places

The town has a variety of independent shops and places to eat.

From Cotswolds villages to seaside towns, the UK is home to a variety of stunning towns. I love exploring them but to live in one for a substantial amount of time it really has to tick my boxes. After living in Windsor for several years, I was sceptical about moving to a new place. But this hidden gem town just outside London is much quieter and more peaceful.

About 28 miles from London, Marlow is on a scenic stretch of the River Thames and surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Chiltern Hills. Its historic high street and picturesque setting attract visitors from all over the country, yet it still remains fairly quiet, compared to nearby towns like Henley-on-Thames. The town was recorded in the Domesday book as an established settlement, valued for its fertile land and river access.

It then developed as a river crossing and trading point before becoming known for malting and brewing. In the 19th century, the construction of the bridge began to improve connections across the Thames, and the arrival of the railway later in the century further boosted accessibility and growth.

Now, it’s an affluent residential and leisure destination known for its riverside setting, bustling high street and outstanding food scene. It’s regularly voted as one of the best places to live in the UK.

There’s a lot to do and see in the town, including hiring a rowing boat, visiting Higginson Park for a picnic, and visiting the market.

The picturesque high street is full of independent boutiques and eateries, including The Cheese Shed, The Marlow Bookshop and The Dresser. I’m also a huge fan of Laurent’s, an Italian cafe and deli serving delicious sandwiches and coffee. Marlow also hosts regular markets where visitors can find local produce, including delicious homemade gelato by Agosti Gelato and juices from Marlow Juices. The town is well-regarded for its food scene, including award-winning pubs and Michelin-starred dining.

The Hand and Flowers is perhaps the town’s most celebrated restaurant, as it was the first pub in the country to be awarded two Michelin stars, a distinction it still holds today. It’s owned by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge and elevates classic British dishes with refined techniques and bold flavours. However, dining here doesn’t come cheap, with prices for a set Sunday lunch around £195.

Housing and living costs tend to be above the national average, reflecting its desirability and commuter-friendly location. According to Rightmove, the average price of a house in Marlow over the last year was just shy of £700,000. This is more than double the UK’s current average of £290,000, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The town is also close to towns and villages like Bourne End, Cookham, and Bray, and exploring Cliveden, a National Trust property, is my favourite weekend destination.

Padua – the perfect base for visiting Venice

When we visited Venice, we stayed in Padua. It’s half an hour to Venezia Mestre (Venice’s mainland suburb), trains are frequent and cheap, as long as you avoid expresses, and easy to book if you have the Trenitalia app. You’ll find accommodation and restaurants significantly cheaper if you are based in Padua and day trip into Venice, and Padua is worth exploring in its own right. There are also trains to Vicenza, Verona, Bologna and Bassano del Grappa – we found it the perfect base for a public transport trip in north-east Italy.
Fergal O’Shea

History in the mountains near Turin

On a recent break in Turin, we made the short hop to the mountain town of Susa. Situated in a stunning valley on the old Roman road to Gaul, Susa’s historic centre is a charming mix of medieval and Roman architecture set against classic alpine loveliness. We were astounded by the jaw-droppingly well preserved Arch of Augustus, built in the 1st century BC to demonstrate the loyalty of the local tribes to Rome. In typical Italian fashion, the modern road runs right underneath. Heading back to Turin, look out for the dramatic mountaintop abbey, the Sacra di San Michele, which was among the inspirations for Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose.
Peter

Escaping the Colosseum crowds in Rome

In Rome, take Metro Line C to the Colosseo/Fori Imperiali station, which doubles as a subterranean museum, showcasing ancient lead pipes and original Roman saunas for just a €1.50 fare. Afterwards, escape the Colosseum frenzy at the nearby Casina del Salvi. This hidden gem on the edge of Parco archeologico del Celio offers a stunning and tranquil sun terrace overlooking the Colosseum. It’s the perfect spot for an espresso or a sandwich, providing a peaceful, panoramic sanctuary just steps from the tourist trail. A true local secret for the price of a coffee.
Alice

Exploring the Cinque Terre by bicycle

The villages of the Cinque Terre are very popular – perhaps too popular? I suggest a stay in Levanto. You can easily do a train trip to the famous five towns, but I recommend hiring bikes in Levanto. Then you can cycle along resurfaced old train routes, called the Maremonti path, for about two miles, delightfully shaded from the sun, to Bonnasola. You can stop en route at beaches only accessible by foot or bike. Then cycle on to Framura and have a gorgeous lunch at the tiny harbour, where it’s also OK to swim. The joy is that it’s not only beautiful but quiet too. A real treat. I’ve cycled this path with a baby and a teen.
Kate

Sea kayaking off Sicily

The island of Vulcano lies in the Aeolian archipelago off the coast of Sicily. We were there for a kayak trip in the safe hands of our friendly guide Eugenio. He knows every little stone of the sea stacks, arches, coves and caves along the rugged coast. We played in the swells on the cobalt sea and dipped our toes in the fumaroles rising up on a volcanic black sand beach. One highlight was Eugenio’s abundant home-cooked lunch, which he had stowed on his kayak, including biscotti dipped in local malvasia wine – a well-deserved reward after a morning’s paddle. We went with Sicily in Kayak, which operates excursions from half a day to six days, some including hiking and snorkelling.
Phil Davis

Riviera vibes on the Adriatic

On Italy’s Adriatic coast in the Marche region, Grottammare has beaches that stretch the length of the town and beyond. The palm-lined lungomare promenade, dotted with bars and restaurants, has a classic Riviera vibe. In Grottammare Alta old town, the honey-coloured stone and medieval alleys packed with colourful plant pots explain why the place is listed as one of the borghi più belli d’Italia – the most beautiful villages in the country. From the Piazza Peretti’s loggia, there are incredible views across the town to the sea. Hop on a train to explore larger towns like Ascoli, Piceno and Pesaro, or simply enjoy Grottammare’s relaxed atmosphere.
Deborah

A peaceful archaeological park in Sicily

Syracuse has an amazing amphitheatre. However, the highlight of our trip to the area was Akrai archaeological park about 45 minutes inland. It is on a smaller scale, but has an amphitheatre and catacombs around which we could wander freely. As it’s off the beaten track, it has few visitors, making it a beautifully calm place away from the larger crowds in the city. The nearby village of Palazzolo Acreide is also worth a wander and has delicious lunch options.
Dawn

Another side to Florence

There’s a different side to Florence in the summer, if you know where to look. Follow the banks of the River Arno east beyond the centre and you’ll come across a real slice of local life. Nestled among the trees, pop-up bars and food stalls appear, often with live music. This is where the city’s residents come to socialise at the end of the day. It’s relaxed, informal and a mix of generations. Start near the Ponte San Niccolò, then walk east towards Lungarno del Tempio. Grab a drink, stop for a pizza and hang out like a local. After a day’s sightseeing, it’s the best area of the city to unwind in.
Paul

A fascinating 1930s villa in Milan

Italy is mostly associated with ancient architecture, but the high point of our recent trip to Milan was the 1930s Villa Necchi Campiglio. The Italian rationalist villa is a fascinating mix of elegant, spacious modernism and more elaborate 18th-century styled rooms – two radically different architects were employed at separate stages. The villa also boasts Milan’s first private swimming pool. Film buffs may recognise the house from Luca Guadagnino’s I Am Love or Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci, yet it remains under the radar – my wife’s Milan-born cousin had never heard of it. What a pleasure then to introduce him to one of the city’s most striking hidden gems.
David M

Winning tip: a brutalist masterpiece in Trieste

On a walking tour of Trieste, I spotted a curious building high up in the distance – the Temple of Monte Grisa, a brutalist masterpiece of a cathedral on the edge of the Karst plateau. It is accessible via a steep hike (or bus) through the village of Prosecco, during which you are treated to a magnificent view of the Gulf of Trieste. Inside, the architecture is breathtaking – a repeating M-shaped pattern of concrete and gigantic modernist representations of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. Go on a sunny day to make the most of the shadows and light.
Richard

YOU won’t need to travel far if you want to head to one of the best destinations in Europe this summer, as it is right here in the UK.

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens near Cranbrook in Kent, have been named the third best place to visit in Europe this year.

According to Travel + Leisure, Jim Strong, a member of Travel + Leisure’s Travel Advisory Board and president of Strong Travel Services said: “Kent is known as the ‘Garden of England,’ and Sissinghurst Castle Gardens do not disappoint.

“The lawns and terraced colors of wildflowers of the area are a treat to the soul.

“A stroll around the grounds is tranquil in any weather, but spring and summer are the highlights.”

Originally starting out as a prison for around 3,000 captured French sailors in the 1700s, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens is a great spot for a family day out.

Read more on travel inspo

HOL YES

I’m a travel editor & mum-of-3… my favourite family holidays from just £3pp a night

BARGAIN HOL

Travel companies reveal their CHEAPEST spots this summer, with hols from £189pp

When visiting today, you’ll mostly see what has been left by Vita Sackville-West – a poet and writer – and her diplomat husband, Harold Nicolson.

According to The National Trust, when Vita first saw the house she said: “I fell in love; love at first sight.

“I saw what might be made of it.

“It was Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.”

Together they transformed the castle in the 1930s adding the garden ‘rooms’ – different, walled areas of the garden – and planting colourful flowers.

One major feature of the destination is the 80-step Tower, which boasts panoramic views of the surrounding estate.

It used to be Vita’s Writing Room where she crafted her novels and poetry, as well as her weekly gardening column that featured in The Observer.

Her novels included All Passion Spent (1931) and Thirty Clocks Strike the Hour (1932).

If you are visiting for a day, you’ll be able to explore the garden ‘rooms’, including the Rose Garden and the White Garden.

There is then a ‘No Dig’ garden with vegetables, fruits and herbs as well.

Another part of the garden is called Delos – it is named after the Greek island and was inspired by the couples’ numerous visits there.

Delos also boasts a number of Greek artefacts including a number of Hellenistic altars that came from the island.

Inside the castle itself, drop by The Big Room (the library), where Vita and Harold used to host events and entertain guests.

If you fancy a little bit of retail therapy and have green fingers yourself, there is a Plant Shop that sells seasonal vegetables and plants that have been grown on site.

Alternatively, head to the main shop which sells a range of items including local products, homeware items and books, including works by Vita and Harold.

If there aren’t enough books in the shop for you though, there is a second-hand bookshop as well.

After all your exploring, grab a bite to eat and something to drink at The Old Dairy Cafe, where you can sit either inside or outside.

At The Granary restaurant, you can grab a bigger meal if you like as well as lunch boxes ideal for kids.

The destination is dog-friendly as well and has two walks you can head off on, which is a great way to see the estate.

For those who want an easier walk, there is a one-mile route but for those who want to enjoy a bit more time in nature there is a three-mile route as well.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden costs from £20 per adult and £10 per child to visit.

If you want to enjoy more time in the gardens, then you can opt to stay at the edge of the gardens in the Priest’s House.

The small brick house is thought to be part of the Elizabethan mansion that made up Sissinghurst Castle, but has been completely renovated inside to make it into a three-bedroom house with cosy fireplaces and wooden beams.

The cheapest Sun Travel could find is for three nights in January 2027, costing £779 (around £43.28 per person per night based on six people staying).

Alternatively, you could stay at Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse which has nine bedrooms on a bed and breakfast basis.

Rooms cost from £235 per night.

Last year, The Telegraph also named the village of Sissinghurst – which is just down the road from the castle – one of the prettiest villages in Kent.

The Telegraph commented that the village boasts “whitewashed, old brick and clapboard houses with a post office, a pub, a church and a village chippy”.

While there isn’t much to do in the village, you could grab some lunch from The Village Chippy such as cod and chips for £9.60.

One recent visitor said: “Stopped by for their seafood platter and oh goodness was it delicious.

“Food quality is excellent and the batter was so good and the chips were delicious – everything was cooked fresh while we waited.

“Highly recommend anyone to go there fantastic food.”

You can also grab a pint from The Milk House, which was the former coaching inn.

Dogs are welcome and there is also a garden area and terrace.

For more villages to explore in the UK, here are the quaint British villages with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs – handpicked by our travel writers.

Plus, here are five pretty English villages that will make you feel like you’re in The Holiday with cosy pubs and cottages.

The best oysters of my life arrive on a polystyrene tray, eaten elbow-to-elbow with strangers at a table littered with empty shells and damp paper napkins. We huddle beneath a tarpaulin, sheltering from the fine spray of rain rattling on the roof, the wind whipping around the hulking CalMac ferry moored metres away, and the beady-eyed scavenging gulls.

“Have you tried this? You have to,” says a woman who has driven from Glasgow just to eat here, pressing a rollmop herring into my hand. I take a bite, the thick skin giving way to sweet and salty flesh, juices running down my chin. Elegant dining this is not, but all the better for it. This is Oban Seafood Hut, tucked beside the ferry terminal for boats heading into the Sound of Mull. Diners shuffle around a shared table, listening for order numbers, with plates piled high with langoustines, crab and oysters. It’s cash only. In the back room, a team of women butter thick slices of soft white bread for crab sandwiches, wrapping them in clingfilm without ceremony, to be sold within minutes.

Often on Scotland’s west coast, it’s the least assuming places that are worth seeking out. The hotel down the road may have a wholesaler on speed-dial, while a shack in a car park is serving seafood brought ashore just hours before. Though west coast seafood is rightly lauded across the world, it’s here, eaten metres from the water, that it tastes the best. For years Scotland’s best seafood went directly to top restaurants in major cities, but now more of it stays local. Whether enjoyed in a shack, a windswept croft or cosy dining room, there’s a commitment to getting the freshest fish and shellfish to the most people, in a way that honours the produce, people and landscape.

And a new generation of cooks is making the most of local produce, cooking it simply and letting the quality speak for itself. In a small car park in Scourie, a village strung along the road between Lochinver and Durness, is Crofter’s Kitchen. Grant Mercer was previously head chef at the nearby Kylesku hotel, but became convinced local seafood shouldn’t be reserved for fine dining. With his wife, Heather, he opened the modest shack on their working croft by the beautiful sandy beach, and started cooking it for everyone. The ethos is a 30-mile menu, built entirely around what is landed locally, so it changes constantly, “sometimes daily, sometimes mid-afternoon if the catch dictates it”, Heather says. The house special is hand-dived scallops from around Handa Island, about a mile from the kitchen, served with chorizo risotto and chilli black pudding. No white tablecloths required.

In Ullapool, Kirsty Scobie and Fenella Renwick started The Seafood Shack trailer above the harbour, determined to keep more of the local catch in the town. Both from fishing families, their close-knit supplier connections guarantee the best of the day’s catch, and the menus are built around it. Think lobster macaroni cheese, crab claw salad and haddock tacos. After years of cooking through Highland weather, they are finally building a permanent restaurant on the same site. Whether this means the season (usually April-October) will be extended, we’ll have to wait and see.

I also love the Creel Seafood Bar in Fionnphort, on Mull, beside the Iona ferry. I confess I skipped touring Iona Abbey to make sure I didn’t miss last orders, but the langoustine and chips were worth it.

Same name, different island, The Creel in Elgol on Skye sells freshly cooked cold seafood from their horsebox near Elgol beach, ideal if you’ve booked a wildlife tour nearby. The “Elgolian” squat lobster rolls are the best seller, for very good reason. It’s a wild spot, making opening hours very weather dependent, so check their social media first. The Oyster Shed at Carbost, also on Skye, is another gem. Run by an oyster farmer, it’s a simple setup with picnic table seating and the quality is sky-high.

On the mainland, Blas na Mara Seafood Shack in Fort William is a brilliant addition to the town, and the “lunchbox” with Loch Linnhe langoustines, mackerel paté, salad and oatcakes makes a very special picnic.

Growing up in the Lochaber region, to me Crannog was the definition of fancy. When it opened in Fort William in 1989, it stood as a rare beacon of fine dining in the Highlands. Lochaber should always have been a gastronomic haven, its west coast and sea lochs producing Europe’s finest seafood. It wasn’t. Instead, refrigerated lorries thundered through the villages, carrying Mallaig’s catch south without stopping. Fisher Finlay Finlayson helped change that, transforming a bait shed on Fort William pier into a distinctive red-roofed restaurant. The ethos was simple: serve the freshest seafood possible. It’s where I had my first oyster, saw lobster served and discovered the quiet magic of restaurants – setting a standard for the Highlands, and for me.

Today the original lochside restaurant is storm-battered and awaiting repairs to the town pier, so it has relocated to the safe haven of Garrison West on the High Street. Here, chef Philip Carnegie runs a tight ship, with beloved staples like mussels, oysters and Cullen skink still in place. Portions are hearty, and they need to be: often diners arrive after a day on the hill or celebrating the end of the West Highland Way. Try the Mallaig cod with mussels, and always check the specials board.

Another favourite is The Pierhouse hotel by the Lismore ferry in Port Appin, which offers a welcome refuge, with cosy fireplaces and warm service. The menu tells you who caught your supper and from which nearby loch. The best tables overlook the pier, where you may see the catch arriving. Order fresh Loch Leven rope-grown mussels cooked in cider, Loch Creran oysters, or push the boat out and share The Pierhouse platter.

Loch Leven Seafood Cafe (on the north shore) is a perfect casual pit-stop if you’re heading west, or after a day in Glencoe. Freshly cooked and simply served, there’s often more unusual seafood here, such as fresh razor clams and surf clams with garlic butter. The shellfish soup with aioli is superb.

Some meals require more of a trek. Until last year, Gareth Cole ran Café Canna, raising the profile of food on the eponymous pint-sized island, and giving it a forager’s twist with dishes such as dulse seaweed croquettes and kelp miso ramen.

He has now moved on to a new culinary adventure on the Isle of Coll (a 2hr 40min ferry ride from Oban) that promises to be worth the journey. The Urchin is named after one of Cole’s favourite ingredients. “There is an unbeatable larder on this island,” he says. He has recently started a brewery too. The Boathouse on Ulva is also worth travelling for – it requires a ferry to Mull then a tiny passenger boat to Ulva, but the seafood, welcome and views make up for the journey.

As a food and travel writer I’m lucky to have eaten all over the world, but it’s here, where I grew up, I’ve had my best meals. After years eating my way around the Highlands and Islands, it’s a delight to have discovered so many more places – and to see more creative chefs succeeding.

Back at Oban Seafood Hut, I watch a creel of live langoustines being hauled out of a small boat and sent straight to the kitchen. Perhaps I’ll stay just a little longer …

THERE’S no need to give up on booking a summer getaway just yet.

If you’ve noticed holiday prices getting steeper, we’ve got some good news, as it turns out there are plenty of affordable holiday deals you can book for this summer.

Top UK travel companies have crunched the numbers to find the short-haul holiday spots ranking the cheapest for this summer.

From Travel Supermarket to TUI and Loveholidays, insiders have shared their tips on where to look for cheap breaks.

From white sand beaches that rival the Caribbean, to volcanic black sand islands that offer a natural spa setup – here’s the cheapest places to holiday abroad this summer.

Agadir, Morocco

Agadir has been named the most affordable destination for a seven-night summer holiday in 2026, according to research by Loveholidays.

The travel company analysed data for package holidays departing between 1st June and 31st August 2026, with Agadir coming out on top.

Summer holidays in Agadir averaged at just £230pp for a week away – but we found deals even cheaper.

Sun-drenched Agadir offers a six-mile-long sweep of golden sand, attracting everyone from surfers to sun-worshippers.

Choose to spend your days soaking up the 30°C heat on a lounger, strolling along the palm-lined promenade, or sipping a chilled mint tea at the glitzy marina.

For those who want a break from the beach, the Souk El Had market offers a maze of stalls selling everything from vibrant spices to handmade jewellery.

Neapolitan Riviera, Italy

If you’ve had an escape to the scenic coast of Italy on your bucket list, there’s never been a better time to book.

According to Travel Supermarket, holidays in the Neapolitan Riviera have seen the biggest price drop since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.

Holidays in this region have seen an average price drop of a whopping £231.53, when compared to what travellers were paying for the same trips last summer.

The Neapolitan Riviera stretches along the sun-drenched coast of Campania in Italy, from foodie-heaven Naples to sunny Sorrento.

This shimmering stretch of coastline also includes some of the country’s trendiest resorts, such as the dramatic Amalfi Coast and the pretty town of Positano.

For an underrated coastal city break, take a trip to Naples, where you can sample world-class handmade pizza in the colourful Spanish Quarter.

Gran Canaria

Holidays to the Canary Islands are one of the most affordable options for a summer holiday abroad this year.

Holiday company TUI have revealed to The Sun that “Gran Canaria comes up trumps for families due to plenty of free kids’ places still available at family resorts” this year.

Gran Canaria is a total sun-soaked paradise, famous for its endless golden sands and sparkling Atlantic waters.

The star of the show is Maspalomas, where dramatic rolling dunes meet the sea, offering beach days with spectacular surroundings.

Along the coast in Meloneras, it’s all about shopping, dining and trendy beach clubs. As the sun sets, the beachfront boardwalks come alive with the buzz of outdoor bars.

The TUI BLUE Tres Vidas lines up family-sized apartments in a prime position for beach days on the sandy shores of Bahia Feliz.

Bodrum, Turkey

If you want to book a trip to the hotspot dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey, now’s the time.

According to Travel Supermarket, holidays to the stylish resort of Bodrum in Turkey are also much cheaper than usual, with average prices for a summer holiday dropping by £118.30 compared to the same period last year.

This upscale seaside spot balances ancient historical sites with plenty of glam beach clubs, fancy restaurants and rooftop cocktail bars.

Explore the glittering marina by strolling its palm-lined waterfront, dipping into a seafood restaurant for lunch or jetting out on a boat trip to a nearby bay.

Plus, history buffs will love a trip to the 15th-century Bodrum Castle perched upon a rocky peninsula, or the preserved Bodrum Amphitheatre that is free to explore.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a classic summer holiday favourite, but did you know that the island offers some of the cheapest trips for adults this summer?

Holiday company TUI told us that while “Great deals can be found across all of the islands…Tenerife comes out top for adults-only trips”.

When it comes to a classic fly and flop beach holiday, Tenerife is a top contender. The crescent of Playa de las Teresitas is straight out of a holiday magazine, with golden sands dotted with palm trees and calm, shallow waters.

Playa de la Arena, on the other hand, has a natural spa-like feel with mineral-rich, volcanic black sand.

And with the temperature hovering at 28°C in the summer months, this reliable and affordable hotspot continues to shine.

The adults-only TUI BLUE Los Gigantes sits at the ocean edge, so visitors get sea views from almost every vantage point. Glass-wrapped terraces give it a contemporary look, and with wine-tasting sessions, cocktail masterclasses and cooking courses all on offer.

Cape Verde 

For those craving a white-sand beach and turquoise waters without the long-haul flight or the Caribbean price tag, Cape Verde is your answer.

Holidays to this stunning archipelago have seen a significant price drop in price, with average costs falling by £98.82 compared to the same period last year, according to Travel Supermarket.

The country’s ten islands offer miles upon miles of pristine beaches and unspoilt volcanic landscapes.

On the popular island of Sal, you can laze on the golden sands of Santa Maria Beach, or explore the colourful town behind it, packed with lively surf bars and restaurants.

And with temperatures reaching 30°C in the summer months, it’s the perfect place to escape the unpredictable British weather and soak up some sun.

Costa Dorada, Spain

Spain‘s Costa Dorada ranks as the second cheapest place to book a summer holiday this year with Loveholidays.

The travel company’s research found that a seven-night summer break this year averaged just £381pp.

This Spanish resort is ideal for anyone who wants to mix lazy beach days with action-packed family adventure.

You can spend your morning conquering the world-class rollercoasters and waterslides at PortAventura World, before retreating to the palm-lined promenade of Salou for a chilled drink.

For a dose of history, the ancient city of Tarragona is right on your doorstep. Here you can wander through a Roman amphitheatre that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.

Antalya, Turkey

Antalya remains an affordable spot on the Turkish Riviera, offering a high-end feel for a fraction of the usual cost this year.

Summer holidays in the region are now costing £90.29 less than they did before the Iran conflict, according to Travel Supermarket.

To the east, the soft sands of Lara Beach are lined with luxury resorts, while the pebbled shores of Konyaalti on the west have clear waters backed by the impressive Bey Mountains.

With summer temperatures regularly hitting 34C, it is a paradise for those who want to tan with a view and warm waters to dive into.

Make sure to tick off Kaleiçi, where you can wander past Ottoman-era architecture and narrow cobblestone streets that lead down to the Roman harbour.

Majorca, Spain

Majorca is a firm British holiday favourite, and this year the Balearic gem is more affordable than usual.

According to Travel Supermarket, average holiday prices for the island have taken a dip of £86.28 compared to the same period last year.

This sunny Spanish island is full of variety. Lose yourself in the winding, cobblestone streets of Palma’s Old Town, overlooked by its massive Gothic cathedral, or head north to Puerto Pollensa for a more relaxed pace along its pine-lined promenade.

For nature lovers, the Drach Caves offer an otherworldly underground experience, with one of the largest subterranean lakes in the world.

Of course, the real draw is the sun-soaked coastline. With summer temperatures averaging a perfect 30C, the island’s Blue Flag beaches are calling this summer.

Es Trenc is a particularly beautiful beach, with shallow waters that are almost a luminous blue.

Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes continues to reign as one of TUI’s most affordable Greek destinations, and the holiday company have told us that there’s “an abundance of brilliant deals still to be found” there this summer.

The UNESO-listed medieval Old Town is home to historic sites and Gothic palaces, whilst the seaside tavernas that line the coast offer a scenic spot to enjoy a cold beer or a fresh Greek salad.

When it comes to beaches, Faliraki Beach boasts three miles of soft sands and shallow, bath-warm water that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon.

The resort of Ixia offers a cooling breeze that makes the 30C summer heat all the more comfortable.

In Ixia, the Lito Hotel has outdoor pools facing scenic coastal views, all just a 5-minute drive from the main town centre.

A hiker has shared the location of “one of the best places to see bluebells in the UK”, stating that it’s so unknown, “you’d never find it unless you knew it was there”

For walkers and lovers of the great outdoors, a peaceful corner in the South West of England has been hailed as “one of the best places to see bluebells in the UK”. South Devon hiker, Elise Spicer, shared insider knowledge during a recent ramble in South Brent, highlighting a spectacular woodland area.

“Hardly anyone talks about it, but tucked away in South Brent, Lady’s Wood is one of those spots you’d never really find unless you knew it was there,” she explained in a video. Accompanied by her dog, Elise went on to describe how the walk becomes “absolutely beautiful” when the bluebells are in bloom, as they are now.

She continued: “It’s only about 1.5km circular and takes about 30 minutes – so it’s perfect if you just want something short and easy, plus it’s really great for kids.”

Elise captured more footage of her surroundings as she passed beneath a viaduct arch, drawing attention to the walk’s serene clear stream and wild garlic flourishing amongst the flowers.

“It’s such a peaceful feel all the way round and there’s a little river at the start. It’s actually part of a nature reserve too, so it’s really well looked after,” she added.

Elise also noted that there’s a footpath leading directly onto Dartmoor for those wanting to venture further into the National Park.

Devon Wildlife Trust describes the location: “This small reserve acts as a gateway to the wild landscape of Dartmoor. Bluebells and dormice are the stars of our oldest nature reserve.

“A wonderful woodland lying on a gentle north facing slope above the Glaze Brook. The nature reserve holds a wonderful bluebell display each spring and is a stronghold for the hazel dormouse. This was Devon Wildlife Trust’s first nature reserve and remains one of its loveliest.”

To reach it, take a minor road from South Brent towards Cheston/Wrangaton. A track leading to the reserve can be found on the right-hand side of this road, just past Glazebrook Court.

Responding to Elise on TikTok, one user enthused: “It’s beautiful, my partner used to live there, done that walk many a time.”

Another person chimed in: “Ooh gonna check this out.”

On the subject of bluebells, the RHS notes: “Woodland floors carpeted with bluebells are appreciated for their natural beauty, with many people visiting bluebell woods in mid- to late-spring.

“The flowers can attract bees and butterflies, including the brimstone, orange-tip and pearl-border fritillary. As a source of nectar in spring, bluebells are a useful addition to wildlife gardens. They can also provide good ground cover in spring and summer, particularly under deciduous trees and shrubs.”

A HISTORIC market in England is getting a massive revamp – and its in a town named one of the best places to live.

Founded back in 1170, Kingston’s Ancient Market is one of the oldest in London and even the entire UK.

Today, it is home to about 30 local traders including fishmongers, a bakery and street food.

Plans have now been submitted to give the Kingston Market Square a major revamp turning the square into a ‘piazza’, with 45 new Borough Market-like stalls made from sustainable materials with solar panels on top.

The piazza would host pop-ups as well as farmers’ markets, weekend events and concerts too.

If the plans are approved, the Market House nearby would get a refurb as well with the ground floor turned into a restaurant and cafe and the first floor becoming an events space.

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And there would be a new roof terrace overlooking the revamped square.

The statue of Queen Anne that currently sits in the square, will be relocated to the edge of the square too.

The planned revamp is also part of a bigger project to completely revive the area.

Since last year, Between the Bridges – the same operator as the Between the Bridges attraction on South Bank in London – has been operating the 800-year-old Kingston Ancient Market.

Throughout the year, the market usually hosts a number of different events including a Maker’s Market and Christmas market.

The market is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

One recent visitor said: “The market is charming, and offers some very nice gourmet foods, both to take home and dine out for lunch.

“Great atmosphere, particularly in the lead up to Christmas when it really comes alive with a kind of German Christmas market feel and the smell of mulled wine fills the air.”

Another added: “Kingston-upon-Thames is one of London’s most beautiful suburbs.

“The historic square is also a delightful place surrounded by beautiful and historic buildings.”

Last year, Kingston was also named the second best place to live in the UK by The Times.

The Better Lives Index, which is produced by the International Longevity Centre (ILC) think tank, ranks the authorities across the UK based on nine categories.

Categories include life expectancy at birth, the child poverty rate, pollution, disposable income, housing costs, ‘avoidable’ mortality, life expectancy at 65, economic activity for over-16s and economic inactivity of 50 to 64-year-olds.

If visiting the market or Kingston, make sure to head to the edge of the market square where you will find All Saints Church, which dates back to 1120.

Venture through the town too, where you can peruse a number of independent shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants right next to the river.

You can also head to a couple of pubs with outdoor gardens right next to the river.

If the sun is shining, you can even rent your own boat and sail on the River Thames.

From Central London, it takes just 25 minutes to get to Kingston on the train.

For more places outside of London to explore, there’s an English village under an hour from the city that makes the perfect day out.

Plus, have a look at the trendy London neighbourhood with world-famous new museum and cool hotels.

Even if you don’t want to commit to island-life fulltime, it’s perfect for a weekend away

Picture your dream place to live. You may have conjured up images of an island with sandy beaches, clear waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze. If so, there is a slice of this island life closer to home than you might think (minus the palm trees).

Anglesey is the seventh largest island in the British Isles, covering an area of around 275 square miles. It’s known for its amazing beaches, which range from picturesque coves to vast sandy stretches. The island and many of its locations are frequently at the top of best-of travel lists and guides. Earlier this year, Time Out named Anglesey one of the best places to visit in the UK in 2026 and last year it was named the UK’s ‘best island’ by The Telegraph. Most recently, it was named one of the best places to live in the UK in 2026 by The Sunday Times, which described it as “a landscape of rolling greenery set against the cinematic, jagged backdrop of Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula”.

It goes on to mention that the town of Menai Bridge is home to the island’s best shops and restaurants with views that are a “delight”, while Beaumaris is the island’s “artistic anchor”. And it adds: “Aberffraw, Benllech and Trearddur Bay are lively seaside villages, and there’s wildness and warm community spirit to be found in more remote corners of the island.”

The Sunday Times guide is designed to showcase places to live and highlights the average house price on the island is £270,500 but for those who just fancy a taste of island life, then a holiday in Anglesey — or even a day or weekend trip — does the job. And the aforementioned Menai Bridge is a great place to stay if you fancy the hustle and bustle of town life.

In fact, this year the Menai Suspension Bridge celebrates its 200th anniversary so there’s no better time to visit. Designed by Thomas Telford, the bridge reaches 1,265ft long with a central span of 579ft and is an impressive sight to behold.

In Beaumaris you’ll find pastel-coloured buildings and the impressive Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Edward I with his architect James of St George, it followed on from the castles of Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech. The fortress was huge with near-perfect symmetry but a lack of money and trouble in Scotland meant the castle was abandoned. But its magnificent walls still stand.

Anglesey’s beaches are a must for any visitor. In fact, given the coastline stretches for 125 miles, it’s pretty hard to avoid them. Close to the village of Aberffraw in the south west, you’ll find Traeth Mawr, a vast sandy beach backed by powdery dunes with gorgeous views over the mainland.

The beach connects to the Anglesey Coastal Path, a long distance coastal path which, as you’ve guessed, follows much of the island’s coastline. It takes around 12 days to complete, but obviously you can select shorter sections to do.

Of course, The Sunday Times does shine a light on one of Anglesey’s most scenic locations: Newborough Beach and the tidal Llanddwyn Island with its rolling sand dunes and rock outcrops. This “stunning spot” is a place steeped in legend and home to the remains of St Dwynwen’s Church, named after the Welsh patron saint of lovers, who fled to the island after she was forbidden to marry the man she loved.

Newborough Forest is a spectacular site in itself with towering corian pines growing beside the sand dunes of Newborough Warren. It’s also the perfect spot to see red squirrels, after they were introduced in 2004.

These stunning destinations are exempt from the new system launching in April.

Following months of preparation, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will finally be implemented across the Schengen area from April 10.

The new EES will require all non-EU nationals travelling to 29 European countries to register their biometric data, such as a facial scan and fingerprints, rather than receiving a traditional passport stamp. Numerous popular holiday destinations including Portugal, Italy and Spain will be impacted by the new system.

However, there are 14 countries (15 including the UK) outside the Schengen Area and therefore not implementing the new travel system.

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, anticipates a surge in travellers heading to non-Schengen countries as a consequence, reports the Express.

She said: “The introduction of this new border control system may be off-putting to some people who want to book last-minute trips this Easter, especially those who like to keep travel as fuss-free as possible.

“I think we should expect to see an increase in Brits travelling to countries that are exempt from the legislation over the next few months – including the Easter and summer holidays.”

For those looking to sidestep the hassle and make their travels a little more straightforward, Laura has identified three fantastic holiday destinations that will be unaffected by the EES, meaning British tourists can explore freely without the need to provide biometric data.

Kotor, Montenegro

She explained: “Montenegro is quickly becoming one of the most popular up-and-coming destinations in Europe. A less crowded alternative to Croatia, it offers similar quaint towns, gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline, but it is around 20-30% cheaper.”

For instance, accommodation in Montenegro begins at £23 per person per night, while a three-course meal will cost you £31.78.

Kotor sits on the coast, boasting stunning beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding. Laura remarked: “This is a great spot if you’re after a chilled, slow-paced holiday, without having to pay huge prices.”

Tirana, Albania

This vibrant capital city is brimming with culture and a food lover’s dream destination. Laura noted: “One of the best ways to explore is by taking a stroll through the streets, following the eccentric street art, graffiti and murals.

“Remember to order Albanian favourites, Fërgesë Gjize (baked cheese with peppers) and Trilece (a tasty pie made with sponge cake and three different kinds of milk) for dessert.”

Sarajevo, Bosnia

Laura said: “It is one of the only places where you can visit a Mosque, a Catholic church, an Eastern Orthodox church and a synagogue in one place.

“Tucked inside a long, thin valley and surrounded by forested mountains, the city has a picture-perfect backdrop. Its broad mix of cultural influences means its architecture is also absolutely beautiful, and its restaurant scene is an eclectic mix of Turkish and Bosnian-inspired offerings.

“And, with prices averaging just £30 per person for a three-course meal, your money really does go far here.”

Term limits were supposed to usher fresh faces and new ideas into California’s Capitol and city halls. That was the promise when voters approved the limits for state officials in 1990 and for city of Los Angeles officeholders in 1993. Lawmakers who had turned elected offices into perpetual sinecures would be forced out and eager citizen-politicians, unbeholden to the special interests, would step in. Well, it’s a decade later and the faces are more recycled than fresh.

Witness the Los Angeles municipal elections that will take place April 10. Mayor Richard Riordan has hit his two-term limit. Four of the six leading mayoral candidates are being forced out of other offices and are looking for a soft landing in City Hall. Kathleen Connell cannot run again for state controller, City Atty. James K. Hahn and Councilman Joel Wachs have hit city term ceilings, and Antonio Villaraigosa maxed out in the state Assembly.

The influence of term limits rolls through the municipal ballot. Termed-out Councilman Mike Feuer and Rocky Delgadillo, a Riordan deputy mayor soon to be unemployed like his boss, are vying to be city attorney. Council member Laura Chick is running for controller.

Other termed-out politicos are vying for City Council seats whose current occupants are also termed out. Tom Hayden, whose 18 years in the Assembly and Senate are up, and state Sen. Richard Polanco are trying to parlay their Sacramento expertise into an advantage, arguing that they know how to fight for Los Angeles’ fair share of state money.

In the past, local politicians often moved up the ladder to Sacramento and on to Washington; now they arc back to City Hall as well. It’s a safe bet that this electoral whirl is not what most voters thought they’d get. The professional politicians stay in motion but stay on the public payroll, and when new faces do appear they often come to view public service and its attendant perks as a career rather than an interlude in a career.

The pattern is not new. Yvonne Brathwaite Burke and Mike Antonovich, after stints in Congress and the Legislature, respectively, landed on the county Board of Supervisors, which, with no term limits, is the jackpot for local career pols.

Theoretically, there is an upside to all this churning in that the city could benefit from a politician’s previous experience. Meanwhile, the pool gets shallower in Sacramento. In the mid-1990s the Legislature had its first big term limits-induced exodus. By last year, there had been a complete turnover in the state Senate. The learning curve is now steep on such urgent issues as electricity deregulation, especially for the freshman Assembly members–a third of that house–who are still finding their way to the restroom. In this void, the Assembly speaker and the Senate president pro tem are wielding more power than ever–along with the special-interest lobbyists, permanent players with ample access to expertise and cash.

Ten years after voters approved Proposition 140, the consequences of term limits are still playing out. How much better it would have been to enact campaign finance reform; it was mostly fiscal inequality that kept out new faces. But because incumbent politicians declined to handicap themselves with real reforms, they–and voters–now live instead with a merry-go-round.

IT MIGHT feel like we have been waiting forever for spring and now you can enjoy it by seeing lots of different sights in bloom.

National Trust sites and properties across the UK are home to an abundance of plants and trees.

And with that, there’s a lot of blossom to see.

Whether it be an apple or cherry tree, here are some of the top National Trust sites to see blossom this spring.

Acorn Bank, Cumbria

Acorn Bank is known for having an extensive herb collection as well as sprawling orchards and a working watermill.

And tucked behind its 17th-century walls, visitors will find the orchard with over 175 apple varieties.

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From early May, many of the trees bloom with a soft pink-white blossom.

It costs £11 per adult and £5.50 per child to visit.

Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Less than six miles outside of Cambridge, Anglesey Abbey features a country house that was built on the remains of a priory.

The house is surrounded by gardens, which is where you will find the blossom.

Back in 2021, Olympian Way was planted with cherry blossoms that bloom pink in March and April.

Visitors will also be able to find cherry blossom in the woodland and Rose Garden.

It costs from £19 per adult and £9.50 per child to visit.

Ardress House, County Armagh

Found in the ‘Orchard County’ of County Armagh, Ardress House features a 17th-century house with 18th-century interiors, as well as a traditional farmyard.

Each May, the property’s apple blossom appears and visitors can also head on a walk which encircles the farmhouse to see more blossom.

Attingham Park, Shropshire

Attingham Park is an 18th-century estate with a mansion and around 200 acres of parkland.

Blossom appears on the apricot trees each year in the Walled Garden from around mid-March, and then other trees follow, such as peach, pear and apple.

Admission to the house and gardens costs from £18 per adult and £9 per child.

Bateman’s, Sussex

Bateman’s in Sussex is the family home of the writer of The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling, and was built in 1634.

Each year the orchard becomes alive with blossom from April to mid-May including apple trees and pear trees.

It costs £18 per adult and £9 per child to visit the estate.

Beningbrough, Yorkshire

At Beningbrough, visitors can explore a hall and gallery, eight-acre garden and even a wilderness play area.

And during the spring, the blossom emerges in the walled garden.

The blossom comes from many traditional and newly planted fruit trees.

It costs £16 per adult and £8 per child to visit Beningbrough.

Blickling Estate, Norfolk

At Blickling Estate, visitors can see a Jacobean mansion which boasts a large collection of books as well as a 55-acre garden.

In the West Garden is where visitors will find magnolias blooming from March in shades of white and pink.

The orchard also features fruit trees which blossom.

It costs £18 per adult and £9 per child to visit.

Brockhampton, Herefordshire

Brockhampton estate features a medieval manor house and is home to the largest orchard in the National Trust, spanning more than 145 acres.

In the orchard, visitors will find prune damsons as well as apple varieties, all of which bloom between March and May.

There are also five interlocking ‘orchard rooms’ which have been designed to reflect the structure of an apple.

Admission to the entire estate costs £12 per adult and £6 per child.

Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

At Calke Abbey, visitors can see a Baroque-style mansion that has peeling paintwork and abandoned rooms, as well as the physic garden and a sprawling estate.

In the garden, there are around 50 varieties of rare and local apple trees which means by May the garden is full of pink and white flowers.

At the beginning and end of the season, visitors can also enjoy Calke’s Festival of Blossom with a number of activities.

To visit the house, it costs £15 per adult and £7.50 per child and to visit the park and gardens it costs £8.50 and £4.25 per child.

Coleton Fishacre, Devon

Coleton Fishacre is a 1920s country retreat which also has a tropical garden.

In the garden, visitors can see apple and cherry blossom on a number of self-led trails.

As part of the Festival of Blossom, visitors can also write haiku or tanka poems using blossom poetry cards.

And there are guided mindful walks on March 31, April 13 and 29.

Coleton Fishacre costs £18 per adult and £9 per child to visit.

Cotehele, Cornwall

Cotehele in Cornwall is a Tudor house with a mill, garden and estate.

On the estate, the orchard is the earliest to bloom with apple, cherry, plum and pear trees.

Across spring the estate also hosts a number of events including walks, music, creative workshops and community activities.

It costs £18 per adult and £9 per child to visit.

Crook Hall Gardens, Durham

In the north of England, you can head to Crook Hall Gardens.

Here you will find a medieval hall with pretty gardens, just outside of Durham city.

In the orchard all the apple varieties bloom and as the season goes on, more species in the orchard flower.

It costs £10 per adult and £5 per child to visit the gardens.

Dunham Massey, Manchester

Dunham Massey boasts a Georgian house, garden and deer park.

In the spring, cherry blossom blooms and is often noted as one of the best places in Northern England to see blossom.

There is also the Orangery, with small waterways and seasonal flowers to explore.

It costs £20 per adult to visit and £10 per child.

Dunster Castle and Watermill, Somerset

Dunster Castle doesn’t just feature a castle, but also a country home and subtropical gardens.

Throughout spring, blossom inspired decorations welcome visitors as well as there being a blossom themed display at the Stables Shop.

Families can also head on the ‘Bees and Blossoms Spotter Trail’ and toward the end of April, there will be a new willow sculpture by artist Woody Fox.

Outdoors, blossom will also appear in the subtropical and riverside gardens.

It costs £19 per adult and £9.50 per child to visit.

Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

At Dyffryn Gardens, visitors can see a number of small themed gardens that reflect different countries and styles, as well as a kitchen garden, arboretum, glasshouse and natural play areas.

During the spring, visitors can expect Dyffryn Gardens has a self-led Blossom Watch Walk through the estate and Edwardian garden rooms.

Visitors can grab a dedicated map which helps to show the highlights of the gardens.

It costs £14 per adult and £7 per child to visit.

Erddig Hall and Garden, Wrexham

Erddig Hall is a late 17th-century country house with an 18th-century Grade I listed walled garden.

Across the 1,200 acre estate there are meadows, lakes, ponds and rivers, to explore.

During the spring, Erddig has blossom across its walled garden, orchards and lime tree avenues.

Visitors can also see cherry, plum, pear and apple blossom appearing in stages across the garden’s fruit trees.

It costs £19 per adult and £9.50 per child to visit.

Felbrigg Estate, Norfolk

Felbrigg Estate is home to a 17th-century Hall with one of the largest collections in the National Trust.

In the Walled Garden visitors can see blossom across fruit trees as well as historic varieties.

It costs £16 per adult and £8 per child to visit.

Gibside, Tyne and Wear

At Gibside – a Georgian landscape garden – visitors can explore pear, apple and apricot trees all blooming from March to May.

The Walled Garden is also colourful, with lots of pink blossom.

There are a number of events too including blossom bathing sessions, beekeeping demonstrations, pollinator counts, and creative workshops.

It costs £18 per adult and £9 per child to visit.

Greenway, Devon

Agatha Christie’s home in Devon is a great spot to explore the life of the crime writer as well as see blossom in spring.

Between March 21 and April 30, Greenway has its Festival of Blossom, with large magnolias blooming overhead, lots of fruit trees in bloom and wild hedgerow flowers appearing.

Admission to the whole property costs £18 per adult and £9 per child.

Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens, Lincolnshire

Gunby Estate features an 18th-century country house with Victorian walled gardens near the Lincolnshire Wolds.

During the spring, visitors can expect to see the fruit trees in the walled gardens spring into bloom with different pastel pinks.

There is also a cherry walk which is great to visit in late April and pear blossom appears in the kitchen garden, alongside apple blossom in May.

Between March 29 and April 23, visitors can also catch some blossom indoors as the ‘Springtime Wonderland’ exhibition by Laura Andrew will be on.

And from April 13 to May 31, there is the Blossom Wellbeing Trail – a self-guided route to appreciate the sights, scents, and sounds of the season.

It costs £12 per adult and £6 per child to visit Gunby Estate.

Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire

At Hanbury Hall, there is an 18th-century house featuring original wall paintings by Sir James Thornhill as well as formal gardens.

The site is home to several species of blossom trees, including pear, apple, and cherry blossom, which all flower anytime from March to May.

Later in April and May, visitors can try out blossom bathing in the walled orchard, which has 56 varieties of heritage apple trees.

It costs £19 per adult and £9 per child to visit.

Ham House, London

Ham House is a Stuart house situated on the banks of the River Thames and boasts a unique collection of antiques and furniture.

The house even has its own cherry garden, with lavender and a 17th-century statue of Bacchus.

In the Outer Courtyard, lots of new blossom trees have been planted and even though they are young, more and more sprigs of colour are appearing each spring.

It costs £18 per adult and £9 per child to visit.

Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

Following a fire in 1960, Hinton Ampner was rebuilt and today features a large house with a pretty garden.

During the spring blossom can be found across the orchard and wild garden.

And don’t miss the sweeping views of the Hampshire Downs.

It costs £18 per adult and £9 per child to visit.

Killerton, Devon

Killerton is home to a Georgian house as well a chapel and historic garden and the gardens are one of the first to awaken in Devon according to the National Trust.

Visitors can head on a waymarked blossom route, which is around one-mile.

Along the way, they can read gardener’s notes that highlight the different blossoms.

It costs £18 per adult and £9 per child to visit.

Lyme, Manchester

Lyme in Manchester features a 600-year-old house with 1,400-acre grounds.

Visitors can explore ornamental cherry trees with soft pinks as well as creamy white blossoms.

In the Vicary Gibbs area of the garden, there’s a mindful walk where visitors can bathe beneath the Japanese Mt. Fuji cherry tree.

It costs £19 per adult to visit and £9.50 per child.

Nostell, Yorkshire

Nostell in Yorkshire boasts a large Georgian house, landscaped gardens, parkland and stables courtyard.

Visitors can see blossom across the Kitchen Garden, orchard and pleasure grounds with the season beginning in March.

There’s also a nice walk from the rose garden and orangery to the orchard’s heritage pear espalier.

In the pleasure grounds, make sure to look out for the magnolia with large flowers budding overhead.

It costs £14 per adult and £7 per child to visit.

Paycockes House and Garden, Essex

Paycockes House and Garden is a Tudor merchant’s house and in the gardens this spring, visitors can see blossom across the entire garden,

It costs £12 per adult and £6 per child to visit.

Sissinghurst, Kent

Sissinghurst is a castle with a world-renowned garden, where you will find 1,100 fruit trees blooming each spring.

The garden also has a particularly large blossom tree, known for its fluffy white flowers.

It costs from £20 per adult and £10 per child.

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Waddesdon Manor is a French Renaissance-style château, built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, and it boasts Victorian-style gardens with statues and a wooded playground.

Between March 25 and April 12, visitors can head to Waddesdon’s Festival of Blossom which has fresh floral displays and a blossom trail inside the house.

In the gardens, visitors can see horse chestnut trees which have creamy-white or pink blossom in May.

It costs £27.50 per adult and £13 per child to visit.

Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire

Wimpole Estate is home to a 17th-century mansion with Georgian interiors, a walled kitchen garden, and parkland.

Visitors heading to Wimpole’s orchard will see over 300 fruit trees which blossom between April and May.

Also in the Walled Garden are a number of cherry trees which have soft pink blossom.

It costs £21 per adult and £10.50 per child to visit.

For more blossom spots across the UK, here are 10 of the best places to see cherry blossom across the UK for free this spring.

Plus, a medieval English town has the largest Japanese cherry tree orchard in the world.

ONE town in Wiltshire has been named one of the best places to live in the UK – and it was once very popular with royalty.

Malmesbury in Wiltshire sits just outside of the Cotswolds border with a pretty high street, stone cottages and it is home to what is considered England‘s oldest hotel.

The Times named Malmesbury one of the best places to live in the UK, and the best in the Southwest.

It said: “If the high street is a good indicator of the health of a town, then historic Malmesbury should be feeling decidedly chipper.“

Malmesbury is on the very edge of the Cotswolds, sometimes even known as the ‘southern gateway’ to the region.

It’s also nicknamed Queen of Hilltop Towns because it sits around 302 feet above sea level.

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It has 300 listed buildings with pretty stone cottages, like you find in the neighbouring Cotswolds, and lots sit alongside the River Avon.

The town is one of the oldest boroughs in England – it was given the status in around the year 880 AD by Alfred the Great.

Malmesbury was also a favourite location of the very first King of England, Athelstan.

When he ruled, he even made himself King of all England and named Malmesbury the nation’s very first capital in around 925 AD.

King Athelstan chose to be buried within the grounds of the historic Malmesbury Abbey which still stands today.

Now, Malmesbury is a classic English market town, but with the charm of the Cotswolds.

It has lots of independent shops on the high street, along with farmers’ markets.

The Flying Monk Café & Taproom is popular for everything from craft beer to a hearty breakfast.

In August, Malmesbury holds its own carnival and festival where there are lots of pop up stalls as well as parades and music.

Near the river is The Old Bell Hotel which is rumoured to be England’s oldest hotel.

The Grade I-listed spot has been welcoming guests since 1220, where it used to be lodgings for monks.

Now, it has 34 rooms that cater to everyone from single travellers to families, and a few suites too

One reported who spent a night at The Old Bell Hotel called it the “perfect spot for some post-party pampering this summer.”

They added: “Our room was a delight, dominated by a vast, comfy bed covered in a rainbow of soft throws and cushions, while a menagerie of monkeys and peacocks danced across the wallpaper.

“The helpful team at The Old Bell can arrange a guided tour of the King’s gardens in nearby Highgrove House, a visit to Westonbirt Arboretum or paddleboarding at Cotswold Water Park.

“However, it’s just as nice to potter around Malmesbury.”

If you want to explore out of the town, a 22-minute drive away from Malmesbury is Cotswold Country Park and the UK’s biggest inland beach.

Along with swimming, there’s an AquaVenture inflatable course and boat hire.

On land there is more to do with mini golf, playgrounds and lake walks.

It opens for the new season on March 27, 2026.

The town is also close to Castle Combe Race Circuit, Lake 32 Outdoor Centre and Brinkworth Golf Course.

For more on the Cotswolds, here’s how to visit on a budget and how to find the lesser-visited villages.

And Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey reveals her favourite Cotswold town with old-school sweet shop and riverside games.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A statue of Christopher Columbus has been placed on the grounds of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House, the latest effort by President Trump’s administration to recognize the controversial explorer.

The statue is a replica of one that was tossed into Baltimore’s harbor in 2020 during Trump’s first term at a time of nationwide protests against institutional racism.

Trump endorses a traditional view of Columbus as a leader of the 1492 mission seen as the unofficial beginning of European colonization in the Americas and the development of the modern economic and political order. In recent years, Columbus also has been recognized as a primary example of Western Europe’s conquest of the New World, its resources and its Native people.

“In this White House, Christopher Columbus is a hero, and President Trump will ensure he’s honored as such for generations to come,” the White House posted on X.

“We are delighted the statue has found a place where it can peacefully shine and be protected,” said John Pica, a Maryland lobbyist and president of the Italian American Organizations United, which owns the statue and agreed to lend it to the federal government for placement at or near the White House.

The statue, made mostly of marble, was created by Will Hemsley, a sculptor based in Centreville on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

The original statue was toppled by protesters July 4, 2020, and thrown into Baltimore’s Inner Harbor during the national social justice reckoning in the months after the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. It was one of many statues of Columbus that were vandalized around the same time, with protesters saying the Italian explorer was responsible for the genocide and exploitation of Native peoples in the Americas.

In recent years, some people, institutions and government entities have displaced Columbus Day with the recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day. President Biden in 2021 became the first U.S. president to mark Indigenous Peoples Day with a proclamation.

Trump dismisses the shifting views on Columbus as the work of “left-wing arsonists,” bending history and twisting Americans’ collective memory. “I’m bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes,” he declared last April. Echoing his 2024 campaign rhetoric, he complained that “Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much.”

Witte writes for the Associated Press.

So much seems to cost too much nowadays.

The expensive nature of everything is a popular topic on Reddit and the subject of countless papers and think pieces.

Plus, every time you drive, you can see the escalating average cost for a gallon of gas throughout the state that ranges from $5.77 in Orange County, $5.78 in San Diego County, $5.80 in Los Angeles County and $5.86 in San Francisco County to the high of $6.57 in Mono County, according to AAA.

It can easily make anyone think having fun is unaffordable.

Fortunately, our Travel and Experiences team has put together a list of 75 fun things to do for under $20.

Here is a selection of those picks, while the entire list should be explored.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Paddle a swan boat in Echo Park Lake (Echo Park)

Cost: $13 per hour, $7.50 for those under age 18.

On warm days, it’s hard to beat a ride on the swan boats at Echo Park.

They’re powered by foot paddles, and the pedaling is easy because you’re in no hurry. Maybe you’ll want to do a circuit of the lake (really a man-made reservoir). Maybe you’ll sidle up to the towers of whitewater rising from the mid-lake fountain.

Maybe you’ll wait until after dark (because the swans light up).

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Experience L.A.’s esoteric history at the Philosophical Research Society (Los Feliz)

Cost: Free to visit, workshops and lectures from $10 and up.

Located at the intersection of Los Feliz and Griffith Park boulevards, the Philosophical Research Society has long been a place of mystery, intrigue and, for some, apprehension.

The Mayan Revival campus painted in Southwestern shades of clay, cream and sage was built in 1935 by the celebrated author and esoteric lecturer Manly P. Hall.

Today, it hosts a dizzying array of events each week including poetry readings, death cafes, sound baths, a weekly class on Buddhism, tarot and astrology salons and musical performances — some of which have a suggested donation of just $10.

If you visit, make sure to make time to browse the excellently curated metaphysical bookstore.

(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Find the perfect meditation spot at the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine (Pacific Palisades)

Cost: Free.

Whether or not you’re familiar with the work of Paramahansa Yogananda, who founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920, if you live in Los Angeles you owe him a debt of gratitude for the smattering of lush, meditative gardens in Southern California that are still open to the public today.

Among those is Lake Shrine, a beautifully landscaped 10-acre property in the Pacific Palisades surrounding a spring-fed lake that is dotted with quiet meditation spots.

It is free to visit, but you will need to make a reservation online before you go. (Reservations open each Saturday at 10 a.m. for the week ahead, and they can fill up quickly.)

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Cozy up with a flick at the Paramount Drive-In Theater (Paramount)

Cost: $14 per adult, $7 per kid (ages 3-11).

For a night out that feels as cozy as a night in, head to the Paramount Drive-In Theater. In the comfort of your own car, you can spread out, munch popcorn and make all the commentary you want without getting looks from other moviegoers.

Tickets are purchased on arrival, and the parking lot is huge, so you’re bound to secure a good view of the big screen. There is a concession store on site with candy, chips and drinks, but you are free to bring all the snacks you want from home. Recline your seat all the way back, relax and enjoy the show.

Check out the entire list here.

The week’s biggest stories

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Los Angeles mayor, city council news

Cesar Chavez fallout

California governor’s race

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Must reads

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(Illustrations by Lindsey Made This; photograph by Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

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IF there’s ever a time to sink a pint of Guinness, it’s got to be today, which is St Patrick’s Day.

You’ll likely find the best pour in its birthplace of Ireland, but there are plenty of bars all over the world pulling stouts for punters.

Sophie Swietochowski shares her pick of unlikely destinations to pick up a Guinness, along with some holiday deals for those who are tempted.

NEPAL

THE aptly named Irish Pub is not only in one of the most off-grid locations in this list — being in the small town of Namche Bazaar — it’s also one of the highest boozers in the world.

Many claim it’s the most difficult pub to reach because of its position in the gateway to Mount Everest.

OK, it may be a two-day hike to get there but it’s well worth it for the views — and at least you can reward yourself with a well-deserved pint at the end.

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NORWAY

ON Paddy’s Day, punters sink Guinness like its medicine, so what could be a more fitting setting than a 19th-century pharmacy?

Svanen, in the Norwegian capital Oslo, ranks 32 in the 50 Best Bars in the world list, with its traditional glass medicine cabinets, marble columns and black and white tiled floors still intact.

You’d be hard pushed to find a quirkier joint for sipping the dark stuff.

JAMAICA

RICK’S Cafe has to be one of the most spectacular spots to enjoy a pint, with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea that are best enjoyed at sunset.

The bar-cum-restaurant in the town of Negril has become a popular spot for cliff jumpers thanks to its hilltop perch, 35ft above a clear and perfectly blue ocean.

A pint of Guinness will set you back a fiver.

THE FAROE ISLANDS

THIS collection of volcanic islands, floating in the sea between the UK, Norway and Iceland, are so unspoilt that it’s hard to picture a bar here being anything more than a few tables and a weathered gent serving only the local poison.

But the Irish Pub (again) is a little more than that.

Located in the capital Torshavn, this charming spot offers lovely views of the harbour.

You may even spot seals, whales and dolphins, too.

ICELAND

IT may be better known for attracting geography enthusiasts than stout-loving stags, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t places serving the black stuff in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Den Danske Kro is a lively spot in capital Reykjavik with Danish-style furnishings and a wide selection of beers on tap — including the Irish favourite for £9.

CZECH REPUBLIC

IN capital Prague, pints are poured with a side serving of history.

Its Old Town dates back more than 1,000 years and is dominated by the Baroque Church of St Nicholas and the dramatic Kinsky Palace.

And just off the square you’ll find Waxy Malone’s.

A pour of Guinness here will set you back around a fiver.

TIME has named its Best Places to see and stay in 2026 this year, which included two spots in the UK.

I visited the V&A Storehouse in Stratford shortly after it opened last summer.

The London museum was the only other entry on the 100 places list that was in the UK, along with an afternoon tea experience The Maid of Somerset.

When it comes to the new V&A Storehouse – joining the likes of the original Victoria and Albert Museum and V&A Dundee – it isn’t your usual museum.

Right off the bat, it’s free, which is a huge bonus for trying to explore London on a budget.

Even better is that you don’t have to book ahead, and there are free lockers to use too.

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However, the museum itself is one for fans of the concept of museums, rather than any theme or designs.

For example, my favourite museum is the Kensington V&A, for its fashion exhibits while my mum-friends love taking their kids to the Science Museum.

But the V&A Museum feels more like an IKEA showroom, with a mix of collections rather than a set theme.

The website states: “There are curated mini displays across all three levels of Storehouse.

“Go behind the scenes and take your own path through the worlds of art, design, performance, fashion and more.”

Described as a “working museum,” it certainly has interesting elements.

One that has been praised is the Order an Object scheme which lets you ‘order’ on of the 1.25million objects across the V&A museums.

You then select a time and date appointment to come an see it up close.

But for standard museum goers, especially those with little kids, this museum might not be one for them.

It is three floors of metal walkways, so kids running around are likely to cause chaos.

And I found some of the items hard to understand, with some having limited descriptions.

It is certainly a fascinating and unique take on museums – but unless you are a fan of them as a concept, perhaps not one to go out of your way for.

It is now home to a David Bowie exhibit, a permanent archive of some of his most famous pieces.

And there are also a range of events, including the upcoming The Music is Black: A British Story this week.

Here is London’s weirdest free museum.

And we’ve rounded up the best free kids attractions in London.

Many European destinations and warming up, and spring is definitely on the way. But which short-haul spot is most likely to give you sunshine and dry days over Easter? Here’s the destination with the best odds.

It feels like winter has dragged on forever this year, and many parts of the country are only just emerging from months of endless rain and grey skies to see a little bit of sunshine. With Easter on the way, which can be an unpredictable time for UK weather, many people will be looking to get away to the sunniest spot they can find for a few days.

Luckily, TUI has put together a list of the Easter getaways that are most likely to give you the ideal weather conditions, analysing historic data on the average rainfall, wind speed, and temperature in early-April to work out a Good Weather Score. Brits will be pleased to hear that topping the rankings is a destination just over four hours away from the UK that’s expected to see highs of 19C over the next couple of weeks.

According to TUI’s rankings, Turkey historically has the “most ideal weather conditions” during the Easter holidays, usually offering holidaymakers average temperatures of 18C. It’s also the destination where you’re least likely to be caught in an April shower. In the Easter holiday months, the amount of rainfall is just 0.01mm on average.

When the data was broken down into individual destinations, Marmaris in Turkey was the place most likely to give holidaymakers the best Easter weather conditions. It often reaches highs of 19C around Easter, and is usually dry with only light winds. Marmaris is in southwest Turkey in an area dubbed the Turkish Riviera. This lively port town has a marina, bustling grand bazaar, and historic sites such as the 16th-century Marmaris Castle.

Marmaris also has an amazing selection of sandy beaches that sit alongside its turquoise seas. Marmaris Long Beach (Uzunyali), is around six miles long, starting at the city centre, and has a lively promenade full of hotels, restaurants, and bars. A quieter alternative can be found at İçmeler Beach, just south of the city, where you’ll find sandy coves and incredible mountain views.

Second on the list for good weather was Greece, and this time of year brings mean temperatures of around 16C and long sunny days. Meanwhile, Bulgaria ranked third for its “pleasant and balanced climate”. Like Turkey it offers light winds and low rainfall, and Easter can be a good time to explore as tourist don’t have to contend with the intense summer heat. Bulgaria is becoming a major hiking destination, especially around the Rila and Pirin mountain ranges which combine gentle trails with more intense, steep climbs.

Bulgaria is also known for its stunning beaches. The Black Sea coast has 200 beaches to choose from and resorts to suit all sorts of holidaymakers. Sunny Beach is known for its lively nightlife and cheap drink deals, while Varna is a historic and cultural hub that has soft golden sand beaches and clear blue seas.

Anyone planning an Easter break can also check TUI’s holiday weather guide, which gives a breakdown of weather by month for popular tourist spots.

Europe’s top 10 destinations for good Easter weather

1. Turkey
2. Greece
3. Bulgaria
4. Spain
5. Croatia
6. Italy
7. Hungary
8. Portugal
9. Montenegro
10. Gibraltar

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

Whether you’re Irish by blood or Irish just for the day — you want to head to the best spots in the UK to ring in the festivities — and that’s where we come in.

St Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and it’s the one day of the year people really like to let loose and celebrate.

Every year on March 17, people all over the world outside of Ireland — but especially the UK — come out in hordes to celebrate St Paddy’s Day. We’re talking lively parades, a sea of endless green, and booze. Lots and lots of booze.

Whether you’re Irish by blood or Irish just for the day — you want to head to the best spots in the UK to ring in the festivities. And that’s where we come in.

It goes without saying that the capital cities of Belfast in Northern Ireland and Dublin in the Republic of Ireland are must-visits if you’re looking for the ultimate St Paddy’s celebrations, but for those of you who can’t make it all the way to Ireland — don’t worry, we got you.

We’ve compiled a list of the best cities in Britain where you can celebrate St Patrick’s Day this year, so whether you’re planning to head out with a group of mates or go on a solo adventure, make sure to give these spots a whirl.

Let the Guinness and the good times roll.

London

It’s no surprise London is on this list. The UK’s capital city hosts a massive St Paddy’s Parade every year, and this year it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.

March 15 will see the official parade weave its way from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square, with Irish music, pageantry, dance troupes, floats, and marching bands on display, along with a free-for-all party in Trafalgar Square for the public to enjoy featuring live music, comedy, food and drink.

It’s not just the parade that’s a draw — the weekend closest to March 17 always sees a flurry of activity as London’s thriving Irish community comes out in full force — along with just about every other person looking for a fun time. The Guinness Open Gate Brewery has also recently arrived in the city, hosting a line-up of craic, comedy, and electric music.

Look no further than London for a truly epic time.

Birmingham

The UK’s second largest city is undoubtedly one of the best to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in. In fact, it was one of the first cities in the country to begin hosting St Patrick’s Day celebrations, with a dedicated parade for the day since 1952.

With endless welcoming pubs, restaurants and clubs, there’s no dearth of exciting ways to celebrate the Irish holiday in Birmingham.

While the city’s annual St Patrick’s Day Parade has unfortunately been cancelled once again this year, there’s still more than enough to do in Brummy to get the celebrations going.

Revellers can instead head to St Patrick’s Family Fun Day at the Irish Centre on March 15 which will see a host of activities and entertainment including live bands, music and plenty of food and drink.

Or you can just head down to one of the local pubs — because parade or no parade, St Paddy’s Day is always a rip-roaringly fun time in Birmingham.

Manchester

There’s no way Manchester wasn’t going to be on this list. The city is all set to host its Irish parade for Paddy’s Day on March 15 and revellers can enjoy foot-tapping live Irish music, mouthwatering food, drinks and much more.

Expect to see “plenty of bright costumes, lively parades, and fun events happening across the city”.

In fact, the 10-day Manchester Irish Festival has been running since March 7 and will go on till March 17, with the parade on Sunday being the event’s highlight.

Liverpool

Liverpool is another UK city that’s always a good time on St Patrick’s Day. Irish pubs, karaoke bars and top-class entertainment means if you’re in Liverpool, it’s going to be a hell of a time.

Those hoping for a more peaceful and religious St Paddy’s Day can make their way to Liverpool Cathedral which is Britain’s biggest.

The 10th Annual Liverpool St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place at the Old Irish Centre on March 17, Tuesday. The anniversary parade promises to be “the biggest and best yet — with music, dance, colour, and Irish pride filling the streets. Bands, floats, and community groups are all welcome, and the whole city is invited to join in the festivities”, as per the official website.

AS SPRING emerges, your Instagram feed will soon look like a sea of pink as people head off to find cherry trees blossoming – and the UK has some great free spots to see them.

Known as ‘hanami’, the tradition of seeing cherry blossoms is a centuries-old Japanese custom.

Taking place in the spring, the tradition celebrates the blossoms which symbolise new beginnings, mortality and the beauty of life.

While the UK doesn’t have anywhere near as many blossom trees as Japan does, there are several locations across the UK where you can catch them blooming for free – here’s some of the best.

Battersea Park, London

In South West London, head to Battersea Park and you will find a long run of cherry blossom trees on Cherry Tree Avenue.

If heading to the park, make sure to enjoy a wander next to the River Thames whilst seeing the 40 blossom trees.

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The trees are the pale pink Yoshino variety that are usually found on the hills of Nara – they grow to about 3.6 to 4.2metres tall.

The park is also home to a Peace Pagoda which you can see, as well as a couple of popular cafes.

Keele University

Keele University campus is open year round to visitors, with free parking at the weekends.

Cherry blossoms are scattered across the campus, but you can download a map of where they are from the university’s website.

Flowering cherry trees have been at the university since the 1940s and in total, there are around 300 trees of 240 species and varieties.

This makes it one of the largest blossom collections in Europe.

Cathays Park, Wales

In Cardiff, head to Cathays Park and find the Welsh National War Memorial in Alexandra Gardens.

Here you will find flourishing cherry blossom trees that usually bloom in late March to early April.

The trees surround the war memorial and are pink and white blossoms.

There are also some other flower beds, with tulips, to see.

To make the most of your time in the park, there are several benches nearby ideal for enjoying coffee whilst seeing the blossoms.

Greenwich Park, London

Greenwich Park is a lovely day out anytime of the year, with the Observatory and the Planetarium.

But during the spring months, near the Ranger’s House and Rose Garden, you will find a path of cherry trees.

There are even benches underneath the trees so you can sit and enjoy them.

The Stray, Harrogate

In Harrogate, make sure to visit the Stray – 200 acres of parkland near the town centre.

Long lines of pink cherry blossom bloom in late March to early April, often with daffodils underneath them.

Around 200 cherry trees were planted back in 1953 in the park to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

People even have wedding celebrations under the blossom…

Windsor Great Park

In Windsor, head to The Savill and Valley Gardens to see a collection of Japanese cherry trees.

The gardens sprawl over 250 acres and you will also be able to spot magnolia trees in full bloom.

Whilst in Windsor Great Park, make sure to stroll past the Heather Gardens as well.

St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Working in the city? Well, during your lunch break head down to St Paul’s Cathedral, where you will see a number of cherry trees.

They are scattered throughout the churchyard and make the ideal scenic foreground for a shot of the iconic London landmark.

If you haven’t visited St Paul’s before, you could tie in seeing the blossom with a day trip to the cathedral.

Sun Travel Reporter recently visited and has shared a full rundown of what it is like.

The Meadows, Scotland

The Meadows is a large public park south of Edinburgh‘s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.

The park is even protected by an Act of Parliament, that was created in 1827.

During the spring, there are avenues of cherry trees.

They are known to bloom a little later than other places, usually starting to bloom in April.

Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline

Up in Dunfermline, Scotland, head to Pittencrieff Park and walk along the path near the main entrance to enjoy a row of cherry trees that line the path.

The cherry trees usually blossom here in late April and whilst you are exploring the park, make sure to look out for its resident peacocks and the Andrew Carnegie statue.

Nearby, you can also visit Dunfermline Abbey and Palace.

Castle Park, Bristol

Castle Park in Bristol is an open space between the city’s Shopping Quarter and the Floating Harbour.

In addition to ruins in the park, visitors will be able to find different cherry trees.

One spot is the cherry avenue, with 21 trees.

And the other spot is a singular, white Japanese Cherry Tree that was planted in 2014 to mark the 70th anniversary of Hiroshima.

This type of cherry tree had actually died out completely in Japan, but was saved when a single specimen of the tree was found in England in 1923.

For more things to do this spring, here’s a huge list of 100 free family days out in the UK – from concerts to kids festivals.

Plus, free things to do across the UK this month including huge parades, story festivals and rugby screenings.

THE world’s greatest places of 2026 have been named and there are two on the list from the UK.

TIME’s annual World’s Greatest Places list looks at everything from hotels and cruises to attractions and experiences.

This year, this included Disney cruises, new museums and beautiful coastal regions, mainly looking at anything “new, exciting, and relevant”.

The new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo was highlighted, as was the new Epic Universe in Florida.

Yet making the top 100 list was the new V&A East Storehouse in London.

Spread across four floors, it takes up the space of around 30 basketball courts.

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The museum’s collection is broken down into three ‘themes’ – items that have a story, items inspired by the V&A and items that show a working museum.

Having opened last years, TIME explained: “At a time when many museums’ permanent collections have so far outgrown their galleries that only a fraction of their holdings can ever be exhibited at once, the new V&A East Storehouse is taking a radically different approach.

“The real game-changer is the Order an Object system, which lets guests search a digital catalog of more than half a million items and select up to five pieces to be pulled from the shelves and presented one-on-one by a museum staffer for up-close inspection during a future visit. 

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited when it first opened.

She said: “An element I loved was the lack of walls where you can see everything while standing in one spot.

“It almost reminded me of an IKEA warehouse with the simple plywood and metal structures and open concept.

“But the variation of items (of which there are 250,000) means there is something for everyone.”

It’s free to visit, with free lockers and an on-site cafe.

Also making the TIME top 100 list is The Maid of Somerset, a very fancy afternoon tea experience.

Guests enter the Creamery at Castle Cary Station, with the afternoon tea taking place in a “British Pullman style” saloon car.

TIME said: “Unlike the stereotypical snooty high tea, the Maid’s service is steeped in the good humor – and obsession with quality – that typifies Roos’ and Bekker’s projects.

“The friendly attendants prepare 11 loose-leaf teas – a mix of house blends and Prince & Sons selections – and serve finger sandwiches like cucumber and Waterlip, a tangy feta-style cheese made on site at the Creamery.

“A three-tiered sweets tower follows, featuring cardamom-scented orange cakes and scones paired with the Newt’s strawberry-rose preserves.”

The experience costs £35, or £45 with alcohol.

Here are some other amazing afternoon tea experiences in the UK.

Read the full TIME list below.

SANTA FE, N.M. — Democratic-led states alarmed by the prospect of federal immigration officers patrolling the polls during this year’s midterm elections are taking steps to counter what they see as a potential tactic to intimidate voters.

New Mexico this week became the first state to bar armed agents from polling locations in response to President Trump’s immigration crackdown, a step being considered in at least half a dozen other Democratic-led states.

The moves highlight a deep distrust toward the Trump administration from blue states, which have been the target of his aggressive immigration tactics while threatened with military deployments and deep cuts in federal funding. Their concerns were heightened after the president suggested he wants to nationalize U.S. elections, even though the Constitution says it’s the states that run elections.

The Trump administration said it has no plans to deploy immigration agents to polling locations. Last month, the heads of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol told a congressional committee “No, sir” when asked if they had any plans to guard polling places. The Department of Homeland Security’s deputy assistant secretary for election integrity, Heather Honey, recently told secretaries of state it “is simply not true” that immigration agents will be at the polls this year.

But a group of eight secretaries of state wants that in writing from the nominee to succeed Kristi Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. In a letter Monday to Trump’s new pick to lead the agency, Markwayne Mullin, the group pressed for assurances “that ICE will not have a presence at polling locations during the 2026 election cycle.”

Federal law already prohibits the deployment of armed federal forces to election locations unless “necessary to repel armed enemies of the United States,” but Democratic lawmakers, election officials and governors remain concerned.

“The fear is that the Trump administration will attempt to evoke a national emergency or execute some other deployment of federal agents or military troops in order to interfere with elections and intimidate voters,” said Connecticut Democratic state Rep. Matt Blumenthal, co-author of a state bill to establish a 250-foot buffer from federal agents at local polls and other restrictions on federal intervention. “And we’re not going to let that happen.”

A potential clash between states and the federal government

Other bills seeking to ban immigration agents at the polls are pending in Democratic-led states, large and small, from California to Rhode Island.

In Virginia, lawmakers are weighing legislation that could prevent federal civil immigration officials from making arrests within 40 feet of any polling place or courthouse. But the provision on polling sites remains under negotiation, and it’s unclear whether it will be in the final bill.

The newly signed law in New Mexico prohibits orders that put any armed person in the “civil, military or naval service of the United States” at local polling locations and related parking areas, or within 50 feet of a monitored ballot box, from the start of early voting.

Under New Mexico’s new law, which takes effect in May and will be in place for the state’s June 2 primary, people who experience intimidation or obstruction at the polls from federal agents or military personnel can file a civil lawsuit seeking relief in state courts. State prosecutors and local and state election officials also can sue, and the courts can apply fines of up to $50,000 per violation.

It also prohibits changes to voting qualifications and election rules and procedures that conflict with New Mexico law, as Trump prods the U.S. Senate to approve a bill to impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements in elections nationwide.

Any state measures intended to counter federal election law will face legal hurdles because of the supremacy clause in the U.S. Constitution, which says federal law supersedes state law.

“It could set up a direct clash between state governments and the federal government. We don’t know exactly how that’s going to go,” said Richard Hasen, director of the Safeguarding Democracy Project at the UCLA School of Law. “Given the supremacy clause, there’s only so much states can do.”

‘We will hold free and fair elections’

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said her own distrust of the Trump administration in election oversight stems from ongoing Department of Justice efforts to get detailed state voter data without explaining why and Trump’s continuing false claims of widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

“Do I believe the federal government and people in the White House? No,” said Lujan Grisham, who terms out of office at the end of 2026.

“We are sending a message to everyone: We will hold free and fair elections, and New Mexicans will be safe in every ballot location and that’s our responsibility,” the Democrat said Tuesday during a news conference. “The Constitution says the states run their elections, and that bill makes that painfully re-clear to the federal government.”

Federal seizure of ballots and election records is a growing concern

New Mexico Republicans, who are in the minority in the legislature, voted in unison against the bill.

“I would question strongly why we have to do this other than just to have to poke the president in the eye,” state GOP Sen. Bill Sharer of Farmington said during floor debate.

State Sen. Katy Duhigg, an Albuquerque Democrat who was a co-sponsor of the legislation, said it’s “better safe than sorry with democracy.” She said she wanted to “make sure that there was some sort of tool that our local law enforcement would have at their disposal if something does happen, if the federal government does in some manner try to interfere with our elections.”

Connecticut’s bill, scheduled for a hearing later this week, also takes aim at federal attempts to seize ballots or other election material. It would require that state officials receive notification of such a move.

Blumenthal said state lawmakers can’t prevent seizures such as the January search by the FBI on an election center in Fulton County, Ga., a Democratic stronghold that includes Atlanta. But he said, “there might be an opportunity for our state attorney general’s office or the secretary of the state’s office to challenge that.”

Lee and Haigh write for the Associated Press. Haigh reported from Hartford, Conn. AP writer Oliva Diaz in Richmond, Va., and David A. Lieb in Jefferson City, Mo., contributed to this report.