Londons

The show has been ranked as the second most disappointing show in London in a Private Tours England study of TripAdvisor data. For me, it more than lived down to the hype

In the months after the first Avatar film hit the silver screen in 2009 and smashed its way to the title of the highest-grossing film ever, it’d be fair to assume that the future of cinema was 3D.

Indeed, the film’s director James Cameron has repeatedly argued as much, declaring in 2014: “I believe all movies should be made in 3D, forever”, praising 3D films as “stunning visual experiences which ‘turbocharge’ the viewing of the biggest, must-see movies.”

A decade on, it’s clear that the movie industry at large disagrees. Since the record year of 2011, when more than 100 3D movies were shown in theaters, new 3D releases have steadily declined to a quarter of that number.

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I side with film critic Roger Ebert, who argued that “3D is a waste of a perfectly good dimension” that is “unsuitable for grown-up films of any seriousness” and causes “nausea and headaches.”

In exactly the same way, Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience (recently named the second most disappointing attraction in London in a Private Tours England study of TripAdvisor data) manages to turn the work of one of the greatest painters into a farcical, queasy spectacle.

The show is the work of Fever Up and first welcomed visitors in 2021. It did so a year after Emily of Emily in Paris fame visited a similar exhibition in the French capital, leading several companies to set up similar shows in Europe and the US.

Perhaps I was unlucky and chose the wrong one. Or maybe they’re all as disappointing as one another.

The warning signs began when I walked right down Shoreditch’s Commercial Street and past the exhibition entrance, which was very easy to miss. Once safely through the inauspicious door, I found myself in a strangely dark, cramped hallway where a woman sat in a chair checked my ticket. It was a Monday evening, but the low-effort entrance felt curiously at odds with the £25-a-person entrance fee.

It would’ve been entirely forgotten had Fever Up invested the savings into the exhibition itself. In reality, what lay beyond the hallway was a complete mess of a show that not only added nothing to the work of the Dutch painter but made it much worse.

The exhibition features two main rooms. The first is fairly similar to a typical gallery, featuring printouts of Van Gogh’s paintings on the walls and a brief overview of the artist’s life. This was my favourite bit, despite the fact I could’ve just read the Van Gogh Wikipedia page and learned considerably more. Or gone to see one of the many Van Goghs that are permanently displayed for free in London, such as the National Gallery’s Sunflowers and The Courtauld’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, rather than the texture-free printouts.

The second room, and the supposed main event, was even more disappointing. The large space was devoid of physical objects beyond a couple of deckchairs and a bench. Projected onto the wall were computer-altered versions of Van Gogh’s paintings in which the swirls swirl and the petals flutter about a little. Maybe I had expected too much, but I was not immersed.

Others have suffered worse fates. One colleague told me they’d been sick after gazing up at the lightly undulated walls for too long.

I left the exhibition just 30 minutes after walking in, feeling not only short-changed but also quite sad.

One of the Wikipedia-style blurbs had detailed Van Gogh’s final years, when he cut off his ear before suffering through several months of hallucinations, paranoid spells and a period in Saint-Paul asylum. Shortly after, he walked into a wheat field and shot himself in the chest with a revolver.

From afar, it seems that an unbearable sadness hung over Van Gogh throughout his life, made worse by his self-perceived failure as an artist and great concern that he was a burden on his brother. That he never lived to see how revered and beloved his work is today is a great shame. The only scrap of solace is that he never lived long enough to endure an evening at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.

The exhibition closed in London last autumn and subsequently moved to Belfast, Bristol, York and Leicester.

Fever Up has been contacted for comment.

Have you been to Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience? Let us know what you thought of it in the comments below or by emailing webtravel@reachplc.com

A LONDON tube station has reopened after a huge £35million renovation.

Colindale tube station on the Northern Line reopened fully to the public this week with a grand new station entrance.

According to Ian Visits, it is London Underground’s first modern tube station built using a timber construction.

Replacing the former station building – which was much smaller – commuters will find the ticketing hall completely decked out with timber wood.

The wood is meant to reference the area’s aviation heritage as well, as the station sits where the London Aerodrome used to be and host air shows with early versions of planes which were made of wood.

The Aerodrome was then later turned into the RAF Hendon military base.

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The roof has also been designed so that it has a flat section and an arched section, so that the former collects rain and the latter lets rain water run off.

It has been designed this way to stop drains from overflowing.

Part of the roof is also a ‘green’ roof, which means it has plants and vegetation on it.

Inside the ticket hall is the old station clock as well, which has been cleaned up.

There is a new lift for commuters too, as well as large windows letting light flood in and the public to see the trains on the platforms.

Outside the station, pavements have been widened too.

During the construction work, the old platforms were destroyed but two ‘dinner plates’ at either end of the platforms were salvaged.

They were used as warning signals to train drivers during World War II to not stop too long at the station as it was a prime bombing location.

The ‘dinner plates’ were then donated to the local RAF museum.

The final bits of work on the station are currently being completed as passengers use the station once again, with hopes of everything being done by June 2026.

This includes demolishing the old station building, letting out a small retail space – most likely to a café and adding an accessible toilet.

The project on the station has taken place gradually over the past couple of years and has been carried out due to the rising population in the area.

The former station would have been at capacity by the end of 2026, but the new station means that the station will be large enough to accommodate for the new housing projects in the area.

London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “The Mayor and I feel strongly that everyone should be able to enjoy everything our great capital has to offer, which means it’s vital we make our transport network as accessible as possible.

“I’m delighted that Colindale is now the 94th step-free Tube station and will benefit from a whole host of other improvements to not only improve accessibility but also support major housing developments in the local area, as well as boosting local businesses and inclusive economic growth.

“More than a third of Underground stations across the capital are step-free and we are determined to keep growing this number as we build a fairer, better London for everyone.”

In other rail news, the world’s most famous train is running services from a major UK city next year.

Plus, five abandoned UK railway stations set to reopen with new train routes – as part of £200million expansion.

Zedwell’s Capsule Cocoons in Piccadilly Circus start from £35.82 per night, offering budget accommodation in central London – but it won’t be to everyone’s taste

People with claustrophobia might want to look away now.

A hotel in central London is offering beds from just £35.82 a night, but there’s a catch. Instead of a room, you’ll be sleeping in a capsule or ‘Cocoon’ as they’re named. But does the location and low price make up for the cramped accommodations?

Reporter Christopher Sharp went to stay at the Zedwell Piccadilly Circus, and his first impressions of the space were a little morbid. Writing for the Express, he said: “One thing I do know, is that at some point after dying, I may well find myself in a coffin of some sorts.

“This isn’t my last will and testament, but one of my first thoughts after entering one of Zedwell’s Capsule Cocoons at their Piccadilly Circus venue earlier this month. The ‘Cocoons’ are effectively small windowless boxes that can be yours for as little as £36 a night.

“Stacked in columns of two, they’re an option for someone looking to spend not very much money for a room in the heart of London.”

He was impressed by the location, saying: “The room is located in just a stone’s throw from the likes of Soho, Covent Garden, Regent’s Street, Leicester Square, and a short walk from Hyde Park, Green Park, and the Serpentine.”

He described the experience of checking in, which was straightforward: “Once you’ve found the entrance to the hotel, currently located underneath a lot of scaffolding, it’s easy to check in using your booking number and email address. With your key card, you receive a small lock and key to secure your belongings, along with some compostable slippers. The check-in is 24 hours a day, so whenever you show up, you’ll be fine. If you want to check out at 3am, you can do that as well.

“Once you’ve got your key, it’s off to find your cocoon, which you’ll discover in one of several dorms stretched across several floors. Each set of cocoons is behind a locked door that can only be accessed with your key.”

However, his impressions of the hotel could be summed up by the words: “unfinished and tired”. Christopher said: “I spoke to one regular user of the Zedwell venue, and he explained that building works were still continuing. The bathrooms were not in a very good state when I was there, and the fact that an open lift shaft was visible behind a small hole in the wall didn’t fill me with much confidence.”

He felt, even for the cheap price, it didn’t represent the best value for money: “You might very well argue that for the price one pays, one shouldn’t expect high quality, but ragged toilets, an unfinished building, and an open lift shaft? I expected more.”

Zedwell’s spokesperson said: “Our targeted completion timeline is Q2 2026. When we opened a few months ago, we did so as a soft launch, with a couple of floors still in preparation. These floors have now opened and we’re finalising certain construction elements to better serve guests and optimise the way the spaces are used. This approach allows us to adapt quickly to guest feedback and ensure the hotel meets evolving needs.”

But what was the pod itself like? Christopher described the unusual accommodation: “Looking past the human safe store coffin simulation aspects, the cocoon itself was very roomy, thanks to a light at the end of the room that bounced off a full-length and full-width mirror.

“This sat in front of a ledge on which sat a three-pin socket, a USB-A and USB-C plugs, as well as a dial for the light and a switch for the fan. That fan is quite important as it’s one way of circulating air through the box after the small grills at the entrance.

“Next to said entrance are a couple of hooks for your bag and coat, and all in it’s quite an accommodating place to be and an easy enough space to crawl into. You get a much better sense of the logistical mortality of it all once you pull the shutter door down and turn out the lights and fan. It’s dark enough that you can’t see your hand in front of your face, which, given the shape of the space, is quite unnerving.

“Sleeping was difficult, but not as bad as expected. I got a couple of two or three-hour stretches before my 6am alarm the next morning. The moment the alarm went off I was out of the venue quicker than you can say Lando Norris (Max Verstappen takes a little longer to say).”

Christopher said the cheap price was clearly bringing in the crowds, writing: “The venue is clearly popular. One member of staff told me that businesspeople use it as well as tourists, theatergoers, and members of the military. I still felt there must be better options out there, even if the price is incredibly low.

“The hotel itself doesn’t claim to be the cheapest in London, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anything for less. (If you do, please email webtravel@reachplc.com and let us know). It suits travellers and tourists on a budget, but unless you’re comfortable in such a small space or value your privacy more than dealing with a night of claustrophobia, I would avoid it.

“Was it an interesting experience? Definitely. But that doesn’t mean that I would go again or that I’d recommend it, unless you only want to be in that part of central London and have no more than £40 to spend.”

A spokeperson for the hotel told us: “Zedwell Capsule Hotel Piccadilly Circus is the first hotel of its kind on this scale, not only in the UK but globally. It’s been incredibly valuable to see how guests interact with the space and to understand what features and amenities enhance their experience. We actively encourage guest feedback, especially during these early stages, as it helps us refine the experience and ensure every stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We’re excited about the improvements we’re rolling out and have some exciting announcements planned in the new year.”

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Price and booking

Prices vary by date, with the cheapest rooms currently showing at £35.82. Towel hire is an extra £5. There are also women’s dorms which cost slightly more but include a towel, and have hairdryers in the bathrooms and dedicated female housekeeping staff. Check prices and book a room on Zedwell’s official site.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

GETTING a budget hotel in the capital sometimes feels like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but now one of London’s most expensive areas has a cheap, yet underground, hotel.

Park Lane, sitting on the edge of Hyde Park, is known for being one of London‘s most exclusive areas.

In fact, a hotel in the area can often set you back hundreds per night.

For example, a night at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London in January could set you back £390 or a night at 45 Park Lane would cost around £940.

But now, there is good news for those wanting a budget option as a brand new Zedwell hotel has opened up on the famous road.

And the twist is that the hotel is completely underground.

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The new Zedwell Underground Park Lane has 133 ‘cocoons’, each of which doesn’t have a window.

The rooms are soundproofed and have “ambient lighting, purified air and body-cushioning mattresses”, according to the hotel.

Each ‘cocoon’ also comes with free Wi-Fi and an en-suite, with a rainfall shower.

Just five-minutes from Marble Arch tube station, when guests arrive at the hotel they can also use automated, self check-in desks.

And for those who are staying and working in the city, there is even a co-working space overlooking Hyde Park.

A ‘cocoon’ costs from £67.68 per night, for two people – so £33.84 per person.

The hotel marks Zedwell’s second underground hotel, with its other destination being the first underground hotel in England and is located on Tottenham Court Road.

Halima Aziz, head of hotels at Criterion, commented: “Zedwell is built around one simple idea: delivering great sleep in unbeatable locations at an affordable price point, democratising access to city centres and luxury neighbourhoods like Mayfair.

“Zedwell Underground Park Lane exemplifies our brand values and our ability to unlock complex urban sites to create value in the heart of the city.

“This opening reinforces our commitment to high-quality design, operational excellence and exceptional customer service, while continuing to scale the Zedwell brand in prime destinations.”

Zedwell is known for offering budget accommodation and over the summer opened the world’s biggest capsule hotel in Piccadilly Circus, costing around £30 per night.

Travel writer, Helen Wright, stayed at the hotel and said: “Inside, decked out with a modern concrete and timber design, there are nearly 1,000 individual sleep capsules over five floors.

“It’s a twist on the traditional ‘dorm style’ hostel set up as each guest gets privacy and security of being tucked up in your capsule, with the ability to lock it from the inside.

“On first glance, the dorm rooms, which are minimalist and dimly-lit looked a bit like a car park or a storage locker.

“It’s nothing like you’d expect a hotel room to look, so it takes some getting used to.

“However, inside, I was surprised to find a cute little space, with mood lighting and welcoming interiors.

“Surprisingly, it didn’t feel as claustrophobic as I thought it would – as a 5’5 woman, I was able to sit up and easily stretch my legs.

“Even more surprisingly, I had a great night sleep, with no rowdy drunken people or loud talkers disturbing the peace.”

In other hotel news, Britain’s best hotels for 2026 have been named from seaside pubs to island B&Bs.

Plus, the £89 all-inclusive holiday with hotel, flights, food AND drink included.

ONE of the most iconic spaces in London will close for a whole year as it goes under important upgrades.

The Barbican, which opened in 1982, home to a beautiful conservatory, theatre and a musical venue, will soon close its doors for important upgrades, but here’s everything you can do there before it does.

The centre that holds everything from performances to a Martini Bar is getting a makeover confirmed at £240 million for its first phase, which is set to begin in 2028.

According to The Standard, the total estimated cost will be £451million.

Major works are now needed to drag it into the future after decades of wear and tear and as a result ,the centre will close from June 2028 until June 2029.

So before that happens, here’s everything you can do there if you fancy a visit.

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Conservatory

The Barbican is home to the second biggest conservatory in London.

The ‘tropical oasis’ is filled with over a thousands species of plants including banana trees, cacti, yuccas and Swiss cheese plant.

There’s an Arid House for cacti and succulents, koi ponds with fish and terrapins, and walking paths.

Currently, the next dates available to visit are December 20 and 28, 2025 and January 2 and 4, 2026 – admission is free but sessions must be booked in advance.

The conservatory will undergo work as the roof has glazing that’s at risk of caving in.

The renovation includes a proposal of a separate events space which allows the conservatory to be open to the public for longer.

There are also plans to rip out a staircase and a lift put in to improve accessibility, and put in toilets across all floors of the building.

Theatre

London is an incredible city when it comes to theatre, so it’s no surprise you can watch some great shows at the Barbican.

The Royal Shakespeare Company has had two major productions at the Barbican for late 2025/early 2026: Wendy & Peter Pan, and Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.

Another upcoming performance will star Call the Midwife‘s Helen George and Felicity Kendal from Rosemary and Thyme in a production of High Society.

The show will have a full-size orchestra and will tell the story of a society wedding of the year which descends into chaos with old flames and new flames vying for attention.

Tickets for High Society start from £35 and the show will be on from May 29 to July 11, 2026.

Music

The Barbican hosts around 70 concerts a year in its Concert Hall which can seat almost 2000 people.

So, you can catch some incredible musical performances at the Barbican as it’s where the London Symphony Orchestra are based.

The London Symphony Orchestra holds around 50 concerts a year.

There are lots of classical performances throughout the year with at least one a day on the calendar – some of which are free and some are ticketed.

Cinema

Film buffs have got this venue on their radar – but the Barbican has an entire cinema complex with three screens.

It shows a range of films from arthouse to documentaries, blockbusters, classics and family-friendly.

There’s also an all-day café and bar for a complete movie experience.

During the summer, the Barbican Centre has an annual outdoor cinema series in its Sculpture Court during the summer.

Despite the year-long shutdown, cinemas on Beech Street and routes through the residential estate will stay open.

Library

The Barbican Library is a public space filled with books, spoken word recordings, DVDs, CDs and sheet music, which is available for loan to its members.

Anyone can enter and use the public areas of the Barbican Library, but you need to become a free member to borrow books or use certain resources.

Lakeside Terrace

When the sun is shining, there’s no better place to soak up the warm weather than outside the Barbican next to the courtyard pond.

It’s completely free to enter, and a great spot to enjoy a morning coffee.

During the revamp, the courtyard by the pond outside will also be repaved, which will stop water leaking down onto the Metropolitan Line below.

The outside area will also get a makeover with new fountains and seating for people to enjoy when the sun is shining.

Tours

For those who are more interested in the Barbican building you can book a guided tour.

Here you’ll learn facts like the Barbican’s theatre and concert hall go deeper underground than the nearest Tube line.

Tickets for the 90-minute tour start from £18.

Or if you’re in a bigger group then you can book to have a private tour of the Barbican estate.

Food and Drink

On the ground floor of the centre is the Barbican Kitchen where in the mornings you can grab a coffee and pastry.

At lunchtime, pick up a toasted sandwich, build-your-own salad, hand-made pizzas and seasonal street food menus.

During the evenings you can have some pre-show tapas, and mezze plates with a glass of wine or beer.

Children under 10 can enjoy a complimentary meal from our kids’ menu with every adult meal over £10 purchased.

On the first floor is the Barbican Bar & Grill where you can have a laid back lunch, and in the summer, dinner on the terrace.

Mains include gnocchi, poached salmon, Shepherd’s pie, and a salted beef sandwich

There’s also a pre-theatre menu which is set at two courses for £31 or three courses for £39.

Also on the first floor, there’s a Martini Bar which has views over the lakeside and is where you can get a simple Campari Spritz or Signature cocktail like The Brutalist.

Here, there’s happy hour from 5pm to 6pm every day where you can get two ‘classic’ cocktails for £17.

For more things to do, here’s London’s best free indoor attractions for families – perfect for rainy days.

And this popular family attraction will return to UK capital – 8 years after it was scrapped.