pretty

THE loveliest streets in the country have been revealed and one is set in a pretty UK town.

Somerset‘s Frome is famous for having a steep cobbled street filled to the brim with independent shops and it even has a popular cafe set within a former chapel.

The Telegraph said: “Gird your loins: cobbled Catherine Hill is breathtakingly handsome but breath-stealingly steep.

“Luckily, it’s lined with excuses to pause for rest: Frome is a town of interesting independents, and many are here.”

Shops that you’ll find on Catherine Hill include the independent bookshop, Sherlock & Pages and Ground, a pottery shop selling glazes vases and stoneware pots.

There’s Deadly is the Female which sells vintage, specialising in 40s and 50s Hollywood style outfits.

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Moo and Two is an award-winning tea and coffee shop and not only can you stop in for a hot drink – but they even run coffee brewing courses.

Just across from Catherine Hill is Rye Bakery which is inside a former church and while it’s been renovated, you can still see the original organ pipes.

Pop in if you fancy tasty breads, pastries and even pizza.

There are also gift shops like Solsken and Honey on the Hill.

One visitor who ventured along the cobbled road wrote on Tripadvisor: “This is an amazing street which winds its way all the way up to Badcox. There is a great range of individual shops to look around as well as a good walk.”

Another added that the street is “quaint” and filled with “beautiful little shops and cafes.”

On the first Sunday of every month from March to December is the Frome Independent Market.

Across the stalls are handmade items from clothing to soaps, jewellery and cakes – there are also plenty of street food options too.

If you’re after a drinking hole, then you’ll have to wander away from Catherine Hill.

You can head to The Three Swans on King Street or The High Pavement Inn on Palmer Street.

When you’re finished exploring Frome and its pretty streets and shops, head to the outskirts for one of the most famous natural wonders in the country.

From Frome you get beautiful views across the countryside, so it makes sense that just 40-minutes is Cheddar Gorge.

It’s England‘s largest gorge with huge limestone cliffs and is a popular spot for its scenic walks.

Another nearby spot is Longleat, a stately home and safari park.

Frome is also half an hour’s drive between Bath and of Bruton so it’s easy to add those into your trip too.

Here are the top 20 most beautiful streets in the UK…

These are the most beautiful streets in the UK according to The Telegraph…

1. Steep Hill, Lincoln
2. Mermaid Street, Rye
3. Victoria Street, Edinburgh
4. High Street, Corsham
5. Sergeant’s Lane, Tenby
6. Grey Street, Newcastle
7. Bellevue Terrace, Great Malvern
8. Lombard Street, Petworth
9. Pier Road, Luss
10. Main Street, Haworth
11. Drapers Lane, Leominster
12. Elm Hill, Norwich
13. Down-A-Long, Clovelly
14. Main Street, Tobermory
15. Church Street, Ludlow
16. Commercial Court, Belfast
17. Eastgate Street, Chester
18. Catherine Hill, Frome
19. Quay Parade, Aberaeron
20. Trinity Street, Cambridge

For more, check out the UK seaside town high street that’s one of Time Out’s coolest in the world – it’s by Europe’s biggest lido.

And this pretty ‘seaside’ town that’s one hour from London was named best half term day trip – with popular fish and chips & 800-year-old pub.

The seaside spot is perfect for a wintery day trip or weekend away, and even in the freezing weather, it’s so charming

We’re already a week into January, and while the start of a new year can be invigorating, it’s tough to kick-start your routine after the celebrations. You’re likely feeling drained after returning to work, eagerly awaiting a weekend of rest.

However, exploring a new town or village can do wonders for your mood, which is exactly what I did last weekend. Bracing the frosty breeze, I embarked on a half-hour train journey from Glasgow to Troon, a seaside town bustling in summer but much quieter in winter.

It was an almost perfect day trip, with one minor hiccup threatening to ruin the trip – but don’t let that deter you.

Nestled on Scotland’s west coast with views over the Firth of Clyde, Troon is the perfect coastal retreat from city life. Admittedly, my last visit was around age 15 and I had never been during winter, but craving some outdoor time before returning to work, this seemed ideal.

Upon getting off the train, we made our way to the waterfront, which was freezing yet beautiful. The sun was shining, and although the sea would have been unbearably cold for a dip, it looked stunning, reports the Express.

Depressingly, the sun had begun to set as early as 1pm during our visit, but it provided a lovely backdrop for photos. We walked along the huge beach for around an hour, climbing on top of a paved hill at the end to really take in the panoramic views of the town below.

For kids, there’s a huge play area that was bustling even in the biting cold, so I can only imagine how busy it’ll be in summertime.

When the chill became almost unbearable, it was time to seek out some food. Troon boasts an array of great places to eat and drink, from the stylish Scotts restaurant by the marina to numerous fish and chip shops dotting the high street.

One of the main reasons for this trip was to try out The Wee Hurrie, a seafood shack near the water that had been highly praised by relatives and friends. With TripAdvisor users hailing it as the ‘best chippie in Scotland’, we couldn’t wait.

After braving the icy beach walk, our hunger was intense, so imagine our dismay when we found The Wee Hurrie shuttered. This was our fault, and we should have checked ahead, but the combination of freezing temperatures and hunger nearly brought me to tears.

The closure was due to the Scottish fishing fleet being docked for Christmas, which is entirely understandable. As of Friday (January 9), it’s back in business, and you can bet I’ll be running back as soon as I can for some beachfront fish and chips.

By 3pm, we were still on the hunt for lunch, so we started our journey back to the town centre. As if to rub salt in the wound, it began to snow – but luckily, it was just a brief flurry that ended as quickly as it had started.

I wasn’t expecting much activity on the high street at this time on a Sunday in early January, but I was pleasantly surprised to see plenty of people bustling about, popping in and out of eateries and shops.

Still craving seafood, we stopped into Tempura and ordered a serving of battered prawns and chips each. It hit the spot perfectly, and spotting a tempura Mars bar on the menu made me laugh. You cannot escape the deep-fried life in Scotland.

Despite the slight hiccup with our initial food plans, it was still a great day out – albeit a bit chilly for my liking. But rest assured, as soon as that first hint of warmth graces us in March, I’ll be heading straight back there.

IF you fancy fine dining without the enormous price tag – then there’s one restaurant you should visit.

It’s tucked away in a pretty area of Buckinghamshire, in a town that was even used as the backdrop of a murder mystery TV series.

In a study, Which? found the cheapest Michelin-star restaurants across the country.

One of those is The Coach in Marlow where head chef Brad Cacela has designed a menu of two courses for £20, or three for £25 – which technically works out as a meal for £8.34 each.

The menu changes weekly – and you can book in for lunch on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The Coach in Marlow is owned by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, who opened it in 2015.

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It’s been dubbed as the “younger sibling” to his famous Hand & Flowers – which was the first gastropub to ever be awarded two Michelin stars.

Sun Travel previously spoke to Robert Thorogood who wrote a TV show about the Buckinghamshire town that he calls home.

Called The Marlow Murder Club – it’s the story of four ladies who get caught up solving murders around the town.

Robert said: “I’ve set it in my hometown of Marlow because I was just trying to find somewhere iconic and beautiful, and not too big, not too small, like a Goldilocks town – it is the perfect English spot.

“But then of course, there are downsides to that, because now all of my neighbours in the street are worried that I think they’re all murderers – which I do.”

Robert suggested heading to Tom Kerridge’s restaurants as well as the Compleat Angler and The Bounty.

Robert said: “If you can, pop into one of Tom’s restaurants. You can always get a table at The Coach, you don’t have to book either, you can just walk in. It’s absolutely top-tier, and Tom is amazing, he’s revitalised the town.”

Robert also revealed that when production takes over Marlow for a few months, the cast even find their own haunts.

He added: “I have met a number of people who kept telling me they’d seen the lead actress [Samantha Bond] in The Ship.”

And when the crew film during the summertime, they make sure to head over to the gelato shop called Amorino.

Marlow is known for sitting along the River Thames where locals go wild swimming, take their boats out and go kayaking.

And the town is home to some celebrities like Chris Evans, Ricky Gervais, ex England cricket captain Andrew Strauss and actor Tom Chambers.

Other attractions include The Rebellion Tap Yard where you can book to go on a guided tour – it even has a drive through collection point.

Every year the town holds its Pub in the Park festival at Higginson Park, which next year will be between 14-17 May.

There’s live music, top chefs, lots of food, drinks – and early bird tickets are already on sale.

Here’s the smallest UK town home to Michelin-starred pub and unique overnight church stay.

And here’s the tiny UK village on the river Thames that is home to three world-class restaurants run by celebrity chefs.

Discover a charming Cornish village on the River Tamar with stunning Devon views, historic pubs, galleries and access via the UK’s ‘most scenic’ train ride

A delightful Cornish village overlooking the river towards Devon remains something of a hidden treasure – boasting galleries, pubs and beautiful walks to discover. Situated inland, this charming spot doesn’t get swamped with tourists, which is why I adore visiting for its authentic Cornish atmosphere.

Despite its tucked-away location, Calstock village is remarkably accessible by train. Better still, it forms part of a railway journey that’s been dubbed Britain’s “most scenic”, winding through Devon and Cornwall.

There’s also another delightful way to reach Calstock during spring and summer – via a boat trip departing from Plymouth’s Barbican.

Last summer, I arrived in Calstock aboard a Plymouth Boat Trips ferry and I can’t recommend it enough – the harbour cruise to this riverside village is both picturesque and thoroughly enjoyable.

Plymouth Boat Trips describes the ferry journey on their website: “A truly idyllic cruise to experience the stunning scenery of the Tamar Valley. Setting sail across Plymouth Sound and up the River Tamar to the picturesque Cornish village of Calstock.”, reports the Express.

“Leaving the busy city behind we pass the Naval Dockyard and Brunel’s famous bridge, taking in the beautiful sights of the Tamar Valley, passing Cargreen, Wier Quay, Pentille, Holton and Cotehele.”

The cruise tends to be quite sociable – when I made this ferry trip to Calstock with a few friends, we ended up chatting to plenty of fellow passengers, whilst the vistas along the River Tamar were absolutely breathtaking. The boat then docks along the river banks at Calstock, allowing passengers to disembark for a few hours before heading back; this provides visitors with ample time to explore the village properly.

During my visit to Calstock, we stopped by a local pub called The Boot Inn, which seems to be thriving as a recent TripAdvisor review describes it as “a lovely friendly place” where diners enjoyed a “brilliant” Sunday roast beef lunch.

Alternatively, you can take the Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth to Calstock – a railway journey that’s been dubbed “the most scenic train ride in the UK”.

The route takes you through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, passing charming villages and picturesque river crossings, and as you approach Calstock the train travels across an historic viaduct built in the early 1900s.

Calstock Viaduct offers a breathtaking view from the village – the impressive structure dominates the local landscape, connecting Cornwall to neighbouring Devon.

The Cornish village of Calstock is naturally separated from Devon by the River Tamar, so it’s Cornwall on one bank and Devon on the other – and numerous historical battles have taken place along these shores throughout history.

The Escape To Britain observes: “Calstock lies alongside the River Tamar, an area of Cornwall often neglected in favour of more popular Cornish destinations such as St Ives and the Lizard coastline.

“However, what you’ll find should you venture to this UNESCO World Heritage site is plenty of Roman history and some gorgeous architecture.”

And it’s surrounded by beautiful hills.

Situated deep in beautiful Hills lies this pretty market town full of independent shops. The charming town of Dorking can be found at the foot of Surrey’s famous Box Hill, renowned for its challenging zig zag cycle route, excellent walking trails and stunning views over the county.

While I’ve ventured to the National Trust beauty spot many times before, I hadn’t explored Dorking’s high street for years, so this winter I went to see what it had to offer. Full of independent stores, quaint antique shops, beauty businesses and lots of adorable places to grab a coffee, it also boasts striking views of the rolling countryside.

At the end of last year, award-winning hair salon group, Rush Hair, opened a new branch right in the centre of the town. It could not be in a more prominent location at a cross-roads and during my trip to the neighbourhood I visited the salon, checking out its chic interior and list of pampering services.

With eight styling stations, contemporary grey stone flooring, unique fixtures and fittings, the space has created 10 jobs for aspiring stylists in the area. Artwork created by the award-winning Rush creative team graces the walls and the salon is further enhanced with LED lighting, allowing stylists the ability to see client’s hair tones perfectly whilst hair colouring.

Opened in time for Christmas, the salon was designed by Dudley Cummings, of the Rush salon design team who has worked across many salons within the group. It’s beautiful, welcoming and relaxed, plus, colour appointments are currently half price when booked with a cut and finish. Stell Andrew, CEO and co-founder of Rush Hair and, said: “The new salon looks truly incredible and will be an asset to Dorking and a fabulous haven for clients to come to relax and have a pamper.”

All customers are treated to teas, coffees and biscuits during their precious ‘me-time’, but there’s also lots of other lovely cafes and coffee shops within walking distance which I gladly found.

Immediately next door to Rush Hair is Costa and directly opposite is Cosy Moose. I visited the latter, an artisan coffee shop and bakery which stood on the corner of the high street with steamed up windows due to the sub-zero temperatures outside and warm, hustle and bustle inside.

Indoors wasn’t overly big unlike Costa across the road, but it was a cute spot to enjoy a coffee and slice of cake, particularly a pecan tart, homemade carrot cake and mint chocolate tiffin.

I wandered up the high street, popping my head into a few more stores and at around 4pm I witnessed the most glorious sun set over the rooftops.

There are various car parks in the town, but I thought South Street Car Park was particularly convenient given that it was very close by and I could pay via Ringo.

THERE is more to Portugal than its beaches – as its picturesque northern region of Douro proves.

This proudly kept secret centres around the Douro River that flows for 850km from the mountains of northern Spain to the city of Porto and serves up gastronomic, wine and cultural delights in equal measure, as well as stunning countryside.

Its peaceful green vineyards, beneath blue skies, are a world apart from the crowded beaches of Portugal’s southern Algarve region, but just a short flight away from the UK.

Here, Lauren Clark offers a guide to what to do in Douro . . . 

WHY SHOULD I GO? First and foremost, for the wine. It has been produced on the banks of the Douro River for more than 2,000 years, and this is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world after being officially established in 1756.

Its produce includes its most famous export of all — port.

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But while any trip to the Douro should take in the idyllic terraced vineyards, the cobbled streets and port cellars of Porto — Portugal’s second-largest city — are not to be missed.

It is to here that barrels of wine and port have traditionally been transported down river.

STREETS ARE MADE FOR WALKING: Porto is easy to explore on foot.

Some of its medieval streets are rather steep but you can rest your legs with a ride on the Gaia cable car.

Or for yet more fabulous views, head to the train station to explore the Linha do Douro — a 99-mile rail line considered one of Europe’s most scenic, which runs close to the river for much of its route.

Hop on at Porto and disembark at Pinhao after a couple of hours.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? You can take in most of compact Porto’s sites within a day or two — from its ornate tiled churches to the famous Livraria Lello bookshop.

Head across the river on the grand double-decker Dom Luis I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where historic port cellars offer tastings. At Taylor’s you can have a tour and enjoy three wines for £22.

Wine-making links are everywhere, from the 19th-century Palacio de Bolsa — a former a stockmarket built to impress potential European investors — to the merchant houses along the quaint Rua das Flores.

WHERE SHOULD I EAT? Stop off at a no-frills local favourite, the Lado B Cafe for traditional treat francesinha — a sandwich featuring layers of bread and meats, covered in melted cheese and smothered in a spicy tomato-and-beer sauce, sometimes topped off with a fried egg.

It’s more than enough for a main meal and just £11 a go.

For more regional snacks, head to the new Time Out Market, next to the grand Porto Sao Bento train station and try traditional dessert pastel de nata — a yummy custard tart. Laid-back restaurant Adega Sao Nicolau, just off the river bank, is perfect for a more relaxed dinner.

For a special occasion, make a reservation at Le Monument, where the menu takes you on a culinary journey through Portugal.

I FANCY A DRINK: While in Porto, enjoy a sunset tipple at Restart by Vila Foz, north of the river, or Esplanada Teleferico on the south bank — both places offer stunning city views.

Or take in the sights while sipping on a glass of wine during a one-hour Six Bridges river cruise, with prices from £15.60pp.

In the Douro Valley, stop off at one of the region’s famed vineyards, Quinta da Pacheca, near the town of Peso da Regua. It offers a tour, followed by four-glass tasting, for £21 a head.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? Five-star hotel The One Monumental Palace is handy for all of Porto’s key sites and has rooms from £169 per night in its historic, neo-classical building.

For a more value option, the Altis Porto hotel has breathtaking views of the Douro and is near the city’s Ribeiro area, featuring a riverside promenade and colourful houses. Rooms from £102 per night.

It offers stunning coastal views, a thriving high street and a rich history – and it’s perfect even in the rain

Christmas is a really exciting time, but it’ll be January before we know it, and the thought of the long, dark months ahead is enough to ruin anyone’s festive cheer.

However, one easy way to combat the January blues is to get out and about, blowing off the cobwebs by the seaside. And there are definitely no shortage of amazing UK spots to choose from.

There’s one particular location I went to loads when I was younger, that draws crowds in the summer, but is less visited during winter. However, after spending a drizzly and cold weekend there for the first time in years, I’m surprised to say it’s just as charming – maybe even more so.

Largs, an amazing seaside town on Scotland’s west coast, about an hour from Glasgow, is the place in question. Renowned for its Viking museum, quaint amusement arcades and ferry trips to the Isle of Cumbrae, it’s a destination many Scots are likely to have enjoyed during the warm summer days, reports the Express.

It’s one of those places that I remembered so fondly that I was convinced it couldn’t possibly live up to my nostalgic recollections – especially under grey skies.

But on the contrary, our family trip was filled with lovely rainy beach walks, delicious food, and even a couple of unexpected Viking sightings – all without a hint of sunshine.

Nestled by the Firth of Clyde, this charming seaside town offers everything you could want, including an array of lovely hotels and accommodation options. We stayed at the Old Rectory, a stunning holiday home that comfortably sleeps up to 14 guests, complete with a hot tub and ample space for relaxation.

One of the best things about Largs is how close you always are to the waterfront, no matter where you’re staying. The Victorian-style promenade is brimming with activities, sights, and a fantastic selection of eateries serving everything from traditional fish and chips to mouth-watering Thai cuisine.

Largs holds historical significance as the site of a pivotal battle in 1263, marking the end of extensive Viking influence in Scotland. You can delve into this history at the Vikingar museum or immerse yourself in the annual Largs Viking Festival, which we were fortunate enough to experience during our visit, complete with battle re-enactments, live music, and intriguing costumes.

Beyond its Viking heritage, Largs is also renowned for its art deco-style ice cream parlour, a long-standing attraction for visitors over the years.

Nardini’s, hailed as Scotland’s most famous cafe, is a must-visit for its inviting atmosphere and irresistible ice cream. Nestled on the waterfront like Vikingar, it’s an idyllic spot to enjoy a scoop or two of your favourite ice cream flavour.

Beyond its famed frozen treats, Nardini’s also offers a vast selection of cakes and light bites, making it a perfect pit stop for lunch or a quick snack during your seaside strolls. Venture further into the town, and you’ll discover quaint winding streets brimming with independent gift shops, eateries, and even more ice cream parlours.

One morning, we found ourselves at Perk, a vibrant cafe full of plants and books, boasting an impressive menu. The vanilla matcha was divine, and I couldn’t resist ordering the sumptuous feta and avocado waffles.

And if you’re still peckish after your meal, there’s a cake cabinet bursting with pastries and other sweet treats available for takeaway.

While Largs may not be home to any high street giants, it does boast an array of independent vendors showcasing their unique products. A large market tent houses retailers offering everything from organic dog food to wooden lamps, jewellery, soaps, and even tarot readings – a real treasure trove that could keep you occupied all day.

For those looking for a bit of an adventure, a quick ferry ride from the port will whisk you away to the Isle of Cumbrae, home to the lively town of Millport. The island is compact enough to cycle around in just a few hours, with a rewarding pint waiting for you at the end before a swift 10-minute sail back to the mainland.

Nearby lies the stunning Kelburn Castle, a beautiful park and estate that even hosts its own music festival during the summer months. It’s a family-friendly spot, boasting numerous playparks, waterfalls and more to discover – all conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Largs.

But truth be told, Largs itself offers more than enough to keep you entertained for a day or even a weekend. Don’t let the typical Scottish drizzle deter you – it only adds to the charm of the seafront walks and makes the cosy ice-cream parlours even more inviting.

SCATTERED across the UK are a number of beautiful seaside towns and one has been described as looking like Cornwall – despite being over 400 miles away.

The village of Staithes was once the largest fishing port on the North East coast – it’s still used for fishing, but on a much smaller scale.

It has pretty cobbled streets with a small sandy beach that sits inside its natural harbour and traditional seaside cottages.

Despite its position along the Yorkshire coastline, lots of people are saying looks like it belongs in the south.

One wrote on Tripadvisor that it’s the “Cornwall on the east coast”.

Another added that it’s a “place is for good old fashioned fun, no slot machines down here”.

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Unlike other seaside towns and villages there aren’t any big piers or arcades.

If you visit during the colder months and need to warm up, then head to Dotty’s Vintage Tearoom for coffee, tea and cake.

There’s also the Royal George Pub, Captain Cook Inn and The Cod and Lobster seafood restaurant which sits on the very edge of the coastline.

The village has independent boutiques and its own museum too where visitors can learn about Captain Cook and the history of Staithes.

You can easily visit other spots along the coast as Staithes sits between Whitby and Middlesbrough along the coastline.

It’s a popular seaside spot and was mentioned by Sun readers as one of their favourite underrated places in Yorkshire.

Sun reader Amy Stevenson said: “There’s no place quite like Staithes, it’s just so picturesque.”

Another mention was from Claire Allen who walked 4,000 miles around the UK coastline, raising money for Shelter charity.

Along the way visited over 1,000 coastal towns and villages – and Staithes is one of her favourites.

She told Country Living: “The view down to the village is almost enough to remember it by, but the narrow streets, pretty houses and a sheltered, sandy beach that’s as popular with fossil hunters as it is with families, put Staithes firmly at the top of the places-to-go-back-to list.

“There are pubs, cafes and tearooms, but not so many that it feels impersonal.

“I met a couple who were so taken with the place, that they’d spontaneously decided to extend their holiday.”

Here’s where to find the ‘best seaside town’ in the UK with a castle on the beach…

Bamburgh in Northumberland is constantly topping the rankings when it comes to the UK’s best seaside town.

The annual Which? ranking of seaside towns is created every year, with thousands of people surveyed about their experiences of UK beach holidays over the last year.

Once again, Bamburgh in Northumberland came top of the pile, making it four years in a row that the north east town has claimed the title.

Bamburgh is renowned for its stunning sandy shoreline, backed by the imposing ruins of its ancient castle.

One Travel Writer who visited said: “Visitors can take a dip in the fresh North Sea if they’re feeling bold, however I decided to simply dig my toes into the soft sand and take in the sights of Bamburgh Castle, which stands imposingly atop a hill behind the beach, creating a real life work of art.

“Making the scene even more idyllic is the small snack van, Bait at Bamburgh, tucked away in a car park behind the dunes.

“Its phenomenal crab crumpets are its signature dish, while local smoked Craster kippers are also on offer, providing beach-goers with delicious gourmet seafood treats plucked straight from the sea in front of them.

“The same locally-sourced produce can be found in places like the Potted Lobster, a relaxed bistro-style restaurant, whose freshly-prepared meals have earned it a place in the Michelin guide on four separate occasions.

“The Copper Kettle and Clock Tower tearooms serve similarly well-regarded fare. The former of the two describes itself as being “widely recognised as one of the finest Tea Rooms in the country” while the latter is part of the castle that draws people to Bamburgh from far and wide.“

Plus, one Sun writer reveals more on the ‘prettiest town’ in Yorkshire where she grew up that southerners won’t have heard of.

And from someone who’s walked 10,000 miles through British countryside names their quaint English village that everyone should visit.

THE Holiday is one of the UK’s favourite Christmas watches – and who hasn’t wanted to step into the magic of the film?

From the Cotswolds to Yorkshire, here are five of the best villages that will make you feel like you’re Cameron Diaz exploring England for the very first time.

Shere, Surrey

Of course first up is Shere in Surrey which fans of The Holiday will know that it was actually used as a filming location.

Found in the Guildford district, the pretty village is considered to be most photographed of all Surrey towns.

You can actually have a pint in the pub where Amanda (played by Cameron Diaz) and Graham (Jude Law) have their first date.

The couple visit The White Horse, a cosy pub that serves up hearty breakfasts, Sunday Roasts and lunches.

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You can also pop into The Dabbling Duck cafe, or take a hike around the nearby Surrey Hills.

The Holiday isn’t the only film to have set scenes in Shere – it’s also been the backdrop of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and The Wedding Date.

Kettlewell, Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire village of Kettlewell is filled with classic stone cottages – just like Iris’.

But there’s also traditional tea rooms, and a quaint High Street and incredible views of the countryside – perfect for a weekend walk.

The village has three pubs, The Blue Bell Inn – a homely spot which serves up tasty home-cooked food by its crackling fire.

Or check out The King’s Head and The Falcon Inn.

Elterwater

Elterwater is a village in the Lake District, Cumbria.

The village lies half a mile north-west of the lake of Elter Water – where it gets its name.

It’s tiny with around 100 residents, some of whom live in its charming slate or stone cottages along the narrow roads.

The local pub is The Britannia Inn which serves seasonal food by its log fire – and during the summer has a pretty beer garden.

The village has incredible views of the Langdale Pikes which are famous mountains in the Great Langdale Valley.

You can also go for a stroll along the River Brathay or go further afield and you might even spot a waterfall or two.

Burford, Oxfordshire

The Cotswolds is an obvious choice when it comes to pretty English villages – and Burford is a very charming spot.

It has the classic pretty stone cottages and a very traditional feel to it.

Along the High Street are antique shops, tea rooms and pubs like The Angel at Burford, The Prince Of Burford and The Lamb Inn.

The oldest pharmacy in England can be found here, and there’s a medieval bridge that crosses over the River Windrush as well as a Grade I listed church.

And for even more magic from The Holiday, actress Kate Winslet used to live very nearby.

Stanton, Gloucestershire

Another very English-looking Cotswolds village is Stanton.

40 minutes up the road from Burford is Stanton, which looks very ‘The Holiday’ with its limestone and half-timbered cottages.

The village is on the smaller side so there isn’t too much to do, but it makes for a charming trip – and there will be great photo opportunities.

Nearby you can hike the Cotswold Way or visit Snowshill Manor, and if you fancy it, you can even book to go horse-riding through Stanton.

The Mount Inn pub is the only pub in the village and has incredible views of the Malvern Hills.

For more, here are 10 UK locations featured in iconic Christmas movies that you can visit this festive season.

And even more filming locations in the UK that you can visit with movie tours. 

Kicker Charlie Smyth says “we’re looking pretty good” as he looks to secure a place on the New Orleans Saints’ permanent 53-man roster.

Former gaelic footballer Smyth kicked a winning 46-yard field goal with six seconds left in his home debut against the Carolina Panthers, which was his third NFL appearance.

Smyth landed a 56-yard field goal and made an onside kick on his NFL debut against the Miami Dolphins, and also featured against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers.

After three practice squad elevations already this season, NFL rules state the 24-year-old would need to be signed to the 53-man roster in order to feature against the New York Jets on Sunday.

“I think we’re looking pretty good on that right now,” Smyth told BBC Sport NI’s Thomas Niblock on his contract situation.

“I’m delighted to have had those moments over the past few weeks, and hopefully I can help the team going forward.”

Smyth said he is letting “everyone else deal with that in the background” as his focus shifts towards Sunday’s game with the Jets at the Superdome.

“The hope is that I’ll get into the 53 next week, that’s the plan,” Smyth said.

“I would like to think I’m playing this week, so we’ll just let that take care of itself and I’ll stay focused on what I do, which is kicking a ball.”