Public transport

This charming coastal suburb is just an approximately 15-minute bus ride from a major city centre and should be the next addition to your autumn travel plans

A coastal suburb located just a 15-minute journey from a major UK city deserves a place on your autumn travel list. Even with the cooler temperatures, a seaside trip is still a brilliant way to unwind and clear your head, and nothing quite compares to the breathtaking views across the water.

Last October, I spent a day exploring Portobello near Edinburgh on a bright but cold day, and I’m annoyed with myself for not making the trip earlier. With a thriving high street packed with independent shops, mouth-watering food options, and superb public transport links, it’s a perfect destination if you fancy exploring somewhere a little different.

A quick 15-minute bus journey from the city centre brought us straight into the town’s centre, and it was instantly clear that this location had something special about it.

Naturally, our first stop was a bracing stroll along the seafront. The weather was lovely and bright, though cold, but it felt quite refreshing following the hour-long train journey from Glasgow.

Portobello’s beach extends for two miles, featuring a Victorian-style promenade and vistas across the Firth of Forth. Being a sunny Sunday morning, it was fairly busy, with plenty of families enjoying walks and dogs happily racing across the sand.

The first aspect that caught my attention about the beach was how spotless it looked. It’s obvious that the residents of Portobello, or ‘Porty’ as it’s affectionately known, take huge pride in their surroundings.

I can’t help but wish I’d visited during the summer, as it’s easy to picture Portobello as a brilliant spot for sunbathing and maybe even a refreshing dip in the sea.

In 2024, Portobello was named the UK’s second-best coastal town by JoJo Maman Bebe, and its beach bagged a Keep Scotland Beautiful award, which really proves its charm.

Having worked up quite an appetite after our stroll along the shoreline, we turned our attention to the selection of eateries and pubs lining the seafront, ranging from massive pizza slices at Civerino’s to brunch and coffee at The Beach House.

Many of these venues offer outdoor seating, meaning you can dine pretty much on the beach itself — a truly lovely touch.

We went for Shrimp Wreck, a seafood spot boasting a small but enticing menu. This street food stall shot to fame after appearing on BBC’s My Million Pound Menu and is well known for its fish finger sandwiches — it even reached the finals of the Birds Eye Fish Finger Sandwich Awards in 2017.

Naturally, I went for the dish everyone’s been talking about. The battered flaky fish fillets, mushy peas and quite possibly the best chips I’ve ever eaten, all tucked into a soft roll, was without doubt the messiest meal I could have chosen — but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Next up was a proper wander along the high street where we’d been dropped off by the bus. Tucked just behind the promenade, it was quieter than the beach itself, yet there were still plenty of folk about — and, importantly, plenty of shops open for business.

One of the standouts for me was discovering The Portobello Bookshop, a charming independent bookshop packed to the brim with novels, cookbooks and a whole lot more. The shop itself was bright, welcoming and cosy — exactly the sort of place where you could lose yourself for hours.

They also put on events, including Q&As with authors, so it’s well worth checking what’s coming up if you’re planning a trip.

Cove is another spot not to be missed if you’re a lover of a good gift shop. It was absolutely bursting with all kinds of trinkets, from Jellycat toys to candles and shampoo bars, alongside gorgeous cards and irresistible chocolate bars.

Portobello’s high street may not be the biggest you’ll ever walk down, but it’s definitely one of the most charming. There’s a solid selection of food and drink spots, pubs and even an Aldi, so you’re unlikely to be stuck for choice.

One place we didn’t quite get round to, and which I’m already keen to revisit, is the swim centre. Tucked away in Portobello, you’ll find a genuine Victorian Turkish bath — one of only 11 remaining in the UK — alongside a gym and fitness studio, making it a firm fixture on my list for next time.

If you’ve yet to explore Portobello, it really is a brilliant spot for a weekend escape, even as the temperatures begin to drop. Its closeness to the bustling city of Edinburgh makes it an ideal spot for anyone craving a breather from city life, with plenty of food, drink and relaxation on offer.

This lesser known traditional Christmas market has been crowned the world’s best Christmas market for 2026 with up to 180 stalls

With Christmas fast approaching, a trip to a traditional Christmas market abroad tops many people’s festive wish lists, and there’s one that truly stands out from the rest.

Plenty of people choose a weekend break to soak up the seasonal atmosphere, and this particular destination has just ranked highly in new research carried out by Christmas Tree World, which assessed various markets based on key criteria.

They examined Google searches, December hotel costs, admission charges, number of stalls and access to public transport to ultimately crown the world’s finest Christmas markets for 2026.

Their findings revealed that Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is ideal for budget-conscious travellers, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is perfect for families, and Winter Wonders in Brussels serves up the most affordable mulled wine.

Yet, there could only be one overall champion, and that honour went to the hidden treasure that is Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany.

If any location could stake a convincing claim to wearing the crown as the ultimate Christmas market destination, it would be Nuremberg.

It’s nestled within a picturesque and historic city and provides the ideal traditional escape with reasonable prices, accommodation and excellent value for money.

It achieved an impressive 8.2/10 in the study, as a market that has been running for 398 years and still attracts huge crowds today.

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Thanks to its fascinating history and delightful setting, it represents the quintessential traditional German Christmas market many people fantasise about, and with its enormous range of stalls, it certainly delivers. It’s thought to feature around 180 stalls, offering glühwein, bratwurst and the market’s own distinctive Zwetschgenmännle, which are small and adorable decorative figures traditionally crafted using dried prunes.

After paying a visit, one traveller left a review, writing: “The Nuremberg Christmas Market is absolutely magical. The atmosphere is festive and authentic, with beautiful lights, traditional wooden stalls, and a wonderful holiday spirit.

“There is a great variety of local food, mulled wine, and handmade crafts. It can be busy, but it’s well organised and definitely worth the visit. A must-see Christmas market in Germany.”

Another shared their experience, saying: “Visited here after seeing multiple reviews, stating that Newberg market is one of the best in Germany and it truly lived up to the expectation.

“The number of stalls, different handicrafts, and gift items – and obviously the gluhwein was one of the experiences. There are multiple parking spots around the market and easily reachable by train and bus.”

In comparison to other markets throughout Europe and beyond, a December hotel stay costs an average of £144 per night, making it considerably more affordable than other destinations. Most significantly, admission to the market is entirely free, and mulled wine comes at a relatively modest price.

The market runs from Friday 27 November until Thursday 24 December this year, situated in the heart of Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg.

The spot is renowned for its striking chalk cliffs, charming villages and coastal walks – making it the perfect autumn getaway for families and couples

With its untouched landscapes, fascinating heritage and tranquil way of life, one UK destination has become a haven for ramblers, nature lovers and tourists looking for a serene seaside retreat. West Wight, located on the western edge of the Isle of Wight, is famous for its dramatic chalk cliffs, delightful villages and endless attractions.

Getting to the Isle of Wight is remarkably easy. Red Funnel operates services between Southampton and the Island via both car ferry and rapid foot-passenger routes, meaning you can bring your vehicle or rely entirely on public transport.

October makes an ideal time for a visit now the summer holiday crowds have dispersed.

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The Needles and Alum Bay

Amongst the Isle of Wight’s most iconic sights, The Needles comprise a series of impressive chalk formations rising majestically from the ocean off the island’s western shore.

Close by, Alum Bay is renowned for its rainbow-hued sand cliffs, sweeping coastal panoramas and classic seaside diversions, establishing it as a must-visit destination for those discovering the region. When visibility is good, the surrounding shoreline provides magnificent views stretching across the English Channel.

Freshwater and Freshwater Bay

Freshwater ranks among West Wight’s main settlements, providing gateway access to some of the island’s most beautiful coastal landscapes. Just south of the village, Freshwater Bay boasts a stunning shingle beach framed by dramatic chalk cliffs.

The spot is perfect for coastal walks, photography and soaking up the seaside atmosphere, with swimming on offer when conditions allow.

Tennyson Down and the coastal paths

Perched above Freshwater Bay, Tennyson Down is a vast expanse of open grassland that provides some of the Isle of Wight’s most spectacular walking routes.

The area is named after Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, who resided close by at Farringford. Visitors can take in sweeping sea views, rolling countryside and the chance to spot local wildlife, making it a firm favourite amongst walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Yarmouth

Nestled on the island’s north-west coast, Yarmouth is a historic harbour town renowned for its charming streets, independent shops, traditional pubs and cafés.

The town is also home to Yarmouth Castle, a historic coastal fortification, and acts as a key ferry hub linking the Isle of Wight with Lymington in Hampshire.

With its rich maritime heritage and laid-back atmosphere, Yarmouth provides a delightful contrast to the island’s larger, more bustling resorts.

Weather in October

October in West Wight typically brings mild yet unpredictable weather, making it an attractive time for coastal walks, countryside adventures and discovering quieter seaside villages. Visitors should come prepared for the odd shower and breezy spells.

Daytime temperatures typically sit between 13°C and 16°C, while night-time lows usually hover around 8°C to 11°C. Periods of sunshine can feel comfortably mild, though temperatures dip considerably once the sun goes down.

How to get to West Wight

By car

One of the easiest ways to reach West Wight is via the Wightlink car ferry from Lymington, located in the New Forest, to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight.

The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, providing a simple route for drivers heading to the western side of the island. Upon arrival in Yarmouth, travellers can quickly access nearby spots such as Freshwater Bay, Totland and The Needles.

Without a car

Those travelling without a vehicle can catch a train to Portsmouth Harbour before hopping on the Wightlink FastCat passenger ferry to Ryde Pier Head on the Isle of Wight.

The crossing takes roughly 22 minutes, making it an efficient choice for those on foot. From Ryde, connecting bus services through Newport link passengers to West Wight, including Freshwater and the nearby coastal communities.