pretty

THE must-visit destinations across the UK have been revealed and North Yorkshire has made the list.

With sweeping beaches, beautiful towns and movie backdrops – it’s no wonder Condé Nast Traveller as one of the ‘Best Places to Go in the UK in 2026’ – and here are some of our favourite spots to go in the county.

Knaresborough

Along the River Nidd is this beautiful town which is often described as being ‘postcard perfect’, or looking like a ‘fairytale’.

It’s a few miles away from Harrogate and is known for having a huge viaduct as well as pretty riverside restaurants and cafes.

Sun Writer Katrina Turrill grew up in Knaresborough, and here’s what she suggests visitors do during their visit like popping into its many pubs.

“There are a lot of pubs in Knaresborough – so many, I always lose count. I found 15 online, but I’m sure there’s more.  There are traditional pubs with rich history, such as Blind Jack’s in the market square. 

SIGHT SEA

£9.50 holidaymakers’ favourite Skegness activities… away from the beach

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

“One of my favourite pubs is Carriages, with its cosy atmosphere and tasty food.  The outdoor area is great in summer, with views of pretty Knaresborough train station.”

Some of her other favourite things to do is heading up to Knaresborough Castle which is where you’ll get the best view of the viaduct.

Get onto the river itself in a row boat and get a bite to eat from Marigolds and an ice cream.

One popular attraction is Mother Shipton’s Cave which is named after the Yorkshire prophetess.

Whitby

The charming seaside town of Whitby has red-roofed houses, winding streets as well as huge cliffs.

Of course the nearby Gothic Whitby Abbey was Bram Stoker’s inspiration for his book, Dracula.

If you want to feel like you’re in the novel, walk up the 199 steps from the Old Town to St Mary’s Church and the Abbey ruins.

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens who visited Whitby said: “In my trip to the North Yorkshire town, I ticked off all the staple activities. A Mr Whippy enjoyed by the harbour, spare change spent in Funland’s Amusements, and fish and chips for tea.

“Plus my stroll along the sands, backed by spectacular moss-green cliffs, was an ideal way to soak up those breath-taking views of the rugged Yorkshire coast.

One of the things that makes Whitby stand out amongst other seaside spots is its connection to a famous explorer, Captain Cook and the ‘House on the Harbour’ museum is a must-visit.”

Another must-visit in Whitby is Trenchers – which is the best fish and chip shop in the UK.

Trenchers of Whitby secured the Restaurant of the Year title at the National Fish and Chips Awards 2026 – which is considered the ‘Oscars‘ of the fish and chip industry.

A takeaway cod and chips will set you back £13.50.

Robin Hood’s Bay

This tiny fishing village sits on a clifftop overlooking the bay and it’s considered one of the most beautiful seaside spots in the country.

It has winding roads, hilly streets and pokey little shops selling the likes of books and souvenirs.

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski described the village as “something from a fiction tale or a North Yorkshire postcard.”

She continued: “In summer, you’ll find dogs sprinting along the sands, while owners tuck into fresh crab sandwiches from the beachside hut and little ones fish for treasures in the rock pools.

“I prefer the village in winter, though, when visitors can stroll the rows of higgledy-piggledy boutiques and cafes dishing up wedges of homemade cakes piled high with buttercream.

“What’s more, there’s a restriction on visitor vehicles and cars are even banned from the harbour area, making it a great place for a car-free

Scarborough

Scarborough, which is known as England‘s first seaside resort, is split into two bays – the South and North Bay.

Each is worth exploring with the South Bay having most of the shops, restaurants and amusement arcades.

Meanwhile, the North Bay is much quieter and is a great place to simply enjoy the beach or go for a surf.

Senior Feature Writer for Fab Daily, Alex Lloyd went on a family staycation to Scarborough in summer last year.

She described it as the “perfect family day out” where you spend “hardly any money.”

You can rent out a beach chalet from £50 a day and have a go on the cliff-railway for £2.50.

If you’re lucky enough, and bring a pair of binoculars you might spot bottlenose dolphins, porpoises and minke whales.

There is plenty of entertainment too and Alex explored the South Cliff Gardens, a hillside adventure playground and the arcades at Olympia Leisure.

Yorkshire Dales National Park

The Dales are known for glorious views and dramatic scenery and it is seeing a boom in popularity thanks to its appearance in Wuthering Heights.

The new film starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi certainly had Brits talking when it came to cinemas last month.

Travel Writer Tracey Davies explored the gothic region and said: “Heathcliff is not the only mysterious, brooding beast in Yorkshire. The scenery provides just as much drama as the Wuthering Heights character.”

She added: “Largely shot on location in the Yorkshire Dales National Park — amid the landcapes of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale valleys and the peaceful village of Low Row — the movie shines a well-deserved spotlight on this glorious corner of England.

“With its scarred limestone hills, scattered with rocks, and rolling green pastures, criss-crossed with drystone walls and peppered with honeyed-stone villages, this region is the picture of a period drama.”

For more on Yorkshire – here’s a ‘world famous ice cream and a hidden beach that’s paradise‘.

And here’s one quaint English village that everyone should visit – says one man who walked 10,000 miles through British countryside.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ISLAND destinations are often whimsical, but one spot in particular is a crowd-free gem.

Vis Island in Croatia is just over an hour on the ferry from Split.

And it was recently named among Intrepid’s annual ‘Not Hot’ list for 10 overlooked destinations you should visit this year.

Though if you want to head to a seaside town without the crowds, the Croatian Tourism Board recommends visiting Komiza on the island, which according to the board is where fishing on the eastern coast of the Adriatic was born.

The town dates back to the 12th century and is surrounded by pretty villages to discover as well.

Stiniva Beach is just an 18 minute drive from the town and is the number one thing to do on the island of Vis, according to TripAdvisor.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

TAKING OFF

I’ve visited 50 countries & this much-loathed budget airline is the world’s best

The cove has crystal clear waters and pebbles, like many other beaches across the island.

From the road, it is about a 20 minute hike down to the beach, though many visitors note it isn’t easy, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Boat tours go to the beach too, though, which is probably a better option for the more elderly.

One recent visitor said: “Stiniva Beach is hands down the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen in my life.

“Tucked away in a secluded cove with crystal-clear water and beautiful high cliffs surrounding you, it feels like stepping into a hidden paradise.

“The atmosphere is peaceful and almost surreal, especially in the early morning when the light is soft and the crowds haven’t arrived yet.”

If you want to head to a more accessible beach, opt for Gusarica Beach which is right by the town centre.

The beach features small pebbles and it is a great spot to go paddleboarding.

The island and Komiža more specifically, was also used as a filming destination for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

In the second film, Harry and Bill have dinner in a Greek tavern.

In reality, the tavern is a restaurant called Jastožera and does have the amazing view that you see in the film.

The restaurant is located by a 15th century fortress that connects two cliffs and created an open air sea pool used for lobster breeding.

Since 1883, the restaurant has been owned by the Komizan family Marinkovic-Mestrezane and today you can visit to try fresh lobster dishes.

Komiža is a great base for visiting the Blue Cave on Bisevo island as well, which is an even smaller island.

The “island of peace and purity”, according to BlueCave-Bisevo.com, is known for its Blue Cave, which was revealed by Viennese painter Eugen Baron Ransonnet in 1884.

Since, tourists flock to the cave which has since become protected as a geomorphological natural monument.

What makes the cave so special is that it captures an unusual light phenomenon which gives everything in the cave a blue glow.

In 2019, research revealed that the blue glow is created by morning light hitting the yellow sandy bottom and illuminating the interior of the cave.

Visitors can only head to the cave on an organised trip, which are available between April 1 and November 1.

Tickets to the cove can be purchased in the gift shop in Mezuporat Cove, near the cave entrance.

They cost 75 Croatian kuna (£8.67) per adult and 35 kuna (£4.05) for children, but in the peak season rise to 100 kuna (£11.56) per adult and 50 kuna (£5.78) per child.

If you book a Blue Cave tour from Split, your entrance will be included in your ticket.

The best way to get to Komiža is by flying to Split, with flights usually costing from £24 one-way.

Once in Split, hop on the ferry to Vis which usually costs between €6.50 (£5.66) and €26 (£22.63) per person.

For more inspiration on holidays to Croatia, there’s a tiny island which bans cars that tourists say ‘feels like being in a fairytale’.

Plus, the little-known Mediterranean hotspot Brits are moving to for super-low taxes, 97p beer and 31C summers.

IN CORNWALL is a pretty fishing village that made an appearance on television across 18 years in the hit ITV series Doc Martin.

Now, a pub that starred in the show and overlooks the seafront will reopen after it announced its sudden closure last month.

The postcard-worthy village of Port Isaac sits on the North coast of Cornwall.

It’s full of white-washed cottages and pubs including The Golden Lion which closed in February when the ‘local company running them ran out of money‘, according to Cornwall Live.

Just a few weeks later, the pub announced it was under new ownership of St Austell Brewery and would reopen on Friday 13 March with the same team.

When the news was revealed on Facebook, one local said: “So pleased to hear it will be reopening. It is the hub of the village. Will be in next week for a meal.”

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

GRUBS UP

Best pubs, fish and chip shops and cafes in Sussex – by Sun readers & locals

Another added: “Wow that was a quick turnaround but really excellent news.”

While some might not have literally stepped into the pub, it has appeared on TV.

The Golden Lion doubled as the ‘Crab & Lobster‘ in the ITV series Doc Martin starring Martin Clunes which was on air between 2004 and 2022.

In fact, lots of Port Isaac was used in the TV show as it doubled as the fictional village of Portwenn.

Fans of the series will recognise the pretty harbour, beaches and the Grade-II Listed Fern Cottage which is perched high above the harbour.

The stone cottage once stood in as the doctor’s surgery and now fans of the show can rent it out as a two-bedroom self-catering holiday cottage.

The cosy cottage sleeps four, it also has a sun terrace, garden and a hot tub.

It’s not cheap though as the booking website estimates the cottage at £443 per night.

Fans of the show can take guided walking tours exploring locations like the cottage as well as Mrs. Tishell’s pharmacy, and the harbour.

A guided tour bookable with The Official Shop of the British Tourist Board starts from £17.

Port Isaac has roots dating back to the Middle Ages and later on was used as trading port for slate and then a pilchard fishing hub.

Fishing is still a popular activity in the village with daily catches of crab and lobster.

The village itself is full of pretty cottages, independent shops and narrow winding streets.

There’s even a street called Squeezy Belly Alley which is an 18th-century passageway that at its smallest point is just 18 inches in width.

Port Isaac is not the only location in Cornwall to appear on British TV shows.

The pretty village of Looe is famous for being the backdrop of Beyond Paradise.

Another is the Lizard peninsula which is set to be big this year when the the new HBO Harry Potter series airs.

Earlier this year, actor John Lithgow who plays Albus Dumbledore, was spotted filming on the beach.

One of the spots where Harry Potter has been filming is in Cadgwith Cove, a small fishing village and Kynance Cove, a tidal beach with white sand, turquoise sea and rock stacks.

For more on Cornwall, this pretty English town was once the ‘capital of Cornwall’ and here you might spot some royals.

And here are the Sun’s favourite hotels, holiday parks, cottages and campsites in Cornwall.

EACH year around 1.4million Brits head to Portugal’s Algarve – so why not explore a quieter Portuguese gem that is cheaper?

Portugal’s Silver Coast – also known as Costa de Prata – stretches for 155 miles from central to western Portugal.

And it offers several different holiday types.

Think dramatic landscapes to be explored, beaches to sunbathe on and historic towns to investigate.

Spanning from north of Lisbon to near Porto, the Silver Coast tends to be less crowded than the Algarve.

One spot you can head to is Nazare, known for having the world’s biggest surfable waves.

TAKING OFF

I’ve visited 50 countries & this much-loathed budget airline is the world’s best

SUITE DREAM

The cheap hotels that are BETTER than a 5* by holiday expert who visited 200

The old fishing town features a long, crescent shaped beach with white sand and crystal clear water.

And this is one of the spots in the town where you will find surfers tackling huge waves.

In fact, it is the Nazaré Canyon that is the largest underwater canyon in Europe, that produces the town’s colossal waves.

Away from the water, the town also has a lot of narrow streets to explore with cosy restaurants serving fresh seafood.

For example, you could head to Restaurante Maria do Mar, which is the best-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor in the area, serving ‘Maria do Mar’ fish stew for just €9.50 (£8.20).

Surfers should also head to Ericeira, which is another popular surf town.

It is widely known as the ‘surfing capital of Europe‘ and is home to one of only two World Surfing Reserves in Europe.

If you are not a surfer, then simply enjoy the town’s beautiful beaches such as Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) or Praia do Norte.

There’s also Obidos, which has a charming, medieval walled town.

In the picturesque town you can walk through Moorish gates and see colourful houses covered in bright pink flowers in summer.

The medieval walls encircle the entire village, which you can explore.

There’s even a spot that is dubbed the ‘Venice of Portugal’ – Aveiro.

The nickname comes from the colourful boats that sail down canals in the town.

Originally, the boats – called moliceiros – were used to carry seaweed that had been harvested, but now they offer tours to visitors along the canals and past Art Nouveau buildings.

In the Old Town, you’ll find cobblestone streets with small fish and coastal images embedded into the cobbles.

Make sure to visit Ponte dos Laços de Amizade (Bridge of Friendship Ties) where couples tie ribbons on to the bridge.

And definitely grab some Ovos Moles which are sweets from the area.

They are egg yolk and sugar mixed together and then moulded into different shapes, like seashells.

Drop by Confeitaria Peixinho, the oldest Ovos Moles shop in Aveiro, which has been running since 1856 – each Ovos Mole costs about €1.60 (£1.38).

Nearby Aveiro there is another spot worth visiting called Costa Nova.

Here you will find rows upon rows of colourful striped beach cottages.

Elsewhere along the Silver Coast, you can visit the coastal village of Foz do Arelho and two beaches created by a saltwater lagoon.

Both feature white sand and are the ideal places to go paddleboarding.

If you want to grab a bite to eat, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the promenade.

Several of the pubs and bars along the Silver Coast sell beers for €1.25 (£1.08), like at Marcianus 3.0 in Foz do Arelho, where you can pick up a bottle of Imperial beer for this price.

Depending on where you wish to go on the Silver Coast, you can fly into either Lisbon or Porto Airports.

One-way flights from the UK to Lisbon or Porto cost as little as £15 per person in April.

Also, depending on where you want to visit, there are a number of different accommodation options.

The average cost for a night in a four-star hotel in the region costs between £65 and £80.

For more places to explore in Portugal, there’s a secret side to the country that has just been crowned one of the best places in Europe to visit this year.

Plus, the pretty city that was the birthplace of the first king of Portugal that is set to be big this year.

WITH a mile-long golden beach and an annual film festival bringing in A-list movie stars – you might think this spot was on the French Riviera.

But actually, this destination is miles away on the northern coast of France – and it’s a place called Deauville.

The seaside town is a classic Norman resort with a huge beach, seaside casino and pulls in celebrity visitors every year.

Most of the famous faces will visit during September when it hosts the American Film Festival.

Over the years, tars like Clint Eastwood, George Clooney, Sharon Stone, and Johnny Depp have all been there.

And even when they leave, a piece of them remains as their names are adorned on beach huts called Les Planches – which have become an attraction in themselves.

MAKE THE MOVE

Incredible expat ‘paradise countries’ – with rent from £350 and beers for 83p

DREAMY DEALS

Our pick of the best long haul holidays for short haul prices

Other names you’ll see on the promenade include Gene Kelly, Cate Blanchett and Keanu Reeves.

This year, it will be held between September 4-16.

The town is also known for fashion as designer Coco Chanel opened up her very first boutique there in 1913.

The shop closed in 1939 after the outbreak of World War II but you can still see where it once was at 13 Rue Lucien Barrière.

Another pull to the seaside town is to see its horse racing events.

Deauville has a long history of horse breeding and racing, as it’s home to the Deauville-La Touques Racecourse.

The race track is extremely famous and is considered a world-class venue for horse racing, especially in the summer.

The biggest event which is a held throughout August is the Barrière Deauville Meeting which has Group 1 races.

On the beachfront is the town’s huge Casino Barrière Deauville which has 300 slot machines as well as classic roulette and blackjack tables.

Inside, there’s also a cinema, theatre and a night club.

When the sun shines, a must-do in Deauville is to head to the beach.

Plage de Deauville is around 1.2miles long and is scattered with around 450 multicoloured umbrellas.

While they might look like you’re classic beach parasol, you won’t find these anywhere else as they are actually made in Deauville workshops.

It’s a popular spot amongst tourists and locals with some calling it ‘one of the best beaches in France‘, another called it ‘sensational’.

The beach is also open to horse riders before 10am in the morning and after 7pm in the evening.

There are also 22 beach-front shops and bars, a seawater Olympic swimming pool, riding school and tennis club all within walking distance.

Dotted around Deauville are the tall Norman villas with half-timbered frames and pitched roofs.

And Villa Strassburger is one of the most beautiful properties in the town and was designed by local Caen architect, Georges Pichereau.

It was built for horse racing enthusiast Baron Henri de Rothschild in 1907, later on in 1975, it was declared a national historic monument.

You can go inside the house in the summer months, but only as part of a guided tour.

You can get to Deauville on the train if you take the Eurostar to Paris – tickets start from £39.

Then take a direct train from Paris Saint Lazare (10 minutes by Metro from Gare du Nord) to Trouville-Deauville which station takes just over two hours.

Discover the nearby Trouville-Sur-Mer…

Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited the nearby Trouville-Sur-Mer…

“Trouville-sur-Mer is a quaint seaside town popular with holidaymakers since the 1800s thanks to its huge sandy beach and fabulous cuisine.

“But it has resolutely kept its quaint charm. Yes, there’s a kids’ arcade but it’s tucked into the basement of the glamorous casino.

“Yes, there’s crazy golf but it’s petite, just off the old-fashioned wooden boardwalk surrounded by grand 19th-century mansions.

“As with all parts of France, food and drink are kings.

This particular area is famous for its crepes, so we made it our mission to sample as many as possible — with chocolate, ice cream and seafood.

“The humble lemon-and-sugar will no longer get a look-in at my house on Shrove Tuesday. Given its Channel-front location, the town is also very big on moules — we even spotted a pizza piled high with them.

“Keen to assimilate with the locals, or possibly just excited about using shells as cutlery, even my son tucked into a bowl at one of the town’s best restaurants, Le Central, opposite the fish market.

“I’m also keen to live like a local, so sampled as much of the local wine and Calvados brandy as possible, for shockingly low prices.”

Here’s more on the underrated French city that has a ‘bit of everything’ with picturesque beaches and new cheap hotels.

Plus, the world’s most beautiful village is just two hours from the UK – with classic car tours & fairytale lavender fields.

IT’S been a month since Alan Carr lied his way to victory on The Traitors – and now, he’s bought his own Scottish castle.

He’s set to renovate it in his own TV show and right next door is a charming seaside town with its own holiday park.

On the Scottish border is Alan Carr‘s new £3.25million home – Ayton Castle.

He has signed a deal with Disney+ where he plans to transform his castle into a luxury hotel and spa.

The castle itself dates back to the 19th century and it is set across two floors – but also has a huge five-story tower.

Just four-minutes away from the castle is the seaside town of Eyemouth.

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

SIGHT SEA

£9.50 holidaymakers’ favourite Skegness activities… away from the beach

The small town sits on the coast, it has a harbour filled with boats and visitors have mentioned seeing seals bobbing up and down too.

It also has a sandy beach that’s a popular spot for swimmers year-round.

With its proximity to the sea, expect some top-tier fish and chips.

Some of the top-rated chippies include The Heathers Restaurant, The Contented Sole and The Ship restaurant.

In Eyemouth, there’s also a Parkdean holiday park which has sweeping views across the coastline.

The site has an amusements and games room, outdoor play area, sports courts, kids’ club and live entertainment at Killies Lounge.

There’s also a newly furnished Boathouse Bar & Restaurant.

There are plenty of caravans and lodges to choose from which vary from two to three bedrooms – the largest can sleep up to eight guests.

All accommodation has a TV, kitchen and lots have incredible beach views.

At Parkdean Eyemouth, lodge holidays start from £254, caravan holidays start from £103, and touring starts from £12.

Just up the road from Eyemouth is a pretty fishing village called St Abbs.

It has a beautiful harbour and visitors should pop into the tiny cafe that sits just above the water.

The family-run Ebbcarrs Cafe serves up fresh local seafood, homemade bakes and local ales – which can all be enjoyed whilst watching the boats bob up and down.

One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “The café itself is a delight. Think crusty baguettes overflowing with fresh seafood, a glass case brimming with homemade cakes, and prices that make you grin instead of wince.”

Another simply added: “Lovely cafe, in an equally lovely village.”

For those who want to head into the city, Edinburgh is an hour’s drive north of Eyemouth.

15-minutes south of Eyemouth and across the border is the small town of Berwick-upon-Tweed which is the happiest place to live in the UK.

The Guardian, who conducted the study, called Berwick an “overlooked jewel” and added “yet people who know it, adore it – it is a great place to live with community spirit in bundles.“

Berwick is at the top end of the Northumberland coastal path so it’s easy to explore the pretty coastline and see castles at Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Warkworth.

Here’s the most popular Scottish city to visit in 2026 with Traitors castles and epic road trip route.

And one comedian found the UK’s friendliest town – ‘I didn’t meet a single person that wasn’t nice’.

IN northern Portugal is a beautiful city that was once the home of the country’s very first king.

This year it’s set to become even more popular on the map this year thanks to it being awarded the title of European Green Capital for 2026.

Guimarães is well-known for being the home of the country’s first king who was born there around the year 1109.

Dom Afonso I was the first King of Portugal, he reigned from 1139 until his death in 1185 – and secured Portugal’s independence from the Kingdom of León.

Visitors to the city can to this day see Guimarães Castle, the 10th-century fortress is said to be the actual birthplace of the first Portuguese king.

Tourists are allowed to enter the castle, although it is unfurnished, for around £5.

EGG-CELLENT CHOICE

The cheapest all-inclusive holidays this Easter break – from just £192pp

DREAMY DEALS

Our pick of the best long haul holidays for short haul prices

When it comes to food and drink, one visitor on Tripadvisor wrote that you could pick up wine between €3.75 and €4 (£3.49).

In Northern Portugal, most restaurants and bars will serve ‘fino’, a small draft beer that you can usually pick up for around €2 (£1.74).

Something else to try is Guimarães’ take on Doces conventuais – which are traditional Portuguese desserts.

A Torta de Guimarães is a crescent moon-shaped pastry with a thin, flaky, and crispy puff pastry shell.

It’s filled with a sweet and creamy mixture of egg yolks, sugar, ground almonds, and chila (gila) squash jam.

Any bakery in the city is likely to sell Tortas de Guimarães which you can usually pick up for around €3 (£2.62).

Guimarães is Largo do Toural is at the the heart of the city. The central square was once used as a market and now has vibrant cafes.

For some incredible views, head up to the cable car which connects the city centre to the summit of the nearby Monte da Penha.

It travels up 1700 meters so you can get incredible views across the whole region.

At the very top is the Penha Sanctuary, a modern, art-deco-style church.

The Guimarães Cable Car typically costs €10 (£8.72) for a return.

This year, Guimarães has been named European Green Capital for 2026.

Part of the reason Guimarães was selected for this was its green spaces – between 2012 and 2023, the city added 95.7 hectares of natural spaces.

This includes along the main rivers and in its forests.

If you want to see it for yourself, Guimarães has a Green Map which takes visitors from Penha Mountain into the city.

Along with it, events are being held all year – Guimarães will host its spring festival in late March where there’s a 10km race through the city.

In April it will hold a three-day contemporary dance festival and the city will take part in Green Week in June as well as Mobility Week in September.

For Brits, the best way to get to Guimarães is by flying to Porto – which is around 25 miles away.

From there, you can hop on a direct bus which takes just 35 minutes and costs £5.

Here’s another quaint Portuguese canal city with white-sand beaches and cheap wine…

For striped houses that look like giant beach huts and beautiful stretches of coastline – head to Aveiro.

The city in Portugal sits on the west coast and is much less known than its neighbour – Porto – and is considered to be the country’s ‘Venice‘.

Along with its waterways, Aveiro is known for its beautiful waterfront houses, bars and boat tours.

The city is built around water including the Ria de Aveiro which is a shallow coastal lagoon – and throughout Aveiro are lots of canals.

The largest is Canal Central de Aveiro, right in the city centre and it’s here where tourists can hop onto a boat and take a river cruise.

Dotted along the water are the brightly coloured Moliceiro boats which were historically used to collect seaweed.

Now, these are used for leisure tours which you can book from €13 (£11.22).

A local pint will set you back just €2.75 (£2.38).

Just a short trip from Aveiro is the Bairrada Region Proximity, which produces plenty of sparkling and red wine, so the city is also perfect for wine lovers.

It is an excellent hub for exploring vineyards on reasonably priced tours, and bars and restaurants in the city centre offer glasses from as little as €2.30 (£2).

Aveiro is known for a local delicacy called ‘ovos moles’ – these traditional Portuguese pastries are essentially a sweet, creamy egg yolk and sugar mixture inside a thin wafer shell.

You can pick these up in local cafes or bakeries for around €1.60 (£1.38) each – and if you treat yourself to a coffee, it will cost as little as €2.16 (£1.87).

Plus, here’s the secret side to Portugal crowned one of the best places in Europe to visit this year.

And here’s a definitive guide on where to eat, sleep, drink and sunbathe in Portugal’s Algarve by the locals.

Enchanting little town with friendly locals, colourful buildings and thriving independent shops is like stepping back in time

A charming and picturesque town nestled on the fringes of untamed moorland lies just a stone’s throw from where I’m based, yet I’d only recently ventured there for the first time. There’s nothing quite like discovering somewhere new – and I’m fortunate to have an abundance of options, given the wealth of distinctive towns dotted around Plymouth in Devon.

Ashburton isn’t far from my Plymouth home, so a friend and I recently made our way towards Dartmoor to discover what this town had to offer. The appealing destination is celebrated for its independent retailers and quintessentially Devonian charm – both of which thoroughly impressed me during our visit.

We caught the bus from Plymouth (the number 38) and the trip was smooth and enjoyable, weaving through stunning countryside, towns and delightful villages en route.

In an era when we’re constantly bombarded with news of shop closures and struggling town centres, stumbling upon Ashburton, with its collection of independent businesses to browse, felt genuinely uplifting.

The streets here remain untouched by modernity – you could easily picture bygone eras as you stroll through the town – and every local we encountered was incredibly welcoming, reports the Express.

There are numerous pubs, tearooms and cafes alongside distinctive establishments, including antique dealers, plus a bakery with customers spilling out onto the pavement – and what really caught my eye was how, despite the drizzle, Ashburton radiated colour thanks to its vibrantly painted properties. The atmosphere feels wonderfully crisp in this town, encircled by rolling countryside and the stunning vastness of Dartmoor National Park, lending the area a peaceful, almost timeless quality.

Browsing through one vibrant independent gift shop called PAD proved delightful – and I ended up purchasing a few quirky bits and bobs that you simply won’t find elsewhere.

There’s also the attractively laid-out Ashburton Fish Deli along one of the principal streets, offering delicious locally-sourced seafood, Mediterranean-inspired products and various other intriguing finds.

All told, I reckon you could probably track down everything you’d require in this town, from top-notch clothing available in various independent boutiques to bargain-hunting opportunities in the small selection of charity shops.

We paused for a late breakfast at Diablo’s Diner, which had a welcoming neighbourhood feel and delicious grub. I’m particularly picky when it comes to bacon, but this little cafe delivered the finest – superb quality, crispy (as I’d requested) – and the prices were extremely fair.

As a Devonian myself, I’m astonished that I’d not discovered this gorgeous town until now, but I’ll definitely be returning soon – in fact, there’s a fascinating festival happening in Ashburton from late April through early May.

The Dartmoor Tors Festival is “bringing together walkers, thinkers, creatives who are interested in natural landscapes and how we relate to them”, the festival website explains. This festival is set to be “a celebration of the power and beauty of places seen as wild and ancient around Britain, and an exploration of why and how they provoke a response”.

FANCY a pint? This new heritage pub is set to become a popular spot for a post or pre-train journey tipple.

The boozer has just opened as part of an enormous multi-million pound refurb at Carlisle Station.

Called The Scott & Brassey, the new pub officially opened on 25 February inside Carlisle Station at Platform 4.

It was formerly used as a First Class waiting room and at one stage even welcomed Queen Victoria.

The Grade-II listed space has been used as various different outlets over the years and was a cafe for decades – but has just opened as a pretty pub operated by Lancaster Brewery.

It has undergone a £400,000 renovation delivered by Network Rail, backed by Avanti West Coast and the Railway Heritage Trust.

GO SEA IT

£9.50 holiday spot with shipwrecks, seals offshore & horseshoe-shaped waterfalls

GRUBS UP

Best pubs, fish and chip shops and cafes in Sussex – by Sun readers & locals

Its name ‘The Scott & Brassey’ comes from novelist Sir Walter Scott and Victorian railway pioneer Thomas Brassey.

Inside, the pub has period features like a large fireplace, and vaulted beam ceilings.

The walls are a mix of deep blue and bright yellow, in the corner are cosy booths with low lampshades.

Upstairs on the mezzanine level is additional seating at smaller tables.

The bar area is sleek and modern with a wooden top and dark grey tiled front along with lots of greenery on shelves and of course, drinks offerings.

It will have seven cask ales on hand pull, five from Lancaster Brewery and two from local cask brewers, and one cask cider – there will also be eight keg lines.

The pub said it aims to spotlight ‘regional and national producers with one of the largest selections in Cumbria‘.

On Facebook reviews, one visitor to the new pub wrote: “Had a great afternoon with my mum and sister today! lovely staff and a fabulous asset to Carlisle.”

Another said: “What a fab job you’ve done. Stunning renovation and fantastic atmosphere.”

The pub is open every day from 11am until 10pm Sunday-Thursday and 11pm Friday-Saturday.

It’s dog-friendly too.

The new pub is inside Carlisle Station which is around 179 years old, and is in the middle of a huge overhaul.

Carlisle Station cost just £53,000 to build at the time, which in today’s money is around £4.6million.

It now welcomes around two million passengers a year with trains to London and Manchester as well as Edinburgh, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Cumberland Council previously announced it would be spending £28million on redesigning Carlisle Station.

The new designs include the creation of a new forecourt entrance to the north of the station.

The north side will have improved links to the city centre, and parking outside the already standing Griffin pub.

It will also see a new piazza space, called George Square created to the south of the station.

This will mean improved access for passengers, and secure cycle parking, as well as plenty of green spaces.

The work is set to be fully complete in early 2027.

For more on train station’s, this is one of the UK’s busiest that’s set to undergo a huge transformation.

And the seven new train stations are coming to UK under £14billion plans.

This European city has topped a poll of the top 10 greenest cities with a 77.3 score based on air quality, green spaces and public parks

Travel needs for Brits looking for a holiday are changing and one search term in particular has surged by a staggering 9,900% in the last year – the ‘greenest city in the world’.

Research has suggested people are picking cities to visit that blend exploration with outdoor relaxation and open green spaces. If that sounds like a combination too-good-to-be true, it turns out it isn’t with many cities across the world classed as ‘nature rich’.

The travel pros at Iglu Cruise have developed a Green City Index which charts the top 10 cities where nature and urban life combine. Based on the amount of greenery in each city, air quality, and accessible public green space, they have discovered a European city has topped the poll – and it’s only a two-hour flight away.

Oslo, the capital city of Norway, came first with a green score of 77.3 because of its high air quality and a high percentage of green spaces and public parks.

A staggering 95% of residents in Oslo live within a 300-metre walk of a green area, making it one of Europe’s most walkable capitals and a city that feels like you’re living in a national park.

The city also has an initiative scheme called ‘pocket parks’ which have been developed through community-led efforts to transform old parking spaces into green areas. In addition, Oslo has the world’s first ‘bee highway’ – a corridor of flowers and bee hotels running across the city’s streets which gives tourists a unique experience of stunning Norwegian nature only minutes away.

The city also boasts well-known sites including the Royal Palace Park and Vigeland Park, which is the largest sculpture park in the world created by a single artist.

Visitors can take a 20-minute metro ride out of the city centre to Oslomarka forest and the trails around Sognsvann Lake.

There are also well-known sites like the Royal Palace Park and Vigeland Park, the largest sculpture park in the world created by a single artist. A 20-minute metro ride from the city centre takes you to Oslomarka forest and the trails around Sognsvann Lake.

There are also a number of impressive beaches in Oslo, primarily located on the Bygdoy peninsula which offers sandy shores, green spaces and is easy to access from the city centre. The most popular beach is the bustling Huk which has sandy spots, grassy lawns and a beach volleyball court. For a quieter experience, visitors can go to Paradisbukta or urban Tjuvholmen which are ideal beaches for swimming, sunbathing and walking alongside the Oslo Fjord in the summer.

Other green cities in Europe included Vilnius in Lithuania, Helskini in Finland and Vienna in Austria in second, third and fourth place while Reading was the only entry for the UK in at ninth place.

Canberra and Sydney in Australia and Singapore flew the flag internationally in fifth, sixth and eighth spots with Stockholm in Sweden in seventh and Munich in Germany rounding out the list at ten.

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

THE Pretty Woman star who infamously scolded Julia Roberts in the iconic scene looks very different these days.

Dey Young has made a rare appearance 35 years after starring as a rather snobby saleswomen on Rodeo Drive in the 1990 romantic comedy.

She has appeared in over 100 movies and television programs throughout her career, but is perhaps best known for her Pretty Woman stint, alongside Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.

The actress, who is now 70-years-old, was seen on a leisurely Sunday morning stroll with her pooch by her side.

She and her dog were strolling along the sidewalk in Los Angeles.

Dey looked chic but kept things simple in a red zip-up, black trousers, and a burgundy colored cap. 

Read More about Unrecognizable

GOLDEN GIRL

Legendary actress unrecognisable years after Oscar nomination & iconic movies

TV star unrecognizable in shocking police mugshot as she’s arrested for drug possession

As she walked her dog, which was on a leash, the actress also donned some sunglasses and wore her phone on a lanyard across her body.

In Pretty Woman, Dey’s character works at a swanky shop on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

Julia Robert’s character of Vivian Ward works as a prostitute and goes shopping with her client’s credit card.

When she walks into Dey’s character’s shop, the saleswoman tells Vivian they don’t have clothes for her.

Vivian later goes shopping elsewhere before returning to the snobby shop to tell them “big mistake” after splashing hundreds of dollars.

Despite having long been in the business, Dey isn’t slowing down.

She currently has two projects in the works.

Dey previously spoke about her Pretty Woman role.

Speaking to Today in 2021, she said, “I never knew that this movie would be as big as it was, or that this scene would be so iconic.

“I really think the reason is that it’s a moment a lot of people can relate to it.”

Before her Pretty Woman stint, Dey had taken on roles in the likes of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School and Strange Behavior.

She wasn’t planning to audition for Pretty Woman until a chance encounter.

“Alan Thicke and I were friends and he invited me to a tennis party,” she said.

“I got paired with up Garry Marshall.

“We ended up winning our match, and that was a really fun thing. At the end of it, Alan told him I was an actress and (Marshall) was like, ‘Oh, really? Well, you know, I think I might have something for you.’”

She then went on to audition for the film, which was in fact originally called 3,000.

The reason the movie was originally titled 3,000, was because that was the amount negotiated for Julia Robert’s character’s rate.