West Yorkshire’s Colne Valley is one of the region’s best-kept secrets for tourists and locals alike, with its scenic canal, artisan shops and traditional British pubs making it a real hidden gem to explore
08:00, 30 Jan 2026Updated 08:29, 30 Jan 2026
The Sunday Times named it the best place to live in the North (Image: Huddersfield Examiner)
Nestled in West Yorkshire’s Colne Valley, this delightful village boasts a well-deserved reputation for its scenic artisan boutiques, coffee shops, bars and selection of classic British pubs.
The canal-side mill village of Slaithwaite, locally pronounced as Slawit, is regarded as one of Yorkshire’s best-kept secrets – a genuine hidden treasure that largely remains undiscovered.
Despite being relatively unknown, it’s far from quiet; indeed, independent businesses flourish in this tight-knit community.
Originally established on the foundations of the textiles trade, a strong sense of craftsmanship still lies at the village’s core.
Thanks to its strategic position alongside the River Colne and Huddersfield Narrow Canal, it experienced significant growth during the nation’s 19th-century industrial revolution, with particular emphasis on wool and cotton manufacturing.
What attracts visitors to this quaint village is its diverse collection of unique shops and dining establishments.
The vibrant high street features Cobweb Antiques shop alongside an antiques warehouse and charming independent boutiques including Otso Clothing, Acorn and Pip, Every Cloud and SOS Interior and Gifts – providing an unparalleled shopping experience.
When you’ve had your fill of browsing, there are numerous spots to take a break and grab something to eat – you’ll be spoilt for choice in the village centre.
Whether it’s independent eateries such as Nom, Ruddi’s and the Cookhouse or classic boozers like the Old Mill and the Rose and Crown, visitors could easily while away an entire day sampling the culinary delights of Slaithwaite.
Based on TripAdvisor feedback, Vanilla Bean should top your list – a charming little café dishing up homemade sandwiches, quality coffees and artisan ice cream. One satisfied customer said: “I love Vanilla Bean. The staff are welcoming, friendly and helpful.
“The food is excellent, and the prices are affordable. The menu has plenty of choice, all of which is superb. “Really, one is spoilt for choice.”
The Black Bull, meanwhile, attracts locals and visitors alike with its traditional charm and inviting ambience.
A visitor said: “Called in for a bite to eat and at the outset, received a very warm and friendly welcome. This was entirely matched by the quality of the hand-pulled beers on offer, demonstrating that someone knew how to keep a good cellar. The delight continued when the meals arrived.”
Once a crucial artery of the Industrial Revolution, the village’s canal served to transport goods between the mills.
Today it provides the perfect backdrop for a leisurely summer walk as it winds gently through the village, whilst the historic mills stand as lasting reminders of its prosperous past.
The Spa Mill on New Street remains a striking landmark, towering over the area since 1907, whilst Globe Mills on Bridge Street stands as an abandoned but intact mill complex.
Swaithwaite boasts several other listed structures, including a church dating back to the 13th century and an array of fascinating stone-built farmhouses and cottages scattered throughout the village.
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Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.
THE UK’s capital is one of the priciest cities in the world, making it tricky to explore if your bank balance is already in the red.
But there’s one corner of London that’s the perfect budget day out- especially if you’re a broke Gen Z.
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If you’re on a budget you can still visit London’s capital – and head to CamdenCredit: AlamyWriter Martha Griffiths says you can explore the waterside borough without breaking the bankCredit: Getty Images
Camden in North London has long been a magnet for young Brits, from the punk scene in the 1980s to Britpop fans in the 1990s, to the Indie kids of the Noughties.
After the heyday of the Hawley Arms and bands like the Libertines, the area lost its cool status to the likes of Hackney and Shoreditch in the east of the city.
But, it is now having a resurgence thanks to its wide range of live music venues – which Camden has managed to maintain while other areas face mass closures thanks to rising costs and noise complaints.
Great nightlife and budget-friendly – the perfect combination for anyone under 25 years old.
To see just how affordable it really can be, I attempted to spend a day in Camden without spending more than £25, while still enjoying great food, drinks and attractions.
I started off wandering around the world-famous Camden Market, one of the largest markets in London where even on a budget, there is plenty to see and do.
Stalls sell everything from vintage costume jewellery and slogan t-shirts for a tenner, to the usual I Love London souvenirs.
Camden has always been known for its unique clothes stores and these days, it still has plenty of second-hand clothing.
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Rokit and Traid both have stores on the high street and the market is also home to The Vintage Collection, which stocks Britain’s ‘largest collection of non-worn vintage from the 30s to the 90s,’ – which is great fun to look through.
Or if you’re looking for a bit of art and culture, The Camden Arts Centre offers free entry into its galleries and gardens six days a week.
All that perusing had got me hungry, but thankfully the market has a massive selection of food options with over a hundred food stalls from around the world.
When it comes to food, I opted for the TikTok viral Funky Chips that sells boxes of chip shop-style chips loaded with Indian and Mexican-style toppings.
They weren’t the cheapest, as the nacho chips covered in cheese, onions and jalapenos set me back £9.60 – they were filling and worth every penny.
There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your street stall food near the market without needing to book or spend extra money.
The Amy Winehouse statue is a popular attraction in CamdenCredit: Martha GriffithsThe Elephants Head pub holds free and live music eventsCredit: Alamy
The market is also home to past Camden resident Amy Winehouse’s statue, which still attracts fans from all over the world 15 years after she passed away.
Having filled my stomach, I was looking for some entertainment so headed for The Elephants Head in the heart of Camden high street, which offers free regular live music events.
On the day I visited, the venue was hosting bands from around the UK, with the Brighton band Cade drawing in the biggest crowd of the day, both inside and outside the venue.
The venue also offers two pints for £12.50, meaning it is a great budget-friendly spot for young people. Where else could you enjoy four hours of free live music?
Of course, if you’re looking for big nights out with a bigger budget, then Camden also houses several huge music venues, including KOKO, the Jazz Cafe and the Roundhouse.
For those looking for some peace, the Regents Canal offers a quiet escape from the bustling crowds of the high street with its colourful longboats, buskers and street art.
This is a prime spot for young people during summer as it is filled with independent cafes, offering other great, cheap lunch alternatives.
If the weather is on your side, it is also worth visiting the neighbouring Primrose Hill, for its panoramic, skyline views of the capital.
Once afternoon turned to evening, I headed to The Lock Inn to take full advantage of their 2-for-1 cocktail deals and rooftop bar.
The deal means you can get two quality cocktails costing £13.95 or just £6.97 every Monday – Friday during Happy Hour.
If cocktails aren’t your bag, head down to The Dublin Castle for affordable pints and more live music or DJ sets.
This popular boozer is known for its ties to Amy Winehouse, with many of her early gigs being here, and these days it attracts an eclectic mix of local locals and fans of the Back To Black star.
It had been a long day, with shopping, TikTok-famous food, a gallery, live music, park hangs and evening cocktails – and how much lighter was my wallet? Just £23.
Not bad for 12 hours in one of the world’s priciest cities.
This charming village has been dubbed a ‘hidden gem’ by travellers and it’s packed with historic sites and highly-rated cosy food spots serving some of the best treats.
Head to this Northumbrian village for your next day out.(Image: Getty Images)
Positioned along the St Oswald’s Way walking route, between Rothbury and Warkworth, lies a delightful hidden gem village that ranks among Northumberland’s best-kept secrets.
Tucked away beside the River Coquet, this small village gained fame for accommodating Oliver Cromwell during his journey to the Battle of Dunbar. It sits 8.9 miles from Alnwick and 12 miles from Morpeth, just 37 miles south of the Scottish border.
Felton village offers an ideal blend of historic and modern elements, particularly around its centre. Two distinct bridges, positioned close together, link Felton with the opposite bank of the River Coquet.
The historic stone crossing originates from the 15th century and remains closed to vehicles, whilst the more recent concrete structure was constructed in 1926 – both hold Grade II Listed status and draw considerable interest from residents and visitors.
The older crossing – recognised for its historical and architectural significance – regularly hosts key village gatherings, including the beloved wassailing tradition at Christmas, reports Chronicle Live.
Additional historical treasures in this picturesque settlement include the Grade I listed St Michael and All Angels church, constructed around 1200, which appears almost enclosed within another structure due to numerous extensions and modifications over the centuries.
Rambling and angling represent two favourite pastimes for both locals and tourists in Felton, with the River Coquet readily reachable via the village centre. Beyond that, Felton boasts two highly-regarded food and drink destinations.
First up is The Northumberland Arms – a beautifully restored 1820s coaching inn originally built by the 3rd Duke of Northumberland.
This delightful historic treasure sits opposite the river near Felton and boasts a River Room Conservatory alongside a bar, restaurant and six ensuite luxury bedrooms.
One delighted guest wrote on Tripadvisor: “The hotel is a lovely historic building in a great setting, easy access to river walks.
“The rooms were attractive , clean and spacious, I thought fabulous, not what I expected when I walked through the door of an old village pub.”
For visitors seeking a brief refreshment stop in Felton, there’s an ideal option available. An artisan bakery named The Running Fox, cherished by locals, has been delighting guests for years.
Since welcoming its first customers in 2011, The Running Fox has become renowned for its afternoon teas and baked goods.
Set in stunning rural surroundings, The Running Fox nestles beside the River Coquet and is encircled by numerous scenic country walks.
One satisfied customer left a glowing review on Tripadvisor for the bakery, writing: “One of the best afternoon teas. Afternoon tea, freshly made sandwiches which were delicious various fillings to choose from with home made bread, such a change from the usual pre made cardboard efforts you get in other places, choice of a wedge of pie or quiche, scones fabulously light, and a slice of cake also homemade from huge selection. Breakfast and lunch menu also looked very appealing. Service excellent, staff very friendly and helpful.”
Another visitor shared their praise, commenting: “I think that the Afternoon Tea offered at the Running Fox is outstanding – great value for money and the food; the variety and the quality are always excellent! We will be back (again!)”
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Northumberland is famed for its rugged coastline, ancient castles and unspoiled natural beauty. Sykes Cottages has a range of places to stay starting from £38 per night
The UK’s best gastropub has been crowned, beating off competition from thousands of venues. It’s a spot that’s much loved-by celebrities and famous for pouring the best Guinness in the country
12:34, 27 Jan 2026Updated 13:16, 27 Jan 2026
This classic British pub has become iconic in the capital(Image: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
The top gastropubs across the UK have been named, and the winner is a spot that has been enjoyed by many celebrities and was praised for its “premium quality, homemade food, focusing on the best of British produce”.
The Devonshire in Soho, which prides itself on offering a warm and welcoming vibe and has the style of a traditional British pub, took the number one spot in the new ranking. The venue sits on one of the lively neighbourhood’s narrow streets, amongst theatres, restaurants, and busy shops.
Downstairs is a wood-panelled bar which looks a lot like many of the historic pubs found in this part of the capital. Tourists and Londoners just finishing work crowd around the bar, often spilling out onto the street on sunny days, giving the pub a friendly, lively atmosphere.
What sets The Devonshire apart from other pubs in the area is its claim to serve the “perfect pint of Guinness”, with bar staff obsessed about getting the perfect pour. Its bar snack menu offers the chance to try the cuisine on offer, and includes snacks such as sausage on a stick, scotch eggs, and chips, among other British favourites.
Upstairs, the restaurant has a more upmarket vibe, and the handwritten menus feature seasonal specials and local ingredients. With an on-site butcher and baker on the team, you can be assured that everything is fresh and local. Highlights include Scottish beef, which is dry-aged and butchered on-site, and seafood from Devon, including lobsters and hand-dived scallops.
The Devonshire has gained a number of celebrity fans in recent years. Last summer, A-listers including Margot Robbie, Jon Bon Jovi, and Ed Sheeran were spotted among its diners. Yungblud and Florence Pugh even surprised punters by taking on duties behind the bar and having a go at pulling pints.
In second place was The Unruly Pig in Woodbridge, which, by contrast, sits among the Suffolk countryside. This 16th-century inn has a traditional pub vibe with wooden beams and a roaring fireplace, but adds a contemporary twist with colourful modern artworks on the walls.
The menu is a fusion of British and Italian cuisine, which they’ve dubbed ‘Britalian’, and uses fresh ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible. In the bar, there’s a wide selection of craft beers as well as over 60 choices of wine and fizz to accompany your meal.
The menu changes monthly, and in addition to its a la carte selection, the restaurant offers a three-course lunch menu for £35pp, with a choice of three dishes per course. It also offers a popular Sunday lunch, where you can opt for a sharing roast platter for two or dishes such as iberico pork and parmesan gnocchi.
Another London venue, The Red Lion & Sun, came in third on the list. The pub, set in leafy Highgate Village, has two beer gardens that are incredibly popular in the summer. And in fourth place was The Woolpack Inn, set in the quaint Cotswolds village of Slad, which offers real ales and hearty cuisine.
Full list of top 100 gastropubs in the UK
The Devonshire, Soho, London
The Unruly Pig, Woodbridge, Suffolk
The Red Lion & Sun, Highgate, London
The Woolpack Inn, Slad, Gloucestershire
The Star Inn, Harome, York
The Angel at Hetton, Hetton, North Yorkshire
Parkers Arms, Clitheroe Lancashire
The Rat Inn, Anick, Northumberland
The Rum Fox, Clitheroe, Lancashire
The Cornish Arms, Tavistock, Devon
Canton Arms, Stockwell, London
The Dog at Wingham, Wingham, Kent
The Abbey Inn, Byland, North Yorkshire
The Three Horseshoes, Batcombe, Somerset
The Broad Chare, Newcastle
The Gunton Arms, Thorpe Market, Norfolk
The Baring, Islington, London
The Merry Harriers, Hambledon, Surrey
The Fordwich Arms, Canterbury, Kent
The Bell, Langford, Oxfordshire
The Kentish Hare, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
The Crown, Burchetts Green, Berkshire
The Marksman, Hackney, London
The Hero, Maida Vale, London
The Kerfield Arms, Camberwell, London
The Sportsman, Seasalter, Kent
The Mariners, Rock, Cornwall
The Bull, Charlbury, Oxfordshire
The Coach, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
The Highland Laddie, Leeds
The Pipe and Glass Inn, South Dalton, East Yorkshire
The Silver Cup, Harpenden, Hertfordshire
The Waterman’s Arms, Barnes, London
Heft, High Newton, Cumbria
The Tamil Crown, Islington, London
Harwood Arms, Fulham, London
The Killingworth Castle, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
The Gurnard’s Head, St Ives, Cornwall
The Bull & Last, Highgate, London
The Kinneuchar Inn, Leven, Fife
The Tartan Fox, Newquay, Cornwall
The Queen of Cups, Glastonbury, Somerset
The Knave of Clubs, Shoreditch, London
The Mason’s Arms, Bampton, Oxfordshire
The Wild Rabbit, Kingham, Oxfordshire
The Black Bear Inn, Bettws Newydd, Monmouthshire
The French House, Soho, London
The Loch & The Tyne by Adam Handling, Old Windsor, Berkshire
The Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax West Yorkshire
The White Horse, Chester, Cheshire
The White Swan at Fence, Fence, Lancashire
The Cross at Kenilworth, Kenilworth
The Castle Inn, Castle Combe, Chippenham
The George, Kempsford, Fairford
The Hoop, Stock, Essex
The Scran and Scallie, Edinburgh
The Black Bull, Sedbergh, Cumbria
The Edinburgh Castle, Manchester
The Bull’s Head, Craswall, Herefordshire
The Camberwell Arms, Camberwell, London
The Parakeet, Kentish Town, London
The Boat, Lichfield
The Longs Arms, South Wraxall, Wiltshire
The Anchor and Hope, Southwark, London
The Pelican, Notting Hill, London
The Pack Horse, Hayfield, Derbyshire
The Drapers Arms, Islington, London
The Hand and Flowers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
St Kew Inn, Bodmin
The Three Fishes, Mitton, Lancashire
The Bull Inn, Totnes
The Clarence, Glasgow
The Dog & Gun Inn, Skelton, Cumbria
Heathcock, Cardiff
The Fat Badger, Notting Hill, London
The Chagford Inn, Chagford
The Eagle, Farringdon, London
The Clarence Tavern, Stoke Newington, north-east London
The Five Elms, Weedon Aylesbury, Bucks
The Horseguards Inn, Tiilington, Petworth, West Sussex
The Oarsman, Marlow
The Two Pigs, Barton under Needwood, Burton on Trent
The Lady Mildmay, Newington Green, north-east London
The Royal Oak, Witney, Oxfordshire
The White Hart, Lydgate, Oldham
WildMoor Oak, Bromsgrove
The Double Red Duke, Clanfield, Oxfordshire
The Blue Stoops, Kensington, London
The Crown at Bray, Bray, Maidenhead
The Bucks Head, Sevenoaks, Kent
The Parlour, Kensal Rise, London
The Dog and Pickle, Essex
The Burleigh Arms, Cambridge
The Charlton Arms, Ludlow
The Suffield Arms, Gunton
The Hare & Hounds, Vale of Glamorgan
The Sun, Felmersham, Bedford
Pyne Arms, Barnstaple
The Standard Inn, Portscatho, Cornwall
The Swan, Bampton
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Since premiering her new floor routine, Olympic medalist and Bruin Jordan Chiles has been riding a surge of emotions. Her choreography has gone viral, and she placed first in back-to-back meets which helped push her to the top of the national ranks with multiple all-around individual titles.
“I’ve tried everything,” Chiles said before her triumphant moment during a team victory at Michigan State. “The scores are the scores. This is the beginning of the process of the judges getting back into the flow of things.”
Instead of focusing on a matter she has no control over, Chiles said she’s having fun and doing the best she can every time she hits the mat.
“Is every single time going to be perfect?” Chiles asks. “Probably not, but I’m going to make it as perfect as I can.”
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The choreography was one of the hardest elements to figure out — topping her last viral floor routine that featured Prince’s music initially felt impossible. During her run to the 2024 Paris Olympics, she heavily featured Beyoncé in her floor routine and received a bouquet of flowers from the legend. Chiles’ final UCLA floor routine started to click once she realized it wasn’t about surpassing herself, but rather showcasing what the future holds and inspiring young gymnasts to be themselves.
“It’s being authentic to who you are and authentic in ways that you want to shine and do what you have to do,” Chiles said.
The music supporting her performance includes icons Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Tina Turner, a deliberate choice by Chiles. She wanted to highlight the legacy of the uniform she’s worn for the last four years as a Bruin.
Her experience on “Dancing With the Stars” during the summer, when she finished third, broadened her palette of dance styles. Being around talented dancers helped her see what dance elements could be added to her floor routine, said BJ Das, associate head coach and choreographer of the Bruins.
“She’s like a sponge,” Das said. “She learns quickly and she observes and she really takes in the world around her.”
When they came together to devise the last routine of her college career, they wanted to create a piece that would be timeless and engage the audience. Chiles wanted to bring people together through joy, passion and energy with music everybody would love.
“We wanted people on their feet, getting into it,” Das said. “… I think that’s always been her mark, on the sport of gymnastics … just really being herself.”
Collaborating came naturally for Chiles and Das. Through their years together, the trust they built turned the process into a fun experience that came together faster than expected.
“When I bring her ideas, she’s generally on board and she’ll have her own ideas and we just feed off each other,” Das said.
The work doesn’t stop between competitions. Throughout the week they focus on refining Chiles’ form and sticking landings as they fine-tune her overall performance. The routine is advanced, requiring significant endurance and cardio training.
Das also works on making the presentation crisper and sharper each week.
“The performance for her is so natural that it’s always gonna be there,” Das said. “I just want the movement quality to keep elevating as the season goes on and she gets more and more comfortable with the routine.”
UCLA gymnasts Nola Matthews and Tiana Sumanasekera cheer as Jordan Chiles lands a jump during her floor routine at Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 17.
(Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)
Any time she hits the mat, Das wants Chiles’ performance to shine a light on her impact on the sport of gymnastics. She wants the routine to exemplify Chiles’ voice in the sport — showing the importance of versatility and staying true to herself.
From her air guitar movement during the Stevie Wonder section to the shimmy during the Tina Turner section, every movement in the exercise captures her personality.
“I hope that this routine just emphasizes the freedom that you can have while being in the sport of gymnastics,” Das said.
Chiles’ floor routine allows her to command the attention of everyone in the building. Fans in the stands all get on their feet when it’s her turn to compete. She’s the anchor of the UCLA floor rotation. Her teammates long ago memorized her routine and enthusiastically cheer her on every time she competes. The audience roars approval after she executes a fun dance sequence or a difficult tumbling sequence. Her coaches grin and join the crowd cheering for Chiles.
“I’ve always wanted to dance and I’m an entertainer,” Chiles said. “I love entertaining people not just because of my sport, but just because I know I have the opportunity to really show the world that there are other sides of me. I am more than just a gymnast.”
UCLA coach Janelle McDonald knew Chiles eventually would clinch her elusive perfect 10 as the Bruins work to improve their scores with an eye on winning a national championship.
“Jordan rises when the pressure comes,” McDonald said.
The Bruins’ defense has improved despite star Skyy Clark’s absence while he recovers from a hamstring injury.
“If you don’t give up layups and dunks, you’ve got a chance to stop people,” Cronin said. “However you accomplish that. … We’ve been trying to adjust defensively how we do things. Stuff that obviously to the lay person you might not see. … We have some weaknesses that we have to hide.”
Whatever Cronin implemented besides leaving his starters on defense for an entire practice, it worked well. UCLA limited Purdue to 28 points in the paint and Northwestern to 24 points in the paint en route to much-needed wins.
“Really focusing with our players [on] how good can their attention to detail can be when the score doesn’t hold you accountable to that,” Close said. “… I’m just looking for how are we going to continue to get better? We did get better [Sunday]. We only had four live-ball turnovers of our 13. We obviously need to get that number down in terms of offensive fouls and travels. But I do think we made some steps in the right direction.”
The No. 3 Bruins (19-1, 9-0 Big Ten) play at Illinois (15-5, 5-4) on Wednesday before a big test Sunday against No. 10 Iowa (18-2, 9-0) at 1 p.m. at Pauley Pavilion.
Survey time
UCLA men’s basketball coach Mick Cronin has had a lot of success with the Bruins, but his yelling on the sideline also has a few detractors. So this week’s question: Do you support Mick Cronin as coach?
My name is Iliana Limón Romero and I’m the assistant managing editor for Sports at the L.A. Times. As you may have noticed, longtime UCLA beat reporter Ben Bolch left The Times and signed off from this newsletter. We remain committed to UCLA coverage and providing you with a vibrant, insightful newsletter every Monday. If you have any questions or requests, email me at iliana.limonromero@latimes.com or contact our Sports newsletters editor listed below.
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