Tripadvisor

Thorpe Bay Beach overlooks the Thames estuary and visitors can’t wait to tell you what they think about its beauty – here’s what they love about it

Our county’s glorious coastline is a treasure all year round, and there’s one particular beach that absolutely shines when the sun graces us with its presence – which has been quite frequent over recent weeks. Thorpe Bay Beach, with its panoramic view of the Thames estuary, has become the talk of the town for its sheer allure.

This scenic spot, like many others along our coast, is adorned with charming huts, as well as an assortment of cafes and restaurants. Adding to its accessibility and charm is the decking that stretches out, inviting visitors onto the sands.

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VisitSouthend has praised the location, stating: “With spectacular views of the Thames estuary, this beach is a great place for refreshing walks and for those looking for a relaxing break.

“Wander past the picture-postcard beach huts or grab a bite to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants nearby.”

They also highlighted the inclusive nature of the beach, saying, “There is decking leading straight onto the beach for wheelchair and pushchair access meaning it’s a great day out at the seaside for everyone.”

TripAdvisor user Vintagelady was enamoured by the beach, describing it as a “fantastic beach”, reports Essex Live. They commented: “What a beautiful beach – very clean and very pretty, love all the beach huts along there.”

Adam S also had high praise on TripAdvisor, urging others to prepare for a dip, writing: “Lovely beach, not too busy on a really hot day in August.

“Sea lovely and warm at high tide so nice for swimming if you don’t mind the seaweed (there’s lots of it! )”.

If it’s peace and quiet you’re seeking, reviewer Bernijbillericay has some encouraging news in his review, stating there’s “no crowding”.

He wrote: “On a hot day in southend with all the ‘unsafe’ hustle and bustle – it is so much nicer to travel on a bit further to thorpe bay —, past the yacht club, on the right hand side is a reasonably priced “grass” car park with public toilets, a small general shop and close access to the beach — take a pic-nic and have a cheap day out.”

The picturesque city of Canterbury in Kent is home to a series of stunning waterways, offering visitors the chance to explore its famous landmarks from a unique perspective

Picture yourself drifting through the historic streets of Canterbury, effortlessly cruising on the pristine waters in a classic punt, basking in the warm glow of the sun. In this charming corner of Kent, visitors are treated to the tranquil pleasure of a guided canal tour along the idyllic River Stour.

As you nestle into your seat, a well-versed guide will enchant you with stories of the city’s storied past, highlighting notable sights such as time-worn bridges, picturesque weaver’s cottages, theatres, ancient monasteries and peaceful orchards. The journey also reveals some of Canterbury’s more sombre tales, including the grim beheading of an unfortunate priest and the harrowing tale of a mill engulfed by flames.

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The roughly 45-minute excursion provides a distinctive vantage point of Canterbury’s lesser-known treasures, with one visitor lauding the experience for its “crystal clear waters, beautiful buildings, plants and a really unique view passing under bridges and streets.”

The esteemed Canterbury Punting Company, honoured with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024, is celebrated for its traditional handcrafted wooden boats and engaging guides who are not only local historians but also possess a natural flair for storytelling, as reported by KentLive.

Their enthralling narratives and adept punting ensure a memorable adventure for everyone embarking on this relaxed voyage, reports Kent Live.

This top-rated company proudly holds an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on a staggering 1,388 reviews on Tripadvisor. Just this month, a customer raved: “What a fantastic experience and led by a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide/punter – not sure what correct terminology is – by the name of Freddy.

“He kept us thoroughly entertained with his tales of yonder whilst on the history boat ride. It was a lovely experience and so relaxing and informative.

“Can’t wait to try the nature tour next. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to do something a bit different and to see Canterbury from the River Stour.”

Sharing the enthusiasm, another visitor from May wrote: “Sebastian was a very talented storyteller and informed us of the magical world that is Canterbury.

“The tour was relaxing and enjoyable, and my family thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this to any family who wants a day out relaxing on the river.”

The French city was found to be the best for exploring on foot according to a study by French newspaper Le Parisien. Brits can catch a direct flight to Lyon which takes less than two hours

France is a favourite destination for Brits, and its closeness to the UK makes it an excellent choice for a quick weekend getaway. But where’s the best spot in the country for a city break that you can explore on foot?

A study by French newspaper Le Parisien revealed that Lyon is France’s most walkable city and the easiest to navigate by foot. As the third largest city in France, Lyon is often hailed as the nation’s culinary capital, and its Old Town is among the most beautiful in France.

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Brits can catch a direct flight to Lyon which takes less than two hours, or they can travel by train using the Eurostar and changing in Paris, which takes just under five hours. Skyscanner offers a variety of flight options, or British tourists can plan a train or flight route on Omio.

What to do in Lyon

If you’re short on time, most of Lyon’s top attractions are located in Vieux Lyon. Marvel at the architecture in the city’s cathedral or uncover its intriguing traboules.

The Traboules are secret covered passageways through Lyon’s Old Town, so keep your eyes open as you wander, reports the Express. The city’s top-rated attraction on Tripadvisor is the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, which perches on a hill overlooking the old town.

The Basilique is incredibly stunning, but visitors will also enjoy fantastic views from the top, and there’s also a cafe.

If you have a bit more time, visit the city’s Parc de la Tete d’Or, home to turtles.

What to eat in Lyon

Lyon is frequently hailed as France’s culinary capital, so after all that strolling, be sure to carve out some time to savour its gastronomic wonders.

The city’s food scene revolves heavily around bouchons – eateries specialising in traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Some of the offerings, like pork tripe sausage, might not be for the squeamish.

However, dishes such as lentils with vegetables and sausages, and le poulet celestine, a chicken dish featuring mushrooms and tomatoes, are firm favourites.

Where to stay in Lyon

If you’re keen on staying in the most pedestrian-friendly part of the city, consider lodging in the old town. Alternatively, hotels across the river tend to be more budget-friendly if you’re watching your pennies.

The Greek island of Symi is filled with pretty houses, epic beaches, and crystal-clear waters, but it has not seen the same visitor numbers as the likes of Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and Corfu

Greece is home to dozens of beautiful islands that attract millions of tourists annually. Among the most frequented are Santorini, Crete, Naxos, Mykonos and Corfu. However, while some enjoy immense popularity, there are others that despite their own charm, haven’t seen the same vast numbers of visitors.

Symi, located off the west coast of Greece and east of Tilos, is one of the most picturesque in the region. Part of the Dodecanese island group, it’s best known for its charming houses, stunning beaches and close proximity to the popular and significantly larger Greek island of Rhodes located to its south east.

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According to Visit Greece, the main town shares its name with the island it resides on. Interestingly, the town of Symi is reportedly divided into two parts, Gialos and Chorio.

Gialos is the section of the town nearest to the harbour and Chorio, meaning village, sprawls across the closest hillside, reports the Express.

Despite its small size, there’s a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors to engage with. These include visiting the local clock tower known as the Roloi, the statue of fisher boy Michalaki, the town hall, and the Naval Museum. Moreover, thousands of visitors make the journey to the Agios Ioannis, which serves as the main church of the town.

Access to Symi is only possible by boats and ferries after landing in mainland Greece. Travel website Greeka stated that it’s possible to reach the island via Athens and its Piraeus port.

Symi, like many other Greek islands, can get scorching hot during the summer months, with temperatures averaging around 26C in June and 28C in July and August.

These sweltering temperatures make it ideal weather for lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun’s rays and cooling off in the sea. As a result, spots like Saint George Bay and Nanou Beach have garnered rave reviews on TripAdvisor.

On Saint George Bay, Stavros L raved: “A must if you visit Symi. Amazing blue water and the surrounding cliffs create a unique atmosphere, quite crowded during July/August but worth it.”

Fellow user Hills A was equally impressed with Nanou Beach, saying: “Arrived at Nanou beach via our hired boat from Symi Coral Rent a Boat in Pedi Beach…our favourite bay in Symi.

“Crystal clear water, turquoise blue, perfect for snorkelling! The taverna there has delicious and fresh cuisine, plus friendly goats! Definitely going back soon!”