All three Butlin’s resorts across the UK can expect to see these new additions to their sites, perfect for your family holidays and adult-only weekend breaks
The new experience is just in time for half-term (Image: Supplied)
The Brits’ favourite holiday resort has launched something new just in time for the school holidays, and it’s set to provide an experience you can’t get at other family parks.
It’s known as the ‘home of entertainment‘ for a reason, with its iconic Butlin’s live performances, rides, arcades, and waterparks all leading the way for family fun for decades. Now, a whole new experience has been added to the resorts that will amplify the fun for very little added cost.
Butlin’s has launched a whole new private sing-along experience, taking you away from the stage and audiences of the park and into your very own space with Karaoke Pods – bookable, just for you. Now, you can give the performance of a lifetime in the comfort of your own friendship group or amongst your family at whichever Butlin’s resort you choose.
As of now, the pods are open at all three Butlin’s resorts, including Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness, and can be booked for groups of up to 12 people.
Inside the Karaoke Pods, you can choose from an impressive catalogue of songs made up of over 5,000 chart-topping hits and throwback tunes carefully picked for guests to have the utmost fun.
Each session is set to last for a whole 55-minute session and should be booked in advance or, on the day when you decide to give it a spontaneous go, for £36.
If you want the drinks to keep on following, there’s no need to leave the pod, as they’ve thought way ahead of the curve. Any drinks can be ordered and delivered directly to your very own karaoke room.
During your sing-along session the pods, which Butlin’s describes as ‘high-tech’, capture each moment with videos, photos and even gifts. Meaning, you can sing your heart out in the soundproofed room without a care in the world and remain present as the pod does all the memory capturing for you.
Heidi Watson, head of innovation at Butlin’s, said: “We’re thrilled to have partnered with the Coca-Cola brand to bring this exciting, new karaoke experience to all three of our resorts. It’s the perfect activity for families or groups of friends to create unforgettable memories together while singing their hearts out to their favourite tunes.
“We’re confident the new Karaoke Pods will be popular with our guests, and an amazing addition to the activities already on offer across all of our different breaks.”
There’s no better time to book the karaoke pods than now, in time for your May half-term getaway as schools close for the week beginning May 25. Alternatively, you can get ahead of the curb and book in time for your summer holidays.
You don’t have to go abroad to enjoy a day at a waterpark as the UK’s largest outdoor park has 18 slides and heaps of fun for the whole family
The waterpark has a huge variety of slides(Image: Splashdown Waterpark Quaywest )
With its twisting maze of colourful slides that overlook the sea, Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark looks like it could be part of a Mediterranean resort.
But you don’t need to head to the airport to enjoy the resort’s 18 waterslides, heated pool, or kid-friendly splash park. You’ll find it perched on the sands of the English Riviera. Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark is set on Goodrington Sands in Paignton, Devon, a hugely popular seaside resort that often has milder weather than the rest of the UK thanks to the Riviera’s microclimate.
From twisting tyre rides to the 65ft vertical Devil’s Drop, the waterpark has a wide variety of rides to try, depending on how brave you are. The Screamer is a short yet intense slide that pushes you through like a bullet at a 60-degree angle, while Wild Kamikaze is 60-metres long and has three steep drops one after another, which is bound to get your adrenaline going.
For younger kids, there’s Shipwreck Island, a pirate-themed interactive water play zone that has seven gentle waterslides, a tipping bucket, and lots of other kid-friendly features. There’s also a 20 metre long heated swimming pool, cafés, and restaurants, so there’s everything you need for a day out.
The waterpark re-opened last weekend, and at the moment is only open for weekends. However, it’ll be open daily from 10am to 5pm during half-term, and for extended hours in July and August. You can book tickets in advance for slots from two to four hours, or all-day admission from £31 for an adult ticket.
Many visitors combine their trip to the waterpark with some time on the beach at Goodrington. This Blue Flag beach has a stretch of soft golden sand that goes on for half a mile, and its waters are clear and shallow for paddling and swimming. Its promenade is part of the popular South West Coast Path, and you’ll find stalls selling pastries and ice cream, pubs, and hotels along this stretch.
Follow the path north and you can walk along Roundham Head, a popular coastal walking spot offering spectacular views of the English Riviera and pretty parkland trails. Further on, you’ll get to Paignton Beach, another Devon destination attracts the crowds on sunny days. Take a trip to Paignton Pier for wholesome family-fun such as fairground rides, noisy amusements, and dinosaur-themed adventure golf.
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is another fun day out for families, and is home to over 1,600 animals including giraffes, flamingos, tigers, and gorillas, all housed in enclosures that match their natural habitat. It also features a vast colourful botanical garden with over 1,600 species of plants that change with the seasons making it an incredible place to visit year-round.
From Paignton, you can also hop on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and chug along the coast in a vintage train. Combine your train ride with a trip on an old-fashioned paddle steamer and you can explore the coast from dry land before heading to sea to spot sights such as waterfront castles and Agatha Christie’s former holiday home which overlooks the River Dart.
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This lively village beat seaside favourites from Brighton to Folkestone to be named the best beach location in the UK. But many people overlook it as a destination as a famous seaside town is just down the road
The village beat seaside favourites such as Folkestone and Wells-next-the-Sea(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Set along the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, it’s easy to overlook this charming village. After all, you’ve got so much to see on this one stretch of coast, from the classic seaside town of Tenby to the family-friendly Pendine Sands.
Saundersfoot has often been snubbed as a coastal destination thanks to its famous neighbours, but it’s now topped Time Out’s list of the 16 best seaside towns in the UK. The publication summed it up as “an energetic village with one of Wales’ best-looking beaches”, praising its beachfront saunas, independent restaurants, and Blue Flag beach.
Its wide sandy beach has lifeguards during the summer, so you can take a dip in the shallow waters. Next to the beach, you’ll find a charming harbor area where you can see small fishing boats coming in, as well as browse a range of surf shops, cute cafés, and shacks selling snacks and ice cream.
While you can enjoy strolls along the promenade, it’s not just the sea views that will keep you interested. A series of old tunnels, which used to belong to a railway, are open for walkers, taking you through the heart of the cliffs. The walk from the town to Wisemans Bridge includes lots of places to stop for a cup of tea on the beach, or sometime exploring rock pools when the tide is out.
Away from the seafront, Saundersfoot has a compact high street with the usual seaside town shops, and there’s a focus on independent businesses, so you can pick up artisanal souvenirs and arts and crafts.
Close to the village is the charmingly old-fashioned Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, a holiday park that has its own fairground with vintage rides such as carousels and dodgems. There’s also a small zoo with a barn where kids can get up close and stroke various friendly animals.
Manor Wildlife Park is also just a short drive away. This open-air zoo has a number of trails where you can spot exotic animals from around the world, and includes both an indoor soft play and outdoor playground, so there’s something for all weathers.
Along the seafront, you’ll find a number of places to stay, such as the St Brides Spa Hotel, famous for its clifftop views across the harbor and beach. The Gower Hotel offers traditional seaside hotel vibes, offering three-star accommodation, as well as a bar and restaurant that serves freshly-caught fish from the sea just steps away.
Despite its newest honour, Saundersfoot remains a relatively inexpensive coastal property spot. According to Zoopla, the average house price last year was £279,000, making it a cheaper place to enjoy seaside living than many other towns on the Time Out list.
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Nestled along the British coastline is a paradise for rock poolers and fossil hunters — and Conde Nast Travel has named it one of the seven wonders of Wales
It’s the local’s favourite spot by the coast(Image: John Myers)
While Rhossili Bay typically steals the limelight with its three-mile stretch of sand in the Gower National Landscape, this cherished bay is what many locals regard as Wales‘ true hidden gem.
Conde Nast Travel recently unveiled what they deem the seven wonders of Wales, compiled by a Welsh-born traveller, and Dunraven Bay secured its place as one of the nation’s essential destinations.
According to the publication, this is where residents head when seeking a peaceful coastal escape. And, with scenery comprising dramatic cliffs, limestone formations and weathered rock faces, it’s easy to understand why.
Tucked away in Southerndown within the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, the stunning bay is frequently called Southerndown Beach, adopting the name from its neighbouring village.
It boasts some of the finest rock pools along the Welsh coast and is consequently a favourite location for crabbing and fossil hunting. Young children delight in exploring the shallow pools and discovering treasures, as families flock to the bay for a day on the sand.
Best holiday cottage deals in Wales
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Wales is renowned for its stunning mountains, picturesque coastline and rich Celtic history. Sykes has a wide and varied collection of holiday cottages, houses and apartments across the country. Prices start from £35 per night with current deals.
One previous visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “We visited Dunraven Bay last Saturday; it was an amazing trip to a beautiful beach. The rock pools are super; we found some very interesting items, including an intact Gryphaea, one of the genera known as ‘devil’s toenails’.
“The beach is very clean, and the sand leading up to the sea is soft. There is a beachside shop that sells hot and cold drinks and ice cream, along with a picnic area for those with their own food.”
Visitors to the beach will find a generously sized, conveniently situated pay-and-display car park, along with toilet facilities. The bay also boasts a charming café and restaurant, perfect for a leisurely lunch or light bite, and rounding off the quintessential seaside experience, there’s an ice-cream kiosk.
A further visitor shared: “Absolutely beautiful. Especially if you’re a tourist hoping to get good photos of a beach. I went alone, and for the most part, I felt completely safe. There are pockets of people and people alone just hoping to enjoy the sun during low tide.”
History and folklore
The bay was once thought to have been an ancient Iron Age hillfort, which subsequently became Dunraven Castle, a structure that has long since disappeared. In its place lie the crumbling ruins of the castle and its former walled garden, tucked away from the shoreline.
The bay is steeped in mysterious legend, notably that of the ‘wreckers of Dunraven’, who were said to have cunningly fastened lanterns to sheep in order to lure passing vessels. They would draw the ships towards Tuskar Rock before swooping in to plunder their cargo.
The most notorious ‘wrecker’ was one Walter Vaughan, who, following tremendous personal loss and financial devastation, turned to ‘wrecking’ out of sheer desperation.
To evade detection, legend suggests that no sailors or boat crew survived the wrecking, as they would routinely kill those onboard once they reached the shore.
Some claim that on the anniversary of his son’s death, Vaughan’s ghost returns to the beach, and those passing by can hear his chilling wails.
The UK is home to more than half of the world’s bluebell population and spring is the best time to see them
The carpet of bluebells at Rannerdale(Image: munro1 via Getty Images)
The UK boasts countless stunning locations to discover – and amongst England’s most iconic sights are the bluebell forests. Now is the ideal moment to venture out and witness these delightful blue flowers in full bloom.
The UK is home to over half of the world’s bluebell population, with the Lake District ranking amongst the finest places to spot them. Experts at Sally’s Cottages have put together five of the top locations to explore for your best opportunity of seeing the gorgeous British blooms this spring. These five Lake District spots make for an ideal weekend escape.
Buttermere to Rannerdale
One of England’s finest bluebell displays can be discovered at the Rannerdale Knotts near Buttermere.
Legend has it that the bluebells growing here emerged from blood shed during a Norman war. The flowers here flourish on a hillside, rather than within woodland, reports the Express.
To view the stunning bluebells, you can tackle the three-mile circular route from Buttermere, which takes you past the flowers while offering breath taking views across the lake.
Skelghyll Woods and Jenkins Crag
This picturesque spot is home to some of England’s tallest trees and an abundance of spectacular views.
You can reach Waterhead Pier by boat before wandering the Champion Tree Trail, which meanders through ancient woodland. Towering fir trees rise above while the ground is blanketed with bluebells.
Rydal Water
This walk is stunning at any time of year, but come May it transforms into something truly breathtaking, thanks to the vast carpets of bluebells in full bloom.
Begin your walk at White Moss Common, a woodland draped in bluebells throughout spring, before setting off on the three-mile circuit around the lake.
Brandelhow Park
This park holds the distinction of being the first piece of land in the Lake District to be acquired by the National Trust back in 1902, and each May it bursts into a sea of bluebells.
Accessible by boat, if you disembark at Hawes End Jetty, you can follow the Octavia Hill Walk along the banks of Derwentwater all the way to the park.
Tarn Hows
Once owned by Beatrix Potter and left to the National Trust upon her death, Tarn Hows ranks among the most breathtaking spots in the Lake District, boasting sweeping views of the Langdale Pikes, Old Man of Coniston and Helvellyn.
A gentle two-mile trail winds its way around Tarn Hows, where the ground is awash with bluebells. Keep your eyes peeled for rare red squirrels and cattle along the way.
Writer Octavia Lillywhite discovered the latest ‘moorcore’ trend with a wild and windswept escape in Bronte country, West Yorkshire
Octavia Lillywhite Acting beauty and wellness editor
06:00, 02 May 2026
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Top Withens, the ruined farmhouse on Haworth moor is said to be the inspiration for Emily Brontes’ ‘Wuthering Heights’(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
“Wuthering” is a Northern English term for a strong, roaring wind or a storm-lashed place, which is highly appropriate for Emily Brönte’s only novel – Cathy and Healthcliff’s tempestuous story of passion and revenge. It’s a harder sell for a holiday.
That hasn’t stopped ‘Moorcore’ from becoming the latest trend in UK breaks. And what is Moorcore? It’s a move-on from the cutesy cottagecore vibe (all roses round the windows, thatched roofs and cats curled by the fire). It’s wild and free. The feeling of standing atop a gritstone edge, a heathery moorland vista stretching to the horizon, tumbling waterfalls, fairy glens, fresh air in your lungs.
There’s no better place to channel moorcore than on Haworth Moor – whose wild, heather-strews footpaths were well-traipsed by the Brontës. Two miles from their parsonage, Royds Hall Cottage is marked on maps from 1847, the very year Wuthering Heights published, and it’s likely it was a familiar sight for the sisters on their rambles. As we arrive, the breeze tusseling daffodils along the embankment and a buzzard hovering above, it feels magical.
Stay in the heart of the Yorkshire moors… near the pub
The kitchen is panelled on two sides with windows – a 180º view. There’s Ponden Reservoir shimmering, purple hills rising beyond and, in front, the owner’s horses tearing up the grass. The view changes moment to moment, as clouds scud across the sky, rolling shadows over the dale. You can watch the weather curl in from the east, like two days visible from the same window. I could marvel at it all day.
Just the right mix of old and new, the cottage sleeps four in two cosy rooms upstairs. Downstairs, the living room has the same vast view as the kitchen, exposed oak beams, a woodburner and sofas for cosying up in. And there’s a copy of Wuthering Heights if you forgot yours.
I’d had some concerns that wilderness could feel remote, but from the cottage’s kitchen window I could see the comforting sign of the nearest pub, and two more are a 10-minute walk away, in the village.
Walking in the footsteps of Wuthering Heights
On an energetic five-and-a-half mile loop from the cottage front door, we took in the waterfall at Lumb Beck (detailed in Charlotte’s letters to her friend, Ellen) and the desolate farmhouse at Top Withens – said to be the setting for Cathy and Healthcliff’s home. From there, across the moorland paths we discovered the Fairy Kirk at Ponden Clough (‘Penistone Crags’ in the novel), and beautiful Ponden Hall, which Emily Brontë used as Edgar Linton’s Thrushcross Grange and where her sister Anne set The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
Around Top Withens and the waterfall, there were scores of walkers admiring the famous views but, only a crow-call beyond, we saw barely a soul – just swooping curlews with their strange warbling cries and a roe deer bouncing off into the distance. It’s easy to find both wild inspiration and, afterwards, scones and clotted cream at Ponden Mill.
In the other direction, Haworth village was less than an hour’s stroll. It’s the focal point of Brontë pilgrimage, so it was busy – yet still so beguiling, with a sense of the sisters at every turn. Visiting on foot meant we could skip the car park and enter the village – just as they would have – from the footpath at the end of Church Street.
Their house (now an unmissable museum) is the first you come to on the cobbled street. From the parlour table, the one Emily and her sisters worked at, you can still look out at the graveyard with its overcrowded, flat-lying gravestones.
The best places to eat and shop near Stanbury and Haworth
In Stanbury village, a 10-minute walk from the house, we found the Wuthering Heights Inn serves excellent pub food classics, is family and dog friendly and didn’t bat an eyelid at our muddy boots.
If you prefer to eat in, don’t miss Robertshaw’s Farm Shop at Thornton, 20 minutes by car. It’s packed to the rafters with local meats, dairy, vegetables and baked goods plus wine and Yorkshire ales. We loved it so much we stopped there again on the way home to pack the car with extras.
How to book this Yorkshire Moors cottage stay
Royds Hall Cottage sleeps four (a double room and a twin) and is available to book through booking.com or cottages.com, from £370 for 3 nights.
More ‘moorcore’ destinations to try in the UK, with great literary links
The wild places of Britain have been inspiring literary classics for generations, and Haworth is not the only place to find it.
Lorna Doone
Where to find it: Riverside Cottage overlooks dappling Badgeworthy Water, the river where John and Lorna meet, just at the ford in Malmesmead. In a seven-ish mile walk you can head up into their moorland valley among the rolling hills, or a 3-mile loop takes in the 13th-century church at Oare. Either way, you end back at your cottage, next door to The Buttery café. Further afield, don’t miss Tarr Steps (about 35 minutes by car) where a 1000-year old clapper bridge spans the river, and in summer families picnic on the grassy meadow before heading to Liscombe Dairy for the best ice creams.
Where to find it: Wood Cottage nestles in the rugged North York Moors, circled almost entirely by wild uplands with footpaths in any direction. One of the area’s most inspiring views, The Wainstones, is a 3-mile hike, and on the way back you can drop by The Buck Inn. The cottage is 200 years old but recently – and so prettily refurbished – with the living room upstairs for the best light and views. It’s set on a working sheep farm, so expect fluffy Herdwick lambs to visit at the back gate for your very own Dicken moment from the patio. Twenty minutes drive away, Hemsley Walled Garden could rival the garden Mary Lennox found, while right next door, Dunscombe Park served as Misselthwaite Manor in the 2020 Secret Garden film.
How much? Wood Cottage sleeps four from £697 for 7 nights, see sykescottages.co.uk
This charming coastal spot is one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.
This spot is perfect for summer(Image: Getty)
Summer is approaching, and if you’re already fantasising about sea and sunshine, then you’re truly spoilt for choice. While destinations such as the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are alluring, flying overseas can prove costly – without even mentioning accommodation prices and dining expenses.
Fortunately, if you’re watching your pennies, the UK boasts some genuinely breathtaking destinations to discover, right on your doorstep. Not only will it prove more affordable, it will also eliminate much of the hassle involved in organising an overseas getaway. Instead of dashing through airport security, all you need to do is jump in the car or board a train.
Staycation specialists at holidaycottages.co.uk have examined some of the globe’s most sought-after beach destinations and recommended lesser-known UK alternatives that deliver all the splendour of the finest spots but without the hefty price tag or the throngs of visitors.
The Costa Brava ranks as an extremely popular destination for British holidaymakers.
Renowned for its white sand beaches, verdant landscape and turquoise waters, this north-east Spanish hotspot frequently draws crowds of British tourists seeking to unwind by the sea, reports the Express.
For a more tranquil and budget-friendly option, Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall serves as the UK’s own slice of paradise.
The beach sits beneath towering cliffs that shield it from the wind, while the stunning clear waters prove ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor the beach was “absolutely breathtaking”.
“The most amazing beach beautiful white sand and turquoise sea. Breathtaking views and definitely one of the best beaches you will ever find.”
Another said: “Spent the day here, it’s just like being abroad, clear blue skies water, perfect sandy beach and so peaceful. No arcades, no boats, no noise, just gorgeous.”
Sarah Pring, PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, said: “For many people, summer brings the temptation of a beach holiday, however, travel enthusiasts don’t have to travel internationally to experience crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches hidden between towering cliffs as there are many comparable spots in the UK.”
The most stunning beach alternatives in the UK
Luskentyre Beach, Scotland – looks like Turks and Caicos
Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall – looks like Costa Brava, Spain
Runswick Bay, Yorkshire – looks like Monterosso Al Mare, Cinque Terre, Italy
Barricane Beach, Devon – looks like Calanque d’En-Vau, France
Porthdinllaen, North Wales – looks like Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
Nestled in Yorkshire it is one of the most extensive deserted medieval settlements and a fascinating medieval historical site open for the public to freely explore
The village has been deserted for centuries(Image: SteveAllenPhoto via Getty Images)
Visitors flock from all corners of the country to witness what’s considered the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village.
Wharram Percy has stood empty for hundreds of years and now provides a captivating destination for ramblers and heritage lovers.
Tucked away in North Yorkshire, Wharram Percy represents one of Britain’s largest abandoned medieval communities and certainly the most celebrated.
The site is open for the public to explore freely, uncovering the remains of ancient dwellings, a church, and the surviving fragments of a manor house.
Perfectly positioned between sought-after landmarks Scarborough Castle and York’s Clifford’s Tower, it serves as an ideal pit stop for those journeying between these two destinations, reports Yorkshire Live.
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Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.
While admission to the village is free, there’s a £2 parking fee.
Throughout an extraordinary six-decade span, archaeologists have repeatedly uncovered fresh insights into Wharram Percy’s past.
Their discoveries have revealed why the location was originally abandoned and how its residents existed in earlier eras.
Situated on the rim of a Yorkshire valley, this extraordinary community was home to settlements for as long as six centuries before being deserted following the 1500s.
Scholars indicate that even now, traces of former habitations remain visible across the terrain, alongside the more significant ruins that draw inquisitive visitors.
The background is intricate, yet specialists believe the initial community stretches back to approximately 50 BC.
The land was later transformed for agricultural purposes, yet remained abandoned throughout the 5th century, before ultimately evolving into a Middle Saxon settlement.
It’s important to mention that accessing the village involves approximately a 3/4 mile trek from the car park to the main site, which is often both steep and muddy.
The location contains uneven ground throughout, which can present difficulties for some guests and is mostly unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Parking on the Heritage car park off the B1248 prepare for a trek to the village.”
They continued to describe it as a “sharp gravelled decline” and a “daunting” journey that is unsuitable for those with limited mobility, as the route passes through farmland.
After their visit, one excited guest commended their experience, remarking: “Lovely walk from the car park to the site, but people with mobility issues may struggle. It’s a fascinating historical site that has been really well managed.
“Only a few visitors when we visited, which added to the peace and tranquillity of the place. Loved it!”
Another guest commented: “This lovely deserted mediaeval village is truly fascinating! The history is incredible, and it was wonderful to wander around and explore. We really lucked out and had beautiful weather, so we got to sit on the grass by the pond and soak it all in.”
There’s a charming pub that even people who live an hour away don’t know about – but it’s a brilliant place to have a pint on a Friday night
The pub only opens on Friday nights
There’s nothing that says ‘quintessentially British’ quite like a pub. Whether we’re talking big name chains or beautiful low-beamed watering holes with roaring fireplaces, you’d struggle to find a Brit who doesn’t have a favourite local.
One pub that’s definitely stood the test of time is The Puffin. Tucked away on Osea Island, just off the coast in Essex, this quirky pub is only open on Friday nights – and there aren’t any official last orders.
Osea Island gets cut off from the mainland for about 20 hours every day, has almost no shops, and only a handful of residents. Still, even the most isolated of destinations needs a good pub, and The Puffin provides.
This beautiful 300-year-old building is located in the island’s main village, a stone’s throw from plenty of holiday homes. Naturally, I had to check it out when I headed to Osea for a weekend. The Puffin is packed with charm; think authentic low beamed ceilings and an Inglenook fireplace that completely oozes character.
Just a word of caution; the pub’s low ceilings definitely add to the building’s character but they are really, really low. If you’re tall like me, take heed; it’s easy to bump your head when you enter!
Still, I loved the overall decor; the signs and artwork all over the walls of the pub, the pictures of dogs, photos of the island and fun little posters too. There are also gorgeous leather sofas, and piles of old-looking books against the walls. The cosy interior probably wouldn’t fit more than 30 people inside at once, but this adds to its charm in my opinion.
The bar felt chaotic – but I mean that in the best way possible. Considering the pub is isolated from the mainland most of the time, there was an incredible variety of drinks on offer – and I was particularly impressed by the number of local gins and spirits available. Of course no pub is complete without a decent beer selection, but that’s covered too; there were a fair amount of beers on draught, but the majority are bottled.
I opted for a spiced rum and coke, while other people ordered beers, local gins or soft drinks; again, I was really surprised at the wide range of spirit and mixer options available in such a tiny pub.
Another nice touch was that there were bowls of peanuts and crisps available for customers for the entirety of my visit. Overall, it really felt like I’d been transported back in time to a medieval cosy pub with all the benefits of modern comforts, food and drink.
I also had the pleasure of having a chat with Calvin, who runs the pub, and was more than willing to share various stories from the island and its famous visitors. Calvin has been running the pub for about three years; he lives on Osea for five days a week, then stays at home in Heybridge for the other two.
His favourite thing about the job? Being able to chat to everyone who comes in, be that locals, tourists or even massive celebs. Jude Law, Stormzy, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Sean Paul, KSI and the Sidemen and even Example are just some of the famous faces who’ve reportedly visited the pub – and apparently at one point I was stood in the same spot where Martin Freeman had enjoyed a pint. Given that Osea is owned by music producer Nigel Frieda, it’s not surprising that it’s a haven for the A-list.
What’s particularly notable about The Puffin is its irregular opening times; it’s open every Friday and some bank holidays, but other than that, it’s only open on request for events. Calvin added there isn’t really a closing time either; it just shuts once the last punter leaves.
Ultimately, it turned out to be one of the best pubs I’ve visited; not because of the food and drink, but because of the overall atmosphere.
There were groups of people chatting on sofas, people drinking pints next to the bar and laughing with Calvin, and the whole place has an old-timey vibe, with the fireplace adding that extra touch of cosiness. If I make another trip to Osea, it’ll definitely be on a Friday at opening time!
Against its otherworldly scenes of ancient woodland, rustic bridges, snowdrops, and spiralling rivers, is a landscape that has attracted worldwide attention and featured in mega movies
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The incredible UK area is made up of around 27,000 acres of ancient woodland(Image: Getty Images)
You don’t need a ticket to Hollywood to immerse yourself in movie magic, but simply a visit to a UK ancient woodland.
Situated between the Rivers Wye and Severn in Gloucestershire and on the Welsh border, is the enchanting Forest of Dean, one of England’s largest ancient woodlands. It’s made up of around 27,000 acres of towering forest, with a fairytale-like atmosphere, and was once a medieval royal hunting ground.
Rich in heritage, the woodland previously served as a vital timber supply for Tudor warships, before transforming into industrial terrain for coal mines, ironworks and tramways. It became England’s first National Forest Park in 1938, and today it’s a renowned area of spectacular beauty, set against a serene backdrop, that attracts hundreds of visitors for a day out or weekend escape.
There are scenic views of the River Wye from Symonds Yat Rock, the Clearwell Caves that are 100ft beneath the forest, winding cycling and walking trails, and an array of activities on offer.
Forest Ranger for Forest Holidays, Gerry O’Brien, exclusively told the Mirror: “The Forest of Dean was used where Harry and Hermione were camping in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.”
In the movie, Hermione also recalls memories of a holiday to the Forest of Dean with her parents. Symonds Yat and Coppett Hill, near Goodrich, were also featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, along with the forest pool where Harry retrieved Gryffindor’s sword.
Sharing an insight into the area, Gerry said: “If you’re looking down from Symonds Yat Rock, with the River Wye below you, you can look out over Copper Hill and on the other side, it’s the woodland where Harry Potter was filmed.”
But there’s another notable credit that the Forest of Dean holds. The Ranger at Forest of Dean added: “If you go to Symonds Yat East, it’s a little hamlet by the river, it’s beautiful and really picturesque. But you walk right past the house that was used in the Netflix series, Sex Education.
“It’s the red house, so all of that was filmed in and along the Wye Valley. There are a lot of hidden gems around the Forest of Dean. They’ve done alot of movies and TV work around the forest.”
Living amongst the Hollywood fame, the Forest of Dean has a diverse wildlife of free-roaming fallow deer, Pine martens, beavers, foxes and badgers, and is a favourite among birdwatchers. It’s also home to England’s largest wild boar population, earning it the nickname “wild boar capital of the UK”; yet visitors will be relieved to hear that they typically forage at dawn and dusk.
Thanks to its remarkable terrain, the ancient woodland has become a popular spot for those looking to explore nature, with its collection of winding footpaths and trails, tranquil lakes and ponds, nestled among the woodland. To experience this enchanting part of the world, many opt for a stay at Forest Holidays in the Forest of Dean, which offers a collection of lodges, cabins and treehouses, some with outdoor hot tubs to soak under the towering trees. Meanwhile the likes of Sykes Holiday Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk both also offer various stays in the region.
For something extra enchanting, the beautiful Puzzlewood woodland is a must-visit. Nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean, it offers 14 acres of twisting, moss-covered trees, rustic wooden bridges, and snowdrops decorating the rugged ground, and is often tipped as being one of the region’s most beautiful spots.
This otherworldly feel has meant it’s also enjoyed some Hollywood spotlight, serving as a location for the likes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Secret Garden, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Doctor Who, Merlin, Netflix’s Our Planet and BBC’s Atlantis.
It was even named in Big 7 Travel’s ’50 Most Beautiful Places in the UK’ list for 2025 and again this year. Noting its characteristics that are used so widely as a film location, Big 7 Travel said: “Gnarled wooden trees, ancient wooden bridges and mossy mounds all create the perfect atmosphere for a fantasy novel setting.”
But that’s not all. Puzzlewood is also believed to have been an inspiration for Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings series, including Mirkwood and the Old Forest. The magical woodland is also said to have influenced JK Rowling, for the Forbidden Forest featured in the Harry Potter franchise.
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