A pretty town deserves a spot on your itinerary with its cobbled streets, Georgian architecture, antique shops and cosy pubs, and a park home to hundreds of free-roaming deer
The town is steeped in history, among its picturesque backdrop(Image: Getty Images)
A quintessential English town, with narrow cobbled lanes and surrounded by diverse landscapes, offers a glimpse into bygone eras.
The historic town of Petworth in Sussex is characterised by meandering cobbled lanes, 17th-century Georgian buildings and quaint, stone cottages. It’s conveniently positioned just over half an hour’s drive from Chichester and around 50 minutes from Portsmouth, offering a delightful day out among its unspoilt landscapes.
There are narrow streets that lead to hidden gems scattered around the town, with antique emporiums and independent boutiques, complemented by cafés, delicatessens, and inviting pubs. Thanks to its scenic setting, it was even crowned by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the UK’s most picturesque towns.
The medieval town, with more than 400 listed buildings, is also renowned for its thriving art and antiques community, with a wide range of galleries and more than 30 antique stores where you can find ancient treasures. One of the most popular spots for vintage goodies is Petworth Antiques Market, featuring more than 40 dealers offering everything from exquisite furniture to ornaments and an extensive selection of homeware.
One guest enthused on TripAdvisor: “I absolutely love going to the Petworth Antique Market, the customer service is amazing with extremely friendly, helpful staff, and I always always find beautiful treasures there!!”
You certainly won’t go hungry during a trip to Petworth with The Hungry Guest on Middle Street, among its standout establishments, serving up seasonal, locally sourced cuisine that has elevated the town’s reputation. Additionally, there’s an array of inviting pubs, including The Welldiggers Arms, The Black Horse Inn and The Angel Inn.
But away from the town centre, Petworth is a haven for avid walkers, with diverse landscapes within easy reach of the pretty town, including the rugged chalk hills of the South Downs National Park and the ancient woodland of The Mens Nature Reserve. Yet, the Petworth House and Park is the town’s most notable attraction, with its sprawling 700-acre park surrounding the impressive 17th-century Petworth House.
Visitors can explore the historic stately residence and discover an exceptional collection of world-class art and sculptures. The property represents one of the finest remaining examples of an English landscape designed by the renowned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.
There are also hundreds of deer wandering freely across Petworth Park that can be easily admired, or you can soak up the spectacular views of the South Downs during a stroll around the grounds. The National Trust park has certainly put Petworth on the map, and even more so after appearing in major film productions, Napoleon, Rebecca, and Maleficent, as well as Netflix’s popular drama Bridgerton.
Following a visit, one traveller shared: “Another National Trust gem! Had a wonderful day there. So much to see and wonderful walks in the grounds and deer park. The art collection is outstanding, and as usual, the volunteers in the house were great. Had an interesting talk in the square dining room about the family’s history. Found the kitchens fascinating! Great cafe too. Highly recommend.”
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Ensure our latest lifestyle and travel stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Over the holiday period, I travelled to explore what this upcoming seaside town had to offer
I visited an up-and-coming UK seaside town (Image: Shania King-Soyza)
Nestled along the British coastline, one “emerging” seaside destination is discreetly transforming itself into the perfect coastal getaway. Boasting over 50 independent retailers dotting its charming streets, it presents a welcome change from identical high streets dominated by familiar chain stores.
The town’s artistic flair complements its historical appeal. From mouth-watering bakeries, trendy bars and eateries to unusual boutiques, each street corner feels distinctly local and brimming with character. Here’s what I uncovered during my visit to the sandy coastal town of Folkestone in Kent.
The beach
Folkestone features six beaches, but the one that captivated me most was the sheltered Sunny Sands. This spot was utterly stunning and serene. My highlight was perched on the brick wall above, observing the freezing turquoise waves rolling in.
Numerous visitors had their amiable dogs wandering freely, bounding across the sand and along the shoreline, and it was such a liberating scene to observe. The temperature was bitterly cold, and the breeze was battering my face, but it was worthwhile spending every moment there in tranquillity.
There was something oddly meditative about the sea, particularly in Folkestone. Well-known seaside destinations like Brighton don’t quite deliver that same sense of calm and peacefulness.
High street full of Independent shops
I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the town, with its undulating hills offering views reminiscent of the South of France, complete with palm trees and vibrant buildings. Yet what truly captured my heart was witnessing what the locals had to offer.
Folkestone boasts a thriving high street packed with a variety of local independent businesses, from clothing boutiques and game shops to traditional pubs and cafés. This area is known as the Creative Quarter, “a true symbol of the regeneration of the town,” said Folkstone and Hythe.
The town is surprisingly artistic and wonderfully eccentric. The quarter is said to hold an “inspiring community of designers, filmmakers, musicians, web developers and artists around the 115 studios and offices and over 50 shops, as well as around 80 flats, making the area a playground for creative and digital businesses.”
I ended up departing with second-hand bags and jewellery, anime and comic book merchandise (who would have thought?), along with charming trinkets to adorn my room.
The unique railway
Sitting at the heart of the harbour is an elongated, disused railway station, which proved both intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable to stroll across. According to Folkestone Harbour Seafront, the station platforms form part of the restoration of the Harbour Arm and its heritage structures.
The former Folkestone Harbour station launched in 1850, with a steep branch line descending from the main station to the harbour, connecting trains with ferries to Boulogne and Calais.
Following the abolition of duty-free shopping in 1999, the ferry operation from Folkestone ceased in September 2000, eliminating the primary purpose for the harbour branch line’s existence.
The arrival of the nearby Channel Tunnel also diminished the requirement for the conventional ferry-to-train connection, resulting in the line being formally closed in 2014. The station was subsequently cordoned off and deteriorated.
Nevertheless, the station was later restored and reopened in spring 2018. The platforms, where passengers once waited for trains, are now sheltered areas to relax, sit, and enjoy the scenery.
Discussing the transformation of the station, a spokesperson for the company said: “When the Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company took possession of the harbour buildings, it was clear that very little of the original 1850 station structure remained.
“Even though the physical structure lacked authenticity, we realised that the existence of a station on the Harbour Arm had been integral to the successful development of Folkestone. It was interlaced with layers of history, making it an important piece of the town’s story.”
London-inspired attractions
After we strolled along the platform, we followed the signpost, which directed us to the “Goods Yard.” There, we discovered what resembled a compact version of London’s Boxpark.
This came as a welcome discovery, as throughout most of our stay, we’d been mingling with locals who appeared to be pensioners, but the Goods Yard attracted predominantly younger people, teenagers and families.
Similar to London, the venue featured a large screen showing family-friendly films and was surrounded by numerous restaurants and drinking establishments.
The dining options include Little Rock and Rocksalt, which provide locally caught seafood alongside coastal panoramas. Fresh fish cuisine can also be found at Chummys.
According to FolkeLife, Plamil Foods manufactures plant-based milks and vegan chocolate, whilst El Cortador delivers Spanish tapas. For beverages, craft beer is available at Brewing Brothers, whereas the Potting Shed provides vibrant atmospheres.
My top dining recommendation
During my time there, the finest experience I had was undoubtedly the cuisine. Beyond the harbour area, my preferred dining destination is the Blackmarket on Tontine Street.
This neighbourhood establishment serves mouth-watering burgers, chicken wings and alcoholic drinks, occasionally hosting live musical performances.
The interior design was remarkable, showcasing an eclectic collection of photographs, art pieces, text, banners, and emblems. It’s incredibly contemporary, yet accommodates visitors of every age and character.
I selected a burger topped with blue cheese, chorizo and crispy onions, which I still fantasise about today. I polished off the soy honey garlic-glazed wings within moments.
While chatting with proprietor Nathan Roberts, he explained they source locally, partnering with one of the town’s few remaining butchers. The menu gets refreshed every couple of months, guaranteeing fresh offerings on each return trip.
Discussing Folkestone’s prospects, Nathan commented: “It’s definitely somewhere to watch, there’s a lot going on, a lot of moves being made. I’d say in the next 10 years, Folkestone will be on the map, especially for people in the city. It’s going to be somewhere to keep an eye on; it’s only going to get better around here.”
The true human cost of Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip has far exceeded previous official estimates, with independent research published in the world’s leading medical journals verifying more than 75,000 “violent deaths” by early 2025.
The findings, emerging from a landmark series of scientific papers, suggest that administrative records from the Gaza Ministry of Health (MoH) represent a conservative “floor” rather than an overcount, and provide a rigorous bedrock to the scale of Palestinian loss.
The Gaza Mortality Survey (GMS), a population-representative household study published in The Lancet Global Health, estimated 75,200 “violent deaths” between October 7, 2023 and January 5, 2025. This figure represents approximately 3.4 percent of Gaza’s pre-conflict 2.2 million population and sits 34.7 percent higher than the 49,090 “violent deaths” reported by the MoH for the same period.
The Gaza Health Ministry estimates that as of January 27 this year, at least 71,662 people have been killed since the start of the war. Of those, 488 people have been killed since the declaration of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on October 10, 2025.
Israel has consistently questioned the ministry’s figures, but an Israeli army official told journalists in the country in January that the army accepted that about 70,000 people had been killed in Gaza during the war.
Despite the higher figure, researchers noted that the demographic composition of casualties – where women, children, and the elderly comprise 56.2 percent of those killed – remains remarkably consistent with official Palestinian reporting.
(Al Jazeera)
Scientific validation of the toll
The GMS, which interviewed 2,000 households representing 9,729 individuals, provides a rigorous empirical foundation for a death toll.
Michael Spagat, a professor of economics at Royal Holloway University of London and the study’s lead author, found that while MoH reporting remains reliable, it is inherently conservative due to the collapse of the very infrastructure required to document death.
Notably, this research advances upon findings published in The Lancet in January 2025, which used statistical “capture-recapture” modelling to estimate 64,260 deaths during the war’s first nine months.
While that earlier study relied on probability to flag undercounts, this report shifts from mathematical estimation to empirical verification through direct household interviews. It extends the timeline through January 2025, confirming a violent toll exceeding 75,000 and quantifying, for the first time, the burden of “non-violent excess mortality”.
According to a separate commentary in the same publication, the systematic destruction of hospitals and administrative centres has created a “central paradox” where the more devastating the harm to the health system, the more difficult it becomes to analyse the total death toll.
Verification is further hindered by thousands of bodies still buried under rubble or mutilated beyond recognition. Beyond direct violence, the survey estimated 16,300 “non-violent deaths”, including 8,540 “excess” deaths caused directly by the deterioration of living conditions and the blockade-induced collapse of the medical sector.
Researchers highlighted that the MoH figures appear to be conservative and reliable, dispelling misinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting Palestinian casualty data. “The validation of MoH reporting through multiple independent methodologies supports the reliability of its administrative casualty recording systems even under extreme conditions,” the study concluded.
A decade of reconstructive backlogs
While the death toll continues to mount, survivors face an unprecedented burden of complex injury that Gaza’s decimated healthcare system is no longer equipped to manage. A predictive, multi-source model published in eClinicalMedicine quantified 116,020 cumulative injuries as of April 30, 2025.
The study, led by researchers from Duke University and Gaza’s al-Shifa Hospital, estimated that between 29,000 and 46,000 of these injuries require complex reconstructive surgery. More than 80 percent of these injuries resulted from explosions, primarily air attacks and shelling in densely populated urban zones.
The scale of the backlog is staggering. Ash Patel, a surgeon and co-author of the study, noted that even if surgical capacity were miraculously restored to pre-war levels, it would take approximately another decade to work through the estimated backlog of predicted reconstructive cases. Before the escalation, Gaza had only eight board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons for a population exceeding 2.2 million people.
The collapse of the health system
The disparity between reconstructive need and capacity is exacerbated by what researchers describe as the “systematic destruction” of medical infrastructure. By May 2025, only 12 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remained capable of providing care beyond basic emergency triage, with approximately 2,000 hospital beds available for the entire population, down from more than 3,000 beds before the war.
“There is little to no reconstructive surgery capacity left within Gaza,” the research concluded, warning that specialised expertise like microsurgery is almost absent. The clinical challenge is further compounded by Israel’s use of incendiary weapons, which produce severe burns alongside blast-related fractures.
The long-term effect of these injuries is often irreversible. Without prompt medical treatment, patients face high risks of wound infection, sepsis, and permanent disability. The data indicate that tens of thousands of Palestinians will remain with surgically addressable disabilities for life unless there is a huge international increase in reconstructive capacity and aid.
The ‘grey zone’ of mortality
Writing in The Lancet Global Health, authors Belal Aldabbour and Bilal Irfan observed a growing “grey zone” in mortality where the distinction between direct and indirect death becomes blurred. Patients who die of sepsis months after a blast, or from renal failure after a crushing injury because they cannot access clean water or surgery, occupy a space that risks understating the true lethality of military attacks.
Conditions have only deteriorated since the data collection periods. By late 2025, forced evacuations covered more than 80 percent of Gaza’s area, with northern Gaza and Rafah governorates facing full razing by Israeli forces. Famine was declared in northern Gaza in August 2025, further reducing the physiological reserve of injured survivors and complicating any surgical recovery.
This series of independent studies serves as an urgent call for accountability and an immediate cessation of hostilities. “The healthcare infrastructure in Gaza is being repeatedly decimated by attacks despite protection by international humanitarian law,” researchers stated. They underscored that the only way to prevent the reconstructive burden from growing further is an immediate end to attacks against civilians and vital infrastructure.
Voter trust in the upcoming midterm elections, meanwhile, has dropped off sharply, and across party lines, according to new research by the UC San Diego Center for Transparent and Trusted Elections.
Out of 11,406 eligible voters surveyed between mid-December and mid-January, just 60% said they were confident that midterm votes will be counted fairly — down from 77% who held such confidence in vote counting shortly after the 2024 presidential election.
Shifts in voter confidence are common after elections, with voters in winning parties generally expressing more confidence and voters in losing parties expressing less, said Thad Kousser, one of the center’s co-directors. However, the new survey found double-digit, across-the-board declines in confidence in the last year, he said.
According to voting experts, such drops in confidence and fears about voter intimidation are alarming — and raise serious questions about voter turnout in a pivotal midterm election that could radically reshape American politics.
While 82% of Republicans expressed at least some confidence in vote counting after Trump’s 2024 win, just 65% said they felt that way in the latest survey. Among Democrats, confidence dropped from 77% to 64%, and among independents from 73% to 57%, the survey found.
“Everyone — Democrats, Republicans, independents alike — have become less trusting of elections over the last year,” Kousser said, calling it a “parallel movement in this polarized era.”
Of course, what is causing those declines differs greatly by party, said Kousser’s co-director Lauren Prather, with distrust of mail ballots and noncitizens voting cited by half of Republicans, and concerns about eligible voters being unable to cast ballots because of fear or intimidation cited by nearly a quarter of Democrats.
Trump and other Republicans have repeatedly alleged that mail ballots contribute to widespread fraud and that noncitizen voting is a major problem in U.S. elections, despite neither claim being supported by evidence.
Dean C. Logan, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, oversees the registering of voters, maintaining voter files, administering federal, state, local and special elections and verifying initiatives, referenda and recall petitions.
(Gary Coronado / For The Times)
Many Democratic leaders and voting experts have raised concerns about disenfranchisement and intimidation of eligible voters, in part based on Republican efforts to enforce stricter voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements, and Trump suggesting his party should “take over” elections nationwide.
Others in Trump’s orbit have suggested Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will be deployed to polling stations, and the FBI recently raided and seized ballots from Fulton County, Ga., long a target of Trump’s baseless claims of 2020 election fraud.
Prather said that research has long showed that “elite cues” — or messaging from political leaders — matter in shaping public perception of election security and integrity, so it is no surprise that the concerns being raised by Trump and other party elites are being echoed by voters.
But the survey also identified more bipartisan concerns, she said.
Voters of all backgrounds — including 51% of Democrats, 48% of independents and 34% of Republicans — said they do not trust that congressional districts are drawn to fairly reflect what voters want. They primarily blamed the opposing party for the problem, but nearly a quarter of both Democrats and Republicans also expressed dissatisfaction with their own party leaders, the survey found.
Various states have engaged in unprecedented mid-decade redistricting to win more congressional seats for their party, with Republicans seizing advantage in states such as Texas and Democrats seizing it in states such as California.
Voters of all backgrounds — including 44% of Democrats, 34% of independents and 30% of Republicans — also said they believe it is likely that ICE agents will be present at voting locations in their area, though they did not all agree on the implications.
Half of Democrats said such a presence would make them feel less confident that votes in their area would be counted accurately, compared with fewer than 14% who said it would make them more confident. Among Republicans, 48% said it would make them more confident, and about 8% less confident. Among independents, 19% said more confident, 32% less confident.
Perceptions of ICE at polling locations also varied by race, with 42% of Asian American voters, 38% of Hispanic voters, 29% of white voters and 28% of Black voters saying it would make them feel less confident, while 18% of Asian American voters, 24% of Hispanic voters, 27% of white voters and 21% of Black voters said it would make them feel more confident.
Among both Black and Hispanic voters, 46% said they expect to face intimidation while voting, compared with 35% of Asian American voters and just 10% of white voters. Meanwhile, 31% of Hispanic and Asian American voters, 21% of Black voters and 8% of white voters said they are specifically worried about being questioned by ICE agents at the polls.
A man waits in line to vote at Compton College in November.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Times)
Kousser said voters’ lack of confidence this cycle reflects a remarkable moment in American politics, when political rhetoric has caused widespread distrust not just in the outcome of elections, but in the basic structure and fairness of how votes are collected and counted — despite those structures being tested and proven.
“We’re at this moment now where there are people on both sides who are questioning what the objective conditions will be of the election — whether people will be able to freely make it to the polls, what the vote counting mechanisms will be — and that’s true sort of left, right, and center in American politics today,” he said.
Prather said research in other countries has shown that distrust in elections over time can cause voters to stop voting, particularly if they think their vote won’t be fairly counted. She does not think the U.S. has reached that point, as high turnout in recent elections has shown, but it is a longer-term risk.
What could have a more immediate effect are ICE deployments, “especially among groups that have worries about what turning out could mean for them if they expect ICE or federal agents to be there,” Prather said.
Election experts said voters with concerns should take steps to ensure their vote counts, including by double-checking they are registered and making a plan to vote early, by mail or with family and friends if they are worried about intimidation.
What voters should not do if they are worried about election integrity is decide to not vote, they said.
“The No. 1 thing on my list is and always will be: Vote,” said Sean Morales-Doyle, director of the Voting Rights and Elections Program at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University Law. “That sounds maybe trite or simple, but the only way we hold on to our democracy is if people continue to participate and continue to trust it and put their faith in it.”
Registrar voter staff members process ballots at the Orange County Registrar of Voters in Santa Ana in November.
(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
“Now is the time to buckle down and figure out how to fortify our protections for fair elections, and not to give into the chaos and believe it’s somehow overwhelming,” said Rick Hasen, an election law expert and director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project at UCLA Law.
“I don’t want people to feel like nothing is working, it’s all overwhelming and they are just being paralyzed by all the news of these attacks, these threats,” said Sophia Lin Lakin, director of the Voting Rights Project at the ACLU. “There are a huge range of folks who are working to ensure that these elections go as smoothly as possible, and that if anything comes up, we are ready to respond.”
Mike Madrid, a Republican political consultant in California, said the erosion of confidence in U.S. elections was “a deliberate strategy” pushed by Trump for years to explain away legitimate election losses that embarrassed him, and facilitated by Republicans in Congress unwilling to check Trump’s lies to defend U.S. election integrity.
However, Democrats have added to the problem and become “the monster they are fighting” by gerrymandering blue states through redistricting measures such as California’s Proposition 50, which have further eroded American trust in elections, Madrid said.
Madrid said that he nonetheless expects high turnout in the midterms, because many voters have “the sense that the crisis is existential for the future, that literally everything is on the line,” but that the loss of trust is a serious issue.
“Without that trust, a form of government like democracy — at least the American form of democracy — doesn’t work,” he said.
Trump — who in a post Friday called Democrats “horrible, disingenuous CHEATERS” for opposing voter ID laws that most Americans support — has long called on his supporters to turn out and vote in massive numbers to give him the largest possible margin of victory, as a buffer against any election cheating against him. One of his 2024 campaign slogans was “Too Big to Rig.”
In recent days, some of Trump’s fiercest critics — including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) — have made a similar pitch to Democrats.
In an interview with The Times, Schiff said that he is “deeply concerned” about the midterms given all of Trump’s threats, but that voters should understand that “the remedy here is to become more involved, not less.”
“The very best protection we’ll have is the most massive voter turnout we’ve ever had,” he said. “It’s going to be those with the most important title in our system — the voters — who end up saving this country.”
In a smoothly run show peppered with sharp humor but, for the most part, a dearth of pointed political commentary — save for one unscripted expression of anti-ICE sentiment from “The White Lotus” star Natasha Rothwell — the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards celebrated its 41st edition on Sunday in Hollywood.
The ceremony has long served as a counterpoint to the Oscars: looser, more unpredictable, typically mounted in a beach tent by the Santa Monica Pier. For over three decades, it was held the Saturday afternoon right before the Academy Awards.
But this year, due to coastal planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the Spirit Awards relocated to the Hollywood Palladium (where they were last held in 1994), a venue decked out in the show’s signature blue and pink signage and decor — a pivot that proved effective.
“We don’t have a permit,” cracked host Ego Nwodim, riffing on scrappy independent tactics in her monologue. Her athletic hosting duties had her doing everything from cornering attending celebs such as Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons via a “sexual tension cam” to picking up her falafel order at the main entrance on Sunset Boulevard.
Last year’s event played more like a coronation for a widely favored front-runner, Sean Baker‘s “Anora.” That film would go on to sweep at the Oscars a little over a week later. The mood today was more tenuous, the industry crowd mulling in the lobby with cocktails, discussing the tail end of awards season and the controversy coming out of the Berlin Film Festival concerning politically cautious juror statements.
The movies that would be honored here, by contrast, were bolder than the Spirits usually go, resulting in a truly independent raft of winners. Rose Byrne won the lead actor prize (the Spirits have gone gender-neutral since 2022) for her commanding, ruinous turn in “If I Legs I’d Kick You.” Accepting the award, Byrne half-joked, “This character of Linda really could only exist in an independent film — she’s fierce and she’s gracious and she’s a middle-aged woman.”
Other awardees included the subtly wrought academia drama “Sorry, Baby,” honored for director Eva Victor‘s screenplay and its supporting actor Naomi Ackie; the star-stalking thriller “Lurker,” which took both the first feature and first screenplay awards; and Brazil’s “The Secret Agent,” claiming the prize for international film.
The afternoon’s big winner was “Train Dreams,” the little movie that could, one that emerged 13 months ago at Sundance 2025 and is now proving itself to be one of Netflix’s sturdiest Oscar contenders. It took prizes for best feature, director and cinematography, the kind of haul that suggests real momentum.
A complete list of today’s Spirit winners
FILM CATEGORIES
Best Feature “Train Dreams” (Netflix) Producers: Michael Heimler, Will Janowitz, Marissa McMahon, Ashley Schlaifer, Teddy Schwarzman
Director Clint Bentley, “Train Dreams” (Netflix)
Screenplay Eva Victor, “Sorry, Baby” (A24)
First Feature “Lurker” (Mubi) Director: Alex Russell Producers: Galen Core, Archie Madekwe, Marc Marrie, Charlie McDowell, Francesco Melzi D’Eril, Duncan Montgomery, Alex Orlovsky, Olmo Schnabel, Jack Selby
First Screenplay Alex Russell, “Lurker” (Mubi)
John Cassavetes Award For the best feature made under $1,000,000 “Esta Isla (This Island)” Writers/Directors/Producers: Cristian Carretero, Lorraine Jones Molina Writer: Kisha Tikina Burgos
Breakthrough Performance Kayo Martin, “The Plague” (Independent Film Company)
Lead Performance Rose Byrne, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” (A24)
Robert Altman Award For a film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast “The Long Walk” (Lionsgate) Director: Francis Lawrence Casting Director: Rich Delia Ensemble Cast: Judy Greer, Mark Hamill, Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Joshua Odjick, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, Garrett Wareing
Editing Sofía Subercaseaux, “The Testament of Ann Lee” (Searchlight Pictures)
International Film “The Secret Agent” (Neon) Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho
Documentary “The Perfect Neighbor” (Netflix) Director/Producer: Geeta Gandbhir Producers: Sam Bisbee, Nikon Kwantu, Alisa Payne
Someone to Watch Given to a talented filmmaker not yet widely recognized Tatti Ribeiro, “Valentina”
Truer Than Fiction Given to an emerging director of nonfiction features Rajee Samarasinghe, “Your Touch Makes Others Invisible”
Producers Award For an emerging producer of quality independent films with limited resources Tony Yang
TELEVISION CATEGORIES
New Scripted Series “Adolescence” (Netflix) Creators/Executive Producers: Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham Executive Producers: Philip Barantini, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Nina Wolarsky, Hannah Walters, Mark Herbert, Emily Feller Co-Executive Producers: Carina Sposato, Niall Shamma, Peter Balm
New Non-Scripted or Documentary Series “Pee-wee as Himself” (HBO Max) Executive Producers: Matt Wolf, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Ronald Bronstein, Eli Bush, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Paul Reubens, Candace Tomarken, Kyle Martin, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, Sara Rodriguez
Breakthrough Performance in a New Scripted Series Owen Cooper, “Adolescence” (Netflix)
Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series Erin Doherty, “Adolescence” (Netflix)
Lead Performance in a New Scripted Series Stephen Graham, “Adolescence” (Netflix)
Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series “Chief of War” (Apple TV) Ensemble Cast: Charlie Brumbly, Luciane Buchanan, Cliff Curtis, Brandon Finn, Moses Goods, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Benjamin Hoetjes, Siua Ikale’o, Keala Kahuanui-Paleka, Mainei Kinimaka, Kaina Makua, Jason Momoa, Temuera Morrison, Te Kohe Tuhaka, James Udom
This small but mighty market town was put back on the map after it reopened its huge food market, and is now a bustling community attracting thousands of visitors
This market town has a thriving community and a fantastic food scene (Image: Manchester Evening News)
A small market town underwent a major transformation and is now a thriving hub for food, shopping and picture-postcard vistas.
The market town of Altrincham, just 30 minutes from Manchester, offers a serene escape from the bustling city. In a vibrant scene, Altrincham is brimming with independent shops, a booming food scene and family-friendly attractions, among its strong community feel and picturesque landscapes.
However, Altrincham wasn’t always a thriving hub that attracted visitors near and far. Just over a decade ago, it was a much quieter town, known simply as a rural area outside Manchester, with closed-down shops and a high street that lacked appeal to visitors.
But after the town reopened Altrincham Market in 2014 with a contemporary, trendy twist, it revamped the area. The Altrincham Market & Market House became “the catalyst for change” in the area and is said to have revived “the modern market town” by offering a huge culinary scene from independent eateries.
Altrincham has since welcomed thousands of visitors to its covered market, located in a stunning Grade II-listed building with steel beams and arched windows. Nestled in the heart of the town, the market has a spacious seating area where visitors can sample the delights from six kitchens and two bars while dining among friends.
Described as an “Independent foodie heaven”, there’s wood-fired pizza from Honest Crust, Tender Cow’s flat iron steak and chips, or delicious filling pies from Great North Pie Co. There’s also a selection of craft beers to enjoy at Jack in the Box, as well as beverages at Reserve Wines and Market House Coffee.
The food market is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 10pm, and Sunday, 9am to 6pm. The market also offers a shopping area, with traders selling vintage fashion, homeware, artisan goods and crafts, which is open Friday 8am to 3pm, Saturday 8am to 4pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Offering an exceptional day out, one visitor shared on TripAdvisor: “Sitting down in the old market halls in Altrincham is an experience you don’t want to miss. Around the tables are several restaurants where you can order various types of food/drinks/desserts. Casual atmosphere, beautiful location, great food.”
“Absolutely fabulous. Such a choice of food, wine and the atmosphere is wonderful. Loved it. Definitely worth a visit. We will be back very soon,” a second shared. As a popular hotspot, one added: “Really like it here, loads of choice to eat, but sadly not many market stalls now. Mainly focused on food. Seating can be tough at peak times, but if you walk around the full site, there’s usually something available. There’s an app to order food, but it’s a bit rubbish, so I just go to the stall and order there.”
Among Altrincham’s landscapes are green spaces and parks, along with paths along the picturesque River Bollin. Just a short drive from the town centre, there’s also the National Trust Dunham Massey Hall & Gardens, set within sprawling grounds with a deer park and country manor that was temporarily used as the Stamford Military Hospital during World War I.
Elsewhere in Altrincham, there is a catalogue of high-street and independent shops, along with a number of eateries, from the Italian Damo’s, Papa Dutch for pancakes, tapas dishes from Porta and Nahm Prik for some delicious Thai. Plus, there are bars to catch up with friends, including Costello’s Bar and Cheshire Tap, with Kennedy’s Irish Bar proving popular for a night out.
For something a little cosier during a day out and to grab a hot drink, there’s Gran T’s Coffee House, Two Brothers Coffee, and Rise and Grind Cafe. Visitors certainly won’t go hungry during a trip to the charming town.
Altrincham is also home to a sprawling ice skating rink, Planet Ice, for a fun-packed day out, with public sessions available, and to the ice hockey team, Manchester Storm. The Altrincham Little Theatre and the Altrincham Garrick Theatre present stage productions, while Inch Arts offers workshops and various events, so there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
With a palace, a castle and ancient volcano all within visiting distance of each other – it’s no wonder this Scottish city has been voted as the UK’s number for a break
15:23, 09 Feb 2026Updated 15:24, 09 Feb 2026
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Edinburgh is packed with old streets and modern culture (Image: Getty)
The UK’s best city break has been revealed, and it’s famous for its beautiful buildings, historic castle, and even Harry Potter links.
From historic streets, to cultural spectacles, to iconic landmarks, scenic views or vibrant food scenes, the UK has a fantastic range of amazing cities for travellers to choose from but Sykes Cottages has revealed some of the highlights across the nation after a study revealed that 49 per cent of Brits choose cities for their top five breaks.
Edinburgh, which is also hailed as the UK’s most walkable city, took the top spot in the rankings. This bright and bustling city seamlessly combines the historic and the modern with Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified places in Europe, and Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the monarch originally built as an Abbey in 1128 connected by the Royal Mile, the historic spine of Edinburgh’s Old Town and the city’s world-famous Fringe Festival, one of the greatest celebrations of modern art and culture in the world.
As well as hosting the Fringe, Edinburgh is also the city where J.K Rowling lived when she was writing the Harry Potter books and people can visit The Elephant House café which is where the legendary wizard was first created.
There’s a wide array of accommodation too whether you’re looking for cosy holiday cottages or cheap hotels, although it’s worth noting that some popular seasons such as the Fringe can see prices surge in some areas.
Sykes Cottages offers a wide range of handpicked holiday homes across the UK and Ireland, from cosy countryside retreats to stunning coastal escapes. Prices start from £27 per night
For major Harry Potter enthusiasts, the city also offers a Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour which allows people to explore Edinburgh through the lens of Harry Potter.
With storytelling, the written word and art and culture playing such a prominent part in the city, its contributions were recognised in 2004 when it became the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
Visitors can wander through the city’s cobbled streets and take in its incredible architecture and street designs, or hike up to Arthur’s Seat and enjoy the amazing views from atop the ancient volcano.
Calton Hill is also a must visit and is included in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The panoramic skyline views from the hill are renowned and pictures taken from there are regularly used in photographs or paintings of the city. The hill features the neoclassical landmarks including the National Monument, Nelson’s Monument and the Dugald Stewart Monument.
One reviewer of the city said: “Absolutely love Edinburgh, amazing city! So many gorgeous restaurants and cafes, lots of different vibes but I love the laid-back café culture Edinburgh does so well. Arthur’s Seat is great to climb and has gorgeous views across the city.”
Another said: “Edinburgh is a fantastic place to visit – the Royal Mile and the Castle are definitely worth a visit and there are some spectacular bars and restaurants that we thoroughly enjoyed.”
Do you think Edinburgh is the UK’s best city break? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
Parkdean Resorts have revealed some of the UK’s best holiday destinations and the top spot goes to a resort that’s full of beautiful beaches, independent shops and more
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Porthcawl sunsets are a sight to behold(Image: Getty Images)
As Brits search for something fun to look forward to amongst the damp and drizzly that has defined the start of this year, a recent study has revealed over two-fifths (44%) are planning a UK holiday this year.
With staycations proving increasingly popular with people, Parkdean Resorts has named the seaside resort of Porthcawl in Bridgend, Wales as the best holiday destination for 2026.
Known for its excellent water quality, range of activities – including the world’s largest Elvis festival – and variety of cafés, restaurants and independent shops, this nostalgic and friendly town offers the quintessential seaside stay.
Porthcawl has seven distinctive beaches ranging from popular sandy spots to rocky coves. Rest Bay and Trecco Bay are Blue Flag beaches and popular with surfers and water sport enthusiasts. Pink Bay has unique marbled pink rocks and for a more secluded, sandy option Sker beach is the one for you.
The town has something for everyone with adventure offerings at its new Watersports Centre and its renowned Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, typical seaside activities including funfair rides and ice cream on its seafront Esplande or quiet sunsets at its seafront cafes.
Sykes Cottages offers a wide range of handpicked holiday homes across the UK and Ireland, from cosy countryside retreats to stunning coastal escapes. Prices start from £27 per night
On the harbour is the RNLI station and Wales’ oldest listed bonded warehouse, the Jennings Building, which is now a bustling waterside spot with cafes and restaurants.
And for those with a little more spring in their step and shake in their hips, Porthcawl also hosts the annual Porthcawl Elvis Festival which is widely recognised as the world’s largest Elvis festival and brings tens of thousands of fans of The King and hundreds of tribute acts to the town for a weekend of competitions, shows and celebrations.
One reviewer of the festival said: “Elvis Festival Porthcawl was exactly what it said on the tin – a glorious, chaotic, slightly aft, love-in for the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The town went full Elvis, the fans bought the fire and the tributes acts delivered from start to finish.”
Andy Edge, Chief Marketing Officer at Parkdean Resorts, which has a holiday park in Porthcawl, said that nostalgia is playing a major part in the holiday decision making of families this year.
He said: “Nostalgia has been a key theme for 2026 already and our data suggests travel is reflecting this too. This year we’re seeing a real resurgence in some of Britain’s most loved coastal and countryside locations with travellers gravitating towards places like Porthcawl, Cayton Bay and Poole. These towns offer the perfect balance of traditional seaside charm, beautiful surroundings and easy accessibility – all key factors for people planning a staycation this year.”
He added: “For families, the best holidays are all about balance, somewhere with plenty of entertainment to keep everyone busy but relaxing enough for all to recharge. Popular seaside destinations such as Newquay, Torquay, and Porthcawl continue to be firm favourites thanks to their beaches, attractions and family-friendly activities. These locations are ideal for making memories together, whether that’s beach days, coastal walks or classic arcade fun.”
it might not be on many people’s must-visit lists but people love it here.
Steffan Rhys Deputy Content Hub Director and Alycia McNamara
11:15, 08 Feb 2026
Locals say this buzzing market town with dozens of independent shops is ‘better than Manchester’(Image: Andy Stenning )
It might not be on many tourists’ must-visit lists but locals in this town say they can’t think of anywhere they’d rather live. Just half an hour from Sheffield, and around 90 minutes from Manchester, it’s home to a thriving community, a stunning market and a huge range of independent shops.
Meeting with residents and shop owners on a grey day, life in the town bustles on despite the gloomy weather. Chesterfield is known for its historic crooked church spire which dominates its skyline. In recent years, the town has begun to grow, with plenty more on the horizon.
Alec Chapman-Taylor, 32, works at the Cheese Factor. The business has become a core part of the town with people travelling into Chesterfield to purchase its cheese. There’s a constant flow of customers despite the dull weather.
He says: “There’s a new market square, that’s going to be like the new event square. It’s fantastic. It looks a lot better. I think it’s hard to be an independent business these days. I really do think it’s hard. Luckily for us, Simon, who owns the place, has been here since the 60s with his dad.
“I’ve worked in the town now for probably the last maybe 10 or 15 years. Chesterfield has this kind of unique position where we have the heritage here. So the town hall is quite old. Again, I’d say the market’s quite old and traditional. It’s been going on for a long time. A lot of people have family connections to the market too which makes it really special.”
He says one of the town’s strengths is its quirky independent shops and he estimates there are around 80 in Chesterfield.
He adds: “The Davidson family have been running a cheese store since the early 60s, I’ve only been working here for two years but I’ve lived in Chesterfield since the mid-90s and I love it. I really love it. I’ve lived in quite a few places including Manchester, but I always came back to Chesterfield. It’s the perfect size and it’s got anything you want. I just really enjoy it, the people are really nice. It’s got some fantastic bars. I’m bringing up a family here. All my brothers and sisters all live here too – we’ve moved our family from elsewhere to Chesterfield.”
In terms of improvements, he says he has always wanted to see more events – and those have started to be put on now too. He explains: “We had an animatronic dinosaurs day which was great for the kids and we had a 1940s market which people loved too.”
Out on the high street, plenty of shoppers are milling around, dipping in and out of shops. Janice Wallhead, 72, is out shopping for the day. She says: “I’ve lived here for 40 years and I like it here. I can walk into town and I do think the high street is good but I would like to see a bit more variation. We have lost a few things over the years – a few of the fashion shops. There’s been some money spent on improving the market but I still think there’s other things that need to be improved in town other than just the market.”
Bringing new life to a well-known pub, The Royal Oak, Patrick Hopman, 30 and Meg Hopman, 29, say they think Chesterfield has a lot to offer. The couple have become known among local business owners for defying the odds and making a success of the pub despite the current economic climate.
The two former school teachers say the pub has been a great success – and stepping inside, it’s not hard to see why. Walking through a small door on a side street, the building opens up once you’re inside. Bright orange walls are adorned with memorabilia which the pair have collected. From decorative plates to signs and posters, it’s a feast for the eyes.
At the other side of the bar is a church-like setting, not too dissimilar from the set of a film. There’s stained glass windows, high ceilings and dried flowers.
The couple have clearly established the pub as a place to visit and a destination in the town. Pat says: “We took a bit of a punt by buying this pub but we’ve been really pleasantly surprised. We’ve had it for a year but we reopened it in April last year.
“Chesterfield has a few really unique buildings, the Spire is the main one. But after that, our pub is on the list for sure – school trips actually come and sit outside on our benches.”
Pat grew up in London and Meg grew up in Devon but they say they now feel at home in Chesterfield. They both agree that, at first, they wanted to live in Sheffield but due to Chesterfield being cheaper, they opted for the town instead – with the thought that Sheffield is just a short drive away.
But after living in Chesterfield, they say that everything they need is there, and they find themselves visiting Sheffield less and less. Pat says: “We’re about five minutes’ drive from the Peak District. We’re perfectly situated for Sheffield, Derby and Nottingham. It’s less than two hours into London. We even went to Newcastle last weekend which is only two hours away as well. Location wise, it’s great.”
Pat adds: “There’s quite a lot of negativity around, especially when I’ve been to loads of meetings where everyone says the town centre’s dead. I think it’s complete rubbish – certainly from what we’ve seen.”
Locals say the town is one filled with creativity and life. Emily Bowman, 44, managing director at Junction Arts, which is a community based arts charity based in the town, is keen to have an array of artists paint murals on some of the town’s buildings to add colour and vibrancy.
Arriving at its new home, there’s paintings and sculptures dotted around as we head to the conference room to talk about Chesterfield’s future. On February 1, a total of 11 local creatives took up a spot in the building.
Emily says she has high hopes for the town. She told the Express: “All of our work is grassroots and up so we work really closely with our community and there’s a real sense of pride in where people are from, what our communities have been through.
“We’re an ex-mining community and ex-industrial so there’s been quite a lot of change but there is a real sense of history in our town. It echoes across our business and across the community.”
Emily says that in May, she is looking forward to the Chesterfield Make-Off which will see around 40 artists “making and creating”. She adds that it’s an opportunity for locals to get involved and “see what we’ve got on our doorstep and how brilliant it is”.
She adds: “It’s really important to recognise the huge ambition for the future of Chesterfield.” Chesterfield might not be your first thought for a day out, but it’s a place that is definitely putting itself on the map. With affordable homes and great transport connections to larger cities nearby, it’s no surprise that so many people don’t want to leave.
Enrique Lores will be the new chief executive officer of digital payments processor PayPal Holdings Inc., and David Dorman its new board chairman, PayPal announced on Tuesday. File Photo by Andrew Gombert/EPA
Feb. 3 (UPI) — Enrique Lores will be the new chief executive officer of PayPal Holdings Inc., and David Dorman is the digital payment processor’s new independent board chairman, the company announced Tuesday.
Lores previously was the tech firm’s chairman and served on the independent board for five years, and he replaces Alex Chriss as its chief executive officer, PayPal announced.
Lores won’t immediately take the reins as PayPal’s top executive. Instead, Chief Financial and Operating Officer Jamie Miller will serve as interim chief executive until Lores is ready to take the helm.
While Lores won’t immediately become PayPal’s chief executive, Dorman immediately becomes chairman of its independent board.
“Enrique is widely recognized as a visionary leader who prioritizes customer-centric innovation with demonstrable impact,” Dorman said.
“His strong track record leading complex transformations and disciplined execution on a global basis will ensure PayPal maintains its leadership of the dynamic payments industry now and into the future,” Dorman said of Lopes.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the board and supporting Enrique as he takes on the CEO role,” he added.
“We will further strengthen the culture of innovation necessary to deliver long-term transformation and balance this with near-term delivery, executing with greater speed and precision and holding ourselves accountable for consistent delivery quarter on quarter to further assert PayPal’s industry leadership position,” Lores said.
“The payments industry is changing faster than ever, driven by new technologies, evolving regulations, an increasingly competitive landscape and the rapid acceleration of AI that is reshaping commerce daily,” he explained.
“PayPal sits at the center of this change, and I look forward to leading the team to accelerate the delivery of new innovations and to shape the future of digital payments and commerce,” Lores said.
PayPal’s board of directors evaluated Lores’ qualifications for the new position before appointing him as the new chief executive.
PayPal officials said the change is needed to enable the company to better address industry-wide changes and competition.
Lores has more than 30 years of technology and commercial experience and “is widely recognized as a visionary leader who prioritizes customer-centric innovation with demonstrable impact,” Dorman said.
“His strong track record leading complex transformations and disciplined execution on a global basis will ensure PayPal maintains its leadership of the dynamic payments industry now and into the future,” he added.
PayPal’s board said the company’s future success will be as a global services provider whose strengths are its consumer, merchant and partner relationships.
The chief executive position opened when Chriss vacated the position after 2.5 years.
