The airport was once Britain’s main international gateway and birthplace of the ‘Mayday’ distress call
The airport has reopend to the public every Sunday(Image: historiccroydonairport)
Croydon Airport has thrown open its doors to the public once more after being shut for 67 years. Once the nation’s main international airport, it closed down for good in 1959 and has remained vacant ever since.
Earlier this year, the airport received visitors for the first time as a heritage attraction. Now converted into a museum, the site enables people to discover the original terminal building on the first Sunday of each month.
Having initially opened in 1920, Croydon Airport played a pivotal role in the advancement of aviation in the aftermath of World War 1.
The location is celebrated as the birthplace of the ‘Mayday’ emergency call. In 1923, F.S. Mockford, Croydon’s Senior Radio Officer, devised the distress signal “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”, taken from the French expression “m’aidez” (“help me”), reports Surrey Live.
Historic Croydon Airport said: “‘Mayday, Mayday, Mayday’ was subsequently approved by the Air Ministry as the required radio procedure to be used in an emergency. In 1924, the UK promulgated its approval and use through the publication of The Air Pilot: Great Britain.
“Adopted by the International Radiotelegraph Convention of Washington in 1927, ‘Mayday’ became the international standard distress phrase. The ‘Mayday’ distress call still saves lives today.”
The airport shut its doors due to its inability to accommodate larger aircraft, with its final flight departing the iconic terminal in September 1959.
The Croydon Airport Visitor Centre has an impressive 4.6 Google rating at the time of writing.
On Tripadvisor, recent visitors to the museum were full of praise, with one writing: “Fascinating trip through the history of passenger aviation!”
Another visitor said: “I have lived in the area all my life and even used to go to Purley Way Lido across the way from the airport as a child, and didn’t know the significance of Croydon Airport.
“I was amazed how well preserved the building was, and didn’t even know it had a control tower. If you are into aviation or history, it is a must-see.”
A third wrote: “Very nice and detailed tour, highly recommended. But you will have to keep checking for the tour date as it’s not year round function.”
One person commented: “This local gem has great volunteers and interesting history (such As being the world’s first control tower and carrying almost half of the UK’s air passengers in 1935). The tour, photos, and signage do give an interesting view as to what it was like in the 1920s and 1930.”
Finally, another said: “Great place to visit. Tour guide Micheal in the museum gave a great talk and overview. Would recommend for all ages. Visually great with so much so see. Definitely a must see for anyone who loves aviation.”
The World Cup arrives in L.A. on Thursday. This marks the first time the festivities have taken place in the Southland since 1994, when Pasadena’s Rose Bowl hosted the final between Brazil and Italy, which famously ended in a scoreless tie and was decided by a penalty shootout that led to Brazil winning its fourth World Cup title. (The U.S. hosted the Women’s World Cup in 1999 and 2003, with the finals at the Rose Bowl and Home Depot Center [now known as Dignity Health Sports Park], respectively.)
Soccer is art and art is soccer and soccer is life — and also one of the most beloved sports on the planet — and thankfully for you, dear arts lover, you can mix your passion for art and fútbol by heading to a free public viewing party at a number of local museums and cultural institutions.
This year sees Spain and France as favorites, with England, Brazil, Portugal and defending champions Argentina all in the running. No matter who your team is, there is a museum watch party for you. Here are your top choices, in no particular order:
The Getty Center: A variety of watch parties will take place on newly installed big screens at the museum’s Trellis Bar & Lounge and Garden Terrace Cafe, which will also feature themed menu items and drinks. The Getty will stay open until 9 p.m. on June 12, 19, 26 and July 3 to accommodate evening games. Normal Friday hours will resume July 10. Admission is free, but a reservation is required. Parking is free after 5 p.m.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: The museum is hosting two free outdoor watch parties on large screens located on its Smidt Welcome Plaza on Wilshire Boulevard. Mexico vs. Korea can be seen from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 18; and Uruguay vs. Cape Verde will take place at 3p.m. on June 21.
LACMA is also hosting a few soccer-themed events, including “Andell Family Sundays: ‘Fútbol Is Life’,” set to take place on June 7, 14 and 28 from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. The event features art-making workshops inspired by the museum’s ‘Fútbol Is Life’ exhibit featuring soccer miniatures by Lyndon J. Barrois Sr., and led by artists Karl Petion and Patricia Yossen. There is also an event called “Let’s Play: Soccer Juggling,” from noon to 3 p.m. on June 21. This is also tied to the exhibit and offers lessons in soccer basics through a drop-in juggling and accuracy workshop led by representatives from American Youth Soccer Organization. All ages and experience levels are welcome. RSVP required.
The Autry Museum of the American West: The Autry’s free Griffith Park watch party will take place at 4 p.m. June 12 when Paraguay takes on USA. The event will feature food trucks, themed cocktails, soccer-inspired games and activities, and local vendors selling specialty wares. Free, but an RSVP is required.
The Music Center: It’s not a museum, but it’s one of the city’s most beloved cultural centers. It’s also hosting a free public screening of Spain vs. Uruguay from 5 to 7 p.m. on June 26 on its lovely Jerry Moss Plaza, including family-friendly activities and themed refreshments. Bring a picnic or pick your dinner from an on-site restaurant. Stick around after the game for a free global dance party celebrating the start of the 22nd season of the Music Center’s Dance DTLA.
I’m Arts editor Jessica Gelt putting my game face on. This is your arts and culture news for the week.
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The week ahead: A curated calendar
FRIDAY
Gustavo Dudamel: Celebrating 17 Years In his final concert as L.A. Phil music director at Disney Hall, the maestro joins his Venezuelan and American identities, conducting two poetry-inspired choral symphonic works. John Adams’ “Harmonium” borrows texts from Emily Dickinson and John Donne to explore time, harmony and rhythm. “Cantata Criolla” by composer Antonio Estévez follows a Venezuelan troubadour who squares off against the devil. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., downtown L.A. laphil.com
Haunted In this one-act dance opera, composer Paul Salerni unites poetry and music to share a tale of doomed love entwined with a ghost story with an unexpected conclusion. Based on a libretto by former California Poet Laureate Dana Gioia. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. sierramadreplayhouse.org
SATURDAY
Family Fest: Pride A free, outdoor event celebrating love, identity and inclusivity, featuring Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Iwalani Music, Everybody Dance LA, Drag Story Time, Color Me Face Painting and more. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
“Catapult” by Alex Gardner, 2025. Acrylic on canvas. 48 1/16 x 96 1/16 inches.
(Wild Don Lewis Photography; courtesy of Alex Garden and Perrotin)
Alex Gardner, Gabriel Rico and Makiko Kudo A trio of new exhibitions connected through the natural world and the creatures, great and small, who inhabit it: In “Animals,” painter Alex Gardner explores his experience of fatherhood; Gabriel Rico’s “Gabrielinos (I Am You And What I See Is Me),” the artist’s first solo show in Los Angeles, uses textile, assemblage and sculpture to encourage viewers to think about the world around them; the life and death of Japanese painter Makiko Kudo’s pet cat inspired “Reincarnation,” a series of oil paintings. Opening reception, 6-8 p.m.; exhibitions run through July 11. Perrotin Los Angeles, 5036 W. Pico Blvd. perrotin.com
Magnificent Mozart & Mahler Eckart Preu conducts the Long Beach Symphony in two classical masterpieces, “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” and Mahler’s Fifth. 7:30 p.m. Long Beach Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. longbeachsymphony.org
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum The summer repertory season launches with Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the great outdoors of Topanga Canyon. “Romeo and Juliet,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sept. 26; “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” Sunday-Oct. 10. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. theatricum.com
SUNDAY
Juneteenth Block Party Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) hosts its annual free community celebration featuring free dance master classes, live performances, carnival rides, games, food trucks, music and a marketplace for local and minority-owned businesses. Noon-7 p.m. Debbie Allen Dance Academy, 1850 S. Manhattan Place, L.A. debbieallendanceacademy.com
L’Chaim America! The Braid theater company performs real stories of American Jewish life centered on gratitude and possibility. 2:30 p.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. skirball.org
MONDAY National Museum of the Aftermath The project, conceived and titled by Cauleen Smith and curated by Jon Rubin and Harrison Kinnane Smith, travels from city to city adopting a different name and form in each location. For two months, it will operate within Oxy Arts, challenging the status quo of history and speculating on the future. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; through Aug. 8. Oxy Arts, 4757 York Blvd., L.A. oxyarts.oxy.edu
WEDNESDAY
Denise Burse, from left, Charlayne Woodard and Deborah Joy Winans in rehearsal for “Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous” at Geffen Playhouse.
(Isaak Berliner.)
Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous An expat actor of a certain age returns to the U.S. primed for a comeback, only to face a new generation with very different ideas from her own. Written by Pearl Cleage and directed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Denise Burse, Olivia Washington, Deborah Joy Winans and Charlayne Woodard star. Through July 12. Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. geffenplayhouse.org
The Revolutionists Playwright Lauren Gunderson turns France’s Reign of Terror on its ear in this raucous comedy about women fighting for égalité. Directed by Jamie Torcellini. Previews, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through June 28. International City Theatre, 330 E. Seaside Way, Long Beach. https://ictlongbeach.org/therevolutionists/
THURSDAY
Double Take: Photographs in Pairs An intriguing exhibition matching photographs based on their formal qualities: the angle of a body, the geometry of a space, the relationship between figures and the interpretation of color. Photographers featured include Diane Arbus, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, Lauren Greenfield, Mary Ellen Mark, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, Herb Ritts, Sam Taylor-Johnson, Bruce Weber and Bastiaan Woudt. Opening reception 7-9 p.m. Thursday; exhibition runs through July 18. Fahey/Klein Gallery, 148 N. La Brea Ave. faheykleingallery.com
Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2025.
(David Swanson/For The Times)
Ojai Music Festival This year’s music director, Esa-Pekka Salonen, is in the spotlight as a composer with the U.S. premiere of his new work for violin and cello and the first complete performance of his “Six Preludes” for piano, and other works; Salonen also conducts the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening concerts. In its 80th year, the festival pays tribute to its defining musical figures and welcomes L.A. Phil New Music Group, Colburn Orchestra, L.A. Dance Project and many other noteworthy artists. Through June 14, 2026. Libbey Bowl, 210 S Signal St., Ojai. ojaifestival.org
Rheology This experimental play by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Obie winner Shayok Misha Chowdhury is a collaboration with his mother, physicist Bulbul Chakraborty, filled with dramatic urgency. 8 p.m. Thursday, and June 12-13. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. redcat.org
Thursday Night Jazz Weekly series featuring guest musicians backed by the Jack Lieberman Trio. Upcoming guests include the Tyler Hammond Jazz Experience (June 11); Ido Eylon and Willem Jochems (June 18); and Joey Du Bois with Kahlil Childs (June 25). 8 p.m. Thursdays. The Spotlight, 1601 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. thespotlight.la
Arts anywhere
New and recent releases of arts-related media.
Ann Patchett and her novel “Whistler.”
(Los Angeles Times illustration; images from Emily Dorio, Harper)
Ann Patchett, ‘Whistler’ What does a literary novelist have to do with the performing and visual arts? In Patchett’s stories, the past is often inextricably entwined with the present and within those threaded timeframes lie traces of genetic code leading to the arts and art-adjacent worlds. In “Taft” (1994), the protagonist is a former jazz musician turned Memphis bar owner; “The Magician’s Assistant” (1997) finds the title character unraveling the illusions of her own life; “Bel Canto” (2021) features a famous American soprano at the center of a hostage crisis; and “Tom Lake” (2023) revolves around a Michigan woman’s long ago love affair with a soon to be famous actor during a summer stock production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” Of the writer’s latest book, “Whistler,” Times contributor Leigh Haber wrote, “This exquisite writer has once again delivered an incandescent work of fiction — sweet, but never sentimental, infinitely wise and suffused with love. It’s also an ode to New York City itself.” And that ode notably begins with the protagonist and her husband at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A place that Haber notes, “one gets the sense, they know by heart.” This connection to art may prove to be tangential — I’ve only read a quarter of the book — but Patchett’s appreciation of these worlds is anything but. Harper: 304 pages, $30
— Kevin Crust
Culture news and the SoCal scene
Jeff LeBeau, left, and Tim Cummings in the West Coast premiere of Samuel D. Hunter’s “Grangeville” at the Ruskin Group Theatre Arts Center, dairected by John Perrin Flynn.
(John Perrin Flynn)
Times theater critic Charles McNulty reviewed the West Coast premiere of playwright Samuel D. Hunter’s “Grangeville,” directed by John Perrin Flynn, at the Ruskin Group Theatre. The play, which explores the lives of two estranged half brothers from a small Idaho town, is “beautifully acted,” McNulty writes, adding, that Hunter, “the bard of Idaho,” is “one of the theater’s outstanding American realists.”
McNulty also loved the Alicia Keys jukebox musical, “Hell’s Kitchen,” which staged its L.A. debut last week at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. The musical tells the story of Key’s upbringing in the Manhattan neighborhood of the show’s title, but the story isn’t where the show shines, writes McNulty, noting that the joy comes from the way Keys’ music is seamlessly integrated into the narrative.
Yo-Yo Ma plays the solo for the premiere of Angelica Negron’s “Mudillo” on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
(Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times)
“Our streets are garlanded with ‘Gracias, Gustavo’ banners and billboards. The Walt Disney Concert Hall shop has become a Dudamel-torium, aisles bursting with Gustavo T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, refrigerator magnets and this and that,” writes Times classical music critic Mark Swed in a review of Dudamel’s penultimate weekend at Walt Disney Concert Hall, including one featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Dancers from choreographer Benjamin Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project rehearse at LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Los Angeles.
(Carlin Stiehl / For The Times)
Benjamin Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project is staging a free, two-week-long series of public shows called “City of Dance” which take place at nine Southern California landmarks, including LACMA, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Tongva Park and Stearns Wharf. Read all about how the project came to be, including its use of Philip Glass’ score from the critically acclaimed 1982 documentary film, “Koyaanisqatsi.”
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Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts announced its 2026-27 season.
(Jason Kempin / Getty Images for Wallis Annenber)
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has unveiled its 2026-27 season, its first under the leadership of its new executive director and CEO, Jean Davidson. Highlights include music by Joshua Redman Quartet; Ronald K. Brown and his dance company Evidence, comedy and cabaret by performers including Sandra Bernhard and designer Isaac Mizrahi; recitals by L.A. Opera, concerts featuring Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and much more. “At the heart of this season is a belief in the power of live performance to connect people to ideas, to one another, and to the shared human experience. We are proud to support artists who spark curiosity, foster empathy, and invite dialogue, while continuing to strengthen The Wallis as a vibrant gathering place for all audiences,” said Davidson in a news release. See the full schedule here.
Pacific Jazz Orchestra also announced its 2026-27 season led by composer, arranger and conductor Chris Walden. The 40-piece string orchestra and big band hybrid is entering its fourth season with five programs dedicated to jazz, swing, soul R&B, Broadway and pop, staged in six venues across the region, including in Beverly Hills, Irvine, Northridge, Palm Desert, Santa Barbara and Ventura. Featured guest artists include Broadway star Sutton Foster, pianist David Benoit and vocalist Nayanna Holley. See the full schedule here.
UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance has announced “Far Away, Here,” a new multiyear international opera initiative that will launch in the 2026-27 season with the U.S. premiere of a new adaptation of “Kafka’s Letter to His Father, “ scheduled to run Nov. 12-14 at the UCLA Nimoy Theater. The initiative will continue to present U.S. premieres of under-the-radar operas by artists from around the world, and is curated and produced by tenor Timur Bekbosunov, in collaboration with CAP UCLA’s executive and artistic director, Edgar Miramontes.
The appeal of getting a free, quick, well-structured travel plan is easy to see, and something that is causing travel agents another Covid-sized thing to worry about
How good are bots at planning holidays?(Image: Getty Images)
Places that don’t exist. Events on the wrong day. Attractions miles apart.
Holiday itineraries designed by AI appear helpful and comprehensive, but are actually riddled with mistakes and old information that could ruin your holiday, analysis of them has found.
More and more people are turning to large language models (LLMs) to plan their trips away. One study puts the number of people who have turned to a bot for holiday inspiration at 40%.
The appeal of getting a free, quick, well-structured travel plan is easy to see, and it’s another Covid-sized thing travel agents have to worry about.
But how good are the robots at the delicate art of holiday planning?
I asked the four biggest LLMs to design weekend break itineries for four destinations, and then called on local experts in those places to assess their work. This is what we found.
Grok’s suggestions of a walk through Westminster is good, but better if you have a guide point out the smaller details, such as “gas lamps, torch snuffers, fire protection badges”.
The alternative river cruise and London Eye are solid bets for first-timers in the city, but other aspects of the itinerary are less well thought through.
Jonnie argues that the itinerary is far too busy. “I’m a big fan of spending some time people watching. Soaking things in rather than rushing around, and because of the amount in this itinerary, visits to The Tower of London or Westminster Abbey are really rushed,” he said.
The biggest mistake is including the Changing the Guard, which starts at 10:43am at St James’s Palace and doesn’t run on Saturdays.
He concluded: “I know this is a generic itinerary for first-time visitors, but I think London has so much more to offer. Loads of small museums, house museums, places of interest for all interests. They would also leave, not really knowing London.”
Claude
Although Claude breaks the itinerary down into activities and eating, offering the reader a little more freedom, its work left Jay Allen from Unseen Japan incredibly cold.
“Overall, this itinerary lacks any context, history, and rich cultural detail that our customers love hearing about on our tours,” Jay says.
The itinerary is full of old information. For example, Tsukiji is no longer the location of a wholesale fish market. It moved to Toyosu several years ago.
“Why did the original market arise in Tsukiji in the first place? None of this rich detail and historic background is included. Even if it were, this info would be drawn from general public sources, not from the rich background that our tour guides – most of whom have degrees in Japanese Studies or years working as journalists in Japan – can provide,” Jay adds.
The Saturday covers little ground and is too geographically spread out, missing “so much rich detail of the Tsukiji/Asakusa shitamachi area”, according to Jay.
Many suggested destinations are “trite”, “well known” or just “commercial”, such as the Starbucks in Shibuya Scramble. “You can get a much better view of the scramble, eg, from the bar at the top of the Magnet building – and you’d be fighting fewer crowds,” Jay notes.
“If you look at the second day, the itinerary gives you no suggestions of cool art galleries and small, uniquely Japan clothing shops to stop (such as the Ura-Harajuku area off the Main Street, where independent fashion still reigns), nor does it tell you about the less-crowded Brahms’ Path that runs alongside the packed Takeshita Street.”
The restaurant recommendations “are the same five places everyone else is going” and are hard to get tables at, as opposed to the real gems that require “a basic working knowledge of Japanese”.
Jay concludes: “Claude is giving you the wisdom of the crowds. That can be helpful in some cases. In this case, it equates to a bland, ordinary vacation that will likely prove an exercise in frustration for most travelers.”
Google AI
Amy Siegal, a luxury travel advisor based in NYC, praised Google AI for highlighting some “iconic spots”, but argued that only “a human expert knows the ins and outs of these places – what time of day to go where, and in which order they’d work best.”
On day one, Amy suggests arriving at TKTS earlier in the day to have more choice of shows and seats, and to avoid the line.
Saturday’s itinerary has too much “darting around”. She suggests it could be arranged more smoothly, with more interesting food options chosen.
Sunday is packed full of landmarks and history, which is good, but the order is wrong. “I would incorporate some lesser-known landmarks and eateries,” Amy added.
ChatGPT
Vicky Reeves, who is the director of The Real Algarve villa company, applauded ChatGPT for picking out some “amazing places” in its “very good overview,” but argued it failed to consider flow, how much is possible to fit in, and the weather.
“Understanding seasonality is important because this itinerary would feel very different in August compared to November and that is something an agent or guide would pick up on. I also think it’s a bit ambitious and that’s really down to a lack of practical knowledge and insight,” Vicky explained.
“For example, the plan suggests exploring Lagos, visiting Ponta da Piedade and potentially heading to Sagres before flying home. That’s fine if you’ve got a late return flight, but an agent or guide would check to make sure that everything was possible without adding stress or risking your flight home. Benagil is also another good example. It’s one of the Algarve’s most iconic attractions, but during peak season, travel times and parking can be difficult, and tours often need booking well in advance, which isn’t really considered at all.
“The AI did pick out some amazing places, but I do think it’s missing a personal feel. It doesn’t suggest any hidden beaches or lesser-known spots because that’s much harder for AI to uncover. That insight can really make all the difference in making a trip feel unique.”
In conclusion
What is most striking about the itineraries is how comprehensive and well thought out they seem – particularly Claude’s – but how riddled with issues they are once a closer look has been taken.
ChatGPT suggesting an event that doesn’t take place on the requested day is a rookie mistake that could disrupt a trip, while Claude not realising a famous fish market has moved is similarly clumsy.
All the AIs seem too ambitious when it comes to the number of activities and the distance between each.
Certainly, the bots are great if you’re looking for a broad overview of a place, but they lack the precision you’d want to fully rely on its suggestions, and the depth of knowledge a local guide can provide that can bring a place to life.
Ask an incoming tourist what the country’s big visitor draws are, and they may well say Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Stonehenge, Thorpe Park or even Legoland
Jimmy Doherty runs England’s best large visitor attraction(Image: BBC)
The best attractions in England this year have been crowned, and the winners may come as something of a surprise.
Ask an incoming tourist what the country’s big visitor draws are, and they may well say Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Stonehenge or even Legoland.
The victory comes off the back of a win at the Visitor Attraction of the Year at the 2026 Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards, so Jimmy’s is clearly having a good year.
The wildlife park is owned by TV star and conservationist Jimmy Doherty, who has presented programmes on both Channel 4 and the BBC. He is best known for the show Jimmy’s Farm, which details the operation of the Essex Pig Company that he and his wife Michaela Furney own in Suffolk.
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The park aims to be a centre of excellence for British rare breeds while also housing animals like camels, primates, tapirs and crocodiles. Lions and a tiger were added as recently as October 2025.
The real draw that put the place on the map was the acquisition of polar bears. Jimmy’s Farm built Europe’s largest facility for the species, called “the Lost Lands of the Tundra,” housing rescue polar bears alongside brown bears, Arctic foxes, grey wolves, reindeer and red-breasted geese. The bears are even visible from the train window on the London–Ipswich line.
Getting from London to Ipswich by train takes about an hour from Liverpool Street, but the lack of a bus from Ipswich station to the park is an issue some have confronted. Most visitors end up getting a taxi, which costs around £13 each way. The zoo itself is only part of the site; there are also shops and a restaurant in the farm area, and you can leave and re-enter the zoo with your receipt.
Jimmy’s Farm has 1,800 five star reviews on Tripadvisor, out of 2,400 in total.
“What a great day out, a well thought out place, extremely conducive and focused on giving the animals the best possible environment to flourish and feel comfortable in their habitat,” one happy customer wrote.
“Some beautiful woodland walks, plenty of things to do for children aside from seeing the animals, beautifully situated in the centre of the park, away from the majority of animals. Plenty of choice around the park for eating, whether you want a snack or something more substantial, as well as numerous picnic areas if you bring your own food.”
The winners were announced at the annual event hosted by journalist and broadcaster Sean Fletcher on 3 June at Aerospace Bristol.
Coming in second place in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year rankings was Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, where visitors can learn about the code-breaking geniuses who were instrumental in helping the Allied Forces win WWII.
It is clearly a year for farms. The bronze award was handed to Attwell Farm Park in Worcestershire, a family-run petting farm where Pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks are all ready to nibble some feed from your hand.
Gold, Silver and Bronze were awarded in 17 categories selected from 21 local awards. They ranged from ‘Regenerative Tourism Award’ to ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award’ and from ‘New Tourism Business of the Year’ to ‘Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year’.
Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “I am delighted to see so many businesses across England being recognised for their outstanding work, helping to make people’s stays as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
“From hotels and pubs to glamping, museums and experiences, these awards are a real testament to those striving to ensure our tourism industry remains outstanding. Our upcoming Visitor Economy Growth Strategy will provide a clear, long-term plan to unlock investment, back businesses and showcase more of our great destinations to the world.”
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes added: “The awards are a celebration of England’s outstanding tourism industry and an opportunity to highlight the excellence that makes it world-leading.
“From a hands-on, traditional blacksmith’s visitor experience in the Midlands and a castle hotel and spa set in one of our national parks to accessible and inclusive holidays, these awards showcase the exceptional quality, unparalleled customer service and innovation that drive our industry.
“I congratulate the wonderful range of first-class award recipients, all of whom are so passionate about tourism. They are all deserving winners.”
A study has named Europe’s most overrated tourist attractions, with a number of bucket-list destinations that visitors say aren’t worth the bother due to overcrowding and expensive tickets
Visits slammed the attraction for being overcrowded and expensive(Image: (c) HADI ZAHER via Getty Images)
As the summer season kicks in, queues at Europe’s most popular attractions are set to grow even longer – but landmark named as an ‘overrated’ hotspot may simply not be worth the wait.
A data analysis examining a range of Europe’s top attractions, assessing average review scores alongside factors such as overcrowding, cleanliness and entertainment value, has revealed the ten most overrated sights on the continent. Surprisingly, many of them are iconic landmarks that feature on countless tourists’ bucket lists.
Topping the list is the vast Palace of Versailles, the lavish château commissioned by King Louis XIV on the outskirts of Paris. Despite the estate’s undeniable grandeur, the study – carried out by price comparison site idealo found a significant number of reviews from disenchanted visitors, with nearly a third of reviewers flagging overcrowding as a major gripe.
Although the palace holds an impressive 4.7 rating on Google, a clear pattern of complaints emerges among its negative reviews. One frustrated visitor wrote: “It’s another tourist trap. This place is so crowded. Most art works are of replicas, the real ones are stored at the Louvre museum.
“There’s not enough toilet facilities for the number of visitors and every part of the palace requires another ticket: the king’s apartment, the queen’s apartment, the garden, the virtue, all cost extra.”, they added.
Another review from several months back stated: “It was impossible to enjoy the palace with the sheer number of people crammed into the spaces-it even felt unsafe in such a crowd.” However, a more enthusiastic review declared: “Beautiful place to visit. So much history! Fantastic architecture and amazing art.”
Coming in second was Park Güell in Barcelona, and while this collection of outdoor spaces designed by Antoni Gaudí boasts plenty of distinctive architectural elements, not every visitor was won over, reports the Express.
One critical review remarked: “My honest opinion is don’t bother. It’s €18 to walk around a kind of country park. There are 3 houses which you can see better on the website. How people are rating it 4 I do not know.
“Nothing but a money making tourist trap. The walk up to the entrance is about 20 minutes uphill and loads of steps too. Seriously, don’t waste your money.”
Yet a recent review offered: “It’s a very nice park with several great spots for taking photos. I recommend buying tickets in advance, but you can also get them on-site if you go early. I recommend going in the morning when the park opens.”
Claiming third place was the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, celebrated for its world-renowned frescoes adorning the ceiling, painted by Michelangelo. But despite its stunning 16th century artwork and legendary reputation, not everyone enjoyed their experience.
Many reviewers grumbled that the visit felt hurried, excessively crowded, and that photography of the famous ceiling was prohibited. One tourist described being: “Forced through a maze like cattle. Took an hour to get to the Chapel once we entered. Only saving grace wax we bought tickets to miss the regular line. I think people were waiting over an hour just to get in.”
Another complained: “The artwork is of course amazing. However, the shoulder to shoulder crowding throughout the museum made it difficult to appreciate anything but oversold tickets.”
Europe’s most overrated tourist attractions in 2026 – full list
Palace of Versailles, Versailles
Park Güell, Barcelona
Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria
Prague Castle, Prague
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
Arc de Triomphe, Paris
Louvre Museum, Paris
Eiffel Tower, Paris
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A GuruWalk study found the world’s most walkable destination for travellers fascinated by ancient history
There’s nothing better than exploring a city on foot(Image: andresr via Getty Images)
The old adage that the best things in life are free rings particularly true when it comes to travel. Exploring a city on foot, rather than wrestling with bewildering public transport networks or splashing out on car hire, is one of the finest ways to immerse yourself in unfamiliar surroundings — and it won’t cost you a penny.
Free walking tours are a firm favourite amongst seasoned travellers as a brilliant way to get acquainted with a new city while soaking up a bit of local history.
Europe is brimming with historic cities where you can stroll between landmarks in just a few minutes, including Cordoba in Spain, whose magnificent Old Town has even earned UNESCO World Heritage status.
The ability to simply wander up to a World Heritage Site is a remarkable privilege that’s easy to overlook, yet far from an everyday occurrence. But when it comes to exploring your surroundings on foot, one European city — dubbed an “open-air museum” — stands head and shoulders above the rest as the ultimate walkable destination.
A study by GuruWalk, the world’s largest platform for free walking tours, has crowned Rome the most walkable destination on the planet for “travellers fascinated by ancient history”, drawing on the preferences of more than four million users of the platform.
The city’s historic centre is packed with unmissable sights, while its surrounding streets and winding cobblestone alleyways are frequently too narrow for traffic to navigate, making it an absolute must for exploring on foot.
Many of Rome’s most iconic attractions, including The Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain are within a mere 20-minute stroll of one another, with countless stunning Baroque piazzas to pause at along the way.
The oldest surviving structure in Rome, the present-day Pantheon — which originally functioned as a temple dedicated to Roman deities — was finished in 126 AD and sits encircled by three of the city’s most cherished squares: Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, and Campo de Fiori, reports the Express.
Reflecting on the awe-inspiring monument, one Tripadvisor reviewer remarked: “We didn’t get to go in so this review is only in regards to the outside. I thought it was so cool to see. You’re walking through a city and suddenly walk right next to this beautiful ancient structure. There’s so much history to it!”
Indeed, there’s no finer method of immersing yourself in Ancient Rome than by meandering through its storied streets. A visit to the Vatican — the heart of the Roman Catholic Church and location of one of the world’s grandest churches, St Peter’s Basilica — wouldn’t be complete without popping into the nearby Pizzarium.
This beloved Roman establishment, famed for its pizza al taglio (by the slice), is adored by both residents and tourists, and there’s an abundance more to discover while exploring — from velvety gelato and piping hot bowls of pasta to a crisp Aperol Spritz to round things off.
If you find yourself worn out from all that strolling, there’s plenty of coffee bars to choose from, but be aware that milky coffees are only deemed acceptable before 11am, with tradition suggesting it’s wise to order an espresso after that time.
According to GuruWalk’s 2026 top ranking for Rome, it stated: “Rome has captivated travellers for over 2,700 years thanks to its unparalleled historical legacy. Walking through its cobblestone alleyways reveals one treasure after another: the Colosseum, where gladiators battled before 50,000 spectators, the Pantheon with its unreinforced concrete dome that remains the largest in the world, and the baroque fountains that spring up at every corner. Every step transports you through empires, popes, and renaissances.”
BBC presenter Simon Reeve has named a unique city as his favourite in the world – and it might surprise you
Simon Reeve has visited 130 countries around the world(Image: BBC)
BBC explorer Simon Reeve has named a city perched at the crossroads of East and West as his ultimate favourite destination on earth. He revealed his profound love for a place where he described history and culture as almost something you can reach out and touch.
Simon has visited more than 130 countries during a years-long career as a broadcaster. His favourite location centres on a bustling metropolis that straddles both Europe and Asia and is home to a jaw-dropping structure regarded as “one of the most stunning buildings on the planet”.
He told The Express: “In terms of a city, I think Istanbul is not just spectacular, but you can’t go there and not smell the history and the culture there. You know, I love how it’s clearly divided. You’ve got your old bit.
“You’ve got your modern bit. You’ve got your Eastern area, as well – the other side of the Bosphorus, Asia, basically. It is the point where, for a thousand years and more, the East and the West have met.”
When discussing what he describes as his “favourite little quirky thing”, Simon turns his attention to Hagia Sophia – the remarkable former basilica, now a grand mosque, which stands at around 1,600 years old.
He went on to explain how this world-famous landmark remains open to visitors while maintaining its status as an “incredible building”. He said: “I’ll tell you my favourite little quirky thing actually, in many a way; there’s a building in Istanbul called Hagia Sophia, which was a church, then a mosque, is now sort of a museum, just open as an attraction.”
Simon went on: “But it’s an incredible building – one of the most stunning buildings on the planet, and up at the top, inside on the upper balcony, there’s a bit of graffiti carved into the balcony.”
He was referring to ancient Viking runes carved into the Hagia Sophia during its time as a church. The National Museum of Denmark has confirmed the Viking visitors as Halvdan and Are.
Atlas Obscura reports that the inscription likely reads “Halfdan carved these runes” or “Halfdan was here”, a find that Simon described as particularly captivating, dubbing it his “favourite little bit”.
For the presenter, discovering the story of the rune-carving Vikings was a “chill down the spine moment”, emphasising that people have been explorers since the beginning of time.
He noted that throughout history, humans have always felt compelled to leave their mark and engage with these “incredible sights”.
He added: “It’s just a reminder that our ancestors travelled, and they were quite similar to us, actually. They probably wanted a beer, a selfie, and to leave a little bit of a mark behind.”
The town offers a rich history, seaside attractions and world-famous treats – and even if it’s raining, it’s still pretty amazing.
Largs on the west coast of Scotland is the perfect seaside town, in my opinion(Image: Nicola Roy)
Spring has sprung here in the UK, and we’ve been treated to some excellent weather in the past couple of weeks. With more of the same hopefully on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to start planning a beach trip or two.
Britain is home to so many amazing spots, and you don’t even need to let the unpredictable weather put you off. There’s one I have been visiting since childhood that’s bustling in summer without being too crowded, but even if it’s raining, it’s still pretty special.
Largs, a charming coastal town on Scotland’s west coast, is roughly an hour’s drive from Glasgow. Renowned for its Viking museum, classic amusement arcades, and ferry crossings to the Isle of Cumbrae, it’s a destination many Scots will have probably visited during warm summer spells.
But even when the heavens open, there’s still plenty to enjoy. During a family getaway, we loved our rainy seaside strolls, ate some superb food, and even saw a few Vikings – all without a hint of sunshine.
This lovely town located on the Firth of Clyde boasts everything you’d want from a coastal retreat, with a wide selection of hotels and accommodation options.
We stayed at the Old Rectory, a stunning holiday property accommodating up to 14 guests, complete with a hot tub and plenty of space for relaxing. One of Largs’ best aspects is how close you are to the waterfront wherever you happen to be.
The Victorian seafront is brimming with attractions, boasting an impressive array of restaurants serving everything from traditional fish suppers to mouth-watering Thai food.
Largs holds enormous historical significance as the site of a pivotal battle in 1263, which marked the end of Viking influence in Scotland.
The Vikingar museum gives a captivating window into this history, though for a more immersive experience, the annual Largs Viking Festival is highly recommended. As luck would have it, the festival was taking place during our August visit, featuring battle re-enactments, live entertainment, and some striking costumes.
Beyond its Norse heritage, Largs is just as famous for its art deco ice cream parlour, which has been drawing crowds for generations.
Nardini’s, affectionately known as Scotland’s most famous cafe, has earned its reputation thanks to its wonderfully inviting atmosphere, alongside its outstanding ice cream. Like Vikingar, it boasts a superb waterfront location, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a scoop or two of your preferred flavour.
In addition to their wide selection of cakes and light snacks, it’s a brilliant option for lunch or a quick bite while wandering along the seafront.
Walk into the town centre and you’ll discover delightful narrow streets packed with independent gift shops, eateries and even more ice cream parlours.
On one particular morning, we opted for brunch at Perk — a vibrant café full of plants and books, boasting an impressive menu to match. The vanilla matcha was a delight, and the feta and avocado waffles were simply too tempting to resist.
Still hungry after your meal? There’s a tempting cake display brimming with pastries and other sweet treats available to take away.
While Largs may not have the familiar high street names, it more than makes up for it with a fantastic range of independent traders stocking one-of-a-kind items.
A large market marquee is home to sellers offering everything from organic dog food to wooden lamps, jewellery, soaps and even tarot readings — you could quite easily spend hours wandering.
If you want to head further afield, jump aboard a short ferry crossing from the harbour to the Isle of Cumbrae, home to the charming town of Millport.
The island is small enough to cycle around in just a couple of hours, with a well-deserved pint awaiting you at the end before a swift 10-minute sail back to the mainland. Nearby, the magnificent Kelburn Castle stands proud — a stunning park and estate that hosts its very own summer music festival.
It’s brilliantly suited to families too, boasting several playgrounds, cascading waterfalls and plenty more to discover, all within a 10-minute drive from Largs. However, truthfully speaking, Largs alone offers more than enough attractions to keep you busy for a day trip or a full weekend getaway.
If you happen to visit on a sunny day, it’s just perfect. But even if it’s raining, don’t worry – it only makes those coastal strolls all the more invigorating and the cosy ice-cream parlours even harder to resist.
THE most beautiful museums in the world have been named but you will have to hop on a plane to visit any of them.
The 2026 list has been revealed Prix Versailles, with the architecture competition including everything from airports to train stations.
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The world’s most beautiful museums have been revealed and NONE are in the UKCredit: AlamyLithuania’s Lost Shtetl Museum was the only European entryCredit: Alamy
Yet the 2026 The World’s Most Beautiful Museums list only has one entry in Europe – and it wasn’t in the UK.
“Beyond welcoming their visitors, we hope these places will be sources of inspiration for all those who serve the common good of humanity.”
The only European winner was Lost Shtetl Museum in Šeduva, Lithuania.
Designed to look like a small town (being the Yiddish translation of Shtetl), the museum is based on the typical Lithuanian Jewish family.
Tourists have raved about it, with one saying: “This museum is one of the best at least in Baltics, if not in Europe.”
Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi, which opened in December last year and cost £502million to build, also made the list.
The museum goes back 300,000 years of the Emirates, and is a tribute to the UAE’s first president Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
It was even designed by the UK architectural company Foster + Partners (behind London’s Gherkin) and has a collaboration with the British Museum to offer more than 500 artifacts.
America’s National Medal of Honor Museum in Texas was also named, which features recipients of the highest military awards.
In Uzbekistan, the Islamic Civilization Center made the list, which is home to a museum as well as libraries and science labs.
Having opened back in March 2026, it has also been awarded a Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest museum of Islamic civilization.
China had two entries on the most beautiful museum list – the Xuelei Fragrance Museum (the largest fragrance museum in the world) and Shenzhen’s Science and Technology Museum which opened last year.
And finally, Japan‘s MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, which opened in March 2026, was also praised.
Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles explained: “The World’s Most Beautiful Museums List for 2026 stands out for the quality of its architectural interpretations and staging, elevating the sites with extraordinary narrative power.
“Together, these museums provide a real illustration of how strength and talent can be revealed through harmony, sensitivity and sharing.”
Previous winners on the list include Grand Palais in Paris (2025) and Grand Egyptian Museum (2024).
The New Building of Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum in China’s Shenzhen is a geometric marvelCredit: Alamy
A HUGE new “world class new visit destination” is set to open in the UK.
Xanadoo is a new indoor attraction concept that has been designed by some of the people behind the Eden Project.
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A huge new ‘world class’ attraction is set to open in the UKCredit: XanadooXanadoo hopes to open in South Wales, and is being created by some of the former Eden Project teamCredit: XanadooInside will be art, science attractions and playgroundsCredit: Xanadoo
They claim it will be “unlike any other museum” with massive playgrounds, art areas and food halls, as well as being educational.
When guests arrive, the will be a market hall with food and drink stalls.
The first area is the “Road to Happiness” with a series of art installations along the way.
Then there is “The Gallery of Marvellous Situations” which they say will take people “back in time” using immersive experiences.
The Playground in the third area, with images showing slides, a huge helter skelter, climbing structures, mazes, and even a life-size snakes and ladders.
Then in the fourth area is “Tomorrow’s World” with futuristic designs showing the world in hundreds of years time.
“Call to Action” is the final area, which has a life-size “game” with levers and dials that show the impact on the current world.
The entire attraction ‘will bring “science and art” together, and be for all ages.
The cost of the project hasn’t been revealed, but it is thought that £840million will be brought to the local economy, they predict.
They hope it will encourage year-round visitors, including families and school trips as well as locals.
Where it will be built is also yet to be revealed, although they are looking at locations across South Wales.
Gaynor Coley, co-founder of the Eden Project, told local media: “We believe Xanadoo can do the same for South Wales as the Eden Project did for Cornwall.
“An economic impact assessment has just been carried out and it has bought £6 billion to Cornwall and the West Country which is more than the whole of European funding and we’d like to do the same for South Wales.
“It will bring sustainable tourism, support hospitality and creativity, storytelling, digital and health and wellbeing.”
There will also be market halls and space for traders and studentsCredit: XanadooTomorrow’s World will have experiences showing the world in hundreds of yearsCredit: XanadooThere is no confirmed opening date or location yetCredit: Xanadoo
A mum has shared the ‘best’ European City break to take kids on, with amazing attractions such as zoos and museums – and it’s only a two and a half hour flight away
Abigail Nicholson Content Editor
03:00, 19 Apr 2026
Stockholm in Sweden is a great place to take children
A mum has shared the ‘best’ European City break she has ever taken with her child, and it’s not where you would expect. When it comes to parents taking children away on holiday with them, there are many things they need to think about before booking.
From how the family will travel to the destination, if they can be kept occupied while travelling and if attractions will keep them entertained for long enough, there is a lot to think about. But one woman who shares content on social media has shared the “best’ destination she has visited with her child, which kept her occupied every day.
Claire and Laura are identical twin mum’s who post UK based travel content on social media under the username @twinperspectives.
The family explained how they went to Stockholm in Sweden and were surprised at home good it was for children.
The mum said: “The best city break in the world for kids, hands down, is Stockholm. It’s pure wholesome loveliness and there is so much to do.
“Let’s start off with the Open Air Museum of Skansen, which is basically Sweden hundreds of years ago, but it is also so good for kids.
“There is a zoo. We were at the park 10 till 4pm so there is so much to do. It is so incredibly wholesome and of course plenty of sweets.
“Next up is the Vasa Museum, home to the world’s only preserved 17th century ship. There’s a great children’s trail to keep them entertained.
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“This is a pretty mind-blowing museum and you have to go .Next up is the Unibacken Museum, tis is a world of immersive stories dedicated to Astrid Lindgren who wrote Pippi Longstocking.
“Make sure you take the train through the story lands, it is so detailed, my daughter loved this”
The mum then explained that families should keep an eye out for the different metro stations in Stockholm, with the city being known for its art in the metros.
The mum added that there were plenty of free things to do in the city, alongside paid for attractions.
She said: “Aside from paid activities, Stockholm’s playgrounds are another level compared to the UK. Vasa Park is the largest in the city, even comes with bikes and play accessories as well.
“Activities aside, the food is great for kids in Sweden. Obviously there’s meatballs and mashed potato and the famous fika.
“Getting around the city is super easy. All in all one of the easiest yet most exciting city breaks you can do with kids. Obviously it’s not budget friendly but I’d say the activities that are there are well worth the price tag.”
Other parents commented on the video to agree with the twins, with many sharing their own experiences of visiting Sweden.
One person said: “We have family in Sweden but I didn’t even think about revisiting Stockholm with our little ones! I know they’d love the Vasa museum and these are some great other suggestions too.”
A second said: “Ahhh, yes totally agree. The nature and play parks and museums make Sweden a great place for children and families. I’m often asked to put together itineraries for families visiting.”
