perfect

The Italian wins his fifth straight Grand Prix to take control of the world championship standings after three rounds.

Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi extended his perfect ⁠start to the ⁠year by winning the United States Grand Prix in Austin on Sunday for his third consecutive win of the ⁠year and fifth straight dating back to last season.

Bezzecchi led all 20 laps at the Circuit of the Americas, where he ⁠crossed the line 2.036 seconds ahead of teammate Jorge Martin. Pedro Acosta, who finished third in Saturday’s sprint before a penalty dropped him to eighth, rounded out the podium.

Bezzecchi, racing a day after he failed ‌to finish a sprint for the second time this season after a crash, also reclaimed the lead in the MotoGP standings with 81 points, four points clear of Martin, who won Saturday’s sprint race.

With the win, Bezzecchi became the third Italian rider to win five in a row after Hall of Famers Valentino ⁠Rossi and Giacomo Agostini. He is also ⁠the first rider to win the first three grands prix of the season since Marc Marquez in 2014.

“This is amazing. I mean, I wasn’t expecting a day like ⁠this after yesterday, because it wasn’t easy, and I made a mistake, and it was important ⁠to bounce back,” said Bezzecchi.

“Luckily, my team, ⁠my squad, was very close to me, and they gave me the motivation to try to bounce back.

“But anyway, I wasn’t expecting a race like this, and I’m ‌so happy – I really can’t describe my emotion right now. Very, very happy and proud.”

Polesitter Fabio Di Giannantonio of VR46 Racing finished ‌fourth, ‌while defending Austin champion Francesco Bagnaia of the Ducati Lenovo Team was 10th.

The six-part hostage drama is based on a “must-read” novel.

Netflix’s latest thriller was inspired by a story hailed “quite brilliant in its twists and turns”.

Fans of political thrillers are in for a treat as Netflix has announced a brand new drama from the creators of Humans and the author of House of Cards.

The series, which will be led by British actor and entrepreneur Damson Idris and is one of Netflix’s many hit thrillers, centres around a “nightmare scenario” which sees the government of the United Kingdom taken hostage.

Parliament is now enemy territory and ex-spy Harry Jones (Idris), is the perfect man to save the government if it were not for one problem – he is also a convicted traitor.

The title of the new series is The Lords’ Day, and it is based on the book by Michael Dobbs, who also happens to be a member of the House of Lords.

Netflix promised the thriller will be “an electrifying ride through England’s halls of power.”

The synopsis reads: “On the State Opening of Parliament, British spy Harry Jones finds himself inside the Palace of Westminster amid a lockdown.

“As a hostage siege escalates, loyalties are tested and selfless sacrifices are made, leading to a desperate fight for survival where not everyone will emerge alive.

“Can Harry use his skills and training to be the country’s saviour?”

Actor Idris, 34, is best known for his roles in Snowfall, Outside the Wire and F1, and he is the only casting announced so far. Production will begin soon in the UK.

Get Netflix free with Sky

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£5.99

£0

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.

This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.

Fans of the original source material took to Goodreads to share their thoughts, with one commenting: “A must read book by Michael Dobbs that was equally as good as the Francis Urquart series!”

Another shared: “Excellent read, I was engrossed with every page. Again, Harry Jones at his best.”

A third called it “fascinating”, adding: “Quite brilliant in its twists and turns and details. Utterly plausible in it’s plot and characterisation. I have found a new favourite author.”

Another reader shared: “A real page turner. Never a dull moment with plenty of action and political intrigue. Edge of the seat thrills and twists.”

The book reviews suggest the TV adaptation will be one of Netflix’s most gripping thrillers.

The Lords’ Day will air on Netflix

I’m on a tram on Vienna’s Ringstrasse as towering facades, columns, statues and domes drift past, each more ornate than the last. Here, the State Opera; there, the Austrian parliament, built in the Greek neoclassical style.

As I gawp, I shove cake in my mouth. After all, Vienna isn’t just the city of music, or lavish architecture. Thanks, in part, to its centuries-old coffeehouse culture, it’s also one of Europe’s finest pastry destinations. Cake (or more precisely, torte, kuchen or Mehlspeisen) has its own day here – “Sweet Friday”, the most delicious of Catholic customs, when meat dishes are replaced with sweets. I have been introduced to it via the medium of Marillenknödel – apricot dumplings.

It’s my first visit to Vienna, my boyfriend Wolfi’s home city. The priority is checking out the old neighbourhood and making a good first impression on his granny. Always keen to fit in, I have identified the national obsession and offered to test Austria’s most famous cake: Sachertorte.

According to legend, it was created in Vienna in 1832 by the 16-year-old apprentice chef Franz Sacher for Prince Metternich. It went on to great acclaim and sparked a decade-long cake war.

In the 1950s, the Hotel Sacher and Demel pastry shop battled over the torte’s trademark, thanks to Franz’s son Eduard, who had refined the recipe while working at the Demel, then offered it on the menu when he opened the Hotel Sacher in 1876.

In 1963, an out-of-court agreement stipulated that the Sacher could market their version – with a layer of apricot jam below the icing and another between the sponges – as the original. The Demel could market theirs as the “Eduard-Sacher-Torte” – featuring one layer of apricot jam below the icing. A big fight about jam, for good reason.

These days, Sachertorte is often decried as dry and overhyped for tourists. Blame that on infantile modern tastes – overindulgent “death by chocolate”, endless cronut-style hybridisations. I’m a fan of the Sachertorte: dark chocolate sponge covered in fondant, tangy apricot jam, whipped cream on the side. It has no need to shout. But is it just for tourists? As I ponder, a call comes from Wolfi’s gran, inviting us for Sunday lunch.

Anna, 82, a Klimt devotee and string enthusiast (she played in her youth), is Vienna born and bred. “For dessert,” she announces, “Sachertorte.” It is a local cake! I’m swiftly corrected. “It’s not a cake! A torte is a torte.” Immediately recognising her superior judging potential, I recruit Anna into my testing team.

First stop is Stephansplatz, with its stunning gothic cathedral. Nearby is the unmissable Aïda shopfront, a riot of pink. It is billed as the world’s first coffee shop chain. Inside, there’s neon-pink lettering on pink walls, pink lighting, staff dressed head-to-toe in pink. The atmosphere is chaotic – a group of Germans complain about seating and Wolfi manages to lose a euro in the pay turnstile to the loos.

We opt for takeaway. The torte, unforgivably, comes without cream (€1 extra, in a pink pot). We retreat to the shadow of Stephansdom. Smooth chocolate icing, jammy layers. Looks good. I bite. The sponge is … dense. I’m glad of the cream. It’s on the dry side. Anna concurs: “The pores are too close and small.”
€6.10 (takeaway), 4.5/10

The smell of Kaiserschmarrn (pancake) is strong in the bustling Demel patisserie and the queue snakes up the stairs to the cafe. It’s going to be another takeaway. I’m disappointed to find creased icing on the torte, but happier on first bite. It’s far superior to Aïda – moist, with a fruity tang. I look again. What I see is shocking. Two layers of apricot jam, one under the icing and one in the middle! What’s going on? I check Demel’s website. “A thin layer of apricot jam sandwiched between two layers and beneath the chocolate glaze.”

Evidently, they have updated their recipe. I hope I don’t spark a sticky lawsuit because I don’t blame them: the extra jam is welcome. “It’s a bit too sweet,” Anna counters. “The cake is not fluffy or airy enough,” she concludes, severely.
€8 (takeaway), 5.5/10

We are swept to a snug booth in an elegant panelled room, all 1920s mirrors and Thonet chairs. The room design muffles chatter, but snatches of Viennese dialect indicate plenty of locals. Snowflakes fall prettily outside the window.

We order Melange (for the sake of argument, a cappuccino) and one Sachertorte. “With three spoons,” the waiter offers, “if the ladies will allow.” I’d heard Viennese waiters were renowned for perfectly honed sarcasm and slight disdain; I wasn’t expecting next-level charm. These guys have a timeless quality, like smooth magicians – utterly hypnotic.

The coffee comes in dainty porcelain and I focus on the (“lactose free”) torte. A wee bit thin on the jam, but the fondant is thick and fudgey, with a decent sponge. I browse newspapers on the old Zeitungshalter (traditional wooden paper rack), trying not to be influenced by my surroundings – and then get giddy in my marking.
€8.10, 8.5/10

Coffeehouse culture has evolved through this social enterprise – a “granny cafe” set up to combat loneliness and supplement the pensions of senior bakers. Genius. These places have been taken to the city’s heart, judging by the stream of fashionable youngsters coming through the doors. It’s lively, with a cosy retro vibe.

But forget the feelgood factor; we’re here to judge their “Sachertorte master”, Mr Johannes, 72. Things start well when Wolfi declares the Melange the best he’s had in Vienna. Now to the torte. Oh my. It delivers and then some. The apricot jam is fairly oozing, the chocolate icing almost caramel-like with a velvety sheen (made with untraditional-but-delicious butter and cream). It’s one of four he baked fresh today. A delicious bargain!
€6, 8/10

Across from the beautiful Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera), Hotel Sacher is as plush as you’d hope: red velvet, white marble, gold relief. Tourists queue in the cold to get in (book to avoid this fate). The handsome torte arrives complete with seal. The thickest-yet layer of chocolate fondant holds everything nicely in place. Orderly. An excellent balance of fruity jam and rich sponge that also manages to be light.

The internet is awash with complaints that the Sacher’s torte is dry. I can’t agree, but agree it’s overpriced. “More airy than all the rest,” declares Anna. “With every bite,” she proclaims, “we know we are in the Sacher.” We chat about the archduke Otto von Habsburg wandering the hotel naked at the turn of the 20th century. Lots of history; lavish surroundings; technically, the best torte we’ve tried (one of 1,000 produced daily) – but something is lacking. I miss the heart of the Vollpension and old-world elegance of the Landtmann.
€10.50, 8/10

An anonymous family member (it’s Auntie Linda!) tips me off to a budget option “better than Hotel Sacher’s” that’s available in the supermarket. Nothing beats an underdog winning the taste test, so we thaw out this frozen Sachertorte in anticipation. Not this time. But it’s good. Fruity and moist, decent ganache. More chocolate cake than Sachertorte, I’d venture, but a highly competitive price point.
About €1 a slice, 5.5/10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get to Shanklin

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

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

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

Its historic cathedral, central attractions and pedestrian-friendly streets make it perfect for a UK staycation, especially now that it’s starting to warm up.

Spring has almost sprung, and now that the weather is getting slightly better here in the UK, there are more chances to get out and explore and enjoy the sun. You can’t beat a day or weekend trip somewhere new, and if you haven’t visited York before, consider this your sign to go this spring.

The stunning historic city earned the title of the UK’s most walkable city in 2023, according to LateRooms. Since then, it’s still considered one of the most pedestrian-friendly places in Britain, reports the Express.

There’s so much to do and see in York, from quaint cobbled streets lined with independent shops and eateries to a rich historical scene and plenty of green spaces too.

Among York’s highest-rated attractions is York Minster, which was previously crowned England’s most beautiful building.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Tremendous place to visit and to marvel at what humans can achieve. You could spend a lifetime here and still find new pieces of craftsmanship.”

Visitors can also see one of the UK’s finest pieces of Royal history at the remarkable British landmark. York Minster houses one of the UK’s only statues of Queen Elizabeth II, which was installed to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee.

Also in York, you’ll find the Shambles – a medieval preserved street lined with timber-framed buildings and shops that feels like being frozen in time.

If you’re keen to spend some time in nature, Rowntree Park is a must-visit. With play parks for kids, tennis courts, skate parks and a gorgeous lake, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun this spring.

Taking to Tripadvisor, one fan wrote: “A beautiful well kept Victorian park with lots to do and see. Children’s areas, flower beds, arboretums, statues, and ponds. Lots of local wildlife. Excellent for a picnic.

“Cafe and toilets, all just a stone throw from York city centre and the racecourse. Well worth a visit.”

Brighton secured the second position on the list of walkable cities. Visitors can wander the seaside city’s Lanes before heading for an invigorating stroll along the promenade. Following a lengthy walk, there’s nothing better than a fish and chip supper on the beach with stunning sea views.

Bath claimed third spot on the list and is renowned for its remarkable Roman history and ancient baths. While tourists can’t bathe in the Roman baths, they will be able to unwind at the city’s spa instead.

Bristol was the greenest city on the list whilst London boasted some of the most city-centre attractions. Brighton, Inverness and Cambridge had the lowest levels of air pollution of any of the cities in the rankings.

Matt Fox, CEO and co-founder of LateRooms.com, said: “UK city breaks are as popular as ever and with spring around the corner, impromptu weekends away offer a great way to see and experience somewhere new.

“Getting to see all of the best sights somewhere has to offer in a short space of time can be hard work, but doing it on foot guarantees you’ll see so much more and stay active in the process too.

“All of Britain’s varied and historic cities offer something different and you can pack so much in without needing to set foot in a vehicle in almost all of them.”

Meanwhile Glasgow, Cardiff, Newcastle and Coventry were the least walkable cities in the top 20 rankings.

Jordan Chiles captured the Big Ten all-around crown with her seventh perfect score of the season, leading UCLA to its second straight Big Ten championship gymnastics title on Saturday.

Chiles, the Big Ten gymnast of the year, posted a conference-record score of 39.825 and earned a perfect 10 in floor routine as the Bruins defeated Michigan, Minnesota and Michigan State with a total score of 198.100.

Janelle McDonald, who guided No. 5 UCLA to the regular season and conference championship crowns for the second straight year, was named the Big Ten coach of the year.

“Our team is just going up from here,” Chiles told Big Ten Network after the meet. “We haven’t hit our peak yet.

“Obviously, there are still things that we can work on as individuals, but I think the team environment is definitely there. I couldn’t be more proud of each and every single athlete that went up today and stepped in as well.”

UCLA opened with Chiles scoring a 9.925 on beam. Tiana Sumanasekera scored a 9.925, and Katelyn Rosen, Sydney Barros and Mika Webster-Longin each scored a 9.850. Rosen managed to achieve the feat after missing the last few weeks with a foot injury.

UCLA closed the first rotation in second place, 0.125 behind Michigan.

With Chiles leading the way on floor, Webster-Longin posted a 9.925, tying her career high. Sumanasekera had the same score and Ashlee Sullivan had a 9.950.

Riley Jenkins led UCLA in the vault with a 9.950. Webster-Longin celebrated her 9.875 routine with splits. Sumanasekera had a 9.850 in the event and Sullivan received a 9.850 on her Yurchenko. Chiles closed out the vault with a 9.925, keeping the Bruins in first place ahead of Michigan State by 0.325.

Chiles and Barros each had scores of 9.950 in the uneven bars — the best mark of the season in the discipline for Barros. Webster-Longin performed some celebratory splits again when she tied her season high with a 9.900 on the uneven bars. Sumanasekera and Nola Matthews each had a 9.875 in the event.

“We are coming for y’all,” Chiles said. “This is our year and I’m very proud to say that we are the Bruins.”

In search of the perfect reset, Deputy Editor Ellie O’Mahoney and Art Director Laura Cunningham both tried different adults-only retreats.

The spiritual getaway with Kim Kardashian’s psychic in St Lucia proved magical for Ellie, while Ibiza offered the perfect couple time for Laura and her husband.

LUCIA SELF

FLYING into the Caribbean island paradise of St Lucia, I can see why it’s been chosen as the destination for a psychic retreat.

The mystical double mountains of the Pitons loom out of the mist, and I wonder what I’m going to discover about myself.

I’ve signed up to a four-day Spiritual Awakening retreat at adults-only, all-inclusive resort StolenTime, a sister property to St Lucia’s famous wellness resort, the BodyHoliday.

Set on the island’s longest white-sand beach, on its north-west coast and within seven acres of beautiful tropical gardens, StolenTime has 100 guest rooms and my veranda suite offers the most unreal view over the palm trees.

ISLE GO

I’ve booked 1,000 holidays to this lesser-visited Spanish island – my top tips

LAP OF LUXE

World-class St Lucia resorts with white sand beaches and the largest water park

The bed is absolutely gigantic and one of the comfiest I’ve ever tried, plus there’s a super-spacious bathtub, too.

As I sit on the love seat on the huge veranda, I gaze at the sky-blue sea while tropical birds chirrup, and it strikes me that this is my idea of total heaven.

READING THE ROOM

After waking early and making the most of my jet lag by heading straight to the beach to jump into the bath-warm sea, it’s time for the group’s first session.

The retreat is run by Jayne Wallace, one of the UK’s leading psychics, who has performed readings for both Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, at home, no less.

She’s far from your stereotypical woo-woo type – 6ft tall with a Cockney London accent, she’s straight-talking, and our group of six are all champing at the bit for a personal reading from her.

But first up is a workshop on flower psychometry, AKA flower readings. We each pick a flower and give it to a partner, who then has to describe what the bloom tells us about the picker.

It’s obviously not the most scientific process, but after a stressful few months, it is incredibly restorative staring at petals and trying to find out more about my fellow travellers.

Other workshops include aura drawings, how to connect with crystals and, my favourite, moon manifestation, which involves writing down our heart’s desires, then lighting bits of paper and sending them skywards in lanterns.

We cackle as the lanterns don’t quite do what we want them to.
I’m pleased to say, my personal reading with Jayne was worth the wait in the end.

And while I’m not going to divulge all the juicy details, there were a few things she got spot-on, including how wonderful my daughter is! Her readings also really seemed to comfort other members of the group.

JURASSIC JAUNTS

When we’re not tuning into our psychic selves, the hotel offers everything for the stressed-out soul – from yoga and Pilates to water-skiing, pickleball and archery.

There are two swimming pools and a lazy river, and each morning I head to the beach to grab fresh coconut water straight from the source, before digging into pastries, freshly made omelettes and delicious papaya at the buffet breakfast.

Come dinner, I dine with my feet in the sand at Malabar Beach Club and feast on treats like jerk pork rillettes with prunes and pancetta, and chips, of course!

Puds include roasted cashew nut tart with amaretto and beetroot ice cream, which sounds odd, but is divine.

On the last day, we take a four-hour boat trip, £56 per person, to spy the Pitons – think Jurassic Park views – and snorkel in coves. I gasp as I see a squid swim among the coral and coloured shoals of fish.

Later, we head to StolenTime’s champagne bar for a final toast. As I sit on a swing chair suspended from a 150-year-old samaan tree, its huge branches adorned with fairy lights, it feels as if I’ve found magic.

MORE THAN ALL WHITE

As the sky turns golden, we paddle into an atmospheric coastal cave, and I can’t help but mouth “wow” to my husband Barney, before promptly toppling off my paddleboard and splashing into the warm waters of the Med.

We’re on a two-hour guided sunset tour from our dreamy digs, the adults-only retreat of Cala San Miguel in northern Ibiza.

Just hours in, we’re already feeling more zen than we have in months – as two exhausted parents of three children under 10, we’re enjoying some much-needed couple time here.

The resort offers a host of complimentary wellbeing activities, including painting, guided hikes and mornings of yoga and sound healing.

Succumbing to the sound of gentle bongs and rain sticks make for the perfect start to any day.

The decor is all soft linens and natural wood tones, and a short stroll through lush gardens brings us to the private sandy beach – we spend our days flitting between here, the three pools and the seven eateries.

For lunch, poolside bar Calido serves up Asian-fusion dishes, such as crispy prawns with kimchi sauce, £16.

By night, its terrace transforms into La Savina, with succulent roasted poussin, £28, that we pair with sangria, £14 a glass.

But high above the bay sits Italian restaurant Da’mar, which wins for its stunning views and its gorgeously garlicky fettuccine puttanesca, £21.

Our favourite afternoons are spent at the Beach House right on the sand, tucking into fried squid, £21, creamy omelette with the freshest of red prawns, £19.50, and huge cuttlefish paella served straight from the pan, £28.

On our last evening, as we sink into a massive bean bag for a movie night under the stars, there’s the bonus soundtrack of waves lapping the shore, and we’re already planning our return.

B&B stays at Cala San Miguel Ibiza Resort cost from £193 per night (Calasanmiguelresort.com).

Planning your summer holiday but want to avoid crowded tourist hotspots? These three stunning European destinations offer beautiful beaches and coastal charm without the crowds.

Spring has finally sprung, meaning summer is just round the corner. Britain is fortunate to have countless stunning countries within easy reach, and if you’re pondering where to head this year, you’re in for a treat.

One of the most frustrating aspects of arranging a holiday is deciding on a destination – and with hordes of tourists flocking to all the popular spots, finding somewhere peaceful and relaxing can prove even more challenging.

If you’re after coastal beauty without thousands of holidaymakers crowding the beaches with towels and parasols, these are the three European locations you need to consider, reports the Express.

La Gomera, Canary Islands

In contrast to Tenerife or Lanzarote, this stunning island remains relatively undiscovered and experiences fewer crowds during peak season than the British favourites.

Laura Evans-Fisk from eurochange commented: “It’s the perfect tranquil, peaceful alternative to the more popular islands. You could stay here for a restful few days or make a day trip from Tenerife by hopping on the ferry.

“La Gomera is also a great spot for hikers and nature lovers, home to the lush UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park.

“Its beaches are much more secluded than the ones you’ll find on the other islands, and you’ll encounter no large-scale resorts or nightlife.”

“Like other islands in the region, La Gomera benefits from pleasant temperatures throughout the year too. And, its low light pollution means it’s an excellent spot for stargazing.”

Ksamil and Porto Palermo, Albania

Renowned for its breathtaking turquoise waters and pristine sand beaches, this stretch of Albania is known as the “Albanian Riviera”. It’s becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers, yet sections of it remain largely undiscovered.

Laura explained: “Ksamil, an area often coined the ‘Maldives of Europe’, is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches, with white sands and strikingly clear waters.

“For a more relaxed vibe, visit Porto Palermo – this stunning bay has a small peninsula connecting it to the mainland, and an impressive 19th-century castle, Ali Pasha.”

Alentejo, Portugal

The Algarve is frequently packed with tourists, but further north in Alentejo there’s a far more laid-back atmosphere. With its picturesque coastal landscapes and gorgeous beaches it provides the ideal summer getaway.

Laura commented: “Further North than the Algarve, this coastline surrounds the city of Lisbon, making charming towns like Cascais, Estoril and Azenhas do Mar perfect day excursions from the capital.”

WITH holiday season fast approaching, savvy travellers are raving about a budget buy on Amazon.

A cabin bag that’s designed to fit within the restrictions on budget airlines has been slashed in cost.

Lossga Underseat Cabin Bag, from £10.82 (was £18.95)

Over 2,700 shoppers have given the bag a five-star rating, praising its durability and clever design – it’s now a best-seller on the Amazon website.

Usually retailing for £18.95, the black version of the bag has been slashed to just £10.82 in a limited-time deal.

(Other colourway are on sale, but are a little costlier.)

While that super-low price tag is a major draw, it’s the suitcase-style design that has shoppers talking.

Unlike standard rucksacks where you have to dig through layers to find your essentials, this bag opens 180 degrees.

This allows you to pack and organise everything at a glance, much like a traditional suitcase.

It is specifically built to maximise Ryanair’s free luggage allowance of 40x30x20cm, which is actually part of a new set of rules from the budget behemoth.

Lossga Underseat Cabin Bag, from £10.82 (was £18.95)

This new size recently saw a 20% increase in space, offering travellers an extra 4 litres of room.

The bag is packed with practical features that should appeal to everyone from solo explorers to busy families.

It includes an integrated charging port, allowing you to keep tablets and phones powered up during long delays.

There is also a dedicated wet pocket made of high-density waterproof material – perfect for those leaky toiletries or damp swimwear.

It’s also got a padded 14-inch laptop sleeve and a luggage strap on the back, which means you could slide it over a separate suitcase handle.

“Perfect bag for city breaks!” one delighted shopper wrote.

“Great bag, lots of room and separate compartments. Fits over the handle of your case for ease. Would definitely recommend.”

Another fan noted: “I love love love this… it opens all the way up like a suitcase would so you can fill everything in and then it has elastic straps to hold everything in place.”

A third reviewer added: “Well made, thoughtful design, perfect size. Great buy.

“[I] bought this over a year ago and [I’m] very pleased. After several trips it shows no sign of wear.

“It fits in the Ryanair test frame – as long as it’s not overloaded – and fits easily under the seat.”

SET SAIL

The ULTIMATE family cruise is here – with a water roller coaster & private island

Shoppers weighing up their options can look at a similar cabin packpack from Taygeer, which has also been slashed on Amazon.

It’s not just budget friendly luggage that’s been on sale lately – last week I spotted a great price drop on a Samsonite suitcase.

KIP with the kids in a two-bedroom lodge at The Mole Resort or try the boujee airport hotel alternative of a grand Italianate mansion.

In search of the perfect pit stop, Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley found out all that both had to offer.

The Mole Resort

As I slam on the car brakes, my kids Poppy, seven, and Raffy, four, shout: “Woah!” In the middle of the road is a local walking her dog – which happens to be the size of a small pony.

Yep, it’s safe to say rural Devon is proving to be an eye-opener for us all.

We’re kipping at The Mole Resort, a country-house hotel that had a spruce-up a couple of years ago, set in 125 acres of rolling countryside.

Our two-bedroom, two-bathroom lodge in the grounds comes with floor-to-ceiling views of a verdant meadow and a hot tub, which proves particularly restorative after the long drive.

I WOOD

I found the perfect woodland staycation for Center Parcs vibes without the price tag

HOMESTAY

Record year for staycations predicted – here are our top holiday spots in 2026 

Another huge win is the raft of activities on site – from pickleball to pétanque, disc golf to axe-throwing, and archery to pottery painting.

Talking of which, the kids adore painting egg cups, £14 each, and are thrilled to pick up their newly glazed souvenirs the next morning.

There’s also a restaurant, games room and health club with a pool – though this has seen better days.

The village it sits in, Chittlehamholt, is also home to excellent 16th-century pub The Exeter Inn.

Owners Hazel and Steve welcome visitors like family, as does their gorgeous cockapoo Frankie.

Flavour-packed dishes like Peking duck bon bons with hoisin, £9.50, and beef and ale pie topped with stilton, £17, are spot-on.

As are the proper puds – pick spiced sticky toffee, £8.50, for the win.

With more than 80 gins and local ales aplenty, you won’t go thirsty, either (Exeterinn.co.uk).

Just 20 minutes’ drive away is another absolute gem – Quince Honey Farm, which brings joy even on the drizzliest day.

Here, we roll our own beeswax candles, forage for wildflower seeds and taste five varieties of the golden stuff – the dandelion honey is crowned our fave.

Entry per adult and child over five costs £10.80 (Quincehoneyfarm. co.uk).

Leaving armed with brilliant bee facts, we all agree this pretty nook of Devon makes for a super stop-off en route to a beach break.

Stays in a two-bedroom lodge at The Mole Resort cost from £120 per night (Themoleresort.co.uk).

Down Hall Hotel

I’m not a huge fan of airport hotels, which is why the boujee alternative of a grand Italianate mansion in the Essex countryside instantly appeals.

Less than 20 minutes’ drive from London Stansted, its rural setting will help you to properly relax before take-off.

A giant chessboard, tennis courts and a mini football pitch in the expansive grounds keep the whole gang entertained.

Meanwhile, the newly opened Barn Spa offers mini-me treatments, including head and scalp massages, from £25 per child, and the recently refurbed family rooms come with a Nintendo Switch, so the kids are more than alright.

Tuck into dinner treats, such as crab with apple gel, cucumber and nasturtiums, £16.50, followed by venison loin with a dark-chocolate jus, £41, at The Garden Room, which holds two AA Rosettes.

And it would be rude not to try the moreish house cocktail – a Down Hall Bramble, made with the hotel’s own garden gin, £15.

When in Rome (or Essex) and all that. . .

Family rooms at Down Hall Hotel cost from £212 per night (Downhall.co.uk).

Travel expert Simon Calder has shared one of his favourite destinations for an autumn escape and it’s perfect for pensioners

Travel expert Simon Calder revealed one of his top picks for an autumn getaway: the picturesque seaside town of Cassis, located in the south of France. Simon highlighted that there are numerous budget-friendly flights from UK airports and mild temperatures in spring and autumn.

Cassis is also an extremely walkable town, making it ideal for pensioners seeking an inexpensive destination that’s also straightforward to explore.

The travel expert stated: “I just came back from Côte d’Azur on Friday, and it was absolutely magical, particularly the lovely town of Cassis. Beautiful port, very close to St Tropez. It’s just a gorgeous place, the food is great!”

“You can even take a bus from Marseille that costs £3 and takes you around one of the greatest drives in the world.”

Travel expert Sam wrote on her blog theblondescout that Cassis was “one of the nicest surprises” during her time living in France.

“This small fishing town is colourful, quaint and next to one of the most extraordinary landscapes I have ever witnessed: the dramatic limestone inlets that make up the Calanques between Cassis and Marseille.”

She noted that Cassis is a compact town, so it is “very walkable and easy to get around”.

“All of the streets are picture-perfect and have that colourful French Riviera vibe! Our favourite little square was at the bougainvillaea-filled Place Baragnon.”

Other locations suggested by travel expert Simon Calder include the Algarve, in southern Portugal, a stunning and “very affordable” coastal destination that’s not overly busy at this time of year.

Writer Catherine Usher travelled by train to the pretty town of Troyes in the Champagne region, discovering art, history and – of course – the best bubbly

Troyes is only a 90-minute train ride from Paris but, compared to the capital, it’s a more compact and intimate location for a French mini-break. You’ll find atmospheric churches, attractive independent shops and chic museums, making it the ideal place to explore for a few days. Although it’s a very popular stop-off point for holidaymakers driving further south in France or onwards to Germany or Switzerland, a car isn’t a necessity. We travelled to Paris first via Eurostar –a much more environmentally-friendly option than flying – then took the train to Troyes. (It’s a 10-minute walk between Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est in Paris.) Once in Troyes, we were able to explore much of the town on foot.

READ MORE: Beautiful European island under 3 hours from UK where residents live beyond 100 years old

What to do in Troyes

Troyes is a pretty city with lots of half-timbered buildings in the old town that were largely built in the 16th century. There are countless cobbled streets to wander down and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

Two museums well worth taking a stroll around are the Musée d’Art Moderne and the Cite du Vitrail.

• The Modern Art Museum , located next to the cathedral, is home to paintings by artists such as Henri Matisse and André Derain. The sloping ceilings on the upper floor make it feel cosy and visitors can enjoy a sense of proximity to the artwork.
• The Cite du Vitrail is the stained glass museum and it is a wonderful, tranquil venue where you can immerse yourself in the elegance and beauty of stained glass. Located in an 18th century building, it explores stained glass from the Middle Ages to the present day and houses striking and memorable exhibits.

Making time for Champagne

Being in the heart of the Champagne region, discovering its most famous export is a must. Chassenay d’Arce champagne house in Ville-sur-Arce is about an hour’s drive from Troyes. It was founded in 1956 by five pioneers and the organisation is now made up of 130 families, with a focus on co-operation and knowledge-sharing.

Visiting its vast cellars and seeing how the bottles are produced is a real eye-opener, and the tasting workshop at the end of the tour is an obvious highlight for champagne connoisseurs and novices alike (see chassenay.com).

Troyes is a straightforward place to explore, but if you really want to find out about its history then a guided tour is a must. Hosted by Troyes La Champagne Tourisme, tours can be arranged for smaller or larger groups, of up to 30 people. Our host, Laura Dudek, was a well-informed, enthusiastic guide who tailored the experience to our interests, taking us to see many of the city’s ornate and impressive churches and cathedrals. For those who prefer to go it alone, you can explore with a City Pass, which includes an audioguide and admission to the museums.

Where to eat and drink

A flute of champagne is no doubt on the agenda for many visitors, and most of the bars and cafés have a variety of local brands to sample.

Octave is a sophisticated, rather understated restaurant located in the centre of Troyes with a beautiful courtyard, where you can enjoy dinner under the stars – usually joined by the friendly cat who lives nearby. The tapas style menu may look daunting at first glance, but the knowledgeable staff are happy to advise and we were very pleased with their recommendations.

For a speedy, fuss-free lunch while sightseeing, Tonton Farine is a welcoming bakery/canteen where everything is homemade. As it’s France, everything tastes more wholesome and delicious than a British equivalent. Most of the other customers looked like they were locals on their lunch break.

If you’re away from Troyes enjoying a champagne tour, Le Moussec in Les Riceys is a fabulous place to stop for lunch. The dishes are tasty and hearty, the restaurant is buzzing, which is always a good sign, and the staff are warm and attentive without being suffocating.

Where to stay

Two elegant boutique hotels, La Maison de Rhodes and Le Champ des Oiseaux, are located in adjoining medieval buildings and offer a combined 23 rooms. Owned and run by the same family, the welcoming hotels are a great base from which to explore the city.

Room categories and decor vary between the two properties, but guests share access to a range of amenities, such as a tranquil walled garden (we were getting Romeo and Juliet vibes), an outdoor heated pool and a small spa. The restaurant has an elegant yet homely ambiance and after your evening meal you can enjoy a nightcap in the moonlit garden. Once settled with a glass of wine, some nibbles and a book, it’s incredibly hard to drag yourself away.

How much does it cost?

Rooms at La Maison de Rhodes start from £245 and Le Champ des Oiseaux start from £174 per night on a B&B basis – see maisonderhodes.com. To book a tour of the town, see troyeslachampagne.com. Eurostar journeys between London and Paris start from £39 each way – see eurostar.com. Fares are all-inclusive with no hidden extras, children under four go free, and a Paris-London journey by Eurostar means 96% fewer CO2 emissions than travelling by plane.

SHOPPERS are flocking to Amazon to snag a sleek underseat cabin bag that’s been slashed in cost just in time for the holiday season.

Originally £29.99, the budget-friendly Taygeer Underseat Cabin Bag has now been dropped in price.

Taygeer Underseat Cabin Bag, from £18.99 (was £29.99)

Discounts on these handy backpack vary across depending on colour – you can pick up the black model for £22.79, but that drops to £18.99 if you have Amazon Prime membership.

It looks like a solid choice for anybody flying with budget airlines, where luggage rules are strict and some unlucky travellers get stung with extra fees at the terminal gate.

In a massive win for travellers, Ryanair has changed its free hand luggage rules.

Now, free personal bag allowance has been upped from 40x20x25cm to 40x30x20cm – that’s a 20% increase and an extra 4 litres of space.

Small wonder so many Amazon shoppers are dashing to pick up this rucksack after that price drop.

It is specifically designed to meet those new dimensions while offering a suitcase-style, 180-degree opening that makes packing all your bits an absolute breeze.

Despite its compact size, the bag is packed with features like a built-in wet pocket for toiletries, plus a separate shoe pouch.

You can also pick it up at sizes designed for Easyjet and Lufthansa flights.

The bag has racked up over 6,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, with customers heaping praise on its practicality and quality.

“This is perfect!” one delighted shopper wrote.

“[It] passed the Ryanair bag stand with ease, thanks to the suitcase-like design and all the pockets kept everything separated. 10/10!”

Another shopper shared: “I had room to fit my Kindle, headphones, passports, purse, snacks, and a few other essentials just in the front compartment.

“The larger compartment fit a change of clothes and shoes!”

A third fan added: “Perfect overhead luggage bag, good quality and easy to carry.

“The padding on the back and shoulders make it comfortable no matter the weight.”

IN THE BAG

New Ryanair hand luggage rules explained as airline increases free bag size

BARGAIN BAGGAGE

Shoppers rush to buy ‘compact & spacious’ £15 cabin bag perfect for Ryanair

For some tried-and-tested luggage recommendations, head to our best suitcases round-up.

Getting football fever? A budget airline has just announced it’s launching flights from the UK to the US for the World Cup this summer.

Culture – Shelby murals and Sabbath shrines

The runaway success of the TV crime drama Peaky Blinders has been credited with boosting tourism to Birmingham and the West Midlands since it first aired in 2013, even though much of the series was actually shot farther north, in Merseyside, Yorkshire and Manchester. The release this week of the Peaky Blinders movie The Immortal Man (much of which was filmed in and around Birmingham this time) will undoubtedly generate a new wave of interest, particularly in the Black Country Living Museum in nearby Dudley, whose authentic recreations of streets, houses and industrial workshops appear in key scenes in the TV show and the film – most notably as the location for Charlie Strong’s yard (pictured below).

At the Digbeth Loc. Studios, where much of the new movie was shot, fans can also see Peaky Blinders murals created by artist Mr Murals. A walking tour of the city with a guide dressed as “Edward Shelby” (from £20pp, viator.com) is well worth a couple of hours, while historic mugshots, artefacts and the original cells in which members of the real-life Peaky Blinders gang were once held are now on show at West Midlands Police Museum.

The city has also become something of a pilgrimage site for heavy metal fans, especially since the final Black Sabbath concert at Villa Park last summer and Ozzy Osbourne’s passing just over two weeks later. There are Ozzy and Sabbath landmarks all around the city, including another of Mr Murals’ artworks on Navigation Street, near New Street station, which all four members of the band visited and signed ahead of the concert. A couple of minutes’ walk away is The Crown pub (now sadly closed) where Sabbath played their first gig and heavy metal was born out of Brum’s industrial clank. Sabbath also feature on murals outside Scruffy Murphy’s rock pub and beside Birmingham coach station in Digbeth – and no pilgrimage would be complete without a visit to Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street, where Ozzy’s widow, Sharon, and children Aimee, Kelly and Jack laid flowers during his funeral procession.

Birmingham’s metal connection doesn’t end there – the Jewellery Quarter is a pilgrimage site of a different type, mainly for couples looking for wedding bands. It’s said to house Europe’s largest concentration of jewellers and produce 40% of the UK’s jewellery; the FA Cup was even produced there. The quarter also boasts quirky attractions such as the Pen Museum (Birmingham once produced 75% of the world’s pen nibs) and the UK’s last coffin furniture factory, The Coffin Works, now a museum, whose long history includes decorative coffin fittings for the funerals of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the queen mother, among many others.

Where to eat – from fried chicken to fine dining

In the city centre, John Bright Street is a great place to start – brunch at kitsch indie cafe-bar Cherry Reds is a good shout, while cider and speciality sourdough pizza spot The Stable remains underrated. Save some room for grungy, rock-themed fried chicken joint Bonehead, on the adjacent Lower Severn Street – a hangout for the Osbournes, Slipknot, Jason Momoa and Mogwai in recent times. In the Jewellery Quarter, the Saint Paul’s Market food hall has seven indie kitchens, including Persian, Indian, Thai and more.

Birmingham is also a city of fine dining – in 2019, Opheem became the first Indian restaurant outside London to be awarded a Michelin star; it now has two. Meanwhile, the Jewellery Quarter’s inherently alternative, goth-black restaurant (housed within a former factory, of course) The Wilderness has just won its first Michelin star, taking the city’s total to five. Chef-owner Alex Claridge cooks modern British fare using seasonal ingredients, such as rhubarb and rocket, that probably shouldn’t sit on the same plate, but pair surprisingly well. His menus are designed to surprise and provoke the senses – as is the heavy rock playlist.

Where to drink – from a pint of mild to craft beers

It feels like every family in Birmingham once had someone working at one of its famous breweries, Mitchells & Butlers or Ansells. It’s therefore no surprise that pub culture remains very much alive in a city that birthed one of the region’s classic pints: M&B mild. Traditional pubs serving similar ales from around Birmingham and the West Midlands pepper the city – try Black Country Ales’ pubs The Craven Arms, The Jewellers Arms and The Wellington for starters. And don’t forget to order a cheese and onion cob to go with your pint for the full West Midlands experience.

The modern craft beer revolution is also very much alive in the city, with Attic Brew Co.’s Intuition most definitely the most poured craft pint in Brum (cans are also stocked on CrossCountry trains). Sample their wares at their central taproom, The Barrel Store.

Nightlife – from Irish boozers to experimental music

Much of Birmingham’s best nightlife can be found in Digbeth, the city’s original Irish quarter (where the Peaky Blinders also once roamed). Pubs such as Nortons, The Old Crown, Cleary’s and The Anchor offer some of the best Guinness, trad music sessions and craic this side of the Irish Sea. Digbeth is also the city’s creative quarter, and home to experimental concert promoter Capsule, which brings equal parts peculiar and brilliant musicians to Brum, who might otherwise skip the region completely. Keep an eye out for Capsule’s Supersonic festival, an award-winning event running since 2003 and scheduled for 25-26 April this year, that takes over venues in Digbeth. One such is Centrala, an experimental arts centre and exhibition space that supports central and eastern European migrant communities.

After hours, dance to northern soul at The Night Owl, or head to venues such as Dead Wax, Suki10c, Lab11 and Mama Roux’s for parties ranging in genre from house to jungle.

Stirchley – the hispter hotspot for cocktails and breweries

A 10-minute train ride south of New Street station is Stirchley, a neighbourhood of award-winning indies that continues to thrive. Take Couch, for example, just named the UK’s number one at the 2026 Top 50 Cocktail Bars awards, and South African-British fusion restaurant Riverine Rabbit, which was recently awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin.

Stirchley is also known locally as the beer hub of the city, with three major brewers (Attic, Birmingham Brewing Company and GlassHouse) within a half-mile radius; all three have taprooms. In keeping with Birmingham’s liking for a pint or few, the Stirchley Beer Mile takes in those three plus two award-winning bottle shops and at least 10 pubs and bars on an easy walk between Stirchley and Cotteridge. Don’t miss Bonehead’s dive bar Deadbeat, a similarly grungy rock bar that sells Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap and often hosts NYC-style pizza slice pop-ups.

Where to stay – Georgian hotels and modern townhouses

Boutique hotel Saint Pauls House in the Jewellery Quarter (doubles from £99) sits on the city’s last remaining Georgian square and offers comfortable rooms, waterfall showers and plush beds. Or stay around the corner at the modern Frederick Street Townhouse (doubles from £99), which is connected to the popular Button Factory pub.