IF YOU told me there was a place that had the streets of Paris but in England, I wouldn’t believe you.
But there is, and after years of living in London, New York and Los Angeles, I decided to move back to the storied cosmopolis that is Canterbury.
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Canterbury has been named the best small city in the UK by The TelegraphCredit: Sarah Ivens
Canterbury has just been named the best small city in the UK by The Telegraph, and it isn’t hard to see why.
With a wealth of glorious green spaces, museums, ‘traditional meets trendy’ pubs, inviting restaurants and unique shops, the UNESCO World Heritage Site city in The Garden of England leaves me with a grateful heart.
I first fell in love with its cobbled, meandering streets and willowy riverbank walks as a student at the university here in the 1990s, where I met my husband.
When we finally decided it was time to bring our family home to the UK after two decades living in the US, there was only one place on our list.
And three years after our return, I still get a buzz walking past the hodgepodge of medieval taverns and churches immortalised in the novels of one of the city’s biggest fans, Charles Dickens.
Here’s my insider guide to get the best out of this glorious city, whether you’re coming for the day or a week.
Canterbury technically invented tourism when it started making the most of the martyrdom of Saint Thomas Becket, who was murdered in the cathedral in 1170, encouraging people to travel to the site for miracles and blessings, and stay for the fine ale and feasts.
Today, the UK’s oldest cathedral and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican community, is still a beautiful place to spend a peaceful few hours.
You can admire the breathtaking stained-glass windows, gawp at the tombs of The Black Prince and Henry IV, or explore the wildflower gardens that surround the Gothic cloisters.
And with the first female archbishop in the cathedral’s 1400-year history being enthroned this month, there’s never been a more meaningful time to visit.
Tickets start from £18 per person and include exhibitions, mini talks and activity trails.
Under 18s can go free when accompanied by one paying adult (max two children per adult).
Social media had recently been alive with comparisons between Canterbury and Paris, thanks to both cities’ abundance of pavement cafes and tree-lined streets.
The cities are only being 177 miles apart and my car even picks up French radio stations.
“For me, Canterbury feels like a tiny English version of a Paris arrondissement… a storybook full of historic wonders,” agreed my friend Marie, a Parisian who has called Canterbury home for the last five years.
Canterbury feels like a tiny English version of a Paris arrondissementCredit: Sarah Ivens
“I fell in love with its quirky tea rooms, independent boutiques, traditional pubs and cathedral bells.
“Plus, this place has really friendly locals, who are way more welcoming and laid-back than the people you will find in most French cities!”
For the best of France right here in England, wander The King’s Mile and pop to local gourmands for sweet treats, including Madame Oiseau Chocolatiers for handmade truffles.
Or head into Café Turquoise for delicately fragrant macaroons, and there’s A. T. Patisserie as well, which has inventive eclairs that make your mouth scream hallelujah.
There is even a famous haunted Crooked House BookshopCredit: Sarah Ivens
Our shopping definitely compares in originality to the greatest global metropolises.
From the rare gems waiting to be discovered in the infamously wonky and haunted Crooked House Bookshop (where every penny made goes to support a local charity, Catching Lives), to the made-and-glazed-onsite teapots designed by a husband-and-wife team in Canterbury Pottery.
Another spot worth exploring is The Goods Shed – an indoor farmer’s market which boasts farm-fresh soups and stews.
Thanks to Canterbury having the UK’s biggest student-to-resident ratio, the vintage shops are abundant and full of quirky finds.
Check out the Cathedral Quarter’s Superstore, Retro Remix and Karma too.
You’ll leave with a head full of history and a bag full of pre-loved treasures for much less than you’d pay in a bigger city.
Every penny the bookshop makes goes to charityCredit: Sarah Ivens
Spring is the perfect time to visit, thanks to its plethora of free parks and gardens.
Toddler’s Cove is an action-packed mecca for the under-eight-year-olds, which is just along from Westgate Gardens, with its award-winning flower displays and views of 12th-century towers – the oldest surviving gateway in the country.
Inside the towers is now a museum, escape room and a kid-friendly restaurant called The Pound (don’t miss the spicy chicken sandwich).
Entrance to the old gaol (jail) museum is free with every meal.
After people-watching on the patio, walk past the controversial new statue of a drowning Ophelia (Shakespeare was inspired to write her character after being transfixed with a similar local scandal).
It is next to The Guildhall – where a young Mozart performed – which houses a great coffee shop.
You can also jump onboard a chauffeured punt for a dreamy historic tour along the River Stour.
Back on dry land, head to local boyOrlando Bloom’s favourite restaurant, Café des Amies, which serves the best Tex-Mex I’ve ever tasted (and I lived in Austin for seven years).
If you’re up for more action, rent your own paddleboard or kayak from Canoe Wild for a sunset paddle along the river to gaze upon the resident beavers (from £40 per person).
You can go on a chauffeured punt for a dreamy historic tour tooCredit: Alamy
The brand-new Canterbury Tales Experience is a state-of-the-art interactive, immersive journey through the stories of Geoffrey Chaucer – with holograms and actors, sounds and smells of the 13th century.
The experience ends up in a pub too, where you can meet the Father of English Literature himself.
A family ticket for two adults, three kids costs £60.
Other cultural must-dos include the Roman Museum, which gives a family friendly insight into life in Roman Britain, built around the remains of an original Roman
Another option is Town House, which is complete with stunning mosaics (Adults, £11; children £5.50) and the free Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, which hosts workshops, art shows and exhibitions for all ages throughout the year.
It is also the home of a few of Canterbury’s most beloved fictional characters, including Rupert the Bear and Bagpuss.
Live Nation has reached a settlement with the Justice Department in an antitrust case that put the entertainment giant at risk of being separated from Ticketmaster.
The ticket vendor’s settlement offer was announced, in a court hearing on Monday, less than a week after the long-awaited trial began. With pending approval from the judge, Live Nation will have to pay damages to the suing states and allow competitors to sell tickets on its platform. Media reports have said the company agreed to pay more than $200 million as part of the settlement.
The settlement caught Judge Arun Subramanian off guard. He said no one informed him of the tentative deal until late Sunday, even though a term sheet for a possible settlement was signed on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
A 12-person jury was seated last Tuesday in a Manhattan federal courthouse and the trial had reached witness testimony by the end of last week. The complaint was filed in 2024, when the federal government, 39 states including California and the District of Columbia, alleged that Live Nation and Ticketmaster have monopolies in various aspects of the live music industry, such as concert promotion, venue operations, artist management and ticketing services.
Live Nation could not immediately be reached for a comment.
Many of the large monopoly claims were thrown out during a pretrial hearing last month, including an allegation that Live Nation’s industry power raises ticket prices and harms consumers. But the new settlement offers major structural changes to the company’s ticketing services.
If the trial judge approves the settlement, the Beverly Hills-based company will have to open parts of its platform to rival ticketing operators. This means third-party sellers like SeatGeek could list tickets and have access to Ticketmaster’s technology.
Another key claim in the lawsuit concerned Ticketmaster’s alleged exclusivity contracts, which required artists who booked Live Nation-owned venues to also use its ticketing services. The settlement now limits these contracts to four years and allows venues to place a number of its tickets on competing platforms.
The original lawsuit also argued that Live Nation manages more than 400 artists and controls more than 265 venues in North America — all while Ticketmaster simultaneously controls around 80% of the primary ticket marketplace and is increasing its involvement in the resale market. Under the pending legal agreement, Live Nation would have to divest more than 10 of its venues and Ticketmaster would also have to cap service fees at 15%.
Serona Elton, attorney and interim vice dean at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, said this outcome can be understood in two ways — it’s either a win that addresses anti-competitive behaviors or a deal that does not go far enough.
“It is important to understand that it is not illegal to be a monopoly and control a large portion of the market,” said Elton in a statement. “What is illegal is the use of anti-competitive tactics. In analyzing the settlement, the question to ask is if it does enough to address the alleged tactics and the harm they may have caused.”
Elton added that venues could benefit from these adjustments, but “music fans should not think this is going to bring ticket prices down to an affordable level as there are other causes behind the sky-high ticket prices.”
Stephen Parker, the executive director of the National Independent Venue Association, similarly expressed some skepticism about the potential settlement.
“The reported settlement does not appear to include any specific and explicit protections for fans, artists, or independent venues and festivals,” he said in a statement.
“Reported details also indicate that ticket resale platforms could be further empowered through new requirements for Ticketmaster to host their listings, which would likely exacerbate the price gouging potential for predatory resellers and the platforms that serve them,” Parker added . “If these facts are true, NIVA views this as a failure of the justice system.”
A settlement could mark the potential end to one of the major legal battles Live Nation is facing. The company is also being sued by the Federal Trade Commission and is dealing with a handful of class-action lawsuits from groups of concertgoers.
After the news of the settlement broke, Live Nation’s stock jumped over 5% to $164.03.
The Island Bakery in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is hiring two production staff members, with the job offering a two-bed flat and a salary of £22,000-£24,000
Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer
07:50, 09 Mar 2026
This remote Scottish island is looking for a new baker(Image: Getty)
Anyone seeking a remote relocation with some baking know-how might find their dream opportunity on a stunning Scottish island. The Island Bakery in Tobermory, situated on the wild Isle of Mull, is recruiting two production staff members – and the position includes a two-bedroom property.
The bakery has built quite a reputation, stocking its renowned biscuits through several upmarket stores, including Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. According to the job advert, the salary ranges from £22,000-£24,000, with minimal experience necessary, making it ideal for anyone wanting to swap hectic urban living for a more peaceful existence – so it could be time to refresh that CV.
Two shift patterns are available: 2pm to midnight, Monday to Thursday, or 6am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.
The posting has gained traction online because it includes a two-person flat, as job vacancies offering accommodation on the Isle of Mull are relatively uncommon.
The bakery has made clear it will favour candidates prepared to share the flat, given the accommodation is suited for two occupants. Those with a partner or mate also keen to move may stand a stronger chance of securing the role.
With a population of merely 900 residents, Tobermory is genuinely isolated, with the journey from Glasgow typically requiring a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Oban, followed by a 45-minute ferry crossing to Craignure and then an additional 35-minute drive to reach the village.
Lonely Planet highlighted its “cinematic scenery” and “distinct wildlife,” acknowledging that whilst it may lack Mediterranean sunshine, the village still boasts stunning landscapes and exceptional seafood.
The island’s remarkable wildlife includes golden and white-tailed eagles, minke whales, and basking sharks, all of which you might spot frequently if you choose to relocate to this beautiful village.
To apply for this job, visit the listing at hijobs.net.
And brunch lovers won’t miss out either as there will be Reggae Brunch and Maggi Brunch.
There will be family-friendly daytime sessions in the summer too.
When it comes to grabbing a tipple at the venue, guests will be able to choose from a number of speciality bars.
One bar will be the Casamigos ‘House of Friends’ and another will be Hotel Milano, centred on the much-loved Italian aperitivo concept.
Hotel Milano will also form part of the new Brixton Cocktail Club.
Each Thursday, the venue will host South of the South as well, which is a collaboration with Cross The Tracks Festival and includes jazz, funk and soul music.
The line-up for the opening of the venue will include reggae musician Davis Rodigan on May 9.
Laurence Guy will then perform house music on May 16 and on May 30, Ghosts of Garage will take over the rooftop.
In total, 50 jobs will be created as well and the venue aims to also host grassroots events, youth programmes and charity fundraisers.
Dan Morris, Managing Director of Freight Island, said: “Freight Brixton is an incredible rooftop in the heart of South London and will be a place for locals and the city beyond to come together and enjoy themselves with the best food, drink and music.
“I cannot wait for us to get this open – we have seen what creating these kinds of spaces can do for a community in Manchester, and we are all very excited to build something just as special in Brixton.”
Freight Island already has a destination in Manchester, located near Piccadilly Station.
And another new destination was recently announced for Leeds, inside the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.
In addition to street-style food stalls and independent bars, there will also be an outdoor terrace which will look over City Square.
If you are looking for more rooftop venues to explore in the capital, here’s London’s best rooftop bars including one that feels more like Mykonos.
As part of its case, the DOJ has accused Live Nation of requiring artists to use its promotional services when they play a Live Nation-owned venue. Because so many venues are owned by the company, the government claims Live Nation’s alleged practices are anti-competitive.
Jury selection began Monday in a New York federal court and opening statements are expected Tuesday for the complaint first filed in 2024. Since then, the antitrust case against the Beverly Hills-based company has been streamlined — examining whether Live Nation uses illegal anti-competitive practices and whether the company and Ticketmaster should be broken up.
Live Nation’s presidents Michael Rapino and Joe Berchtold, executives from competing companies like Anschutz Entertainment Group and Irving Azoff, the former Ticketmaster CEO, are expected to testify. Musicians like Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons and entertainer Kid Rock could also take the stand.
Key claims in the lawsuit
The original lawsuit led by a cadre of interested parties including the federal government, 39 states and the District of Columbia alleged that Live Nation and its subsidiary Ticketmaster have monopolies in various aspects of the live music industry, such as concert promotion, venue operations, artist management and ticketing services.
The lawsuit states that Live Nation manages over 400 artists and controls more than 265 venues in North America. Ticketmaster simultaneously controls around 80% of the primary ticket marketplace and is also increasing its involvement in the resale market.
Many of the large monopoly claims were thrown out during a pretrial hearing with Judge Subramanian last month, including an allegation that Live Nation’s industry power raises ticket prices and harms consumers.
The claim with arguably the greatest potential impact centers on whether Live Nation should own Ticketmaster. The two companies merged in 2010, a move that has frequently been considered controversial. Beyond the ownership of Ticketmaster, the DOJ claims Live Nation forces venues to sign exclusive contracts with Ticketmaster, barring the inclusion of other ticket vendors.
“For over a decade, Ticketmaster and Live Nation have promised reform, but meaningful competition has remained out of reach. The industry now stands at an inflection point: restore a competitive marketplace that supports innovation, or allow the status quo to continue narrowing options for American consumers,” Dustin Brighton of the Coalition for Ticket Fairness said in a statement.
“Yet the very competitors that could check this monopoly and restore balance are routinely boxed out by restrictive practices that limit innovation and reduce consumer options,” Brighton added.
“Calling Ticketmaster a monopoly may be a PR win for the DOJ in the short term, but it will lose in court because it ignores the basic economics of live entertainment,” wrote Live Nation in a previous statement.
Next steps after the trial
If Live Nation loses the trial, the judge will decide how the company should be restructured, which could mean selling Ticketmaster to a competitor. Live Nation maintains the right to appeal such a decision, if it materializes, and take the matter to a higher court.
“If the court finds Live Nation violated the law, monetary penalties and behavioral commitments alone will not be sufficient,” Stephen Parker, executive director of the Independent Venue Association, said in a statement.
“The relief must be proportionate to the harm,” Parker added, “and that means structural separation of primary ticketing, resale ticketing, venue operation, national tours, advertising/sponsorship, and artist management must be seriously considered.”
Owning the smallest house in Britain comes with its fair share of history and responsibility, but the owner’s ancestor only bought it for a mere £20
It once housed a family of six(Image: PA)
Year in, year out, tourists flock to this seaside village to see what is known as Britain’s tiniest home, and day in, day out, its owner is still in shock at just how much attraction it continues to gain.
Jan Tyley inherited the little red house in Conwyn, Wales, from her mother’s cousin back in 2015, and over 10 years later, she is heading up a small business that continues to boom, all thanks to its unusually small size.
Measuring just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high, it holds the official World Record of being the smallest house within the British Isles – a phenomenon that draws in roughly 50-60,000 visitors each year.
The origins of the place sit way back in her family, when her great-great-grandfather bought it in 1891 as a letting property with a sitting tenant. Jan shared: “He was called Robert Jones, and the sitting tenant was called Robert Jones, which has created a lot of confusion over the years.”
Tenants of the past
Robert, the tenant, was a six-foot-three fisherman who was living there up until 1899, when the local council decided that it was not, in fact, a house fit for human habitation.
“I’m 5’7″, and I have to duck to go in, and I frequently forget to come out again,” Jan joked. “So you can imagine what a sore back he must have had.”
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There was no toilet, but instead a shared toilet with the cottages beside it, and so, they threatened to tear it down.
Disheartened and unsure what to do, the landlord was chatting to his friends at the pub, one of whom was the editor of the North Wales Weekly News, Roger Dawson, who suggested it may be the smallest in the country. This led them on a wild pursuit in which they travelled across the UK measuring numerous houses, after advertising the quest in newspapers.
In turn, the council agreed for it to stay put, but that nobody could actually live in it. “So being the enterprising chap, um, my great-great-grandfather said, ‘Well, I’ll turn it into a tourist attraction,'” Jan explained. In May 1900, it became a tourist attraction, and the family never looked back.
The building remains dressed as it was when it was last lived in in 1900, Jan confirmed. Unfortunately, being open to the public has meant they have seen a few items go missing over the years.
While it’s bursting with humorous stories and tales of those who once lived in this tiny abode, the reasoning for them inhabiting such an uncomfortably small space is a lot darker.
“It’s a real testament to the shortage of property in Conwy and how people wanted to live in a house of their own, because sadly the alternative was a poorhouse,” Jan explained.
“When Robert Jones, the last tenant, had to move out, that’s where he ended up. He was in the poorhouse, and sadly that’s where he died. So that’s why, although it’s tiny, people didn’t have a problem living there.”
During the 18th and 19th centuries in Wales, poorhouses were institutions designed for the less fortunate, with conditions made to be ‘prison-like’ in a bid to deter those in financial need from seeking help. Inhabitants were forced into rigid, segregated and often unsanitary living conditions, and so while the cottage was small, it was somewhere people could call their own.
According to records, there was shockingly a family of six all living within the tiny home – a mum and dad and four children. The little one’s beds were believed to be hammocks, which hooked on to the walls and sat in between the beams.
The house today
While the property remains in Jan’s hands, and with no looming threats from the council anytime soon, it continues to be a tourist attraction.
However, the one shift she has noticed in recent years is a rather unusual request, not from landlords or the council, but from YouTubers hoping to immerse themselves in the 1800s experience and share it online.
“I’ve had lots of YouTubers who say, ‘Oh, can we stay the night?’ and they think they’re the first one to think about it. Except, I probably get three or four of them a year.”
Although the house is closed during the winter, from March it is open seven days a week, from 10am right up until 4pm, and Jan has a team of people helping to keep the whole thing running.
“I have a team of eight lovely ladies who do the shift. So, we have two shifts a day. I take my turn on the door as well, but I live about half an hour’s drive away.”
Originally, Jan was living in Oxford, but after inheriting the property, she moved closer to the North Wales spot to take on its wealth of responsibilities.
But for her, it seems a worthwhile decision. She said: “It never ceases to surprise me how many people come to see it each year and from all over the world, which is amazing.
“I’m still amazed at how many people do come through our doors. We probably could get more if we were bigger, but then that wouldn’t be the point.”
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Explosions are being heard in Iran, Israel and across several Middle Eastern states after the United States and Israel began attacking Iran on Saturday.
Tehran has responded by launching waves of missiles and drones at Israel and towards several military bases in the Middle East where US forces operate.
Iran had previously warned that if it were attacked, it would respond by targeting US military facilities across the region, which it considers legitimate targets.
Which countries have been attacked?
Israel’s air force says it dropped more than 1,200 munitions across 24 of Iran’s 31 provinces over the past day in its joint attack with the US.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has launched attacks on 27 bases in the Middle East where US troops are deployed as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel.
So far, Iran has launched strikes across eight countries in the region: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Most of these attacks have been intercepted.
(Al Jazeera)
US military presence in the Middle East
The US has operated military bases in the Middle East for decades.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US operates a broad network of military sites, both permanent and temporary, across at least 19 locations in the region.
Of these, eight are permanent bases in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
As of mid-2025, there are about 40,000 to 50,000 US soldiers in the Middle East stationed in both large, permanent bases and smaller forward sites.
The countries with the most US soldiers are Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These installations serve as critical hubs for US air and naval operations, regional logistics, intelligence gathering and force projection.
(Al Jazeera)
How many people have been killed or injured?
Below are the confirmed casualties across the 10 countries that have been subject to attacks as of Sunday at 13:40 GMT.
Due to the rapidly evolving situation, all figures may change as more information becomes available.
Iran – killed: 201, injured: 747
As of Sunday morning, the Iranian Red Crescent Society and official state-linked media have reported preliminary casualty figures of 201 people killed and at least 747 injured as rescue operations continue.
Since then, explosions continue to be heard across Iran with Israel saying it has carried out a large aerial attack on the “heart of the capital”.
The deadliest single incident occurred in the city of Minab in southeastern Iran, where a strike on an elementary girls school reportedly killed at least 148 people and injured 95. The attack occurred on Saturday, and the death toll has been climbing since.
Israel – killed: 9, injured: 121
On Sunday afternoon, an Iranian ballistic missile strike on central Israel’s Beit Shemesh killed eight people and injured about 20. Rescue workers are still combing through the rubble.
Late on Saturday, one woman in the Tel Aviv area was confirmed killed after being struck by falling shrapnel.
At least 121 others have been reported injured, at least one seriously.
At least 40 buildings in Tel Aviv were damaged in Iranian strikes on Saturday, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported, citing the city government.
An explosion occurs in Tel Aviv on February 28, 2026, after Iran launched missiles into Israel [Gideon Markowicz/Reuters]
Bahrain – killed: 0, injured: 4
Iranian missiles targeted the headquarters of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain’s Juffair area.
Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior also confirmed that the country’s international airport was targeted with a drone, “resulting in material damage without loss of life”.
On Saturday night, several residential buildings in the capital, Manama, were struck by Iranian drones.
Government hospitals said four people were receiving treatment for shrapnel-related injuries.
A building was damaged in the Seef commercial district of Manama, Bahrain, on March 1, 2026, in an Iranian drone attack [Hamad Mohammed/Reuters]
Iraq – killed: 2, injured: 5
The US and Israel also targeted the Jurf al-Sakher base, also known as Jurf al-Nasr, in southern Iraq, which houses the Popular Mobilisation Forces, made up of mostly Shia fighters, and the Iran-supported Iraqi paramilitary group Kataib Hezbollah.
Iraqi state media and sources within Kataib Hezbollah confirmed that two fighters were killed in the strikes and five were wounded.
In northern Iraq‘s semiautonomous Kurdish region, where the US is reported to still have troops, several powerful explosions were reported near the US consulate and international airport in Erbil.
Air defences intercepted the drone attacks on Saturday, according to reports.
A plume of smoke rises near Erbil International Airport in Erbil, Iraq, on March 1, 2026 [Shvan Harki/AFP]
Jordan – killed: 0, injured: 0
The Jordanian armed forces reported intercepting 49 drones and ballistic missiles that entered Jordanian airspace. While their fragments caused localised property damage, there have been no deaths or injuries within the kingdom.
Kuwait – killed: 1, injured: 32
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence says Ali al-Salem Air Base came under attack by a number of ballistic missiles, all of which were intercepted by Kuwaiti air defence systems.
A drone targeted Kuwait International Airport on Saturday, resulting in minor injuries to a number of employees and limited damage to the passenger building.
On Sunday, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health said one person had been killed and 32 wounded.
Kuwait City in the aftermath of strikes by Israel and the US on Iran [Stephanie McGehee /Reuters]
Oman – killed: 0, injured: 5
On Sunday morning, the Oman News Agency, quoting a security source, said two drones had targeted the Duqm port, injuring one foreign worker.
Later, Oman’s Maritime Security Centre said a Palau-flagged oil tanker was attacked about 5 nautical miles (9km) off Oman’s Musandam governorate, injuring four people.
Qatar – killed: 0, injured: 16
As of Sunday morning, the Qatari Ministry of Interior confirmed that the number of injured was at 16 people. Most injuries were reported to be from falling shrapnel and debris with one person seriously hurt.
The Qatari Ministry of Defence confirmed that two ballistic missiles struck the Al Udeid military base, where US forces are stationed, while a drone targeted an early warning radar installation.
Qatari air defence systems, in coordination with regional partners, successfully intercepted about 65 missiles and 12 drones over Qatari airspace, it said.
The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority suspended all air navigation indefinitely. Qatar Airways grounded all flights and advised passengers that updates will be provided on Monday by 9am (06:00 GMT).
All schools have moved to remote learning, and public gatherings for Ramadan have been suspended until further notice to ensure public safety.
Saudi Arabia – killed: 0, injured: 0
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Iranian attacks targeted both the capital, Riyadh, and Eastern Province, home to major oil infrastructure and the King Abdulaziz Air Base.
The kingdom has officially reported no casualties as of Sunday afternoon.
United Arab Emirates – killed: 3, injured: 58
As of Sunday afternoon, at least three people in the UAE were confirmed killed and 58 others wounded.
A Pakistani national was killed and seven people were injured when debris from intercepted missiles and drones fell on a residential area near Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that another individual, identified as an Asian national, was killed by falling shrapnel in a residential district of the capital.
Additionally, four airport staff at Dubai International Airport sustained injuries, and four people were injured at Palm Jumeirah after a fire in a building caused by falling debris.
As of Sunday afternoon, The UAE’s Defence Ministry says it detected 165 ballistic missiles, destroying 152, and intercepted two cruise missiles.
Writer Becky Ward followed the Blue Zone principles for living a healthy life on a trip to the northern region of the Italian island of Sardinia
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This island is one of the world’s five Blue Zones(Image: Getty)
If you’re not familiar with the world’s Blue Zones, they are regions where life expectancy is higher due to the diet and lifestyle habits of the locals. Exercise, stress management and social connections are all thought to play a part, with many residents living beyond 100 years.
One such region is in Sardinia, the Italian island often referred to as the Jewel of the Mediterranean thanks to its glorious beaches and lush landscape. The Nuoro province in the mountainous centre of the island is known for its high concentration of centenarians and was at one point home to the oldest women in the world, who lived to 113. While that record has since been surpassed, Sardinia is still a place where you can embrace a healthy lifestyle, and we headed to the 7Pines Resort in the north of the island to do exactly that.
The five-star resort has that laid-back vibe that makes you relax from the moment you arrive and are handed a welcome glass of prosecco. At its centre is a double layered pool with ambient house music playing softly in the background. There are floor-to-ceiling windows in the two restaurants and the gym to give the impression of the outside flowing in.
The rooms blend seamlessly into the landscape and are decorated with natural wood and textured stone tiles, and the little extras in our deluxe room, such as complimentary flip flops and a mini freezer filled with ice to chill our drinks, made our stay here feel even more special.
Get active
We started our days with an early morning swim. As well as the main pool, there’s an adults-only pool and a sandy beach with calm waters where you can go for a dip. The resort offers an activity such as a stretch class or Pilates each morning. We were initially wary of using the gym owing to the fact that everyone can see you through the glass walls, but we quickly realised what this actually means is you have a wonderful view to accompany your workout.
Keen to stretch our legs some more, we headed out of the resort for a two-hour walk around neighbouring Baja Sardinia. Along the way – which is part roadside path and part trail – we stopped off at five beaches, ranging from small sandy coves that we had all to ourselves to the large stretch of golden sand in the heart of the resort town. Here the water is crystal clear and not too deep, and when you’re ready for refreshments there are restaurants and bars on the concourse where you can enjoy a cool drink and a snack in the sunshine.
Further afield, the Pevero Health trail is a network of paths through aromatic scrubland with viewpoints to climb to and accessible beaches. It’s a 20-minute drive from the resort and it’s worth considering car hire as taxis here are expensive.
Eat well
The breakfast buffet at 7Pines will set you up for the day. As well as the usual fresh fruit and pastries, you’ll find cooked meats, grilled vegetables and a choice of egg dishes, including Uova Frattau, a typical Sardinian dish combining traditional bread, tomato purée, pecorino cheese and a poached egg.
The poolside Spazio by Franco Pepe restaurant boldly claims to serve the world’s best pizza and you’ll find unique offerings such as the delicious Spazio Mare, a fried pizza with buffalo mozzarella, red prawn, green salad and lime. We also tried the trattoria menu here, which includes catch of the day, pasta dishes and Italy’s best (in our opinion) dessert: tiramisu.
At the fine dining restaurant Capogiro, we enjoyed the Le Nostre Storie (our stories) tasting menu, a delightful mix of theatre and flavour using fresh herbs from the resort’s kitchen garden. From the amuse bouche served on ceramic sea creatures to the delicate lobster ravioli in a crab broth, every dish was beautifully presented and made our taste buds dance.
Pamper yourself
The spa at 7Pines has five treatment rooms named after flowers and plants found on the island. They face into an open-air relaxation area from where you can also access the sauna, steam room, ice bath and experience showers. To maintain the intimate feel of the area the resort allows a maximum of five guests at a time, so you’re advised to book a time slot.
Our personalised body massage somehow managed to be both relaxing and invigorating. While we almost dozed off during the treatment as our therapist worked the tension out of our back and shoulders, we felt full of renewed energy afterwards. Other pampering treats on offer include body scrubs, facials, manicures and reflexology.
Have fun
Being social and having fun are key components of living well. The resort’s beachside bar Cone Club was closed during our visit, but has DJs and party vibes throughout the summer. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset too. Over in Baja Sardinia, Phi Club is another popular beach club during the summer months.
The swim-up bar at 7Pines attracts a crowd towards the end of the afternoons. Our favourite tipple was the Bellavista sparkling wine – a crisp and fresh Italian fizz that became our daily sundowner.
If you’re a wine lover, the hotel can organise for you to go wine tasting at a local vineyard. Capichera Vineyard is a 20-minute drive from 7Pines and offers a golf buggy tour of the estate followed by a tasting of five wines. Watersports and boat trips (half and full day) are also bookable at the concierge desk. Of course if all you want to do is lounge around on the uber comfy sunbeds, that’s perfectly okay too!
How much does it cost?
Rooms at 7Pines Resort Sardinia start from €350 per night based on two people sharing. See BA or Ryanair for flights from the UK to Olbia, which is a 30-minute drive from the resort.
AUDLEY End is home to family-favourite miniature railway that has been running for 60 years.
It’s now announced a new electric steam locomotive – which is the first-of-its kind in the country.
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A new fully electric steam-outline locomotive will come to Audley EndCredit: Audley End RailwayThe miniature railway is on the grounds of Audley End HouseCredit: Alamy
The team behind Audley End Enchanted Railway in Essex has announced that a “brand-new fully electric steam-outline locomotive” will be joining its fleet.
The electric steam locomotive will be the first-of-its-kind in the UK and visitors can hop onboard from March 17, 2026.
The new train, nicknamed part of the “Steamless Revolution” will combine timeless railway romance with cutting-edge green technology.
The miniature train will be fully electric, but designed to look and sound like a traditional scale steam engine.
Other locomotives at Audley End include Electra which was introduced on the 60-year anniversary.
Henrietta Jane is its long-standing diesel train and Robin, which is a diesel engine.
The attraction that has been open for more than six decades takes visitors along a mile and a half journey through Fulfen Forest on the Audley End estate.
Visitors can head along to Woodland Adventure Days from March 17, when the miniature railway reopens for the season, until October 4, 2026.
Families can hop onboard the train, but also explore themed play areas, hunt for hidden forest treasures, go on a fairy or elf walk, and join in eco-crafts.
Adults can take a pit-stop at the Woodland Café for a hot drink, and pick up a bite to eat there too.
A small fleet of trains run through Fulfen Forest on the Audley End estateCredit: Audley End Railway
The menu changes seasonally but visitors can pick up sandwiches, jacket potatoes, pizza, pies, salads and ice cream which can be enjoyed at one of the picnic tables on the grounds.
Throughout the year are seasonal events like Mother’s Day Weekend, Easter Special, and the Summer Festival with live music and dancing.
Later in the year is the Halloween Spooky Special and Christmas events.
Prices vary from free to £20.50 depending on dates, times and events.
Audley End itself isa 17th-century Jacobean country mansion in Saffron Walden, managed by English Heritage
It’s managed by English Heritage and visitors can go back in time to see how a great house worked in the past.
In the 1830s nursery, kids can try on costumes and play with replica toys.
Upstairs in the Coal Gallery, see how servants kept the house stocked with coal and hot water.
The Service Wing offers a unique insight into life ‘below stairs’ during the 1880s.
Audley End is on the outskirts of Saffron Walden, which in 2025 was declared the UK’s ‘best place to live’.
The Timeshas declared Saffron Walden as their winnerbased onschools,transport,broadbandspeed, mobile signal to culture, green spaces and high street health.
“Before I boarded the train for my weekend break, Essex conjured up images of Gemma Collins rather than a refined getaway.
“So it was a pleasant surprise to arrive at our cottage set in the splendour of Audley End House and Gardens, just outside Saffron Walden.
“If you are looking for a place to get away from it all, it’s perfect. Arriving after dark, we explored the handsome red brick property – formerly the Victorian Gardener’s House – and it seemed to be gloriously isolated.
“So, flinging open the curtains the next morning, I was slightly surprised to see an elderly couple taking a stroll outside the window.
“Turns out the cottage is not just on the estate – but in the middle of it.
“While Audley End House is a splendid Jacobean mansion, cared for by English Heritage, a £1.25million refurbishment has transformed the former Gardener’s House.
“If you have kids, you can watch them enjoy the adventure playground through the window.
“Refreshed after a night’s sleep, we explored the estate. The 17th-century manor has been visited by everyone from Elizabeth I to screen royalty Olivia Colman, who filmed scenes from the Netflix hit The Crown at the house.”
