Somerset

The UK’s cheapest city break has been revealed and it’s a gorgeous destination to visit during the autumn and winter months especially if you like a good walk

City breaks have gotten expensive of late, and even a staycation in the UK can leave your bank account feeling drained. Luckily, there are still some destinations that offer value for money if you’re looking to get away for a while.

In general, staying away from the major tourist hotspots is the best way to get a city break bargain. One city in Somerset that is unlikely to be on your bucket list has topped Which?’s list of the best-value UK city breaks, with an overall score of 86%.

Wells in Somerset beat competitors from Liverpool to Lincoln to clinch four-stars for value for money, cultural sites, tourist attractions and accommodation. Best of all, it’s still possible to get a hotel room for under £100 a night, which is becoming increasingly difficult as prices rise across the UK.

Officially England’s smallest city, it manages to pack plenty of charm and attractions into a compact, walkable space. Part of the reason it was given city status in the 1970s was due to its impressive cathedral which has become an icon. Wells Cathedral has an impressive gothic style and includes The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens. You can tour this spectacular medieval palace as well as the 14-acres of gardens where you can spot wildlife including swans and deer.

The cathedral also connects to Vicars’ Close, a cobbled road that is reportedly Europe’s oldest residential street that still has its original buildings. Just wandering around Wells feels like you’ve stepped back in time, and the High Street is full of charming little independent shops that are fun to wander round.

Wells also has lots of cosy, historic pubs where you can relax after a day of exploring. The Crown dates back to the 15th century and has a warm, welcoming vibe, while The City Arms was built in 1606, and was the local jail for some time before becoming a pub and inn.

This compact city is also perfect for a weekend of walking. The National Trust site Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve sits on a limestone gorge and offers spectacular views across the Mendip Hills. There are three different trails you can take to explore the gorge, the longest and most difficult is 1.9 miles and involves some rocky terrain, but is worth it for the views.

Just a few minutes’ drive away are the Wookey Hole caves. You can tour these beautiful caves and even take part in activities such as climbing or taking adventure tours off the beaten paths. Wookey Hole also has a museum where you can learn about the history of the caves, and is home to Dinosaur Valley, a prehistoric-themed park with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and fun, family-friendly trails.

READ MORE: Europe’s ‘cheapest city break’ has £3 pints and beautiful Old TownREAD MORE: UK’s 10 ‘most haunted’ walking trails this Halloween and their chilling backstories

Wells has a weekly market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and in the run up to Christmas, there are festive-themed events planned. An Artisan Christmas Market takes place at the Bishop’s Palace on November 8 and 9, then on December 6 there’s a Christmas market at the Market Place and Cathedral Green. This will host over 100 stalls, and promises festive food, gifts, and live music performances.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive staycation, consider a trip to Wells. This underrated historic city is less crowded than nearby Bath or Bristol, but still makes for a relaxing weekend away.

Nunney has previously been dubbed the ‘prettiest village in England’ and it’s easy to see why, with its medieval castle, traditional pub and picturesque surroundings

It’s almost time for the clocks to go back, and chillier weather is settling in, now’s the perfect moment to secure a snug winter break closer to home.

Fortunately, Britain boasts some stunning locations, with beloved spots scattered across the nation.

If you’re lacking ideas, there’s a charming village that’s previously been dubbed England’s ‘most beautiful’ that’s absolutely worth exploring this winter.

Nunney is a tranquil village nestled in the heart of the West Country, within Somerset’s Mendip district.

The village is rich in heritage, much of which remains visible today.

Its medieval fortress, traditional village local and gorgeous surroundings are standout attractions for tourists.

The French-influenced castle, originally constructed for Sir John Dalaware in 1371, is encircled by a deep moat and is believed to have been modelled on Paris’s Bastille.

The walls remain largely preserved and it is “in perfect scale with its surroundings”, according to Visit Somerset.

Enthusiastic ramblers will be delighted to find the village trail.

Obtainable from Frome’s Tourist Information, the trail offers the finest way to discover the village’s attractions.

If you’ve built up a hunger whilst discovering Nunney, you might fancy popping into The George pub, which conveniently sits directly across from the castle.

As a traditional 17th century coaching inn, The George boasts exposed timber beams and crackling fires during winter and dishes up substantial local fare alongside 10 rooms for visitors travelling from afar. If you fancy extending your trip, consider a visit to Frome, a mere two miles from Nunney.

Recognised as one of the Times “Best Places to Live in Britain”, Frome is renowned for its historic architecture and independent boutiques.

As “the original Somerset Market Town”, Frome has kept up the tradition with regular markets every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The Frome Independent Market also makes an appearance on the first Sunday of each month from March through December.

Labelled as a “mini festival”, this monthly market takes over the entire town, drawing in thousands of visitors who come to browse the shopping stalls, sample local food and drink from vendors, and enjoy the street entertainment.

BIG BROTHER housemate Cameron revealed the surprising REAL reason he entered the house.

The 22-year-old farmer, from Somerset, got candid with fellow housemate Zelah, and opened up about his true intentions for coming onto the show.

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Cameron, who introduced himself as an introvert, told his co-star that he had entered the house on a mission to lose weight, as the pair openly discussed issues around body image.

As the pair had a conversation Cameron admitted that he had come into the house to “lose a bit of weight”.

Zelah, who works a professional trainer, asked if Cameron had any goals when it came to food.

Cameron responded: “Just like not eat so much crap all the time, like don’t binge as much.“

He went on to ask Zelah: “Did you used to be big?”

The personal trainer responded: “I used to be bigger, I used to be overweight.”

Zelah continued: “During my teen years, I developed an eating disorder.”

He opened up about his battle with bulimia, telling Cameron he struggled with “eating and then throwing up”.

Zelah admitted: “It stayed with me for a long time.”

Cameron responded: “At boarding school, we were made to run all the time and I was made to do rugby which I never really liked.”

He added: “I never really enjoyed, especially doing it with other people, I never really enjoyed doing all that.

“I felt embarrassed doing all that actually.”

Viewers praised Cameron for opening up about his body image struggles, particularly after he shared his fears over housemates liking him in an emotional diary room confession after entering the house.

Fans on social media admitted that the farmer has started to grow on them.

One viewer wrote on X: “Farmer O.G Cameron is really growing on me. Seems like such a nice guy. Love the way he emotionally checks in with people so effortlessly.”

Another fan said: “Farmer Cameron is a great addition to the cast i shouldnt have judged him prematurely”.

It comes as Gani became the second housemate to be given the boot from Big Brother house – after facing the first public vote of the series. 

Poor weather conditions meant ITV bosses had to pull the plug on using their outdoor set forcing this week’s evictee to leave via the back door.

Both Gani and Zelah found themselves facing the public vote after being given an evil eye by the four newest housemates – Richard, Feyisola, Cameron B and George.

Upon his departure being confirmed, he was met by Will Best, who walked him over to the Late and Live studio amid the shake-up.

When asked how he was feeling, Gani looked heartbroken as he confessed: “I seriously don’t know what to even say right now.”

During his exit interview with AJ and Will, Gani admitted he wanted to share more of himself whilst on the show.

A WOMAN armed with three knives threatened to kill migrants after watching far-right videos, a court heard.

Drunk and stoned Nina Manley, 51, got a taxi to a Premier Inn hotel — but it was the wrong one as there were no migrants living there.

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Staff at the hotel in North Petherton, Somerset, called cops, in August.

Manley told police: “I’m pissed off and I’m going to f***ing kill someone.”

Recorder Matthew Cannings told her at Taunton crown court: “You watched videos of extreme far-right social media personalities like Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson.”

Defending, Anjam Arif said Manley came from a military background and lost a brother who was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

“Her actions were born out of bravado rather than a real threat to kill.”

Manley, of Bridgwater, admitted threats to kill and got a 12-month suspended jail sentence.

A MAN has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after he was crushed under a large tree.

The tree is believed to have been damaged in the recent stormy weather.

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The horror incident unfolded on Shirehampton Road, Bristol, just before 5pm.

Emergency services rushed to assist the man who was out walking his dog when the terrifying incident occurred.

Police and fire crews were scrambled to the scene where the man was found with “serious injuries.”

He was rushed to hospital to be treated by medics.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We were called by the ambulance service shortly before 5pm to reports a man had been injured after a tree fell in Shirehampton Road in the Stoke Bishop area of Bristol.

“Emergency services attended and the man was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries described as serious.”

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Wells is one of England’s most charming cathedral cities where you can browse markets, drink cider in cosy pubs and wander the cathedral’s gorgeous grounds

Nestled in Somerset lies one of England’s most picturesque cathedral cities, Wells, where you can explore markets, sip cider in quaint pubs and stroll around the stunning grounds of the cathedral. Wells is situated on the southern fringe of the Mendip Hills, with the imposing figure of Wells Cathedral at its heart, reports the Express.

Constructed between 1175 and 1490, Wells Cathedral has been hailed as the most poetic of the English Cathedrals, and it’s not hard to see why. It holds the distinction of being the earliest English Cathedral built in the Gothic style and enjoys an international reputation.

This grand cathedral is worth a visit for its architecture alone, but it also houses over 300 sculptures, Britain’s oldest functioning mechanical clock, and offers daily tours to delve into the city’s rich history.

The city itself gained international recognition after serving as the filming location for the fictional village of Sandford in the cult film Hot Fuzz, featuring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and a host of other renowned British actors.

Many of the film’s most memorable locations such as the Swan Hotel, the corner shop where the characters purchase Cornettos and the marketplace where the epic gunfight occurs are actual places you can visit.

Wells is also home to Europe’s oldest residential street. Vicars Close boasts beautiful stone houses, cobbled streets and a breath-taking view of the cathedral, perfect for capturing memorable photos of your weekend getaway.

The marketplace in front of the cathedral opens on Wednesdays and Saturdays where you can buy fresh produce, treats and homemade crafts – perfect for a lazy day of mooching around before stopping in to one of the city’s many pubs and enjoying a pint of Somerset cider.

According to Tripadvisor, one of Wells’ finest boozers is the Sheep and Penguin, which serves up a cracking Sunday roast.

One punter raved: “The choice of beer was excellent and the bar manager’s knowledge and enthusiasm was great. We then returned for more beer and a meal. The beer remained delicious and the meal was fabulous. If we lived anywhere near, we would be enjoying the delights on a frequent basis.”

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A SMALL British carmaker behind a motor Jeremy Clarkson said could “destroy your face” is set to build a huge new factory in the UK.

Ariel – best known for its Atom motor – will build the new structure to the east of Crewkerne in Somerset on a recently acquired 43-acre site.

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The carmakers gained the land after five years of negotiation, with the new building set to open before the end of 2028 at the cost of “a few million”, Ariel boss Simon Saunders said.

Simon said the cost of building a new factory had rapidly risen since the idea was first floated, meaning the firm may need to seek external funding.

Ariel currently sells two vehicles, the Atom and the Nomad, as well as the Dash bicycle, according to its website.

The Ariel Atom, tested on Top Gear in 2005, was described by Clarkson as “so quick, it can destroy your entire face“.

Since its launch in 2000, it has gone through a number of alterations, with the Ariel Atom 4 – released in 2018 – being the most recent version available to customers.

It was awarded Britain’s Best Driver’s Car by Autocar in 2020.

With building the new site, Simon said he wanted to “move to no ordinary industrial unit”, keeping in style with the unique designs of Atom’s motors.

He explained: “While we’ve been waiting to do the land deal, we’ve investigated quite a few styles – circular buildings that might work well for production efficiency, or others whose design is reminiscent of old farm buildings you already find in this area.

“We need space for what we do now, plus a museum, a showroom and a design office. And it’s got to be efficient.”

The new site will be placed close to Atom’s existing factory, meaning Ariel will be able to keep its pre-existing workforce while also adding around 60 new staff.

It also means production capacity should be able to almost double from just 80 units per year to around 150, reports Autocar.

The huge new complex will house Ariel’s expanded manufacturing operation as well as a showroom, a spacious service and spares operation, long-term parts storage, a museum, and an office space for design and administration.

Ariel is also putting an emphasis on environmental efficiency for its new vehicles, Simon said.

The new factory will be capable of carbon capture, its roof will gather solar energy, water will come from a borehole, and there are plans to plant 8000 trees on the site.

Ariel started out in a tiny studio in Simon’s home before moving to its current site in 2007.

However, since Ariel handles advanced design as well as spares, servicing, repairs and used car sales on top of manufacturing, it has been constrained on space for years.

This comes after a 2020 Ariel Atom went to auction last year.

Describing a previous version of the car in 2005, Clarkson said he had “never, ever driven anything that accelerates so fast,” describing the Atom as being “fast on an entirely new level”.

The motor started life as a student project at Coventry University before it was originally launched in 2000.

Other iconic versions include the Ariel Atom 500, which is one of the fastest accelerating production cars ever made – taking just 2.3 seconds to get from 0-62mph.

The Ariel Atom was also voted one of Britain’s 50 best cars ever made by a panel of 10 judges earlier this year.

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Frome, in Somerset, has been named one of the best high streets in the UK, and is home to a wealth of independent shops – but some residents are not happy with the situation

Frome in Somerset is frequently celebrated as having one of Britain’s finest high streets, thriving whilst countless other locations struggle to survive. Yet even in this success story, empty shopfronts remain, including a former Shoe Zone where the faded lettering of its sign can still be spotted.

One local complained that residents must now venture elsewhere to purchase footwear. Another source of frustration centres on newcomers from the capital relocating to the area – dubbed FILTH (failed in London, try here) – who attempt to transform the town.

One shop owner, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained to the Express: “We like it as it is. When new people come in they want to change everything.”

READ MORE: ‘Secret’ stairs that lead to one of UK’s most iconic cathedral city landmarks

She revealed that these outsiders want to turn Frome into “cafe central” featuring outdoor dining and additional pedestrianised areas. A customer in the shop remarked: “We don’t want any more Londoners. We’ve fulfilled our quota, now we’re feeding them to the pigs. “People born here struggle to stay here,” explained Alice Cleaver, 29, manager of homewares shop The Shop Next Door.

“Rent is absolutely crazy.” Finding affordable accommodation took her two years through personal connections.

“If you try and go through estate agents, you’re f*****,” Ms Cleaver added. The average sold house price in Frome stands at £346,382, according to Zoopla, significantly above the UK average of £282,776.

During the first four months of 2024, 168 Frome properties entered the rental market, with the average monthly rent at £1,123, according to Rivendell Estates. This represented a marginal decline of 0.09%.

Currently, you can expect to pay between £800 and £900 monthly for what the businesswoman describes as “s***holes”. In 2023, Frome Town Council declared a housing crisis as rents spiralled beyond locals’ reach. However, the area’s prosperity benefits independent enterprises.

Ms Cleaver remarked: “There’s a lot of money here… business is going really well. “There are a lot of people moving here all the time from London,” she continued. “It’s totally understandable.”

The manager has numerous friends from London, and she views Frome through their perspective. “It’s a great town,” she explains. “A lovely place to live.”

Yet she noted: “It feels like we’re not the ones that are supposed to be living here. I’ve found somewhere affordable, but this is not the town for us. I don’t really make enough to afford to live here, you just have to find someone you know.”

Despite the town’s comparatively affluent residents, some shops are still finding conditions “tough”, and a monthly market, which draws 12,500 visitors, enhances businesses’ earnings. Garry Yoxall, 60, owner of the Pedestal Gallery and PostScript, a printing service, revealed that local shop owners maintain a Whatsapp group to share advice and alert each other about potential troublemakers.

“You know everyone in the town; there’s a network,” he said. He believes that money from Londoners relocating (DFL) has led to Frome’s evolution as it attracts people “looking to get away from the town”.

“You just have a look around the town. The geography, the architecture, the scenery. It’s just the right size, and not too disparate. Success breeds success,” said the former Shell employee, who is now a fully paid-up member of Greenpeace.

His gallery, which showcases contemporary paintings and sculptures, including works by Peter Hayes admired by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, hasn’t experienced a loss-making month since its opening last year.

Owning a gallery has always been his dream, and when the premises opposite his first business became available, Mr Yoxall seized the opportunity.

Before this, he felt the town “wasn’t ready” for such a venture. On market days, Mr Yoxall can earn up to £1,000. He noted that middle-ground purchases, typically made by younger people starting out, are “just not there anymore”.

However, high-end purchases persist, and he can still rely on low-end gifting. The businessman also benefits from low staff costs and “reasonable” rent. Truly Sopel, 46, who operates a dynamic underwear design house in Frome for the past 19 years, has seen the town evolve.

“Over time its sort of independent shops have actually attracted a lot of forward thinking creative individuals who are really passionate about what they do,” she said. “Retail sense, I think that’s what makes it work.”

The area has seen an influx of new residents, their friends and families, Ms Sopel added, with plenty of Airbnbs and good connections to London making it a “tourist attraction”. She said: “Certainly until 2016 or 2015 it was me selling stuff to local people.

“But everyone I’ve sold to today is a visitor. I nearly left six years ago. Thank God I didn’t.”

Andy Le Grange, 64, the owner of Just Ales 2 micropub, attributes the town’s success to its independent councillors, who aren’t tied to any political party. “If you don’t work for Frome, you won’t get elected,” he said.

“That makes a hell of a difference.”

Instead of top down, the town operates from the bottom up, the publican added. But Frome hasn’t always been like this, as John Szymanski, 40, a fashion designer and clothes maker hailed as one of the town’s greatest successes, pointed out.

“I’ve known Frome when it wasn’t like this at all – basically a s******e,” he said. The businessman added that those who rent out shops are reasonable. Mr Szymanski said: “Landlords understand it’s not easy having a small business; they just want to help.” During the pandemic, they adopted a “pay when you can” policy. “If you can’t, don’t worry,” they reassured. He also mentioned

an influx of Londoners. Mr Szymanski stated: “Normally they first come in [to his shop] when they’re looking for a house. “They say, ‘We’ve seen something we like’. I say, ‘Put an offer in. If you don’t, it’ll be gone within three days.”

He added: ” Celebrities live around here as well. That’s the draw.” Babington House – a Georgian manor in the heart of Somerset, complete with bedrooms, a spa and cinema for members, managed by Soho House – also attracts newcomers, the designer said.

He often observes people rushing for the train to London outside his shop window, where he still conducts most of his business, seemingly resisting the trend of online shopping that has affected other UK high streets.

However, he still enjoys success online, including selling his flower bag on TikTok. John said 23 have been dispatched worldwide, including to America, Japan, Hungary, Norway, Switzerland and South Africa.

A dating website for married people has warned couples against holidaying in a certain Spanish resort that has been dubbed the “marriage killer of Europe” thanks to its high number of infidelity

New research is urging couples to think twice before booking a holiday to one particular Spanish resort that has earned a new and rather infamous nickname – the “marriage killer.”

According to a recent survey by IllicitEncounters, a dating website for people seeking affairs, the holiday town of Magaluf has emerged as the number-one destination for Brits looking to cheat while abroad. Long known for its cheap drinks, sun-soaked beaches, and party-heavy atmosphere, Magaluf is now gaining attention for a less celebratory reason.

More than 2,000 users of the site were polled about the destinations they would choose if they were planning to be unfaithful. Magaluf topped the list, prompting the website to dub it the “marriage destroyer of Europe.”

READ MORE: Ibiza holiday from hell as woman knocked out in mass poolside brawl

Jessica Leoni, a spokesperson for IllicitEncounters, explained that the town’s reputation isn’t just about nightlife — it’s the combination of freedom from routine, warm weather, and easy access to alcohol that creates the perfect environment for holiday flings.

She described this mix as a “trinity” that fuels romance, or something more fleeting and secretive. It’s not just a holiday affair either; according to the survey, 87 percent of those who cheated while in Magaluf kept in touch with their affair partner after returning home.

Back in the UK, another surprising revelation came from the site’s annual Infidelity Index.

Cheltenham, often admired for its elegant charm and home to the prestigious four-day horse racing festival, was crowned the UK’s “new adultery capital.”

According to the data, 6.98 percent of the town’s population engaged in affairs last year. Following closely behind were Farnham in Surrey with 5.99 percent, Motherwell in Lanarkshire with 5.63 percent, Warwick with 5.61 percent, and Braintree in Essex, which reported 5.55 percent.

Elsewhere, other towns showing high levels of infidelity included Rhyl in Denbighshire, where 5.36 percent of people were involved in affairs, and Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, with a rate of 5.35 percent.

Meanwhile, towns with slightly lower — but still significant — rates included Newbury in Berkshire (5.23 percent), Frome in Somerset (5.18 percent), and Wilmslow in Cheshire (5.12 percent).

Reflecting on the findings, Jessica said that although places like Cheltenham may appear peaceful and refined on the outside, the data suggests that many relationships behind closed doors tell a different story.

On the opposite end of the scale, Swindon was named the UK’s most faithful town, with just 0.35 percent of its population reportedly engaging in infidelity.

lose behind were Bracknell in Berkshire with 0.36 percent, Dewsbury in West Yorkshire with 0.39 percent, Castlereagh in County Down with 0.44 percent, and Rotherham in South Yorkshire with 0.58 percent.

READ MORE: Tesco slashes award-winning Irish cream liqueur that beat Baileys in taste tests

THE opening ceremony at Glastonbury has been branded a flop by disappointed festival-goers.

Disgruntled revellers called out a fireworks display and criticized sound issues at the iconic event in Somerset this evening.

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One festival goer told The Sun: “The opening ceremony started 10 minutes late, there was a huge choir on stage that no one could hear.

“All we could hear was the sound of a couple of drums.

“It was a massive fireworks display with no music, the whole silence lasted 30 minutes.”

And their comments were echoed by fellow visitors, one fuming reveller penned on X: “Not good from a sound standpoint. I think you have let the performers down here to say the least.”

“Sack the sound guy,” wrote another.

A third agreed: “Is there meant to be no sound at the #Glastonbury2025 opening ceremony? Local regs? Crowds a bit restless at the back.”

“Where’s the sound? Kicked out of Greenpeace for crowds. No sound and lost audience at opening ceremony. Get it together,” posted someone else.

One fuming ticket-holder slammed: “No sound. Can’t hear anything. Underwhelming.”

The Sun contacted Glastonbury for comment.

It comes as thousands arrived to set up camp for the first day of Glastonbury today.

But revellers at the festival in Worthy Farm, Somerset, faced a drenching – after the Met Office forecast rain and thunderstorms.

However, temperatures are set to soar by the weekend, with highs of 30C.

Although it could be a messy start to the festival, with its 1,500 acres of farmland turning into a mud bath in previous years.

While the festival is best known for its music, revellers can enjoy the range of stalls, set up their tents and explore the grounds in the meantime before the main performances kick off on Friday.

Opening headliner The 1975 take to the stage at 10pm, while acts such as Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, Charli XCX, and Doechii will perform on Saturday.

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Sunday is due to see Rod Stewart gracing his fans – with Lewis Capaldi also set to make a sensational return to music.

The singer will be dropping his comeback single at the festival.

The release, Lewis’ first since he put out Strangers and A Cure For Minds Unwell in January last year, coincides with his secret set on the Pyramid Stage at Glasto.

As the gates to Worthy Farm opened to let the first of this year’s revellers through, a source said: “Lewis took a decent chunk of time away and now he’s ready for his fans to hear what he has been working on.

“Tomorrow is a huge day for him. He will be releasing a brand new single and it is his Pyramid Stage performance. He is in a great place and feels ready to come back into the spotlight.”

Lewis’ last performance at Glastonbury on that very stage in 2023 ended in tears, with the Someone You Loved star breaking down before cutting the set short.

However, Amyle and the Sniffers’ upcoming set is still hanging in the balance after illness swept through the band and their team.

The Aussie rockers were forced to cancel their Vienna gig on Monday after two band members and a crew member came down with “a very nasty virus”.

And it comes just days before they’re due to hit the stage at Worthy Farm.

Meanwhile, a huge US popstar has hinted that they’re the secret act ‘Patchwork’ at the festival.

Ever since organisers revealed the full line-up and stage times for Glasto, revellers have been trying to work out who the mysterious act is.

At the beginning of the month, Glastonbury organisers shared the complete schedule.

However, there are still several ‘TBA’ slots that hint at secret sets on the Pyramid Stage and beyond.

Now fans have a brand new theory about who could make a surprise appearance at the legendary festival.

On the 2025 Glastonbury schedule, the Saturday 6.15pm slot has a mysterious act called “Patchwork” pencilled in, and fans have been trying to work out what it means.

Now fans are convinced that Chappell Roan is “Patchwork” after she posted a telling clue on Instagram.

It came after the Pink Pony Club star shared a picture of herself holding a patchwork quilt, and wrote next to it: “Insane vibe.”

Glastonbury 2025 – confirmed acts so far

TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far.

Confirmed headliners:

• The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday.
• Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return.
• Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night.
• On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot.
• More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy.
• Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night.
• Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan.

In Old English its name meant “the land of the summer people”, after the local practice of coming down to the Somerset Levels after the winter flooding receded. Today, Somerset is still somewhere where seasons are felt vividly, as Sophie Brendel and Panu Long discovered when they and their two children moved to Thornfalcon, their farmstead in a village of the same name, 15 minutes’ drive from Taunton, at the end of 2022. Here, they are on constant weather watch, tending their young vines (Panu, now a winemaker, has a background in the drinks industry) and harvesting daily from the kitchen garden. They are also busy making plans for the apple harvest, which will go into the 150-year-old cider press.

In addition, they have created a handful of places to stay on their 16-hectare (40-acre) site, which sprawls through woods, orchards and vines to a reed-fringed lake. Walking around it at the end of May, you feel the cusp of summer, from the water lilies coming into bloom and the nesting swan, guarded by her mate. “Soon the eggs will hatch, and later she’ll teach the cygnets to fly, before taking them down to the Somerset Levels,” says Sophie.

My cabin, the Vine Hut, is surrounded by wildflowers overlooking rows of champagne grape varieties. Inside, nature is just as enveloping: nasturtiums climb over the bedroom wallpaper, a blousy bunch of homegrown peonies sits on the dining table. Behind the orchard, the Lambing Shed’s interior is clad in textured band-sawn planks and the bed’s headboard is painted with apple blossom. In front of the family’s blue lias stone farmhouse is the two-bedroom Coach House, filled with antiques and beautiful textiles, which hint at Sophie’s years spent among pattern and design as a director at the V&A. The latest arrival is a vardo Gypsy wagon with floral patterned ceiling, which sleeps two children as extra accommodation for families staying in the cabins.

As the sun creeps out, I wander back to the lake, Mr Swan still patrolling in case I had a mind for a dip. Instead I sit in the wooden sauna – the big picture window frames the scene as swifts dip, and the mental ticker tape of to-do lists begins to melt away. There’s a hot tub outside too, and nearby an old boat house has been turned into the wild treatment room, where local therapist Gemma undoes some of the rest of my knots as the bird calls carry in off the water. Both cabins have outdoor baths of their own, although the plum spot at the Vine Hut after dinner is a pair of adirondack chairs, positioned just so to catch the sunset.

The next morning, in the sunny, green-painted kitchen, I make breakfast with blue-shelled eggs from the brood of Legbar chickens. There’s the option to have a box of just-picked Thornfalcon produce in your cabin on arrival, or Sophie and Panu are full of recommendations for eating nearby, from roasts at the Dinnington Docks to something smarter at the Barrington Boar. Afterwards, I take the short stomp through the village and up Thorn Hill (known as “the clump” for its wooden top), where baby bunnies dart from hedgerows. A patchwork of green rolls away to the edge of the Quantock Hills. There are other walks from the door, looping round through the village of North Curry – where you can pick up a duck sausage roll at the Bird in Hand pub, which is in the process of reopening and is currently serving pints and street food from a converted wagon outside. Slightly farther away, you can strike out around Cothelstone Hill to spot the herd of Exmoor ponies and bronze age burial mounds, or rent paddle boards from the Somerset Boat Centre to float along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.

A current of creativity also flows through this corner of Somerset, and later that morning I meet Buc Dennis at his family’s Dennis Chinaworks in an old stable block outside Shepton Beauchamp (open Monday to Friday, and weekends by appointment). Visitors can buy beautiful vases and jugs, with patterns hand drawn by Buc’s mother, Sally Tuffin, a former fashion designer now in her 80s.

It’s not the only creative family hub in these parts, and afterwards I swing by the Temperleys’ Burrow Hill Cider Farm. The familiar Glastonbury cider bus is parked outside, the pumps fired up on Saturday afternoons, when local families spread picnic blankets between the apple trees, entertained by food trucks and circus troupes. Across the yard, Mary Temperley’s Make store is stocked with zesty body washes (also in bathrooms at Thornfalcon), baskets woven in Ghana and suzanis stitched in Jaipur.

Sophie and Panu, too, fizz with ideas. “When I developed long Covid, creativity and making were one of the key things that made me well again,” Sophie told me when pointing out a framed needlepoint she had stitched in one of the cabins. This summer, the first bottles of wine and cider will be ready; there are plans to take beekeeping courses and plant lavender fields; and to host feasts, yoga classes and painting workshops in a lovely old barn. It’s inspiring to be around, and equally, easy to dip into as much or as little as you choose. A place to get fired up or sink into a slower way of living, or, as I tried, to find a balance between the two.

Accommodation was provided by Thornfalcon Winery & Press: the Coach House sleeps five from £125 a night; the Vine Hut and the Lambing Shed sleep two from £170 a night, and the Gypsy Caravan an extra £70 a night (all two nights minimum), thornfalcon.com. Train travel was provided by Great Western Railway, which travels directly from London Paddington to Taunton, gwr.com.

Avon and Somerset police are said to have turned up on set to arrest the bricklayer-turned-actor soon after filming scenes

An actor was arrested on the set of Disney’s Rivals in front of cast and crew just an hour after filming with Danny Dyer, it has been reported. Police are said to have arrived on set to arrest Nigel Adams who was working as an extra on the hit show.

The incident allegedly took place in front of shocked cast members and while Adams was still in costume due to filming scenes just moment beforehand. The 45-year-old was filming a polo scene alongside acting legend Danny Dyer for the second series of the programme.

However, it was reportedly just an hour later that police cars turned up and Adams was driven away before spending two nights in police custody. He then appeared in court on Friday as he was accused of assaulting an ex-girlfriend.

The Sun reported that a source said: “It was very dramatic. Everyone was in their costumes and Danny was filming this polo scene when an hour later police suddenly turned up to arrest one of the extras. It was shocking.”

The assault is reported to have happened at a house in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. Police were allegedly called to the address at 2am on May 31 of this year.

Adams was said to be questioned about the assault once he was arrested. Avon and Someset police are thought to have been tipped off that the bricklayer-turned-actor was working on the Rivals set at the time.

A friend said that he will be “gutted” as the arrest could mark the end of his acting career. They said: “He’ll be gutted because it could end his TV career, something he really loves doing.

“He’s a bricklayer by trade but he’s been doing more and more TV work, he’s been in loads of stuff. Whenever he’s in the background of a show he gets all his family and friends to watch it.”

Adams has quite a few acting roles under his belt already which include House of the Dragon, The Forsyte Saga and 2022 movie Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher. Adams appeared at Bristol magistrates’ court on Friday charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.

No plea was made by him and he was given conditional bail until he returns to the city’s crown court on July 7. Production company Happy Prince, which makes the drama Rivals, told The Sun: “On the 4th June, the police visited the set regarding an ­unrelated matter involving a supporting artist.

“Production co-operated with the police. We do not have any further information as it is not connected to Rivals or to our production.”

The Mirror have contacted Happy Prince, Disney and Avon and Someset police for comment.

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Gorgeous Frome has a historic centre, burgeoning crafts scene and beautiful walks. Many people are flocking to the market town for a more affordable and quieter lifestyle

A delightful market town set in the heart of Somerset’s countryside offers something for everyone. The charming town of Frome boasts a historic core, a thriving arts and crafts scene, and picturesque walking routes. Situated a mere 13 miles from Bath, it’s becoming a hotspot for those seeking a more affordable and tranquil way of life away from the bustling city.

Once Somerset’s largest market town, surpassing even Bath until the mid-17th century, Frome was a hub for the wool and cloth trade, as well as metalworking and printing industries, which have all dwindled over time. Nevertheless, this heritage-rich town has managed to retain much of its past, with numerous buildings gaining listed status.

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A significant portion of the town centre is designated as a conservation area, inviting tourists to meander through its quaint streets, home to nearly 30,000 residents.

Frome is dotted with an array of independent art spaces, retro boutiques, grand gardens, and cosy cafés that beckon visitors to explore or simply relax and take in the scenery, reports the Express.

Exploration is further rewarded by the town’s labyrinth of narrow alleyways and hidden nooks waiting to be discovered. Among Frome’s treasures is Nunney Castle, dubbed a “hidden gem” and one of Somerset’s “most romantic castles” by TripAdvisor.

This medieval fortress, complete with its own moat, is maintained by English Heritage and welcomes guests free of charge to delve into its storied past.

Every first Sunday of the month, from March through November, Catherine Hill bursts into life with the Frome Independent, an acclaimed street market that has won hearts and awards. This monthly mini-festival entirely captivates the town, drawing in throngs of people.

The Frome Independent is a cornucopia of local culinary delights, artistic talents, fresh produce, plants, flowers, retro finds, vintage goods, collectables, homewares and lively street performers.

Featuring this bustling monthly market and the well-known yearly bash, Frome is cementing its status as a mecca for the creatively inclined.

Summer visitors have the added treat of the nationally celebrated Frome Festival, a ten-day extravaganza in July glorifying community spirit and the arts, literature, music, and local history.

Time Out, which hailed it as one of the top weekend getaways from London in 2019, dubbed it “Somerset’s answer to Versailles”. Further acclaim came in 2021 when The Sunday Times honoured it as one of the “best places to live in the UK”.

Wells might be England’s smallest city, but it’s bursting with charm and history. From its stunning cathedral to the medieval Bishop’s Palace, there’s plenty to explore

Don’t let its size fool you – England’s smallest city, Wells, may be compact but it’s brimming with history and allure. The city’s quaint architecture and winding cobbled streets are the epitome of a storybook setting. The quirky name of this hidden gem is derived from the springs found in the Bishop’s Palace grounds.

Nestled within a stone’s throw of Bristol, Bath and Cardiff, Wells is an often-missed treasure by holidaymakers, yet those who venture to this petite cathedral city on the River Brue in Somerset are never left underwhelmed. Wells Cathedral stands as a beacon of historical splendour and architectural genius, making it an essential stop for any visitor to the city.

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As one of the UK’s most magnificent Gothic cathedrals, it boasts stunning design and medieval artistry. Its construction spanned from 1175 to 1490, earning it accolades as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals.”

Not only famous for its striking West Front, but Wells Cathedral also features distinctive elements that distinguish it from other cathedrals across England, such as the mesmerising ‘scissor arches’ that prop up the central tower.

These were ingeniously installed in 1338 when the addition of a hefty spire threatened to bring down the entire structure, reports the Express. The Cathedral is home to one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country.

The Jesse Window at Wells Cathedral, considered by experts as one of the most magnificent examples of 14th century stained glass in Europe, narrowly avoided destruction during the English Civil War.

Additionally, the Cathedral proudly showcases the renowned Wells Clock, believed to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Great Britain. It also houses the intriguing octagonal Chapter House and one of only four chained libraries in the UK.

Other must-visit attractions in this beautiful city include The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells, which has been the residence of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. This breathtaking medieval palace is now open for public enjoyment.

It offers a fantastic family day out in Somerset with a full calendar of events throughout the year, complimentary guided walks, outdoor music and theatre, garden workshops and more.

Plus, a slice of cake with afternoon tea at the ever-popular Bishop’s Table café is always a treat! Since the 1800s, the palace’s moat has been home to mute swans, with the tradition of swans on the moat thought to date back to the 1850s.

Legend has it that a Bishop’s daughter may have initially taught the swans to ring a bell at the Gatehouse when they were hungry. Today, two swan bells are installed, with ropes for the swans to pull to signal for food.

There are 14 acres of stunning RHS Partner gardens to discover, including the beautiful well pools from which the city derives its name, the medieval Palace building equipped with multimedia audio visual guides, Dragon’s Lair play area, guided tours, children’s trails and workshops, and a café boasting the best views in Wells.

Adjacent to the Cathedral is Vicars’ Close, believed to be the only complete medieval street remaining in England. This significant landmark was designed to provide communal accommodation for the Vicars Choral, who performed daily worship within the Cathedral.

This centuries-old tradition continues today and is a unique and much valued part of life at Wells Cathedral. The houses of the close, all Grade I listed, were constructed in the 14th century under the direction of Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, and the iconic chimneys were added in the 15th century.

Originally, 42 houses were built (one per vicar), but some were combined following the Reformation when vicars were permitted to marry.

Today, the Close comprises 27 residences, a chapel, library, treasury and muniment room. There is also a dining hall connected to the Cathedral by a covered walkway, the Chain Gate Bridge.

The current occupants still include all twelve men of the Vicars Choral, plus the organists and virgers. Vicars Choral have remained at the heart of life at Wells Cathedral since the 1100s and are now recognised as a world-class choir.

For food lovers, Wells boasts a historic market in Wells Market Place. This lively square, surrounded by stunning historical architecture, offers a perfect snapshot into the everyday life of Wells that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

Today, a bustling market is held twice a week – on Wednesdays and Saturdays – featuring local produce and goods. The square also hosts a larger street food festival annually, with the next Wells Food Festival scheduled for Sunday, 12 October 2025.

Additionally, a funfair is held twice a year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the market. Wells also has an abundance of independent bookshops and boutiques, as well as antique and vintage shops, ensuring hours of browsing pleasure.

This Somerset village offers a wealth of green spaces, woodlands and hamlets to explore – reachable by foot or bike. It is also a designated part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

If you’re in need of some staycation inspiration, then this Somerset destination should definitely be on your radar. Close enough to Bath that you can enjoy the comforts of the city while remaining distinctly on the outskirts, visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Freshford is just five miles from Bath, but its location at the junction of the River Frome and Avon makes it feel like a world away. The village’s landscape of stone buildings, fields and woodlands create a distinct serenity to the area that has been unmarred by tourists – mostly because it is relatively under the radar.

The civil parish of Freshford dates back to Saxon times and was once home to a mill from 1086 – the remains of which still stand in the village to this day. The mill is a notable site of interest, home to 17th-century buildings made predominantly from natural stone, clay tile, and slate. One of the unique features of Freshford houses is its lack of house numbers, which are replaced instead with names.

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Freshford is also home to many sites of historical interest, one of which is the Freshford Manor which dates back to the 18th-century. There are also some religious buildings you can visit, including the 15th-century St Peter’s Church which has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building.

Dating back to the early to mid 16th century, the Freshford Bridge stretches directly over the River Frome and is a truly picture-perfect spot. From Freshford, travellers will be able to see across the Avon valley to the Kennet and Avon Canal. But keep in mind, the nearest crossings are a bit further off at Avoncliff and Limpley Stoke.

Surrounded by hills and valleys, the village has plenty for nature-lovers to explore without needing to venture too far. Freshford is known for its rich diversity of flora and fauna and is even part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) within the green belt.

The village centre is also a conservation area, created during 1975 and extended in 2007. You would also be remiss not to stop by at the nearby hamlets of Friary, Sharpstone, Park Corner, Woodside and Staples Hill.

Freshford’s jurisdiction includes these hamlets, though they are all separated from the centre of the village by lush open fields. That said, visitors can make a day of exploring the many low-intensity paths to the surrounding hamlets.

Popular walks in and around Freshford

• The Ilford Loop : 2 hours and 4.5 miles long: beginning from the Freshford Galleries, you can head directly to the hamlet of Friary
• Circular Hike to Dundas Wharf : 2 hours and 5 miles long: This is an intermediate hike with one or two busy roads to cross. It leads from the Freshford Galleries down to Limpley Stoke.
• Farleigh Hungerford Loop : 2.5 hours and 5 miles long: A great country walk across open fields to the English Heritage site at Farleigh Hungerford Castle.
• Hike to Avoncliff Aqueduct : 1.15 hours and 2.85 miles long: This is a low-intensity walk from Freshford to Avoncliff along the River Frome and then the River Avon.