seaside

THERE is something to be said for an English seaside trip in autumn, when all the crowds have gone home.

And historic Broadstairs in Kent is certainly one of the UK’s finest coastal spots.

The beach town was loved by Charles Dickens, who called it the “freshest and freest little place in the world”.

However, it has come a long way since the author visited, with trendy new bars and hotels springing up.

I tied my windswept hair back and ventured into the bracing sea air of Viking Bay, Broadstairs’ main sandy beach.

Due to the time of year I was joined by just locals — and their dogs rolling in the sand — as well as sailing teachers and their students.

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You can’t come to the coast without trying the fish and chips, and some of the best is dished up at The Mermaid.

“Phwoah, shall we get some?” I heard a passer-by say as they ogled my overflowing portion.

I should have offered them some of mine as I had to admit defeat halfway through.

The seaside town is pint-sized and walkable, with both the Dickens House Museum and The Charles Dickens pub right beside each other.

The museum is housed in the cottage that inspired the home of Betsey Trotwood, the great-aunt of David Copperfield in Dickens’ novel of the same name.

It is only open from April to the end of October.

But time it right and you could experience a real-life Christmas Carol, with it reopening for a number of festive weekends in December, alongside live music and crafts.

And while you can’t go inside Dickens’ former holiday home Bleak House, you can enjoy it from the outside when it opens to the public for the monthly farmers’ market.

The town’s pretty high street is also a step back in time, with a quaint mix of old-school butchers and gift shops alongside modern coffee places.

My bag quickly became heavy after giving into the temptation to shop, stocking up on early Christmas presents and trinkets.

With the nights drawing in even earlier, dinner came round all too quickly.

And one of the best spots in town for a bite is Bar Ingo.

Opened in 2024, the tiny restaurant is a cosy affair — just five tables crammed against steamed-up windows. But it is worth the squeeze.

Bohemian auntie

It’s run by Swedish chef Tomas Eriksson, who once worked in the kitchens of celebrity-loved Soho House in London.

I gorged on small plates of rich braised beef, juicy octopus and crispy ham croquettes, alongside a glass of Portuguese orange wine.

It’s a place where you end up chatting to your table neighbour after they spot you eyeing up one of their dishes.

I had never been so grateful that my bed was just a few yards away.

Smiths Townhouse is one of the newest spots on the block, originally a coffee shop before reopening as a boutique hotel last month.

The six bedrooms take up most of the space in the pretty converted Georgian building. Each one feels like it’s been decorated by your bohemian auntie.

Think antique rugs and mid-century beds (one of which is rumoured to have been owned by Elton John).

The rooms are intimate and chic, with dark blue walls and floorboards that creak underfoot while padding over to make a cup of tea.

It’s tucked down a side road off the main high street, which means you’ll get a blissfully uninterrupted night of sleep.

I awoke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee coming from the downstairs cafe.

I thought I’d woken up early but I came down to find it already full of locals chatting about their night out over full English breakfasts and toasties.

The hotel has big plans for the future too, including an on-site bar, DJ sessions and a Pilates studio.

If you’re visiting during the summer, Broadstairs always has so much to offer, with big events including the Dickens Festival in June and Folk Week in August.

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But for some bracing sea air, Michelin-worthy restaurants and stylish new hotels without the crowds? Maybe a trip is the best saved for an October weekend.

I get why ol’ Charlie sung its praises . . . 

This seaside town has a reputation for being one of the country’s most expensive but I was forced to second-guess my assumptions

When I arrived at this seaside town, I expected the usual trappings of a millionaire’s coastal enclave: quiet streets, immaculate homes and the faint sense that everything is just a little too polished. After all, this New Forest harbour town is one of the most expensive coastal spots in Britain, with average house prices more than double the national average at £600,000, Express reports.

I was expecting it to be the kind of place where second homes outnumber locals, where the shops sell handmade dog treats, and where residents drive the kind of cars that never seem to gather dust. But as I wandered its cobbled streets and Georgian lanes, it became clear that Lymington in Hampshire doesn’t fit that stereotype.

For all its quiet wealth and picture-perfect charm, the town felt unexpectedly alive. What surprised me most wasn’t the grandeur of the homes or the sparkle of the Solent. It was the sense of community that seemed to ripple through everything. Even in a place where many doors stay closed for much of the year, there’s warmth and connection that you can feel as soon as you arrive.

Taking a stroll down the High Street on market day, the stretch of road transforms into a bustling corridor of colour and conversation. Locals chat across stalls piled high with artisan bread, handmade soaps and the day’s catch from the nearby quay. There’s the smell of roasted coffee from one of the independent cafes and the sound of a busker’s guitar drifting between the Georgian facades.

Down by the quay, children crouch on the old stone walls, dangling lines and bacon rinds into the water in hopes of catching crabs. The chatter of families mixes with the clang of yacht masts in the marina. Behind them, pubs like The Ship Inn and The Mayflower are full with people swapping stories over pints, as they’ve done for generations.

A few streets away, tucked behind the main road, small galleries and bookshops hum with quiet trade. And that’s the contradiction that makes Lymington fascinating. There’s no denying that many homes sit empty for large parts of the year. Walk along Captain’s Row or past the elegant townhouses near Bath Road, and you’ll spot drawn curtains and pristine gardens with not a footprint in sight. Yet somehow, the town refuses to feel hollow. Residents talk about the issue openly.

“It’s frustrating,” admits Adam Stote, 55, who recently downsized to a smaller property near the river. “We all wish more homes were lived in full-time. But the people who are here, we make up for it. There’s a real community and everyone looks out for each other.”

Part of that may come from the setting itself. The Solent glitters on one side, the New Forest rolls in from the other, and in between, Lymington feels cocooned, almost self-contained. It’s a place where the pace slows, where people stop to talk, and where heritage feels more like a habit than a history lesson.

Unlike other luxury coastal enclaves, the flash of Sandbanks, the celebrity polish of Salcombe, Lymington’s wealth whispers rather than shouts. Residents here seem to gladly trade glistening supercars and infinity pools for sea salt-dusted climbing ivy on weathered bricks. This difference adds to the town’s traditional character, from the quirky antique shops to the long-running St Barbe Museum and community theatre. Even the famous seawater baths, dating back to the 19th century, are run by locals who fought to keep them open.

Of course, Lymington isn’t perfect. The housing market prices out young families and parking is an eternal headache. As I walked back toward the train station, the tide was slipping out of the harbour and the sky had turned gold over the masts. It may be one of the most expensive seaside towns in Britain, but it’s also one of the few that still feels like a community first, and a postcard second.

The best city in the world to visit, according to a survey of global tourists, is just a three-hour flight from the UK and can be reached for as little as £20

A survey has revealed which city global travellers think is the very best to visit – and it’s a short flight from the UK.

Depending on who you ask, you might get a different answer as to which city in the world is the best to visit. But this location is the hottest European capital in October and has plenty of history for culture vultures to sink their teeth into.

The best city in the world for tourists, according to responses gathered by top tourism publication Condé Nast Traveller, is Valletta.

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The capital of Malta is only a three-hour flight from the UK, and journeys there can be nabbed on budget airlines for as little as £20. The survey asked tourists questions in several categories, combining responses to then come up with an overall satisfaction score for countries around the world. Valletta got an impressive 97.33 out of 100.

The travel publication recently released the results of its 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, reports the Express. Tourists were asked about a range of things, including a city’s walkability, cultural gems, nightlife, hotels and more.

Condé Nast described the “sun-soaked capital” as feeling both “ancient and fresh” at the same time. They also praised the Maltese capital for having “one of Europe’s buzziest creative scenes bubbling above foundations built by knights”.

Valletta, a small but mighty city with just over 5,000 residents, attracts a multitude of visitors each year due to its splendid weather and captivating history.

There’s no shortage of attractions in this city. The top-rated tourist spot is St John’s Pro Cathedral, a magnificent structure dating back to the 1500s. The city’s military and maritime history are significant aspects of Valletta and Malta as a whole. Other popular attractions that delve into this aspect include Lascaris War Rooms, Saluting Battery and the National War Museum.

Tourists also enjoy visiting Upper Barrakka Gardens, Valletta Waterfront, Grand Master’s Palace and Barrakka Lift. Beyond Valletta, the wider area of Malta, which spans only 122 square miles, offers even more to explore.

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Malta’s best beaches include the renowned Blue Lagoon, Mellieha Beach, St Peter’s Pool, Romla Bay, Golden Bay, Golden Sands Beach and Armier Bay Beach.

If you’re after good weather, Valletta is the place to be. The hottest months are July and August, with temperatures reaching around 32C. Even as the UK turns chilly and dark, Valletta continues to enjoy pleasant weather.

In October, you can expect highs of 25C, while November sees highs of 21C. Even in January and February, temperatures reach up to 16C and rarely drop below 9C.

THE first glimpse of a popular UK seaside town’s £20million beachfront transformation has been revealed in brand new footage.

Located in the heart of Devon, the new project is set to redefine a stretch of stunning British coastline.

An incredible new fly-through tour has provided residents with a first look at Paignton’s bright future.

The ambitious new plans include the instalment of vital flood protection and upgrades to public areas.

After being appointed by Torbay Council, the construction firm Knights Brown has revealed that it is preparing for full-scale works to commence in early November.

The project is set to unfold in three key phases.

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It aims to protect homes, businesses, and community areas from coastal flooding, while also introducing brand new promenades, seating zones, landscaping and improved lighting.

Phase one will focus on Paignton Green North, with work scheduled for completion before the English Riviera Airshow in May 2026.

The following phase will aim to tackle Paignton Green South.

While a separate single-phase scheme at Preston seafront is due to start at the end of the year.

The £20million project is being funded by the UK government and the Environment Agency as part of broader efforts to strengthen climate resilience.

Construction zones are expected to briefly pause during the 2026 six-week summer holiday period.

Throughout construction residents will also still be able to access both beaches.

Promenades will also stay open but may be narrowed in places.

The green spaces surrounding the work will also remain fully accessible and local businesses will continue to run as usual.

Cllr Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for place development and economic growth at Torbay Council, said: “This marks Paignton’s first large-scale transformational project—an initiative that goes far beyond flood defence.

“It will deliver a dramatically enhanced seafront experience for all, with modern design and improved public spaces that add lasting value to the area.

“More than protection, this scheme is about unlocking Paignton’s future as a thriving, vibrant coastal town.”

Mike Crook, divisional director at Knights Brown, added: “We’re proud to be working in partnership with Torbay Council on this game-changing project for Paignton and Preston.

“We have vast experience in coastal and marine projects, having worked on schemes across Wales and the UK, including Mumbles in Wales and Associated British Ports in Southampton.

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“Our team is excited to contribute to Paignton and Preston’s future—not just through construction, but by being an active and positive presence in the community.

“We look forward to working closely with residents, businesses and local organisations to ensure this project benefits everyone.”

The English Riviera is a 22-mile stretch of the South Devon coast with Torquay at its northern end. It’s sometimes compared to the French Riviera, but it’s a very different place

Stand on the promenade of this legendary seaside resort when the weather’s pleasant, and you could easily mistake yourself for being somewhere on the Mediterranean rather than in Britain. Lines of palm trees flutter in the wind, waves gently wash onto an expansive sandy shore and gleaming art-deco structures perch on the hillside overhead.

Take a closer look, though, and there are telltale signs you’re actually on the English coast rather than somewhere along the French Riviera. Reach reporter Milo Boyd is pretty sure traditional fish and chip outlets, seaside souvenir shops and penny arcade machines aren’t common sights along the Côte d’Azur.

And whilst a typical July afternoon in this Devon resort of 50,000 residents reaches around 20C with some cloud cover, the French Riviera basks in 29C temperatures with glorious sunshine and clear blue skies.

Parallels drawn between the Devon shoreline and the glamorous French destination date back to Victorian times, when tourists likened the mild microclimate and stunning landscape of Torbay – a 22-mile section of the South Devon coast with Torquay at its northern tip – to the 186 miles of the original Riviera.

Whilst the French Riviera sometimes faces criticism for being overly warm, rather posh, and costly, Torquay regularly receives brutal assessments of an entirely different nature.

Actually, it appears to attract an unfair share of criticism, reports Devon Live.

Last year, a Which? survey declared Torquay as Brits’ most disliked seaside destination, whilst The Telegraph ranked it as their 13th most disappointing coastal location.

Even one of Milo’s taxi drivers couldn’t resist having a dig, branding the high street as a “dump”. The decision-making process of these competition judges is a mystery to him, and their lack of taste in coastal spots is evident.

After a weekend getaway in Torbay, Milo was captivated and intrigued by Torquay, a seaside town unlike any other he has encountered in the UK.

Food and drink in Torquay

One of the town’s most appealing and tasty features is its food. Sure, you can find the traditional cod and chips every 10m along the seafront as you would in most UK seaside towns, but Torquay has much more to offer.

Milo had the good fortune to get a quick tour of the town’s food scene through an invitation to the 7 Chefs event on 4 October. Over seven hours, guests are treated to seven different seafood dishes, each crafted by a different chef and served in a different independent restaurant.

This annual event is highly sought after, making stops at the Michelin-starred Elephant for some braised octopus, the sibling-run Ollie’s for a generous lobster thermidor, delicately prepared oysters at No. 7 Fish Bistro and Offshore for its unique take on mussels with katsu.

If you fancy indulging in top-quality seafood and British-produced wines, then this event is perfect for you.

It might only happen once annually and set you back £120, but you’ll require a solid 364 days to recover after tackling diver-caught scallops at The Yacht, a generous helping of fish and chips at Pier Point, and cheese with far too much port at Twenty1 Lounge.

“Lightweight,” one of my fellow foodie companions shouted after me as he ordered another couple of reds for good measure, whilst Milo hauled his aching frame into a taxi.

The event also runs in Brixham on the opposite side of the bay.

The vibrant, boutique village houses one of England’s largest fishing markets and restaurants, including Olive, The Prince William, and The Mermaid, where many of the 40 fish and shellfish varieties landed here are consumed.

‘The Queen of the English Riviera’

Torquay is often dubbed ‘the Queen of the English Riviera’, and rightfully so.

On a bright day, the magnificent art deco properties crown the hillside overlooking the bay, sparkling in the sunlight like gems in a tiara.

Torbay lies just beyond the western tip of the Jurassic Coast and comprises Devonian limestones intersected with red ochre deposits.

These form a intricate landscape featuring elements like the wave-carved Berry Head platform and natural caves. On a Sunday afternoon, Milo was given a tour by Nigel Smallbones, the ranger at Berry Head Nature Reserve for 27 years.

He showed Milo the roosting spot of a 1,600-strong guillemot colony, the cave system where his son monitors the 56 resident horseshoe bats, and explained how rock enthusiasts travel from as far as China to appreciate the geology.

A short half-hour drive around the bay led me to Kents Cavern – a prehistoric cave system unearthed by some tough Victorians. It’s an awe-inspiring place that continues to yield significant scientific discoveries, including the jawbone of a Neolithic girl likely devoured by cave hyenas, and a colossal bear skull.

If exploring a cavern filled with stalagmites and stalactites isn’t your cup of tea, just up the road lies a piece of British comedy history – the hotel that inspired John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers. Perhaps due to its somewhat infamous association, the hotel has since been replaced by a block of flats and a commemorative blue plaque.

One stark difference between the Rivieras is their approach to drinking. Milo was genuinely taken aback and impressed by the amount his fellow restaurant-goers consumed, and how some managed to stomach a full English breakfast on a sunrise boat trip the next morning.

Such passion and resilience would be hard to find on the French Riviera.

Locals he spoke with admitted that Torquay’s nightlife isn’t what it used to be, with several mourning the loss of two clubs that once offered unlimited drinks for under a tenner.

Nevertheless, the party atmosphere endures through the 1,200-capacity Arena Torquay, which is hosting an Ibiza throwback evening next week, alongside a string of bars along the quayside.

With roaming packs of stag and hen parties, some donning lederhosen in honour of Oktoberfest, Torquay remains regarded as a cracking spot for a night out.

Devon’s temperate climate and breezy conditions mean its flourishing vineyard industry creates light, refreshing wines that complement seafood perfectly – a fortunate match.

Torquay also boasts several gin distilleries.

Laurance Traverso, director of the Coastal Distillery Co, served me a delightful G&T from his waterside headquarters.

So what’s behind the animosity?

There’s undoubtedly a segment of the British public that simply doesn’t rate Torquay.

If you rock up for a family break and have the bad luck of being drenched for seven days straight, Milo can see their point.

Some townsfolk have grown fed up with the high street and how districts beyond the seafront and tourist hotspots have deteriorated.

Local Sophie Ellis-Marsden revealed: “I avoid that end of town. I don’t have much nice to say, to be honest. The waterfront is lovely, and that’s the only thing that is.

“It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, I moved here from Milton Keynes for the sea, but it needs more work. More shops just seem to be shutting down. Everything’s gone, and I don’t really know why.”

The local authority appears determined to tackle these problems head-on.

Significant investment has already been made, with much more planned for the future.

The Strand at the harbourside has been transformed into a piazza-style promenade, featuring expanded pedestrian zones for dining and seating, plus improved public transport connections.

A former Debenhams department store is earmarked for demolition, to be replaced with new homes, cafés, restaurants, and an upmarket hotel.

Additional proposals are in the works for the town centre, along with further development at The Strand, which the council estimated would create approximately 80 full-time jobs, £32 million in wages, and attract 86,000 new visitors over a 30-year period.

The total cost of the scheme is reported to be £70 million.

The small seaside development in Carmarthenshire is known as ‘Sunset Village’ and offers stunning and tranquil views that residents say are like a year-round holiday

In a charming seaside town, there’s a row of houses that leave locals gasping ‘wow’ every morning.

Living here feels like a permanent holiday, regardless of the British weather. Who needs a coastal getaway when you can see the sea as soon as you open your curtains? Welcome to Pentre Nicklaus Village on the fringes of Llanelli in south-west Wales.

Although it’s just a stone’s throw from the town centre, the peaceful views and tranquillity make it feel miles away. Two decades have passed since the first of approximately 170 homes were built here, offering vistas found in few other parts of the UK.

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The properties in this development were designed in a ‘New England style’, giving you the feeling of being in a Welsh mini-version of The Hamptons – an area in Long Island, New York, known for its grand homes with spacious terraces and balconies overlooking breathtaking sea views, reports the Express.

In fact, it bears a striking resemblance to Seahaven, the fictional small, privately-owned beachside town from the Truman Show, made famous by Jim Carrey in the 1998 hit comedy drama. From your balcony, on a clear day, you can enjoy stunning views of Gower on one side and Tenby on the other.

“I’m always in awe – in the summer in particular it’s just breathtaking,” said Janice Gallacher, a local resident who enjoys a stunning view of the Millennium Coastal Path, a picturesque trail along the Loughor Estuary that leads into the bounteous Carmarthen Bay.

“But whatever the season, it’s beautiful. Every day is different, every day you get to see the sunset. Even when the tide is rough it’s brilliant to watch.”

In 2004, Janice relocated to Pentre Nicklaus alongside her husband Stuart, a Llanelli icon celebrated for his rugby accomplishments in both union and league, before assuming senior positions as chief executive of Llanelli RFC and the Scarlets.

Stuart died in 2014, but Janice has remained deeply devoted to the area they selected together. Now a great-grandmother, the location continues to provide plenty for her to enjoy.

Showcasing her spacious open-plan upper-floor home, Janice enthuses about the local wildlife and the sweeping coastal views on her doorstep.

She also highlights the proximity to Llanelli’s town centre, saying: “I can walk to the nursery in 10 minutes, we’ve got the golf club around the corner – it’s a wonderful place to live. I can see the coast for miles around. We knew when we bought the place almost 20 years ago that it was a home for life.”

Carwyn and Susan Richards, who reside next door to Janice, are equally fortunate with their seaside outlook and recall how the view of the property convinced them to relocate immediately. The pair hail from Llanelli and returned here in 2014 following a period in neighbouring Gower.

“We had to travel into and through Swansea to get anywhere, but here we’re close to shops, we’re close to family and we’re close to the M4, it’s perfect. Summer time is the best time to live here but it’s beautiful all year round,” they gushed.

A photograph captured by Carwyn, which adorns their wall, perfectly captures the stunning panorama from their home. “We’ve moved around a lot over the years with my job,” Carwyn recalled.

“We had a lovely place to live in Gower, right by the beach. When we decided to come back to this area, we looked at several places. But as soon as we stepped through the door here, it was June and straight away we saw that view. That was it. We knew within 30 seconds that this was where we wanted to be.

“We’re not moving again!” Susan declared emphatically. “This is home.” Further along Pentre Nicklaus, Garry is busy with his refurbishment.

Unlike most properties of comparable design that boast a wall separating the kitchen and lounge on the second floor, Garry has opted to knock it down, forming a vast open-plan area that makes the most of the spectacular seaside vistas through the enormous glass windows.

Garry and his family were attracted to their property in Pentre Nicklaus six years ago, chiefly for its breathtaking outlook: “We wanted this place because of the view. We originally came here because it’s near the sea and the coastal path and I love cycling – all that is literally right in front of us, so it was a lifestyle choice.”

Situated in Llanelli, a town with a proud rugby tradition, Garry’s home boasts a remarkable sporting connection, having previously belonged to Gareth Jenkins, the former player and head coach of the Wales national team – a detail Garry enthusiastically mentions from his balcony.

“We wanted this place because of the view. We originally came here because it’s near the sea and the coastal path and I love cycling – all that is literally right in front of us, so it was a lifestyle choice.”

“Some people might look at the land down there (between his home and the estuary) and think it’s just wasteland but we don’t see it like that. We have wild foxes here, we have birds of prey – for us it’s a nature reserve on our doorstep.

“The best part about the view is that it changes every hour. It’s expensive to buy a property here but it’s free for everyone to enjoy the path and the surroundings. We used to commute a lot, which is bad for the environment and it’s bad for our health. Thankfully I’m able to work from home. People might think you take it for granted after a while but you don’t. It’s just stunning.”

Living in Pentre Nicklaus delivers the perfect balance. Whilst the town centre’s energy and activity lies just a brief stroll away, your property serves as a peaceful sanctuary.

Peering through your generous lounge window during the evening hours, you’re surrounded by wildlife and the ocean, creating the sensation of being countless miles from civilisation.

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Torquay, which sits at the northern end of Torbay in Devon, is a town that attracts as much hate as it does love so one reporter went to find out why

Milo Boyd is a Digital Travel reporter who covers aviation news, the environment, the cruise industry and much else including travel tips, bargain holiday suggestions and inspirational global trips.

Stand on the boardwalk of Torquay when the sun is shining, and it’s easy to forget you’re in the UK and not on the Med.

Rows of palm trees sway in the breeze, the sea laps onto a long sandy beach and white art-deco buildings sit on the hill above. Look a bit harder, however, and there are signs you’re in the English rather than the French Riviera.

I’ve not visited Saint-Tropez before, but I’m fairly confident fish and chip shops, bucket and spade emporiums and 2p arcades aren’t major fixtures on the Côte d’Azur. The average July day in the Devon town of 50,000 is 20C and a bit cloudy, while the French Riviera enjoys 29C days of sunshine and blue skies.

OPINION

Milo Boyd

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Comparisons between the Devonshire coastline and the glitzy French region originated in the Victorian era, when visitors compared the warm microclimate and beautiful scenery of Torbay, a 22-mile stretch of the South Devon coast with Torquay at its northern end, to the 186 miles of the original Riviera.

While the French Riviera is sometimes criticised for being too hot, a bit snobby, and expensive, Torquay occasionally comes in for harsh words of a different variety. In fact, it seems to get a disproportionate amount of heat. Last year, a Which? survey named Torquay as Brits’ least favourite seaside town, while The Telegraph named it as its 13th worst coastal spot. Even one of my cabbies stuck a boot in, condemning the high street as a “dump”.

How the judges of those competitions came to their conclusion is something of a mystery to me, and their poor taste in coastal spots is obvious. After a weekend break in Torbay, I came away enchanted and intrigued by Torquay — a seaside town that is unlike any other I’ve come across in the UK.

One of the town’s strongest and most delicious qualities is its food. Of course, you can get a classic cod and chips every 10m along the seafront as you can in most UK seaside towns, but Torquay also offers a lot more.

I was lucky enough to get a whistle-stop tour of the town’s culinary scene through an invitation to the 7 Chefs event on October 4. Over the course of seven hours, guests experience seven different seafood dishes, each created by a different chef and served in a different independent restaurant.

The annual event is a hot ticket, stopping off as it does at the Michelin-starred Elephant for a spot of braised octopus, brother-and-sister-run Ollie’s for a very generous lobster thermidor, delicately prepared oysters at No.7 Fish Bistro and Offshore to try its katsu take on mussels.

If you love gorging yourself on the highest-grade seafood and British-produced wines going, then this is the event for you. It may take place just once a year and cost £120, but you’ll need a good 364 days’ break to digest once you’ve taken on diver-caught scallops at The Yacht, a not-so-mini portion of fish and chips at Pier Point, and cheese and too much port at Twenty1 Lounge.

“Lightweight,” one of my new gourmet pals called after me as he got another couple of reds in for good measure, while I heaved my creaking body into a taxi.

The event is also run in Brixham on the other side of the bay. The multi-coloured, boutique village is home to one of England’s biggest fishing markets and eateries, including Olive, The Prince William, and The Mermaid, where many of the 40 fish and shellfish species landed here are eaten.

Torquay is sometimes called ‘the Queen of the English Riviera’, and for good reason. On a sunny day, the grand art deco houses crest the hill overlooking the bay, twinkling in the sunshine like jewels in a crown.

Torbay sits just past the western end of the Jurassic Coast and is made up of Devonian limestones cut through with red ochre deposits. These create a complex landscape with features like the wave-cut Berry Head platform and natural caverns.

On Sunday afternoon, Nigel Smallbones, the ranger at Berry Head Nature Reserve for a 27 year stint, showed me around, pointing out where the 1,600-guillemot-strong colony roosts, the cave system where his son monitors the 56 resident horseshoe bats, and how rock fans come from as far away as China to enjoy the geology.

Half an hour’s drive round the bay found me down within the rock formations at Kents Cavern — a prehistoric cave system excavated by some hard-as-nails Victorians. It’s a dramatic place that keeps delivering major scientific discoveries, including the jawbone of a Neolithic girl probably eaten by cave hyenas, and a massive bear skull.

If a tour of the stalagmite-and-tite-filled cavern isn’t your thing, then just up the road is a piece of British comedy history — the hotel where John Cleese had the inspiration for Fawlty Towers. Perhaps because of the slightly damning association, the hotel is long gone, replaced by a block of flats and a blue plaque.

Another fundamental difference between the Rivieras is their attitude to boozing. I was genuinely shocked and impressed by how much my fellow restaurant crawlers put away, and how some of them had steady enough stomachs for a fry-up on a sunrise boat trip the following morning.

You’d struggle to find people of such passion and stern stuff on the French Riviera.

Locals I chatted to conceded that the nightlife in Torquay isn’t what it once was, a number lamenting how two clubs that offered all-you-can-drink for less than a tenner are now long gone. However, the party spirit lives on in the form of the 1,200-capacity Arena Torquay, which hosts an Ibiza throwback night next week, and a row of bars down on the quayside.

Given the marauding groups of stag and hen dos, some dressed in lederhosen in respect of Oktoberfest, Torquay is still considered a good place to party.

Devon’s mild climate and wind mean its growing vineyard scene produces light, crisp wines that pair well with fish—a happy coincidence. Torquay also has a number of gin distilleries. Laurance Traverso, director of the Coastal Distillery Co, poured me a delicious G&T from his base down by the water.

So why the hate?

There is, undeniably, a section of the British public that doesn’t like Torquay. If you arrive on a family holiday and have the misfortune of getting rained on for a week, I can understand it.

Some residents of the town have grown frustrated with the high street and how areas away from the seaside and the gaze of tourists have become run-down. Local Sophie Ellis-Marsden explained: “I avoid that end of town. I don’t have much nice to say, to be honest. The waterfront is lovely, and that’s the only thing that is.

“It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, I moved here from Milton Keynes for the sea, but it needs more work. More shops just seem to be shutting down. Everything’s gone, and I don’t really know why.”

The council seems committed to sorting out these issues. There has been some serious investment, with plenty more in the pipeline. The Strand at the harbourside has been turned into a piazza-style promenade, with wider pedestrian areas for dining and seating, and better public transport links.

A former Debenhams department store is set to be demolished, replaced with new homes, cafés, restaurants, and an upmarket hotel. There are plans in the town centre too, and further development at The Strand, which the council predicted would provide about 80 full-time jobs, £32 million in wages, and bring 86,000 new visitors over a 30-year period. The entire cost of the scheme is reported to be £70 million.

How to visit

The official English Riviera site has plenty of suggestions on where to stay and what to do.

The train from London takes three hours from Paddington to Torquay.

One destination in particularly is attracting a lot of attention and a lot of eyeballs. Selerno has seen a 211% increase in searches over the past year, putting it at the top of the Skyscanner hot list.

A pretty seaside town on the Amalfi Coast offers all the beauty of the region’s better-known destinations without the crowds.

Skyscanner has unveiled its list of the top trending destinations for UK travellers, highlighting places across the world that are turning heads and climbing charts.

One destination in particularly is attracting a lot of attention and a lot of eyeballs. Selerno has seen a 211% increase in searches over the past year, putting it at the top of the Skyscanner hot list.

“In 2026 UK travellers are turning their attention to smaller, lesser-known destinations that fly further under the radar but offer something fresh beyond the big-name spots. In Italy, Salerno offers Amalfi-Coast charm without the crowds,” the newly published Skyscanner report reads.

At first glance, the charm of Salerno can be easy to miss. Lonely Planet says that “Salerno may initially seem like a bland big city”, but that it has a “gritty, individuality, especially around its ostensibly tatty centro storico (historic centre)”.

OPINION

Milo Boyd

In the middle of the town you’ll find medieval churches, historical trattorias packed with locals and the hustle and bustle of Southern Italy.

The city has invested in various urban-regeneration programs centred on this historic neighbourhood, which features a tree-lined seafront promenade widely considered to be one of the cheeriest and most attractive in Italy.

The fact that it is far less well known than other locations on the famous coastline is an increasingly attractive quality. Amalfi and Sorrenton in particular have become known for being a little too popular for their own good.

“Hot take: I like Salerno more than anywhere in the Amalfi Coast,” a tourist wrote on Reddit.

“I recently made a trip to the Amalfi Coast, including all your typical stops: Positano, Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento. I scheduled a single night in Salerno, simply because it was a convenient place to stop on the way back to Rome. And surprisingly, Salerno ended up being my favorite place in all of Italy.

“The Amalfi Coast is beautiful, possibly the most beautiful physical setting I’ve ever seen. It’s the type of place that you oughta see at least once in your life. But seeing it and experiencing it are different things because its also exhausting and drains your energy. The crowds, the stairs, the prices, all of it was so exhausting that I usually ended up feeling like I just wanted to go back to my hotel’s terrace and just admire the physical beauty from there.”

Salerno, on the other hand, was the complete opposite.

“It’s less picturesque, but it begets exploration. The medieval centro storico is amazing. It’s a bit gritty but in a very inviting, charming way. Everything feels so authentic, and its just so bustling and vibrant. In Salerno unlike the Amalfi coast, I didn’t want to go back to the hotel, I just wanted to walk, stop at shops and trattorias, I wanted to explore every inch of it,” the tourist continued.

“Anyway that is my hot take. If you are someone trying to figure out if you should spend some of your Amalfi Coast vacation time in Salerno, my personal advise is: yes, do it, give yourself at least a night there. And book a room in the centro storico, even if that’s not the top most convenient location for access to the train station.”

FOUR streets have been urgently evacuated over fears of bombs found inside a home in a UK seaside town.

A bomb disposal team is currently attending the scene and a person has been arrested in relation to the incident.

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The precautionary measure was taken after cops arrived at the scene in Margate, Kent, at around 4pm on Wednesday 8 October.

They responded to reports of “suspicious items” found in a flat at an address on Rosedale Road.

A bomb disposal team from The Ministry of Defence (MoD) are attending the scene in Rosedale Road and inspecting items.

Police and fire crews are also present and a cordon has been put in place.

A spokesperson for the force has also confirmed that a person has been arrested in relation to the incident and has been taken into custody.

Homes in Rosedale Road, Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive have all been evacuated.

One resident, Liam John, 28, told KentOnline: “I think everyone just shocked that there were loads of police and a bomb squad.

“It looks like I’m going to be on the street tonight, so yeah, there’s not much I can do really.”

Another local has described the incident as “all a bit crazy.”

Councillor Jack Packman has urged effected residents to seek help.

Thanet District Council has set up an evacuation point at Hartsdown Leisure Centre, where support and assistance is available to those in need.

A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Police have evacuated residents in four roads in Margate following a report of a property containing suspicious items. 

“The precautionary measure was taken after Kent Police was called at around 4pm on Wednesday 8 October, to an address in Rosedale Road.

“Concerns were raised about items contained inside a flat.

“A cordon has been put in place and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from the Ministry of Defence is at the scene and inspecting the items. Kent Fire and Rescue Service crews are also in attendance.

“As well as in Rosedale Road, homes have been evacuated in Glencoe Road, Wharfedale Road and Malham Drive.

“Thanet District Council is managing residents’ welfare and Hartsdown Leisure Centre is being used to assist this process.  

“A person has been arrested in connection with the incident and taken into custody.”

A statement form Dane Valley Ward councillors adds that, at this stage, there is no cause for concern.

It reads: ““They have identified some items that require specialist examination, and as a precaution, a small number of nearby homes have been temporarily evacuated.

“At this stage, there is no cause for concern, and the situation is being handled carefully and professionally.

Milo Boyd from the Mirror’s travel desk headed down to Brixham in Torbay, Devon to check out the town’s pub, restaurant, fishing and music scene over a long October weekend

Milo Boyd is a Digital Travel reporter who covers aviation news, the environment, the cruise industry and much else including travel tips, bargain holiday suggestions and inspirational global trips.

Brixham is a small town on the Devon coast that may be the perfect place to go on holiday.

That’s because it is not your typical UK seaside destination. It is a whole lot more interesting, prettier and unexpected than that.

Historians will tell you that William of Orange first put Brixham on the map when he landed his army there in 1688, before marching off to London to claim the throne and mark the Glorious Revolution as a “big success”.

A short 111 years later, Parliament approved the construction of its fish market, which grew to be the biggest in England. Back then, 270 sail-operated decked trawlers and 1,600 seamen battled the elements to land thousands of tonnes of fish, which steam trains chugged up the railways to the Capital.

Today, a post-Covid online auction system means buyers across the world order some of the £25 million of catch landed annually at England’s most valuable fish market.

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But for me, and I suspect most holidaymakers who visit Brixham, it isn’t the royal connection or fishing that make the town an excellent place to visit. It’s Brixham’s beauty, and how much locals love to party.

On the beauty front, the good looks of Brixham are undeniable. My wife and I stayed in the Petite Maison apartments above the quayside, meaning we awoke each morning to the bucolic scene of fishing boats bobbing on water lit up by the rising sun like a rainbow oil slick.

Brixham climbs up 100m on both of the quay, with rows of cottages perched on the hillside. Traditionally, these were painted different colours so sailors could find their way home on poor visibility days at sea (or so a cabby told us). In recent years, the Light Up Brixham community group has encouraged homeowners to turn their properties pastel. The effect is an exceptionally pretty place that looks more than a little like Balamory.

While most will visit during the summer when Brixham’s quayside chippies, rock shops and arcades are fully staffed and bustling, a winter stay is an intriguing option.

Thanks to Light Up Brixham, the town is bejewelled in Christmas lights throughout the festive season, turning it into a blinking beacon of fairy lights and waving Santas that returning fishermen would struggle to miss even on the stormiest of nights.

In November, the town gathers to remember those who have died on the waves, paying their respects to the sound of Abide With Me, which was written by local Reverend Henry Francis Lyte weeks before his death.

“One of the most moving moments of the year for me is Remembrance Sunday when the town band plays Abide With Me and it coincides with the lifeboat going out to sea to lay a wreath for the merchant navy seamen lost at sea,” explains local Paul Jolly on the Brixham Today podcast.

Trips to Brixham have changed quite a lot in recent years. The town was home to three holiday parks, including a Pontins, which closed in 2014 and was subsequently destroyed by an arson attack. Today, long caravanning breaks have been swapped for weekend stays in Airbnbs and guest houses.

But that doesn’t mean that the lively heart of Brixham won’t be opened to you. Community is found in plentiful supply in the town’s pubs, which are some of the booziest and most raucous I’ve visited in a long time.

On Friday night, local funk duo The Schofields brought The Bullers alive, coaxing punters into makeshift Cossack dancing with a slap-bass version of Rasputin. A day later, guitarist Oli Syrett inspired those in the Golden Anchor to provide backing vocals to AC/DC’s Thunderstruck. After he finished off the set with an acoustic cover of Insomnia, we headed to Liberty – a cocktail bar where they’ll emboss a picture of your wife’s face onto her drink for just £1.50.

The merrymaking continued in less obvious spots. To coincide with the Tory Party Conference in Manchester, my wife and I decided to break the habit of a lifetime when in Rome and visit the Brixham Conservative Club.

There, the 80- and 90-year-old players of Odds and Ends brass band delivered a mix of 60s and 70s classics as punters necked £3.50 pints and disco lights swirled.

Our trip into the foreign political lands came to a sudden end when two friendly men from Herefordshire sandwiched us on the banquette, asked if we were “young Tories” and then explained why Keir Starmer was “rotten to the core”.

My wife and I escaped for dinner at the charming Olive on the seafront. The small plates restaurant has a lively atmosphere, a very extensive wine list, and perhaps the best fried halloumi I’ve ever had.

The next morning we shook off our hangovers and headed out to sea at 6.50 am aboard the Dolphin Explorer, for a fry-up and some porpoise spotting – all for £12.50. We’d been invited along by a charming local we met during an incredibly boozy bar and restaurant crawl in Torquay the day before.

“It’s my birthday in two weeks,” she explained while filling up four glasses with fizz as the sun rose above the horizon. “What people need to know about Brixham is it’s a drinking town with a fishing problem.”

A pretty UK seaside town may look like a picturesque holiday spot – but it has a dark history. Now locals are remembering those who were brutally killed in the 17th century with a new plaque

While it may be a picturesque seaside spot, this pretty town has quite a dark history behind it.

Weymouth is a seaside town located in Dorset, southern England and it’s know for it’s sandy beach, decorated with colourful beach huts and backed by Georgian houses. But what we see Weymouth as today was the total opposite to the dark chapter in history in the 17th century filled with brutal killings and bloody streets.

Two hundred and forty years ago, in September 1785, 12 local men were hanged, drawn and quartered in the town for their involvement in the Monmouth Rebellion.

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The brutal sentence was delivered by Judge Jeffreys at the Antelope Hotel in Dorchester during the infamous ‘Bloody Assizes’. This new plaque brings the total number of installations on the trail to 19.

Nowadays, Greenhill gardens is an award-winning gardens in Weymouth, with a tennis court, putting, bowling, live music events and two cafes. It has become a picturesque haven, beloved by locals and visitors for its vibrant floral displays and sweeping sea views, and the contrast between its serene present and brutal past adds a poignant depth to the town’s historical narrative.

Now locals from the We Are Weymouth group have unveiled a powerful new addition to the town’s heritage trail: a commemorative plaque on the Promenade at Greenhill, marking one of the darkest chapters in Weymouth’s history.

Graham Perry, chair of We Are Weymouth, said: “It is ironic that the first historical mention of Greenhill, one of the most beautiful spots in Weymouth, is in relation to this horrific event.

“The installation of this plaque helps us to remember the many layers of Weymouth’s history – both the celebrated and the sombre – and ensures they are not forgotten.”

The heritage trail, which celebrates the unification of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis in 1571 under Queen Elizabeth I, takes visitors on a journey through the town’s rich past. Highlights include the arrival of the Black Death, Weymouth’s rise as a Georgian resort, and its strategic role in the D-Day invasion.

Later this year, two additional plaques will be installed along Preston Beach, sharing stories from Lodmoor, a saltmarsh reserve with diverse wildlife, including waders, ducks, terns, and winter birds, and a reedbed with Bitterns and Bearded Tits.

Once complete, the trail will form a continuous historical journey from the Roman temple at Bowleaze to the iconic Nothe Fort, offering a superb and immersive experience for residents and visitors alike.

These initiatives reflect We Are Weymouth’s ongoing commitment to placemaking, community engagement, and celebrating the town’s unique heritage.

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The UK’s coastlines are among the most stunning in the world and can be appreciated all year round, especially in autumn

Just because the summer season has concluded, it doesn’t mean you can’t still relish sandy shores and delightful coastal towns. The UK’s coastlines are amongst the most breathtaking globally and can be savoured throughout the year – especially during autumn when you can wander the coastal path and treat yourself to hot chocolates at welcoming beachside cafés.

Senior Journalist, Portia Jones, confessed that autumn is her favoured time to visit the seaside towns of Wales as it tends to be more peaceful, and lodging could potentially be more affordable (particularly if you manage to bag a brilliant deal). She revealed: “Tenby, widely regarded as one of the best seaside towns in Wales, is one of my favourite destinations during the off-peak season.”

With gorgeous beaches just a brief stroll from the vibrant town centre, charming cobbled streets that could rival those in Italy or the French Riviera, and a selection of eye-catching, brightly-coloured houses that many British towns would covet, it’s scarcely shocking that this coastal treasure consistently features as one of the “best” seaside towns in the entire UK, reports the Express.

Dubbed the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the ‘Welsh Riviera’, Tenby has long been a favoured tourist hotspot and is one of the most cherished seaside towns in Wales.

Here, you’ll uncover a scenic harbour, Victorian architecture, sandy beaches, independent cafés and picturesque coastal walks along the captivating shoreline, reports Wales Online. Step beyond its ancient 13th-century walls, and you’ll discover sun-drenched shores and breathtaking clifftop vistas across the water towards the enchanting Caldey Island.

Portia revealed: “I have visited Tenby many, many times over the years, from childhood holidays to grown-up escapes with friends and my significant other, and I love it a bit more with each visit.

“While summer is perfect for sea swimming and long wine-filled afternoons on sun-trap pub terraces, I have come to appreciate Tenby more in autumn. Sure, the weather might not be as sunny, but this is Wales. Frankly, you can have a torrential downpour in August and a mini-heatwave in late September.

“It’s completely unpredictable, so you may as well chance a cheaper autumn visit and hope the weather gods smile upon you. I love that if you visit Tenby during the week, say, mid-October, you can escape the crowds and wander the pretty streets and sandy beaches in relative peace. Just wrap up warm, buy a hot chocolate, and watch the waves roll in from a chilled-out seaside cafe. Lush.”

She added: “Accommodation-wise I’ve found that you can get some pretty good deals in the off-season – especially if you visit midweek rather than at a weekend. One of my favourite spots is YHA Manorbier – a very affordable stay that’s a short drive from the town centre.”

This wallet-friendly hostel, situated in a former military base, provides glamping and camping options and costs under £50 for a private en suite room for two people (YHA members pay even less). Lodging choices include reasonably priced private quarters, distinctive American Airstreams, charming camping pods, and pitch-up camping.

Portia usually books a pristine private en suite room for just £45 for two visitors, and as a YHA member, she gets an extra 10% reduction. Granted, the private quarters may have limited space for large luggage, which estate agents might call “bijou” and regular people might describe as “compact.”

However, for slightly over £20 each, it offers outstanding value – especially in the expensive Pembrokeshire area. Portia observed: “Let’s be honest; you’re not checking into a YHA expecting a concierge, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a robe monogrammed with your initials. You’re here for the vibes. A community-spirited atmosphere fostered by shared kitchens, mismatched mugs, and conversations over wine in the lounge.”

Fancy staying closer to the town centre? Browse autumn deals on Booking.com and bag a hotel for roughly £75 for two adults. The Premier Inn Tenby Town Centre property costs just £68 per night for two in October and offers a cosy base right in the heart of all the action. Despite the summer rush being over, there’s still plenty to savour in Tenby.

From strolling along the coastal path and sampling craft beers in local pubs, to exploring independent shops for your Christmas shopping, Tenby has it all.

The town is home to several golden beaches perfect for a brisk autumn sea dip if you’re brave enough, or simply sipping hot chocolate while taking in the windswept coastline. South Beach, a sandy beach backed by dunes near the town centre, proudly holds the esteemed Blue Flag status.

When it comes to dining, Salty’s Beach Bar and Restaurant, situated right on the beach, is well worth a visit. Castle Beach, just a hop, skip and jump from the town centre, was crowned the UK’s best beach in 2019 and currently boasts an impressive 4.8 out of five rating on Google.

North Beach, nestled in Pembrokeshire, has previously been voted the most photogenic beach in the UK, beating other stunning spots like Durdle Door in Dorset and Brighton seafront. Harbour Beach may be the smallest, but it offers a charming backdrop of colourful houses, bobbing boats, and a road leading back to the town centre.

Autumn is the perfect time to explore the Tenby Coast Path. This picturesque section of the larger Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers breathtaking views of Tenby’s vibrant harbour, Caldey Island, and St Catherine’s Island.

Favourite trails include the four-mile stroll to Saundersfoot, a moderate nine-mile loop that returns inland, and a challenging 10.9-mile point-to-point path to Freshwater East. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, why not pop into Tenby Museum and Art Gallery?

It’s the oldest independent museum in Wales. Founded in 1878, this charming museum is home to a wide range of local geology, biology, archaeology, and maritime artefacts waiting to be explored.

Many of the exhibits also delve into the culture and heritage of South Pembrokeshire, offering you a peek into local history and art. A delightful gift shop near the entrance sells local books and gift items.

Entry to the museum will set you back £6.50 for adults and £3.50 for children. They also run a reusable ticket scheme – all tickets can be used for one year after purchase, so you can make as many return visits as you like within that time at no extra cost.

For those who fancy a Welsh tipple, there are two local breweries in Tenby. Both produce top-notch beers and supply local bars and restaurants. Tenby Brewing Co., which took over from Preseli Brewery, has multiple stockists in Tenby and is one of the leading craft breweries in Wales.

The award-winning brewery was conceived when two mates decided to ditch the daily grind and start their own brewery over a pint. The Yard, their trendy venue at the brewery, boasts a capacity of 150 and offers an exciting rotating menu from fantastic pop-up food vendors, draft beer lines from their range, and some of their favourite brewers.

Harbwr, the newer kid on the block, is a craft brewery and taproom that brews a variety of cask and bottled ales just above Tenby harbour. When it comes to food, Tenby’s cluster of tiny streets and pastel-coloured buildings conceals its best restaurants and cafes down the narrowest of alleys.

Plantagenet House is a hidden treasure, featuring flagstone floors, exposed beams, and a 40-foot medieval Flemish chimney. If you’re quick off the mark, you might even secure a table by the fireplace.

“A recommended dish is their vegan Thai coconut curry, which features squash, chargrilled spring onion, spiced rice, and roasted almonds,” Portia suggested.

Links restaurant, located on the ground floor of Tenby Golf Club, offers Michelin-starred dining, making it a top pick for food enthusiasts visiting Pembrokeshire.

The menu, crafted by a talented local chef, focuses on simple yet incredibly tasty dishes made with high-quality Welsh produce. Start your meal with their freshly-baked ale bread served with whipped Marmite butter – trust me, it’s the perfect starter.

The ambience strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and sophisticated, with a menu that seamlessly merges humble yet thrilling dishes. From hot smoked salmon paired with cucumber and buttermilk to heritage tomatoes coupled with buffalo mozzarella, there’s something to tickle every palate.

For your main course, relish in locally-sourced delights such as Pembrokeshire beef or Cornish cod in a bisque sauce, or treat yourself to a succulent rump of Welsh lamb served with all the right trimmings.

And don’t forget to save space for pudding – whether it’s a decadent dark chocolate fondant with tarragon ice cream or a zesty lemon meringue with almond cake and blueberry sorbet, you won’t leave feeling unsatisfied. D. Fecci and Sons might just dish up the best fish and chips in Wales, having catered to both locals and tourists since 1935.

With potatoes grown locally in Pembrokeshire and groundnut oil creating wonderfully crispy haddock, cod, and calamari, the chippy also offers fresh mackerel during the summer months.

For delightful treats, pop into Mor Tenby, an elegant family-run coffee house and gift boutique selling their signature coffee blend (“Coffi Mor”), sweet treats, deli items, home fragrances, household goods, gifts, and Welsh specialities.

A beloved establishment in Tenby, Top Joe’s remains the top spot for pizza lovers. This former ’60s diner has transformed into an artisanal pizzeria offering freshly-made pizza, pasta, and salads featuring high-quality Italian ingredients. Nestled in the heart of this delightful coastal town, it’s a firm favourite with both locals and visitors.

The culinary expertise of Chef Giovanni Recchia, recently acknowledged as one of the world’s best at the Pizza World Championships, enhances the menu. He crafts pizzas using locally-milled flour and top-notch ingredients, including cured meats from Trealy Farm Charcuterie.

One village has been named as a ‘perfect quiet alternative’ to a popular seaside resort, which has also been labelled one of the UK’s happiest places

Bamburgh, with its stunning castle and picturesque beach, was recently crowned one of the UK’s happiest places. But there’s another Northumberland gem that’s giving it a run for its money.

Last month, travel gurus at holidaycottages.co.uk revealed Bamburgh had made the top five ‘happy places’ for a staycation, as voted by thousands across the country. Now, they’ve highlighted Warkworth as the “perfect quiet alternative”.

“Just down the coast from Bamburgh, Warkworth offers the same fairytale feel but with fewer visitors and a riverside twist,” the experts said. “Like Bamburgh, it boasts an imposing medieval castle with sweeping views, but instead of a clifftop perch, Warkworth’s fortress rises above a peaceful loop of the River Coquet.

“You’ll still find golden beaches nearby, but here the pace is gentler. Explore craft shops, row to a hidden hermitage carved into the rock, or unwind in a cosy pub where the fire’s always lit.”

Situated a 40-minute drive from Bamburgh and just 30 miles from Newcastle, Warkworth has been receiving well-earned praise this year. It was also recently named by experts at Sykes Holiday Cottages as one of the top “up-and-coming” destinations for UK staycations.

The 12th-century Warkworth Castle, which towers over the village from its elevated position in a curve of the River Coquet, welcomes visitors throughout the year, with tickets available to purchase through English Heritage.

Featuring its distinctive cross-shaped keep and remarkable stone carvings, plus hosting everything from falconry displays to medieval tournaments, the castle represents just one of numerous historical treasures that guests can discover during their visit to Warkworth.

Another essential destination for history enthusiasts exploring the village is Warkworth Hermitage, an impressive 14th-century chapel and priest’s residence hewn into a cliff face that lies concealed along the river and can only be reached by boat journey.

Meanwhile, Castle Street serves as the principal thoroughfare in Warkworth and boasts some of the “most scenic views in Northumberland,” according to the county’s tourism board. Warkworth Castle is positioned at one end, and the village’s 12th-century church is at the opposite end.

There are numerous unique accommodation options in Warkworth, ranging from a 200-year-old stone cottage situated directly on the riverbank to a converted dairy and cow byre transformed into a holiday lodge. Additional highly-rated cottages available for booking for brief stays in the village include:

There are also some top-rated hotels in the village where visitors can rest their heads, with the number one option according to reviews on Booking.com being Bertram’s, a boutique B&B that is also a café during the day and a bistro at night. It is closely followed by Warkworth House Hotel, a dog-friendly hotel with 14 rooms to choose from.

The traditional seaside town’s weekly street market was shut down earlier this year, but the community rallied together to welcome the new market with open arms

Renowned for its golden sands, stunning buildings, and vibrant pier, this beloved traditional coastal resort is celebrating the comeback of its eagerly awaited weekly street market.

Following its closure earlier this year due to “out of control drinking, drug use, and violence”, the council had issued a call for fresh operators.

The market situated within the Arun District of West Sussex had become dangerous for vendors, but now it’s being completely organised and managed by residents from the classic South Coast resort. The revived market, which reopened in Littlehampton in July, features butchers, bakers, and even the sought-after weekly Community Market Stall for local charities.

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Local vendors Andrew Sleeman and Alf Franks, who teamed up to relaunch the market, told the BBC that the market hadn’t simply returned “bigger and better” but provided what residents desired.

Mr Sleeman said: “People wanted butchers, bakers, and fruit and veg stalls, which we have brought in. It’s paying off, and the street is looking busy.”

Generating numerous excited reactions from Littlehampton locals, one popular community page posted on Facebook in August: “Although the market doesn’t start till 9am, I can confirm that for the first time in a very long time, our little town has a green grocer and butchers!”.

One shopper with mobility challenges shared: “It was great to get down to the market today and see it was so busy. I have missed having a stroll around town the past couple of years due to mobility and health issues, and have missed having a wonder, browsing around the market”.

Another reported: “Butchers sold out of sausages, bacon, and chicken by 11am, and the green grocer’s very busy. Amazing to see our town buzzing and alive”. And one more confirmed: “We bought some lovely fruit and veg. The strawberries, though small, are super tasty and sweet.” On the whole, the feedback appears overwhelmingly encouraging.

In a different post from the Littlehampton page, one local resident commented: “More and more shops are coming to the area, the market has created a great vibe and more positivity for Littlehampton.”

Whilst another contributed: “For all the naysayers – think about the glass being half full instead of always half empty. Littlehampton has had a huge upsurge. Rejoice in it and try and support the shops.”

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Regarding security concerns, in March, Chief Inspector William Keating Jones, district commander for Arun and Chichester, stated: “Our officers are working hard with partner agencies to address the causes and tackle problems caused by antisocial behaviour and crime.”

He continued: “Our officers are working hard alongside partner agencies to address the causes and to tackle the problems caused by antisocial behaviour and crime.”

“Every Friday, from 9am to 3pm, the High Street comes alive with the bustling market. Just a few days ago, Littlehampton Town Council took to Facebook to encourage locals to “come along, explore the stalls and support all our amazing local businesses!”

Earlier this year, Arun Council put out an online call for new operators, outlining their vision for the revamped market: “The proposed market will offer up to twenty 3m x 3m pitches along the central pedestrianised high street, to assist the revitalisation of the area with a carefully curated selection of stalls that boost the local economy and attract increased footfall.”

Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper, Chair of the Licensing Committee at Arun District Council, said: “This is about curating a market offer that enhances what’s already here. We want to create a vibrant, welcoming space that supports local businesses, attracts visitors, and adds real value to the town centre.”

“We’re encouraging quality market operators to come forward and tell us about their offer, and we will only select those who can genuinely contribute to the town’s future and help us build something special for the community.”

A once tranquil fishing village famed for featuring in the TV series Doc Martin is now said to be inundated with visitors

Port Isaac, the picturesque Cornish village known for its role in the TV series Doc Martin and as the birthplace of sea-shanty band Fisherman’s Friends, is said to struggling under the weight of its own popularity.

The once peaceful fishing village, with its charming whitewashed cottages overlooking a harbour, is now teeming with tourists during the summer months. However, it has been reported that the lower part of Port Isaac has seen a significant drop in its population, with only about 30 residents remaining during the spring and autumn shoulder seasons.

Despite the influx of visitors drawn by its association with Doc Martin, Port Isaac has long been a favourite location for TV and film makers. The village served as the backdrop for the 2000 comedy thriller Saving Grace, as well as the original BBC Poldark series from the 1970s.

Local fisherman, Tom Brown, told the Telegraph that while visitor numbers have increased, they are spending less than previous tourists. He revealed that older locals “hate it” and avoid the bottom of Port Isaac, claiming “it’s ruined”.

However, Mr Brown believes that while the village has “definitely changed”, it isn’t ruined.

The surge in second-home ownership has reportedly priced local families out of the market. According to Rightmove, house prices in the village averaged £425,140 over the last year, reports the Express.

The online property website also noted that most properties sold in Port Isaac over the past year were detached houses, fetching an average price of £490,000.

Terraced houses were sold for an average price of £406,250, while flats went for £333,200. The Halifax House Price Index reported a UK-wide average of £299,331 in August.

Travel and Tour World has reported that a “steep” rise in property prices is driving locals away from Port Isaac, with those who stay facing an “overwhelming” cost of living.

Local businesses have also felt the impact of the surge in visitors over the summer, struggling to meet the demand from the influx of tourists and dealing with challenges during quieter periods.

Cornwall Council’s councillor responsible for homes, Olly Munk, stated that housing in the county is in a state of crisis, with more than 24,000 people on the local authority’s waiting list.

In 2024, the council added 775 “affordable” homes to the county’s total, and there are 600 sites approved for housing. Under a Government scheme, the county is required to build over 4,000 houses annually.

I get the feeling that the world divides into two very different halves as my two-hour train from Paris pulls into the splendid half-timbered station of Trouville-Deauville, with holidaymakers either turning left towards chic, luxurious Deauville, the Saint-Tropez of Normandy, or branching right, across the Touques River, to Trouville-sur-Mer, a more historic, easy-going destination.

I have opted to stay at Trouville, known as La Reine des Plages (The Queen of the Beaches), a tiny fishing port that was transformed from the 1820s onwards into one of France’s first fashionable bathing resorts by bohemian artists and writers, seduced by the unique coastal light, and the Parisian bourgeoisie looking for a healthy dose of sea air and a flutter in the glamorous municipal casino.

It is Wednesday morning, market day, and the high street that leads into town is teeming with stalls showcasing Normandy goodies: creamy Pont-l’Évêque and pungent Livarot cheeses, cider and apple juice, peppery andouille sausage, freshly harvested fruits and vegetables. The families of local fishers do a brisk trade at stands piled high with still-wriggling sole, plaice, mackerel, crab and red mullet that have come straight from the nets of small boats docked below on the quayside.

For visitors who have booked one of Trouville’s numerous self-catering apartments, the market is an ideal place to shop for dinner or a picnic, but I carry on into the centre of town to the unbeatably priced Hôtel Le Fer à Cheval (doubles from just €59 room-only in winter/around€140 in peak season). Identical twins Virginie and Sonia Bisson created their smart, welcoming hotel from three adjoining mansions 20 years ago, and are a mine of insider tips. So after checking in my bags, I take their advice and head straight for the beach bar Le Galatée a couple of hundred yards away from the hotel.

An iconic wooden boardwalk, Promenade Savignac, runs parallel to the lapping waves for more than a kilometre, the scene pretty much unchanged from Claude Monet’s 1870 impressionist masterpiece Promenade à Trouville. The terrace of Le Galatée is certainly the strategic place to sit, indulging in their famous chocolat chaud or an ice-cream sundae while taking the pulse of what is now a buzzing family resort.

The Reine des Plages now resembles a stately dowager, spoiling holidaymakers with classic seaside treats such as pony rides on the beach, mini golf and petanque. The boardwalk is lined with Normandy’s distinctive 19th-century half-timbered villas and palatial mansions, each trying to outdo its neighbour for opulence and grandeur. The iconic Hôtel Les Roches Noires – again immortalised by Monet, whose painting now hangs in the Musée d’Orsay – is a luxurious hotel, as many of these stately piles once were until they were converted into private apartments.

While Deauville’s boardwalk is lined with art deco bathing cabins dedicated to Hollywood stars who have attended the Deauville American Film Festival, such as Gene Kelly, Kirk Douglas and Marilyn Monroe, Trouville offers plain wooden benches bearing the names of writers drawn here for inspiration: Gustave Flaubert, Marcel Proust, Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas. Just behind Les Roches Noires, I walk uphill to the imposing Villa Montebello, home of the municipal museum, where I discover that Trouville was also a favourite destination for the 19th-century painters Courbet, Corot, Caillebotte and above all Eugène Boudin, later acclaimed as the father of impressionism

Aside from lazing on the beach, browsing retro fashion boutiques such as À La Petite Jeannette and Devred 1902, or exploring Trouville’s distinctive maze of narrow alleyways and steep staircases that climb high above the main town, the big draw here is eating out. Like every visitor, I am charmed by the raucous fishmongers lining the landmark Marché aux Poissons. With tables along the pavement, they serve plateaux de fruits de mer piled high with oysters, clams, prawns, whelks, cockles and mussels. Lunch is a memorable occasion, especially accompanied by a chilled bottle of Muscadet, though beware the bill – the prices you see on the stall are for takeaway, with a mark-up when served at the table. As Stéphane Brassy, president of the Trouville fishmongers association, tells me between shucking oysters: “We have queues of tourists lining up here every day of the week. Everyone loves the banter and understands that the quality of our fish and seafood comes at a certain price.”

In the evening, plush brasseries such as Les Vapeurs and Le Central are packed, but in the back streets I discover two exceptional addresses that have both been open for less than a year. The romantic Chez Ginette is decorated with checked tablecloths and chintzy wallpaper, presenting a bistronomique menu of grand-mère recipes such as eggs mimosa with smoked mackerel (€4.90), chicken cordon bleu (€17.90) or juicy bavette steak, frites and creamy camembert sauce (€18.90).

The funky Turbulent is like no other diner in town, with young chef Jarvis Scott proposing a daring five-course tasting menu for €70. His name betrays Anglo-French roots, but Jarvis says that, “even though I was brought up on baked beans and fried sausages, my cooking inspiration is very much French. I was looking to escape the high-pressure cooking world of Parisian fine dining and Trouville was the perfect solution, especially with the wonderful local produce from small boat fishers and organic farmers.” His menu changes every week and includes dishes such as deep-fried artichoke resting on a creamy chicken liver mousse, frogs’ legs alongside spicy merguez sausage, smoked beetroot with tapenade and wild sorrel.

But Trouville-sur-mer is not just a seaside destination, as the idyllic Normandy countryside of the Pays d’Auge begins just outside town. Les Trouvillaises bike shop recommends hiring an ebike (€35 per day) to comfortably explore the region’s rolling hills, and a leisurely 22-mile (35km) ride allows for stop-offs at an artisan dairy farm and ancient cidrerie.

At La Ferme Martin, Thierry and Caroline Martin are the fourth generation to produce artisan, raw-milk Pont-l’Évêque cheese. Each morning, Caroline takes the still-warm milk, fresh from their 60-cow herd, and makes cheeses in her tiny dairy, where a steady stream of locals and tourists turn up to buy direct from the farm.

Just outside the bustling market town of Pont-l’Évêque lies the sprawling 17th-century manor and orchards of Maison Drouin, the perfect place to discover the secrets of cider and calvados. Half a dozen Norman colombage (half-timbered) outbuildings house a press for creating the apple juice, vats to ferment and age the cider, an alembic still for distilling, a barrel room to age the calvados, and a busy boutique. No reservation is necessary, and as Guillaume Drouin explains, “We offer the chance to taste all our products, take a tour explaining our orchards with 36 varieties of apples, then see how we make everything. There is no charge, because I want our visitors to try, to understand and enjoy, rather than thinking they are paying to enter some kind of tourist attraction.”

Back in Trouville, on the way to the station, I cannot resist a glimpse inside the fabulous belle epoque Casino Barrière, an opulent reminder that this was one of the early magnets drawing travellers to Normandy a century ago. Just outside, in a former police building, a new attraction is opening at the end of October: Le Ciné Bistro is the brainchild of Claude Lelouch, director of the acclaimed Un Homme et Une Femme (1966), which he filmed in Trouville, and will offer an evening movie screening followed by dinner. Definitely a good reason to come back.

The trip was provided by Calvados Attractivité. Further information can be found at Trouville-sur-Mer and Terre d’Auge Tourisme

The quaint fishing harbour is located in a very famous part of the UK, but is a lot less popular than its surrounding area.

If you’re looking for the perfect seaside spot to visit this autumn that isn’t flooded with tourists, then there’s one place that ticks every box. Residents of a UK coastal town that’s frequently overshadowed by its more famous neighbours have celebrated its strong community spirit and passion for independent shops and eateries.

Seaton is a charming fishing harbour situated along East Devon’s Jurassic Coast – a World Heritage Site that draws approximately five million visitors annually. Although boasting year-round attractions including the tramway, museum, and beach, visitors often choose nearby Lyme Regis over Seaton.

One standout feature of the coastal community is its dedication to independent businesses, with local shop owners describing it as “the best place” to establish a company.

Amy Bonser helped launch Seaton Chamber Independent Market last year, which has since expanded to feature products from more than 60 traders, reports the Express.

She explained Seaton was the ideal location to create the market owing to its breathtaking local surroundings and established network of flourishing independent enterprises.

Amy told the Express: “Seaton was the best place to start a market. We have an amazing coastline on the Jurassic Coast, amazing gardens, which we use one for our market, and some amazing shops.

“As we mainly have independent businesses, this makes it an amazing place for local small traders to show off their independent business without the threat of the big companies.”

This view was shared by Carly Dean-Tribble, who runs Pebbles Coffee House and the Hideaway – two beloved cafés in the town. While admitting that running two independent cafes is “super hard work” due to people having less disposable income, she feels “very well supported by the local community and tourists alike”.

Carly confessed she hadn’t heard of Seaton before deciding to open her businesses there, but quickly realised it was the ideal location.

She said: “Seaton has a particular charm to it. I made my mind up that Seaton would be our home before we even viewed the business. It’s full of independent traders, which is a unicorn for sure. No big names here.

“Having independent businesses on our high street is a huge plus point. You simply don’t get that level of service and dedication from bigger corporations. People put their heart and soul into everything they do.”

Angela Mendham, another independent cafe owner who has run Passiflora for four years, echoed Carly’s sentiments. Despite facing challenges as more chain coffee shops emerge, she said Seaton locals have continued to show their support.

She expressed: “I do have a lot of locals who are very loyal, and I’m very grateful for their support. My locals have been as supportive as they can, but I’ve noticed that they are not spending as much so it’s hard, but I am very grateful.”

Looking ahead, Angela believes Seaton could benefit from increased funding that would only help its independent shops to flourish further.

She added: “I think Seaton needs more money from councils. Compared to Sidmouth, we really are the poor relative. But as the community goes, we are right on top.”

Solva in Pembrokeshire is a small village in Wales that’s starting to make a name for itself as a great place for a quiet holiday – and it’s not hard to see why

A tiny Welsh village is starting to establish itself as the perfect destination for a peaceful getaway – and it’s not too far away from home.

Summertime is over, and the jacket season has already begun. However, there’s never an excuse not to go on a little holiday. If you’re looking to take a break from the loud streets of London, there’s a magical place just under six hours away from the city.

Solva sits in the southwestern tip of Wales, right beside Pembrokeshire National Park. The village has also earned recognition for its excellent cuisine, with local eateries serving up fresh seafood.

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Mamgu Welsh Cakes, a Welsh-based confectionery company, recently sang Solva’s praises in a blog entry. They said: “Solva is without doubt Pembrokeshire’s most shining gem, arguably Wales’ too! Nestled between two high cliff sides in a valley, the idyllic harbour village boasts one of the most breathtaking coastal views in the country.”

“You can find local fishermen and women bring in its famous Solva crab and lobster, which can be purchased in the village and served fresh in the restaurants,” it continued. Additional draws in the village include art galleries, music festivals, and naturally, the tranquil shoreline.

Travel bloggers Emily and Krystina, who operate a travel blog called My UK Staycation on Instagram, were equally charmed by the village.

OPINION

They said: “Pretty little Solva. The Welsh harbour village which stole my heart. With neighbouring St David’s and Tenby stealing most of the limelight of Pembrokeshire this is like a hidden little gem, but with a big history. Don’t miss it on your next trip to Pembrokeshire. It’s worth going out your way for and if you catch the sun like we did then it is the most gorgeous beach day.”

The vibrant cottages and picturesque hills make Solva a uniquely tranquil spot for a seaside getaway. The coastline also boasts fantastic walking trails for those in search of adrenaline, spectacular views or an Instagram picture-perfect spot. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path guides visitors past the breathtaking cliffs.

As per the latest reports from City Population, it has a total population of 653. So, it really is a hidden gem. Perfect for families, friends, couples or even for a solo trip, don’t look further and visit Solva.

A sleepy UK seaside town has been nicknamed ‘Devon’s Dubai’ after experiencing a major property boom, with many flocking to the picturesque location for a change of pace

A quaint seaside town, often referred to as ‘Devon’s Dubai’, has seen a significant property boom, earning it its new nickname.

Salcombe, also known as Chelsea-on-Sea, surged in popularity during the Covid pandemic when remote working became the new normal and people opted to ditch the busyness of the city for a slower pace of life near the British coast.

Blair Stewart from Strutt and Parker revealed that at one point, he was selling properties for an astonishing £2,000 per square foot in Salcombe – a price comparable to that in Knightsbridge, London.

“When Covid hit, it turned everything on its head. It was a feeding frenzy. I was doing 50% of my sales before the property ever hit the market. It was a surge, a massive influx of new buyers and it became like a gold rush. Everybody was trying to bail out of London and they came down here on holiday and woke up to how beautiful it is,” he told the Daily Mail.

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“The market was already really strong for second homes and we saw a 25% price jump in 2020. We had well-known people coming down by helicopter. I’d pick them up and drive them around to view places and nobody ever spotted them walking along the street.

“I don’t know anywhere else in the UK that experienced a situation like this, the nearest thing I can compare it to is the property buzz in Dubai when I worked there.”

In 2023 and 2024, Salcombe took the title of the most expensive seaside town in the UK, even surpassing the renowned Sandbanks in Dorset, reports the Express.

In 2022, the average house price in the area was roughly £1.2 million. However, over the last year, this figure has dropped to £816,303.

Detached properties sold for an average of £923,115 and flats for £853,147, according to data from Rightmove.

This represents a significant decrease of 18% from the previous year and 35% from the peak in 2022.

Charlie Heath, associate director at Marchant Pettit based in Salcombe, commented: “We had an extraordinary uplift in prices from 2020 to 2023, the equivalent normally would’ve been spread out over five to six years.”

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The charming town is known for its picturesque waterfront and historic charm. It’s also a popular destination for a staycation, especially in autumn

As autumn arrives and temperatures drop, a picturesque coastal town, calls to holidaymakers craving a peaceful getaway. Dubbed the “Pearl of Dorset,” Lyme Regis regularly features amongst Britain’s top travel spots, renowned for its stunning shoreline, historical appeal, and welcoming ambience that creates the perfect backdrop for a serene staycation.

From gentle walks along the Jurassic Coast to hearty fare in a classic pub, Lyme Regis provides an idyllic location for a restful autumn break. Lyme Regis lies at the centre of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans England’s southern shoreline.

This 95-mile stretch of coast is renowned for its striking cliffs and fossil-laden shores, attracting rock enthusiasts and amateur treasure hunters, reports the Express.

With fewer crowds, autumn presents one of the finest opportunities to discover the town’s famous Monmouth Beach and Lyme Bay.

Tourists frequently observe fossil seekers combing the coastline for ammonites, belemnites, and other ancient relics tucked within the cliff face.

The area’s natural splendour becomes particularly enchanting during autumn, when the coastal walkways and forest tracks burst with seasonal shades.

For an easy ramble, visitors can tackle the South West Coast Path, offering sweeping vistas of amber cliffs and the sparkling ocean.

Alternatively, venture inland to discover Undercliff National Nature Reserve, a peaceful wooded sanctuary adorned with autumn tones. Autumn in Lyme Regis isn’t just about the stunning landscapes; it’s also about savouring cosy moments indoors.

The town is peppered with traditional pubs, charming cafes, and craft shops, all contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere as the mercury dips.

The Rock Point Inn, with its crackling log fires and panoramic sea views, is the ideal spot to enjoy a pint of local ale or a hearty meal after a day of exploration.

Alternatively, for those seeking a more tranquil experience, the Good Food Café and Deli serves up scrumptious homemade cakes and seasonal produce, perfect for a serene afternoon respite.

Lyme Regis is also renowned for its artisan shops and galleries, which display works from local artists and craftspeople.

Take a stroll down Broad Street to uncover unique pottery, handcrafted jewellery, and locally made keepsakes that encapsulate the essence of this seaside town.

Autumn is the perfect time to explore these shops, often brimming with autumnal crafts, cosy textiles, and delightful decorations befitting the season.