Somerset

If you’re looking for a staycation this summer, this beautiful UK city should be top of your list, with its picture-postcard scenes and status as the world’s happiest for 2026

The happiest city in the world has been named for 2026, and it’s right here in the UK.

There’s a lot that can define what makes a great city, from its green space, shops, sights and culture, but knowing that residents are happy is perhaps one of the most telling. After all, if they’re content residing there, we’re bound to enjoy a weekend or a day trip to the city that even the locals praise.

Luckily for us, the happiest city in the world is right on our doorstep, as Bath topped the list in Time Out’s annual ranking. In a survey of more than 24,000 locals, respondents were asked to rate various aspects of their city, including its culture, green spaces, neighbourhoods, food offerings, art and nightlife, community spirit, and overall happiness.

Thanks to glowing reviews from locals, Bath was named the world’s happiest city for 2026 by Time Out. A staggering 93% of residents in the beautiful city, nestled in the valley of the River Avon in Somerset, agreed that their city made them happy, while 92% also said that they feel happiest in Bath than anywhere else.

The research also found that 90% of locals had positive experiences with their neighbours, while 91% found joy in everyday life, thanks to the city’s offerings. Community is a major factor in Bath, with 83% saying it’s easy to find in the city, while 76% agreed that their sense of happiness has recently increased, with green space and nature also topping the rankings.

Bath is one of the most popular cities in the UK, drawing in around six million visitors every year, so it’s hardly surprising to hear that it’s been widely recognised. However, there’s so much more to the city, and it’s absolutely brimming with life, whether you’re a local or a tourist.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the renowned spa town is celebrated for its preserved Roman Baths, grand honey-hued Georgian architecture and natural thermal springs. Adding to its picture-postcard scene are the cobblestone lanes, pristine gardens and parks, the historic Pulteney Bridge, and sweeping townhouses, all set within the rolling hills of Somerset.

I’ve spent countless days wandering around the city that easily makes you feel as though you’ve stepped onto a film set, and rightly so, as it’s notoriously been used as the stunning backdrop for the hugely popular Netflix drama Bridgerton. The Royal Crescent and the Holburne Museum were featured in the series, while Bath has also appeared in movies such as Les Misérables, Wonka and The Duchess.

Against its serene backdrop, the city’s food scene is nothing short of exceptional, and over the years, I’ve tasted some of the best food in the world. One of my go-to spots is the Mexican restaurant Dos Dedos, tucked down Bartlett Street, serving up tacos alongside a spicy margarita in its vibrant, funky setting that comes alive by night.

Another favourite of mine is the Japanese restaurant Robun, which offers traditional sharing plates and bento boxes. It has been featured in the Michelin Guide alongside 11 other restaurants in Bath, including Olive Tree, Upstairs at Landrace, Emberwood and Beckford Canteen.

For an authentic Italian, I recommend a visit to Portofino, which is one of the many independent restaurants in Bath. For that desirable lunch stop, Cortado Café is another favourite among mine, serving up a selection of mouthwatering empanadas and artisan coffee that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

But no visit to Bath for me is complete without a stop at Good Day Cafe for one of their incredible brookies – a cookie and brownie all rolled into one. For that extra sweet treat on a summer’s day, there’s Brickell’s Ice Cream, and for a refreshing beer, Kingsmead Street Bottle can’t be missed.

Aside from going on a food crawl around the city with flavours from around the world, there’s plenty to do and a plethora of attractions. Some of the city’s most famous include tours around the ancient Roman Baths, or a relaxing afternoon spent at Thermae Bath Spa, where you can soak in the rooftop pool with panoramic city views.

There are boat trips available to meander down the river, and the tranquil Royal Victoria Park to soak up the city’s ambience before a walk past the towering Bath Abbey, in the heart of the city and, by Christmas, the backdrop to the famed market. But I find that the best way to explore Bath is just by following my feet and seeing what I stumble upon, after all, that’s what locals would do.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

This pier is undergoing restorations after being closed for decades

A long-neglected pier is currently in the midst of a multi-million-pound restoration project, with the aim of welcoming visitors back through its gates within the next few years. The Grade-II listed Birnbeck Pier first opened its doors in 1867, remaining in operation for 127 years before being shut down in 1994 owing to serious safety concerns.

Situated in Weston-super-Mare, the pier held the unique distinction of being the only one in the entire country to connect the mainland to an island — a small, rugged outcrop known as Birnbeck Island. In the years following its closure, the island continued to serve as a base for the RNLI to launch lifeboats; however, this too came to an end in 2014 when the pier was declared too hazardous.

Before that, the island had been requisitioned by the Admiralty during World War 2, serving as a top-secret facility for weapons testing.

Once the pier reopened after the war, it never truly recaptured its former glory, and changed hands numerous times amongst various private owners.

A lack of upkeep eventually rendered the pier unsafe, leading to its closure to the public in 1994. Since 1998, it has featured on the National Heritage at Risk Register.

Restoration plans were initially drawn up back in 2006, but were repeatedly shelved following successive changes in ownership.

The pier has since been acquired by North Somerset Council, and with the help of £5.5million in National Lottery funding, restoration work has now got underway.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that an extra £62,120 had been secured from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, administered by Historic England.

Following the announcement of this additional funding, Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s cabinet member overseeing the Birnbeck Pier project, said: “It’s great that Historic England has been able to top up our initial grant application.

“This additional money has allowed us to instruct specialist contractors to restore the entrance gates and turnstiles and install important design features on the southern Toll House to honour Eugenius Birch’s original design.

“I’m very much looking forward to seeing the flag flying at the entrance to the pier in celebration of work once it’s complete next summer.”

From its famous monthly markets to artisan boutiques, this charming town should be on your radar

The UK is brimming with stunning towns and villages, and I’ve been fortunate enough to explore quite a few. One aspect that has consistently struck me is how distinct they all are, even when they’re situated close together.

Some are bustling and contemporary, while others seem stuck in the past. That’s precisely why I adore discovering the UK, as you’re never quite sure what you’ll encounter.

Frome in Somerset is one of those destinations that genuinely lingers in your memory afterwards. It isn’t one of those household-name tourist hotspots like Bath or Wells, but that’s part of what makes it special.

Nestled in eastern Somerset near the Wiltshire border, Frome wasn’t particularly high on my list of places to visit, but I’m absolutely delighted I made the trip.

Frome, pronounced Froom, is positioned in a valley along the River Frome, roughly 13 miles from Bath. Historically, it flourished as a wool and textile town, and you can still spot remnants of its heritage in the architecture and street patterns today.

What made the town particularly memorable for me was its blend of historic and contemporary elements, which seemed to resonate with virtually everyone.

There are twisting medieval lanes, Georgian terraces, and former industrial structures sitting alongside modern cafes and independent retailers.

It has long been a market town, and that heritage remains central to its character, which is largely why I chose to visit after spotting it on TikTok.

The highlight is the Frome Independent Market, held on the first Sunday of each month. The entire town centre essentially transforms for the day.

Streets become packed with stalls offering everything from artisan food and freshly baked bread to handcrafted goods, antiques and clothing. There’s frequently live music and street food on offer too.

Even when the big monthly market isn’t on, smaller regular markets maintain that community atmosphere throughout the week.

Its high street has also been recognised as one of the finest in the UK on multiple occasions, and it was easy to see why.

Beyond markets and shopping, one of the most enjoyable aspects of Frome is simply wandering around it. It’s compact enough to navigate with ease, yet packed with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

Catherine Hill is arguably the most iconic street in the town. It’s steep and cobbled, lined with independent shops.

But it’s also among the finest vantage points, offering views back across the town’s rooftops.

There’s also a thriving arts and culture scene there. Galleries, studios and numerous creative venues are dotted throughout the centre, and the Frome Festival in July brings the town alive with music.

If you’re after something more peaceful, there are numerous riverside walks, as well as being far from open fields and rolling hills. The town is ideal for anyone and everyone.

The BBC’s hit thriller filmed in Bristol and Somerset has finally returned for its second season, but where was it filmed?

Fans want to know if Little Kilton is a real place.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is back today (Wednesday, 27th May) and sees Pip Fitz-Amobi (played by Emma Myers) delving into another chilling missing person case.

This time, she’s determined to put predator Max Hastings (Henry Ashton) behind bars, but the disappearance of a key witness, Connor’s older brother Jamie, pushes her investigative skills to the limit.

Based on the bestselling novels by Holly Black, the first series became a huge hit thanks to its addictive, edge-of-your-seat twists and a global release on Netflix.

It is also famously filmed in Bristol and other parts of the West Country, standing in for Pip’s fictional village of Little Kilton.

With six thrilling new episodes now streaming on iPlayer, let’s take a look a little closer at the locations used in the second season.

Where was A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2 filmed?

The second series of the popular BBC and Netflix drama was once again filmed around Bristol and Somerset.

Much of the show’s interior scenes are shot at Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, which reportedly includes the likes of school classrooms, investigation rooms, and darker interiors for the murder-mystery show’s more suspenseful scenes.

Bristol itself was also used for more urban areas of Little Kilton to highlight the second outing’s gritty tone. Clifton Village in central Bristol, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, can also be seen briefly.

Standing in for the idyllic village of Little Kilton is Axbridge, a small town near Cheddar, Somerset.

The town square, the Old Station and Chestnut Avenue were all closed for filming in 2025, with a memorial, flags, and other decor put up for key scenes including the memorial service which kicks off season two. Axbridge’s St John the Baptist Church can also be seen.

Season two director Asim Abassi confirmed: “We filmed Little Kilton in the town of Axbridge, which is lovely but small, so you get the challenges of a tight-knit community curious about filming. But it is wonderfully quaint and perfect for Little Kilton.”

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Another key location this time around is an abandoned manor, which actor Zain Iqbal, who portrays Pip’s boyfriend Ravi, confirms is near Bristol.

And Abassi revealed it was his “favourite” location, adding: “It was originally meant to be something else, but I pushed for it to be a manor, so I am personally attached to it.

“It ended up being a phenomenal location and, to me, captures the essence of season 2.”

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder season 2 is available on BBC iPlayer and internationally on Netflix.

From charming market towns to picturesque coastal villages, travel experts share some of the best UK staycation towns

With holiday prices soaring and a fuel crisis affecting air travel, many families may opt to stay in the UK this summer instead of jetting abroad for their annual break. But there’s absolutely no reason to feel let down if this applies to you, as the country boasts countless beautiful destinations from top to bottom.

With this in mind, express.co.uk has consulted several travel experts who have revealed their top recommendations, all of which are excellent options for those seeking the ideal staycation location. From northern forests to sun-drenched southern coastlines, whatever kind of break you’re after, the UK offers an abundance of possibilities.

Andy Brooker, travel expert at kate & tom’s, said: “Many of us forget how much the UK has to offer. There’s something for everyone here, and many fantastic towns to explore depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.”

Andy suggests Formby near Liverpool and Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District.

Championing Formby as an excellent choice for families, he explained: “Variety is important when you have busy children to please, and Formby offers the opportunity to explore dramatic sand dunes, sweeping pinewoods, and the native red squirrel population at The Formby Red Squirrel Reserve.”

Endorsing Bowness-on-Windermere, Andy added: “Bowness-on-Windermere is an iconic town in Cumbria and one of the Lake District’s most popular destinations for a reason.” It blends breathtaking lakeside vistas with delightful cafés, independent shops and gateways to some of Cumbria’s most picturesque trails.

“From cruising across Lake Windermere and exploring The World of Beatrix Potter to relaxing in traditional pubs and taking in panoramic views. Bowness offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, family-friendly activities and classic Lake District charm.”

Andy isn’t alone in championing a Lake Windermere escape, with Jerry Rebbeck from Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages highlighting the neighbouring village of Clappersgate.

He said: “Whilst it may be a small village, it boasts a rich history with many historic structures, including the notable Clappersgate Bridge.

“The Grade II listed bridge dates back to the 17th century and is a popular spot for visitors interested in its unique design and views over the river and surrounding greenery.”

Nestled near the River Brathay and Lake Windermere, Clappersgate is ideally positioned for watersports enthusiasts, while the Loughrigg Circular provides an excellent walking route for ramblers.

When the weather turns, there’s also the nearby Lake District Aquarium and the striking neo-gothic Wray Castle to explore.

For those seeking something further south, Jacob Wedderburn-Day, travel expert and CEO of Stasher, points to Rye in West Sussex, Totnes in Devon, and Frome in Somerset.

Speaking about the first, he said: “Rye is one of the most distinctive small towns in the UK, with cobbled streets, historic inns, shops and easy access to Camber Sands.

“It is a good choice for travellers who want a break without staying in a larger seaside resort. It works especially well for a weekend because the town is compact and easy to explore at a relaxed pace.”

Totnes, meanwhile, is highlighted as one of the “best towns for travellers looking for shops, good food and easy access to the South Devon countryside and coast.”

He went on to say: “The community there has a relaxed pace, which makes it ideal for a slower weekend away. It is also well placed for travellers who want to combine a town break with day trips nearby.”

Jacob describes Frome as one of the “most interesting town breaks” in the UK, boasting a thriving shopping scene, a vibrant creative community and lively weekend markets.

Conveniently situated close to both Bath and Bristol, Frome works brilliantly as a day trip from either city, or as a base from which to explore the surrounding area.

Although she stops short of naming a specific town, Rachel Pennycook, Europe Travel Specialist at The Luxury Holiday Company, urges visitors not to overlook the Scottish Highlands.

“The Highlands are popular for a reason. They’re one of the few places in the UK where you can properly disconnect and feel a world away.

“In summer, the long daylight hours mean you can take your time, whether that’s a morning by the loch, an afternoon exploring castles, or an evening enjoying local food with a view.

“For me, what sets the Highlands apart is the sense of space and freedom. You don’t need to plan every minute; sometimes, the best days are simply about soaking up the scenery, finding a quiet spot, or sharing a meal with friends and family.

“It’s a destination that works just as well for families looking for adventure as it does for couples.”

Holiday park’s across the UK have been ranked by the best for child-friendliness and the top 10 showcases sites with incredible facilities from outdoor heated pools to highly rated kids’ club

Fresh rankings have unveiled the top family campsites across the UK, and their locations hidden in the most peaceful corners of the countryside make them a tempting treat.

As more families ditch overseas holidays in favour of budget-friendly breaks closer to home, outdoor getaways have surged in popularity. But with young children in mind, not just any campsite will do — parents often seek out sites with top-notch facilities and plenty of entertainment to make the trip that little bit smoother.

A standout site in Pembrokeshire has been crowned Britain’s finest, according to new data from Pitchup.com, which analysed nearly 200,000 verified customer reviews to compile its top ten list.

The rankings reveal that the highest-scoring site for ‘child-friendliness’ is Trefach Holiday Park in Mynachlog-ddu, Clunderwen, Pembrokeshire, which earned an impressive 9.3/10 from guest reviews.

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One delighted visitor wrote: “I was recommended this site by a friend and we were not disappointed. It has a heated pool which we all thoroughly enjoyed on our stay. Fantastic food there. The whole site was so clean and tidy, and it was a very peaceful site. I would highly recommend it, and we will definitely be returning next year for a stay.”

What sets the park apart as a premier destination is its outdoor heated pool, where parents can unwind on the terrace with a cold drink while watching the kids splash about. For those looking to keep little ones occupied, there is also a highly regarded kids’ club alongside a wealth of entertainment facilities, including a play area and games room.

Also featuring on the list of the UK’s finest family-friendly campsites is Jubilee Camping in Hampshire at number two, and Panoramic Camping and Glamping in Swansea at number three. The Swansea site is a peaceful, rural retreat just a 10-minute stroll from a local pub, offering a back-to-basics camping experience. It also features its own bar and pizza oven on site.

Another standout, on the other end of the UK to the winners, is Riverside Holiday Village in Somerset at number 10, with a score of 8.7 for its child-friendliness.

The campsite is beloved for its tranquil setting along the river’s bend in Bleadon, and its convenient location, set a mere 10 minute drive from the bustling seaside town of Weston-super-Mare. Another being the huge amount of fun and entertainment for children with a games arcade and a heated indoor swimming pool on site.

It’s evident that the UK is brimming with outstanding camping destinations, with family-friendly sites spanning the length and breadth of the country — from Somerset and Devon to Swansea, Cheshire and Wiltshire.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said: “Camping and glamping holidays continue to be a popular choice for families looking to spend quality time together outdoors, particularly as more people seek flexible and affordable UK breaks. The sites featured in these rankings stood out for creating welcoming, family-friendly experiences that give children the freedom to explore while helping parents relax and unwind.

“We’re seeing families place increasing value on outdoor space, nature and simple shared experiences, whether that’s wildlife watching, campfires or easy access to beaches and walking routes. The variety of sites featured across the UK also shows there’s strong demand for family-friendly stays in every corner of Great Britain.”

The UK’s best family friendly campsites

• Trefach Holiday Park, Pembrokeshire
• Jubilee Camping, Hampshire
• Panoramic Camping and Glamping, Swansea
• Little Thornham Holidays, Wiltshire
• Magical Malpas PYO Farm, Cheshire
• Auchingarrich Wildlife Park, Perthshire
• Puddleduck Glamping, Lancashire
• South Ford Farm Camping, Devon
• Poplar Grove Farm Caravan Park, Lancashire
• Riverside Holiday Village, Somerset