of major roads and bridges have already closed in both directions due to the treacherous conditions. “In these kind of conditions there’s a lot of spray and surface spray, so it’s a good idea to put your headlights on,” advised instructor Mark Zondo, who shares driving tips as Theory Test Hero on social media.
He added: “With dipped headlights, this way it is going to be easier for other drivers to see you.”
Mark also highlighted that failing to switch on your lights – even during daylight hours – makes it significantly harder for lorry drivers to spot you, especially when they’re switching lanes.
Regarding spacing between vehicles, meanwhile, he recommended keeping a “nice” distance from the motor ahead. “You can’t really see much for one, there’s a lot of spray and also the road is very slippery because of the wet and so you don’t want to be too close in case you have to brake suddenly,” he explained.
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Demonstrating his final piece of advice, Mark eased his foot off the accelerator gradually instead of hitting the brake sharply to decelerate his vehicle safely amid the torrential rain.
The initial weather alerts took effect at midnight on Tuesday and are set to remain active for 17 hours.
Forecasters are predicting rainfall totals of 20-30mm across the impacted regions, with some spots potentially seeing between 40-50mm.
The Met Office has also cautioned that there will be a “sharp increase” in snow accumulation at higher altitudes, with the likelihood of two to five centimetres settling in areas above roughly 300m, five to 10cm above 400m, and 10-20cm above 500m.
In response to Storm Chandra, National Highways has issued its own guidance. “Road users are advised to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel where possible, and allow extra time for journeys,” they stated.
“Drivers should be aware that surrounding local roads may also be affected by flooding and should not attempt to drive through floodwater.”
Speaking more widely about the flooding concerns, National Highways revealed that expert crews will be checking carriageway drainage infrastructure, including gullies, culverts and ditches, looking for obstructions from leaves, silt and debris swept along by heavy downpours.
“If drainage systems are overwhelmed or obstructed, water cannot recede naturally, prolonging closure times,” the transport body warned.
Plans for the city of Neom, once envisioned as the future of Saudi Arabia, have reportedly been dealt another blow, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ordering a reevaluation of the project
11:36, 27 Jan 2026Updated 11:38, 27 Jan 2026
The ambitious development is on pause(Image: Facebook)
Ambitious, controversial, and startlingly futuristic in its design, the city of Neom was intended to drastically change the future of Saudi Arabia, helping the country diversify beyond its oil-dependent economy.
Now, plans for the uniquely striking metropolis have been scaled back considerably, with spiralling costs and mounting delays meaning the extortionate project may well now be “far smaller” in scale. Launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with an eyewatering budget of £365bn, the £6.8tn mega-city was initially given a deadline of 2030, with the most striking feature set to be The Line.
In a design straight out of a sci-fi film, The Line was intended to be a row of mirror-clad skyscrapers, stretching 125 miles across the desert, and connected by leafy walkways. Reaching a half-kilometre into the sky, these bold structures were intended to accommodate some nine million residents, meeting the needs of a country whose booming population of 35 million is now outgrowing existing cities.
Built on just 34 square kilometres, these properties were designed with “a reduced infrastructure footprint” in mind, “creating never-before-seen efficiencies in city functions”. According to the Neom website, “The ideal climate all year round will ensure that residents can enjoy the surrounding nature. Residents will also have access to all daily essentials within a five-minute walk, in addition to high-speed rail, with an end-to-end transit of 20 minutes.”
Unfortunately for Saudi Arabia, which has already poured billions into this project, the practical realities of such an endeavour have hampered the original vision, and it’s believed construction could now be significantly cut back.
As reported by The Times, the Crown Prince has grown increasingly frustrated about delays to his grand plan for diversifying the nation’s economy over the course of the next decade, and has already postponed or scrapped various other projects.
Now, the de facto ruler has ordered a reevaluation of Neom, which he has previously hailed as a way to “tackle the challenges facing humanity in urban life today” and to “shine a light on alternative ways to live”. It’s thought likely this lofty mission will now change tack somewhat, focusing on smaller-scale goals such as artificial intelligence data centres.
One source familiar with the ongoing matter told the publication that this review is still in progress, and that it is not currently clear whether or not The Line would continue on as a more modest, manageable project.
Neom was initially envisioned as including a 6,500 square kilometre nature reserve, alongside the mountainous retreat Trojena, anticipated to feature Saudi Arabia’s debut outdoor ski slopes, freezing winter conditions and a “moderate year-round climate”.
However, while Trojena had originally been scheduled to welcome the 2029 Asian Winter Games, officials have acknowledged it won’t be completed on time. Indeed, at the time of writing, the only part of the project to open so far is the Red Sea yachting resort of Sindalah, widely regarded as a costly failure, which ultimately led to the firing of Neom’s chief executive.
The extravagant launch party, which saw 40 private yachts docked at the resort, while guests were treated to performances from Will Smith and Alicia Keys. Crown Prince Mohammed reportedly wasn’t pleased by the outcome, however, and had questions about the steep price tag.
NEW city break packages have been launched by TUI – to a destination set to be even bigger this year.
The new packages, on sale now, will connect Brits to the city of Cairo in Egypt.
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TUI has launched city break packages to CairoCredit: Alamy
The latest in its city break packages, flights will operate from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester.
Passengers will travel on British Airways, easyJet or Egyptair flights.
Five night holidays start from £696pp, which includes return flights, transfers, luggage and stays at Nile Sky Suites Hotel with breakfast.
TUI’s Commercial Director Chris Logan said: “With winter sun, world-famous sights and great value all in one trip, it’s ideal for customers who are after sunshine but want more than a beach holiday.
“Egypt is one of the best-value winter sun destinations. You get brilliant hotels, unforgettable experiences and fantastic value for money, especially during the winter months” added Logan.”
The city of Cairo’s nickname, especially by locals, is ‘mother of the world’ for many believing it is the centre of civilisation.
Its main attraction is the Pyramids of Giza – the only remaining ancient wonder of the world – as well as the Great Sphinx.
The Sun’s Dean Agius visited soon after it opened.
He explained: “The enormous building, covering an area of 470,000 square metres, houses more than 50,000 artefacts — and the centrepiece of its collection will bring all 5,000-plus treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb together for the first time.
“Stepping through its pyramid-shaped entrance, the 3,200-year-old, 83-ton statue of Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II sits in GEM’s soaring central atrium.”
TUI also said there are “lesser-known hidden gems” in Cairo too, including the green oasis Al-Azhar Park, which has amazing city views.
Cairo remains around 20C in winter, although is hitting highs of 26c this week – making it an ideal winter sun holiday destination around five hours from the UK.
Summer temperatures can hit around 36C.
A popular attraction is the Pyramids of GizaCredit: AlamyThe Grand Egyptian Museum also recently openedCredit: Alamy
SPAIN has always been a top holiday destination for Brits – but is quickly being taken over by a number of other destinations.
According to Jet2 CEO Steve Heapy, Spain has lost its appeal to holidaymakers with other destinations coming for its crown thanks to rising costs.
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Spain is losing its appeal to Brits according to Jet2 boss thanks to rising costsCredit: AlamyMr Heapy predicts Brits will ditch Spain for Morocco, Tunisia and EgyptCredit: Alamy
In an interview with Hosteltur, Mr Heapy predicted that Brits are ditching Spain for other destinations, all in North Africa.
In places like Barcelona, the surcharge for overnight stays is rising to €5 £4.34) per night.
In the Balearic Islands like Majorca and Ibiza, there’s an eco-tax added to accommodation which ranges between €1 (87p) to €4 (£3.47)pppn.
It will soon also be more expensive to fly to Spain, as previously reported, Aena, which operates the majority of airports in Spain, is increasing its airport charges by 6.44 per cent in 2026.
With the increase in cost, Mr Heapy said that Brits are heading to other locations instead – which are still just a few hours away from the UK.
He said: “North Africa is performing well, with Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt standing out.”
Morocco is a great option for Brits, especially those seeking winter sun – and some destinations are less than an hour from the UK.
A flight from the UK to the vibrant city of Marrakesh takes just three hours and 40 minutes.
In February there are highs of 21C – much warmer than being in the UK at that time of year.
It’s cheap too, according to Skyscanner you can fly with Ryanair from London Stansted from just £15 on February 23, 2026.
On that same day, it’s more expensive to fly to Madrid which is £17 – and the journey is one hour less.
Other popular destinations in Morocco include Agadir which has beautiful golden beaches, the country’s capital Rabat, Essaouira on the southern coast, Fez and Tangier.
Marrakesh has lots of vibrant streets and souks to exploreCredit: AlamyThe Red Sea coast promises warm weather to Brits wanting guaranteed sunCredit: Alamy
Tunisia is also back in the game according to Jet2’s Mr Heapy.
The number of Brits heading on holiday there has risen significantly with around 350,000 British visiting in 2024 – 65 per cent more than the previous year.
And numbers are rising thanks to its great weather, short flights and beautiful beaches.
You can pick up booze for less than £5 – from local beer to wine, she said “you can still purchase a top-quality house white or red for just a few euros.”
Coffee can be bought up for around 80p if you like an espresso – or coffee with milk – called a ‘galão’ – will usually come in at under two euros.
Eclectic and cozy define the spirit of this North Hollywood coffee shop owned by Jennifer Jackson and Libby Ward. The name (and whale logo) is a playful twist on corporate giant Starbucks (with “Starbuck” being a character in “Moby Dick”), and the satire extends to the names of the drink sizes: guppy (small), trout (medium) and whaley (large).
Inside, the whimsical nautical vibe continues in the front room with a floor mural, resembling the deep blue sea and various colorful sea creatures, done by local illustrator Tak Sparks.
Three back rooms with bold colored walls — green, blue, yellow and orange — feel like living rooms with wooden stools, desks, chairs and tables, area rugs, upholstered armchairs and worn leather seats. Out back, a shaded patio strung with Edison bulbs extends the seating.
The walls recently featured art bylocal comic artist/illustrator Josh Maikis, as well as art by two of the shop’s employees’ parents, J.H. Smith’s ink and intaglio prints and Carolyn Root’s wildlife paintings.
In the front space, bags of free coffee grounds are available for customers to take home for composting. There’s also a propagation station where you can leave or take plant clippings.
Beyond seasonal drinks and espresso-based drinks, try unusual signature offerings like the Shiny Squirrel, a blended espresso with caramel, whipped cream, white and dark chocolate, and sprinkles on top. Or, if coffee isn’t your thing, there are smoothies, hot chocolate and Italian sodas, and a wide array of teas. Jackson is also an herbalist and makes some of them, including Good Night Moon and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, with her own herbs.
Here, the coffee doesn’t stop at the beverages. Even a caprese sandwich has coffee in the balsamic vinegar.
Many Angelenos have never set foot in Monrovia, the mountain-view town nestled in the San Gabriel foothills, or even heard of it — unless they read their Trader Joe’s labels, many of which name the city as the distribution site. It’s still a bit of an insider’s secret, which locals like myself tend to appreciate.
Get to know Los Angeles through the places that bring it to life. From restaurants to shops to outdoor spaces, here’s what to discover now.
Monrovia embodies the word “picturesque” in a way Thornton Wilder would’ve appreciated: Neat little historic homes — many designed in the Arts and Crafts and New Mediterranean architectural styles — line neighborhood streets abundant with native plants. Residents, by turns sweet and quirky, seem like they could be plucked right out the “Gilmore Girls” town of Stars Hollow: You might meet an award-winning whistler who hosts an annual music festival in Library Park or a mayor whose husband campaigns for her by strolling the streets wearing a sandwich board. Monrovians are intensely proud of their city, telling their stories through a historical museum and an archive called the Legacy Project. On Friday evenings, they often come together in Old Town Monrovia, where four blocks of the main thoroughfare of Myrtle Avenue are shut down to traffic for a street fair complete with bounce houses, food trucks and a petting zoo. Their event calendars are peppered with frequent festivals in Library Park and the county fair-esque Monrovia Days town birthday celebration.
Los Angeles County’s fourth-oldest city, Monrovia was incorporated in 1887 after William N. Monroe, a former superintendent for Southern Pacific rail company, along with James F. Crank, Edward F. Spence and John D. Bicknell, plotted a 120-acre town centered at Orange (now Colorado Boulevard) and Myrtle Avenue. Historic gems can be found all around: You can still admire the Mayan Revival-style architecture of the century-old Aztec Hotel or look for the brass plaques displayed on more than 40 of Monrovia’s “first houses” built before the end of 1887. Just be on the lookout for the bears: They’re the unofficial mascot of Monrovia, since they languidly amble our streets, inspire our art (you’ll find bear murals and sculptures throughout town) and even bathe in our hot tubs.
In general, daily life in Monrovia feels mellow, slow and friendly. Seeing and being seen isn’t as much of an objective as savoring a breakfast of runny eggs while reading a newspaper, meandering by the lit-up park fountain or hiking through the 80 acres of wilderness at Monrovia Canyon Park. Don’t expect to get anywhere in town fast, especially during rush hour along Huntington Drive, Foothill Boulevard or the 210. In getting around, public transit can come to the rescue: the GoMonrovia Lyft Pass offers $6 local Lyft rides, and the city is connected by Metro to Pasadena, Highland Park, Union Station, Azusa, Long Beach and other locations. Monrovia isn’t for everyone but it’s as close to paradise as anything I’ve ever found in Los Angeles County. I hope to someday be considered one of the city’s quirky characters who has long called this place home.
What’s included in this guide
Anyone who’s lived in a major metropolis can tell you that neighborhoods are a tricky thing. They’re eternally malleable and evoke sociological questions around how we place our homes, our neighbors and our communities within a wider tapestry. In the name of neighborly generosity, we may include gems that linger outside of technical parameters. Instead of leaning into stark definitions, we hope to celebrate all of the places that make us love where we live.
Our journalists independently visited every spot recommended in this guide. We do not accept free meals or experiences. What L.A. neighborhood should we check out next? Send ideas to guides@latimes.com.
A pretty English village looks like a postcard, but it’s also one of the UK’s most expensive
The village is surrounded by quintessential English countryside, but living here comes at a price (Image: Chris Harris/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Tucked away in a tranquil corner of the Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary lies a charming village that’s earned a reputation as one of Britain’s “poshest villages”. South Pool in Devon boasts picture-perfect cottages with thatched roofs, set against a backdrop of lush, verdant hillsides.
Those who’ve visited describe “glorious Devon countryside” as well as praising the unique free house pub located here. This diminutive village is home to around 150 residents, guaranteeing plenty of peace and tranquillity.
Yet property prices in this idyllic spot average around £410,000 based on the past year’s sales figures, according to Zoopla. The village recently secured its place among Britain’s 48 “poshest villages” in The Telegraph’s rankings. South Pool also featured in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2022 list of the UK’s 20 most stunning villages.
Despite its modest size, the village boasts rich heritage, with its historic buildings and meandering lanes “would befit any chocolate box or postcard”, according to local holiday lettings company Toad Hall Cottages. They’ve also dubbed the village one of the area’s “hidden gems”, reports the Express.
At the village’s highest point stands a Grade-I listed church, believed to have been built in 1318. There’s also the Millbrook Inn, a celebrated gastropub that’s accessible on foot, by car and, unusually, by boat.
Tucked away where land meets water, perched at the head of a tidal inlet on the Salcombe estuary, the Millbrook Inn bills itself as a “hidden haven” where visitors arriving by canoe, boat and even paddle board can stop off for a pint of local brew or a freshly prepared pub favourite.
A recent visitor to the much-loved pub reviewed their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “A return visit for a spot of lunch at this wonderful freehouse village pub. Situated by the stream in the centre of South Pool, probably one of the prettiest villages deep in the glorious Devon countryside.
“A hearty soup of the day with crusty fresh bread and a decent amount of butter. Quality paper napkins. It’s the little things that count. Log fire, doggy friendly cosy bar area. “
The surrounding picturesque English countryside provides the perfect setting for this charming village and pub, with rolling fields and lush greenery stretching to the horizon. The panoramic vistas are especially breath-taking during summer when sunshine bathes the nearby hills in golden light.
Given its proximity to the tranquil backwaters of the South Hams, aquatic pursuits prove hugely popular locally, from guided canoe excursions to stand-up paddle boarding adventures. The settlement also offers convenient access to nearby coastal spots, such as Lancombe Beach, South Sands Beach and Salcombe North Sands.
Naturally, rural life comes with a hefty price tag. The Telegraph reports that some of the area’s priciest homes have changed hands for as much as “£844,429”.
Village life in this sought-after location commands a premium when buying a home in the vicinity, with the equally pricey Devon town of Salcombe neighbouring South Pool.
Several of the properties in these locations, once family homes not so long ago, are now listed as “secret getaways” on short lettings sites such as Airbnb.
AFTER 20 years of strict liquid rules, airports are finally starting to scrap them.
The rule, introduced back in 2006 after a foiled liquid explosive bombing at London Heathrow, has long caused problems for unaware travellers heading abroad.
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London Heathrow is the fifth UK airport to scrap all 100ml liquid rules
However, new CT scanners are slowly being rolled out across the UK, which will eventually end the rules that require liquids to be under 100ml, and fit in a small plastic bag.
Earlier this week, London Heathrow became the latest to lift some of the rules.
Despite this, there is some confusion – some airports no longer require liquids to be taken out of the bag, but still be 100ml, while others now allow up to 2l.
So we’ve rounded up all of the airport rules to explain which ones have lifted which rules, as well as which are yet to.
Ryanair has told all passengers to stop putting a popular item in their hand luggage from January. It turns out, it should never be stored there and could cause problems at security
08:01, 27 Jan 2026Updated 08:01, 27 Jan 2026
Ryanair has told passengers to stop packing a certain item (stock image)(Image: Dmitri Zelenevski via Getty Images)
With the UK being so wet and dreary at this time of year, it’s no wonder people dream of escaping to other parts of the world, but there are some things you need to know if you’re preparing to hop on a plane. When it comes to packing, there are some important rules you need to follow to ensure your airport experience goes smoothly.
According to Ryanair, certain items should never be packed in your hand luggage, and one of them is super popular at this time of year. From January, you may want to think a little more about how you’re preparing to travel.
Previously, the topic came up on Reddit when a social media user asked: “Looking for a trekking pole to buy. Which kind of pole (collapsible/telescopic) would be better so that it could be brought as a carry-on bag on Ryanair/Iberia?”
It got a lot of people talking, and they were quick to point out an essential piece of information, and it’s worth noting if you’re planning on going skiing any time soon. One person replied: “I don’t think it really matters what airline you fly. You have to get past security with them, and they are usually not allowed.”
Another wrote: “You will always be taking a risk unless you put them in a checked bag.” A third also replied: “Trekking poles are not allowed in your carry-on. This rule is not always enforced, but that is the rule.
“One time I flew to a location with my poles in my carry-on, but they wouldn’t let me on the flight to come back with those same poles in my carry-on (same airline).”
However, according to Ryanair, this isn’t the only thing you need to be aware of. If you’re going skiing any time from January, you need to stop packing poles in your carry-on luggage too.
What does Ryanair say?
According to the airline, various items are prohibited in carry-on luggage, and all of these are detailed on the website. However, when it comes to poles, it offers specific advice.
It reads: “The following items must not be carried on board, but may be carried as part of your checked baggage. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury.”
Ski poles and hiking poles feature in the list, so it’s important you don’t take them in your hand luggage. Generally, they need to be checked in, as they are deemed too sharp to carry through airport security.
Due to their length and sharp tips, they are considered potential weapons. While some travellers may find success with collapsible poles tucked away, security agents typically require them to be checked.
Though some airline guidelines may differ, the safest option is to put them in your checked luggage. This will help avoid any problems or delays at airport security.
If you opt to try and take them through, you risk having to surrender them at airport security. It’s a gamble that’s really not worth taking when you travel.
Leith is Edinburgh’s port district, where people, goods and new ideas have flowed into the city for centuries. Here, the Water of Leith river meets the sea, and on bright days, when pubs and restaurants spill out to the Shore area, there’s nowhere quite like it. I moved here 13 years ago, and it has been a joy to watch the area evolve and reinvent itself. Today it’s the city’s creative heart, full of artists, musicians, designers and startups, with a thriving food and drink scene. The arrival of the tramline from Edinburgh city centre in 2023 has given it a big boost too.
The Shore, Leith. Photograph: Robert Harding/Alamy
Although the Leith immortalised in Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting is long gone, to call it fully gentrified would be failing to pay attention. Two recent campaigns, both successful, have galvanised locals: one to stop Waterstones opening near the independent Argonaut Books; and the other to return the benches used by day-drinkers on the Kirkgate, which had been removed by the council. There’s space for both in Leith.
What keeps me here is the strong, village-like community spirit, paired with the ever-changing energy of a city. One day I can get stuck into digging on the Community Croft; the next I’m immersed in art galleries, gigs and fine dining. For visitors, Leith offers a slice of real Edinburgh, with no bus tours, shops selling tartan tat, or out-of-tune bagpipes.
Where to eat and drink
Barry Fish restaurant opened in early 2025
Leith’s food and drink ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to community cafes, old-men’s pubs to smart cocktail bars. Over the past few years there has been a flurry of openings that mirror the creativity of the area. “Leith has the perfect mix of old and new: places that have been here for decades, and new energy coming through,” says chef Barry Bryson. “It’s multicultural, rich and varied, and serves a community of diners, not just one demographic.” Bryson opened his first restaurant, Barry Fish, on the Shore in early 2025. Immediately it became one of my favourite places to eat. I recommend cosying into the calm green interiors and ordering the trout pastrami and lobster agnolotti.
Chef Roberta Hall-McCarron and her husband, Shaun McCarron, opened the cafe-bar Ardfern in 2024, next door to their fine-dining restaurant The Little Chartroom. I’ve eaten there at every hour, enjoying lazy brunches, birthday lunches, early evening oysters and long dinners with friends. The hash browns are non-negotiable, most recently topped with sprout kimchi, fish sauce aioli and nori. “It’s inspiring to be part of a supportive, creative community,” says Shaun.
A dish at Ardfern. Photograph: AwAyeMedia
That emphasis on community is echoed at Dogstar, newly opened by chef James Murray along with Michael Lynch and Kyle Jamieson of Nauticus bar. After years cooking at the highest level and earning a Michelin star at Timberyard, Murray found an increasing sense of disconnect with the world of fine dining. “The next stage for me was wanting to live and work in my community, so choosing Leith was intentional,” he says. “There’s a pride to people down here. If it’s a Leith spot cooking for Leith people, they get behind you.” Sitting at the bar watching dishes spin in the kitchen, eating shellfish straight from the coals, and dunking warm focaccia into anchovy sauce, I’m certainly behind this restaurant.
Cultural experiences
To discover Leith’s artistic community, visit Custom Lane, a collaborative design space in the old Custom House building on the river, with artists’ workshops, galleries and an excellent cafe. Onsite, Bard is a gallery and shop designed to look like the home of a collector. Husbands Hugo Macdonald and James Stevens travel across Scotland bringing contemporary Scottish design to Leith, inviting the curious to explore the integration of high-end design in a domestic environment. Regardless of your interiors budget, it’s not to be missed.
Across the river is Brown’s of Leith, the newest outpost of Custom Lane. This vast three-storey Victorian warehouse has been transformed into a multi-use creative space by GRAS architects. On the ground floor, three food businesses – ShrimpWreck shellfish bar, Haze for wine and top-tier snacks, and Civerinos pizza – share a relaxed dining area, with more residents, events and collaborations imminent. “At Brown’s we identified a need for spaces that genuinely support and celebrate creativity,” says architect Gunnar Groves-Raines of GRAS. The restaurateurs are equally enthusiastic. “Leith has a strong sense of identity: independent, creative and rooted in its history,” says Joseph Radford of Haze. “Our intention is to respond to that rather than overwrite it.” I visit early in the evening when the lights are low, the music perfectly pitched and the atmosphere a relaxed buzz. Soon our table is full of oysters, bowls of mussels and tinned fish on toast. It’s a lot of fun.
GRAS architects at Brown’s of Leith, a Victorian warehouse that’s now a creative space. Photograph: Richard Gaston
Further collaborative art spaces across Leith are also worth exploring. Between Drill Hall, The Biscuit Factory and Coburg House Art Studios, there’s always something interesting going on. And there’s more to come – after years of tireless volunteer fundraising and campaigning, Leith theatre has been awarded lottery funding to restore the beautiful 1932 art deco building to its former glory. Pop-ups in the space, including a past Edinburgh international festival residency, have offered a thrilling glimpse of the future.
Where to shop
Leith is home to some great independent shops.Argonaut Books, inside the old train station, is run by people passionate about reading, and has a lovely cafe and regular events. Arty gift shops include Logan Malloch, Flux and Handsel on Leith Walk – all sell work by local artists. For interesting wine, head to the tiny independent Bludge.
Don’t miss
The Royal Yacht Britannia attracts hundreds daily, keen for a glimpse of how the monarchs holidayed. But I prefer the Port of Leith Distillery, an impressive-looking “vertical distillery” where whisky production takes place from top-to-bottom over nine storeys. Tours of the stills are fascinating and the views over the Firth of Forth to Fife from the cafe and bar are unmatched. Take a stroll along the Water of Leith path, perhaps followed by a visit to a taproom for a fresh pint. Leith has a flourishing craft brewery scene, and Moonwake, Campervan and Newbarns all have welcoming taprooms.
Stay
Malmaison Edinburgh has smart riverside rooms (from £77 room-only), or push the boat out (pun intended) and spend the night on board Fingal (cabins from £269 B&B), a former lighthouse tender turned luxury hotel, permanently moored in Leith.
Only a few parts of this long-forgotten railway line remain standing, but it once carried up to 2,000 people a year on their final journeys along with their mourning loved ones clad in black
Brockwood Cemetery still has a few remaining sections of track where the London Necropolis Railway ran(Image: Surrey Advertiser – Grahame Larter)
The Victorians have a reputation for dealing with death in strange ways, from photographing the dead to their obsession with Memento Mori objects, reminding them of the inevitability of death. But one almost forgotten part of Victorian history is particularly creepy and involves a long-abandoned railway line.
Early into Queen Victoria’s reign, the city faced a horrific problem. It had doubled in size thanks to the Industrial Revolution, bringing the population up to 2.5 million, many of whom lived in crowded, unsanitary conditions, causing outbreaks of conditions such as Cholera. London was the largest city in the world, but it also had insufficient sewage facilities and poor water quality, leading to disease and death. A Londoner born in the 1840s had an average life expectancy of just 36.7 years.
London’s churches soon found their graveyards were full to capacity, leading to the horrific practice of exhuming the recently deceased to make way for newer burials. As a solution, a huge new cemetery was planned in Brookwood, Surrey, but the plodding horse and carriages of the time would have taken hours to transport a body to this location. Therefore, the idea for the London Necropolis railway was formed.
The London Necropolis railway station was built next to Waterloo, and had a beautiful, ornate exterior typical of Victorian architecture. Here, the bodies of people of all ages and social classes were readied for their final 23-mile journey to the new Brookwood Cemetery in leafy Surrey, a world away from the grubby streets of London.
Coffins were issued a one-way ticket, while the mourners accompanying them would get a return ticket to take them back into the city after the service. Once the trains arrived in Brookwood, they made two stops in the Anglican and Nonconformist parts of the cemetery, depending on the religion of the deceased.
While all sorts of people were laid to rest in Brookwood, the rich, of course, enjoyed a better class of funeral than the Victorian poor. A first-class funeral came with a choice of burial plots and the ability to erect a permanent memorial. Those who chose a second-class funeral could put up a gravestone or other memorial for an additional cost, but if they failed to do so, the grave could end up being reused.
In third class were people who had a pauper’s funeral, paid for by their local parish. While these people weren’t given their own gravestone, they did get separate graves, which were much more dignified than the horrific burial practices going on at London’s graveyards at the time. The London Necropolis Company (LNC) carried out the burials, and about 80% of the funerals it held were third class, for those whose families couldn’t afford a service.
First and second class passengers had a separate waiting area, and their loved ones’ names were announced as their coffins were carried onto the train, a ceremonial touch not afforded to those headed to unmarked graves.
As London grew, and with the building of the London Underground, proper sewage systems, and overground railways, many churchyards stood in the way. The Necropolis Railway took on a huge new project, relocating the bodies from 21 churchyards across the city to the Surrey cemetery
Trains ran daily, and Sundays were a particularly busy day for funerals. It was the only day of the week when many workers had off, and by scheduling their loved ones’ funerals, they could avoid taking an extra day off.
The London Necropolis Railway ran until 1941, when a World War Two bomb destroyed the London station and track. By that point, funeral directors were increasingly using motorised hearses, and in the post-WW2 reconstruction of the city, the destroyed funeral train service wasn’t seen as a priority.
Visit Westminster Bridge House and you can still see some of the façade of the old station building, although the old sign is boarded up. However, in Brookwood Cemetery, the remains of this unusual chapter of history are still on display. You can still see parts of the track, and plaques commemorate the 200,000 people who reached their final resting place on this unique train line.
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