perfect

Described as ‘haunting’ and ‘disturbing’ the 12-episode show is certainly not for the faint of heart

A supernatural horror series on Netflix is winning rave reviews from viewers who are hailing it as ‘perfect’ and ‘disturbing’ – and it boasts a rare 100 per cent Rotten Tomatoes rating.

The Summer Hikaru Died centres around a town still recovering from the disappearance of a young schoolboy, Hikaru (Shuichiro Umeda), who vanishes for a week into a forbidden forest in the mountains. When he returns, it becomes apparent to his best friend Yoshiki (Chiaki Kobayashi) that he has come back fundamentally changed – but by what?

As per Netflix’s synopsis: “Two best friends living in a rural Japanese village: Yoshiki and Hikaru. Growing up together, they were inseparable… until the day Hikaru came back from the mountains, and was no longer himself. Something has taken over Hikaru’s body, memories, feelings… and everything they know begins to unravel.”

As Yoshiki grapples with the grief of his losing his best friend while maintaining a friendship with the shell of him, he finds himself losing grip of his emotions and questioning if he’s truly safe with Hikaru in his life.

Love horror? Sign up for our free TV, film and streaming newsletter Scream Society so you never miss a new release

The 12-part anime series blends horror with a coming-of-age tale, and many have praised its LGBTQ+ undertones. It is based on a comic of the same name by manga creator Mokumokuren.

At time of writing the Japanese language show has an impressive 100 per cent critics’ score while viewers awarded it a strong 87 per cent, with plenty of praise for the animation style.

One glowing review praising its director read: “Ryohei Takeshita’s direction is something to behold. His masterful orchestration of perspective, textures, and spatial composition is reminiscent of Twin Peaks in its gift for making the ordinary feel faintly poisoned.”

“The Summer Hikaru Died is the perfect series for horror fans to experience a haunting, heartfelt reminder that anime still has the power to surprise, disturb, and move viewers,” another show fan penned, while a third added: “Each episode leaves you with a constant feeling of unease, which doesn’t rely too heavily on jump scares but instead focuses on building tension.”

Tentative anime watchers were reassured by one viewer, who gushed: “This is the most interesting animated series I’ve ever seen. It’s use of animation is so fun and unique, working perfectly in tandem with the surreal plot. The whole tone of the show is spectacular.”

The Summer Hikaru Died is now streaming on Netflix

GLIDING into the glitzy Grand Atrium and gazing up at three marble-clad floors of bars and boutiques, a thought hit me.

If this is just one small section of the impressive ship Iona, how am I going to experience everything on offer in just one-and-a-half days?

This was my first cruise and, as a total novice, I’d decided to book a short, two-night sailing.

P&O Cruises’ Iona is deemed the perfect ship for first-time British cruisers, partly because — carrying 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew, it is big enough to not feel cramped or overwhelming.

Plus there are plenty of familiar UK favourites on board from roast dinners to Tetley tea.

And with prices starting at £199 per person, including all your food and activities, you can’t go wrong.

LIVING IT UP

New cruise ship that you can live on FOREVER is cheaper than a London flat

CHANNEL IT

I went on an English Channel cruise with island hopping & seawater pools

Longer voyages are cracking value, too, with five nights on a European itinerary costing less than £500pp.

You could spend a week on board and not run out of things to do thanks to Iona’s 30 bars and restaurants, ten entertainment venues — including a cinema, theatre and spa — swimming pools and hot tubs along the decks.

I stayed in a Conservatory Suite, where floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views without having to brave the biting wind on the balcony — the only downside of a UK cruise.

Luckily, the SkyDome has a heated indoor pool and this area of the boat has just had a sleek refit.

It’s a great place to kick back with a beer in hand (a pint of Moretti costs £6.25).

Nowhere is quite as relaxing as the spa, though — home to a therapeutic sauna, sensory steam room and rejuvenating hydrotherapy pool.

If that doesn’t float your boat, why not indulge in some retail therapy at the on-board boutiques, where you’ll find designer watches, bags and sunglasses, among other gems.

A particular hit with my husband was the Barbour shop — I’m fairly certain he came home with a whole new wardrobe.

When we weren’t watching aerial acrobatics in the large theatre, or rolling dice at the casino, we were sampling the excellent food.

‘BUFFET OF DREAMS’

The Horizon Restaurant — an all-you-can eat buffet of dreams — has salads and sandwiches, freshly-cut kebabs and full roast dinners.

Meanwhile, The Quays offers a street food style selection of live cooking stations, where I tucked into delicious breakfasts of fresh scrambled eggs and hash browns.

And Ripples ice cream parlour serves treats with edible cups and spoons — a small but fabulous nod to P&O cutting back on waste.

It would be hard to tire of the dining options included in your fare, but if you do fancy treating yourself, the speciality joints are top notch.

We loved Sindhu, the Indian restaurant where you can get three courses for £22, with a £3 supplement for the lobster thermidor.

My husband and I enjoyed Sindhu’s signature cocktail, the East India punch, a muddle of spiced rum, cognac, falernum (a sweet syrup) and tropical juices.

And if you can’t decide what to eat, the Sindhu Signature Plate boasts smaller portions of three of their most popular dishes: the duck tikka malabari, the beef lali mirch masala and the creamy lobster, drenched in thermidor sauce.

Elsewhere, the Glass House in the Grand Atrium offers a heavenly seven-course tasting menu and wine pairing (priced at around £35 a person), by award-winning wine expert Olly Smith and acclaimed Spanish chef Jose Pizarro.

Our highlight was a black tie dinner and show at the adults-only Limelight Club, with a performance from singer Jonathan Wilkes and a nightclub boogie on board.

If that doesn’t convert you to a cruise lover, I’m not sure what will.

IT’S almost January, known by many as the most depressing month of the year.

So why not sack off the UK for one of these seven incredible destinations, all within four hours from the UK with very affordable flights.

Barcelona, Spain

Can you really go wrong with a trip to Barcelona?

A city break blended with beautiful beaches, not to mention it’s very flat and walkable.

There are plenty of cultural and historical attractions and of course the the iconic architecture like the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell.

Don’t forget to stop by Sant Pau a former hospital turned historical attraction, which is minutes away from the famous cathedral in the city centre, but much lesser-known.

STREET SMARTS

I visit New York 6 times a year – my expert budget guide including £1 pizzas

JOLLY DAY

Our expert picks for unmissable UK staycation trips to banish post-summer blues

Our own Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding loves Las Ramblas – the iconic street that’s 1.5km covered in market stalls.

Some of her favourite spots are Casa Beethoven – essentially Harry Potter’s Ollivanders but for sheet music not wands, and La Boqueria market.

You can get to Barcelona for as little as £14.99 with Ryanair if you fly out on January 25, 2026 from London Stansted.

Baden-Baden, Germany

You won’t be getting January sun here, but Baden-Baden in southwest Germany is a great option for a city break.

The spa town is in Germany‘s Black Forest near its French border – and is famous for its thermal baths – and THAT summer in 2006 when England’s WAGS were arguably as famous as their footballer husbands during the World Cup.

Baden-Baden sits on top of a natural mineral-rich hot springs that bubble up from deep underground and you can enjoy them at the likes of the Caracalla Spa or the Friedrichsbad Spa.

At both, you can go swimming, check out the saunas, steam baths and treatment rooms.

For the more active, take a wander through the Lichtentaler Allee park, casino or take Germany’s steepest funicular railway up the Merkur Mountain.

You can fly from London Stansted to Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden for £15 on January 30, 2026, with Ryanair.

Poznan, Poland

Poznan, the fifth largest city in Poland it sits by the Warta River and boasts a pretty colourful Old Town.

When you get there, wrap up warm and take a wander around the city starting at the Old Market Square, also known as Stary Rynek.

At noon, head over to the town hall where mechanical Billy Goats emerge from the clock tower and butt heads.

Ostrów Tumski is a huge cathedral which gives visitors an insight into how the region started in Poznań.

It’s home to some quirky things too, like a croissant museum which one Sun writer visited and even made his own version of the pastry.

While you’re there, have a taste of a Penerskie, which is a local beer made from potatoes.

With Wizz Air you can fly from London Luton to Poznan for £14.97 departing on January 19, 2026.

Sofia, Bulgaria

The capital of Bulgaria is in the west of the country and is filled with incredible landmarks like Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Rotunda of St. George.

You can take time to sightsee, take a break on Vitosha Boulevard which is filled with shops, cafes and restaurants or head up Vitosha Mountain on a hiking trail.

The city can be as little as three hours and 10 minutes from the UK, so it’s no wonder one man even took an extreme day trip to Sofia after bagging a return flight for £43.

He spent the day exploring the city using a self-guided tour on his phone and picked up local treats like a pastry called a banitsa and stopped for a sit down meal too.

You can fly to Sofia in Bulgaria from London Stansted on January 20, 2026 from £16.99

Carcassonne, France

The city of Carcassonne in France is famous for its citadel and castle

that look like it belongs in the medieval period – it’s even said to be one of the best preserved medieval ensembles in the world.

Inside the old town are winding old streets and grand Château Comtal and Basilique Saint Nazaire.

To learn more about the history of Carcassonne, visitors can take tours during the day and at night.

There’s also the new town to explore called Bastide Saint Louis which has an impressive local wine scene, museums and plenty of shops.

Brits can fly directly Manchester to Carcassonne on January 26, 2026 with Ryanair from £16.99.

Naples, Italy

Naples, the pretty southern city in Italy known for its pretty ruins, vibrant street life and more importantly, pizza.

The city is considered the birthplace of pizza – it evolved from simple flatbreads sold to the working poor in the 18th century to the tasty meal we know today.

When one Sun writer visited the city, she discovered you can buy margarita pizzas for as little as £3.

Naples also has a Spanish quarter where you can see sites like Piazza del Plebiscito and Castel Nuovo and try some different cuisine.

If you fancy a longer trip or heading out to the city, from Naples you can easily reach destinations like the historical Pompeii, Capri, or the Amalfi Coast.

You can fly from London Stansted to Naples on January 10, 2026 from £15 with Ryanair.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava in Slovakia is pretty small for a European capital, but that doesn’t mean there’s any less to do.

It has bright pastel coloured buildings along small cobbled roads lined with cafes and restaurants.

One of the most famous buildings to visit in the city is Bratislava castle.

It has four corner towers and stands on an isolated rocky hill of the Little Carpathians, directly above the Danube river.

Tourists can also check out the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, Blue Church, plus enjoying Slovak food like Bryndzové Halušky which are potato dumplings with cheese and bacon.

You can fly to Bratislava on January 11, 2026 from Manchester from £16.99 with Ryanair.

All prices are correct as of December 22, 2025.

Plus here are eight affordable holidays with four times more sun than Britain in January.

And if you fancy fleeing Budget chaos then are are affordable holidays on offer right NOW from £22pppn where you can buy cheap booze & fags.

It is difficult to gauge how good Morocco are from a meeting with a side from the smallest country of 24 competing at Afcon 2025 – and in front of their own vociferous fans.

Comoros were unbeaten as they topped their qualifying group ahead of Tunisia and shocked Ghana at the last Afcon two years ago.

However, Morocco beat Comoros 3-1 to top their group at the recent Arab Cup in Qatar before edging Jordan 3-2 after extra-time in Thursday’s final.

That was with a completely different squad than the one that is at their home tournament.

Comoros too only had one player from the Arab Cup starting at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium against the hosts.

Even so, it is another indication that Morocco have strength in depth.

This was three points gained without having to call on influential captain Achraf Hakimi, who was only fit for the bench after suffering an ankle injury playing for Paris St-Germain in a Champions League game in early November.

El Kaabi was himself a substitute before the 32-year-old Olympiacos striker made a sensational goalscoring entrance with 25 minutes remaining.

OK, he did not quite rise as high off the ground as McTominay, but it was greeted with similar gasps inside his home stadium.

Morocco’s depth will be tested more in tougher challenges ahead, starting with Mali on Boxing Day and then Zambia on 29 December.

They will, though, be favourites to qualify from Group A as the look to win Afcon for the first time since 1976 or at least reach the final for the first time in 21 years.

Plenty more time for Clarke to judge the strengths and weaknesses of the side Scotland will face at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, USA on 19 June.

Pete Davidson has officially entered fatherhood, welcoming his first child with British model-actor Elsie Hewitt.

The former “Saturday Night Live” comedian, 32, and his girlfriend, 29, are new parents to a baby girl, Hewitt announced Thursday. “Our perfect angel girl arrived 12/12/2025,” the model captioned her Instagram post.

Hewitt shared scenes from Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson’s arrival, including their first family selfie, images from the labor room and snaps of her own post-push sushi meal. In her caption, Hewitt described her daughter as “my best work yet.”

“I am absolutely overflowing with love and gratitude and disbelief,” she added.

Davidson apparently had other words to herald the arrival of his first child: “Wu tang forever.”

The pair welcomed their first child after less than a year of dating. Davidson (whose dating history notably includes high-profile relationships with Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande) was first romantically linked to Hewitt (who previously dated Jason Sudeikis and Benny Blanco) in March when they were seen kissing in Palm Beach, Fla. Two months after making their relationship red carpet official, the couple announced in July they were expecting a little one.

“welp now everyone knows we had sex,” Hewitt captioned her casual pregnancy announcement.

In addition to recovering from labor, Hewitt revealed that she is simultaneously bouncing back from another procedure. In an Instagram story posted Thursday, Hewitt shared a selfie of herself in a pink hoodie with an ice pack around her cheeks as she held onto her daughter’s car seat.

“Who else had to get a wisdom tooth removed directly from the hospital the day after they gave birth,” she captioned the photo.

IF you’re dreaming of going somewhere picturesque and peaceful, there’s a certain stunning cottage calling your name.

Residing in one of Wales‘ beautiful peninsulas, the white-washed home – known as Bwthyn Trehilyn – is incredibly popular for holiday bookings.

This isn’t only because it boasts six bedrooms, scenic views and the perfect step away to disconnect from the hubbub of busy, daily life.

It just so happens to be owned by a famous TV star.

Comedian, actor and television presenter Griff Rhys Jones took ownership of the now-beautiful cottage when it was in a rather derelict state.

It was once part of a collection of stone properties that collectively formed a working Pembrokeshire farm.

DIVE IN

The dreamy English holiday home people say is MORE stunning than the pictures

NO KID-DING

English holiday home hides huge secret that parents say is ‘best thing ever’

But now Bwthyn Trehilyn is enjoying a new lease of life as a holiday rental, thanks to becoming the fifth property renovated by Griff.

Under the Thatch, a company who curate collections of the most refined holiday homes in Wales, announced Bwthyn Trehilyn as the top-selling accommodation for 2025.

Visitors adored the charm of the building, as well as its thoughtfully updated interiors including its adjoining servants’ wing, a former mill, and a granary.

Interior designers did their best to keep some of the interior’s original character, incorporating vintage furniture relevant to the period and restoring wooden ceiling beams.

Though one of the main sells for travellers was its location, being only a short walk away from the Abermawr beach.

The beach features a private lake, ideal for watching a stunning rural sunset melt into the water or an evening of fishing.

It only took a stroll through the area back in 2004 for Griff to decide he just had to snap up the cottage and return it to its former beauty.

Mirror reporter Julia Banim enjoyed a winter spa break at A-list favourite and foodie haven Carden Park, and a little bit of drizzle did nothing to dampen her spirits

With Christmas fast approaching, I was fortunate enough to enjoy a winter spa break at a hotel beloved by celebs, and I’m happy to say it’s not down south.

Nestled in the Cheshire countryside, Carden Park is reportedly a favourite of A-lister couples such as Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, as well as Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury. And the spa garden, complete with jacuzzis, fire pits, and heated glass pods, may well leave you feeling like you’re on a very high-end version of Love Island.

Back when I’m A Celebrity was filmed in North Wales during the pandemic, Carden Park even served as a plush eviction hotel for booted off campmates. It must have felt like a true haven for contestants after their insect infested ordeal, but what does this glam retreat have to offer for an average Joe such as myself?

READ MORE: EasyJet currently has flights from £23.99 to heaps of winter sun hotspots for 2026

Situated in complete seclusion amid lush green grounds, it’s no wonder that stars favour this haven of relaxation, which feels a world away from the bustle of city life. But, with pretty Chester and the bargain heaven that is Cheshire Oaks just around the corner, shopaholics won’t have much to complain about.

If you listen carefully during the sweeping drive through the grounds, you may well hear the gentle putt of a golf ball, but today, I’m in no mood for sport. It’s time to completely unwind and put all the stresses of the dark and gloomy season aside.

The spa building is separate from the hotel, an elegant, immaculate building which smells heavenly. The staff are warm and welcoming, and the bathrobes are soft and fluffy. I’m here on a girls’ weekend with my mum and my sister, and I can’t think of a better place to natter the day away over some celebratory fizz.

Now, stripping to your swimsuit on a drizzly November day isn’t for the faint-hearted, but I can assure you that once you slip your shoulders under the waters of the vitality pool, you’re absolutely away.

The sky is clear and blue, and I can barely tear myself away from my tranquil spot for my spa treatment, a wonderfully indulgent 50-minute Time-to-Pause ritual treatment, which left my sunlight-deprived skin glowing and petal soft.

Admittedly, I sometimes struggle to drift off during spa treatments and find myself anxiously making to-do lists in my head, but here I found myself almost completely disconnected from the world.

It certainly helps that, after you’re done with treatments, you have a choice of relaxation rooms to unwind in before entering reality. This includes a sensory room, complete with soothing screen, and, my personal favourite, the deep relaxation room, where the crackling fire offered a very seasonal feel.

Famished from all my ‘lady of leisure-ing’, I head for lunch at Elements, where we enjoy matching, and tasty, Tandoori Chicken Open Sandwiches overlooking the spa garden, washed down with some of the most delicious peach mimosas I’ve ever had. Any future visitors should make sure to grab a portion of the salt and pepper chips – a truly sensational side, and even better than your favourite chippy.

Even in what can feel like the greyest time of the year, the floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of light, and for a moment I feel as though we were back on holiday with a whole week of sunshine ahead of us.

The waiters also couldn’t be more lovely, even phoning down to the spa garden’s Bollinger champagne bar to ensure we had hot chocolate treats waiting for us when we returned. Very welcome when wearing flips in November.

Full from our hearty lunch, we head back down to the spa garden, to luxuriate in one of the glass pods with our hot chocs. Although we are already quite comfortable, a member of the bar staff came over with cuddly hot water bottles for us – a very sweet touch.

The bar is described as running in ‘all-weather’, and we certainly didn’t feel any less pampered for a bit of chill. That being said, we are Northern, and Southerners may well feel differently.

The afternoon soon melts away as we set about the very important task of trying out the spacious jacuzzis, plus the outdoor sauna, with its floor-to-ceiling window. It’s life I could very easily get used to. While we don’t mind a spot of drizzle, when it starts to rain, we head inside to the Indoor Thermal Suite.

While I would be more than happy with just the one sauna, Carden Park offers a relative gallery of thermal experiences, from a Finnish sauna to a Tepidarium, all encircling a sparkling ice fountain.

There are even two steam rooms to choose from – salt and aroma. I particularly enjoy the indoor vitality pool, which looks out over the garden and offers gorgeous therapeutic jets of bubbles.

I could happily float around gossiping in the vitality pool for hours, but it’s time to dry off and get glammed up for the next part of our dreamy day – dinner. We’re set to dine at Carden Park’s award-winning à la carte restaurant, The Vines, which has a swish yet welcoming feel.

Typically of me, I’ve forgotten my posh shoes and have to borrow some smart boots from my much more organised mum (this isn’t somewhere you stomp in with your muddy trainers!).

I am touched, however, by staff reassurances that they would have sorted me out with suitable shoes in a pinch, which definitely helps alleviate my embarrassment.

Carden Park Hotel is tastefully decorated, with a cosy feel perfect for blustery winter nights. But The Vines elevates this to a whole new level of elegance. Atmospheric, yet never daunting, we are made to feel at home, and there is a gently lively buzz to the room. The sort of sparkle you hope for any chatty girls’ night, albeit far posher than my usual Saturday.

The staff, are friendly and attentive, – an ongoing theme – while every single course on our taster menu is nothing short of superb. Even the freshly baked bread and butter is memorable.

There’s a real northern, comforting sense to the menu – the BBQ Cheshire Venison Loin is sublime – and there’s plenty of experimentation, with intriguing flavour inspirations from far and wide.

The roasted monkfish on the bones, served with bombay potatoes and a tasty coconut and kaffir lime sauce, is a real highlight. And I have to admit, even though I initially feel a little squeamish tucking into the chicken & rabbit galantine, this is dreamy.

Each dish is paired with a delicious drink, explained to us by the very knowledgable sommelier. I particularly love how creative these pairings were, with the sweet Hungarian Tokaji wine, which accompanies the caramelised apple pie, being my absolute favourite.

It’s always a surprise to me that this honeyed drink, which I can’t get enough of when in Budapest, hasn’t become fashionable among chic sorts in the UK yet.

In terms of my personal ranking, this is closely followed by the Brown Butter XO cocktail, served alongside the Banana & Popcorn Iced Parfait, which tastes like a desert in itself. There should be far more buttery cocktails in my opinion.

Although I try to pace myself, this is a table filled with temptation and I happily enjoy every drop. Really, is there a more blissful evening than sitting with two of your favourite people, enjoying a range of novel yet tasty treats? I think not.

When the time comes to leave the restaurant, I practically waddle to my room. I have a large appetite, and proud of it, but this hearty taster menu has defeated me. Thankfully, my room is clean, comfortable and with deep plush pillows. I’m soon enjoying the easy sleep of the truly rested.

Although I’ve enjoyed some lovely spa days in my time, I have to say nothing has ever come close to Carden Park. The setting is idyllic, the facilities are extensive, and every inch feels immaculate and well thought out.

Not to mention, the culinary experiences on offer are just as special as those found in the spa treatment rooms. Foodies, bring your appetites.

I will treasure my memories of Carden Park, and wholeheartedly recommend it as a winter bolthole, whether for a pre-Christmas getaway or January detox.

There are currrently plenty of packages on offer, including the Indulgent Spa Day pacakge for £299, and the A Little Winter Love Morning Spa Experience for £195. Find out more on the Carden Park website.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

READ MORE: ‘Great quality’ £3k diamond watch that’s ‘almost identical to Cartier’ is now under £200

The light is fading fast as I stand inside Tregeseal stone circle near St Just. The granite stones of the circle are luminous in this sombre landscape, like pale, inquisitive ghosts gathered round to see what we’re up to. Above us, a sea of withered bracken and gorse rises to Carn Kenidjack, the sinister rock outcrop that dominates the naked skyline. At night, this moor is said to be frequented by pixies and demons, and sometimes the devil himself rides out in search of lost souls.

Unbothered by any supernatural threat, we are gazing seawards, towards the smudges on the horizon that are the distant Isles of Scilly. The clouds crack open and a flood of golden light falls over the islands. My companion, archaeoastronomer Carolyn Kennett, and I gasp. It is marvellous natural theatre which may have been enjoyed by the people who built this circle 4,000 years ago.

We have met at Tregeseal to talk about the winter solstice. Carolyn’s work focuses on the relationship of Cornwall’s prehistory with the sky, and she describes the whole Land’s End peninsula as an ancient winter solstice landscape. This, she says, is because of the spine of granite that runs south-west along the peninsula, towards the midwinter sunset. If, for example, you stand at winter solstice by Chûn Quoit – the mushroom-shaped burial chamber high on the moors south of Morvah – you will see the sun set over Carn Kenidjack on the south-western horizon. And likely this is exactly as Chûn Quoit’s Neolithic builders intended.

Carolyn suggests that Tregeseal stone circle was deliberately sited to allow people to view the midwinter sun setting behind the Isles of Scilly. “Seen from here, Scilly is a liminal space. On a clear day with high pressure, the isles look close up and just pop. On other days, they’re simply not there. The circle builders could have viewed Scilly as an otherworldly place, perhaps a place of the dead, associated with the winter solstice and the rebirth of the light.”

We thread through the darkening russet moor past prehistoric burial mounds and heaps of mining slag to a mysterious monument, which may be the UK’s only ancient row of holed stones. Unlike the stone at Mên-an-Tol, their better-known sister a few miles away, it’s impossible to crawl through the Kenidjack holed stones; these holes are barely big enough to fit my hand through and very low to the ground. Archaeologists remain baffled.

Carolyn’s theory is that the row might have worked as a kind of winter solstice countdown calendar, with the rising sun shining through the holes from late October until December and creating varying beams of light in the stones’ shadows. “Feeling the warmth of that golden beam of sunlight in the cold, dark moor gave me a visceral experience of how prehistoric people might have perceived winter solstice,” she says.

Too many ancient sites are aligned to the rising or setting of the sun at midwinter or midsummer for it to be a coincidence. It makes sense that prehistoric farmers, who relied on the sun for light, warmth and the growth of crops, would want to track the sun’s movement. But in the 21st century, the darkness of this time of year still weighs on our spirits, and so we welcome the winter solstice, that darkest day of all before the hours of light begin to grow again. And where better to celebrate the return of the light than on the Land’s End (West Penwith) peninsula, which points towards the setting point of the sun on the year’s shortest day?

A bitter easterly is gusting, and eerie moaning rises from unseen cows as I tramp through soggy clover to pay a visit to the Boscawen-Ros stone, keeping watch as it has done for thousands of years above the peninsula’s south coast. It is just one of scores of prehistoric stones that stand alone or in pairs or circles all over the peninsula; less than a mile away are the famous Merry Maidens, dancers turned to stone for breaking the Sabbath. I think about how long the stone has persisted here, enjoying its view of the Celtic Sea and English Channel: where once Neolithic coracles would have floated, now the container ships and the Scilly ferry pass by.

Christopher Morris’s mesmerising film A Year in a Field, which documents 12 months in the life of this stone, draws attention to the power of its still and silent presence in the ever-changing landscape. “And I deliberately started and ended the film with winter solstice,” he tells me, “because it is a moment of pure hope – the promise of the ending of darkness and a bright new year ahead.”

On 21 December, all over West Penwith, people will be marking midwinter by walking to stone circles and holy wells, to hill forts and ancient beacons. Carolyn Kennett will be leading a guided walk to Chûn Quoit to observe the sun setting over Carn Kenidjack. Morris will walk to the Boscawen-Ros stone, as he does every winter solstice, in a sort of ritual of reflection and renewal. Later he, like thousands of others, will crowd into Penzance for Montol, a midwinter festival that dates only to 2007 but revives the very old Cornish custom of guise dancing, with its elaborate masks and costumes, traditional carolling and music of pipe, drum and fiddle.

Morris calls Montol “a wild night of misrule” – mischief and taboo-breaking are positively encouraged. The sun (in papier-mache form) will be set ablaze, while revellers disguised in animal masks, foliate heads or veils will dance triumphantly around it. There will be a herd of ’obby ’osses (hobby horses, including one called Penglaz and another called Pen Hood), dragons, fire-dancers and riotous merry-making. “A lot of sprout-throwing, too,” Morris adds. At 9.30pm those still standing will parade the Mock (the Yule log), flaming torches in hand, down Chapel Street to the sea. It is a fittingly uproarious and darkly magical celebration to welcome back the light.

In enchanted West Penwith, where rings of dancers were turned to stone and the witches once lit solstice fires in the moorland cromlechs, the tradition of folklore, storytelling and community ritual is still very much alive. And especially now, at midwinter.

Fiona Robertson is the author of Stone Lands, published by Robinson at £25. To support the Guardian buy a copy from guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply

The city is home to one of the UK’s best Christmas markets with tourists regularly visiting each year to try the food and mulled wine

The enchanting city of Bath was recently crowned the world’s most beautiful during autumn, but its charm doesn’t fade with the seasons. According to consumer watchdog Which?, it also hosts one of Britain’s top Christmas markets.

The market is a winter wonderland complete with an ice rink and countless stalls to peruse. Most stallholders hail from the South West, showcasing a wide variety of goods – from garden decorations to handcrafted wooden furniture.

Shoppers can find everything from cosy knitwear to fragrances and even gifts for their pets.

Of course, no Christmas market would be complete without a feast of food, and Bath’s market doesn’t disappoint.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice with regional delicacies, festive flapjacks and more on offer, reports the Express.

But it’s not just the market that’s won accolades. Bath has been named the UK’s most picturesque city in autumn and winter by travel experts at Premier Inn.

The historic city has outshone global competitors like Chicago and Cape Town to take the top spot in worldwide beauty rankings.

Bath Abbey, rated the top local attraction by Tripadvisor, has been a sacred site for over a millennium.

Tripadvisor users have heaped praise on the abbey, with one visitor noting: “A beautiful and peaceful space to spend time.”

Another visitor shared their enthusiasm: “Visited more than once. So much to see and appreciate the history and architectural beauty.”

Whilst some tourists express frustration at being unable to swim in the Roman Baths themselves, the attraction comes alive through its captivating displays.

Amongst the intriguing artefacts housed at the Baths is a remarkable collection of curse tablets, where angry Romans etched their complaints seeking revenge from the gods before throwing them into Minerva’s Spring.

Although the ancient Baths remain closed for bathing, the Thermae Bath Spa provides adults with an indulgent spa retreat using the city’s naturally warm, mineral-enriched waters.

For anyone seeking a welcoming café, Bath features numerous comfortable venues, offering the opportunity to sample the famous ‘Bath Bun’, a sweet pastry topped with fruit and crystallised sugar.

Bath is celebrated for its impressive range of beautiful architecture, a characteristic that has secured the city’s position as a designated UNESCO site.

Tourists might spot recognisable locations throughout the city from hit programmes including Bridgerton, Poldark and The Sixth Commandment.