Forget about its comparison to Martha’s Vineyard. “Widow’s Bay” can now call itself the next Emmy-winning comedy series.
At Monday’s Emmys ceremony, the first-year series beat out former winners “The Bear” and “Hacks”; returning nominees “Abbott Elementary,” “Nobody Wants This,” “Only Murders in the Building” and “Shrinking”; and fellow newcomer “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.”
The show took home a record-breaking 14 Emmys, the most ever for a comedy series. The wins include lead and supporting actor, supporting actress, directing and writing. The total overcame the milestone set by “The Studio” with its 13 wins last year.
Apple TV’s horror-comedy series about a fictional cursed island off the coast of New England and its mayor, played by Matthew Rhys, who is trying to save it from economic depression, became a word-of-mouth hit that’s inspired memes and fan cosplay. Creator and showrunner Katie Dippold began writing the series more than 10 years ago, inspired by her trips as a youth to the Jersey Shore and quaint New England seaside towns.
“This was such a great collaboration of the best wonderful weirdos and artists,” Dippold said while accepting the award. “We’d also like to thank the evil entity on the island that trusted us with its story.”
“That is exciting and terrifying,” she added backstage. “One thing I meant to thank in the speech, there’s so many people that spread the word early on, all the people online talking about it with reviews, people tweeting about it … we’re so grateful for that.”
“They were predominately our parents,” Rhys joked.
“And some burner accounts,” Dippold added.
The series was a late entry into the Emmy race, premiering at the end of April. Hiro Murai, who directed five of the series’ 10 episodes and is an executive producer, told The Times he thought of it as a “spooky summer show.” Murai won for directing for a comedy.
“The show takes place during the summer, and so much of what makes it scary is that it doesn’t look like it should be scary. It’s all sunlight,” he said. “The atmosphere is very summery.”
The series stars Rhys as overcompensating mayor Tom Loftis, with a supporting cast that includes veteran actors Stephen Root, Dale Dickey and Kate O’Flynn.
“Widow’s Bay” earned 19 nominations, including lead actor for Rhys and acting nominations for Root and O’Flynn. All three won in their categories.
“Everyone’s more than ready for it and thirsty for it in a real way,” he said. “I really hope this does something in the Hollywood psyche, where they go, ‘Let’s put away the remakes and let’s just get after new challenging, original material.’ ”
The win gives Apple TV its second consecutive comedy series victory after “The Studio” won last year, and its fourth (“Ted Lasso” in 2021 and 2022) in the category in the last six years.
WHAT makes a city the best in the world? Well, there are lots of factors that go into it, according to Oxford Economics which has just named the top 100.
Looking at subjects like governance and quality of life, it has created the Global Cities Index 2026 and four UK cities have made the cut, with one coming in second place.
London has been revealed as the second best city in the worldCredit: Getty New York City came in first place according to Oxford EconomicsCredit: Getty
It might be a surprise to some, but London was named second best city in the world – only beaten by New York City.
Oxford Economics made their decision on the factors of economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance.
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Talking about the city, Oxford Economics said: “London remains one of the clearest examples of a truly global city.
“Its influence extends across business, science and technology, education, and the arts, giving it a reach that few other cities can equal.”
It named its top strengths with its universities, large GDP size and low emissions.
It’s not the first time London has been named one of the world’s best cities – earlier this year it was named THE best city by Tripadvisor.
Almost as many as 80,000 people visit every day to see its historic landmarks like Big Ben, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge.
Or its more modern ones like the London Eye, The Shard and the Sky Garden.
And if you want some ideas on what to do in the capital for all ages, Sun Travel has some recommendations for you from its attractions to rooftop bars and free things to do.
The next UK city in the top 100 is Edinburgh in Scotland which came 71st on the list.
Edinburgh came in 71st place – it has a huge castle and cobbled streetsCredit: Getty Images
The historic city has cobbled streets – one of which being the Royal Mile which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Edinburgh also has around 385 pubs, plenty of cafes, independent shops and of course it’s hilltop castle.
Another activity that lots of visitors embark on during a trip to Edinburgh is the hike up to Arthur’s Seat.
The extinct volcano is the highest peak in Holyrood Park just east of the city and you can see across the whole city from above.
Coming in at number 90 on the list is the city of Manchester – it was also named one of the world’s up-and-coming cities.
The publication described the city as “booming” thanks to its “productivity growth”.
It was also praised for its “thriving cultural scene” thanks to its two football clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United – as well as Co Op Live and AO Arena which both hold live events.
For more on what to do in Manchester, one local has lots of recommendations like exploring Warehouse Project for seeing live bands or DJs and stopping by the bars on Canal Street.
Dublin, known for its lively nightlife, came in sixth positionCredit: GettyEuropean cities like Stockholm took up 44 positions in the top 100Credit: Getty
Just about making the list is the city of Cambridge which placed in 100th position.
The city in the East of England is most famous for its prestigious university which is often ranked as being one of the best in the world.
Popular activities include exploring the historic colleges, punting along the River Cam and exploring the shops and its many pubs.
One of which, The Eagle, is where Francis Crick and James Watson burst in to announce they discovered the DNA.
Other cities that deserve a mention are Dublin in Ireland which came in at number six.
It’s is largely known around the world for its lively nightlife, but it also has world-class museums, restaurants and historical sites.
Also in the top 10 were Paris and Zurich, as well as Tokyo in Japan and American cities, Seattle, San Francisco and San Jose.
Within the top 100, Europe represents almost half with 44 cities, a lot also belong in North America with its 34 cities making the list.
There are the top 100 cities according to Oxford Economics…
In fact, it’s believed that Tangier was created by the son of Hercules, with the god himself staying in one of the caves.
It has a vibrant café culture thanks to its French influence, tapas culture from Spain – and a mix of languages too.
Thanks to its position in the north of the country, it has long, sandy beaches too like Plage de Tanger and Achakkar Beach.
The second cheapest for return flights is Seville which has an average price of £151.
Seville is Spain’s fourth-largest city – and is one of the hottest during the autumn, winter season.
During October, Seville can still reach highs of 26C and even in January can see highs of 16C.
The Greek island of Rhodes has seen the biggest decrease in price for return flightsCredit: Alamy
Here’s the list of the best value destinations for travel from Oct 2026 – Feb 2027…
These are the destinations and the average economy return flight price, according to Skyscanner…
Rhodes, Greece: Average price £218 (-21% YoY)
Montego Bay, Jamaica: Average price £764 (-13% YoY)
Tangier Morocco: Average price £105 (-13% YoY)
Seville, Spain: Average price £151 (-12% YoY)
Valencia, Spain: Average price £122 (-11% YoY)
Valletta, Malta: Average price £164 (-11% YoY)
Perth, Australia: Average price £1,425 (-6% YoY)
Some of the top attractions include the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de Espana.
Rhodes in Greece has seen the biggest drop in flight prices year-on-year – it’s down 21 per cent.
The average return flight price is £218 – but in October, we found return flights for less than £60 with Ryanair.
The island is the fourth-largest in Greece, the biggest in the Dodecanese – and it’s considered quieter and cheaper than the likes of Santorini and Mykonos.
Lindos is a popular spot for visitors, the coastal village sits on the eastern coast with a clifftop Acropolis, whitewashed alleys, and sandy beaches.
Greece has incredible summers, but also mild winters with highs of 15C in January and February.
Seville is the fourth-warmest city in Spain during the autumn, winter seasonCredit: AlamyA long-haul option with cheaper flights this year is Montego Bay in JamaicaCredit: Alamy
Further afield, long-haul journeys that have cheap return flight include Montego Bay in Jamaica which from the UK has an average price £764.
Montego Bay on north-west coast of Jamaica is the capital of the parish of Saint James and is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island.
Of course Brits flock there for its great weather and beautiful bays like Doctor’s Cave Beach which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country with white sand and bright turquoise waters.
Aside from sunbathing and paddling, snorkelling is popular too as swimmers are likely to spot parrotfish, turtles, and small sharks.
Looking on Skyscanner, October is the cheapest month for flights with returns from £364.
Laura Lindsay, Travel Trends and Destination Expert at Skyscanner gives her top tips for cutting travel costs…
Head north For those able to depart from north of the border, Edinburgh airport has some of the best deals for those looking for school holiday breaks as Scottish schools aren’t off the same weeks as England.
Is there a better price when departing a day earlier or later? Searching by multiple dates and airports will give you the best chance of a bargain. Because some dates are more popular than others, prices will vary. The ‘whole month’ search tool allows you to see cheap flights at a glance and pick the right deal for you. Consider traveling a day before or a day after your original departure dates, flying on less popular days of the week is always cheaper.
Is there a comparable trip to a different destination? You see a deal from one airline to popular location like Naples, but is there a better price when you consider somewhere less well known, like underrated Bari in Puglia instead?
Can you get a better deal travelling with a different airline?Changing up the airlines you choose to fly with can seriously cut costs. Also, fares don’t have to be booked as returns. Look at flying out with one airline and back with another to save money. You can easily compare prices on Skyscanner’s cheapest month tool.
Is there a cheaper deal from a nearby airport? Travelling to an airport a bit further from home or further from your destination can unlock better pricing and routes. A great example of this is when flying from London to New York. There are so many options and going just a little bit further from your point of origin or destination could mean a saving of hundreds of pounds. Make sure to check using the ‘Nearby Airport’ search on Skyscanner.
If you’re still not sure, make a note “Setting up price alerts will ensure you’re the first to know as prices drop with any additional discounts or added supply. You can mark a flight you’re interested in and Skyscanner will email you whenever the price goes up or down.
Embrace spontaneity by exploring ‘Everywhere’ Re-embrace your spontaneous side and let Skyscanner’s algorithm find the cheapest deal. Just type in ‘Everywhere’ with your travel dates and the site will show you all the destinations that can be reached from your departure point listed in order of price so you can choose the most cost effective one.”
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, US President Donald Trump claimed he helped end the war in Gaza, bring home all remaining hostages, and settle eight wars since taking office. He said trade, tariffs and his relationships with world leaders were key to securing the settlements.
Sanjeev Bhaskar joins Nicola Walker’s The Split spin-off The Split Up but could he reunite with his former Unforgotten co-star?
Hayley Anderson Screen Time TV Reporter
18:15, 20 Sep 2026
Sanjeev Bhaskar plays Dhruv Kishan in BBC The Split Up. (Image: BBC)
Sanjeev Bhaskar is heading up BBC’s next big legal drama tonight with fans keen to know all there is about his personal life.
The Split Up debuts tonight, Sunday, September 20, at 9pm, on BBC One, delving into the Kishan family’s life as Manchester’s elite law firm.
Founder of Kishan Law is father-of-three Dhruv Kishan who is having doubts about leaving his business in his daughter’s hands following the death of her mother.
With The Split fans gearing up to tune into its BBC spin-off, here’s everything there is to know about leading man Sanjeev Bhaskar.
Inside The Split Up star Sanjeev Bhaskar’s life
Early life
Actor Sanjeev Bhaskar was born in Ealing in 1963 after his parents fled their home during the 1947 partition of India and moved to the UK.
He studied business with marketing at Hatfield Polytechnic and worked in marketing before getting into the entertainment industry in his early 30s.
Sanjeev got his breakthrough with the musical comedy double act Secret Asians with Nitin Sawhney which led to the BBC sketch show Goodness Gracious Me.
Sanjeev Bhaskar’s famous wife
The Split Up star Sanjeev Bhaskar is married to actress and comedian Dame Meera Syal who he met on Goodness Gracious Me which she co-created
They once again starred opposite each other in the sitcom The Kumars at No 42 where she played the grandmother of Sanjeev’s character, despite being younger than him.
The pair got married in 2005 and Sanjeev became the step-father to Meera’s daughter Milli from another relationship before welcoming son Shaan later that year.
In 2023, Meera received the BAFTA Fellowship award for her outstanding contributions to TV and film and was made a Dame last year for her services to drama, literature and charity.
In an interview with The Times, Sanjeev shared that he was “super proud” of his wife’s achievements.
Unforgotten season 7 update
Sanjeev will reprise his role as DI Sunny Khan in the seventh season of ITV ’s Unforgotten, now starring alongside Sinead Keenan as DCI Jess James.
Filming for the latest series began in January 2026 and recent reports have suggested that shooting is now complete, although an official return date hasn’t been confirmed.
Sanjeev is starring in BBC The Split Up, the spin-off of The Split which starred his former Unforgotten co-star Nicola Walker.
Speaking of his hopes that there could one day be an onscreen reunion to Radio Times, Sanjeev said: “Emotionally, it would be like some sort of cosmic miracle. I wouldn’t mind it at all.”
Sanjeev Bhaskar net worth
It has been widely reported that Sanjeev Bhaskar has a net worth of around £2 million.
This brings into consideration his almost 30-year career in the entertainment industry as an actor, writer and comedian.
He continues to be a major star in the ITV hit drama Unforgotten and has a star-studded comedy film on the way called The Entertainment System Is Down.
The feature is expected to star major names including Keanu Reeves, Samantha Morton, Kirsten Dunst, Tobias Menzies and Connor Swindells.
The Split Up debuts tonight, Sunday, September 20, at 9pm, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
TWO picturesque UK train routes will close for a number of weeks as part of a £22million upgrade.
The first route to close will be the West Highland railway line, which is well-known for being used in the Harry Potter films, from November 9 to 17.
A famous train line will close for nine days in ScotlandCredit: GettyThe train route features the Glenfinnan Viaduct which was used in Harry PotterCredit: Warner Bros
The picturesque train journey which links Glasgow to Oban and Mallaig and crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, will undergo a £13million upgrade.
Work will be carried out between Helensburgh, Fort William and Mallaig and includes repairing parts of the track.
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There will be replacement buses during the closure period.
Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “The West Highland Line is one that people really depend on, whether they’re travelling to work, visiting family or exploring some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.
“This work is about making sure the route continues to provide a dependable service for the communities and visitors who use it every day.”
And it isn’t the only route in Scotland that will close for an upgrade.
The scenic Kyle Line between Dingwall and Kyle of Lochalsh will close for three weeks starting at the end of November.
No trains will run between Dingwall and Kyle of Lochalsh from November 28 to December 18.
The line will be closed between November 9 and 17During the period, buses will replace the closed part of the routeCredit: AlamyAnd it isn’t the only route closing for some time – the Kyle Line will also close at the end of NovemberCredit: AlamyThe Kyle Line will be closed between November 28 to December 18
Work will be carried out on the Carron Viaduct, as well as Inverness Station.
The £9million project is expected to take a few weeks with four miles of track being renewed.
McQuade said: “The Kyle line is one of Scotland’s most scenic and important routes, connecting communities across the Highlands.
“This £9m investment will allow us to carry out a significant amount of work in a short period of time, helping us keep the railway safe, reliable and resilient for the future.”
The European Union entry-exit system (EES) has caused repeated delays for Brits at major EU airports this year
14:40, 13 Sep 2026Updated 14:50, 13 Sep 2026
(Image: Anadolu, Anadolu via Getty Images)
British holidaymakers heading abroad may finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief over the widely-criticised EES system. The scheme forces non-EU residents to queue at special machines in airports before gaining entry to 29 nations within the so-called Schengen area – essentially the majority of the European Union.
However, there have been persistent reports of lengthy delays – some stretching to as long as four hours. A new report in the Sunday Times now reveals that the European Union has shelved the controversial entry-exit system (EES) across at least nine countries.
Portugal, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Malta, Greece and Switzerland are all understood to have been granted permission to postpone full implementation of EES. The newspaper reports that there appears to be no deadline by which these countries must adopt the scheme, which has already sparked widespread reports of enormous queues at European airports this summer in destinations such as Mallorca, Faro, the Canary Islands and Milan.
The scheme has faced fierce criticism from Ryanair and others. The European Union describes the Entry/Exit System (EES) as an automated IT system designed to register non-EU nationals travelling on short stays each time they cross the external borders of participating European countries.
Following years of postponements, the system was rolled out from October 2025, with full implementation originally anticipated by the following April. However, faced with the prospect of significant border queues due to software failures, officials granted countries a 150-day grace period during which they could drop the checks to avoid travel chaos.
That rule ended on September 6. The EU previously insisted there would be no extension.
Yet the Sunday Times reports that at least nine Schengen countries are understood to have told the European Commission, which is responsible for overseeing the EES, that they would not enforce the new controls in full until the technology and systems were working correctly.
They have informally been allowed to do so with no time limits apparently in place to adopt the system, it is being reported. One of the main purposes of the system is to track whether non-EU citizens have spent more than their permitted 90 days in the bloc in a rolling 180-day period.
Social media has been awash with debate about the scheme. One post on Reddit saw a traveller say: “They made a mess of it. Seems many basic things like it is hit and miss on the document scanning but also things like people walk up with hats and headphones and the machine doesn’t tell them to remove them, and organisational things like if the machine errors the traveller has to back out and has no where to go.
“The right way to do this would have been progressive: start by getting some people eg 5% going through the machine lane, everyone else through normal.
“The vendor observes problems, fixes them, once machine working well, increase to 10%, then 20% and so on.” Another person said: “The general lack of functionality of so many IT systems across the EU is kind of astonishing.”
A third added: “It’s worse than that. There isn’t even consistent protocol/IT support within a single EU airport.”
Another put it more simply, saying: “I just miss having stamps.”
‘People are missing their flights’
Nadia, from Greater Manchester, told the Guardian in August she had made two trips to Schengen areas this summer. A trip to Tenerife in June was “quite straightforward”, but her experience in July at Frankfurt airport where she was picking up a connecting flight home, was much less so.
“The queue there was ridiculously long, and there was very limited information,” she says. “People were wandering around trying to work out where they needed to go.
“I’m very well travelled and pretty confident, but even I was slightly unsure and was thinking, is there some other queue I should be joining? There was no one nearby to check with without losing your place.”
Eventually, her passport was checked. “He didn’t actually take fingerprints then,” says Nadia, who is a solicitor. “I think the queue was so long they decided to dispense with that.
“It’s the efficiency of the system I question and the fact that individual member states’ systems do not talk to one another. They shouldn’t need to get information again if you have already gone through. It’s pretty shambolic, and I think people missing their flights because of it is just not acceptable, especially when there’s no recourse; it’s not your fault.”
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has repeatedly complained about EES. Speaking earlier this year, he said: “There’s a bit of Brexit in this too. Here, you voted for Brexit – f***ing join the queue.”
With ownership of the team still in limbo, the Lakers announced two front office additions Friday, hiring former Miami Heat executive Eric Amsler as assistant general manager, player personnel, while bolstering their sports performance staff with Keith D’Amelio as director of integrated performance systems.
Boosting the team’s behind-the-scenes infrastructure was one of Mark Walter’s major initiatives when the Dodgers’ owner bought the Lakers in 2025. After the season, Lakers president and general manager Rob Pelinka said Walter and the ownership group were working to create two assistant GM positions and upgrade treatment, physical therapy and sports science facilities to mirror the success of the Dodgers.
But the status of such investments came into question when Walter unexpectedly sold his majority stake in the Lakers to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner last month. The transaction that valued the Lakers at a record $12.5 billion still needs to be approved by the NBA board of governors, which next meets Sept. 14-15, according to ESPN, but approval for the Lakers ownership change will likely not be on the docket.
“Continuing to invest in and strengthen our basketball operations group is a top priority as we build for the long-term success of our team and players,” Pelinka said in a statement. “Eric and Keith bring a wealth of experience that will add valuable expertise across our organization.”
Amsler spent the previous 22 seasons with the Heat, most recently serving as vice president of player personnel and the general manager of G League affiliate Sioux Falls Skyforce. He oversaw the Heat’s scouting department and evaluation of draft, professional and G League prospects.
Amsler joins former New Orleans Pelicans executive Rohan Ramadas as assistant general managers hired this offseason. While Ramadas, who joined the team in May, will be involved in managing the salary cap, analytics and data for the Lakers, Amsler’s responsibilities will mirror the scouting and player development responsibilities he held in Miami.
D’Amelio most recently served as chief innovation officer for the New York Liberty, where he worked across basketball operations, health and performance, analytics and applied sciences. His previous NBA experience includes stints with the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics. He also worked with Stanford men’s basketball and Nike.
Thinking of heading to Europe’s Christmas markets this year? Here are some destinations you can reach directly on Eurostar, making them ideal for a day trip or a quick overnight break
Cities such as Lille are easy to reach via Eurostar(Image: Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images)
A European Christmas market is an amazing way to get into the festive spirit. The historic city backdrops, authentic food and drink, and unique gifts all make it a must-do in the run up to Christmas.
Eurostar can be a good alternative to flying for short breaks, as it allows you to get to the heart of the city for a day trip or quick overnight stay, without the hassle of the airport. (Although do factor in the logistics of getting to London from where the trains depart).
If you’re already starting to count down the days until Christmas, we’ve got you covered with some of the top markets you can reach by Eurostar this winter…
1. Lille Christmas Market
Lille is Eurostar’s shortest route from London at around 90 minutes, so it’s ideal for a Christmas market day trip. Lille Christmas Market takes place on Place Rihour, just a 15-minute walk from the Eurostart terminal, making it an easy location to get to.
The event runs from November 19 to December 30, and is open seven days a week with Fridays and Saturdays seeing the event stay open until 10pm. In the square you’ll find a huge Ferris wheel covered in lights and around 90 wooden chalets selling food, drink, and crafty items. It’s relatively small compared to some of Europe’s other giant markets, but Lille’s red-brick Flemish architecture and cobbled streets make the whole city perfect for a Christmas break.
2. Paris – La Défense Christmas Market
Paris has a few festive markets around the city, and La Défense Christmas Market is the largest, running daily from mid-November until early-January, with exact dates not confirmed yet for 2026.
Running on La Défense Esplanade, it includes an ice skating rink, carnival rides, and hundreds of stalls selling mulled wine, tartiflette, and raclette. However, it’s worth noting that the market can get incredibly busy as it’s in a Paris business district, so you may want to visit during off-peak times.
Another option is the Tuileries Garden Market, set in a park between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, a sprawling market which takes up about half a mile of space. It runs for about six weeks from mid-November, again no dates are confirmed yet, and features 80 wooden chalets, a Ferris wheel, and lots of festive activities in this lively space.
3. Brussels – Winter Wonders
Brussels has a compact city centre that makes it ideal for a short break, and from the Eurostar station you can take a quick 10 minute journey to get to Winter Wonders. Taking up several streets in the Belgian capital, this sprawling Christmas market runs from November 27 to January 3 and features over 200 stalls.
At the heart of the market, in the beautiful Baroque Grand-Place, you’ll find the giant Christmas tree and a sound and light show. The market also has an ice rink and Ferris wheel, and closes daily at 10pm, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere when the sun goes down and the Christmas lights turn on.
4. Antwerp Christmas Market
Eurostar launches a new direct service to Antwerp on December 14, and this city full of unique architecture, from ornate medieval buildings to quirky art nouveau structures, is the ideal backdrop to enjoy a Christmas market.
In the centre you’ll find the Grote Markt and Handschoenmarkt full of handmade crafts, local treats like Antwerp’s hand-shaped biscuits, a huge ice rink and plenty of festive bars. An adjacent street is turned into a giant light tunnel, perfect for exploring after dark, and the market is open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays for festive night owls.
5. Amsterdam Christmas Market and Village
Amsterdam, Eurostar’s longest direct route from London, has multiple Christmas markets and events, but perhaps its best-known takes place in Museumplein, the city’s largest square. This area, popular with tourists thanks to its several attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum, is transformed into a Christmas village complete with live entertainment, 45 festive stalls, and a roaming acappella choir.
But if you prefer something a little less traditional, visit the Funky Xmas Market on December 20 in Westerpark. The event brings together the work of artists and creatives from across this colourful city, with lots of unique and quirky ideas for loved ones who are difficult to buy for.
6. Rotterdam – Scandinavian Christmas markets
Enjoy the ultimate hygge atmosphere at one of Rotterdam’s Scandinavian Christmas markets, which are held in traditional Seamen’s Churches across the city. Rotterdam has always had close ties to Scandinavia thanks to its large harbour, so you can enjoy the Scandi-vibes at traditional Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish markets, which are mostly held during November.
If you’re visiting in December, then Deliplein Winterplein is a two-week community festival where the Katendrecht neighborhood is turned into a winter wonderland. It kicks off with a parade and tree lighting, and includes lots of live music events, visits from Santa, and creative workshops. It’s a more community-focused alternative to the usual touristy Christmas markets.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
THINK Travelodge stays are just for a quick pitstop? Think again.
Britain’s popular budget hotel chain actually has many hotels in some of the most spectacular corners of the UK, putting amazing adventures right at your doorstep.
We’ve rounded up affordable Travelodge stays in some of the UK’s most stunning spotsCredit: Shutterstock EditorialStay in the Outdoors Capital of the UK which is home to the Glenfinnan Viaduct from £27 a nightCredit: Getty
From waking up at the foot of Ben Nevis to sleeping a stone’s throw from the oldest occupied castle in the world, we’ve hunted down 10 of the most breathtaking Travelodge stays across the country.
With rooms starting from just £25 a night, here are the epic mountain, island, and seaside getaways that prove you don’t need to fork out for a fantastic UK getaway.
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Travelodge Fort William
Imagine waking up at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, without paying a penny of premium for the privilege.
This Travelodge is in the proper Highlands, with Glen Nevis on your doorstep and Loch Linnhe glimmering nearby.
Plus the Glenfinnan Viaduct (yes, the Harry Potter one that the Hogwarts Express chugs over) is just up the road.
Did you know that Fort William is the Outdoor Capital of the UK?
This means you’re steps from world-class walking, climbing and mountain biking with a stay at this budget base.
Most hotels wouldn’t dream of charging this little for views like this, but that’s where the reliable Travelodge steps in.
Book a room at Travelodge Fort William from £27 per night.
Travelodge Burford Cotswolds
Explore beautiful Burford in the Cotswolds with a stay in an affordable TravelodgeCredit: Alamy
Burford is one of the UK’s most idyllic villages, with its honey-coloured stone cottages and pretty high street that tumbles down to the River Windrush.
You’d expect to pay boutique B&B prices for a base this pretty, but here you’re staying in the heart of the Cotswolds for less than a train ticket.
With rolling countryside, beautiful churches and chocolate box charm surrounding you on every side, it’s the kind of setting people would pay a fortune to photograph.
With a stay at this Travelodge, you simply walk out the front door straight into it.
Book a room at Travelodge Burford Cotswolds from £39 per night.
Travelodge Windsor Central
Your Travelodge hotel for the night will cost less than your entry into Windsor castleCredit: Getty
Staying here puts you three minutes’ walk from Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. You can even see it from some of the rooms.
Here you’re a genuine stone’s throw from royal history, plus Windsor & Eton Central station is right next door for an easy hop into London.
Staying this close to a royal residence for under £30 a night is most certainly a bargain.
In fact, even the ticket to the castle costs more than your hotel (£32 for adults when booked online). But if you want to keep it free, the town’s cobbled streets and riverside walks are all on your doorstep.
Book a room at Travelodge Windsor Central from £26.99 per night.
Travelodge Kendal
Stay at Travelodge Kendal for access into the sprawling landscapes of the Lake DistrictCredit: Getty
Kendal is your gateway into the Lake District, England‘s largest national park packed with dramatic landscapes. Here, fells, lakes and stone walls can be seen within minutes of checking in.
History lovers can wander over to Sizergh Castle or Kendal Castle, both a short walk away.
This is a national park that pulls in visitors from across the globe, yet you can base yourself here for less than the cost of a meal out.
It’s an unbeatable base for anyone wanting a slice of that classic Lakes scenery.
Book a room at Travelodge Kendal from £37 per night
Travelodge Porthmadog
Stay in the beautiful Welsh village of Porthmadog with Snowdonia on your doorstepCredit: Getty
This stay drops you right at the edge of Snowdonia National Park, with Mount Snowdon itself and the pretty village of Portmeirion both within easy reach.
Porthmadog is also home to a historic narrow-gauge steam railway, a proper slice of Welsh heritage.
Castles, coastline and mountains all sit within a short drive, making it one of the most scenically-stacked locations on this list.
Few budget stays put you this deep inside a national park. At £25 a night, it’s one of the best-value bases in Wales.
Book a room at Travelodge Porthmadog from £25 per night
Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon
Stays at Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon start from £29 per nightCredit: GettyCome back from a day’s exploring Stratford-Upon-Avon to a swanky Travelodge bar and loungeCredit: Travelodge
Sleeping in Shakespeare’s hometown is an amazing experience, whether you’re in a fancy hotel or budget – so you might as well save the money and go for the affordable option.
Stratford-upon-Avon’s thatched cottages, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the famous playwright’s birthplace are all within walking distance of this hotel.
Warwick Castle, one of England’s most spectacular medieval fortresses, is only a short drive away too.
And with stays from £29 a night, history buffs and theatre fans are getting some serious bang for their buck here.
Book a room at Travelodge Stratford-upon-Avon from £29 per night
Travelodge Blackpool South Shore
You can see the striking Blackpool skyline from the windows of Travelodge Blackpool South ShoreCredit: AlamyStay in a clean and comfortable room in Travelodge Blackpool South ShoreCredit: Travelodge
This hotel looks straight out over Blackpool’s famous seafront, with views of the Tower and all three piers from the promenade.
Soak up the British seaside holiday nostalgia with visits to the beach, arcades, fairground, and by tucking into a chippy tea for dinner.
From the action-packed tower to the rides at Pleasure Beach, you’ve got a ton of entertainment within walking distance.
Plus you get jaw-dropping views of Blackpool‘s famous skyline, which has been newly-transformed by Aviktas, the theme park’s massive new gyro swing ride.
Book a room at Travelodge Blackpool South Shore from £40.99 per night
Travelodge Ryde, Isle of Wight
Bag an island staycation with this affordable stay in Ryde on the Isle of WightCredit: Alamy
With a stay at this seaside Travelodge, you’ve got a long sandy beach, Victorian pier and scenic seafront all within easy reach.
There’s even hovercraft and ferry terminals in Ryde to make it super easy to get there from Portsmouth or Southsea.
The Isle of Wight has a totally different pace to the mainland, with secret sandy coves and sleepy, postcard-perfect villages. And Ryde makes for the ideal budget-friendly base.
For £25 a night, an island staycation suddenly feels a lot more accessible.
Book a room at Travelodge Ryde from £25 per night
Travelodge Hayle, Cornwall
Stay in Hayle on the North Coast of Cornwall in an affordable TravelodgeCredit: Getty
Hayle sits right on Cornwall’s dramatic north coast, with the golden sands of Hayle Towans and the wider St Ives Bay just minutes away.
This stretch of coastline looks less like your typical British beach and more like somewhere abroad, with its turquoise water and wild dunes.
St Ives itself, with its museums and galleries, pretty harbour and historic lighthouse, is only a short hop down the road.
Cornish staycations usually come with a hefty price tag, but this is a rare budget way in.
Book a room at Travelodge Hayle from £40 per night
Travelodge Llandudno
Take a cable car up to Great Orme Head in LlandudnoCredit: GettyTravelodge Llandudno has a prettt white exterior and is just 200m from Llandudno PierCredit: Trip Advisor/Travelodge IIandudno Management
Llandudno combines Victorian seaside charm with a breathtaking mountain backdrop – and there’s an impressive historical site on your doorstep here, too.
Days here are best spent strolling the elegant pier, or riding the cable car up the Great Orme headland for spectacular views over Snowdonia’s peaks.
This hotel is only 13 minutes’ drive from Conwy Castle, one of the UK’s best-preserved medieval castles built in the 13th century.
It’s rare to stay somewhere with such impressive landscapes and historical sites sandwiched together, but its even more rare when you can stay there for as little as £35 a night!
Book a room at Travelodge Llandudno from £35 per night
ON most holidays the hotel is just the place you sleep between the actual highlights found in the local area.
You dump your bags, find the pool, and spend the rest of the week trekking out to beaches, theme parks, waterparks and attractions that cost an extra small fortune in entry tickets.
One affordable hotel sits directly inside Spain’s PortAventura WorldCredit: Supplied
But as a holiday expert who’s worked in travel for years now, I’ve got a bank of places where the hotel is THE main event.
We’re talking lodges where elephants wander past your balcony, a futuristic hotel built directly across an active Formula 1 circuit and a full-blown Wild West town with hyper-coasters right outside your bedroom door.
Best of all, you can book the flights, accommodation and headline experience in a single package.
Here are six stays where checking in feels like buying a front-row ticket to something massive.
1. Stay inside a zoo: Magic Natura Animal Waterpark and Polynesian Lodge Resort, Benidorm
Stay in a Polynesian-style lodge on-site at Magic Natura Animal Aquapark ResortCredit: Jet2holidays
Magic Natura isn’t just ‘near’ a wildlife park – the entire resort is actually in Terra Natura Benidorm.
You stay in wooden, Polynesian-style lodges scattered across the landscape, with private wooden terraces looking straight into enclosures filled with elephants, rhinos and big cats.
Sitting outside your room with a morning brew watching an elephant amble past is basically breakfast with Sir David Attenborough…minus Sir David Attenborough, I assume.
Hotel guests get free, direct access to both Terra Natura and the neighbouring Aqua Natura waterpark, which packs in massive multi-lane slides, splash zones and animal keeper talks.
It completely eliminates the daily trek between different attractions because the zoo, waterpark, and hotel are all in the same place.
And I tracked down a 5-night bed and breakfast stay here from £263pp, flying direct from London Luton on 5 October.
The deal
Book a 5 night bed-and-breakfast stay at Magic Natura Animal Waterpark and Polynesian Lodge Resort from 5 October, with return flights from London Luton, for £263pp.
2. Stay on an F1 racetrack: W Abu Dhabi Yas Island
You can stay overlooking the Yas Marina Circuit at the W Hotel in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
Lots of hotels overlook race circuits but the W Abu Dhabi is built directly on top of one.
The futuristic glass structure spans the Yas Marina Circuit, with the actual Formula 1 track running straight beneath the hotel building.
Your balcony, the main pool deck, and the restaurants look directly down onto the tarmac, meaning even outside Grand Prix weekends you’ll regularly see supercars testing or track-day drivers tearing past below your room.
On selected evenings, the circuit runs the free TrainYAS programme, opening the track to the public.
You can literally jog or walk an entire lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit, pass straight underneath your own hotel, and then head upstairs for a buffet breakfast.
Good luck finding a Travelodge that offers that.
You’re also sitting right on Yas Island, which means Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld are right on your doorstep.
Outside of Grand Prix week, the prices drop significantly, and I found a 7-night bed and breakfast holiday here from £640pp, including return flights from London Stansted on 9 September.
The deal
Book a 7 night bed-and-breakfast stay at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island from 9 September, with return flights from London Stansted, for £640pp.
3. Stay like a rock star: Hard Rock Hotel Marbella, Spain
You can order a Fender guitar, bass or a Crosley vinyl turntable to your room at Hard Rock MarbellaCredit: Roberto Lara FOTOGRAFIA
Most music-themed hotels slap a framed guitar on the lobby wall and call it a day.
Hard Rock Hotel Marbella lets you order an actual Fender guitar, bass or a Crosley vinyl turntable straight to your room through their complimentary Sound of Your Stay programme.
The guitars come with high-spec headphones, which is a very thoughtful touch for both aspiring rock stars and everyone staying in the room next door.
The music theme runs right through the property, from live acoustic sets and proper jazz bands to poolside DJ sessions that feel genuinely curated rather than an animator playing cheesy pop tunes beside the buffet.
It’s strictly Adults Only, sits right near the Puerto Banús marina and features two distinct pool zones – one built for day parties, and a quiet one built for recovering from them.
And the best part is, you don’t need a rock star’s bank balance to book it either.
I spotted a 5-night bed and breakfast holiday from £353pp, with direct flights from London Gatwick on 31 October.
The deal
Book a 5 night bed-and-breakfast stay at Hard Rock Hotel Marbella from 31 October, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £353pp.
4. Stay inside a Wild West theme park: PortAventura Hotel Gold River, Spain
The Wild West-themed Hotel Gold River sits within the PortAventura Theme ParkCredit: PortAventura Theme Park
Hotel Gold River recreates a full 19th-century American gold-rush town, complete with timber storefronts, an authentic saloon, a sheriff’s office, and rooms set inside Wild West-style buildings.
And at this hotel, you are literally sleeping inside PortAventura World, with a private hotel entrance dropping you straight into the park.
PortAventura packs six themed lands and world-class rollercoasters, including the massive Shambhala and the stomach-churning Furius Baco.
Younger kids get the dedicated SesamoAventura Sesame Street land, while Ferrari Land sits right next door.
The biggest win for families here though is pure convenience: you can enter the park, pop back to your room for a siesta or a swim, and head back out for the evening shows without paying for daily parking or coach transfers.
When you consider that park tickets are bundled into the package, the price is borderline ridiculous.
I found 5 nights room-only with direct flights from Birmingham on 4 October for just £255pp. Bargain.
The deal
Book a 5 night room-only stay at PortAventura Hotel Gold River from 4 October, with return flights from Birmingham and theme park tickets included, for £255pp.
5. Stay in a palace with its own funfair: Haydarpasha Palace, Antalya
Stay at a palace with its own on-site funfair at Haydarpasha PalaceCredit: Jet2holidays
Haydarpasha Palace looks like someone took a historic European railway station, an Ottoman palace and a family theme park, then decided there was absolutely no reason not to mash them all together.
This massive 5-star resort features multi-lane waterslides, bowling alleys, kids’ clubs and its own seasonal funfair complete with a Ferris wheel and bumper cars inside the grounds.
Because it’s a fully all-inclusive set-up, all your food, drinks and most of the entertainment are wrapped into the upfront cost.
The hotel links directly to its private sandy beach via an underground tunnel beneath the coastal road, meaning families can easily spend a full week here without ever running out of things to do or leaving the resort perimeter.
You can grab a 5-night all inclusive stay here from £348pp, including direct flights from London Gatwick on 31 October.
The deal
Book a 5 night all-inclusive stay at Haydarpasha Palace from 31 October, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £348pp.
1. Stay at a world-class entertainment resort: Rixos Premium Seagate, Sharm El Sheikh
Rixos Premium Seagate in Sharm El Sheikh hosts mega festivals, international DJ sets and moreCredit: booking.com
Standard ‘hotel entertainment‘ usually means a mini-disco and someone from the animation team attempting a questionable tribute act.
Rixos operates in an entirely different universe.
Across their Sharm El Sheikh resorts, the brand hosts legitimate festival-grade productions, touring international DJs and headline pop stars – Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez have both performed exclusive concerts for Rixos guests.
Even during an ordinary week, the scale of entertainment is massive.
Alongside nightly stage shows and live bands, the resort includes a huge on-site waterpark, multiple swimming pools, a private coral reef beach and over a dozen speciality restaurants and bars – as part of its premium all-inclusive offering.
And I found a 5-night all inclusive break here from £505pp, with direct flights from London Gatwick on 7 December.
The deal
Book a 5 night all-inclusive stay at Rixos Premium Seagate from 7 December, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £505pp. Secure your holiday with a £19pp deposit.
WHEN most of us check into a hotel, it’s likely to have a restaurant, a spa and a bar – but around the globe are some VERY luxurious ones with suites costing as much as £30k per night.
In a new Channel 4 series, First Dates star Fred Sirieix heads behind the scenes to see what exactly makes these hotels the best of the best.
First Dates star Fred Sirieix checked into four ‘ultimate’ hotelsCredit: Waddell Media Suites at The Royal Monsour in Marrakesh and be as much as £30k per nightCredit: Waddell Media
In the show called Fred‘s Ultimate Hotel, the charming maître d’ explores four hotels; The Royal Mansour in Marrakesh, The Royal Madikwe Lodge in South Africa, Les Barmes de l’Ours in France and Raffles Hotel in Singapore.
All of the hotels are five-star with Michelin-star dining and experiences that make them a step above the rest.
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Thanks to his history of working in hospitality, Fred can definitely make a judgement on whether these hotels live up to expectation.
Fred explained: “I’ve been doing this work from the age of 15 in hotels and restaurants – so I speak the lingo.
“Observing them, being a guest and then behind the scenes and working with the people there because this is all I’ve done all my life – and I wanted to see if these hotels were actually ultimate and why.”
Not only does Fred check-in at the hotels as a guest but he also goes behind the scenes as concierge and even bar staff – so here are the best ones he explored.
The Royal Mansour, Marrakesh
The first stop is at The Royal Mansour in Marrakesh which is owned by King Mohammed VI of Morocco.
It has 53 private riads with gardens, courtyard patio, roof terrace, swimming pools, hammams and each comes with a personal butler.
Fred said: “The most incredible thing is that this hotel was built from scratch and this started from the back of the house.
“They created the most efficient hotel, it’s aerodynamic – it’s like Formula 1 it makes for such fast service.
The Royal Mansour is owned by King Mohammed VI of MoroccoCredit: Waddell Media
Fred continued: “I was an easy customer for the butler, by 6 o’clock I told him I was OK. I can call room service or make my own coffee from the machine in my room – but some customers use the butler for 18-hours a day.”
“These are the Premier League of hotels – and the way to be the best is to not say no. You have to deliver – they are working at the highest level.”
The Royal Mansour in Marrakesh ranked 13th globally and Best Hotel in Africa at the World’s 50 Best Hotels Awards last year.
Sounds incredible, right? If you’re looking to stay, you might need to start saving now as the top suite, the Grand Riad, costs over £30,000 per night.
Villas in The Royal Madikwe Lodge can cost up to £6,000 per nightCredit: chriscloete.comFred ventured out into the bush to spot the wildlife
The Royal Madikwe Lodge, South Africa
The next stop on his trip is safe to say one of Fred’s best, and possibly worst emotional experiences, at The Royal Madikwe Lodge in South Africa.
Fred explained: “The Royal Madikwe, out of all the places I have been in the world, I have never felt so emotional throughout.
“From the moment I arrived, I started to cry. It was so emotional – I almost died in the bush, sandwiched between an elephant and two rhinos.”
Luckily bush ranger Ernie came to Fred’s rescue: “He saved my life because of how he dealt with the situation.”
“The staff there were on another level – it was very touching. It was very different as well like when I was in the bush with Ernie because it was a very responsible job.”
The most expensive accommodation at The Royal Madikwe Lodge is The Sovereign House which racks up to £6,000 per night.
It sits by a well-travelled elephant path so guests are likely to see the creatures from the comfort of their room.
It has room for six guests across three spacious bedrooms, with a glass wine cellar, plunge pool and private boma.
Les Barmes de l’Ours in the French Alps has suites that cost £3,500 per nightCredit: Nicolas AnetsonGuests can make use of the spa and are right next to the mountainsCredit: Waddell Media
Barmes de l’Ours, France
Tucked way in the French ski resort of Val-d’sère is the five-star luxury Les Barmes de l’Ours.
It’s safe to say that Fred, who was born and raised in France, had high hopes and luckily, they delivered.
Fred said: “These people are the embodiment of French hospitality – it’s a dying art that people do not practice anymore.
“From the moment I arrived, I was so impressed. It’s rare in life when you’re really impressed in life and you see excellence in people who want to do a good job.
“One thing about these hotels is that the five-star standard must be everywhere. If you’re walking down a corridor and you cross a member of staff – they must see, smile and say hello before you do that to them.”
The hotel in the mountains has North American-style lodges, alpine chalets and even contemporary lofts.
It’s the only hotel to sit at the foot of Face de Bellevarde – a black run which has a vertical drop of 850metres.
With the hotel guests can fly in via private helicopter and arrange paragliding flights from the slopes, it also has a two-lane bowling alley.
Here, the Bear Suite is the most expensive at over £3,500 per night – it has a private Jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and balcony overlooking the mountains.
When a hotel has former guests like Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William and Princess Kate, and Elizabeth Taylor – you know it’s going to be amazing.
Raffles Hotel in Singapore has had lots of high-profile guestsCredit: Waddell Media The hotel is where the famous Singapore Sling drink was founded – and Fred has a goCredit: Waddell Media
Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Raffles Hotel in Singapore is found on 1 Beach Road, the colonial-style hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and it has a huge rooftop pool.
It’s the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail which was invented at its Long Bar where Fred attempts to create the drink himself.
Its suites all have high ceilings with separate living areas. Guests get 24-hour butler service – and it’s in a league of its own with personalised itinerary and service.
Fred said the special touches from his butler makes the experience extra special.
He explained: “I arrived on Father’s Day and the butler there looked me up before I arrived.
“They prepared a Father’s Day card for me with pictures of my children and left it in the room – it was so special. I thought wow, this is a touch above the rest.”
Raffles Hotel started off as a 10-bedroom bungalow before being expanded into the grand hotel it is now with 115 suites.
