Tourism

The seaside spot is perfect for a wintery day trip or weekend away, and even in the freezing weather, it’s so charming

We’re already a week into January, and while the start of a new year can be invigorating, it’s tough to kick-start your routine after the celebrations. You’re likely feeling drained after returning to work, eagerly awaiting a weekend of rest.

However, exploring a new town or village can do wonders for your mood, which is exactly what I did last weekend. Bracing the frosty breeze, I embarked on a half-hour train journey from Glasgow to Troon, a seaside town bustling in summer but much quieter in winter.

It was an almost perfect day trip, with one minor hiccup threatening to ruin the trip – but don’t let that deter you.

Nestled on Scotland’s west coast with views over the Firth of Clyde, Troon is the perfect coastal retreat from city life. Admittedly, my last visit was around age 15 and I had never been during winter, but craving some outdoor time before returning to work, this seemed ideal.

Upon getting off the train, we made our way to the waterfront, which was freezing yet beautiful. The sun was shining, and although the sea would have been unbearably cold for a dip, it looked stunning, reports the Express.

Depressingly, the sun had begun to set as early as 1pm during our visit, but it provided a lovely backdrop for photos. We walked along the huge beach for around an hour, climbing on top of a paved hill at the end to really take in the panoramic views of the town below.

For kids, there’s a huge play area that was bustling even in the biting cold, so I can only imagine how busy it’ll be in summertime.

When the chill became almost unbearable, it was time to seek out some food. Troon boasts an array of great places to eat and drink, from the stylish Scotts restaurant by the marina to numerous fish and chip shops dotting the high street.

One of the main reasons for this trip was to try out The Wee Hurrie, a seafood shack near the water that had been highly praised by relatives and friends. With TripAdvisor users hailing it as the ‘best chippie in Scotland’, we couldn’t wait.

After braving the icy beach walk, our hunger was intense, so imagine our dismay when we found The Wee Hurrie shuttered. This was our fault, and we should have checked ahead, but the combination of freezing temperatures and hunger nearly brought me to tears.

The closure was due to the Scottish fishing fleet being docked for Christmas, which is entirely understandable. As of Friday (January 9), it’s back in business, and you can bet I’ll be running back as soon as I can for some beachfront fish and chips.

By 3pm, we were still on the hunt for lunch, so we started our journey back to the town centre. As if to rub salt in the wound, it began to snow – but luckily, it was just a brief flurry that ended as quickly as it had started.

I wasn’t expecting much activity on the high street at this time on a Sunday in early January, but I was pleasantly surprised to see plenty of people bustling about, popping in and out of eateries and shops.

Still craving seafood, we stopped into Tempura and ordered a serving of battered prawns and chips each. It hit the spot perfectly, and spotting a tempura Mars bar on the menu made me laugh. You cannot escape the deep-fried life in Scotland.

Despite the slight hiccup with our initial food plans, it was still a great day out – albeit a bit chilly for my liking. But rest assured, as soon as that first hint of warmth graces us in March, I’ll be heading straight back there.

And it’s surrounded by beautiful hills.

Situated deep in beautiful Hills lies this pretty market town full of independent shops. The charming town of Dorking can be found at the foot of Surrey’s famous Box Hill, renowned for its challenging zig zag cycle route, excellent walking trails and stunning views over the county.

While I’ve ventured to the National Trust beauty spot many times before, I hadn’t explored Dorking’s high street for years, so this winter I went to see what it had to offer. Full of independent stores, quaint antique shops, beauty businesses and lots of adorable places to grab a coffee, it also boasts striking views of the rolling countryside.

At the end of last year, award-winning hair salon group, Rush Hair, opened a new branch right in the centre of the town. It could not be in a more prominent location at a cross-roads and during my trip to the neighbourhood I visited the salon, checking out its chic interior and list of pampering services.

With eight styling stations, contemporary grey stone flooring, unique fixtures and fittings, the space has created 10 jobs for aspiring stylists in the area. Artwork created by the award-winning Rush creative team graces the walls and the salon is further enhanced with LED lighting, allowing stylists the ability to see client’s hair tones perfectly whilst hair colouring.

Opened in time for Christmas, the salon was designed by Dudley Cummings, of the Rush salon design team who has worked across many salons within the group. It’s beautiful, welcoming and relaxed, plus, colour appointments are currently half price when booked with a cut and finish. Stell Andrew, CEO and co-founder of Rush Hair and, said: “The new salon looks truly incredible and will be an asset to Dorking and a fabulous haven for clients to come to relax and have a pamper.”

All customers are treated to teas, coffees and biscuits during their precious ‘me-time’, but there’s also lots of other lovely cafes and coffee shops within walking distance which I gladly found.

Immediately next door to Rush Hair is Costa and directly opposite is Cosy Moose. I visited the latter, an artisan coffee shop and bakery which stood on the corner of the high street with steamed up windows due to the sub-zero temperatures outside and warm, hustle and bustle inside.

Indoors wasn’t overly big unlike Costa across the road, but it was a cute spot to enjoy a coffee and slice of cake, particularly a pecan tart, homemade carrot cake and mint chocolate tiffin.

I wandered up the high street, popping my head into a few more stores and at around 4pm I witnessed the most glorious sun set over the rooftops.

There are various car parks in the town, but I thought South Street Car Park was particularly convenient given that it was very close by and I could pay via Ringo.

Investigators are rushing to identify the victims and establish the cause of a devastating fire at a New Year’s Eve party that ripped through a bar in the Swiss Alps town of Crans-Montana.

Relatives and friends have been scrambling to find their loved ones, with many circulating photos on social media after the disaster that happened in the early hours of 2026, killing about 40 people and injuring about 115 others, many seriously.

“We tried to reach them; some of their locations are still showing here,” Valais, a teenager who was attending the party, told the AFP news agency, nodding at the bar now shielded by opaque white tarpaulins and behind a wall of temporary barriers.

“We took loads of photos [and] we put them on Instagram, Facebook, every social network possible to try to find them,” Eleonore, another one, said.

“But there’s nothing. No response. We called the parents. Nothing. Even the parents don’t know,” she added.

Officials have started the arduous process of identifying the victims, but with some of the bodies badly burned, police warned the process could take days or even weeks.

“The first objective is to assign names to all the bodies,” Crans-Montana’s mayor Nicolas Feraud told a news conference on Thursday evening. This, he said, could take days.

Mathias Reynard, head of government of the canton of Valais, said experts were using dental and DNA samples for the task.

“All this work needs to be done because the information is so terrible and sensitive that nothing can be told to the families unless we are 100 percent sure,” he said.

Bystanders described scenes of panic and chaos during the incident as people tried to break the windows to escape, and others, covered in burns, poured into the street.

The exact number of people who were at the bar when it went up in flames remains unclear, and police have not specified how many are still missing.

Le Constellation had a capacity of 300 people, plus another 40 people on its terrace, according to the Crans-Montana website. Crans-Montana is about 200km south of the Swiss capital, Bern.

More than 30 victims were taken to hospitals with specialised burns units in Zurich and Lausanne, and six were taken to Geneva, according to the Swiss media.

There is no official estimate of the missing or headcount from Le Constellation bar that night.

While Swiss officials have said about 40 people were killed, Italy has put the death toll at 47, based on information from Swiss authorities.

Italy and France are among the countries that have said some of their nationals are missing and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani will visit Crans-Montana on Friday, Italy’s ambassador to Switzerland Gian Lorenzo Cornado said.

All bar five of the 112 injured had been identified now, Cornado said. Six Italians are still missing and 13 hospitalised, he added. Three Italians were repatriated on Thursday and three more will follow on Friday, he said.

The French foreign ministry said nine French citizens figured among the injured, and eight others remained unaccounted for.

‘The apocalypse’

Swiss President Guy Parmelin, who took over on Thursday, called the fire “a calamity of unprecedented, terrifying proportions”, and announced that flags would be flown at half-staff for five days.

The fire broke out at about 1:30am (00:30 GMT) on Thursday at Le Constellation, a bar popular with young tourists.

“We thought it was just a small fire – but when we got there, it was war,” Mathys, from neighbouring Chermignon-d’en-Bas, told AFP. “That is the only word I can use to describe it: the apocalypse.”

Authorities have declined to speculate on what caused the tragedy, saying only that it was not an attack.

The canton’s chief prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, said investigators would look into whether the bar met safety standards and had the required number of exits.

Multiple sources told AFP that the bar owners are French nationals: a couple originally from Corsica who, according to a relative, are safe, but have been unreachable since the tragedy.

Dec. 29 (UPI) — International tourism across South America rebounded strongly in 2025, led by Brazil, which received nearly 9 million foreign visitors and consolidated its position as the region’s top destination.

Brazil welcomed 8.97 million international tourists between January and November 2025, a 40% increase compared with the same period last year, according to data from Brazil’s Ministry of Tourism.

Argentines were the largest group of visitors, totaling 3.1 million tourists, followed by travelers from Chile, the United States, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Brazilian authorities said visitor numbers are expected to rise further in December with the year-end holidays and the peak of the Southern Hemisphere vacation season.

Tourism revenue generated more than $7.1 billion in foreign income through November, reflecting higher volumes and longer average stays, according to the Central Bank of Brazil and tourism officials.

Elsewhere in South America, tourism recovered at different speeds. Most countries reported clear gains compared with previous years, driven mainly by regional travel and improved air connectivity.

Argentina recorded 795,300 international visitors in November alone, according to national statistics, including 491,400 tourists who stayed at least one night and 303,900 same-day visitors.

Brazil was the main country of origin, followed by the European Union and Uruguay. Despite solid inbound figures, Argentina posted a negative tourism balance, as outbound travel by residents continued to exceed arrivals of foreign visitors.

Chile reported more than 5 million international tourist arrivals during the year, according to data from the National Tourism Service, marking one of the strongest recoveries in South America.

Authorities said the growth was driven mainly by visitors from Argentina and Brazil, along with a gradual return of long-haul travelers from North America and Europe as air connectivity improved.

Uruguay received 3,207,536 international visitors between January and November, with estimated tourism spending of $1.784 billion.

Argentina and Brazil remained the country’s main source markets. Argentine tourists totaled more than 2 million arrivals, generating $1.034 billion in spending, while nearly 450,000 Brazilian visitors produced approximately $296 million during their stays.

Paraguay posted one of the region’s strongest rebounds early in 2025, with international arrivals up more than 50% year over year in the first quarter, according to Unite Nations tourism data.

The growth was driven mainly by cross-border travel and short stays linked to commerce and regional mobility.

South American travelers took advantage of exchange rate differences and expanded land and air connections. The return of travelers from the United States and Europe added further momentum, particularly in Brazil and Chile, reinforcing South America’s post-pandemic tourism recovery.

A British travel expert has shared the location of what she believes to be the most beautiful place on Earth, advising others of five things to know before planning a visit to the breathtaking scenery

Following her visit to what she hailed as the “most beautiful place on Earth”, a travel expert has compiled a list of five essential pointers for anyone wanting to experience this breathtaking destination themselves. Emma Ansley Knight turned to TikTok after returning from the Brazil-Argentina border in South America, describing her journey as “such a bucket list moment”.

“Literally felt a tear come down my face when I stood over the Devil’s Throat waterfall for the first time,” she added. “Just amazing how powerful nature can be.” She went on to explain that the Brazilian side of her destination offers roughly a 1.5km walk with “beautiful panoramic views” of the cascades, which she suggests tackling first.

“Someone said that from the Brazilian side you can see the falls, and from the Argentinian side you can feel the falls, which I thought was a great way of describing it,” Emma said. The Argentinian side is quite different, however, featuring multiple walking routes and providing more of a “full day experience”, she added.

Her destination? Iguazu Falls. Also referred to as Iguaçu Falls, it sits on the Iguazu River and forms part of the world’s largest waterfall network.

“If you want to see the falls at their absolute fullest, you are best off going in the rainy season, which is roughly between November and March,” Emma advised.

“We went in December and just before that it had rained so much that the flow of the falls was five times higher than usual.”

She went on to describe the Devil’s Throat, the most impressive cascade at Iguazu Falls. “You can see the water thundering down it from the Brazilian side,” she said.

“And on the Argentinian side, you can head along a walkway and stand pretty much right at the top of it – and wow, what an experience that was.”

Regarding accommodation options, Emma outlined several choices. “On the Brazil side, you have Foz do Iguaçu, which is where we stayed. And on the Argentina side there’s Puerto Iguazu – and if your budget allows, you can even stay in the National Park itself.”

Emma concluded by reminding visitors that crossing from one side of the falls to the other requires passing through border control, meaning you must make sure you have your passport with you.

Iguazu National Park achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1986 due to its exceptional natural splendour. Its website advises: “The semicircular waterfall at the heart of this site is some 80m high and 2,700m in diameter and is situated on a basaltic line spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil.

“Made up of many cascades producing vast sprays of water, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The surrounding subtropical rainforest has over 2,000 species of vascular plants and is home to the typical wildlife of the region: tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and caymans.”

To get to the destination from Brazil, you can catch a flight from either Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro to the local airport, Aeropuerto Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu. The journey from Rio takes roughly two hours, while flights from Sao Paulo shave off about 15 minutes.

Alternatively, if you’re travelling from Buenos Aires in Argentina, you can fly directly to the Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Iguazu. This flight is slightly quicker, clocking in at around one hour and 50 minutes.

HONOLULU — A federal judge’s ruling clears the way for Hawaii to include cruise ship passengers in a new tourist tax to help cope with climate change, a levy set to go into effect at the start of 2026.

U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake on Tuesday denied a request seeking to stop officials from enforcing the new law on cruises.

In the nation’s first such levy to help cope with a warming planet, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green signed legislation in May that raises tax revenue to deal with eroding shorelines, wildfires and other climate problems. Officials estimate the tax will generate nearly $100 million annually.

The levy increases rates on hotel room and vacation rental stays but also imposes a new 11% tax on the gross fares paid by a cruise ship’s passengers, starting next year, prorated for the number of days the vessels are in Hawaii ports.

Cruise Lines International Assn. challenged the tax in a lawsuit, along with a Honolulu company that provides supplies and provisions to cruise ships and tour businesses out of Kauai and the Big Island that rely on cruise ship passengers. Among their arguments is that the new law violates the Constitution by taxing cruise ships for the privilege of entering Hawaii ports.

Plaintiff lawyers also argued that the tax would hurt tourism by making cruises more expensive. The lawsuit notes the law authorizes counties to collect an additional 3% surcharge, bringing the total to 14% of prorated fares.

“Cruise tourism generates nearly $1 billion in total economic impact for Hawai‘i and supports thousands of local jobs, and we remain focused on ensuring that success continues on a lawful, sustainable foundation,” association spokesperson Jim McCarthy said in a statement.

According to court records, plaintiffs will appeal. They asked the judge to grant an injunction pending an appeal and requested a ruling by Saturday afternoon, given that the law takes effect Jan. 1.

Hawaii will continue to defend the law, which requires cruise operators to pay their share of transient accommodation tax to address climate change threats to the state, state Atty. Gen. Anne Lopez said in a statement.

The U.S. government intervened in the case, calling the tax a “scheme to extort American citizens and businesses solely to benefit Hawaii” in conflict with federal law.

Kelleher writes for the Associated Press.

THE Canary Islands are one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits with Tenerife and Gran Canaria being some of the most well-known.

However, there’s one island that most won’t have visited or perhaps even heard of with ragged coastlines, black sand beaches and natural pools.

Unlike its neighbours, the island of El Hierro offers a peaceful, nature-filled break rather than one for parties and cheap bars.

Off the coast of the island are diving reserves, natural pools and further inland, you can hike up volcanic trails.

The island will be much less busy than the other Canary Islands too as it only gets between 20,000 to 30,000 visitors each year.

In comparison, Tenerife attractions around 7million tourists each year, while Gran Canaria welcomes around 4.7million.

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As Brits we often seek out sun, and El Hierro is sunny and warm for most of the year as it sits on the Morocco-Western Sahara border.

Temperatures tend not to dip below 15C and in January it can be as hot as 20C – in comparison it tends to sit between 3-6C in the UK.

Timon van Basten has lived in Spain for the last five years and works as a tour guide in the country and he recommends a trip to El Hierro.

Timon told Euro News: “The tiny, remote island has an end-of-the-world vibe with lava flows, volcanic craters, and lush cliffs plunging into the Atlantic.

“Explore at your own pace, with quaint towns, secluded beaches, and tranquil hiking trails to discover.”

When it comes to popular attractions on the island, a top one is the El Tamaduste Pool.

It’s a natural swimming pool in a sheltered bay in the village of Tamaduste.

Visitors can take a dip in the pool while being protected by the strong sea waves. Aside from swimming, visitors can also enjoy water sports like diving or paddle boarding.

Another natural pool is Charco Azul which is one of the most famous and sits on the north of the island with a huge rock acting as the barrier between the pool and the sea.

Another is the viewpoint called Mirador de la Peña which overlooks a huge landslide valley with views across the sweeping coastline.

Of course there are plenty of beaches, some of the most popular are  Playa de Tacorón, which is ideal for families.

There’s also Playa del Verodal, the largest beach the island which has incredible sunset views, but not so good for swimming due to strong currents.

There aren’t any white or golden sandy beaches on the island because of volcanic activity.

El Hierro’s sands are rich in iron, causing it to turn red, and the black granules are created from volcanic glass.

Cala de Tacorón beach is the hidden gem of the island with soft red sands and as it’s in a cove, has much calmer waves.

If you fancy getting a souvenir, there are stalls and street markets dotted around El Hierro where you can buy jewellery, homemade gifts, as well as locally produced honey, wines and cheeses.

To get to El Hierro from the UK, you’ll need to fly to another Canary Island like Tenerife or Gran Canaria and take a connecting flight.

From Tenerife to the neighbouring island, flights take just 40-minutes, or 55-minutes from Gran Canaria.

Another option is to take a connecting ferry which from Tenerife takes just over two hours.

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Robin McKelvie said: “Having first visited the Canary Islands in Spain back in 1998, I’ve been back at least once a year on holiday.

“It’s the world’s most varied archipelago – on Tenerife alone you can party at the world’s second biggest carnival, bash around the world’s best waterpark (Siam Park) and climb a mountain almost three times higher than Britain’s Ben Nevis.

“La Graciosa could be on a different planet. There are no tarmac roads, nevermind an airport.

“It’s a brilliant escape from the modern world, hiking and
cycling around rough tracks, up volcanoes and out to windswept beaches.

“You can still tuck into British comfort food across the resorts, but there is far more to savour today. Lanzarote and Gran Canaria boast Michelin star restaurants and foodies flock to Tenerife to dine at eight Michelin star restaurants.

“Tenerife boasts more Michelin stars than Wales and the Royal Hideaway Corales Resort has more stars than any hotel in Spain with four. And Tenerife just keeps winning stars. This year Il Bocconcino snared a star.

“Tenerife is not my favourite island for beaches – I prefer the third largest isle, Fuerteventura.

“The Parque Natural de Corralejo boasts mile upon mile of Sahara-esque dunes and gorgeous beaches.

“It’s just south of Corralejo, a resort popular with Brits and is
easily my favourite Canarian resort.”

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It offers stunning coastal views, a thriving high street and a rich history – and it’s perfect even in the rain

Christmas is a really exciting time, but it’ll be January before we know it, and the thought of the long, dark months ahead is enough to ruin anyone’s festive cheer.

However, one easy way to combat the January blues is to get out and about, blowing off the cobwebs by the seaside. And there are definitely no shortage of amazing UK spots to choose from.

There’s one particular location I went to loads when I was younger, that draws crowds in the summer, but is less visited during winter. However, after spending a drizzly and cold weekend there for the first time in years, I’m surprised to say it’s just as charming – maybe even more so.

Largs, an amazing seaside town on Scotland’s west coast, about an hour from Glasgow, is the place in question. Renowned for its Viking museum, quaint amusement arcades and ferry trips to the Isle of Cumbrae, it’s a destination many Scots are likely to have enjoyed during the warm summer days, reports the Express.

It’s one of those places that I remembered so fondly that I was convinced it couldn’t possibly live up to my nostalgic recollections – especially under grey skies.

But on the contrary, our family trip was filled with lovely rainy beach walks, delicious food, and even a couple of unexpected Viking sightings – all without a hint of sunshine.

Nestled by the Firth of Clyde, this charming seaside town offers everything you could want, including an array of lovely hotels and accommodation options. We stayed at the Old Rectory, a stunning holiday home that comfortably sleeps up to 14 guests, complete with a hot tub and ample space for relaxation.

One of the best things about Largs is how close you always are to the waterfront, no matter where you’re staying. The Victorian-style promenade is brimming with activities, sights, and a fantastic selection of eateries serving everything from traditional fish and chips to mouth-watering Thai cuisine.

Largs holds historical significance as the site of a pivotal battle in 1263, marking the end of extensive Viking influence in Scotland. You can delve into this history at the Vikingar museum or immerse yourself in the annual Largs Viking Festival, which we were fortunate enough to experience during our visit, complete with battle re-enactments, live music, and intriguing costumes.

Beyond its Viking heritage, Largs is also renowned for its art deco-style ice cream parlour, a long-standing attraction for visitors over the years.

Nardini’s, hailed as Scotland’s most famous cafe, is a must-visit for its inviting atmosphere and irresistible ice cream. Nestled on the waterfront like Vikingar, it’s an idyllic spot to enjoy a scoop or two of your favourite ice cream flavour.

Beyond its famed frozen treats, Nardini’s also offers a vast selection of cakes and light bites, making it a perfect pit stop for lunch or a quick snack during your seaside strolls. Venture further into the town, and you’ll discover quaint winding streets brimming with independent gift shops, eateries, and even more ice cream parlours.

One morning, we found ourselves at Perk, a vibrant cafe full of plants and books, boasting an impressive menu. The vanilla matcha was divine, and I couldn’t resist ordering the sumptuous feta and avocado waffles.

And if you’re still peckish after your meal, there’s a cake cabinet bursting with pastries and other sweet treats available for takeaway.

While Largs may not be home to any high street giants, it does boast an array of independent vendors showcasing their unique products. A large market tent houses retailers offering everything from organic dog food to wooden lamps, jewellery, soaps, and even tarot readings – a real treasure trove that could keep you occupied all day.

For those looking for a bit of an adventure, a quick ferry ride from the port will whisk you away to the Isle of Cumbrae, home to the lively town of Millport. The island is compact enough to cycle around in just a few hours, with a rewarding pint waiting for you at the end before a swift 10-minute sail back to the mainland.

Nearby lies the stunning Kelburn Castle, a beautiful park and estate that even hosts its own music festival during the summer months. It’s a family-friendly spot, boasting numerous playparks, waterfalls and more to discover – all conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Largs.

But truth be told, Largs itself offers more than enough to keep you entertained for a day or even a weekend. Don’t let the typical Scottish drizzle deter you – it only adds to the charm of the seafront walks and makes the cosy ice-cream parlours even more inviting.

This remarkable house has stayed standing through many major events, even surviving the Great Fire of London, despite huge areas of the city being destroyed, and attempts to have it demolished

London’s most intriguing landmarks often lie hidden in plain sight, tucked away down side streets. A prime example of this lies down the street of Cloth Fair.

This narrow road near Smithfield Market in the City of London, owes its name to its medieval past as a hub for merchants. Today, instead of bustling scenes of street trading, it’s mostly residential and offers a tranquil retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Yet, one building stands out due to its historical significance. 41-42 Cloth Fair, built between 1597 and 1614, holds the distinction of being London’s oldest surviving house. But what truly sets this four-bedroom townhouse apart is its resilience through various tumultuous periods in history, including its survival of the Great Fire of London.

The Great Fire of London obliterated over 70,000 homes, leaving this townhouse amidst a sea of ruined properties. However, a tall brick wall encircling the property shielded it from the devastating flames, reports the Express.

But this wasn’t the first time the house had dodged disaster. During the Second English Civil War, when many city properties were razed, the house remained unscathed. Unfortunately, its builder, Henry Rich, wasn’t as fortunate. A Royalist, Rich was apprehended, tried, and ultimately beheaded within the grounds of the Palace of Westminster.

The property’s first occupant was William Chapman, who transformed the ground floor into an ale house. Over the centuries, the building has served various purposes, from a wool drapers to a tobacconist, and then a cutlery factory until the 1920s when it was sold.

Since then, it has functioned as a private dwelling and continues to be a home today. The 1920s nearly witnessed the demolition of 41-42 Cloth Fair. In 1929, there were proposals to raze the house along with numerous other historic buildings as part of a plan to improve sanitation in city housing.

Doubts were also raised about its structural integrity, and it was marked as dangerous. But remarkably, the house was spared from demolition and even survived the Blitz unscathed, while 1.7 million buildings across London were damaged and many historical landmarks were lost forever.

In 1995, new owners acquired the property, carried out extensive renovations, and won a City Heritage Award a few years later. One particularly noteworthy historical feature is a collection of signatures etched into the lead windows using a diamond pen.

These autographs belong to several high-profile individuals who have visited the house over the years, including Winston Churchill, the Queen Mother, John Betjeman, and J. B. Priestley.

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The house’s age, coupled with its location near a medieval priory, has even sparked rumours of skeletons entombed deep within its foundations.

Whether there’s any truth to these rumours or not, it seems these souls can rest undisturbed under the watchful protection of this seemingly indestructible house.

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