The UK offers plentiful options for people looking to relocate, with the possibility to embrace a new lease of life for soon-to-be-retiree
The UK offers plentiful options for people looking to relocate, with the possibility to embrace a new lease of life for soon-to-be-retiree(Image: Drazen Zigic via Getty Images)
Whilst numerous Britons reach retirement contentedly settled in their ‘forever home’, others may discover they fancy relocating somewhere fresh – whether that’s seizing the chance to downsize, relocate nearer to relatives, or experience a different rhythm of life, reports the Express.
The UK provides abundant choices for those considering a move, with the prospect of different surroundings, the opportunity to release some equity when downsizing, and the capacity to embrace a fresh start all thrilling possibilities for the approaching retiree.
“Identity is a big issue in retirement, and when you move house, you can reinvent yourself,” wrote Celia Dodd, author of Not Fade Away: How to Thrive in Retirement. “People don’t know you as the person who used to go off to work on their bike every day, they don’t have preconceptions of you. Your new surroundings will encourage you to think differently about things.”
So where might the over -60s consider relocating to ‘shake things up’? Have a look at our compiled selection below.
Leafy Amersham and Chesham were named by Legal and General as a retirement happiness hotspot(Image: Getty)
Amersham and Chesham
Legal and General this year named verdant Amersham and Chesham as the premier destination for retirement, drawing on information concerning six ‘pillars’ of contented living, encompassing accommodation, wellbeing, social connections and community, financial circumstances, countryside and facilities. The Buckinghamshire area topped the list in a study by a financial services group, scoring an impressive 93 out of 100 for health.
This reflects the high number of over-65s in good physical and mental health, as well as excellent access to GPs. All other ‘pillars’ scored over 60, making this constituency a well-rounded environment for later life.
Tucked away in the picturesque Chiltern Hills, these towns offer a mix of rural charm and city convenience. The market town of Beaconsfield and Surrey Hills towns Dorking and Horley took 2nd and 3rd place in the rankings, respectively.
Llandudno, Wales was named in a 2025 poll as the best place to retire in the UK(Image: Getty)
Llandudno
For those seeking a peaceful seaside retirement, the Welsh coastal town of Llandudno came out on top in a study conducted by personal alarm supplier Taking Care this year.
The research considered various factors, from life expectancy and property prices to the average cost of care homes if needed. In addition to these key statistics, the study also looked at the amount of green spaces, bingo halls, English Heritage properties and other leisure facilities.
This Victorian resort features a delightful promenade overlooking a breath-taking peninsula between the Great and Little Orme headlands. Other locations that made the cut were Glossop, Tynemouth and Ilfracombe.
Exeter topped the list of best UK places to retire in as complied by The Telegraph(Image: Getty)
Exeter
The Telegraph – alongside estate agents Savills – compiled a ranking this year of the top 10 retirement destinations, taking into account various crucial elements such as ‘the number of hospitals, GPs and dentists per 10,000 people and the availability of shops and green spaces nearby’.
Leading their rankings was the south coast gem Exeter. ‘Compact and convenient’, yet brimming with natural splendour, the historic city offers heritage at its doorstep, boutique retailers and independent coffee houses, plus a lively social atmosphere.
Regularly hailed as amongst the finest places to reside, work, and learn in the UK, there’s abundant choice for pensioners seeking to embrace a fresh chapter in life. Runner-up in the survey was Merton, South West London, whilst nearby Richmond-upon-Thames claimed third spot.
Wimborne tops the list of ‘hidden gems’ as complied by McCarthy Stone(Image: Getty)
Wimborne
Analysis by retirement community developer McCarthy Stone reveals growing appetite for developments in more obscure towns, with Wimborne, Dorset leading their rankings.
Chrissy Fice, Marketing Director at McCarthy Stone, commented: “With access to local amenities being named as the top ‘must-have’ by three quarters of over 65s, other things people are looking for include good transport links, handy supermarkets, a central location within a 15-minute walk, and either a coast or country backdrop.”
Market town Wimborne fulfils those criteria – and beyond – offering waterside serenity, cultural attractions, independent retailers and dining establishments, plus a thriving retired population. Other hidden treasures that made the list by McCarthy Stone include the verdant Sutton Coldfield, the historic Stratford-upon-Avon and the medieval Waltham Abbey.
There’s a lot to think about when you’re moving for retirement, like healthcare access, chances to make new friends, being close to nature, local facilities and financial stability.
For those considering a move, Rangeford Villages, a retirement village firm, offers the following advice:
Research and visit prospective areas – chat to locals already living there to get a well-balanced picture of a place
Review your budget – if necessary, consult a financial advisor to ensure fiscal planning is thorough
Assess your desired lifestyle – does the area you’re looking at provide the opportunities you need?
Location evaluation – consider proximity to family and friends, healthcare, shopping and nature.
A survey conducted by consumer group Which? placed Manchester’s Terminal 3 at the bottom of the list for the fourth consecutive year, with a customer satisfaction score of just 43%
The survey highlights the UK’s least favourite airport (Image: Getty Images)
Travellers have delivered their verdict on the UK’s airports – and Manchester has been branded the worst to fly from.
A survey conducted by consumer group Which? placed Manchester’s Terminal 3 at the bottom of the list for the fourth consecutive year, with a customer satisfaction score of just 43%. The terminal received a dismal one-star rating out of a possible five for measures such as security queues, seating, and the pricing in shops and food outlets.
One frustrated Terminal 3 passenger fumed: “It’s impossible to get a drink or something to eat, but much worse than that – there is nowhere to sit.” Manchester’s other two terminals didn’t fare much better in the survey. Terminal 1, which is set to close later this year, was ranked second-worst.
Another traveller said: “The cleanliness in Terminal 1 is appalling. Toilets are often overflowing, and there’s rubbish everywhere.”
Terminal 2 at Manchester could only muster fourth from bottom, with a customer satisfaction score of 53%, although there was at least some positive feedback. One traveller commended its “good facilities prior to long-haul flight and helpful staff at baggage check-in”.
At the other end of the scale, Exeter Airport topped the list with an overall customer satisfaction score of 80%.
However, Exeter serves around 500,000 passengers annually, compared to 29 million at Manchester or 84 million at Heathrow.
Close behind, with a score of 78%, was Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which now caters to five million passengers each year. Passengers lauded its swift, efficient process and friendly staff.
You can search for your closest airport and check the ratings using our interactive gadget.
Chris Woodroofe, Manchester Airport’s managing director, has hit back at the Which? survey and criticism the airport has received. He said: “Through our historic £1.3 billion transformation programme, we have created a world-class and award-winning Terminal 2. We have also announced plans to invest significantly in Terminal 3 – starting this year.
“I am also proud to say customer satisfaction has increased significantly over the past four years. We know how customers feel about their experience because we asked hundreds of them every week about it. Between January and June this year, 91% of 3,045 people surveyed told us their experience was good, very good, or excellent.
“That is how I know this latest outdated and unrepresentative report from Which? bears no resemblance to the experience people receive at Manchester Airport day in, day out.”
A Gatwick spokesperson added: “In the first half of 2025, passengers received great service, as the airport significantly improved its on-time performance, following excellent collaboration with airline partners and National Air Traffic Services.”
A statement from Heathrow read: “Which? has relied on unrepresentatively small sample sizes and recollections to assess an industry that already collects vast amounts of data on a daily basis, all verified and published by an independent regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority.”
While London Luton Airport’s spokesperson said: “Whilst we value all feedback, a sample size of just 255 Which? readers is simply not representative of the 16.7 million passengers who travelled with us in 2024.”
London Stansted’s spokesperson said it was “proud to have welcomed a record-breaking 30m passengers to the airport in the last year, driven by the great value and reliable service on offer, and convenient access to over 200 destinations across Europe and beyond.”
The TV sensation created by Joss Whedon, which originally aired between 1997 and 2003, still boasts a loyal fanbase eagerly awaiting the return of the legendary character, reports Surrey Live.
In the meantime, from the ‘big bads’ of each season to the wicked ones lurking in the shadows, we’ve picked out 12 characters who might give you the heebie-jeebies – and one of them may catch you off guard.
Buffy had some memorable villains to face(Image: WB)
12. Adam
Adam commits plenty of gruesome acts during his short time in season 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but his biggest sin is being entirely forgettable.
While we spend the season getting to know Riley, Professor Walsh and other members of the Initiative, we learn almost nothing interesting about this Frankenstein-like creation except that he wants to kill everything in sight.
11. The Master
The Master is the first major villain Buffy ever has to face but, while her season-long struggle to defeat him feels epic the first time you see it, he seems pretty bland on a re-watch.
In the end, the prosthetic effects and his somewhat corny dialogue makes him appear less threatening and, like Adam, we don’t learn much about him except that he wants evil to triumph.
10. The First
The First Evil is billed as the final, ultimate villain Buffy must defeat before the entire town of Sunnydale is swallowed into the hell mouth forever.
The First’s introduction to season 7 is chilling, as it uses imitation to trick Buffy and her friends to exploit their grief and insecurities.
However, as the season goes on its lack of physical presence becomes increasingly unexciting, and we spend far too much screen time with the minions doing its bidding.
9. Buffy’s Dad
While Buffy’s Dad isn’t strictly evil, he is a strong candidate for this list. At first, Hank Summers makes some effort with Buffy and we even see she has stayed with him over the summer between seasons 1 and 2.
However, by the time Joyce dies, it is apparent he barely speaks to his daughters, not even bothering to show up to the funeral despite Buffy ‘leaving messages all over the place’.
During that time, we learn he was in Spain with his secretary – and he doesn’t even notice when Buffy (temporarily) dies.
8. Caleb
Sadistic defrocked priest Caleb has a pathological hatred of women, which makes him one of the most sinister and unlikeable villains on this list.
We know he killed several girls while still in human form, before The First Evil granted him superhuman strength and other abilities in order to do its bidding.
He also nearly overpowers and kills Buffy before the show’s finale, making him one of her most formidable nemesies.
The best villains have a back story(Image: WB)
7. Dark Willow
One of the most tragic and painful storylines across Buffy’s run was Willow’s magic addiction battle in season 6, which mirrored many people’s real-life struggles with addiction.
When Warren kills Willow’s girlfriend Tara, this escalates and she goes on a murderous rampage, at first seeking revenge but ultimately attempting to destroy the world as dark magic consumes her.
This is one of the bleakest chapters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but it cannot be denied that Willow makes a powerful and complex villain.
6. Warren
Remember the earlier reference to villains who ‘just suck’? That’s Warren. This misogynistic sociopath is so hateable precisely because he’s still very clearly, pathetically human.
We are first introduced to him when he builds himself the ‘perfect’ robot girlfriend only to then discard her for another woman without bothering to tell her.
He then forms ‘The Trio’ alongside Andrew and Jonathan and, while at first they are painted as fairly harmless, things quickly get disturbing.
When Warren convinces The Trio to help him imprison his former girlfriend as a mindless sex slave, he ends up killing her as she tries to escape.
Later, he tries to shoot Buffy, instead killing Tara in the process before being gruesomely murdered by Willow.
5. Faith
Sometimes a hero and sometimes a villain, Faith doesn’t have an easy ride on Buffy the Vampire Slayer – and she often has herself to blame.
Eventually, Faith finds her redemption and is able to aid Buffy in her final fight against The First.
However, some of the best scenes in the show are when Buffy and Faith throw punches, with their perfectly-matched slayer strength culminating in some pretty epic fight scenes.
Faith and Buffy were often at odds(Image: WB)
4. Mayor Richard Wilkins
Formerly human but now an immortal demon, Mayor Richard Wilkins is one of Buffy’s most memorable villains thanks to his unsettlingly cheery demeanor and wise words of advice.
While ultimately, his primary ambition is to transform into a giant snake and wreak havoc on Sunnydale, he also cares about good manners, cleanliness and forms a meaningful father-daughter bond with Faith.
3. Spike and Drusilla
First introduced in season 2, vampires Spike and Drusilla totally transformed Buffy the Vampire Slayer when they appeared.
Both interesting characters in their own right, they felt decidedly more human than the villains that came before and also introduced plenty of humour and levity to proceedings.
Spike quickly became a fan favourite, being brought back again in season 3 before returning as a main cast member in season 4.
2. Glory
While Buffy is generally in the business of slaying demons, the stakes were raised in season 5 when she came face to face with a literal god.
Glory was a fantastic villain for the show because, while she was capable of witty one-liners, she also had some pretty terrifying powers.
Arguably, the show’s sense of jeopardy never felt stronger than it did in season 5, and Glory’s human weakness (Ben – Ben? I’m sure he was connected to her somehow? Were they roommates?) and backstory made the villain all the more compelling.
1. Angelus
Widely considered to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s ultimate villain, Angelus is one of the most evil characters in the Buffyverse.
However, it is really Buffy’s emotional connection to him that makes the drama all the more intense, as she has already fallen in love with Angel, the version of him with a soul.
After her former lover starts killing her friends and attempting to bring about the apocalypse, Buffy is tragically forced to kill him in order to save the world just moments after his soul is restored.
Rewatch all seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on ITVX.
The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the most frequently stolen car in the United States. Photo by Mauricio Duenas Castaneda/EPA
Aug. 8 (UPI) — The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has become the most frequently stolen car in the United States, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute, or HLDI.
The HLDI’s analysis shows that in relation to the number of Camaro ZL1s on the roads, it has a whole-vehicle theft rate 39 times the average compared to all other vehicles.
The regular Camaro has also become a top target for thieves, with a whole-vehicle theft rate 13 times the average of all vehicles.
The targeting of Camaros is a recent development, according to HLDI, which reports it hasn’t historically appeared near the top of its vehicle theft claim frequency rankings.
However, its two latest reports for 2025 rank the ZL1 two-door, Camaro two-door and Camaro convertible among the 10 2022-24 passenger vehicles with the highest theft and whole vehicle theft claim occurrences.
“Muscle cars have often topped this list, as thieves are attracted to vehicles with high horsepower,” said Matt Moore, chief insurance operations officer at HLDI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in a press release.
“That also helps explain why the more expensive, more powerful ZL1 is stolen so much more often than the standard Camaro.”
Aside from the horsepower, Camaros also have a technical issue that allows thieves to clone the key code for newer models by accessing the car’s on-board ports. General Motors launched a service campaign in March for 2020-24 Camaro models, under which owners can bring their vehicles to dealerships for a free software update that should reduce the theft risk.
In the other direction, the 20 least-stolen vehicles include eight electric vehicles and two plug-in hybrids, which all have whole-vehicle theft claim incidences that are more than 85% lower than the all-vehicle average.
HDLI studies have shown electric vehicles are not as attractive to thieves because they’re more likely to be in a garage or parked near buildings to facilitate charging.
I’m Glenn Whipp, columnist for the Los Angeles Times and host of The Envelope newsletter. Got any home improvement projects on tap? Seems like a good time to tackle one while we take a look at the shows that might win Emmys next month for writing and directing.
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Writing and directing power rankings
The writing and directing categories at this year’s Emmys could give us a couple of A-list acceptance speeches — Ben Stiller and Seth Rogen — as well as providing the usual hints about what shows will wind up prevailing in the series categories.
Let’s sketch out how the races are shaping up with our official set of power rankings, ordered from worst to first for drama, comedy and limited series. Try to see if you can read it all in a single take in honor of all the “oners” nominated.
Drama series directing
Adam Scott and Britt Lower in “Severance.”
(Apple TV+)
7. “The White Lotus.” “Amor Fati,” Mike White Season 3 aftertaste remains as bitter as one of Timothy’s poison piña coladas.
6. “Slow Horses.” “Hello Goodbye,” Adam Randall Another exemplary season. There’s a reason Randall recently became the first director to be hired for another go-round.
5. “Andor.” “Who Are You?,” Janus Metz Should be required viewing for American citizens right now.
4. “The Pitt.” “7 a.m.,” John Wells How it all began …
3. “The Pitt.” “6 p.m.,” Amanda Marsalis And how it ended.
2. “Severance.” “Chikhai Bardo,” Jessica Lee Gagné We finally got our Gemma episode and it was breathtaking in the ways it used visual language to convey the most heartbreaking love story this side of “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.”
1. “Severance.” “Cold Harbor,” Ben Stiller Innie Mark vs. Outie Mark. Frantic chases down the hallways. An impossible choice. And a marching band.
Comedy series directing
Sarah Polley, left, Catherine O’Hara and Seth Rogen in “The Studio.”
(Apple TV+)
5. “Mid-Century Modern.” “Here’s to You, Mrs. Schneiderman,” James Burrows For those keeping score, that’s Emmy nomination No. 28 as a director for Burrows. (He has won five times.)
4. “The Bear.” “Napkins,” Ayo Edebiri Tina’s origin story, and the episode that probably won Liza Colón-Zayas her Emmy last year. Also likely to be remembered for being Edebiri’s directorial debut and, taken with her co-writing this season’s standout “Worms,” an auspicious sign of good things to come.
3. “The Rehearsal.” “Pilot’s Code,” Nathan Fielder In which Fielder lives the life of Sully Sullenberger, from baby to adult, complete with a puppet mom and an unforgettable lactation scene.
1. “The Studio.” “The Oner,” Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Not my favorite “Studio” episode (that would be “The Pediatric Oncologist”) but an obvious choice to take this category.
Limited / TV movie directing
Owen Cooper, left, and Stephen Graham in “Adolescence.”
(Netflix )
6. “Sirens.” “Exile,” Nicole Kassell It was not a good year for limited series.
5. “Zero Day,” Lesli Linka Glatter Seriously.
4. “Dying for Sex.” “It’s Not That Serious,” Shannon Murphy La petite mort onward to the last roundup. Que Dieu te garde, Molly.
3. “The Penguin.” “A Great or Little Thing,” Jennifer Getzinger Just when you thought it couldn’t get any darker, the show’s finale went there.
2. “The Penguin,” “Cent’Anni,” Helen Shaver The series’ best episode and why Cristin Milioti will probably win the Emmy.
1. “Adolescence,” Philip Barantini Every episode was a oner.
Drama series writing
Tramell Tillman in “Severance.”
(Apple TV+)
6. “Slow Horses.” “Hello Goodbye,” Will Smith To my great and everlasting surprise, “Slow Horses” won this Emmy last year, meaning that however long it lasts — and there will be at least two more seasons — it will have triumphed at least once.
5. “The White Lotus.” “Full–Moon Party,” Mike White I’m a little like Saxon after his hookup with his brother in this episode, wanting to pretend it — and the whole season — never happened.
4. “The Pitt.” “7 a.m.,” R. Scott Gemmill This is such a wonderfully written episode, introducing us to a couple of dozen characters, establishing them and the setting and doing so in a tight 53 minutes.
3. “Andor.” “Welcome to the Rebellion,” Dan Gilroy There’s so much respect for what the Gilroy brothers did with “Andor” that you could see voters having a strong impulse to reward it.
2. “The Pitt.” “2 p.m.,” Joe Sachs You remember how this episode ends? The honor walk for Nick? I am getting tears in my eyes typing this sentence. And that was just one element in an episode that left me so gutted that I had to sequester myself after it ended before I could even choke out a word or two with my wife.
1. “Severance.” “Cold Harbor,” Dan Erickson Trippy, emotionally fraught season finale that’ll probably win since loyalists of “The Pitt” have two choices in this category.
Comedy series writing
Jean Smart in “Hacks.”
(Jake Giles Netter / HBO Max)
6. “What We Do in the Shadows.” “The Finale,” Sam Johnson, Sarah Naftalis and Paul Simms They shut the casket one final time, satisfying nearly everyone who loved the show for six seasons.
5. “Somebody Somewhere.” “AGG,” Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen and Bridget Everett Another series finale, a near-perfect summation of the show’s lovely blend of joy and melancholy.
4. “Abbott Elementary.” “Back to School,” Quinta Brunson Solid season opener of a series that has crossed over into “taken-for-granted” status.
3. “The Rehearsal.” “Pilot’s Code,” Nathan Fielder, Carrie Kemper, Adam Locke-Norton and Eric Notarnicola “It was difficult at first to inhabit the mind of a baby. I know so much more than babies do, and it can be hard to forget all that stuff. So I tried not to think about the fact that I was a 41-year-old man and just did my best to be present in the moment.”
2. “The Studio.” “The Promotion,” Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory and Frida Perez The episode that started it all and made me more interested to see a “Kool-Aid” movie than practically anything that an actual studio released this summer.
1. “Hacks.” “A Slippery Slope,” Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky “Hacks” has won this Emmy twice in its first three seasons, and the dramatic episode — Deborah loves Ava more than her dream job! — seems a spot to prevent a “Studio” sweep.
Limited / TV movie writing
Christine Tremarco and Stephen Graham in “Adolescence.”
(Netflix )
5. “Say Nothing.” “The People in the Dirt,” Joshua Zetumer Car bombs, hunger strikes, political assassinations.
4. “Black Mirror.” “Common People,” Charlie Brooker and Bisha K. Ali Technology really is going to destroy us, isn’t it?
3. “Dying for Sex.” “Good Value Diet Soda,” Kim Rosenstock and Elizabeth Meriwether Of course, we’re all gonna die anyway. Might as well indulge.
2. “The Penguin.” “A Great or Little Thing,” Lauren LeFranc After all, evil and depravity win out in the end.
1. “Adolescence,” Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham So hug your children tonight.
A surprising number of iconic and underrated 80s movies are currently available to stream – here’s the best of the best
Several incredible movies from the 1980s are available to stream, but what’s the cream of the crop?
Many film buffs will agree that the 80s was one of, if not the best decade for cinema in history, with many of the most iconic films of all time releasing in the space of just 10 years.
From rip-roaring blockbusters to spine-tingling horror movies, the decade launched franchises, produced acclaimed filmmakers and broke box office records left, right and centre.
Let’s run down 10 of the best undeniable classics and a handful of underrated gems, from sci-fi epics to stunning animation and guaranteed tearjerkers.
And, even better, they’re all available to stream right now in the UK, including a handful you can watch completely free.
NOW subscribers are guaranteed a toe-tapping good time with the Blues Brothers(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
This musical masterpiece starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd is undoubtedly one of the funniest movies produced during this decade.
Based on their iconic Saturday Night Live characters, Jake and Elwood Blues race against time to assemble their R&B band for one last show to save the orphanage where they were raised.
Featuring appearances from beloved blues musicians such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and James Brown, this love letter to music and the city of Chicago is guaranteed to leave you tapping your toes.
The Blues Brothers is available to stream on NOW.
This coming-of-age classic from Steven Spielberg will have you reaching for the tissues(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
ET
If there’s one name who dominated film culture in the 80s, it’s almost certainly Steven Spielberg.
From acclaimed historical dramas such as The Colour Purple and Empire of the Sun, to rollicking adventures with Indiana Jones, the blockbuster filmmaker released what many consider to be his best films during the decade.
One of his most daring and personal projects at that time, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, was a risky venture thanks to its small-scale drama and bold premise. Thankfully, the gamble paid off, knocking Star Wars off its podium and remaining the highest-grossing film of all time, until Spielberg beat his own record a decade later with Jurassic Park.
ET is available to stream on Netflix.
Die Hard is still the greatest action movie ever made(Image: 20TH CENTURY FOX)
Grab Disney Plus’ £1.99 membership right now
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Disney Plus is offering its membership for £1.99 a month for the next four months. You can enjoy classic Disney shows, Marvel and much more.
Die Hard
For our money the best action film ever made, Die Hard is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re watching at Christmas or during a heatwave.
Launching the big screen career of Hollywood powerhouse Bruce Willis, John McTiernan’s sublime thriller remains so influential to this day that ‘Die Hard on a [insert location/vehicle here]’ is still a bankable pitch for an action film.
With so many imitators out there, make sure you find time for the triumphant genuine article soon.
Die Hard is available to stream on Disney+.
This often overlooked historical drama is a must-watch(Image: MGM, UA)
A Dry White Season
This underrated historical drama shines a light on the devastating realities of apartheid in South Africa during the 1970s.
Featuring Donald Sutherland as a teacher at a school for white students, he’s forced to question his morals when the son of his Black gardener is viciously murdered by the white police.
One of the first major Hollywood films directed by a Black woman, Euzhan Palcy, and also featuring an oft-forgotten Oscar-nominated performance from Marlon Brando, A Dry White Season is an essential and gripping part of cinema history that often gets overlooked.
A Dry White Season is available to stream on Prime Video.
Kurt Russell takes on a shape-shifting monster from outer space(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
The Thing
Body horror became a defining sub-genre of the 1980s thanks to the advancement of special effects and film fans’ growing appetite for boundary-pushing scares.
Widely considered the best example, with masterful practical effects and tension in every frame, John Carpenter’s The Thing is a creature feature like no one had ever seen before – or since.
Starring Kurt Russell, this eerie, paranoid thriller about an Antarctica research team who get infiltrated by a shape-shifting extra-terrestrial was a box office flop at the time but has since become a beloved horror classic.
The Thing is available to stream for free on ITVX.
Prepare to be afraid – be very afraid(Image: 20TH CENTURY FOX)
The Fly
With so many excellent gory masterpieces to choose from, why just settle for one example?
Arguably even more horrifying than The Thing is David Cronenberg’s masterpiece The Fly, a morbid reimagining of a classic sci-fi horror from 1958.
Jeff Goldblum portrays an ambitious scientist who begins to transform after perfecting the art of teleportation, only for his machine to malfunction with grotesque results.
The Fly is available to stream on Disney+.
One of the best films about race relations ever made(Image: UNIVERSAL PICTURES)
Do the Right Thing
From body horror to social satire, the 80s were also renowned for a wide variety of thought-provoking dramas.
Influential director Spike Lee was just 32 when he made Do the Right Thing, cementing himself as one of the most prominent Black artists in history by tackling race relations in America like never before.
Combining laugh-out-loud humour with high-stakes drama and career-best performances from much of its cast, which includes Lee himself alongside Danny Aiello, John Turturro and Rosie Perez, there’s a reason why many cinephiles still consider it among the filmmaker’s best work.
Do the Right Thing is available to stream on NOW.
This animated masterpiece is available on Netflix(Image: STUDIO GHIBLI)
Watch Stranger Things on Netflix for free with Sky
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Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.
This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things.
My Neighbour Totoro
We’d be remiss not to include any animated films on a list of the best of any decade and, while Disney had its fair share of hits, from The Fox and the Hound to The Little Mermaid, in our opinion this masterpiece from Studio Ghibli wipes the floor with all of them.
My Neighbour Totoro is a timeless tale of childhood seen through the whimsical lens of Japanese animation genius Hayao Miyazaki, who injects every heartfelt moment with fantasy and wonder.
If you’ve already seen this animated gem, or fall in love with the furry forest spirit on your first watch, all of Studio Ghibli’s incredible films are available on the same service.
My Neighbour Totoro is available to stream on Netflix.
Harrison Ford explores a bleak vision of the future(Image: WARNER BROS)
Amazon Prime Video free trial
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Blade Runner
Yes, it’s yet another science fiction classic, but you can’t ignore perfection. While it may have spawned a generation of moody film bros, it’s easy to see why this atmospheric, neon-drenched cyberpunk thriller caught the imagination of so many.
From cinematic mastermind Ridley Scott, who already reinvented the genre with his seminal space horror Alien in 1979, comes a gripping existential head-trip starring Harrison Ford as a futuristic detective tasked with hunting down synthetic humans known as replicants.
Blending classic noir with one of the bleakest visions of the future ever put to film, Blade Runner is worth watching for the visual splendour alone, but will also keep you thinking long after the credits roll.
Blade Runner is available to stream on Prime Video.
80s movies don’t get much better than Raiders of the Lost Ark(Image: LUCASFILM)
Raiders of the Lost Ark
What’s left to say about Raiders of the Lost Ark that hasn’t been said a million times before?
Somehow, Spielberg delivered two masterpieces back-to-back, with the introduction of yet another iconic Harrison Ford hero arriving in 1981, a year before the acclaimed filmmaker made millions of moviegoers sob uncontrollably with ET.
The most iconic movie star of all time in his prime, an enthralling, globetrotting adventure, booby traps and ancient puzzles galore, and Nazis getting punched in the face. What’s not to love?
Raiders of the Lost Ark is available to stream on Netflix and for free on Channel 4.
This quaint seaside village is famous for its thriving fishing communities and mouth-watering seafood – but its endless stretch of golden sands is what really sets it apart from the rest
From seal-spotting to sunbathing, this beach really does offer something for everyone(Image: Getty Images)
A charming seaside village has been thrown into the tourist spotlight after topping the league tables for its ‘glorious’ beach. Tucked away on the idyllic Norfolk Coast National Landscape, some 126 miles from London, lies the overlooked parish of Brancaster.
Renowned for its thriving fishing and sailing communities – and often touted as one of the driest villages in the country – this tiny slice of coastal paradise makes for the perfect summer staycation. “All year round, Brancaster is a lively village and there is a good range of places to stay and eat,” hails Visit Norfolk, the area’s official tourist board.
“Brancaster is known for its mussels and excellent seafood which you can try in the fabulous pubs and restaurants with breathtaking views over the staithe; and enjoy locally produced ale and seasonal dishes. You can also buy freshly caught fish and seafood from stalls at the staithe and on the main road.”
But, it’s Brancaster’s incredible beach that really sets it apart from the rest. Boasting miles of unspoilt golden sand for ‘as long as the eye can see’ and crystal-clear water, this long stretch of shore is the perfect place to sit back with a good book and soak up the rays.
When the tide is out, you might also be able to spot the remains of SS Vina, an old shipwreck that was used by the RAF for target practice before the Normandy landing. It was later dragged to a sand bank in the entrance to Brancaster Staithe Harbour where it sank due to being filled with shell holes.
The beach was recently crowned one of the best in the UK for 2025(Image: Getty Images)
It’s likely Brancaster Beach will become even more popular this summer, having recently featured on The Times UK’s 50 best beaches for 2025 list. “The dunes offer shelter from all winds except from the north and the sand is perfect for building your own Crow Fort,” the publication wrote. “There are usually seals snoozing around the first bend of the Hun. The narrow Beach Road gets busy in high summer so come early: there’s a well-stocked kiosk opposite the car park.”
Make sure you check high tide times before visiting, as the road is often flooded. Alternatively, you can check out RSPB Titchwell Marsh, a renowned nature reserve and a haven for native and migrating birds. There’s a wide sandy beach here too, which offers vast views across The Wash, and is a must-see for animal lovers.
Titchwell RSPB reserve is also worth the visit(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Driving to Brancaster from central London will take you around three hours and nine minutes. However, direct trains from King’s Cross to King’s Lynn Station slash the journey time to just one hour and 48 minutes. From here, you’ll need to take the 36 Coastliner towards Fakenham and disembark at Ship – before walking 0.9 miles to Brancaster Beach. Even without a railcard, you can get single adult fares for as little as £18.
Due to its small size, staying in Brancaster itself can be difficult (and pricey). Hayloft Brancaster, a cosy holiday home just 17 minutes walk from the beach, is a great option for couples, with its rustic interior, fully-equipped kitchen, and private garden. Staying here on Friday, July 25-27 will set you back £852.
You can get to Brancaster from London for less than £20 this summer(Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)
If you’re driving up to Brancaster, staying just outside the village is a great way to keep the cost down. For example, staying at The White House – located 2.2 miles from Brancaster centre – on the exact same nights costs almost half the price (£451). This stunning guest room, set in the rolling countryside, includes a free breakfast, and a spacious double bedroom.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
What’s your favourite UK seaside resort? Let us know in the comments section below
A charming seaside village that was once completley inland has been casted into the tourist spotlight after one of its secluded beaches was crowned the best in the south of England
This quaint seaside resort has been hailed for having one of the UK’s best beaches(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
Escape the bustling city with this charming seaside village that’s just a short train ride away from London.
Tucked away on Hampshire’s pristine coastline, and sandwiched between Bournemouth and Portsmouth, lies the quaint parish of Milford on Sea. Steeped in history, the village originally began as a Saxon settlement and was actually solely inland until the 1800s.
However, due to coastal erosion and the region expanding, Milford on Sea has slowly transformed itself into an iconic seaside resort. Acclaimed for its breathtaking views of the Isle of Wight, its golden beaches, vibrant high street, and pastel-coloured beach huts – the village might be small but is jam-packed with things to do.
There are several stunning beaches in Milford on Sea, leaving you spoilt for choice(Image: Getty Images)
Milford on Sea boasts four gorgeous beaches along the shore. Many head to Hurst Road Beach, which is the closest to the village centre. Here, you’ll find parking and toilets nearby as well as the Needles Eye Café which has its own ice cream kiosk and children’s play area.
There’s also Hordle Cliff Beach, a two-mile stretch of coastline which turns into a sandy paradise at low tide. It’s a great place to soak up the rays with a good book, relax in a shaded beach hut, or try your hand at watersports including kite surfing and kayaking.
Taddiford Gap was named one of the UK’s best beaches by The Times(Image: Mike Faherty)
However, it’s Taddiford Gap, located just off the B3058, that was recently crowned one of the best 50 UK beaches in 2025 by The Times. This shingle and mud-sand beach is a little more off the beaten track, meaning you won’t be rubbing shoulders with strangers when trying to sunbathe. “A short walk along a footpath brings you to a grassy cliff and a quiet stretch of shingle with the best views of the Needles,” the publication wrote.
Avoid the crowds of tourists on this stunning secluded beach(Image: Jim Champion)
After a day on the beach, head over to Hurst Castle for a fascinating history lesson. This artillery fortress was built by Henry VIII and remained in military use until 1956, playing an active role through both world wars. “With spectacular views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight from the top of the Tudor Keep and plenty of open spaces for children to explore, it’s a great day out for the whole family,” The New Forest explained. “The café offers hot and cold drinks, homemade food, and cakes. Dogs on leads are very welcome too.”
Located just 98 miles from central London, it takes around two hours and 41 minutes to drive to Milford on Sea. Alternatively, you can get a train from London Waterloo to Lymington town – which takes one hour and 45 minutes and usually includes one change in Brockenhurst.
From here, you can hop in a 12-minute taxi or catch the X1 bus towards Bournemouth and alight at Barnes Lane – which takes around 21 minutes. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab single adult rail fares for as little as £11.30 this month.
Milford on Sea is filled with a range of accommodation types to suit your budget, from stunning eco lodges to no-frills B&Bs. A weekend’s stay (Friday, August 8-10) at The Beach House, a Victorian mansion just 200 yards from the sea, will set you back £365. This is based on two adults sharing a Double Room and includes breakfast.
If you’re travelling as part of a much bigger group, you have to check out Saltwood. This huge holiday home features two double beds and two single beds (meaning it sleeps up to six people), as well as a private kitchen and ‘ample space for relaxation and comfort’. Staying here on the exact same nights costs £1,213.
*Prices based on Trainline and Booking.com listings at the time of writing.
What’s your favourite UK seaside resort? Let us know in the comments section below
When he started boxing, he was seen largely as a novelty act who didn’t face serious fighters.
As of Monday night, however, Paul is ranked by the World Boxing Assn. And as impossible as it may have sounded in the not-so-distant past, that makes him eligible to fight for a world title.
“I’ve worked hard to get here but there is nothing to celebrate,” Paul wrote on X after the WBA listed him at No. 14 in the latest edition of its cruiserweight rankings. “Long road ahead and I’m more committed to it every single day. I may veer off the path now and again, but being a world champion is my desired ultimate destination.”
The ranking came days after Paul’s victory by unanimous decision over former middleweight champion Julio César Chávez Jr., the most accomplished opponent the former Disney Channel “Bizaardvark” star has faced en route to a 12-1 record with seven knockouts in a boxing career that has spanned less than seven years.
During much of that time, Paul’s opponents included fellow YouTubers, an NBA player and several mixed martial artists. In the fall, he defeated then-58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson by unanimous decision in a bout that peaked at 65 million concurrent streams on Netfilix and netted a record gate of $18,117,072 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Paul’s only loss came in 2023 against Tommy Fury, a professional boxer and reality TV star. He reflected on that fight Saturday night after his win over Chávez.
“I don’t think I was a fighter at the time,” Paul told reporters. “I was barely 2½ years into the sport. I didn’t really know what I was doing. I didn’t have the right equipment around me, the right conditioning. My lifestyle outside of the ring was still like that of a YouTuber, a famous actor or whatever it was at that point in time. I wasn’t completely focused on boxing.
”… People still hold the Tommy Fury fight against me, but now I’ve beaten a former world champion and I’m coming to collect on that loss to Tommy.”
The current WBA cruiserweight champion is Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez, who was on the same bill as Paul last weekend and defeated Yuniel Dorticos in a close but unanimous decision. During the postfight news conference, Paul and Ramírez stared each other down.
“I want tougher fighters. I want to be a world champion,” Paul told reporters. “Zurdo looked slow … tonight. That’d be easy work too.”
Which? has extensively rated and compared two popular seaside counties popular with British staycationers to see which one offers the best holiday
Both counties are home to impressive coastal hiking trails, with some of the most scenic in North Devon(Image: Getty Images)
Two UK counties have been pit against one another to determine which makes for the best UK beach holiday destination. Ranking best scones to prettiest beaches, both counties have a wealth to offer travellers but one might have a slight edge.
The UK consumer champion Which has done an extensive breakdown of the merits of both Devon and Cornwall. Both counties are beloved destinations for both Brits and international travellers for their impressive beaches promising the perfect British seaside holiday.
Both Devon and Cornwall have more than 400 miles of shore, but according to Which, Devon stands out for having two distinct coasts. The north shores of both counties is where you will find the wildest waters – and thus, the most daring surfers – and the south is generally more serene.
But which of the two counties has the prettiest beach? According to Which, Devon takes the prize with Bantham Beach. While Cornwall’s Kyanance Cove is home to stunning cliffs and caves that travellers will recognise from the Game of Thrones, Devon has its own enchanting gem.
Bantham Beach in Devon is “an archetypal English beach, full of space, sand and salt breezes” according to Which. The south Devon beach takes on the shape of a horseshoe and is where the River Avon unravels into the English Channel.
Soar Mill Cove in Devon is a veritable hidden gem(Image: Getty Images)
While Devon may have the prettiest beach, Cornwall takes the prize for the best wild beach. Soar Mill Cove in Devon is a secret paradise between Salcombe and Hope Cove that is defined by green cliffs.
While Soar Mill Cove is a true gem, Lantic Bay in Cornwall wins for best wild beach with its wildflower-filled sea cliffs and the thick hedgerows that provide privacy and an atmosphere of tranquility. There are no shops, toilets or lifeguards on the shores, but that again adds to its wild and rare charm.
Mawgan Porth has a west-facing beach with exceptional surfing(Image: William Dax / SWNS)
Has Devon won the contest?
But Devon and Cornwall are more than their beaches, to determine the best seaside county Which also took the villages into consideration. To determine the county with the best small village beaches, Which put Cornwall’s Mawgan Porth Beach head-to-head with Combesgate Beach in Devon.
Devon won the final round, with Which calling Combesgate Beach “possibly the loveliest village in north Devon” where “it feels as though clock hands have stood still”. Both Combesgate Beach and Mawgan Porth Beach in Cornwall are incredible surfer beaches, but Combesgate wins out with its serene beauty and maze of rock pools. With that, Devon wins the title of best UK beach holiday destination.
According to Which: “Devon – the only English county to claim two separate coastlines – wins for the diversity of its beaches. There are riches in the south: pebbly beaches near the Dorset border ideal for fossil hunters, plus the little coves of the South Hams for picnics and the red sands of Paignton, poised beside a pier and fairground rides.”
Devon also beat Cornwall in Which’s ranking of the best seaside towns, with Dartmouth, scoring 79%, beating Cornwall’s highest-placed beach town of St Mawes. And just a little outside of Dartmouth, you’ll find Blackpool Sands, a secluded private corner of the coast.
Dartmouth stands out for its breath-taking scenery and it was described by blogger Sarah Hagan – known online as sarahkhagan – as the “most beautiful town in the UK” in a viral video.
United finish with their lowest standing in the Premier League era as Newcastle confirm Champions League spot.
Manchester United have ended their disappointing 2024-25 season with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League campaign, denying the visitors a Champions League qualification spot in the process.
United surprisingly dominated the first half of Sunday’s game against a side chasing a top-five finish.
Against the run of play, Morgan Rogers appeared to have netted Villa a crucial goal 18 minutes from time, but referee Thomas Bramall ruled that he had fouled United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir before slotting home.
The hosts’ cause was aided as Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was sent off just before the break.
Furious Villa’s mood worsened after Amad Diallo immediately headed the hosts in front down the other end, before Christian Eriksen’s penalty ensured United finished 15th and sixth-placed Villa had to settle for a place in the Europa League next term.
Newcastle United breathed a sigh of relief as their 1-0 defeat by Everton could have opened the door for Villa to climb above them with a win over United.
Villa manager Unai Emery confronted Bramall after the final whistle, unhappy at what he believed was a “big mistake” by the match official.
“The TV is clear with the move but of course we have to accept it,” Emery said. “It was a mistake. A big mistake.”
At the final whistle, Emery stood motionless on the touchline and stared at Bramall for a long time. After confronting the official as he came off the field, Emery continued his discussions with him as they went down the tunnel.
Protest songs against Manchester United’s ownership greeted the final whistle, even if supporters had been treated to a rare home success.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s disappointing season ended with the consolation of a place in the Champions League after a 2-0 victory at Fulham, earned by Ilkay Gundogan’s overhead kick and an Erling Haaland penalty.
The victory ensured City finish third in the table with 71 points from 38 games, the first time they have ended outside the top two since the 2016-17 season. Fulham finished 11th with 54 points.
City opened the scoring at 21 minutes when Matheus Nunes’s chipped shot on the angle was clawed away by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno and into the path of Gundogan, whose acrobatic effort steered the ball into the net off the crossbar.
The visitors doubled their advantage when Sasa Lukic fouled Gundogan in the box and Haaland converted the spot kick to score his 22nd league goal of the campaign, while Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench for the final five minutes in his farewell to City.
City left Jack Grealish out of their match-day squad amid talk he could leave the club, while De Bruyne spent time with the City fans at the final whistle, many of them holding up signs of thanks to the Belgian for his decade at the club.
City ended up with 71 points, Chelsea on 69 and Villa on 66, but with an inferior goal difference to Newcastle on the same points.
Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after playing his last Premier League match for Manchester City [Andrew Couldridge/Action Images via Reuters]
Forest, who still had hopes of a top-five finish going into the last day, will go into the UEFA Conference League.
Champions Liverpool ended their campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Crystal Palace in a party atmosphere at Anfield.
Runners-up Arsenal, who ended 10 points behind Liverpool, beat bottom club Southampton 2-1 away.
Brighton and Hove Albion brought Europa Cup winners Tottenham Hotspur down to earth with a bump as they won 4-1 in north London to finish eighth, but that will not be good enough to secure a European berth for the south coast side next season.
Tottenham finished a woeful league season in 17th place, their worst performance since being relegated in 1977.
Liverpool’s players celebrate with the trophy on the last day of the Premier League season [Phil Noble/Reuters]
THE best and worst broadband and mobile providers for customer service have been revealed by the regulator.
All major providers were ranked on how pleased customers were with the service.
1
Ofcom has ranked the best and worst telecoms providers
O2, which has millions of customers was rated below average when it came to customer satisfaction for mobile providers.
The telecoms giant fell below the sector average when it comes to customer satisfaction as it scored 85% and the average is 88%
Last year, the firm also generated the most complaints, when it had 21 complaints per 100,000 customers.
The second worst ranked mobile provider was Vodafone who had a score of 84% when it came to how pleased users were with it’s service.
The pair were trumped by Tesco Mobile and giffgaff, which both 94% for overall satisfaction.
Tesco Mobile also led in satisfaction with complaints handling and generated the fewest complaints to Ofcom, when it had just four complaints per 100,000 customers.
However, Ofcom said that the average number of complaints reduced in 2024 across all providers.
Elsewhere, the average call waiting time for mobile customers decreased in 2024, from 2mins 24s in 2023 to 1min 52s in 2024.
Ofcom said Lebara had the shortest average call waiting time in 2024 at 15s while O2’s was the longest, at 3min 27s.
Moving on to broadband and TalkTalk had a lower-than-average overall satisfaction score of 77% and also ranked poorly for complaints handling.
However, NOW Broadband, which is owned by Sky, generated the most broadband complaints to Ofcom at 65 per 100,000 customer.
O2 Ends Pay-As-You-Go Data and iPad SIM Services: What You Need to Know
Virgin Media generated the second highest number of fixed broadband complaints per 100,000 customers, at 56.
While EE was the third most complained-about broadband provider last year with 52 complaints per 100,000.
Plusnet achieved the highest overall satisfaction score at 91%, when it came to broadband.
When it came to landline, Plusnet also had the highest overall satisfaction score at 83%.
Meanwhile, Virgin Media customers were less pleased with the service giving the provider a rating of 67%.
Ian Macrae, Ofcom’s director of market intelligence, said: “Call waiting times have come down for many providers and satisfaction with complaint handling is on the up.
“And we’re seeing competition in action, with smaller players challenging some of the bigger, well-established providers.”
He added: “But there’s further to go. Not all companies have made the same progress and it’s still taking the industry too long to fix things when they go wrong.”
A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said: “Ofcom’s report shows that the vast majority of our customers were satisfied with their services in 2024, and highlights some improvements that have been made – including on complaints handling.
“While today’s data relates to the whole of 2024, we know from the regulator’s most recent statistics that the turnaround strategy we implemented in the middle of last year has led to significant improvements, with complaints about Virgin Media and O2 now at their lowest levels for several years.”
They added: “We’re continuing to make real progress through this strategy and we’re committed to giving our customers the best possible experience.”
How to complain about your service
If you’re unhappy with the service you’ve received, you’ll first need to contact your provider’s customer services department and explain the problem.
If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you can make a formal complaint to the company.
You can find details on how to do this on the back of your bill or on the company’s website.
Depending on your complaint type, you’ll be able to contact the customer service team by web chat, telephone or by post.
You’ll need to let the company know what has happened and what you want it to do to put things right.
If a formal complaint gets you nowhere, after eight weeks you can ask for a “deadlock letter” and take your dispute to the appropriate Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme.
These are free to use and will act as an independent middle man between yourself and the service provider when an initial complaint cannot be resolved.
There are two ADR schemes in the UK – the Communications Ombudsman and CISAS.
Your provider is required to be a member of one of these and you can find out which one your provider is covered by visiting ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/service-quality/adr-schemes.
Before you can submit your complaint to it, you must have logged a formal complaint with your provider and worked with the firm to resolve it.
You must also have received a so-called deadlock letter, where the provider refers your complaint to the appropriate ADR.
You can also complain if you haven’t had a satisfactory solution to your problem within eight weeks.
To make a complaint fill in the ADR scheme claims form on its website – or write a letter if you’d prefer.
The ADR scheme then bases its decision on the evidence you and the company submit.
If you choose to accept its decision, your supplier will then have 28 days to comply.
But if an individual chooses not to accept the ADR’s final decision, they lose the right to the resolution offer.
But don’t just switch contracts because the price is cheaper than what you’re currently paying.
Take a look at your minutes and texts, as well as your data usage, to find out which deal is best for you.
For example, if you’re a heavy internet user, it’s worth finding a deal that accommodates this so you don’t have to spend extra on bundles or add-ons each month.
In the weeks before your contract is up, use comparison sites to familiarise yourself with what deals are available.
It’s a known fact that new customers always get the best deals.
Sites like MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch all help you customise your search based on price, allowances and provider.
This should make it easier to decide whether to renew your contract or move to another provider.
However, if you don’t want to switch and are happy with the service you’re getting under your current provider – haggle for a better deal.
You can still make significant savings by renewing your contract rather than rolling on to the tariff you’re given after your deal.
If you need to speak to a company on the phone, be sure to catch them at the right time.
Make some time to negotiate with your provider in the morning.
This way, you have a better chance of being the first customer through on the phone, and the rep won’t have worked tirelessly through previous calls which may have affected their stress levels.
It pays to be polite when getting through to someone on the phone, as representatives are less inclined to help rude or aggressive customers.
Knowing what other offers are on the market can help you to make a case for yourself to your provider.
If your provider won’t haggle, you can always threaten to leave.
Companies don’t want to lose customers and may come up with a last-minute offer to keep you.
It’s also worth investigating social tariffs. These deals have been created for people who are receiving certain benefits.
If you’re wondering why so many goths we’re wandering around Pasadena this weekend, look no further than Cruel World. The Goldenvoice celebration of all things postpunk, new wave and alternative landed at Brookside at the Rose Bowl on Saturday for its fourth installment, this time led by New Order and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
It ran smoothly, even when the overcast turned into a hard drizzle, creating a vibe reminiscent of England’s famed Glastonbury Festival. Gen Xers and fans of the era flocked to the converted golf course to hear their favorite artists take the stage once again, with many only appearing occasionally over the course of decades.
But, as is the case with all festivals, some acts had it together, bringing their best to fans and entrancing them in a nostalgia-ridden high. And some just showed up. Here’s a list of the performances we saw at the fest, from best to not-so-great.
1. New Order In a recent chat with The Times, Bernard Sumner spoke lovingly about New Order’s revival and attributed it partially to the band’s newfound cohesion.
“In the early days, we used to get f— up quite a lot and that f— up the shows,” Sumner said. “We used to play a really good one, celebrate how great it was, and then the next one would be terrible because we celebrated too much.”
He was spot-on with this point, as the band’s performance at Cruel World illustrated. Across entire set, it seemed everything was in the right place for the new-wave icons, who delivered perfection to fans. From the get-go, “Age of Consent” had the entire crowd bouncing around — an impressive accomplishment considering that the band was the last to perform on a wet and muddy day.
But the sky seemingly opened for New Order, who looked all too cool and casual while shouting out, “This is a protest song, and it’s time for a protest song” before treating the audience to “State of the Nation.”
The set would have been incredible enough on its own, gracefully fitting “Sub-Culture,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” “True Faith” and “Blue Monday” into a one-hour window, but the group brought more than that to the table. After Sumner bowed out to “Temptation,” a minute went by before the band was back out onstage to play Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart.”
Emotions ran high in a celebratory and touching performance, as images of the late Ian Curtis and the words “Forever Joy Division” flashed on screens behind the band. Headliners are headliners for a reason, and there was no better group than New Order to lead festivalgoers on a victory lap during its stroll through the past.
Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo performs at Cruel World
(Dick Slaughter)
2. Devo
Devo was incredibly close to topping this list, as the band brought its signature wacky and whimsical show to Pasadena. After being pelted by rain, fans gathered around the festival’s Sad Girls stage to welcome the new-wave quintet.
A tape rolled on the screens, featuring returning character “Rod Rooter,” played by Michael W. Schwartz. In the footage, Rooter meets with the group, pitching the idea of Devo dolls: “We even got your jumpsuits!”
This was followed by another video, once again featuring Schwartz as Rooter, only years later.
“That was me 40 years ago, dispensing invaluable advice to the band that couldn’t shoot straight,” he said, sitting on an indoor bike and wearing a boldly colored tracksuit. “Now here they are, my biggest career regret, Devo.”
All four then danced out onto the stage, wearing all-black suits for “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man).” It wasn’t long until the musicians donned their signature “devolution” caps, which were later thrown to the crowd as the band launched into “Whip It.” This was followed by a quick outfit change into those yellow jumpsuits, which frontman Mark Mothersbaugh tore off during “Uncontrollable Urge.”
Devo brought everything to the table and gave fans the show they deserved. It’s no wonder Goldenvoice invited the band back after it lighted up the Pasadena stage in 2022, and it likely won’t be the group’s last appearance on a Cruel World lineup.
3. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
It was always going to be a great performance from Nick Cave and his ensemble — it’s just their business. Over the entire course of the festival, no one was able to entice a crowd like they were. Throughout the entire set, it felt like gospel was ringing out across the Rose Bowl lawn, and Cave would extend a hand to his adoring worshippers at the stage’s front.
“You’re f— incredible,” he said. “Full of drugs and still able to clap.”
Throughout its one-hour set, the band played everything from lively, invigorating tracks like “Wild God” to mellow, meditative numbers like “Joy.” Of course, the group made sure to fit in “Red Right Hand,” which received an eruption of cheers. Cave would often make a mad dash between his piano and downstage, making a show of it as he danced his fingers across the keys.
But the perfomance’s peak likely came with a live debut of “Hollywood,” a 14-minute song (played in full) off 2019’s “Ghosteen.”
“We’re gonna try this song, we’ve never played it before,” Cave said. “It’s extremely long and it’s written for … Hollywood.”
The song, explained in a post to Cave’s 2018 project “The Red Hand Files,” is a tale referencing a series of images that came to him while sitting in the back seat of a car driving through Oslo, Texas. In it, a narrator finds himself on a beach, looking out at the sun.
Poetically and almost prophetically, the post said, “Malibu is on fire and the animals have been driven down from the hills to the shore.”
Shirley Manson of Garbage performing at Cruel World
(Dick Slaughter)
4. Garbage
Overlapping Garbage and Devo during Cruel World’s sets was a decision that left many attendees divided. It was no surprise that many larger groups split up around 7 p.m. and set off to either the Outsiders or Lost Boys stages.
Even lead singer Shirley Manson felt bummed about missing out on Devo and said she expected a much smaller crowd.
“I’m gonna be very honest with you … in rehearsal yesterday we were really freaking out because, of course, the great Devo!” Manson said. “We are so gutted that we’re playing at the same time as one of our hero bands.”
“We’re amazed that you’re here,” she continued, laughing. “Thank you so much.”
But Garbage put on an excellent performance — it was all smiles among those who had chosen the alt-rock group. A bonus was Manson’s outfit, which was undoubtedly the best of the day.
5. OMD
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark was an unexpected favorite among the lineup. The group came out with high energy and maintained it throughout its entire set. This kept fans on the edge of their seats, as did just the right amount of commentary from the bandto engage them.
“Everybody put two hands up,” lead singer Andy McCluskey said before performing “Talking Loud and Clear.”
“You have to do it with two hands, otherwise you’ll look like Elon Musk!”
It was an expected yet hilarious quip from the band, which has never shied away from making a political statement. Years later, it still felt awkward dancing away to “Enola Gay,” and even more so after the group flashed images of the notorious aircraft and a mushroom cloud on screens.
During “If You Leave,” the screens showed images of Molly Ringwald as Andie Walsh in “Pretty in Pink,” which was a nice nod to the song’s inclusion in the film’s soundtrack.
6. Alison Moyet
A great performance from an incredible artist — it’s no wonder she received an MBE for music service in 2021. During the set, she floated back and forth between songs from her solo career and those she made with Yazoo alongside Vince Clarke, who had previously served as keyboardist for Depeche Mode.
Perhaps the most impressive part of her set was her vocals. It’s no secret that some of these singers’ voices have declined after 40 or so years. But Moyet, though not as crisp, still delivered on the main stage. In fact, the touch of grit to her voice only added to the songs, which she commanded with gravitas.
7. She Past Away
The Turkish postpunk duo took the stage around 2 p.m. and granted festivalgoers a pleasant peek of what was ahead of them. For a group that formed in 2006, it fit in comfortably in the lineup, entrancing listeners with sounds reminiscent of what its new-wave peers were creating in the ’80s. To put a cherry on top, bandmates Volkan Caner and İdris Akbulut adorned their classic black eye shadow and lipstick combo.
She Wants Revenge performing at Cruel World
(Dick Slaughter)
8. She Wants Revenge
Another postpunk outfit from the aughts, She Wants Revenge attracted quite the crowd. Lead singer Justin Warfield strutted around the stage in an all-black, all-leather outfit that featured a belt with golden ankhs hanging below it. As far as presence, the group had it down.
Its performance was solid, and fans applauded when the band whipped out a cover of the Psychedelic Furs’ “Sister Europe” mid-set. Hunter Burgan of AFI was brought out and introduced as not only “one of the raddest bass players ever ripping” but also “a mean sax player.” In a sentimental touch, the song was dedicated to the Furs’ late saxophonist Mars Williams.
9. Death Cult
This one was an odd one. As a preface, the Southern Death Cult was a Bradford, England-born band and a leader of the postpunk movement in the early ’80s. The group garnered a bit of attention, played about 20 shows, split after two years and released one album, titled “The Southern Death Cult.”
After the breakup, frontman Ian Astbury joined forces with guitarist Billy Duffy to form Death Cult in 1983. The band released one EP under this name, simply titled “Death Cult,” before becoming the Cult less than one year later. In 2023, Astbury and Duffy would revive Death Cult for a series of shows across the U.K. and a one-off performance at what was then the Theatre at Ace Hotel. For Cruel World, the pair followed suit and performed under the name Death Cult, while also celebrating the music of the Cult and the Southern Death Cult.
Going into the show, fans were confused about what they would possibly be hearing from the band, who walked out onstage to the theme from “A Clockwork Orange.” Needless to say, most attendees were fans of the Cult, the most well known of the three band iterations, and Astbury was seemingly frustrated that the crowd wasn’t more reactive to tunes from Death Cult and the Southern Death Cult.
It’s no surprise, then, that attendees rejoiced when they heard the Cult’s most popular song, “She Sells Sanctuary,” as well as others from the band.
It didn’t help that the sun had just gone down, leaving the small Lost Boys stage dimly lighted, and there were no visualizers to back the group. This meant fans could hardly make out the band unless they were close to the stage.
It’s not that Death Cult’s musicians were bad showmen. On the contrary, Astbury’s vocals were great, and everyone seemed to be on the same wave, except the crowd. Given all the factors at play, the set was just odd altogether.
10. The Go-Go’s
Fans arrived in droves, eager to hear their favorites from one of the biggest undercards on the lineup. I mean, it’s the Go-Go’s; you don’t want to miss “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “Vacation,” even if you’ve just spent hours in the rain, shelled out $20 on a cocktail and your soles are starting to scream at you.
It’s difficult to put a finger on what exactly went wrong for this performance; the hits were there and the crowd was packed. But every song felt uncoordinated, like the band could have spent a few more hours in rehearsal. The group was not only out of sync from the jump but the entire set was also plagued by feedback and sound mix issues.
“All right, I’m sitting back here motherf— … come on now, I’m working my f— a— off,” drummer Gina Schock said before diving into “Head Over Heels.” “I wanna see some movement out there, OK?”
But the crowd stood still. Even when the band finished off with “We Got The Beat,” the musicians’ attempt to lead a H-O-T-T-O-G-O chant — as they had done just weeks before at Coachella — fell flat on its face.
“You know that one,” Jane Wiedlin pleaded, to no avail.
This secret beach is only accessible by boat – making it the perfect retreat for those seeking a true hidden gem on a paradisiacal island in one of Europe’s most beautiful oceans
This hidden gem boasts a beautiful beach(Image: Getty Images)
It can be hard to find a true hidden gem these days, but this secluded island beach is rarely visited and boasts jaw-dropping views of the Ionian sea. It is also considered one of the world’s best beaches.
If you’re planning to take a trip to the Greek islands this summer, it might be best to miss the tourist hotspots of Santorini and Mykonos. Both locations have had to implement restrictions due to overtourism. But this doesn’t mean you need to skip out on enjoying a glorious beach trip. Instead, the little-known island of Antipaxos has much to offer those seeking a quiet retreat.
Sitting 4 miles from its larger neighbour, Paxos, Antipaxos has a permanent population of around 50 people. Relatively untouched, it draws its appeal from miles of unspoilt nature and sapphire beaches.
Antipaxos lies over 4 miles from Paxos (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
In fact, in 2025, the island was voted one of Greece’s best destinations by over 1.2 million travellers, according to European Best Destinations . They described it as “Greece’s hidden paradise for serenity and seaside luxury”.
While not suited for those looking for a hedonistic party scene, the island offers a treasure trove of coastal paradises. Not least, the hidden Voutumi Beach.
Primarily accessible by boat, the beach remains unspoilt and spectacular. It lies at the foot of a steep green hill with Cypress trees that reach close to the shore, giving it an almost mythical appeal.
Voutoumi Beach is surrounded by Cypress trees(Image: Getty Images)
Unsurprisingly, it has been declared one of the world’s top 50 beaches by worlds50beaches.com , even beating out white-sand beaches in Brazil and Mexico. Voutimi’s beach is composed of a mix of silky sand and pebbles – but the real beauty comes from the ocean, which is both shallow and warm.
Despite its seclusion, you can still find sun loungers on the beach. There is also a tavern on the hill behind the beach, serving up coffee, snacks and cocktails as you prefer.
The shallow waters also make it an ideal place to do some snorkelling. The turquoise water is crystal clear and perfect for spotting exciting marine species like wrasse and parrotfish.
Voutoumi Beach is a great snorkelling location(Image: Getty Images)
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “The best beach alongside Vrika and Mesovrika I’ve ever been to. Fine white sand, amazing view and Caribbean like sea water. A must see!”
Another said: “Amazing beach, not too busy either which meant we really enjoyed our time here. Recommend going to the bar high up on the left of the bay, the views of the bay were incredible. The sea was so clear as well, and it was a sandy beach!”
You can reach Voutoumi Beach by getting a boat from the port of Gaios, Paxos. You can either take a taxi boat or a ferry, which can take between 15 to 20 minutes.
