Anyone travelling abroad is advised to consult Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office guidance before setting off
Heathrow Airport shared a message on X today(Image: Peter Fleming/Getty)
Heathrow Airport has issued an important message to any Brits planning to travel abroad soon. The London-based facility posted its alert on X, formerly Twitter, earlier today, encouraging prospective travellers to sign up for key alerts.
“Looking to book your next trip from #Heathrow?”, the post read. “Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or engaging in extreme sports, make sure to check the latest @FCDOtravelGovUK travel advice for your destination and sign up to http://GOV.UK email alerts.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, or FCDO, is the UK Government department responsible for handling the country’s foreign affairs and providing advice to citizens abroad. Online, it offers an A-to-Z list of 226 countries and territories, including details on ongoing incidents, safety, entry requirements, and other essential travel information.
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Similar travel guidance related to health can also be found at the TravelHealthPro site, operated by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC). This offers specific details on disease outbreaks and ongoing concerns, along with vaccination guidance.
Travellers are generally advised to check health advisories and vaccination details at least eight weeks before their departure. Beyond this, the FCDO encourages Brits to use its foreign travel checklist to ensure they are fully prepared.
The checklist, available on the FCDO website, details the following key points:
Research your destination and check the latest advice and warnings.
Get insured as soon as you book the trip.
Check you have all the necessary documents for travel.
Consider your health, including relevant vaccination advice and rules on taking medication abroad.
Prepare for the unexpected and have backup plans for accessing key information abroad.
Know that you can contact the FCDO in London 24 hours a day on 020 7008 5000 for advice. You may also contact your nearest British embassy abroad.
Despite this, the Government’s website warns: “Our foreign travel checklist aims to help you plan for a trouble-free trip. It is not exhaustive. No foreign travel can be guaranteed as safe, and you take personal responsibility for your own travel.”
What counts as a liquid in luggage when travelling abroad?
The UK Government’s full list of what is considered hand luggage liquids on flights is below:
Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
Contact lens solution
Pastes, including toothpaste
Gels, including hair and shower gel
All drinks, including water
Liquid carry-on rules differ depending on the airport. Before your trip, verify the regulations at your departure airport, any airports you’ll pass through, and on your return journey.
The Government’s advice adds: “At most airports, you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This still applies if the container is only part full. Some airports may allow you to take liquid in containers that hold up to two litres of liquid.
“Check for exemptions if you’re taking baby milk or food, medicines, food for special dietary requirements or liquids bought in duty free.”
THE clocks have gone back and we are facing months of dark skies, morning and night.
But long-stay holidays are perfect for those able to escape for the dreariest months of the year.
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Beat the winter blues with a long-stay holiday and escape months of dark skiesCredit: Getty
Whether it is retirees or workers on a career break, heading off for a longer trip can often mean less money spent on energy at home as well as the chance to boost your vitamin D.
Lisa Minot picks some great multi-week options from just £25 a night.
21 NIGHTS IN FLORIDA
from £38pp per night
Orlando’s thrills with a 21-night stay at the 3* Grand Hotel Orlando at Universal BlvdCredit: Getty
ESCAPE the chills and head for Orlando’s thrills with a great-value 21-night stay at the 3* Grand Hotel Orlando at Universal Blvd.
Perfectly positioned for those seeking theme park adventures, there are complimentary shuttle services to Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld and there is a golf course a 15-minute drive from the property.
With 334 rooms across four floors, there’s a spacious outdoor heated pool with loungers and fitness gym.
Breakfast is included and features pastries, pancakes, fresh fruit and yoghurt.
Three weeks’ B&B is from £789pp including flights from Gatwick on January 15. See loveholidays.com.
29 NIGHTS IN CYPRUS
from £65pp per night
This 29-night holiday in Cyprus, departing Manchester on December 15 or Gatwick on December 16, includes all your food and drinksCredit: Getty
SWAP grey skies for golden sands this Christmas and see in the New Year with a sun-kissed escape to the all-inclusive Paphos Gardens Holiday Resort.
Set amid beautiful, lush gardens and close to the beach, there’s plenty to tempt you to relax by the pool and in the spa.
And this 29-night holiday, departing Manchester on December 15 or Gatwick on December 16, includes all your food and drinks.
The extended break also comes with six excursions, such as a winery tour with tasting, and guided tours of Paphos, Episkopi, Kourion, Kolossi and Omodos. Prices from £1,899pp. See justgoholidays.com.
30 NIGHTS IN GOA
from £107pp per night
This all-inclusive stay at the 3* ocean-front Clarion Ocean Palms resort costs from £3,199pp and includes flightsCredit: Getty
SPLASH out a little more and you could be enjoying a month in the sunshine in North Goa.
With its mix of Portuguese and Indian influences, you’ll get to explore Calangute and the surrounding areas, with a choice of three excursions included on this holiday.
Enjoy a Latin quarter food trail, Old Goa heritage walk and trips to Saligao Village and Fort Aguada.
This all-inclusive stay at the 3* ocean-front Clarion Ocean Palms resort costs from £3,199pp and includes flights from Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester in November, February and March. Plus all transfers and excursions.
A three-week room-only stay in Bangkok’s Old Town district is yours from £879ppCredit: Getty
HEAD to the bright lights of Bangkok to enjoy sizzling temperatures and all the excitement of a big city.
Comfortable 3* The Orchid House is a great choice for couples looking for a budget stay, with colonial-style rooms complete with air conditioning.
Set in the historic Bangkok Old Town district, there’s a peaceful garden and terrace to return to after busy days exploring the sights, including the famous Khao San Road, just an eight-minute walk away.
Three weeks room-only is from £879pp, flying from Gatwick on November 26.
Prices are from £603pp with flights from Heathrow between November 14 and December 21Credit: Getty
ENJOY three weeks of pampering for the price of two at the 4* Preluna Hotel and Spa in the coastal town of Sliema.
The hotel is known for its Feel Good Wellness Spa with heated pool, whirlpool, sauna and beauty salon.
Standard rooms feature satellite TV, minibar, free wifi and tea and coffee-making facilities.
And if you upgrade, you’ll enjoy balconies and sea views.
This 21-night break includes B&B as well as a free third week.
Prices are from £603pp with flights from Heathrow between November 14 and December 21, and then from January 4 up until March 1, 2026, at mercuryholidays.co.uk.
34 DAYS IN BENIDORM
from £59pp per night
Once in Spain, relax with 28 nights all-inclusive at the 3* Hotel Port Fiesta Park in BenidormCredit: Getty
IF you’re not a fan of flying, this is the one for you.
Travelling by coach from the UK, you’ll enjoy a leisurely journey to sunny Benidorm, with overnight stops in the charming French towns of Troyes and Montpellier, plus a lunch stop in picturesque Macon.
Once in Spain, relax with 28 nights all-inclusive at the 3* Hotel Port Fiesta Park in Benidorm.
You’ll also get to head out and explore with guided tours of Guadalest, Valencia, Villajoyosa, Alicante and Elche and excursions to Altea, Albir and Calpe markets.
The 34-day trip, including return coach travel, is from £1,999, departing on January 7 or February 4.
Video shows part of Rome’s medieval Torre dei Conti collapse for a second time during a restoration near the Colosseum. One seriously injured worker remained trapped Monday evening with firefighters continuing a high-risk rescue as the tower’s stability is assessed.
If you’re looking to save money on a UK hotel stay, there’s one day of the week you should always book on
Some excellent hotel bargains can emerge after 6pm just 24 to 48 hours beforehand(Image: Getty)
Whilst holidaymakers frequently look to secure a staycation during this period, it might seem logical to book over the weekend whilst enjoying a relaxing brew. Nevertheless, this approach could result in higher costs.
Rather, you should hold off until the surge of weekend reservations subsides and corporate travel arrangements are finalised. This puts Tuesday as the optimal day for holiday booking, given increased availability and booking platforms seeking to fill remaining accommodation swiftly.
Consequently, being adaptable proves beneficial if you can tolerate the uncertainty.
Hotels generally maintain a cancellation period of 24 to 48 hours, prompting them to market any cancelled accommodations – occasionally at discounted rates, reports the Express.
Whilst extremely risky and spontaneous, some excellent hotel bargains can emerge after 6pm – provided you happen to be nearby.
Nevertheless, these guidelines are reversed regarding major chains such as Premier Inn and Travelodge.
Travel specialist Linda Reynolds, from Personal Travel Agents, informed The Guardian that she advises travellers to reserve early for optimal deals.
For instance, Travelodge promotes “rooms from £35 or less” when secured in advance; and particular travel platforms prove valuable additions to your toolkit.
Google Hotels, Kayak and Trivago, for example, will alert subscribers when rates drop, ensuring you’re informed about fantastic holiday bargains.
When to book a holiday
When it comes to choosing your actual hotel dates, Sunday through to Thursday typically offers the best value, helping you dodge those weekend price surges targeting short-break travellers.
It’s also worth keeping school holidays, bank holidays and local festivities in mind, as these will inevitably push costs up and are worth swerving if possible.
Reynolds said: “Sunday nights in cities are usually cheaper than Friday or Saturday nights because leisure demand dips after the weekend.
“In rural locations, including coastal areas, midweek (Monday to Thursday) is often cheaper than weekends, when leisure travellers arrive.”
If you’re plotting a London getaway, think about booking accommodation outside the city centre in zones two to three.
These areas offer better value, excellent transport links and still provide an authentic taste of the capital.
The same principle works for other major cities including Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol.
Meanwhile, money coach Maddy Alexander-Grout suggests checking out Plans Change marketplace, which lets holidaymakers flog their trips at reduced rates – with discounts starting at 25% off.
“In my job, I travel around the country a lot, and I regularly use the site, saving about 20% on a hotel booking direct,” she said.
It seems the nation’s favourite beach has been named – and it’s nestled on the eastern coast
Gorleston-on-Sea Beach is a gem on the Norfolk coast(Image: Getty)
Gorleston-on-Sea Beach, a gem on the Norfolk coast just south of Great Yarmouth, has been crowned with the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award, placing it amongst Europe’s top holiday destinations. The UK beach, renowned for its stunning views and golden sands, finds itself in good company, rubbing shoulders with popular spots in Greece and Spain.
The coveted ‘Best of the Best’ accolade is bestowed upon beaches that consistently receive glowing reviews on TripAdvisor over a year. With fewer than 1% of the 8 million listings achieving this milestone, Gorleston-on-Sea Beach stands tall on an impressive pedestal.
Visitors to the beach can enjoy views of grassy cliffs, engage in a game of pitch and putt, or try their hand at bowling greens, tennis and basketball. For the little ones, there’s a playground, a model yacht pond and a splashpad.
One of the major attractions is the free parking, coupled with public toilets, including facilities for disabled visitors. Known for its popularity among surfers and body boarders, Gorleston-on-Sea beach is a hit with water sports enthusiasts.
Just a five-minute stroll away is the town centre, brimming with shops, cafes, and amusements for visitors to explore.
Gorleston boasts an Edwardian theatre offering seaside shows throughout the year, reports the Express.
For those who enjoy a good walk, a trim-trail on the cliff top offers breathtaking views of the beach and harbour.
One holidaymaker shared their glowing review on TripAdvisor, stating: “A lovely place to visit. Lots of space and not overcrowded.
“A great play park on the clifftop which we had to ourselves even in school holidays. Few cafes and good toilet facilities. Lovely and clean area.”
Another visitor was charmed by its “old fashioned charm” and “miles of sandy beach”, while a third praised the “beautiful beach and calming atmosphere”.
Another tourist gushed: “Beautiful beach, so clean, so long and so relaxing. Sandy parts, stony parts, lots of lovely views. Amenities nearby and public loos.”
Yet another posted: “Beautiful beach with all that you need for a lovely family day at the beach. Drinks, ice cream and delicious fish and chips. Added bonus of plenty of free parking. Would defo recommend.”
Gorleston is touted as an excellent base for exploring Norfolk and Suffolk, and it’s a breeze to get there from Great Yarmouth, whether by car or public transport.
There are several bus services that run between Great Yarmouth and Gorleston.
THIS holiday home brings a new meaning to the phrase ‘beach break,’ as the property actually backs onto the sea.
The coastal retreat actually sits on the shingle beach, so you can bathe in the sun during the summer, or cosy on up with a cup of tea in the winter months.
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This holiday cottage opens out right onto the beach frontCredit: Sykes CottagesIt’s been awarded gold in Sykes Cottages ‘Gems Winners 2025’Credit: Sykes Cottages
Categories like ‘Best Farm Stay’ and ‘Best Newcomer’ were included, but the cottage called Bucket and Spades picked up ‘Best for Beaches’ – and Sophie revealed why it stood out to her.
She said: “When judging the Sykes Gems Awards, this property instantly stood out to me. Why? It’s its proximity to the beach. With bi-fold doors that open directly onto a pebble shore, but with your own private garden area, holidaymakers can benefit from a day at the seaside without needing to leave the home for the day.
“That’s a huge perk in my eyes. It reminds me a little of a beachside property in the Maldives that I once stayed in – I’d wake up and immediately plod into the open sea.”
The cottage literally sits on the beach at Pevensey Bay in pretty East Sussex and is set over three floors starting with the open plan lounge, kitchen diner, where you’ll find bifold doors that open onto the beach.
Outside, there’s a private beachside area with a table, parasol and stepping stones that lead out onto the wider beach.
There are two double bedrooms with ensuites and the king room which has a balcony where you can enjoy a morning coffee looking at the view.
Inside, the rooms have a coastal and calming feel filled with light tones of blue along with splashes of hot pink and orange.
Most read in Beach holidays
The cottage sleeps up to six guests, and there’s off-road parking for three cars – to bring along a pet dog costs an extra £40.
According to Sykes Cottages, if you book now, staying on Friday, November 7, 2025, for seven nights, you’ll be set back £1446 – but split between six guests, it’s £163.71pp, or £27.28pppn.
It even has a private beach area leading out to seaCredit: Sykes CottagesThe inside has nods to its coastal exterior with blue throws and rugsCredit: Sykes Cottages
It’s very popular too, one visitor wrote in a review: “If I owned this property I wouldn’t rent it out because I’d live there myself”.
They added: “The location is amazing, Pevensey Bay is a well kept secret. I don’t think I would ever get tired of staring out at the view.”
The cottage has a customer rating of 4.9 out of five stars and a top Sykes rating.
Pevensey Bay sits between Eastbourne and Hastings on the East Sussex coast and is an old fishing village.
It might look familiar to anyone who watched ITV‘s Flesh and Blood series in 2020 as it was used as a filming location along with the nearby town of Eastbourne.
The village is small but still has a local shop and places to eat like The Aqua Bar and Castle Inn.
One historical site nearby is Pevensey Castle built around AD290Credit: Alamy
When it comes to coastal adventures, guests can walk to reach Cooden Bay in one direction and Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour in the other.
Sovereign Harbour has The Waterfront’s bars, restaurants and cafés with views out to the marina.
Further inland is the village of Westham, which is home to the Castle Cottage Tearoom, and as the name suggests, it sits right next to Pevensey Castle.
Pick up a slice of homemade cake, or enjoy a traditional cream tea for £8.20, or opt for sandwiches or toasted paninis instead.
Other nearby spots include Beachy Head, which is where you’ll find Britain’s highest chalk cliff with incredible panoramic views out to sea.
It is easy to see why this beautiful beach town is being dubbed the “perfect alternative” to Brighton. It has the same vibrant vibe but is much more peaceful
Cromer is a Victorian jewel on the Norfolk coast(Image: Getty)
When you conjure up images of a classic British seaside holiday, Brighton might be one of the first places that comes to mind. With its vibrant lanes, buzzing nightlife, and iconic bustling pier. However, it’s no wonder it draws in hordes of tourists – along with the steep prices that come with such a popular city getaway.
But there’s another beach that offers similar charm without the masses. Cromer, a Victorian jewel on the Norfolk coast, is quietly earning a reputation as the ideal, more peaceful alternative.
Like many British coastal towns, this resort saw its heyday just before World War I, but its allure waned as exotic foreign holidays became more popular.
Travel writer Liz Hollis describes Cromer as having a “vibrant Brighton feel” minus the crowds, noting that it’s “increasingly home to artists, galleries and independent shops” as it begins to draw a younger crowd.
While the seaside town is summer-ready with its multicoloured buildings overlooking sandy beaches, it’s just as enticing in the winter months, according to visitors.
One visitor noted that Cromer beach is “very pretty even in winter”, while another reminisced about their “enjoyable walk on a winter day”, reports the Express.
They said: “You can either walk along the beach with the cliffs above towards Sheringham or in the other direction. In the summer months, it can get too crowded for that relaxing stroll behind the cliffs.”
A second visitor described Cromer as “glorious” in January, reminiscing on “winter walks along the beach, with the waves crashing on the shore”.
The most celebrated draw in Cromer is without doubt its pier, which boasts the remarkable distinction of housing one of just five end-of-pier theatres across the UK and the sole venue to stage a complete season of variety performances.
Holidaymakers can also enjoy crabbing from the pier, a cherished seaside tradition, or explore the RNLI lifeboat station at its furthest point, paying tribute to the town’s distinguished maritime legacy and its most honoured lifeboatman, Henry Blogg. For those seeking to delve into this rich heritage, the Henry Blogg Museum proves essential viewing.
Away from the pier, Cromer provides an abundance of entertainment to bring in tourists. The resort represents a culinary haven, renowned for its succulent and delicate Cromer crab, harvested from nearby waters surrounding a chalk reef positioned just offshore.
Cromer’s period streets also house an impressive selection of independent retailers, coffee shops, and art spaces, offering an excellent chance for some relaxed shopping.
As travel bloggers at ‘Our World for You’ wrote in their guide to Norfolk, Cromer is a “gem of the Norfolk coast” and “so much more than just Cromer crabs.”
For a taste of heritage and breathtaking panoramas, ascend the 160-foot tower of the 14th-century church of St Peter and St Paul, Norfolk’s loftiest, which provides sweeping views across the resort and shoreline.
A brisk stroll along the Norfolk Coast Path, which meanders through Cromer, is an ideal way to soak up the area’s natural splendour in October or November, with the crisp air and dramatic skies.
The town also gets into the festive spirit with a traditional Christmas Fayre at the Parish Hall, offering local gifts and yuletide goodies.
For a truly spectacular festive experience, the renowned Cromer Pier Christmas Show runs from mid-November to late December, bringing West End-calibre variety entertainment to the coast and making it a perfect destination for a pre-Christmas or even post-Christmas getaway.
Visitors can revel in the show, which lasts roughly two and a half hours. This year, the event takes place from 15 November to 28 December.
A ‘faeces fountain’ has been filmed bubbling up through the streets of a popular UK expat hotspot – with horrified locals sharing footage and confirming it ‘smells awful’
Sarah Tulloch Senior Lifestyle and Features Reporter and William McGee
14:20, 03 Nov 2025Updated 14:23, 03 Nov 2025
Streets in Fuengirola, Spain, have been overwhelmed by sewage after severe rainfall.
Horrified locals at a Brit holiday hotspot have shared grim footage of what seems to be human waste bubbling up through the ground during heavy rain.
Shocking images show rising sewage lifting a manhole cover and spilling onto the pavement. The pounding rain liquefied the waste, causing it to quickly flood the surrounding area, turning it a murky brown. The video, shared online on October 29, was captured on a main road in Fuengirola – a favourite spot for British tourists and expats – on Spain’s Costa del Sol.
“It smells awful,” commented a local passer-by. A spokesperson from the town hall stated: “We have a special team in place, with vehicles and staff working across the city to inspect and act where needed. The area is being monitored, and work is underway to get everything back to normal.”
Social media users took to the comments section to poke fun at the situation with one person saying: “When you lose the battle just as you’re reaching the bathroom.” Another video, shared the same day, shows a “faecal fountain” further up the coast in Torremolinos – another British holiday hotspot. An ankle-deep torrent gushed down the road, with a column of spray rising in the centre like a water feature. Spain’s Andalusia region woke up to chaos yesterday as a violent storm battered the area with torrential rain, tornadoes, and flash floods.
Huelva and Seville provinces were hit hardest, with Huelva recording up to 160 litres of rain per square metre. It comes one month after eight people were injured in an explosion on a “tourist boat” in the Costa del Sol resort. Three of the casualties have sustained what are being described as serious injuries and have been taken to hospital. The incident occurred as the motorboat, described locally as a tourist boat, was leaving the marina in the Spanish town.
Footage from the scene showed firefighters in the marina dousing the flames with hoses from the closest point on dry land after locals on jet skis and other boats went to the aid of the stricken passengers and helped try to put out the fire. The alarm was sounded around 12.20pm on October 4 with several witnesses calling the emergency services as a black plume of smoke rose into the air which was clearly visible from nearby beaches. The cause of the explosion is not clear.
A fisherman working in the area said: “It was an open boat made of polyester, which is a very bad combination with fuel because it burns very quickly.” The boat sank as a result of the fire on board. The area where the incident happened has now been sealed off as an investigation gets underway.
Fuengirola Town Hall said in a statement: “The Rescue and Lifesaving Service, the Fire Department, and the Local Police of Fuengirola, as well as the Civil Guard, responded today to a fire on a boat sailing in the marina, near the mouth of the harbour. For reasons which are still unclear there was an explosion and the boat caught fire. Within minutes, rescue workers from the Rescue Service reached the crew and brought them to safety.
“A total of eight people were on board. All of them were injured, three of them seriously, and they were placed in the care of emergency medical responders. As a result of the explosion, the boat sank and officials from the Andalusian Ports Agency are closely monitoring the situation to assess the need for anti-spill measures.”
Becki Enright has left London behind to move to the sizeable European city, which was once known for its grumpiness but has just been named the friendliest on the Continent
(Image: Supplied)
A Brit who swapped London for a European capital once known for grumpiness has explained why the city is actually one of the friendliest in the world.
In Vienna, the grizzly mood of locals is so renowned that there is not one, but two special words to describe it. One is ‘raunzen’, which means to grouch, crab, gripe, grouse or whimper fretfully, according to Langenscheidt.
The other is ‘Wiener Schmäh’ – what Brit Becki Enright describes as the unique kind of Viennese sarcasm and humour. “It can be hard to grasp and come across as blunt if you don’t quite get it,” the travel writer and guide explained.
According to Becki, the dark cloud that once hung over the Austrian capital has lifted, and its reputation as Europe’s grumpiest city is outdated. So much so, Vienna was just named the friendliest city in Europe by CNTraveller, which canvassed the opinions of half a million readers.
Becki swapped London for Vienna ten years ago and has fallen in love with the city of two million. She argues that it deserves the top spot because of how welcoming it is as a place to live in general, rather than specifically how the Viennese treat tourists and one another.
“The general sense of friendliness comes from how clean, accessible, safe and culturally rich the city is,” she explained.
“Every city has its highlights, so it’s hard to compare. But Vienna’s quality of life is a stand-out factor. Rents are typically cheaper, with an emphasis on being outdoors and enjoying nature that’s on your doorstep. There’s great infrastructure and an affordable public transport system. The cuisine is based on farm-fresh and locally harvested ingredients, supporting local producers. The arts and music are a way of life; you are never short of cultural events to attend.”
Despite being home to over a fifth of Austria’s nine million-person population, Becki has found the pace of life in Vienna to be calm. “It’s not a chaotic metropolis; things move at a much slower pace here. This slower pace is a blessing in some aspects of life, though it may require patience in others.”
The city is also green – both in the environmental and literal sense. The public transport system is extensive and cheap for all. Children under six travel for free, as do youth up to 15 years old during the school holidays and on Sundays. A raft of similar other initiatives has seen Vienna ranked as the “greenest” metropolis in the world.
It’s also covered in parks, which may be the secret to the city’s new friendly reputation. Studies have shown that access to vegetation-rich parks and increases both happiness and productivity, especially following the coronavirus pandemic.
“Half of Vienna is green space,” Becki continued.
“There are free-to-enter palace gardens (Schönbrunn and Belvedere). In the centre, you have the Hofburg castle lawns and the city’s first public park, Stadtpark (which opened in 1862). Across the Danube, you have the largest recreational park, Prater (a former imperial hunting ground), best known for its Würstelprater fairground.
“Vienna is also the only European city growing significant amounts of wine in its city limits, so you can easily jump on public transport and be at a vineyard, or take one of the city’s 14 hiking trails, many of which track through the circumambient Vienna Woods.”
When it comes to hanging out in the sunnier months, such as July, when the average daily high is 27 °C, the riverbank is the place to go.
“While you can’t swim in the Danube, Vienna makes the most of its waterside hangouts. The Danube Canal is lined with bars and boat restaurants and the beach bar (Strandbar Herrmann). The banks of the Danube tributaries are the warmer-weather recreational hangouts,” Becki continued.
“The Neue Donau (New Danube) riverfront has a sand bank recreational hangout Copa Beach. The Alte Donau (Old Danube) is where you can hire pedal and motor boats or SUP on the waters. It’s also home to the recreational island, Strandbad Gänsehäufel, with swimming pools, bathing lawns, a little beach area and restaurants. Then you have the Donauinsel (Danube Island), which hosts a free music festival each June, the Donauinselfest.”
As pleasant as relaxing by the water and in the parks may be, come the evening, it’s time to head inside for a bite and a drink. Becki recommends Leopoldstadt, especially the area of the Karmeliterviertel that spills around the food market, for “casual-cool and indie hangouts” and the recently trendy Beisl pub, contemporary restaurant Skopik and Lohn for schnitzel.
“The districts that spread from the well-known Naschmarkt are what I would say are the grungy-trendy downtown areas, with boutique, upcycled and second-hand stores and a great spread of nightlife. The most well-known neighbourhood here is the Freihausviertel in the 4th (next to the Karlskirche) – home to the city’s generational cafe concept, Vollpension,” she continued.
“The 7th district is the most bougie and creative – one of my favourite bars is Atlas, a Beisl- turned-gastropub spalshed with art, and which features an art-gallery space at the back. In the 9th district, the Servitenviertel neighbourhood is dubbed ‘Little Paris’ and is lined with food outlets – I’d start at the converted pharmacy turned bakery, La Mercerie for a coffee and pastry.”
There are two main ways to get to Vienna from the UK. A train from London to the city typically takes 13 to 17 hours and requires two changes, as there are, unfortunately, no direct services. The journey involves operators like Eurostar, TGV, and ICE or ÖBB, with services running from London St Pancras International to Vienna Hbf.
There are direct flights from airports in Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham, London, Liverpool and Edinburgh, which take between two and two and a half hours, and are available for from £15 this month.
Beyond tourism hotspots such as Venice, Amalfi and Rome, Italy has no end of enticements – whether its historical sites, delicious food or impressive landscapes that you’re looking for. We want to hear about your discoveries in less well known parts of the country – perhaps it was a small mountain resort, an overlooked coastal town or a wild hiking trail.
The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planetwins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.
Keep your tip to about 100 words
If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judgingfor the competition.
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Tatum Ellis, who is known for documenting her travels across the UK, recently visited the seaside town for the first time and she ventured to the local Wetherspoons
13:50, 03 Nov 2025Updated 13:51, 03 Nov 2025
She thought the town was stunning (stock image)(Image: Manuta via Getty Images)
However, the attraction that caught her eye might just surprise you, as the travel vlogger shared her experience on TikTok, leaving some viewers amused by the one aspect she found particularly “gorgeous.” It seems that when it comes to breath-taking views, Wales certainly has a lot to offer both visitors and locals.
At the start of her video, she began by exploring some local charity shops. A fan of a good bargain, she seemed delighted with what the shops had to offer.
Tatum discovered two gold rings in one shop, which she snapped up for a mere £5.00 each. She was over the moon with her purchases, describing them as “super pretty.”
She continued her exploration with her partner, but it was a specific pub that grabbed her attention. Upon spotting a Wetherspoons, Tatum was quite taken aback, impressed by the décor.
According to her, the local Wetherspoons is particularly “gorgeous” and offers “stunning views.” Who would have thought a simple pub could make such an impression?
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Tatum said: “We love a good Wetherspoons. Guys, take a look at this Wetherspoons. Have some of you ever seen anything like that? I sure haven’t, so let’s get some food right now.”
She also praised the stunning scenery surrounding her, describing it as an exceptionally beautiful location. The pair then made their way to the beach and clearly had a brilliant time.
Tatum thinks Llandudno is absolutely worth a visit, saying they adored it and found plenty to explore. The clip has racked up more than 3,000 views since being posted, sparking a flurry of responses.
Viewers had plenty of opinions to share. One wrote: “You are so lucky to find a table in Wetherspoons.”
Another added: “I love Llandudno.” A third replied: “I live here and love how you have shown the town.”
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “This is my home. So glad you enjoyed it.” Someone else also chimed in with: “I can’t believe you passed so many brilliant pubs on the way to Spoons!”
For those unfamiliar with Llandudno, it’s a coastal town in North Wales, frequently dubbed the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts.” The Victorian-era holiday hotspot is renowned for its extensive promenade, historic pier and golden beaches.
AROUND the world there are plenty of train stations – but not all of them can be classed as ‘beautiful’.
However, some look less like a place full of commuters and more like a work of art and have been given a prestigious award by Prix Versailles.
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‘The World’s Most Beautiful’ train stations have been revealed and one of Saint-Denis PleyelCredit: UnknownAlso in Paris is Villejuif – Gustave Roussy StationCredit: Michel Denancé
Prix Versailles is a series of architectural competitions, which includes airports, hotels and other buildings.
Now, it’s released the finest train stations that make up the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations List 2025’.
Two of these are in France, and both in the suburbs of Paris, so Brits can visit them in just a few hours.
Saint-Denis is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France and its impressive train station opened last year.
Saint-Denis Pleyel was designed by Japanese studioKengo Kuma and Associates.
The station is tiered on different levels and decorated with wooden slats and floor to ceiling glass windows, so the inside is flooded with light.
Above the station itself is a rooftop park, and inside, is a huge open space with plenty of multi-level escalators.
Gustave Roussy Station in Villejuif, which is 40-minutes south of Paris opened in January 18, 2025.
The station was designed by the architectural firm Dominique Perrault Architecture.
It’s an underground cylindrical station with an open-air, multi-layered roof and is in the style of an ‘upside down skyscraper’ – it’s one of France‘s deepest passenger stations.
The design of KAFD Station resembles sand dunesCredit: HUFTON AND CROWJudge said Mons station is ‘cathedral-like’Credit: Supplied
Over in Belgium is the Mons railway station which has a suspended canopy which is a nod to the Galerie de la Reine shopping arcade in Brussels.
The station originally opened in 1841, but went through its most recent transformation in 2025.
The judging panel said: “It’s a streamlined style made up of steel and dazzling white to form a cathedral-like walkway”.
Other stations receiving the award include Gadigal Station in Sydney, Australia.
The name honours the Aboriginal people who were original custodians of the land around that part of Sydney, and inside are bright tiles in colours such as yellow, purple, red and blue.
Baiyun Station in Guangzhou, China has also picked up the award for its recent transformation which has added shops and even an urban park.
It’s dedicated to 24 high-speed train lines, six subway lines and three bus terminals.
Inside Gadigal Station, Australia, is brightly coloured yellow and purple tilesCredit: UnknownQasr Al Hokm Station in Riyadh has an inside gardenCredit: Unknown
Another is KAFD Station, Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, which is very futuristic-looking with a wave-like exterior that is meant to resemble sand dunes.
Also in Riyadh is Qasr Al Hokm Station which has been described as being like a “periscope” as the glass roof reflects light throughout the station.
Bringing the outdoors in, there’s also a “luxuriant garden unexpectedly materialises within the subterranean space”.
Jérôme Gouadain, Secretary General of the Prix Versailles, underscores the grandeur of the ideals embodied by these edifices: “Excellence lends itself to recognition and humility, and is a necessary quality in this day and age, when there is such a need to extend the harmony manifested in these new passenger stations across entire continents.
“The commitment and the technical and aesthetic prowess demanded by these structures are the highest possible tribute to the building community.
“Already a part of this century’s heritage, this infrastructure is revitalising the role that we as a society attribute to mobility. At each site, beauty is given concrete form, like a lung breathing new life into the city, a shared symbolic territory in the service of its inhabitants.”
Baiyun Station in China has added shops and even an urban park to its designCredit: yang min
World’s Most Beautiful Station List 2025…
Gadigal Station Sydney, Australia
Mons Station Mons, Belgium
Baiyun Station Guangzhou, China
Saint-Denis – Pleyel Station Saint-Denis, France
Villejuif – Gustave Roussy Station
Villejuif, France
KAFD Station Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Qasr Al Hokm Station Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Seven stations across the world have been declared the most beautiful in the world – like Mons Station in BrusselsCredit: Unknown
Commuters can expect travel chaos in the days ahead after the derailment of train on a major line, with the train operator issuing an urgent warning for anyone travelling by rail this week
A train has derailed, sparking police to declare a ‘major incident’(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Less than 48 hours after passengers were stabbed in a frenzied attack on a train near Huntingdon, Cambridge, police have declared a second ‘major incident’.
The incident occurred at 6.10 am this morning (November 3), and all passengers were safely removed from the train by emergency crews. Meanwhile, photographs show a train carriage in a crushed state, with pipework and wires exposed.
Four individuals suffered minor injuries following the derailment near Shap in Cumbria, North West Ambulance Service confirmed, but thankfully, after assessing 87 people, ambulance workers determined that “no one required further hospital treatment”.
However, while the major incident status has since been “stood down”, an operation remains in place as crews work to clear the scene, and Avanti West Coast have now warned commuters to expect significant disruption to its network in the days to come.
Warning commuters not to travel north of Preston, an Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “At 06.10hrs today, 3 November, the 0428 Avanti West Coast service from Glasgow to Euston was reported to have derailed at Shap in Cumbria. Our priority is the well-being of everyone who was on board and getting them safely off the train. We are assisting emergency services who are on the scene.
“As a result, all lines are blocked north of Preston. Please do not attempt to travel north of Preston today. We’ll provide further information in due course, but it is likely there will be significant disruption to our network for a number of days.”
With the line from Glasgow to London Euston being the main route for services operating in the west of the UK, it’s expected that thousands of passengers will be impacted by this ongoing disruption.
Echoing Avanti West Coast’s warning not to travel north of Preston, National Rail stated: “Major disruption between Carlisle and Preston expected until the end of the day. A derailed train between Penrith and Oxenholme means all lines are blocked. Trains running between Carlisle and Preston may be delayed by up to 120 minutes or cancelled.”
Meanwhile, National Rail has also clarified that rail replacement buses are no longer in operation between Carlisle and Preston, “due to a limited supply of coaches”, while it’s anticipated that “replacement vehicles may be busier than usual”. The train company advised: “You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.”
It was previously reported that some 130 passengers have been taken to the nearby Shap Wells Hotel, with hotel director Shabeeh Hassan, revealing that the commuters arrived from 07:30am and seemed to have no injuries. He did however remark that some of the passengers were in shock, telling BBC Radio Cumbria: “I’m doing as much as I can just to make them comfortable.”
It comes after passengers on the 6.25pm LNER train from Doncaster to King’s Cross on Saturday night ended up running for their lives down the carriages as one of the biggest mass stabbings in British history unfolded.
A total of 10 people – including a man who was allegedly stabbed in the head while protecting a young girl – were rushed to hospital after the quick-thinking driver made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, allowing passengers to flee down the platform.
Anthony Williams, 32, of Langford Road, Peterborough, was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of Actual Bodily Harm and one count of possession of bladed article.
The world’s longest flight connects America to Asia, with passengers strapped into their seats for almost 19 hours – and it’s not for the faint-hearted
Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer and Luke Chillingsworth
12:19, 03 Nov 2025
Singapore Airlines runs the longest flight in the world(Image: Alvin Man via Getty Images)
The world’s longest flight links America to Asia with travellers buckled in for nearly 19 hours. The current record holder for the longest long-haul journey is the Singapore Airlines route from New York’s JFK Airport to Singapore Changi.
The 9,537-mile trip has a scheduled flight time of 18 hours and 50 minutes and was introduced by the carrier in 2018. The service operates using Singapore Airline’s cutting-edge A350-900ULRs, which can remain airborne for more than 20 hours without refuelling.
The aircraft achieves such endurance thanks to a specially adapted fuel system. This enhancement boosts the plane’s total fuel capacity to an enormous 24,000 litres.
Yet the journey isn’t readily available to all, as Singapore Airlines doesn’t provide economy class seating on this route.
Rather, Singapore Airlines provides 67 Business Class seats and 94 Premium Economy Class seats. Premium Economy travellers can benefit from additional legroom, a footrest, and an adjustable headrest. Passengers can also utilise noise-cancelling headphones and WiFi throughout their journey.
Business class travellers experience ultimate privacy, whilst their seats transform into completely flat beds to ensure a peaceful sleep during travel.
Singapore Airlines assert that the A350-900ULR will provide customers with a “more comfortable travelling experience”. The aircraft boasts a range of additional features including elevated ceilings, expanded windows and specially designed lighting to combat jetlag.
The carrier maintains that the plane’s innovative carbon composite airframe also enables enhanced air quality. Those seeking a ticket are expected to be extremely wealthy, with seats routinely costing well into five figures.
Singapore Airlines’ CEO, Mr Goh Choon Phong, previously stated that the new route will be the “fastest way” to travel between the two major cities.
He said: “Singapore Airlines has always taken pride in pushing the boundaries to provide the best possible travel convenience for our customers, and we are pleased to be leading the way with these new non-stop flights using the latest technology, ultra-long-range Airbus A350-900ULR.
“The flights will offer our customers the fastest way to travel between the two cities – in great comfort, together with Singapore Airlines’ legendary service – and will help boost connectivity to and through the Singapore hub.”
There is also a small area for toddlers to explore.
The only bad news is that Hermit’s Cafe and on-site toilets which is located within the woodland playground will close.
It’s a popular spot for families, especially during the warmer weather with one mum writing on Tripadvisor that it’s the best place for a “perfect day out with the kids“.
Another said: “The walk is lovely not huge but the kids loved it, log walking, making dens, and they loved the woodland climbing.”
The climbing area is open between 10am until 4pm each day.
Aside from the climbing frame, there’s plenty to do in Coombe Abbey Park as it has plenty of woodland and lakeside walks as well as other activities, and even Go Ape.
There’s plenty to do on the 500 acres of Coombe Abbey ParkCredit: http://www.coombeabbey.comThere’s a hotel there too with pretty gardens and a pondCredit: Alamy
The adventure chain is found within the grounds and there’s plenty to do from Treetop challenges, to axe throwing, archery, drivingmini land rovers.
Or head closer to the huge Coombe Abbey Hotel where you can stroll around the pruned gardens and mazes.
Visitors can pop into Café in the Park at Coombe Abbey where they serve up breakfast offerings from the ‘Full Park Breakfast’.
There are as well as toasties, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, or main meals like fish and chips, chilli and there’s a dedicated kid’s menu.
Coventry itself has been labelled as an ‘underrated’ city in the UK, and it’s seeing an increase in the number of tourists.
Some of the biggest attractions there include The Wave in Coventry which is an enormous indoor waterpark with one of the biggest wave pools in the country.
It has six water slides, one being The Crestar, which has two giant spheres with lighting effects.
The Cascade is another ride at the waterpark, as is The Torrent, which is a ride where the floor drops from beneath – and is arguably one of the scariest rides.
The Rapids, which has been described as the “Big Dipper on water”, is the park’s water coaster, where powerful jets hurl riders uphill before dropping them down through tight corners and tunnels.
One writer reveals what his stay at the Coombe Abbey Hotel was like…
On 500 acres of renowned beauty, this historic hotel is in Coventry situated in Coombe Abbey’s Country Park, just off the M6.
What is it like?
Next time somebody wants to send you to Coventry, stay at this complex, which dates back to 1150 and has links to royalty, the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII and the Gunpowder plot. Enjoy a view of the moat, the lake and the courtyard to the Capability Brown designed gardens, depending on where you are in the hotel.
What is there to do at the hotel?
The corridors and communal rooms are packed with artefacts, art, history and heritage, that are well worth exploring as you wander from bar to room to
restaurant, while the scenic lake, gardens and grounds are perfect for a stroll.
Enjoy one of the many choices of afternoon tea, from Abbot’s Afternoon Tea to Sparkling Afternoon Tea as a post-walk treat. For kids, you can discover Go Ape in the woodlands.
What is there to eat and drink?
Unless you want to drive, you’d better eat here as it’s about a ten-minute walk to the edge of the grounds and some way beyond that to any restaurants. That being said, you really do want to eat here. The ambience is classy, the food is great, and the breakfast really sets you up for the day.
The dinner menu features meaty dishes of beef shin with fondant potato and confit duck leg with spiced braised cabbage, as well as vegan, vegetarian and fish options.
What are the rooms like?
The minimum standard in basic rooms is real quality and comfort, while the decor and design in the feature heritage rooms are charming and characterful. Rooms start from £149 a night based on two sharing.
An easyJet flight attendant has revealed the ‘secret language’ that cabin crew use to communicate with each other while on board a flight
12:00, 03 Nov 2025Updated 14:27, 03 Nov 2025
The flight attendant said it was a ‘secret language’ (stock image)
An easyJet flight attendant has spilled the beans on the covert language they use to communicate while onboard. An anonymous member of the budget airline’s cabin crew popped up on their Instagram feed to spill the secrets.
Interestingly, it is not a spoken language, but more akin to sign language, with various gestures signifying different things. She revealed: “While I’m here on my own I’ll let you into a little secret.
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“As cabin crew you may be aware but we do have a secret language on board, a way of communicating to each other when we want food items and with over 200 passengers on board the plane is very long so you may have noticed that if you would like a ham and cheese sandwich we do a croque monsieur, a chicken wrap, and a calzone pizza but don’t tell anyone I told you.”
Whilst mentioning the croque monsieur, she mimicked a crocodile with her hand. For the chicken wrap, she extended an arm out like a chicken wing before rolling her hands together to signify a wrap. Lastly, for the calzone, she placed the heel of her hands together before bringing her palms and fingers together, presumably to illustrate the folding together of a calzone.
People in the comments section were impressed, with one saying: “Absolutely iconic!”
“We were just talking about this after our flight last month,” said another, while one person said: “I saw a crew member do this to another crew member, I realised it was internal sign language!”
“I often watch the crew doing this trying to work out what they’re on about lol,” one person said. Another said: “Ha ha my Mrs worked a few out on our flight back to MAN from AGP last week.”
Perhaps best-known for its association with Dracula and an annual goth festival, this cosy seaside town has been named the UK’s best value seaside town, and there’s plenty to do during the colder months
Whitby is a cosy seaside town with a rich history(Image: Getty Images)
Winter can be an excellent time to explore the UK’s seaside towns. There’s nothing quite like windswept coastal walks, cosy pubs, and uncrowded destinations for the perfect cold weather weekend.
In a recent study by Which? one seaside town in Yorkshire was crowned the UK’s best value seaside break. Whitby, which sits on a long stretch of cliffs where the River Esk flows to the North Sea, scored five stars for food and accommodation in a survey of Which? readers, as well as four stars for tourist attractions and its seafront area.
Whitby has long been a popular destination for those with a fascination with the dark and macabre. Bram Stoker researched some of the novel Dracula while on holiday in Whitby. In the book it’s where the creature first arrives in England, climbing the steps to the graveyard of St Mary’s Church, which is next to the ruins of Whitby Abbey. Needless to say, this has become a popular tourist attraction for fans of gothic literature. Visitors can climb the 199 steps from the harbour, just as Dracula did in the novel, and enjoy views across Whitby and out to sea.
The abbey, which dates back to the 7th century, was also home to one of the first English poets, Cædmon, and today it’s an English Heritage site. You can wander around the well-preserved ruins before visiting the museum, which has treasures such as medieval manuscripts and even a rare signed copy of Dracula.
One of the town’s biggest events is Whitby Goth Weekend, a twice-yearly event that tends to take place once in spring and once at Halloween. There’s a huge number of events going on, from live music to alternative markets, and you’ll spot hundreds of attendees decked out in gothic gear.
Explorer Captain James Cook also had a connection to Whitby, moving to the port town in the 18th-century and beginning his life as a merchant navy apprentice. At the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, you can learn about his life and his famous voyages to the South Pacific, and the exhibits are set in his former home, where he lived when not at sea.
Whitby Beach has a traditional seaside vibe, with colourful beach huts along the promenade, waterfront tearooms, and fish and chip shops. Along the River Esk you’ll find amusements, family-friendly attractions such as the Whitby Marine Discovery Centre, and shops selling souvenirs and sticks of rock. There are also several places offering a variety of boat trips, ranging from sunset cruises to whale-watching tours.
There’s a wide range of accommodation to choose from in and around Whitby, depending on whether you want a rural retreat or want to stay close to the sea. The White House Inn sits on the edge of North Yorkshire Moors National Park, while also offering sea views across the coast. This cosy inn features a pub with a changing seasonal menu and 11 rooms, with a standard room stay in November costing from £90 per night.
In the harbour area, The Marine Hotel is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy the town’s seaside charms. It features a seafood restaurant serving up Whitby lobster, crab, and other freshly caught delicacies, as well as seven cosy rooms with rates starting from £165 per night in November. You can even pick a room with a balcony to enjoy the fresh sea air and spectacular views.
And for the perfect way to round off a day at the seaside, grab fish and chips at The Fisherman’s Wife on the beachfront. You can either dine in, with the restaurant offering sea views, or brave the cold and enjoy chips from the takeaway while sitting on the beach.
EVERY year an enormous – and free – parade takes place in London with floats and live bands – and something new is launching this year.
The Lord or Lady Mayor’s Show dates back to the 13th century and is full of of celebratory entertainment, and this year is a very special one.
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The Lord Mayor’s Show, or Lady’s Show, is being held this weekendCredit: AlamyDame Susan Langley DBE has been elected as the 697th Lord Mayor of the City of LondonCredit: Alamy
Dame Susan Langley DBE will be appointed as the Lady Mayor, which makes her only the third woman to hold the post in over 800 years, and the 697th Mayor of the City of London.
She will also be the first ever to be titled the ‘Lady Mayor of London‘.
To celebrate her inauguration, there will be a traditional parade of bands and 50 floats throughout the city.
Over 7,000 people take part in the event from all over the world – and the procession is over three miles long, which is longer than the actual route.
The event is completely free and you’ll get to see marching bands, a huge Cinderella carriage, dancers, even a resorted Bluebird K7 (a hydroplane) will make an appearance.
There are representatives of all three armed forces there too, Taiko drummers and mounted knights.
This year, the Lady Mayor’s Show will be held on November Saturday 8, 2025 between 11AM and 2.30PM.
Roads will be closed as people line up in the streets to see the event underway – so don’t travel by car as you’ll meet lots of no entry signs.
In the morning, the Lady Mayor’s Show will begin at Mansion House and go towards the Royal Courts through St Paul’s.
In the afternoon, the parade will come back through Embankment and Victoria Street.
There are around 16 marching bands expected to perform this yearCredit: GettyYou’ll also see vintage vehicles heading through London roadsCredit: Getty
The official website suggests for a ‘full experience’, to watch the outward procession between 11AM and 12PM between Bank and St Paul’s.
For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, watch the parade on its return to Mansion House between 1.15PM and 2.30PM around Embankment.
Historically, the Lord Mayor’s Show is the oldest and longest civic procession in the world.
It started as early as the 13th century when King John granted that the City of London could appoint its own Mayor.
There will be 7,000 people taking part in the processionCredit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The condition being that each new Mayor would have to pledge loyalty to the Crown.
The journey then became a huge event that has been held for around 800 years and was eventually named the Lord Mayor’s Show.
In the working-class city of Commerce, where cars speed past on highways and the Citadel Outlets tower over neighborhoods, there is a steakhouse named Stevens. By day, it’s a classic and charming old restaurant where working people go for quiet, hearty meals.
But every Sunday night, the outside world disappears.
As waiters whisk about in starched button ups, couples lead each other by the hand toward the dance floor in the restaurant’s ballroom, where Stevens’ tradition of Salsa Sundays has been bringing the community together for 73 years.
At 7 p.m. every Sunday, beginner lessons start at Stevens Steakhouse.
(Emil Ravelo / For The Times)
An eight-piece band plays brass, electric guitar, bongos and timbales, filling the room with music as dancers twirl in a dizzying array. One attendee, 29-year-old Amy Hernandez, greets a few familiar faces before she steps onto the dance floor, spinning in confident steps with a wide smile on her face.
Hernandez is part of a revival that’s been getting younger people excited about salsa music — and flocking to Stevens. She grew up watching her father dance salsa, but started diving back into the genre on her own to find comfort during the L.A. wildfires earlier this year. She credits Bad Bunny’s “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” for re-sparking her interest.
“It was very healing for me,” she says of the album, which blends old-school Puerto Rican boricua samples with Latin dance and reggaeton influences for an emotional imagining of Puerto Rican identity.
For decades, Stevens has brought friends, couples, and families together for live music and dance.
(Emil Ravelo/For The Times)
When college friends recommended Stevens as an affordable place to dance, Hernandez mentioned it in passing to her dad. “He laughed and said, ‘I remember that place. I used to dance there too,’” Hernandez says.
The increasingly mainstream artists of Latin fusion genre reggaeton are returning to tradition. Along with the music of Bad Bunny, who’s headlining the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, you can find classic salsa references in reggaeton star Rauw Alejandro’s latest album “Cosa Nuestra,” and in Colombian pop star Karol G’s multi-genre summer album “Tropicoqueta,” which will be at the center of her headlining Coachella set.
“You can feel the younger energy,” says longtime Stevens salsa instructor Jennifer Aguirre. “It makes me really happy to see a younger generation take on salsa. Because I was worried for a bit. I didn’t know how salsa is going to continue.”
Los Angeles has a unique relationship with salsa, the Afro-Caribbean dance born from Cuban mambo. In cities like Miami and New York, salsa arrived with Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants. Instead, L.A.’s salsa influence came from Golden Age Hollywood, where Latin dance in movies produced a singular, flashier Angeleno style, characterized by quick turns and theatrical movement, according to salsa historian Juliet McMains.
The 1990s were another high for the genre, when West Coast pioneers like the Vazquez brothers and their first-of-its-kind dance team Salsa Brava sparked a local dance craze. The Vazquezes introduced the “on-1” step and innovated a flashier, dramatic style of salsa in L.A. that brought crowds to competitions and congresses through the 2000s. Legendary late promoter Albert Torres founded the L.A. Salsa Congress in 1999, the first congress on the West Coast, drawing a worldwide audience for Angeleno salsa.
Opened in 1952 by Steven Filipan (and located on Stevens Place), Stevens in Commerce became a local hub for Latin music. “The interesting part was that the area wasn’t Latin at all,” says Jim Filipan, Steven’s grandson and now the third-generation owner of the restaurant. “My grandfather had a foresight that this genre would be the future.”
Jim recalls his childhood growing up in the restaurant. “We would have hundreds of people on Sundays,” he says. “The ballroom, the restaurant, everyone was dancing salsa, and it was incredible. My dad took over in the ‘70s, and I was running it with him in the ‘90s.”
Yet by the 2010s it was apparent that another genre was taking hold of the Latin dance scene: bachata, ushered in by smooth-singing New York stars like Prince Royce and Romeo Santos. Salsa quickly went from being considered hip to rather old-fashioned.
During a Stevens dance lesson, guests learn how to spin on the dance floor.
(Emil Ravelo / For The Times)
Aguirre witnessed the genre lose interest firsthand. “It was like an immediate switch,” Aguirre says. “Salsa just wasn’t as popular anymore, and people would walk over to the other side of the restaurant to take the bachata lessons.”
The pandemic also dealt a large blow to local salsa clubs, as peers in the long-standing dance club industry fell to lower attendance rates and rising rent. And in the last year, two historic venues, the Conga Room and the Mayan, closed permanently.
Stevens almost had the same fate. The financial burdens during the pandemic made Jim consider closing for good. But he couldn’t help but consider the responsibility of his family’s legacy and the special place Stevens holds for local dancers.
“It’s very emotional for me because I have four generations in this restaurant, and now my daughter works here,” he says.
When Stevens reopened, the community came back in droves, ushering in a new era of excitement for salsa.
These days, at the beginning of every class, dance instructor Miguel “Miguelito” Aguirre announces the same rule.
“Forget about what happened today, forget about your week, forget about all the bad stuff. Leave it at the door,” Aguirre says. “It’s going to be better because we’re going to dance salsa.”
Dance instructor, Miguel Aguirre, right, mans the DJ booth alongside DJ Pechanga, another longtime employee of Stevens. Every weekend, the duo brings Latin music to the forefront of the space.
(Emil Ravelo/For The Times)
Aguirre has taught salsa at Stevens for 30 years. In many ways, the steakhouse has shaped his life. It’s where he discovered his love for teaching dance and much more.
“I started coming here in the ‘90s, sneaking in through the back door. I was a teenager, so not old enough to show my ID, but one day, Jim just said, ‘You guys cannot come in through the back anymore. You can come into the front,’” Aguirre says. “And then one day he said, ‘Hey, we are missing the instructors. They’re not coming in. Can you guys teach the class?’ And, I’m still here.”
Jennifer Aguirre, a fellow dance teacher at Stevens, is his wife. She met him one day at Stevens’ annual Halloween party.
“He asked me to join his class because they ‘needed more girls,’” Jennifer says, laughing.
Now Jennifer teaches the beginner’s class, while Miguel is on intermediate. But once 10 p.m. hits, it’s social dancing time. The whole floor comes together and a familiar community converges. If attendees are lucky, they might catch Jennifer and Miguel, a smooth-dancing duo, letting loose, stepping and dipping effortlessly.
On a recent Sunday night, the low-lighted ambience of the restaurant met the purple lights of the dance room, with people sitting all around for a peek at the moves on display. Buttery steaks and potatoes cooking in the kitchen tinged the air as the dance floor came alive with women spinning in dresses and men in shining shoes gliding to the rhythm of the music. Miguel Aguirre manned the DJ stand, asking two singles if they knew each other and encouraging them to dance.
Gregorio Sines was one of the solo dancers on the floor, swaying partners easily under Miguel’s encouragement. Years ago, his friend, who frequented Stevens, dragged Sines out to dance socials, telling him it would be the best way to meet people and open up.
As someone who began with anxiety to dance in front of others, Sines now performs in Stevens’ dance showcases. He says consistently returning to the steakhouse’s historic floor and immersing himself in the supportive community not only changed his dance game, but brought him out of his shell.
“I tell anyone, if you’re scared to dance, you just have to get out there,” Sines says. “There’s a community waiting for you.”
THE UK’s biggest one-day Christmas market is to return in just a few weeks after it was abruptly cancelled last year.
Thousands are expected to attend the event in a historic market town.
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Stalls in Beverley will once again be brimming with seasonal gifts and local treats
Shoppers will be able to choose from 120 stalls set up in the centre of Beverley in Yorkshire next month after council officials confirmed the event would be back in place this year.
Stalls at the Beverley Festival of Christmas will once again be brimming with seasonal gifts and local treats.
There will also be live entertainment, music and dancing – and, of course, an appearance from Santa and his reindeers – as well as birds of prey on display, and traditional brass bands.
The event had to be cancelled at the last-minute in 2024 after Storm Darragh caused chaos across the UK last year.
Locals and visitors were left disappointed after council officials took the decision to cancel the market in the run up to the event after 34 flood warnings were issued across the country and a cold weather health alert was put in place.
At the time, a spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said the event, which was established in 1995 by local shop owner John Bird, had involved six months of planning and the decision to cancel “had not been taken lightly”.
Announcing its return for 2025, councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure at the council, said the event is “the flagship tourism event for our region and is an important date in the calendar for businesses and traders”.
‘Hugely popular’
He added: “It is always a hugely popular event, with visitors from all over the UK coming to enjoy the festive stalls and entertainment.
“The event will also provide a welcome boost to the local visitor economy at such a wonderful time of the year.”
The council said that Beverley’s historic centre will be “transformed into a magical Christmas shopper’s wonderland” for the event.
News of its return has prompted an outpouring of support and excitement with hundreds of locals and visitors commenting on Facebook.
One person posted: “I cannot wait to stand in this market. So excited.”
Another person wrote: “We will be there.”
A third person said: “Can’t wait. This is one of our fave Christmas markets.”
A fourth person was equally excited at the news the market is to return, posting: “Love Beverley. Nice place.”
A fifth said: “Will defo have to go!”
The festival will again be sponsored by The Beverley Arms, part of hospitality company Thwaites.
Rick Bailey, chairman at Thwaites, said: “We’re so proud that The Beverley Arms is once again part of The Beverley Festival of Christmas, it’s such a special celebration that brings the whole town together, showcases the very best of Beverley, and captures the true spirit of the season.”
This year’s event will run from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, 14 December.
Also making a return to Beverly this year is the Reindeer Rampage Christmas Trail, which is running from 1 November to December 31.
This is a popular event in the town with locals and visitors asked to find Santa‘s reindeer, which are “hiding” in shop windows in Beverley.
You can pick up a free map and reindeer mask from the Tourist Information Centre on Cross Street and find out more detailshere.
The market itself will take place over several areas in the town, including Saturday Market, and will also feature a parade to mark the start of the festival.
The parade will leave from Wednesday Market when the event opens at 10am and it will move down Toll Gavel to Saturday Market.
Taking part in the parade will be feature Santa Claus, Rudolph and the rest of his reindeer, live music, comedy acts, steam punks, Bernese mountain dogs and much more.
This year’s event will take place on 14 December in Beverley
