Royal Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Believed to be one of the country’s most haunted houses, the stunning castle offers guided tours, grade I listed gardens and even bed and breakfast stays

A genuine reflection of Wales‘s magnificent historic landmarks, this castle certainly deserves its place amongst the ‘must-visit’ destinations topping everyone’s travel lists.

Nestled peacefully in the stunning Conwy Valley, the castle sits within the foothills of Snowdonia and is frequently described as one of Britain’s finest Tudor houses.

Fortunately for visitors, the impressive Gwydir Castle welcomes the public from April to September three days weekly to discover its splendour through guided tours.

Originally built as the grand ancestral residence of the influential Wynn family, it was first built in the 15th century. Today it holds grade I listed status after previously falling into a state of disrepair.

While the castle is celebrated for its beautiful peacocks wandering the grounds, it’s equally notorious for its eerie ambience.

Gwydir is thought to be amongst Wales’s most haunted properties, though this hasn’t deterred royal visits over the years, with King Charles making a return in July 2018, then as Prince of Wales, two decades after his earlier visit.

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Restoration

By 1994, the property had languished in a derelict state for years and desperately needed some serious attention, which was provided by its new owners, Peter Welford and Judy Corbett.

Though restoring this historic building has been far from straightforward, it’s a project to which they have essentially devoted their lives.

The restoration remains an ongoing endeavour, but the achievements so far have been remarkable, with the project funded almost entirely from their own pockets, apart from a modest grant from Cadw.

The work has been methodical yet painstaking, carried out with such dedication and devotion by its custodians that visitors can now appreciate the results.

This remarkable journey included repurchasing what was legitimately theirs and returning it to where it truly belonged – crucial architectural elements from the original dining room.

The fireplaces, wood panelling, and doorframes were removed and transported overseas after being purchased by William Randolph Hearst, the renowned newspaper tycoon.

Yet in 1995 they discovered Gwydir’s missing dining room features, languishing in a storage facility unused by the Metropolitan Museum in New York.

Following extensive negotiations and 75 years in America, they were finally restored to their rightful place at Gwydir Castle. To commemorate this restoration triumph, the Dining Room wing was officially reopened by King Charles himself in 1998, whilst he served as Prince of Wales.

Present day

Visitors aren’t limited to simply exploring the grounds – they can actually lodge in its magnificent accommodation, which provides a bed and breakfast service. What’s more, the property can also be booked for weddings and special occasions.

What truly enables visitors to fully appreciate the venue, however, is through its guided tours, which are available for groups of 15 people or more.

The attraction opens between 11am and 4pm, and is currently welcoming day-trippers at an entry fee of £12 for adults and £5 for children.

One recent guest described their visit to the castle on TripAdvisor, writing: “Without doubt anyone visiting this castle would be amazed by the history of the site and the surrounding grade I listed gardens beautifully kept.

“They also have beautiful peacocks roaming free all around the castle and are fantastic to watch.”

Another visitor said: “Absolutely fabulous! Highly recommend. The house is lovely, and the gardens are terrific. The period furniture throughout the house is beautiful. A lovely revisit of a special holiday after so many years.”

Those passionate about horticulture will delight in the outdoor areas, which hold the prestigious distinction of being among Wales’ only grade I listed gardens, effortlessly combining influences from the Renaissance, Tudor, and Stuart eras. During their visit, nature lovers can spot yew trees, Cedars of Lebanon, and wisteria alongside numerous elegantly crafted fountains scattered throughout.

A further visitor added: “This beautifully restored 17th-century castle is a hidden gem that deserves to be much better known. The house and gardens are magical. They also have holiday accommodation, but it is a perfect day-visit.”

The BBC has come under fire after it emerged that the broadcaster won’t be showing coverage of the royals at the Commonwealth Day service but will air another show instead

The BBC will not be airing the royals at the Commonwealth Day service next week. Instead, those tuning into the national broadcaster will be treated to Escape To The Country.

The service, held at Westminster Abbey since 1972, has been televised by the BBC since 1989, connecting the United Kingdom and the 56 nations of the Commonwealth and its 2.7billion people. Each year, a string of senior royals attend the ceremony, with King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Princess Kate heading to the Abbey this year.

It’s expected that Spice Girls icon Geri Horner and Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse will give readings to the 1,800 people in attendance at the ceremony. But while the BBC usually broadcasts the service, people will see a Canadian couple be shown their dream homes in the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

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The move by the national broadcaster hasn’t gone down too well, with royal author and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, Ingrid Seward, telling The Sun: “It’s a ridiculous and appalling decision. The BBC has been doing it for years, and it’s the most important date in the diary for celebrating the Commonwealth.

“If even the BBC doesn’t think it’s worthy to cover and celebrate despite its huge cultural significance for member states and the monarchy, then the Commonwealth could fade into irrelevance with every passing year.” However, a spokesperson for the BBC said: “Our decision not to broadcast the Commonwealth Day ceremony in the same way we’ve done in previous years reflects the difficult choices we have to make in light of our funding challenges.

“BBC News plans to cover the service across its platforms, including the BBC One bulletins and rolling news channel.” Among the congregation will be Commonwealth high commissioners, Government representatives, young people and leading voices from the creative community. The service will feature poignant artistic moments, including the world premiere of the Commonwealth Symphony, composed by Rekesh Chauhan.

The annual service will also feature a bespoke dance collaboration between the Royal Ballet School and Sapnay Entertainments, uniting classical ballet and Bollywood in a powerful expression of cross-cultural partnership. Other performers include a Scottish ceilidh band, the Melodians Steel Orchestra and further special reflections and readings from guests.

As head of the Commonwealth, Charles issues an annual message to the 56 member-nations, which will hold their biennial Commonwealth meeting this year during the first week of November in the capital of Antigua and Barbuda.

The service will celebrate collaboration as the defining strength of the modern family of nations, drawing inspiration from the meeting’s theme of accelerating partnerships and investment for a prosperous commonwealth.

The event next week will be Kate’s first outing since she and her husband William celebrated St David’s Day last week with a trip to Wales. The Prince and Princess of Wales travelled to Powys for a string of engagements, where they tore up their official schedule to greet hundreds of people who braved the rain to see them.

They travelled to The Hanging Gardens, a community hub focused on resilience and creativity, in the mid-Wales town of Llanidloes, arriving to cheers from the crowds, many waving Welsh flags and holding daffodils.

William and Kate then headed to Oriel Davies – a public contemporary art gallery in Newtown. They viewed the Hand in Hand art project, a community scheme co-produced by the gallery and Syrian and Afghan families living in Newtown and the surrounding areas.

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Viewers of ITV’s new true crime drama The Lady, starring Natalie Dormer as Sarah Ferguson, have voiced concerns about the timing of the series amid ongoing royal controversy

ITV’s The Lady debuted this evening, prompting immediate reaction from viewers just minutes into the Sarah Ferguson drama.

The four-part true crime series chronicles the devastating story of Sarah Ferguson’s royal assistant, Jane Andrews, whose trajectory from humble beginnings to palace life ended with her being convicted of murdering her partner, Thomas Cressman, in 2000.

According to the opening episode’s description, “Working-class woman Jane Andrews wants more for her life and is unlucky in love.”

It continues: “On the brink of losing all hope, she receives a letter inviting her to interview for a job with Sarah, Duchess of York, at Buckingham Palace. Securing the job, she moves to London – but life in the palace is gruelling, and Jane struggles to fit in, but she and Sarah find common ground in their experiences of love and betrayal.”

Mia McKenna-Bruce portrays Jane Andrews in the ITV production, whilst Natalie Dormer underwent a transformation to embody Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, reports the Express.

Within minutes of broadcast, audiences flocked to social media to voice their opinions, with numerous commenters branding it “poor taste” and “bad timing”.

One viewer declared: “Quite possibly, the worst-timed launch of a TV series, ever. #thelady,” whilst another questioned: “Was it the best time to show #TheLady, considering all the controversy around Andrew Windsor and Sarah Ferguson?”

However, a third viewer observed: “ITV couldn’t have timed this any better. It’s pretty good too #TheLady.”

Other viewers concurred, with one stating, “Bad taste at the moment showing anything to do with Sarah Ferguson,” whilst another remarked, “I don’t think this drama could have been timed any better #TheLady.”

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The production also garnered widespread acclaim, with one fan writing, “Ok tunes have me hooked already…..”

Another viewer shared their enthusiasm: “#thelady ok 15 mins in, and I’m hooked! Quality-made drama.”

Tomorrow evening’s second episode, which can be streamed on ITVX, promises: ” Jane meets dashing businessman Luis Castillo, and the two begin a relationship, but tensions soon erupt on a holiday in Greece and she becomes increasingly unstable.”

The synopsis continues: “As Jane’s carefully constructed composure starts to fracture and puts her position with the duchess at risk, a lifeline appears in the shape of the charismatic Tommy Cressman.”

The third episode will subsequently be broadcast next Sunday at 9pm on ITV.

The Lady continues tomorrow evening at 9pm on ITV, with episodes currently available to stream on ITVX.

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Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left divided by the drone performance featuring King Charles’ voice that closed the first episode of the ITV series

Britain’s Got Talent viewers were left split over one particular act that brought the curtain down on the opening episode of the ITV programme.

This year, hundreds of hopefuls will be greeted by award-winning presenters Ant and Dec before showcasing their abilities to judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and newcomer KSI.

Performers from every corner of the UK and across the globe will be taking to the stage, hoping not only to impress the judging panel but also the voting public, in a bid to scoop the life-changing prize of £250,000 and a coveted spot at the legendary Royal Variety Performance.

Fans were quick to voice their opinions after Somerset act Celestial closed the show with a spectacular mega-drone display. As the judges and audience filed outside, Celestial put on a breathtaking show combining drones and lights.

Towards the finale of the performance, King Charles‘ voice was heard in a poignant tribute, leaving some viewers feeling it “couldn’t have come at a worse time”, reports Belfast Live.

The voice said: “Wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love.

“Our nation and the wider family of realms, of whose talents, traditions and achievements, I am so inexpressibly proud. Have prospered and flourished, which makes us great as a nation.”

Amanda Holden remarked, “I am going to start crying.”

Responding to the act, one viewer wrote: “An act with the King’s voiceover could not have come at a worse time!”

“This is kinda sick #BGT,” wrote one viewer, whilst another chimed in with, “Not good timing but wow this is cool.”

One sharp-eyed fan noted, “Celestial- very cool very different I love it but I can’t see the King going outside to watch it that’s the only thing #BGT.”

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Another raised a valid point, asking: “How is a drone act going to work on the stage at The Royal Variety Show?”

Heaping praise on the heartfelt performance, one devoted viewer declared, “Celestial, best act of the Night #BGT.”

“Well, wasn’t that brilliant? Brought a wee tear to my eye #BGT,” gushed yet another fan.

Britain’s Got Talent is available to watch on ITVX.

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