places

If you’re already dreaming about your next getaway, then you’re in luck, as the best places for 2027 have been named by Lonely Planet, and there’s a lesser-known Spanish city that warrants attention

We’re all familiar with the Spanish hotspots of Madrid, Barcelona, Ibiza and Palma, but there’s a lesser-known destination worth putting on your radar. Often missed by tourists, Lonely Planet has hailed a Spanish city as the best place for 2027, with blissfully few crowds and free tapas under the Mediterranean sun.

It’s not too early to start thinking about your holiday plans for next year, and now just might be the best time, as Lonely Planet has released its ‘Best in Travel’ list, highlighting the top worldwide destinations to visit in 2027. Among their top 24, five underrated European spots made the list, including the beautiful city of León in Spain.

Sitting along the Bernesga River in northern Spain, León is brimming with whimsical architecture, a vibrant old quarter, and a welcoming free-tapas culture. Crowned as one of the best places to visit next year, Lonely Planet noted: “Located in northern Spain, off the traditional tourist radar, it is one of the country’s most evocative medieval cities, combining magnificent Gothic architecture, centuries of history and a lively contemporary spirit.”

Among its striking French-style Gothic landmarks is the majestic 13th-century León Cathedral, known as Pulchra Leonina, meaning ‘the Leonese beauty’ or ‘the House of Light’. It has more than 1,800 square meters of stained glass across 125 windows, along with intricate stone carvings and towering spires, leaving visitors in awe.

One traveller shared on TripAdvisor earlier this month: “This is an extraordinarily beautiful cathedral. The many stained glass windows create a unique ambience in the cathedral. It is an inspiring space for prayer. Take time to attend Mass so that you can just immerse in the beauty of the space.”

A second commented: “A real jewel in a city a little neglected by tourism. A Gothic marvel at the level of Reims Cathedral. And in addition to the splendid stained glass windows and an incredible atmosphere. The museum is also very rich. Worth the trip.” While one more exclaimed, “I think it’s the most spectacular cathedral I’ve ever seen. It’s worth paying to see.”

In the heart of the Spanish city sits the ancient Barrio Húmedo district, packed with more than 100 bars and a legendary free-tapas culture, where Leonese bars automatically serve a hearty free tapa, from croquetas and patatas bravas to stews, with every drink ordered, whether it’s a local wine or a small beer. The quarter comes alive with locals gathering for drinks and traditional Leonese cuisine, alongside a thriving nightlife scene.

Furthermore, the city is home to the Catholic church, the Basílica de San Isidoro, often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of Romanesque art’, which is interestingly located on the site of an ancient Roman temple. The Casa Botines museum is another standout landmark with its fairy-tale design, and it houses a collection of Spanish art dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.

Yet, there’s plenty to explore in León simply by wandering its narrow lanes and past medieval stone walls, with plenty of authentic espresso bars dotted around the city alongside trendy restaurants and cosy tapas bars serving up the best of Spanish cuisine. There are serene parks and gardens nestled along the river for gentle strolls and to soak up the sun during the warmer months, as well as outdoor terraces offering picturesque views over the unsung Spanish city.

Offering a closer insight into León, writer and traveller Mark Eveleigh told Lonely Planet: “By day, you’ll encounter a city with its roots firmly planted in the soil of northern Castilla, with its grand monuments, Catholic heritage and access to the Camino de Santiago. By night, León is taken over by a deep-into-the-night soundtrack of revelry that floods the narrow streets and plazas of the picturesque old quarter. Two cities in one.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

IT’S NO secret that Brits love a cuppa – and what better way to enjoy your hot drink than with a view?

As autumn sets in, it’s time to pack up the flash and head off to some of the country’s most scenic spots.

According to new research from coffee roaster, Taylors of Harrogate, which is known for the UK’s best-selling coffee bags, more than half of Brits opt for a weekly coffee break with an outdoor view.

Nearly a quarter drink coffee with a scenic outdoor view at least every other day.

Win one of five incredible holidays to Turkey, the Norwegian fjords and Spain by voting in The Sun’s Travel Awards – enter here to win.

And it’s not just about taking a moment to yourself – the science says that a cup of coffee or tea actually tastes better if you drink it outdoors.

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Coffee flavour is influenced by aroma, so when you’re in fresh air then the coffee is competing with less additional smells and will taste more intense.

Your brain also links the hot drink to a reward if you enjoy it at the end of a long walk, which makes it taste better too.

If you’re feeling inspired to combine your flash of tea or coffee with an autumn hike soon, here are the best spots with a view to enjoy your tipple across the UK:

#10 Quiraing, Skye

Found on the Isle of Skye in Scotland, Quiraing comes in as the 10th best spot for enjoying a cuppa with a view.

It is a massive rocky area with dramatic, towering cliffs covered in vibrant green grass.

Head on a circular walk around the area or simply sit and admire the landscape.

Key spots to visit include The Prison which is a towering slab of rock that looks like a medieval fort and The Needle, which is a huge 37-metre rock.

#9 White Cliffs of Dover, Kent

The White Cliffs of Dover in Kent are famous for a reason – and come in as the ninth best spot.

These 110 to 150-metre tall natural chalk cliffs are the ideal spot to enjoy a walk with a cuppa.

On clear days you can see all the way to France.

While enjoying the view, look out for birdlife as well as Exmoor ponies grazing on the grass.

#8 Buachaille Etive Mòr viewpoint, Glencoe

Buachaille Etive Mòr Viewpoint in Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands is known for being one of the country’s most photographed spots.

With a cup of coffee in hand, admire the imposing mountains often topped with snow.

There is also a short walk from the main viewing areas to second spot that overlooks a river with a number of small waterfalls.

The area was also used as a filming spot in Skyfall.

#7 Surprise View Derwentwater, Lake District

Surprise View is exactly what it sounds like on the tin – a elevated clifftop viewpoint that has a surprisingly stunning view of Derwentwater and the surrounding mountain fells of the Lake District National Park.

Sit and enjoy the view or head on The Watendlath Loop to explore the hamlet of Watendlath.

If you forgot your Thermos, grab a hot drink at a traditional cash-only tearoom in the hamlet.

Alternatively, sit on the hillside and admire the calm, mirror-like water.

#6 Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire

Sat on a hilltop on North Yorkshire, Whitby Abbey is a 13th-century Gothic abbey looked after by English Heritage.

The ruined abbey has inspired many famous writers over the years too including Bram Stoker who used key facts about the abbey including the windswept headland, bat populations and the 1999 steps leading up to the ruins as the backdrop for Dracula.

#5 Three Cliffs Bay, Gower

Three Cliffs Bay in Gower, Wales, is known for its pretty shoreline which is framed by three limestone cliffs.

The beach features a mix of sand dunes and salt marshes, and the Pennard Pill stream.

While not great for swimming, the beach is nice for taking in the salty, fresh breeze with a cuppa in hand – dogs are allowed on the beach all year round too.

Spot Pennard Castle at one end of the beach – the ruins date back to the medieval period.

#4 Llanddwyn Island, Anglesey

Also in Wales, Llanddwyn Island is a tidal island on the coast of Anglesey.

It features a sprawling beach, lighthouses and a hidden connection to the Welsh patron saint of lovers.

Sit with a warm cup of coffee and look out at the Tŵr Mawr lighthouse which was built in 1845 and is shaped like a windmill and the older Tŵr Bach tower.

Also catch a glimpse of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).

#3 Old Man of Storr, Skye

Having featured in several films including The Wicker Man and Snow White and The Huntsman, the Old Man of Storr looks like something out of folklore.

The tower rock on the Isle of Skye towers 55-etres into the sky and is a basalt rock that dates back 2,800-mllion-yers.

Marvel at the rock with your cuppa or head on the Storr trail which takes about an hour and 15 minutes.

#2 Calton Hill, Edinburgh

In the Scottish capital, Calton Hill takes second place among the best spots to have a cuppa and a view.

The park has 360-degree views of the city skyline, including Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle.

And what makes it even better is that you don’t have to hike there as it is only a five to 10-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station.

In the park you will find the Nelson Monument, which is a telescope-shaped tower with a public viewing gallery at the top.

There’s also the Dugald Stewart Monument – a circular neoclassical temple that is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.

Make sure to visit at sunset as well to capture orange-yellow skies above the city.

#1 Giant’s Causeway, Belfast

Coming out as the best place to enjoy a cuppa with a view is Giant’s Causeway in Belfast.

The natural phenomena boasts 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns and was caused by violent volcanic activity.

The UNESCO World Heritage site managed by the National Trust genuinely looks like something out of a fairytale.

Head along one of the trails, where you can see views of Scotland on clear days.

A visitor centre features exhibitions on local geological history and folklore.

Strictly Come Dancing’s new hosts were summoned to a shock zoom call at short notice which meant Emma Willis was sat on the loo when she was told she was told she had a new job.

Comedian Josh Widdecombe was in grave danger of giving away the news he was a new Strictly Come Dancing host whilst it was top secret – after finding out the news whilst walking around a cemetery.

Stand up star Josh, 43, revealed the bizarre moment as he and co-hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe were quizzed in a new podcast. And he wasn’t the only one being given the life changing news in a weird place, with Emma flushed with the success of a new job whilst in the toilet at her hairdressers.

The trio said after their final audition they had to wait around two weeks before they were summoned to a zoom call at short notice by BBC execs.

Emma said: “We were all in very random places. But we also didn’t know the call was happening did we? It was a very weird situation.

“The reason it kept getting put back was because I was at the hairdressers.

“I was like this could be an either way Zoom so I’m not going to get excited. And I said ‘I can’ [go on a call] but literally I’m just I’m having my hair washed. And she said okay okay.

“And then they took ages washing my hair. And they’re like ‘do you want a massage?’ I’m like ‘no no just crack on’.

“She[show boss] said can you go somewhere private? And I said the only place I can go is outside in the street or in the loo.

“So I was sat on a toilet at the hairdressers.”

Johannes was at his home when he was on the same call waiting to head out to do a stage show, and then there was also Josh who was desperately trying to find a quiet spot.

Josh explained: “I was in Birmingham because I was on tour. So I was sat in a graveyard in Birmingham because I wanted somewhere quiet.”

Looking back on the moment he knew he had the job, he added: “I didn’t like stand up and go ‘yes’ because obviously it wasn’t public then either.

“Not that anyone would have gone ‘wait a minute, he got the Strictly gig – that guy punching the air by the grave’.”

Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, the trio also explained the role of Johannes on the show, and denied previous reports he would act as a ‘roving reporter’ with the other two as main hosts.

The trio, who start fronting the show later this month, are replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman who previously hosted the BBC hit series together for 11 years.

Emma said: “There’s no like for like, so no one’s kind of replacing anybody and at the minute it’s all very kind of open. We’re having lots of production days where we go in and we play around and we’re kind of feeling each other out – well, they’re feeling us out really.”

Josh Widdicombe: “It’s going to be like total football. We’re going to be moving everywhere.”

And Emma added: “There’s definitely no backstage roving reporter, which is what has been reported quite a bit. That’s not a thing.”

* The full interview is on The Rest Is Entertainment Podcast out today.

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