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One travel influencer has suggested three places in the UK which people should consider visiting instead of more popular destinations. “It’s not about skipping any of them… just travelling a little differently,” she said

The UK is full of incredible places to visit, from historic sites dating back thousands of years, to bustling towns and cities. Whether you want to spend some time in the countryside or on a beach, or if shopping in high-end boutiques and eating in Michelin-star restaurants is more your speed, we’ve got it all.

There are plenty of places in the UK which are famous across the world as destinations for tourists, from the ancient mystery of Stonehenge and the historic streets of Edinburgh, to the spectacular countryside of the Cotswolds and the iconic Big Ben. But what if you want something a bit more off the beaten path?

One travel influencer has suggested three places in the UK which people should consider visiting instead of the more popular destinations. Apryl, who has 47,000 followers on Instagram and regularly shares tips for travel in the UK, shared the advice on social media. Writing in the first slide of the post, Apryl said: “Three places everyone plans in England but I wouldn’t… where I’d go instead.”

Writing in the caption, she said: “Everyone goes to the icons, and you probably should too. But if you’ve already done them, or want something a little less crowded, here’s what I’d add to your England itinerary.” She added: “It’s not about skipping any of them… just travelling a little differently.”

Ely instead of Oxford

Firstly, she said people planning to visit Oxford should instead consider the Cambridgeshire city of Ely. She said: “Fewer crowds, cathedral views, medieval streets.”

Nestled in the Cambridgeshire countryside, the city’s most iconic feature is the spectacular Ely Cathedral, with its incredible octagonal tower. Tourism site Visit Ely describes it as “the destination city with something for everyone”.

It said: “From the monastic buildings of the city past, the vibrant food scene and the scenic majesty of the Riverside, Ely packs a great deal into a pocket city. With Ely Cathedral, independent shops around the city centre, places to relax and replenish both body and mind, there has never been a better time to enjoy this quintessentially English jewel in the heart of East Cambridgeshire. “

Hastings Old Town instead of Brighton Pier

Next, Apryl said people planning a visit to Brighton Pier should instead consider travelling 36 miles east to Hastings Old Town in East Sussex. Apryl said: “Fishing huts, antique shops, and a slower seaside.”

Hastings Old Town is famous for its 19th-century Net Shops, tall, black wooden sheds originally built to provide weatherproof storage for fishing gear. Today the huts are Grade II-listed, while one serves as a free museum.

The area itself comprises the part of the town of Hastings which existed before the 19th century. Today it is the easternmost valley of the current town.

Chester instead of York

Apryl’s final tip was directed at people planning a trip to the historic city of York. She said people should instead visit Chester in Cheshire. She said: “Timbered streets, Roman walls, and fewer crowds.”

Steeped in history, Chester has the most complete city walls and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in the UK, as well as a 10th century cathedral. Chester Zoo is also home to 35,000 animals, and is reportedly the most-visited attraction in the UK outside London.

Visit Cheshire said: “Visit Chester, for its bewitching beauty and unique atmosphere which make it one of Britain’s most popular places for an unforgettable short break. The ancient city is a breath-taking experience with each chapter of Chester’s history etched into the very fabric of the city. Walk where Roman Legionnaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons.”

Concluding, Apryl clarified she wasn’t suggesting people shouldn’t visit Oxford, Brighton, or York, but that they should consider other lesser-known destinations too. “Don’t cancel your trip… just try these too,” she said.

The fort was built in the 1890s as part of a series of facilities set up to keep a potential invasion from London. One historian revealed the incredible story behind the site

The UK is full of stunning places to visit, but one particular spot combines breathtaking scenery with a captivating glimpse into the past. A military historian recently explored the location and revealed the remarkable story behind its construction.

Military history specialist Dr Jen Howe shared the tale of Reigate Fort on Instagram. Now under the ownership of the National Trust, the fort was constructed on top of Reigate Hill in Surrey in 1898. And the purpose behind its creation is extraordinary.

According to the National Trust, which manages the site today, the fort was erected to fend off a possible French invasion as part of the London Defence scheme. This comprised a 72-mile network of defences consisting of 13 military installations intended to safeguard the capital. Beyond storing equipment and ammunition, there were also proposals to excavate enormous trenches to keep invading armies at bay from London.

Beginning her Instagram slideshow, Dr Howe remarked: “POV: You stumble into a world of forgotten military history just 30 mins from London.” Detailing the history of Reigate Fort, she continued: “Built in the late 1890s to defend London from a French invasion that never actually came. These buildings held shovels and guns, ready to build one huge trench around London…”

The National Trust notes that, by 1906, it was decided the British Navy possessed sufficient strength to repel any prospective invasion, and Reigate Fort was decommissioned. It was sold the following year. In 1972, it and the other mobilisation centres were designated as Scheduled Ancient Monuments by English Heritage in recognition of their significance to British military history. The site welcomes visitors every day, reports Surrey Live.

Those who visit can view two sets of gates – the first are steel and spiked, while the second are heavier and bulletproof. The tool store and the magazine – where munitions and explosives were once kept – are also on display, along with the underground casemates, which would have served both as storage facilities and as shelter from enemy bombardment.

Dr Howe also drew attention to a nearby memorial dedicated to nine US airmen, who died when the B-17 Flying Fortress they were aboard came down on Reigate Hill in March 1945. “A few metres on and you’ll find a tragic site,” she said.

“On March 19, 1945, nine US airmen were coming home from Germany when their plane went down in a thick cloud. None of them made it.

“They had an average age of 21. The oak wing tips laid out are the exact distance of the aircraft’s tips, and a haunting reminder of what fell here.”

According to the National Trust, the memorial sculpture was crafted by Surrey artist Roger Day, and was unveiled on the 70th anniversary of the crash. Both elements of the memorial are carved from ancient Surrey oak, positioned the same distance apart as the aircraft’s wingtips, with metal salvaged from the crash site incorporated within the sculpture.

Dr Howe also drew attention to another nearby structure. “Just beyond and you’ll find a mysterious WW2 structure,” she said. “Even historians aren’t too sure what it was used for.”

In the caption accompanying her post, she wrote: “40 minutes from London there’s a stretch of the North Downs where, in the space of a single walk, you pass a Victorian fort built to protect London from a French invasion that never came, a mysterious WW2 structure, a clearing where a US bomber crew were killed on their 13th mission together, and a WW2 training ground.

“Reigate is a genuinely beautiful walk, with wide open chalk downland, extraordinary views, ancient woodland. But the hidden military history adds so much to this place. You may not even notice these things if you didn’t know where to look!”

Kobe Bryant rookie trading cards aren’t particularly rare. And because rarity equates to value, standard issue 1997 cards featuring the late Lakers great retail for a pedestrian $100 to $300.

Then there are 1997 Kobe Bryant Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Green cards, which just by typing that highfalutin name can give even the most savvy collector goose bumps.

The key word is green. Most Bryant rookie Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems cards have a red background and fetch around $300,000. Only 10 were made with a metallic green background and only three have been graded by respected grading firm Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).

So green translates to greenbacks. Alt, a company that enables users to sell, buy and securely store collectible cards, announced Thursday it purchased one of those — take a breath first — 1997 Kobe Bryant Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Green cards in a private transaction for $3.15 million.

The company said on Instagram that the purchase makes it the most expensive Bryant card ever sold, eclipsing the previous record of $2.4 million set in September. Another copy of the same card sold for $2 million in 2022.

“It was on every collector’s wall, in every price guide, at the top of every wish list,” Alt CEO Leore Avidar Avidar said on Alt’s Instagram page. “Acquiring it for our fund is personal, but it’s also a reflection of where this market has gone.”

The image of Bryant in midair passing — not shooting! — highlights the card, which earned a PSA 5 grade.

The card adds to Alt’s impressive collection. The fund set price records at time of purchase for LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo cards in addition to the one of Bryant.

The most paid for a sports trading card was $12.932 million for a 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs signed card featuring Bryant and Michael Jordan last fall. The purchase was made by investor and “Shark Tank” personality Kevin O’Leary along with veteran collectors Matt Allen and Paul Warshaw and surpassed the previous record of $12.6 million held by a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card.

The Bryant/Jordan card is the second-most expensive sports collectible of all time behind Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series “called shot” jersey, which sold for $24.12 million in 2024.

High-end Bryant cards remain coveted by collectors. Allen, well known in the industry as Shyne150, privately spent $4 million on two Bryant 1-of-1 signed Panini Flawless Logoman cards.

WHEN Jack Whitehall decided to leave Sky’s A League of Their Own in 2018 to try and crack America, he feared it would leave his friendship with his co-stars James Corden and Freddie Flintoff in tatters.

Fast forward eight years, and it appears Jack’s prophecy may have come true. Both Flintoff and Corden skipped his £250k nuptials on Saturday –  with Flintoff posting photos of himself on the golf course in Slough instead.

And neither Corden 47, who attended the stag do in London on March 30th, nor Flintoff, 48, – who was involved in a horrific and life-changing crash while filming the BBC’s Top Gear – have congratulated Jack and his new wife Roxy Horner online. 

Their absence at the bash raised eyebrows – and sparked rumours of a feud between the former best mates.

One guest tells us: “Of course, people noticed that Freddie and James weren’t there. They were huge parts of Jack’s life for so long.

“But Freddie has been through so much over the last few years, and people suspected he just didn’t want to be at such a public event. 

“All the guests were photographed for Vogue, and it was actually quite a big spectacle, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Freddie didn’t want to be part of the circus.

“Why James missed it is another matter and very bizarre considering he was at the stag do.”

‘Very bizarre’

Other guests, including Jamie Redknapp, who also worked on the Sky show, shared gushing posts about the nuptials on Instagram. Corden however, is no longer following Whitehall. 

Meanwhile, Redknapp certainly made his presence known; he posted his Vogue snaps from the big day and gushed: “Congratulations to Jack and Roxy on your big day. I honestly couldn’t be happier for you both. I think the world of you guys, and I’m so proud to be there to see it all

“Jack, you’re like a little brother to me, although somehow still my favourite man baby. And Roxy, fair play… you’ve taken on a lifelong project there.

“Wishing you both a lifetime of laughs, love, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Have the best day, and an even better life together.”

Roxy sent a pointed response, saying: “Thank you so much for being there on our special day x”

Whitehall, known for Fresh Meat, tied the knot with Roxy at Euridge Manor in Wiltshire over the weekend, with their daughter Elsie by their side.

His stag do took place at the end of March in London and saw him joined by fellow celebs Jamie Redknapp and James Corden as well as ex-rugby star, Lawrence Dallaglio.

The boozy day out, which Whitehall says started at 11am with a Guinness, ended up getting so rowdy that the comedian can barely remember what happened.

The lads sank pints at The Devonshire pub, before visiting the infamous and very sexy nightclub The Box, which is believed to have put on a private show just for Whitehall and his rowdy group of mates.

They then moved on to mini-golf hotspot, Swingers and ended the night with drinks at the Soho Hotel bar.

Images from the night showed Whitehall staggering down the street with Corden and Redknapp,  but Flintoff was absent.

The four mates started working together in 2012, at the time Whitehall was a relative unknown, while Flintoff and Redknapp were sporting legends, and Corden had made his name in comedy Gavin & Stacey.

‘Breaking up the friends’

Whitehall’s career started to take off, and despite League of Their Own being a huge hit, he decided to quit in 2018 to pursue a career in America like Corden.

He admitted at the time he was worried about leaving his mates behind and said: “It was very sad ­sitting down with Jamie and ­Freddie and telling James on the phone. Jamie wept.

“I’m the b*****d breaking up the friends. But I think they still like me.

“I think we’re all still pals, it will probably help going forward with our friendship as we won’t see each other all the time.”

His career skyrocketed from there, and a few years later, Corden quit A League of Their Own and then Flintoff left a year later. 

Former cricket star Flintoff landed a place on Top Gear in 2019 but in December 2022, he was involved in a terrifying accident while filming the BBC show.

He was airlifted to hospital after his three-wheeled Morgan flipped, leaving him with devastating facial injuries, which meant he needed reconstructive surgery, as well as suffering some broken ribs.

He became a social recluse, not leaving the house for over six months, and struggled with his mental health, including suffering from PTSD, flashbacks, and anxiety.

Whitehall appeared in Flintoff’s 2025 Disney+ documentary about his accident and recalled their first meeting, he said: “I remember being quite intimidated. I was meeting Freddie Flintoff, who I looked up to a lot as a kid, for the first time.

“So many people think of him as so strong and so alpha, but he’s definitely fragile.”

Asked if he had a message for Flintoff, whose friendship with Top Gear co-host Paddy McGuinness also struggled post-crash, Whitehall replied straight-faced: “Answer my texts.”

Christopher Meloni has a message for Elliot Stabler fans: “Thank you … for sticking with him and welcoming him back.”

The “Law & Order: Organized Crime” star took to Instagram on Thursday to convey his appreciation for his character’s long run in the franchise after it was revealed that the NBC show had been canceled after five seasons.

“I just saw that they announced … ‘Organized Crime’ won’t be coming back,” Meloni said in his video post. “So I wanted to take this moment to say thank you to the fans who not only helped give the character of Elliot Stabler life and longevity, but for sticking with him and welcoming him back.”

Meloni’s run as the seasoned detective began in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” which debuted in 1999. Stabler investigated New York’s “especially heinous” sex-based crimes with partner Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and other detectives in his unit for the show’s first 12 seasons. (The character was written off the show in advance of the Season 13 premiere because Meloni and NBC could not come to an agreement on a new contract.)

Stabler returned to “SVU” in 2021 for a crossover event that helped launch “Organized Crime,” a “Law & Order” spinoff focused on NYPD officers who track down “vicious and violent members of the underworld.” While the character has occasionally appeared in “SVU” episodes since his return, the end of “Organized Crime” likely means Meloni is done playing Stabler full time, at least for now. “Law & Order: SVU,” meanwhile, has been renewed for a 28th season.

“I had a great time playing him,” Meloni said in his Instagram message. “It was a great ride. Thank you. You helped give me a career that I never dreamed of. Nearly 17 odd years.”

Apryl, who has 42,500 followers on Instagram, where she is known as aprylwanders, listed three popular UK destinations she wouldn’t go back to – and three alternatives people should visit instead

You don’t have to travel to an exotic foreign destination to see some absolutely stunning sights, with so many amazing things to see right here in the UK. But one travel influencer has said some of UK’s best-known tourist sites might not be all they’re cracked up to be – and suggested some lesser-known alternatives that are just as good, if not better.

Apryl, who has 42,500 followers on Instagram, where she is known as aprylwanders, listed three popular UK destinations she wouldn’t go back to – and three alternatives people should visit instead.

Writing in the description of her post she said: “Unpopular opinion… some of England’s most famous spots aren’t actually the best ones. These are just based on my experience, and what I’d do differently if I planned my trip again.” She added: “England is full of beautiful places… but I’ve realised there’s almost always a better, quieter alternative.”

The first place she said she’d skip? Stonehenge. The prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain is famous around the world and attracts more than one million visitors every year, drawn by the mystery of what exactly it was built for.

Apryl, from Manchester, said: “Looks iconic, but disappointing in person.” She added visitors “can’t get close”, tours and tickets are expensive, and there is “always a crowd”.

Instead, she recommended visitors should travel just 25 miles north to Avebury, home to the world’s largest stone circle. Apryl said the site is “older than Stonehenge”, and visitors can walk among the stones. She added it’s free to visit, and there are “no crowds”.

The second place Apryl said she’d avoid is the Cotswolds village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The chocolate box village is known around the world for its iconic architecture and beautiful Gloucestershire surroundings.

Apryl said: “Charming, but can feel overcrowded.” She added it’s the “busiest spot in the Cotswolds” and is “very touristy” and “hard to enjoy at slower pace”.

Instead, she suggested visitors to the Cotswolds should instead pay a visit to the nearby villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. She described the villages as “quieter” and “just as scenic”. She added visitors can enjoy “a relaxing walk”.

Apryl’s third suggested location to skip is the stunning Seven Sisters and Beach Head cliffs in East Sussex, part of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Specifying the destination should be avoided in the spring, she warned it features “longer hikes than people expect”. She also said it is “very weather dependent” and “not the easiest to access”.

Instead, she suggested sightseers should travel just up the coast a little to the Birling Gap. She said this alternative offers views of the same cliffs, is “easier [to] access”, doesn’t require a hike, and is “just as stunning”. Writing in the post’s description, she added she would still recommend the Seven Sisters lighthouse walk “in calmer weather”.

People had a range of views in the comments. One said: “I thought Stonehenge was super cool!! Yes it’s crowded and you can’t walk up to them normally, but I thought the audio guide was really interesting and the museum and all the information was really cool, so I loved it!

“Also I did Seven Sisters both ways! Parked at Birling Gap and then walked to the lighthouse along the cliffs and loved it! I thought that’s what you were meant to do to reach it??”

Another said: “I loved Stonehenge. Yes there were a lot of people but honestly it never felt crowded. So awe inspiring.”

Another had an alternative suggestion. “I suggest you don’t skip these spots,” they said. “Just go off season. We had Bourton on the water to ourselves in December.”

A man splurged almost £7,000 on a first class flight with British Airways but one big issue left him feeling unimpressed with some saying he has “sufficient evidence for a refund”

A man forked out almost £7,000 on a first class flight with British Airways but branded his experience “shocking” due to one specific downside.

Flying first class is a dream many people have, especially on a long-haul flight as standard airline seats are notoriously tight and cramped. For those lucky enough to snap up a first class ticket, their expectations may be as high as the price. Now one content creator, known as Jabz, splashed £6,800 on a first class ticket with British Airways and documented his experience in a vlog-style video which he shared to social media.

In the footage, which was posted on Instagram to his 213,000 followers, he narrated his thoughts. Jabz began: “I just flew British Airways’ first class which was £6,800 and it was shocking.”

He did praise the cabin, which looked quite “modern” with a “minimal” design. It also came with a “super wide” seat which offered “more than enough space” to stretch out his “long” legs.

Jabz said: “The only downside is there was no privacy door which is a shame because even business classes have them now.”

When he was handed an “amenity kit” and a set of pyjamas, he was immediately impressed, and then enjoyed a welcome drink while he familiarised himself with the features of his seat.

But things took a turn for the worst after he was handed a menu. First class passengers are able to “request different meals before departure”, which he did, but was told by staff that “they forgot to load it onto the plane”.

Jabz said sarcastically: “That’s fine because there’s gonna be other options, right?”

He had wanted a fish dish but this wasn’t possible. He continued: “BA said they only had one fish meal in first class and someone had already requested it but they said they’re gonna check what they had spare in the lower cabins to see what they could do.

“Talk about first world problems but that’s just not what I paid for. I’m over here getting treated like I’m Oliver Twist.”

He then included clips of all the meals he was served onboard. He branded a tomato soup “actually quite decent” but said a “cold plate of tomatoes, paneer and couscous” was “really not good, unfortunately”.

Jabz jokingly described his main dish as a plate of “glippy gloop and fizzy widgets”. He said: “If this is what they’re serving in first class, the food in economy must be radioactive because I genuinely don’t know what this is supposed to be.”

He was “excited” for dessert which “looked good” but “tasted like baby oil and sugar” while the accompanying fruit plate contained mangoes which “weren’t even ripe”.

Jabz also noted the first class bathroom didn’t contain a shower, which differed to previous experiences he enjoyed on other first class flights.

Onto a positive feature, he praised the “really cool” wardrobe outside first class seats which allows passengers to hang up their clothes once they’ve changed into the provided pyjamas. After returning to his seat, he noted the flight attendant had made it into a bed so he could lay down and get some rest. Jabz was pleased it was “really spacious” and said it was “one of the more comfortable cabins to sleep in”.

But his final plate of food was made up of “miscellaneous ingredients” that he wasn’t impressed by.

In the comments section, fellow Instagram users were keen to share their thoughts. One person said: “Flying first class is a personal dream that I’ll likely never achieve. Thanks BA for making me feel so much happier about not being able to afford it.”

Another quipped: “You have sufficient evidence for 70% refund.”

A third said: “These for £6,700? No thanks.”

Another added: “That is pretty shocking. That food wouldn’t be barely passable in business but First? It should be pure gourmet.”

Meanwhile others had more positive things to say about their previous experiences. One said: “Yes I fly First Class to Barbados, worth it. I love BA, thanks.”

While someone else commented: “I’ve flown BA business with the new sliding doors and it was great.”

What does BA offer in First Class?

According to BA’s website, a first class experience comes with “exceptional, elegant service”. It added: “Your own private, spacious suite, a fully flat bed with luxurious bedding.

“Delicious, indulgent fine dining. Temperley London loungewear, amenity bag and slippers. Seven-piece luxury skin and body care collection from Elemis. Access to luxurious lounges. Exclusive and dedicated service. Priority boarding.”

The airline prides itself on providing a “luxury travel experience” where you can “cross the world’s skies comfortably, enjoying excellent food”.

BA has been approached for a comment.

Amersham market town in Buckinghamshire is accessible via the Metropolitan Line and offers Cotswolds-style charm with cobblestone streets, timber-framed cottages and rolling hills

With spring now in full swing and the weather hopefully turning warmer and brighter with each passing day, it can be a real treat to escape the chaos of London and discover somewhere new. The good news is, you won’t need to venture far to find a picture-perfect market town that ‘feels like the Cotswolds‘.

Travel-loving couple The Weeshas regularly take to Instagram to share their top tips for exciting places to explore, whether closer to home or further afield. If you’re stuck for ideas on where to head for a day trip, the duo have shared footage from their visit to a charming little town that’s reachable via the London Underground, yet feels worlds away from the capital.

“This charming town is 50 minutes from London by tube,” they wrote on the video, which featured clips of the stunning-looking destination.

They also added in the post’s caption: “Nope, that’s not the Cotswolds. You can visit the English countryside without leaving the London Underground map.”

The footage went on to reveal a courtyard complete with a clocktower, framed by a beautiful border of blooming flowers. It then cut to a shot of a bridge, its wooden fence adorned with an array of plants and flowers. The video also showcased a stunning fountain, cobblestone streets, timber-framed cottages, and a river winding its way through the village.

So where exactly is this picturesque market town, and how do you get there? The couple explained: “Just hop on the Metropolitan Line and in under an hour, you’ll arrive in Amersham, the last stop on the line – and one of England’s most charming villages, with cobblestone streets, timber-framed cottages, cosy pubs, and rolling Chiltern hills.”

Nestled in the Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire, Amersham is a market town and civil parish situated 27 miles northwest of central London. You may well recognise it, even if you’ve never set foot there before.

The town has earned quite a reputation for its appearances in well-known films and television programmes, from Four Weddings and a Funeral to Midsomer Murders and Cuckoo.

Made up of two distinct areas – Old Amersham and Amersham-on-the-Hill – the town’s history stretches back to pre-Anglo-Saxon times, even earning a mention in the Domesday Book of 1086.

So what’s there to do in Amersham that makes it worth the trip? You can take a leisurely stroll through Old Amersham, perusing boutique shops and antique stores. Weather permitting, a walk through the Old Amersham memorial gardens is a must, along with a visit to St Mary’s Church, which dates back to around 1140 A.D.

When hunger strikes, the travelling duo suggest grabbing a meal at The Crown Inn or The Kings Arms, which featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral.

“This makes for a slow, scenic, and budget-friendly day trip from London,” they wrote in their post’s caption. To reach the destination, just hop on the Metropolitan Line from Baker Street to Amersham Station (Zone 9). A return ticket will set you back roughly £10.

A travel enthusiast has praised the unique and picturesque town as looking straight out of a fairytale with its colourful thatched cottages and an all-year Christmas shop

While we all love our home comforts, sometimes it’s nice to get away and discover somewhere new. And this picturesque town might be the perfect destination for a spring getaway.

With a plethora of travel options available to reach other countries or destinations within the UK, deciding where to go can be a challenge. However, one travel enthusiast named Dani, from London, has recently sung the praises of a charming UK town that looks almost as if it’s out of the pages of a fairytale.

Dani frequently shares her favourite hidden gems discovered during her UK travels with her 13,100 followers on Instagram, where she goes by the handle ‘dani.inlondon’. One of her latest travel spots seemed as if it had leapt right off the pages of a storybook.

“Fairytale cottages, an all-year Christmas shop, and a place that feels straight out of Beauty and the Beast… this is Shanklin,” Dani wrote at the beginning of the caption for her video post about the town on the Isle of Wight.

In the video, Dani can be seen meandering through the quaint, winding streets of the town, which are lined with old, yet vibrant cottages boasting thatched roofs making up most of the high street, including the Christmas shop she mentioned.

There are also numerous routes to explore, with some leading down to the sea, while others take you to cafes and restaurants where you can savour a meal while admiring the stunning landscape.

“You’ve got the beach just down the road, the famous Shanklin Chine to explore, and so many little spots to stop for coffee or cream tea along the way,” Dani elaborated.

She continued: “If you’re looking for the perfect spring getaway that feels a bit different, this is definitely one to add to your list.”

And Dani wasn’t alone in her sentiment, as the comment section of the video quickly filled with users expressing their surprise and delight about the Isle of Wight town.

“What a cute place,” one person wrote, while another remarked: “Aww this place is so gorgeous, absolutely beautiful.”

A third person said: “Ohh such a cute place, looks amazing.”

How to get to Shanklin

If you’re keen to visit this enchanting town, there are several ways to reach it. You could opt for a drive down to Portsmouth Harbour, followed by a 20-minute ferry ride to the Isle of Wight. Upon arrival at Ryde Pier Head, simply continue the 20-minute drive down to Shanklin.

If driving isn’t your prefered mode of transport, you can also catch a train directly to Portsmouth Harbour. This makes it easy for you to access the ferry, which will be included in the train fare if you book your journey directly to Shanklin.

Upon reaching Ryde, simply make your way to the train station for the final part of your trip, a 22-minute train ride to Shanklin.

The Grammy-winning composer behind the signature opening chant in the song “Circle of Life” for “The Lion King” movies is taking a comedian to court for allegedly damaging his reputation by misrepresenting the song’s meaning on a viral podcast episode.

In a federal lawsuit filed this month seeking millions in damages, Lebohang Morake, known as Lebo M, accused Zimbabwean comedian Learnmore Jonasi of intentionally botching the translation of the lyrics, central to both the Disney films and the musical theater adaptations.

“I’m getting sued for $27 million and to make matters worse, I got served the lawsuit while I was performing,” Jonasi said in a post on social media Tuesday. The post included a clip of the comedian performing at the Laugh Factory when a manila envelope is tossed onstage.

“Right now, I’m looking for a lawyer. … I can’t believe I’m getting sued for telling a joke. What kind of stupid world do we live in?” he added.

It all started when Jonasi’s appearance on the “One54” podcast went viral late last month. In the episode of “One54” cited in the lawsuit, one of the podcast’s Nigerian hosts, Akbar Gbajabiamila, prompts the comedian with “I heard you had a problem with the ‘Lion King,’ why?” He then breaks into song, trying his hand at the chant and butchering the delivery.

“That’s not how you sing it, don’t mess up our language like that,” Jonasi says, before singing the correct lyrics in Zulu. When the hosts ask what it means, he says it translates to: “Look, there’s a lion. Oh, my God.”

The hosts erupt with laughter, saying that they’d always thought the chant was something more “beautiful and majestic.”

Jonasi often uses the same “Lion King” bit in his stand-up routines. He translates the song’s lyrics from Zulu and Xhosa, two of South Africa’s 12 national languages, and offers a broader critique on the film.

In Season 19 of “America’s Got Talent,” the comedian won over audiences by joking about how American movies about Africa often confuse Africans, asking, “Why do the lions have American accents?”

The civil lawsuit accuses Jonasi of intentionally mocking “the chant’s cultural significance with exaggerated imitations,” according to the complaint.

Disney’s official translation of the opening phrase “Nants’ingonyama bagithi Baba” is “All hail the king, we all bow in the presence of the king.”

“Hay! baba, sizongqoba,” the chant continues. It translates to “Through you we will emerge victoriously,” according to Lebo M.

Lebo M’s lawyers acknowledged in the complaint that “ingonyama” can literally translate to “lion,” but said it’s used in the song as a “royal metaphor” that invokes kingship, and that Jonasi intentionally misrepresented “an African vocal proclamation grounded in South African tradition.”

Jonasi “received a standing ovation” for a similar joke he made about the song during a March 12 stand-up performance in Los Angeles, according to the lawsuit. Such viral statements, it says, are interfering with Lebo M’s business relationships with Disney and his income from royalties, causing more than $20 million in actual damages. The lawsuit also seeks $7 million in punitive damages.

The complaint also argues that Jonasi presented his translation “as authoritative fact, not comedy,” so it shouldn’t get the 1st Amendment protections afforded to parody and satire.

Jonasi and reps for Lebo M didn’t respond to emails seeking comment, but the two have been busy on social media, making alternating statements and sub-posting each other for weeks.

Earlier this month, Jonasi revealed that he’d been receiving threats on social media for offending his fellow Africans. “It was never my intention to disrespect anybody,” he said in the video posted to Instagram. “When I went on that podcast, my intention was actually to talk about African identity. … I’d like to apologize to anybody that I hurt. But my comedy was a way to crack open a window for a conversation.”

“I had no idea the chant from ‘The Lion King’ was a royal welcoming song … I speak a little bit of Zulu, so I directly translated the words, and I even spoke to some of my South African friends, and most of them don’t even know what it means. And the rest of the world thought it was actually gibberish.”

A few days later, Lebo M posted his own Instagram video, saying he had attempted to speak with Jonasi privately, but claimed the comedian had disrespected him. “You are riding a huge wave of going viral on negativity,” he said in the video.

“I would like to encourage you to please slow down. You have a long way to go. I wish you success, but you cannot disrespect other people’s cultures that gave you the first opportunity to start with and claim it’s comedy. … You continue making a mockery of my work … the likes and the viral things won’t be there when it’s just you.”

After exchanging a few more public statements via Instagram, Jonasi was served with court papers.

He shared the news online and announced he’s selling merchandise and launching a GoFundMe to raise money for his defense. The shirts and hoodies for sale feature two different designs — one reads “Look it’s a lion,” and the other “Look it’s a lawsuit, Oh, my God.” As of Friday afternoon, Jonasi’s GoFundMe raised more than $17,000.

The tense situation seemed to be cooling on Friday morning, when Lebo M posted a lengthy statement to Instagram signaling a shift from an impending courtroom showdown to what his team is calling a “white flag moment.”

According to the post, Lebo M’s team has contacted Jonasi to “explore the possibility of a structured settlement.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Tom Skinner, an entrepreneur who was on The Apprentice in 2019, appeared on Question Time in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, which featured a debate about social media giants

TV personality Tom Skinner squirmed under interrogation from Fiona Bruce during a showdown about social media on Question Time.

The presenter of the topical debate programme accused Mr Skinner, 35, of being “part of the problem” amid the debate around the pros and cons of apps, such as TikTok and Instagram. The entrepreneur regularly posts videos to his 536,000 TikTok followers, including clips of him eating full English breakfasts at his favourite café. He told Question Time he also makes money by promoting products on Instagram, TikTok and other apps.

But Ms Bruce fronted him on his use of the platforms, suggesting he himself was actually playing into the challenges young people and their parents face with social media. Meta and Google were this week found liable for causing addiction in users in a landmark £2.2million legal case, which led to last night’s debate around how they government should help protect children from such addiction.

Addressing Mr Skinner, the host said: “As you said, you are benefiting from social media, you make part of your living that way and, part of the reason you are able to do so is because of the addictive algorithms that will push people towards yours (social media content)… It is giving you a platform, and job opportunities come your way because of it. In the nicest possible way, you are part of the problem.”

The remark led to a wry smile from Justice Minister Jake Richards, also on the panel in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. Dad-of-three Mr Skinner hesitated as he answered, eventually insisting his videos are harmless.

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Ms Bruce, presenter of the programme since 2019, said: “How can you on the one hand say ‘people shouldn’t be doing it so much’ but, on the other hand, you are benefiting from it?” It left the entrepreneur stuttering again, before he went on to stress the importance of the roles parents should play in protecting children.

“It’s bad. It’s bad when people sit on their phone all day. I’ve seen it myself. I’ve done it myself, I sometimes know I’ve got to be up in four hours and I’ve sat there and I’ve scrolled my brains through, watching absolute nonsense,” Mr Skinner, from Romford, east London, said.

Other panellists defended Mr Skinner, arguing his clips are innocent and “do not drive the worst of the algorithms”. The case this week heard Meta and Google both were negligent in the design or operation of their platforms — including the “infinite scroll” feature that was claimed to trigger addiction in users.

The jury also decided each company’s negligence was a major factor in causing harm to a 20-year-old woman, who says her use of social media as a child addicted her to the technology and worsened her mental health struggles.

Both firms have strongly rejected the verdict and plan to appeal. Meta said: “We respectfully disagree with the verdict and are evaluating our legal options”. A spokesperson for Google added: “This case misunderstands YouTube, which is a responsibly built streaming platform, not a social media site.”

Security guard Pascal Duvier, most recently infamous for allegedly scolding 11-year-old Ada Law at a hotel in São Paulo, is clearing the air.

Duvier issued a statement on Instagram on Wednesday night following four days of back-and-forth social media claims from soccer star Jorginho, his wife, Catherine Harding (singer-songwriter Cat Cavelli), and pop star Chappell Roan, who denied involvement in an incident that left Ada (the biological daughter of Jude Law and Harding) in tears ahead of her birthday celebration.

As a result of the controversy, speculation around Roan’s treatment of her fans has flooded social media for days. The “Hot to Go!” hitmaker has been vocal in the past about setting boundaries with fans and paparazzi, as well as her complicated relationship with fame.

Duvier, who insists he was not working for Roan at the time of the incident, began his statement saying that he does not normally address online rumors, “but the accusations currently circulating are false and constitute defamation.”

“I take full responsibility for the interactions on March 21st,” he wrote. “I was at the hotel on behalf of another individual, and I was not part of the personal security team of Chappell Roan.

“The actions I took were not on behalf of Chappell Roan, her personal security team, her management, or any other individuals. I made a judgment call based on information we obtained from the hotel, events I had witnessed in the days prior and the heightened overall security risk of our location. My sole interaction with the mother was calm and with good intentions, and the outcome of the encounter is regretful.”

Roan headlined Lollapalooza Brazil over the weekend, and Jorginho was in attendance along with his wife and stepchild. While there, the footballer said the 11-year-old (whom he did not name) thought she spotted the pop star at their São Paulo hotel.

The girl passed by Roan’s table “to confirm it was her, smiled, and went back to sit with her mum. She didn’t say anything, didn’t ask for anything,” he wrote.

Jorginho alleged that, after the girl sat down, a “large security guard” interrupted their breakfast to scold them. The guard allegedly told Harding “she shouldn’t allow [her] daughter to ‘disrespect’ or ‘harass’ other people.”

The girl was “extremely shaken and cried a lot,” said Jorginho, a player for the Brazilian club Flamengo whose legal name is Jorge Luiz Frello Filho.

On Sunday, Roan responded on Instagram, seemingly baffled by the swirling controversy. She insisted the guard was not her personal security and that no one had approached her.

“I did not ask the security guard to go up and talk to this mother and child. … They did not come up to me. They weren’t doing anything.

“I do not hate people who are fans of my music. I do not hate children.”

Three days ago Harding also responded to the brouhaha, posting her own video on Instagram in an attempt to bring some clarity following Roan’s statement. “So 100% this security guard was not a security guard of the hotel, that’s what I can say,” she said. “He looks after artists.

“So I don’t know if it was her personal security guard, but he was with her. So that is all I know. Did she send him to do it? Again, I don’t know.”

Duvier, a “protection specialist” and martial artist, according to his Instagram bio, worked for Kim Kardashian in 2016.

Times Deputy Editor Amy Hubbard contributed to this report.

Nate McFall has spent the past six years travelling the globe curating tourism content for social media, but he says a cold North East beach town is still one of his favourite places

A globetrotter who has dedicated the last six years to travelling the world claims the finest destination he’s discovered is a “cold little beach town” in the North East of England.

Nate McFall, whose videos focus on highlighting unusual accommodation and travel adventures, posted on Instagram where he admitted there’s nowhere quite like home.

“I spent six years travelling the world, and yet somehow this is still one of my favourite places I have ever been,” he opened in a clip filmed on the shoreline. “I didn’t realise when I left, but this place shaped me in more ways than I can explain.”

While he may have visited Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia recently, Nate maintains this chilly North East coastal spot still “hits different” whenever he returns.

“It was actually here about eight years ago that I tried surfing for the first time,” he went on, displaying a photograph from the moment in 2018.

“It was cold – like properly cold – but something shifted in me that day because if I could surf in the freezing cold North Sea, what else is possible?”

Nate admitted that throughout his journeys he had been “chasing something” he’d already discovered.

“This is Tynemouth,” he revealed. “A small coastal town, but it’s full of life. Wherever you look, people are enjoying this place running along the seafront, swimming in the sea and surfing.”

Nate also pointed out the wealth of coffee shops dotted around the town, noting that at weekends, Tynemouth’s Victorian railway station “turns into a bustling market” of people selling “delicious food, crafts and handmade trinkets.”

The traveller also declared Tynemouth home to the “best chip shop in England”. He made his way back down towards the beach to show the reasons why.

“It’s served out of what is basically a shipping container [called The View],” he explained. “There’s a fresh sea breeze and with fishcake in hand, I top it off by looking at 1,000 year old ruins [Tynemouth Priory and Castle] right next to me.”

Nate concluded by stating he’s utterly convinced the UK possesses beauty that countless people fail to appreciate.

Enjoying a chilli fish empanada from Riley’s Fish Shack, he closed: “It’s proof that you don’t always need palm trees or plane tickets. Some of the most unreal places are right here on our doorstep.”

Writing in response, one Instagram user enthused: “I love this – I’m from Whitley Bay and am a wild swimmer so am always at the beach when I visit home. It’s such a special place.”

A second person declared: “Love Tynemouth and Riley’s fish shack, on a summers night as it gets a little chillier, sitting around one of the fire pits with friends is such a good way to finish a weekend.”

A third commented: “Love this. I am in New Zealand. So many beautiful places in the world. No country has the title of best place. Tynemouth looks cool. I will visit it now when I next visit UK.”

And a fourth person praised: “Thanks Nate. Spent many lovely days at Tynemouth as a child. Haven’t been back in 50 years since my family moved to Florida, USA. But still have fabulous memories. Thanks so much for reminding me.”

Carly Rae Jepsen is officially in her mother era.

The Grammy-nominated “Call Me Maybe” pop star and her husband, music producer Cole M.G.N., welcomed their first child together months after tying the knot last fall. Jepsen, 40, revealed the arrival of her little one on Instagram.

“Last 2 weeks have been the best of my life,” the Canadian singer-songwriter captioned a photo shared to her Instagram story on Tuesday. The photo, a mirror selfie, shows Jepsen all smiles in a leopard-print bucket hat, white shirt and black shorts as she cradles her child, who wears a green-striped onesie.

“Welcome to the world little one,” Jepsen wrote.

“Run Away With Me” singer Jepsen and music producer Cole M.G.N. — whose full name is Cole Marsden Greif-Neil — exchanged their vows in late October at the Chelsea Hotel in New York, three years after striking up a romance in 2022. A month later, Jepsen announced she and her husband were expecting.

“Oh hi baby,” she captioned a set of baby-bump-baring photos shared to Instagram in November. In the tender maternity shoot, Jepsen cradles her bump in bed alongside Marsden Greif-Neil. Jepsen continued posting on Instagram about her maternity journey with fans, in January posting photos from the beach, from home and from fitting rooms as she spoke about finding a lullaby for her child-to-be.

On Tuesday, she channeled a Frankie Valli classic to express her “Emotion” about being a mother: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

Last year, Jepsen celebrated 10 years of her cult-favorite album “Emotion,” the follow-up to her 2012 smash hit “Call Me Maybe.” She celebrated the milestone with a lively anniversary concert in August at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, featuring celebrity guests and moments of reflection.

“I had brought a little suitcase, and I kept calling my parents and saying, ‘Send more clothes!’” Jepsen said, recalling her move to Los Angeles from her native Canada when she was 26. “Five years later, I was like, I think I live here now. I’m very happy to say L.A. has become my home.”

Pop music critic Mikael Wood contributed to this report.

“Lanterns” co-creator Damon Lindelof is setting the record straight: “Green is f— awesome.”

The prolific TV writer, who is an executive producer on the upcoming HBO Max superhero drama, addressed the backlash against comments he previously made about the Green Lantern show’s title in a lengthy apology posted to Instagram on Monday.

“I made a dumb joke on a comedy podcast,” the “Lost” showrunner wrote in the caption accompanying a photo of him wearing a very green T-shirt with the Green Lantern symbol at his first Comic-Con appearance. “I’m not going to bob and weave about context, the joke was dumb, the fandom is not. I owe them an explanation and a genuine reflection of my actual feelings.”

The joke in question was made during his appearance on a 2024 episode of “Pod Save America” co-host Jon Lovett’s “Lovett or Leave It” podcast. “It’s called ‘Lanterns’ because we all agreed that the ‘Green’ was stupid,” Lindelof said when the host brought up the upcoming TV show.

These remarks were resurfaced recently after the first “Lanterns” teaser was released earlier this month and some fans noticed a lack of green. The uproar gained enough steam that even comic book great Grant Morrison noticed. Morrison, the writer of a Green Lantern comics series from 2018 to 2021, then addressed the situation in a Sunday Substack post calling Lindelof out directly and questioning why he even took the “Lanterns” job.

“Why does a writer attach himself to this kind of narrative if he thinks it’s fundamentally ‘stupid’?” wrote Morrison. “What is this jockish dismissal of superhero conventions intended to prove anyway? Does Lindelof imagine it makes him seem less nerdy? … The only people who give a [f—] about the ‘Lanterns’ TV series are Green Lantern fans. Why alienate them at the start? That feels more like ‘stupid.’”

Lindelof acknowledged Morrison’s criticism and owned up to his faux pas before sharing just how much Hal Jordan — one of the Green Lanterns who will be featured in the series — meant to him growing up.

“For a quiet, uncoordinated kid, there was nothing cooler than a hero whose superpower was his imagination,” Lindelof wrote in his social media apology. “And green is not stupid, it is my lifelong favorite color and I have a questionnaire that I filled out in third grade to prove it.”

“More importantly, it would be a betrayal to everyone I worked for and alongside to say anything other than I was absolutely honored to be a part of the team that manifested the incredible construct that is Lanterns … because it was,” he added. “I was sloppy and careless with my words, ironic considering I care so much about Hal, John and the entire Corps. I can and will do better to be worthy of the oath. … [U]ntil then, I’ll let the show speak for itself and I can’t wait for you all to hear what it has to say.”

Among those sending Lindelof some love in the comments of his Instagram post were “Superman” actor Nathan Fillion, whose Green Lantern Corps member Guy Gardner is set to appear in “Lanterns,” as well as DC Studios boss James Gunn.

“The joke was funny. No harm, no foul! Keep up the great work, we appreciate you!” wrote Fillion, who included a green glove emoji in his message. Gunn was more succinct, showing his support with just a green heart emoji.

“Lanterns,” about superpowered intergalactic cops, will follow new recruit John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) and veteran Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) as they investigate a murder. Co-created by Lindelof, Tom King and showrunner Chris Mundy, the series will premiere in August.

Kiki Shepard, the actor and entertainer best known for co-hosting the syndicated variety show “Showtime at the Apollo,” has died. She was 74.

LaShirl Smith, a representative for Shepard, confirmed her client’s death, writing in an Instagram post Tuesday that the loss “hurts an awful lot.” Shepard died Monday in Los Angeles after a heart attack, Smith confirmed to TMZ. On Tuesday, Smith honored Shepard with a video collage of their shared moments over the years, lamenting she will no longer be able to speak with her friend “three/four times a day everyday at least for an hour or two.”

“Rest easy cousin, heaven got a good one,” Smith said in her post.

The Texas native, born in July 1951, co-hosted “Showtime at the Apollo” from 1987 to 2002. During her tenure, she shared the stage with a variety of co-hosts including Steve Harvey, Sinbad and Mo’Nique, introducing a range of musical acts at the historic theater in Harlem. The Apollo honored Shepard on its marquee Tuesday, remembering her as a “true Apollo legend.”

“Together, [the hosts] carried the electrifying spirit of our legendary stage into living rooms across the nation, introducing rising stars, celebrating icons, and making millions feel Harlem from wherever they were,” the theater said on Instagram, “reminding the world that we have always been a place where Black excellence takes center stage.”

More than a host, Shepard had an entertainment career that included TV appearances — among them “Baywatch,” “A Different World,” “NYPD Blue” and “Grey’s Anatomy” — and a handful of stints as a choreographer. An alumna of what was then called North Texas State University and Howard University, Shepard also had a minor role in “The Wiz.”

Her television credits include “Thunder in Paradise,” “Baywatch Nights,” “Family Law,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and the 2025 series “Highly Favored.” Shepard also pursued a career on stage, appearing in Broadway productions of “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” “Reggae” and “Porgy and Bess.”

Beyond entertainment, Shepard devoted herself to raising awareness for sickle cell anemia after a friend died of the affliction. In 2006, she founded the Kis Foundation, an organization that seeks to support sickle cell disease patients and their families, following years of other advocacy efforts.

“KiKi believed that compassion, community, and education could change lives. Her voice uplifted countless individuals who often felt unseen, and her work created lasting pathways for hope, resources, and understanding for those living with this disease,” Shepard’s family said in a statement to ABC7.

To daytime talk show host Sherri Shepherd, the beloved “Showtime at the Apollo” personality “was the life of every party” who had a welcoming and warm presence.

“Kiki I am devastated that you are gone, but I am rejoicing because you LIVED and you lived boldly and joyfully,” the “Sherri” host wrote in an Instagram tribute.

“Your love of God was evident and I know you are having a ball up there,” she added.

Mo’Nique and Jackée Harry also honored Shepard’s life and legacy on Instagram. “Rest easy, my dear sweet friend,” comedian Harry said, “I’ll carry you with me always.”

MICHELLE Keegan melted hearts when she shared an adorable photo of her and daughter Palma wearing matching pyjamas.

The mum-of-one, 38, shares one-year-old Palma with her husband Mark Wright, 39, after welcoming the tot last year.

Former Coronation Street actress Michelle looked every inch the proud mum, as she beamed in the photo.

The Fool Me Once star posted the sweet snap on her Instagram Stories last night.

In the heartwarming photo, which is to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, Michelle is seen posing in matching nightwear with her mum Jacqueline and daughter Palma.

The trio looked adorable all wearing the same PJs that were cream with flowers on them.

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Michelle smiled in the photo, as Palma was seen with her back to the camera and trying to climb up on her mum.

The star wrote on the sweet snap: “Two mummies and a baby.

“How cuuuuute are these PJs from my @veryuk collection??? Perfect for Mother’s Day to match all the generations.”

The latest photo comes just days after Michelle and husband Mark threw a very extravagant first birthday party for Palma last weekend.

To celebrate their only child turning one, they hosted a pink-themed bash for the young tot at their £3.5 million mansion.

No expense was spared, and there was yummy food and drinks for party-goers to enjoy.

There was a themed cocktail bar serving “Palma Tinis”, with vodka, raspberry liqueurs and pineapple juice, and pink gin refreshers called “Bubbly First Birthday”.

Outside in the couple’s huge garden, there was a large marquee which had an inflatable balloon dome, a bouncy slide, and seating areas. 

The couple have kept their firstborn largely out of the spotlight, hiding her face from social media snaps to maintain her privacy.

Michelle and Mark shared the arrival of Palma last year: “Together we have a new love to share… Our little girl.

“Palma Elizabeth Wright 06.03.25.”

There are two very sweet reasons behind both monikers, with the couple having strong links to Mallorca, which is where they announced their pregnancy news to fans.

Palma is the capital of the Mediterranean island.

The couple consider it their “second home”, making no secret it is their “favourite place” to holiday.

Meanwhile, the couple chose Elizabeth for their daughter’s middle name as a tribute to Michelle’s great-great grandmother.