quaint

FOR one city in the UK, Christmas has come early as it’s been transformed into a wintry delight for a Hollywood movie.

Stars of the screen have been spotted in one of the country’s most famous streets to film scenes for the upcoming blockbuster.

York, known for being one of UK’s oldest cities, was also named the top place in the country for the best quality of life according to the Good Growth for Cities Index.

And now it is being turned into a winter wonderland for an upcoming movie.

The film is called ‘Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint’ and is due for release in 2026.

Spotted filming was Richard E Grant, known for his roles in Withnail and I, and Star Wars.

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Game of Thrones star John Bradley, who plays the titular character Aubrey Flint, was spotted filming scenes, along with fellow actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe.

Actress and more recently The Celebrity Traitors star Celia Imrie is also in the film.

According to production company WestEnd Films, the movie tells the story of a reclusive model soldier painter with a lifelong hatred of Christmas who ends up assisting with a care home production of A Christmas Carol.

Shopkeepers and passers by watched on as the stars filmed on Colliergate, a street very near The Shambles. 

One of the shops used as a filming location was Barnitts, a department store that sells everything from Christmas decorations to homeware and DIY tools.

Totally Awesome Toy Shop, will also make an appearance in the film, and the owner, Jo Patton, told the BBC: “To have a film star stood literally on your doorstep, in some ways wasn’t too strange, because in York you expect the unexpected.”

The cast and crew also filmed scenes outside an empty shop on Colliergate.

It was transformed from being empty to a miniature model shop and outside table salt lined the edges of the windows to create the illusion of snow.

York was founded by the Romans in 71AD making it one of the oldest cities in the country.

It’s possibly most famous for its 233ft tall York Minster that dates back to the 7th century.

Visitors are welcome to explore the cathedral whether you fancy a guided tour, or a trip up the tower – tickets for general admission starts at £20pp.

The Shambles, which was used to film the Christmas movie, is full of independent shops selling everything from gifts to baked treats or toys,

Lots of visitors compare the street to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley which has towering timber-framed shop fronts.

It’s not just all mooching about seeing the sights, visitors can settle in one of York’s 365 pubs.

One writer who visited suggested popping into House of Trembling Madness which serves a selection of local beers and huge sharing boards of meats and cheeses.

One travel expert even named the city the ‘best for families’ – Travel guide creator Peter Naldrett, who has visited all 76 cities in the UK, raved about York.

He said: “York is the best UK city for families because it has so many captivating activities and attractions.

“There’s enough in York to keep both junior and secondary school children entertained, from the Viking Museum to York Chocolate Story and Harry Potter-style streets and a cold war bunker.

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“The Viking Museum has interactive activities for children, the Castle Museum has recreated Victorian Streets and there’s also the Shambles, the inspiration behind JK Rowling‘s Diagon Alley.”

“There’s so much to keep kids busy in York, families will be spoilt for choice.”

Here’s the UK’s ‘most beautiful town’ set to star in huge new Christmas movie with Hollywood stars…

Earlier this year, Hollywood stars like Kiefer Sutherland, Rebel Wilson and EastEnders‘ Danny Dyer descended on Knaresborough for the upcoming movie, Tinsel Town.

Between January and February 2025, cast and crew were spotted in the Yorkshire town, in areas like Castlegate, Riverside, and Green Dragon Yard.

Filming of the Sky Original Christmas movie meant that the festive decorations were up for months longer than usual.

The film, set to be released on November 28, will see Kiefer Sutherland play Bradley Mack, a failed Hollywood action star ending up in a small, snow-dusted village to star in the town’s eccentric production of Cinderella.

It’s here that he encounters a number of oddball locals, one of whom is no-nonsense choreographer Jill, played by Rebel Wilson.

It’s no wonder Knaresborough was picked as a filming location, as The Sun’s Katrina Turrill, who hails from the town, reckons it’s the “most beautiful town in the country” and “picture perfect”.

Knaresborough has pretty waterfront cafes and the opportunity to canoe down the river, while watching steam trains travel over the viaduct.

Katrina said: “If you venture down by the river from either Bond End or walking down the steps at the castle you’ll stand at the foot of the iconic viaduct. 

“Amongst the cafes and houses are two boat hire places – Blenkhorn’s and Marigold Cafe & Boating.  Both are open daily, weather permitting, and are a great way to soak up the stunning scenery.

“No visit to Knaresborough is complete without heading to Knaresborough Castle for the best view of the viaduct. 

“You don’t need to pay to enter the castle grounds, and I recommend seeing the view during the day and at night time, with the viaduct all lit up.”

The pretty British town is the ‘gateway to the Cotswolds’ and packed with independent shops, but there’s one drawback

Nestled amongst stunning countryside and brimming with wonderful independent retailers, I had the pleasure of exploring the picturesque UK town dubbed the ‘gateway to the Cotswolds ‘. The delightful high street feels like stepping back in time with its historic watering holes and structures spanning several centuries, yet one irritating issue mars the experience.

Burford is located in the Cotswold hills in West Oxfordshire, approximately two miles from the Gloucestershire border and 18 miles from Oxford city.

The location is rich in heritage and charm, with Burford’s beloved high street sloping downhill towards the River Windrush, where visitors traverse the water using a charming three-arched medieval bridge.

However, the Express reports that one factor that slightly dampens a trip to this town (even attempting to cross the historic bridge on foot is quite nerve-wracking!) is the constant stream of vehicles travelling along the high street.

Each side of the thoroughfare is “flanked by an unbroken line of ancient houses and shops” according to Discover Burford on the Cotswolds website — which rings true, yet navigating across the road proves challenging.

Burford High Street remains timeless and attractive, yet heavy goods vehicles, motorcars and large SUVs hurtle along the road — and the section where it becomes tighter, approaching the medieval bridge, proves especially hazardous for those on foot.

However, visitors will find numerous remarkable shops, tea rooms, pubs and eateries housed within stunning historic buildings, and the La Bulle handbag shop particularly stands out, offering Italian leather goods alongside fabulous clothing.

Crossing from one side of the high street to the other proves challenging due to the constant traffic flow. Fortunately, pedestrian crossings are available and represent the safest and only sensible method of navigating across the high street.

My visit took place in August, and Burford proved truly unforgettable. It allows visitors to transport themselves back in time, as, aside from present-day traffic jams, little else has altered.

The Cotswolds Discover Burford page states: “Little has changed over the centuries, Burford is popular with visitors, both for its beauty and history but also for its shopping, especially antiques, and for the wide variety of places to eat, with restaurants, pubs and teashops.

“Here you can stay in a hotel frequented by King Charles and Nell Gwynn, dine where Nelson dined — or visit England’s oldest pharmacy, a chemist since 1734.

“There are wonderful alleyways and side streets just waiting to be explored and next to a set of medieval almshouses stands St John’s church, a permanent memorial to Burford’s medieval wealth.”

For those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of Burford’s shopping streets, nearby walking trails lead into the serene Windrush Valley. Here, you can amble through verdant fields, charming villages, and even stumble upon a 13th-century church nestled in a field.

The quaint St Olwald’s church, located in Widford, offers a tranquil retreat for a few hours. Encircled by rural landscapes and nature, this 13th-century sanctuary was erected on the site of a former Roman villa — and is only accessible on foot.

WHEN Brits think of Costa Blanca, the places that come to mind are probably rowdy Benidorm and busy Alicante.

But one woman revealed to Sun Travel that the “jewel” of that coastline is actually the small town of Moraira.

It has all the best bits of Spain like white-washed houses with terracotta tiles, sandy beaches with bright blue waters, and a little harbour filled with boats and yachts.

While lots of holidaymakers like to mix up the places they visit each year, the Sun’s Jade Dadalica and her family have been returning to the town of Moraira, several times a year since 2021.

Jade explained: “My family and I go one or twice a year for around two weeks. We went on holiday to Jávea which is a nearby town and went for a day trip to Moraira, which we actually preferred.

“We booked a villa there the following year and have been going back ever since. A lot of the Spanish go on their holidays there, and you only get a few Brits, it’s not rowdy at all.

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“We love it, if I won the lottery, the first thing I would do is buy a place there.”

While Moraira might not have everything that a busy city does, the laidback town still has plenty to offer.

Jade added: “It’s got loads of restaurants, bars, shops, ice cream parlours, and Ale-Hop of course. There’s a market once a week too, that sells everything from clothes and souvenirs to fruit and veg, a lot of locals go and it’s always really busy.

“One of my favourite places to eat is what my family call the ‘windy bar’, but it’s actually called El Cafeti de la Mar. From there you can see the sea and the castle and we love it. We go so much that the owners know who we are.

“It’s always popular with locals, especially in the mornings because they go for breakfast there. But lunch and dinner are amazing too.”

On its menu, El Cafeti de la Mar serves up simple breakfast croissants, bagels, crepes, and Huevos Benedict.

There’s plenty of tapas to choose from, as well as mains in the evenings from salads, to fish dishes, burgers, ribs and steak.

Another of Jade’s favourites is a spot literally called The Secret Bar where you can sip on classic cocktails like margaritas and blueberry daiquiris.

Other places that Jade recommended are La Malquerida, a Mexican restaurant and The Ribs Bar, which has speciality dishes of ribs, steaks and kebabs.

Once you’ve filled your stomach, why not stretch out on the beach for an afternoon siesta – and Moraira has a few playas to choose from.

The main beach in Moraira is Playa de l’Ampolla but when Jade is on holiday, she goes around the corner to Playa del Portet.

Jade said: “The main beach is sandy and is always quite busy because it’s the one the locals use. We go to one on the other side, Playa del Portet, it’s a little less known, so we go out there and hire paddleboards.”

If you want to venture out of the town, then it’s an easy vantage point to take daytrips too.

Jade told us: “From Moraira, you can get to a town called Calp, which isn’t far at all. There are also some waterfalls, called Fonts de l’Algar, which are under an hour’s drive away.

“You have to buy tickets, but these are €8 (£6.95) during the summer, and €6 (£5.21) during off peak, for the whole day. You can go swimming, or climb up the waterfalls, it’s a great place for pictures.

“Of course, Moraira is close to Benidorm, which is funny because it really doesn’t feel like it. We drive down that way to go to the waterpark called Aqualandia for a family day out.”

If you think that it’s too late in the year to take a break to the Moraira to get good weather, you’d be wrong.

In October, it still has highs of 19C and next week during half-term, you can get flights to Alicante, which is the closest airport, for as little as £14.

Ryanair offers one-way direct flights from London Stansted, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham for under £15.

Although if you do book for half-term hoping to visit Aqualandia, it has closed for the season and will reopen in May 2026.

Jade told us: “I went to Moraira in late September and the weather was still really warm. You can still go on the beach, I even got sunburnt. We always go in September and June which are quieter because it’s out of school holiday time.

“It’s not like other places across Spain which close when the tourists leave either. My dad was speaking to owners of the local bars and they’re open all year round.”

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Plus, here’s a tiny Spanish town that’s actually in the middle of France that you can visit for the day.

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Upper Slaughter is a peaceful spot in the Cotswolds, cherished by its few residents, and is bursting with golden-stone buildings, a flowing river and luscious green spaces – a village straight out of a fairytale

Upper Slaughter, a tranquil Cotswold village, is a picturesque haven with its golden-stone buildings, meandering river and verdant green spaces – it’s like stepping into a storybook.

Adding to its allure, the area offers plenty for visitors seeking a quintessentially British adventure amidst stunning countryside. Despite its secluded location, the village is easily accessible by car and provides two main parking areas for day-trippers.

Just 80 miles from London, it’s an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. In less than two hours, you can find yourself in this charming village, taking in the fresh country air.

Locals suggest parking around the Square (GL54 2JE) or looking for additional spaces down the hill in Lower Slaughter.

What makes Upper Slaughter even more fascinating is its history. Home to approximately 181 residents, it was one of the few English villages that didn’t lose any men during both World Wars, reports Gloucestershire Live.

The village hall proudly displays rolls of honour, listing 25 individuals who served in the First World War and returned safely.

Things to do

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village

There’s nothing quite like a peaceful stroll around the idyllic village of Upper Slaughter. Although it shares similarities with its Cotswold neighbours, this charming spot is renowned for its beautiful Lutyens cottages.

Echoes of medieval times can still be found scattered throughout the village, where once a grand castle stood, now only a mound remains as a testament to its existence.

There are plenty of walks to enjoy in the area, including a short 2-mile trail that takes you from Upper Slaughter down to Lower Slaughter. However, according to TripAdvisor, the top-rated activity in the area is to embark on the Warden’s Way trail.

One TripAdvisor review reads: “Wardens’ Way is one of the many beautiful walking trails in the Cotswolds area. It features easy paths that lead through very scenic countryside.

“We walked alongside small rivers and waterways, across meadows and farmland, and passed through charming villages with honey-stone cottages. The trail runs between Bourton-on-the-Water and Winchcombe, and if you were to do the whole thing, it is a 22 km walk.”

Upper Slaughter Manor is another must-see. This stunning manor house, steeped in history, draws visitors with its Elizabethan-style architecture and gorgeous gardens.

While the current manor, featuring Tudor and Jacobean influences, was developed from the 15th century, its roots go back much further. In fact, its existence was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, linking it back to the Saxon era.

Visitors can book a stay at the manor, which now operates as part of a hotel and restaurant complex.

One TripAdvisor reviewer shared their experience, writing: “How lovely to visit a private house where it is evident that the owners have such a pride in their home and gardens.

“A delight to visit, lovely peaceful gardens with a wildlife walk. Enjoyed refreshments in the well-kept garden. The house tour is interesting, and how fabulous to have such great philanthropists in this country.”

St Peter’s Church

This ancient church stands at the village’s centre and welcomes visitors every single day, whether they’re attending services or simply curious to look around.

Historical records suggest a church has occupied this exact location since the 12th century or possibly even before, with documented evidence dating back to 1251.

A TripAdvisor user said: “The church is perhaps the most significant building in the tiny village of Upper Slaughter. It is a characteristic medieval church with two naves and a crenellated bell tower, with some forms of Saxon and Norman origin.

“Around you have the classic cemetery park. The place is well-kept and less frequented by mass tourism; we reached it on foot from the nearby village of Lower Slaughter through the path that crosses the countryside.”

A Cotswolds town has been described as a ‘hidden gem’ and is a must-visit location for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway with plenty of charm

A ‘wonderful’ quintessential English market town, brimming with history and charm, is a must-visit destination with its ancient buildings, historic streets and unique timber inns.

This ‘hidden gem’ also boasts over 60 delightful independent shops that attract locals and tourists alike throughout the year.

The Cotswolds town may not be as well-known as other tourist spots, but it’s described as a ‘fabulous’ location with numerous picturesque walks in the surrounding area.

Perched above the River Isbourne in Gloucestershire, the town is conveniently located near the scenic Cotswold Way in the Tewkesbury Borough.

Here, you’ll find centuries-old buildings dating back to medieval times, including several 15th-century coaching inns now serving as restaurants, all set amidst stunning countryside that extends for miles around the town, reports the Express.

Winchcombe offers a fantastic autumn getaway with breathtaking views, charming stone cottages and historical black and white half-timbered buildings. It’s hailed as the ‘hidden jewel in the Cotswold crown’ and provides a perfect escape from city life.

The official Cotswolds website describes the town: “As well as the town centre, must see places are Sudeley Castle with its 1,000 years of royal history and stunning gardens at any time of year.

“The church which is home to an altar cloth made by Catherine of Aragon and 40 grotesques (which are shaped to look like the local characters of the 1460’s).

“Winchcombe is a delight for visitors, with a good range of shops including a wonderful deli, traditional retailers, boutique clothing, interior design and antique shops to browse.

“The town also boasts a wealth of historic pubs, some with a modern twist, several tea rooms and galleries to while away the afternoon.”

Winchcombe takes pride in its ‘Walkers are Welcome’ motto – with numerous footpaths leading through stunning countryside alongside plenty of fascinating sights en route.

There’s a Roman villa nestled in secluded terrain plus an ancient Neolithic burial ground, or visitors can trek to the summit of the Cotswold Scarp, a dramatic cliff face of the Cotswold Hills, for spectacular panoramas.

The Experience Winchcombe website described a visit to this destination as encountering a Cotswold town at its absolute best.

The website said: “Relax in our timbered inns, savour our fresh local produce and browse and buy in our independent, quality shops.

“Soak up the scenery with a walk or cycle around this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or a stroll alongside the River Isbourne.

“Discover the fascinating history and centuries-old architecture of this charming Cotswold town, or simply unwind in our breath-taking countryside.”

Winchcombe is a market town within the Borough of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, this picturesque location sits seven miles from Cheltenham – housing approximately 5000 inhabitants.

A beach with no piers, arcades or rides has been named the best seaside town in the UK, beating other well-known places on the list

A little-known seaside town has been named the best in the UK despite having no arcades or rides.

Big UK seaside towns with entertainment and piers have always been a favourite for Brits looking for a daytrip to the sea or a staycation. But a new spot has now topped the list of the country’s best seaside locations – and this winner isn’t one of the big names most travellers go to on a hot day.

Aldeburgh in Suffolk replaces arcades and rides with rows of pastel homes and a wealth of history. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.

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The quaint town was once a site where famous ships were built, including Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hind, and the area has not forgotten its rich past. It also has links to the Tudor period as Henry VIII himself gave the port town borough status.

History and literature buffs can even enjoy the annual Aldeburgh Festival of music and arts if they want a different type of fun to coin machines and whack-a-mole.

The cute town offers a high street full of clothing boutiques, independent shops and antique stores. Foodies can also enjoy the classic seaside fish and chips while also digging into spots rated by the Michelin Guide. The town’s Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop has previously won the title of Britain’s best chippie.

Aldeburgh has even been dubbed “London-on-Sea” due to its location between the River Alde and a stretch of English coastline overlooking the North Sea. The main attractions for visitors are the pebble beach, home to colourful 19th-century holiday villas and a historic watchtower.

The town’s beach is recognised as one of the top five shingle beaches in the country, winning several national awards including a prestigious Blue Flag. The beach has no kiosks, but there are traditional fisherman’s huts across the sand where visitors can buy some freshly-caught seafood.

This sweet town offers a whimsical escape from neighbouring areas and has been named the best seaside spot by The Times, which said: “The East Anglian coast often seems stuck in a bit of a time warp, and if anywhere exemplifies this it’s Aldeburgh.”

The review added: “Aldeburgh is a vision of the English seaside of yesteryear: wooden shacks and bathing huts, boats pulled up on the shingle, strolls along the prom with ice cream in hand.”

Other places on the list included Oban in Scotland, Cromer in Norfolk, Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria and Penzance in Cornwall. Some more well-known seaside towns also made the list including Brighton and Margate.

The train from London to Aldeburgh is quick and frequent, but you can also get there easily by car. The drive from the capital to Aldeburgh via the A12 takes less than three hours.

It’s often named as one of the best places to live in the UK but this postcard-worthy village – used by Tim Burton for the Jonny Depp horror film Sleepy Hollow – has a chilling secret befitting of one of the movies it’s been used in

It is a charming, quintessential English village that often gets the nod by experts as being one of the prettiest and best places to live in the country.

Hambleden, nestled in a valley in Buckinghamshire, has attracted film crews time and time again thanks to its stunning scenery and Olde English allure. The Telegraph has ranked it among England’s 30 most beautiful villages, most recently as 2022.

The stunning landscapes at Culden Faw Estate help its character, spanning a vast 3,500 acres of mature beech woods, parkland, and sweeping chalk valleys. The estate incorporates the village within its picturesque panorama, reports Surrey Live. Another place you can step inside is the quirky British village where Liam Gallagher and Tom Cruise have been spotted.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the Chiltern Valley Winery and Brewery awaits, a proud recipient of the Travellers‘ Choice Award. Embark on an enchanting tour through the vineyards and seize the opportunity to sample a burgeoning array of wines.

Over at nearby Cliveden House, step into a world once inhabited by the elite and influential. Famed for its high-profile guests and notorious for centuries of salacious rumours and lavish celebrations, Cliveden has been a fixture since 1666.

What would a quaint country village be without its chic dining establishments frequented by celebrities? Nestled at the core of Hambleden lies The Stag and Huntsman, not your average gastropub but one that prides itself on “killer wallpaper” and also operates as a charming boutique hotel.

Hambleden, understandably, has been home to some big names. Deep Purple co-founder Jon Lord lived and died here, while 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Phil Vickery also spent some time as an inhabitant.

All that considered, it’s no wonder that sometimes visiting feels like stepping into a Midsomer Murders episode. The idyllic village has been used in a number of big productions for both television and cinema.

It has featured as the backdrop for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Into the Woods and Nanny McPhee Returns, and in TV series like Agatha Christie’s Poirot, and Amazon’s mini-series Good Omens with David Tennant. Most recently, Greys Anatomy stars Patrick Dempsey and Amy Adams were seen in the village during the shooting of Disney’s Enchanted sequel, Disenchanted, which was released in 2022.

Among the big-name directors who picked it out as a potential filming location, Tim Burton is arguably the biggest. He chose Hambleden as the place to shoot Johnny Depp horror film Sleepy Hollow.

But this tiny village has a dark, dark secret that fits the tone of Burton’s creepy classic. Back in 1912, archaeologists discovered the skeletal remains of 97 newborn infants at the historical Yewden Villa.

The bones were rediscovered stored in cigarette tins within a storage room at Chiltern Archaeology in 2008, triggering debate over the cause of their deaths. In 2010, a researcher proposed that the ancient Roman villa might have operated as a brothel where residents and workers committed infanticide across a 50-year span.

Alternative theories suggest it housed a cult that carried out horrific and brutal operations on the infants. Whatever the truth of this awful discovery, Hambleden remains an ideal place for a day out in the countryside packed with intrigue, history and fairytale charm.