UKs

Looking for a cosy UK weekend getaway this winter? This award-winning country pub ticks all the boxes, our writer Sam Kistamah found out on a recent stay there

Approaching The Gunton Arms, we quickly realised it’s not your average local. It is a pub, but one set in a 1,000-acre deer park near Cromer in rural Norfolk, kitted out in furnishings to rival posh department store Liberty and with walls covered in art by the likes of Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst. And there’s a restaurant that’s in the Michelin Guide too. The deer park surrounds the 18th-century Gunton Hall, and The Gunton Arms was originally a farm that became the second house to Gunton Hall.

After careful restoration by art dealer Ivor Braka (hence the amazing collection), The Gunton Arms opened as a pub with bedrooms in 2011, and earlier this year was listed in the top 20 of The Good Food Guide’s best British pubs.

The food at The Gunton Arms

The Elk Room restaurant is dominated by a giant Irish elk skull, which hangs over an open fire. That’s where chef Stuart Tattersall cooks local fare, including venison from the deer park and beef from the Blickling Estate. Being four miles from the coast, The Gunton Arms also offers seafood, including a popular Cromer crab pasta dish.

We began with fried cod cheeks with caper and bronze fennel mayonnaise, and mixed beets with pickled walnuts and Binham blue. We loved the tender nuggets of cod with their zingy sauce, and the sweet beets were beautifully contrasted by creamy blue cheese and tangy slivers of walnut.

For mains, we devoured the sirloin steak, which had been perfectly cooked on the fire, and came with roast potatoes and a jug of Béarnaise sauce, and the roasted halibut special, accompanied by a buttery spinach and chive sauce and tasty Portland cockles. As keen dessert fans, we inhaled the Norfolk treacle tart with clotted cream and buttermilk pudding with honeyed fig.

The next day, we had lunch at The Gunton Arms’ sister pub The Suffield Arms, which serves outstanding Mediterranean tapas. Highlights included the corn ribs with mojito mayonnaise, and the white Andalusian prawns with garlic and chilli.

The rooms at The Gunton Arms

There are 16 rooms and we stayed in the stunning Rocksavage suite, which gave us some major inspiration for our own home renovation with its muted tones and carefully chosen pieces of art and dark wood furniture. Everything, from the marble bathroom with its roll-top tub to the sumptuous bed, oozed elegance. While the suite was traditionally decorated, we appreciated the Nespresso machine and Roberts radio, and the Norfolk Natural Living toiletries were a nice touch too.

What is there to do around The Gunton Arms?

You can explore the deer park but we were told not to approach the herd as it was rutting season when we visited – we loved watching them from the pub garden while enjoying a glass of chilled Gavi. The pretty seaside town of Cromer is a 10-minute drive away, and the pub is an ideal base for visiting the beautiful North Norfolk coast. With its towering sand dunes, Holkham Beach is a must-see spot that’s loved by the royals as it’s close to Sandringham.

How much does it cost to stay at The Gunton Arms?

Rooms at The Gunton Arms start from £145 per night.

New research has revealed the most sought-after postcodes in the UK, with homes in Wiltshire, South Glasgow and Wales typically selling in under a week, over 30 days faster than the average.

Scattered across the UK are numerous delightful locations, but there are 10 that have been named the nation’s most coveted postcodes. The areas are so desirable that properties are snapped up almost instantly.

To determine Britain’s most desirable postcodes, researchers examined housing competition, security and crime statistics, education standards, and job prospects to compile a comprehensive desirability ranking. The study, carried out by Origin, identified the top 10 postcodes that demonstrated well-rounded performance across all assessed criteria.

The findings revealed that SP9 in Tidworth, Wiltshire, emerged as the most desirable postcode throughout England, Scotland and Wales. The picturesque town, featuring an attractive high street, sits amid rolling countryside, with Salisbury Plain and the River Bourne close by, offering that classic English charm.

Homes in Tidworth are typically on the market for a fleeting 2.5 days before being snapped up, selling at a rate 15 times quicker than the national average of 38 days. It also prides itself on a low crime rate, with only 35.1 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants, and is home to first-rate local schools, with an impressive 89% achieving a “Good” or “Outstanding” rating.

The second most popular location was GU46 in Yateley, Hampshire, with properties in the town typically staying on the market for just 3.5 days before a “sold” sign is fixed on the lawn. The area boasts a low crime rate, 32.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, an array of top-notch schools, and convenient commuter links to London and other major cities.

Coming in third is G44 in South Glasgow, where properties are typically sold in under five days. The area boasts a strong job market, a low crime rate, excellent schools, and vast green spaces, including Queen’s Park and Pollok Country Park, making it an attractive destination for families, professionals, and students alike.

The CA27 North West village of St Bees is another postcode in high demand, with homes selling in an average of 2.8 days. With a crime rate more than 50% lower than the national average, it’s also one of the safest areas in the UK.

St Bees’ education standards are also above par, with 92% of schools achieving a “Good” or “Outstanding” rating. Its countryside setting has an allure that suits those seeking a quieter way of life, particularly for those who work remotely.

Elsewhere on the list, Origin found that properties in LL78, in the Isle of Anglesey, typically sell within a week, which is over 30 days faster than the UK average. This postcode shares the same low crime rate as St Bees, 30.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, and excels in education.

Moreover, its dramatic landscapes, idyllic beaches, and the historic UNESCO site of Caernarfon Castle, just a stone’s throw away, make this postcode the most sought-after in Wales.

Victoria Brocklesby, COO at Origin, commented: “At its heart, a home is an investment in quality of life, and there are so many factors that contribute to making a property desirable, from the local community to the quality of the schools.

“Having helped homeowners elevate their properties for over 20 years, we also know that a beautiful home with a high-quality finish is equally as important to buyers. All the areas in the list boast a host of incredible properties, from idyllic country residences to ultra-modern luxury apartments, making them the perfect locations for those seeking their dream home.”

Top 10 most desirable postcodes:

1. SP9 – Tidworth, Wiltshire
2. GU46 – Yateley, Hampshire
3. G44 – Southside, South Glasgow
4. CA27 – St Bees, West Cumbria
5. LL78 – Isle of Anglesey, Wales
6. CF44 – Aberdare, Wales
7. SE2 – Abbey Wood, South East London
8. SW6 – Fulham, Greater London
9. S10 – Broomhill and Crookes, South Yorkshire
10. NE6 – Walker and Byker, Tyne and Wear

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

The most sought-after postcode in the UK has been revealed, with properties selling in this desirable town 15 times faster than the national average of 38 days

There are some charming areas nestled across the UK, but there’s one that has been crowned as the most desirable postcode. To such an extent that buyers looking to relocate to the destination must be quick, as homes sell almost immediately due to the high demand.

To reveal the UK’s most desirable postcodes, housing competition, security and crime rates, education quality, and employment opportunities were all analysed to create a desirability guide. The research, conducted by Origin, highlighted the top 10 postcodes that achieved balanced results across all evaluated factors.

This disclosed that the most sought-after postcode across England, Scotland and Wales was SP9 in Tidworth, Wiltshire. The quaint town, with its charming high street, is set within the sprawling countryside, with the Salisbury Plain and the River Bourne nearby, for that quintessential English allure.

One notable landmark includes St Mary’s Mortuary Chapel, which one visitor noted on TripAdvisor: “A lovely little church not far from Tedworth House. The building is beautiful, and you can look inside. I often take a look when walking in the area. There is a guest book you can sign, and it’s also really interesting to see where visitors have come from!”

There are plenty of sporting events and activities to enjoy in this small town, with the Tidworth Garrison Golf Club, Tidworth Polo Club and Saddle Club. It also boasts the 19th-century Tedworth House and a variety of shops catering to all necessities.

Moreover, it’s nestled among a stunning array of historical landmarks, such as Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, Avebury Stone Circle, Old Sarum Castle and Sidbury Hill, further enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. Properties in this area typically spend an average of just a mere 2.5 days on the market before being snapped up, selling 15 times faster than the national average of 38 days.

Tidworth also boasts a low crime rate of 35.1 incidents per 1,000 residents and is home to top-notch local schools, with an impressive 89% achieving a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating. Additionally, the robust local job market is a magnet for professionals, especially those in the defence sector, with security hubs like Porton Down and Boscombe Down providing ample job prospects.

Top 10 most desirable postcodes:

1. SP9 – Tidworth, Wiltshire
2. GU46 – Yateley, Hampshire
3. G44 – Southside, South Glasgow
4. CA27 – St Bees, West Cumbria
5. LL78 – Isle of Anglesey, Wales
6. CF44 – Aberdare, Wales
7. SE2 – Abbey Wood, South East London
8. SW6 – Fulham, Greater London
9. S10 – Broomhill and Crookes, South Yorkshire
10. NE6 – Walker and Byker, Tyne and Wear

Victoria Brocklesby, COO at Origin, commented: “At its heart, a home is an investment in quality of life, and there are so many factors that contribute to making a property desirable, from the local community to the quality of the schools.

“Having helped homeowners elevate their properties for over 20 years, we also know that a beautiful home with a high-quality finish is equally as important to buyers. All the areas in the list boast a host of incredible properties, from idyllic country residences to ultra-modern luxury apartments, making them the perfect locations for those seeking their dream home.”

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

If you’re looking for a completely unique weekend away, there’s a hotel with colourful themed rooms and lots of fun surprises, and it’s set in the UK’s coolest city with plenty to do nearby.

While staying in a hotel for the weekend can be nice, one criticism you can level at them is that so many hotel rooms look the same. They may be comfy, but it’s easy to get bored of the same beige style you get in every hotel room.

However, whatever words you use to describe Hotel Pelirocco, “boring” is not one of them. This boutique hotel has 19 rooms, each one with a different theme, and each room is its own colourful little world.

Set on a quiet square in Brighton, the hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to enjoy the UK’s coolest city. Brighton recently beat competition from cities such as Edinburgh and Manchester to cinch the title, thanks to its independent shops, unique restaurants, and lively music scene.

The hotel is just a 15-minute stroll from the North Laines, famous for its colourful shops including vintage stores, bookshops, record shops, and quirky cafes. There’s also The Lanes area, which has a more historic vibe with narrow cobbled streets full of pretty jewellery stores and designer shops.

Historic Brighton Pier is also just a short walk away, with old-fashioned rides, amusements, and stalls. And of course, there’s the iconic Brighton Beach, a long stretch of shingle that has a promenade full of clubs and bars, and becomes a lively area for nightlife as the sun goes down.

Hotel Pelirocco is set inside two converted Regency townhouses, with its historic façade blending in with the other buildings in a pretty square. However, once you step inside, it’s a maximalist’s dream with colourful walls covered in vintage art and posters. Downstairs it has a bar that hosts live music and events, and opens until the small hours for guests returning from nights out.

However, it’s the rooms that the hotel has become famous for, and themes range from David Bowie to pin-up girls and local artists. The Mod-themed room is perfect for visitors to Brighton who are there to see the city’s filming locations for Quadrophenia, while Do Knit Disturb is a room dedicated to knitting and crochet, with accessories including a knitted telephone.

Brighton has long been a destination for couples’ weekends, and the hotel has a cheekier side to it too. The Botanica suite, for example, comes with a dancing pole and a mirrored ceiling, among other surprises, and there are rooms such as Taboo with more romantic vibes.

The hotel also offers a range of extras that are perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, from Champagne to boudoir photography in your bedroom. And if you want to really surprise your other half, you can arrange for a hamper from independent store Lust!, which includes an array of toys for couples for a fun start to your break.

Find out more about the Hotel Pelirocco or book a room on their official website.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

KEW Gardens is renowned as a place you can unplug among the bustle of London.

But from November until January the world-famous botanic garden becomes electrified – quite literally – in a fantastic extravaganza of multicoloured lights.

Kew’s annual light trail offers visitors the chance to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site in an entirely new way.

In recent years, many other outdoor attractions have copied Kew’s Light Trail concept but this really is the original and arguably the best.

Christmas at Kew is always a hot ticket – having gone on sale back in January – but there is still time to get tickets as the trail goes on until January 2026 so is an ideal activity for ‘Twixmas week.

It is a great family outing for all ages which will bewitch all ages-from grandparents to kids.

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This year’s trail starts at the Palm House and is perhaps the most spectacular yet  and begins by taking visitors across a stunning new bridge from which they can admire 100 giant illuminated water lilies.

The botanic garden’s famous Chinese Pagoda is lit for the first time ever this year and stands like a shining beacon.

The ever-popular cathedral-like arch of lights is a photo opportunity not to miss. 

And kids will also love bobbing and weaving through dangling tendrils of lights in another section.

Other fun surprises new to the route include a full dancefloor complete with giant light-up headphones offering a brilliant Instagrammable opportunity.

Elsewhere, fun-fair horses that pop up among the garden’s atmospherically lit trees in hues of purple and silver.

And keep an eye out for a very special Christmas visitor who pops up towards the end of the route.

The finale of the trail is as stunning as ever with an awe-inspiring music and light show projected onto the Temperate House, the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouse. 

A musical mix from Mariah Carey to Coldplay bring to life this greenhouse which brims with some of the world’s rarest plants.

Christmas at Kew offers a feast for the eyes-but also the tummy, much to the delight of my two mini-trailers.

There are multiple festive food and drink stalls available along the way in wooden cabins, offering everything from gourmet burgers, Asian food, to Souvlaki wraps and mulled wine for me!

One delicious pitstop even offers marshmallow toasting over a fire pit.

My boys happily polished off giant hot dogs and mini waffle bites on the way round.

A trip to Kew after nightfall this wintertime will guarantee to see faces lit up as brightly as the gardens.

Christmas at Kew runs on selected dates until Sunday January 4, 2026.

Prices start at £18 for kids and £27.50 for adults.

For more on light trails, here’s how to find the cheapest one in the UK.

And here’s the 27 free festive experiences across the UK for families including light trails and Santa’s grotto.

GINGERBREAD has become a staple of Christmas – and there is a town in the UK that is considered the home of it.

Ormskirk is a market town in Lancashire sitting around 13 miles from Liverpool.

The town has its very own gingerbread history which dates back to the early 1700s when “Gingerbread Ladies” would sell their homemade spiced goods from baskets.

These were especially popular with travellers at coaching inns and later railway passengers.

Ormskirk gingerbread was even rumored to be enjoyed by King Edward VII.

While the gingerbread we buy in shops usually has a distinct taste and snap, Ormskirk Gingerbread is very different.

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In texture, it’s dense, chewy and cakey, and has a speckled appearance because it’s made from treacle and candied peel.

If you fancy a taste, the gingerbread is still sold in Ormskirk today in places like Mr Thompsons Bakery which is at the bi-weekly food market.

Every year, the town even holds its very own gingerbread festival to celebrate the biscuit history of Ormskirk.

Usually it takes place in summer with the last being held on July 13, 2025.

There are lots of free family activities, and stalls selling handmade treats and gifts – all of which is themed around gingerbread.

Of course having a bite of gingerbread isn’t the only reason to visit Ormskirk in the wintertime, there’s plenty of other places to see.

If wrapping up for country walks is what you prefer to do in winter, then head to Rufford Old Hall.

The National Trust Tudor and Jacobean house that’s around 500 years old sits on the outskirts of Ormskirk.

Here are period rooms to explore along with a cosy Victorian tearoom which serves afternoon tea, cakes, scones and tray bakes.

There’s also a secondhand bookshop, garden and woodland, and the site has a two mile circular walk too from the hall along the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Ormskirk holds a market every Thursday and Saturday that’s one of the oldest in the country.

It’s one of the UK’s oldest and most traditional markets having been open for almost 700 years.

There you’ll find around 100 stalls selling baked goods to clothing and gifts.

When it comes to cosy pubs, there are plenty in Ormskirk like The Kicking Donkey which is another great winter spot as it has an open fire and hearty meals.

On Sundays the classic country pub serves up roast dinners from beef brisket to gammon and turkey, to pork belly and chicken from £16.75.

One visitor said: “Lovely traditional pub, real fires and candles, amazing food and service and fabulous negroni.”

Other popular spots include Tiny Tavern Ormskirk, The Cricketers, Lost and Found and The Buck I’th Vine.

Here’s UK’s longest seaside village that’s surrounded by countryside & is the best for winter walks…

Sat on Devon‘s Jurassic Coast, Branscombe stretches around 3.5 miles long and is known for its pebble beach, thatched cottages and historic buildings.

The village features a mile-long high street running through its centre and it is surrounded by rolling hills with grazing sheep.

Alex Gwillim, local travel expert at Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, said: “Branscombe is one of Devon’s most picturesque villages, and its cosy aesthetic paired with wellness-inspired activities makes it ideal for those looking for a staycation that prioritises self-care.”

And she isn’t wrong; Branscombe boasts amazing coastal walks like the South West Coast Path.

“Situated along the South West Coast Path, Branscombe makes the perfect starting point for a winter walk through woodland, beaches, and clifftops.

“From here, you can explore the Beer head loop or venture further along the coast to Sidmouth.”

And of course, Branscombe’s beach is a top spot to explore, with pebbles and often quieter during the autumn and winter months.

Alex added: “The mile long beach is ideal for a dog walk or simply clearing your head.”

Visitors can also get a glimpse of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast at the beach, with dramatic cliffs.

For little ones, there are plenty of rock pools to explore and fossils to find, including early reptiles, plants and marine life.

After exploring the beach, make sure to visit The Old Bakery and The Forge, both of which are National Trust sites.

For more on staycation breaks during winter, check out one Sun writer’s favourite seaside town in winter which is overlooked by a famous neighbour.

Plus, here’s one of the UK’s best seaside destinations to visit in winter – with beachfront pubs and stargazing nights.

UNIVERSAL has finally been given the green light to open a theme park in the UK.

The famous film studios has been given planning permission to start building the theme park.

A Special Development Order (SDO) has been granted by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, which allows the theme park to skip local planning procedures.

This means it will allow it to be built in the suggested location near Bedford.

Expected to start works in January 2026, the park could open as soon as 2031.

It will be the first Universal theme park for both the UK and Europe, with current resorts only across the US and Asia.

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Local Labour MP Mohammad Yasin praised the “landmark moment,” adding: “The confirmation of planning permission for the Universal Destinations & Experiences Entertainment Resort Complex is transformational and will be felt for decades to come.”

Estimated to cost £6.6billion to build, it could attract as many as eight million visitors a year.

Little is currently known about what kind of themed lands and rides would open at the UK Universal.

Rumours suggest James Bond, Paddington and Lord of the Rings, Minions, Jurassic World, and Back to the Future.

It is unlikely to include Harry Potter due to licensing rules and the nearby Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction in the nearby Leavesden.

Set across 662 acres, there will be four ‘zones’; the Core Zone, Lake Zone, West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone.

The Core Zone is likely to be the entrance area, as well as where the theme park and waterpark will be.

Plans also include a 500-room hotel.

More accommodation and business hotels will be at the Lake Zone, as well as an entertainment complex ans convention centre.

Then both the West Gateway Zone and the East Gateway Zone will be where guests arrive by train and car, with restaurants and hotels.

This is also like to be where the Entry Plaza area will be, as well as the parking and a 500-room hotel.

The park is expected to stay open all year round, unlike other UK theme parks like Alton Towers and Thorpe Park which only open on select dates like Christmas and New Year.

Not only that but it would have much longer opening hours, suggested to be 7am to 11pm.

It will also have a free-to-visit area where guests won’t need a ticket to enter.

Also included in the theme park plans are a new train station to cope with demand.

The new station would be part of the East West Rail (EWR) line, with train links to Oxford to Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford.

In the mean time The Sun’s  Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski visited Universal’s huge new £7bn theme park this summer.

In the winter, you can enjoy the seafront paths without the crowds, and enjoy views of snow-capped mountains on the coldest days.

A coastal path in Wales has been hailed as the UK’s top Christmas walk, thanks to its breathtaking mountain vistas and close proximity to snug pubs. The ranking, compiled by GO Outdoors, utilised TripAdvisor reviews and data on average December snowfall, along with festive factors such as nearby watering holes.

Using this information, the outdoor retailer curated a list of the top ten spots for a brisk December amble or a post-Christmas dinner saunter. Barmouth Beach, nestled on the fringes of Eyri National Park (Snowdonia), clinched the number one position. The area is enveloped by natural splendour, offering panoramic views across Cardigan Bay and the Mawddach Estuary.

During the summer months, this sandy expanse has a classic seaside atmosphere. A land train chugs along the promenade, children enjoy donkey rides on the sand, and the shallow waters are perfect for a paddle.

However, winter also presents an ideal opportunity for exploration, allowing visitors to savour the seafront paths without the throngs of people and admire views of snow-dusted mountains on the chilliest days, reports the Express.

While a tranquil stroll along the promenade is always an option, there’s also a more demanding route for those wishing to soak up some of the surrounding landscape.

The four-mile-long Panorama Walk commences at the beach and meanders through dense woodland and winding country lanes along the Mawddach Estuary.

However, it’s recommended for seasoned walkers, as it can be hilly and tricky to navigate, particularly in cold, damp conditions.

After exploring the coast, venture inland to find a cosy pub for some warmth. Just 500 metres from the beach, The Royal is a traditional stone-clad pub that’s a welcome sight after a chilly walk.

Settle into a leather chair and soak up the old-world charm while sipping on a pint and savouring classic pub grub, from roasts to a Welsh cheeseboard.

If you’d rather warm up with a hot brew, Davy Jones Locker is worth a visit. This harbourside café serves everything from hearty breakfasts to fish and chips.

Enjoy the sunshine at an outdoor table or head inside to appreciate the quirky, nautical-themed décor.

Although it only operates seasonally, usually from April to October, consider booking a ticket on the ferry departing from Barmouth Harbour. At just £4 per adult, it offers breathtaking views of the Afon Mawddach estuary.

The ferry also links with Fairbourne Railway, a vintage train service running along the mid-Wales coast.

Passengers can take in the coastal scenery as they journey along, with day passes available for those who wish to hop on and off at their leisure.

Stroll into town to discover a handful of independent shops, alongside numerous hotels and restaurants in the centre.

If you’re planning a festive getaway, The Sandbanks Hotel is a great choice, boasting direct beach access, rooms with sea views, and Christmas-themed entertainment.

A LAND of lochs, monumental mountains and breathtaking beaches, Scotland is an unforgettable holiday destination. 

Whether you’re keen to relax by the sea, trek through glens, take the family to a country park or savour this nation’s brilliant cuisine, there’s something for everyone. 

So the hardest question on your upcoming £9.50 Holiday will be: where to visit first?

Families wanting to explore the local area will have stacks of choice. 

You could start with a gentle steam train ride through the countryside, with the likes of Strathspey Steam Railway sure to put a smile on your child’s face.

Need to up the ante? Older kids can test their courage with adrenaline-pumping activities like the Highland Fling bungee jump in Killiecrankie or burn off steam at Pirate Pete’s adventure play park in Ayr.

Taking your brood to a country park like Eglinton is another great way of letting them run off excess energy – and it has the added bonus of being completely free to visit.

Other top-rated free things to do in Scotland include hiking up Arthur’s Seat and visiting the National Museum of Scotland, both in Edinburgh, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

If you want a deeper dive into nature, you could head to one of the country’s two National Parks – at Loch Lomond and Cairngorms – which are packed with nature trails. 

For a route that’s loaded with history, try the outdoor “museum without walls” Cateran Ecomuseum.

It features ancient Pictish stones and the Cateran Trail, which you can explore by foot, bike or car. 

Alternatively, try and catch a glimpse of the famous Loch Ness Monster at Loch Ness – the world’s largest lake by volume.

Prefer to bask by the beach (weather permitting)? Then you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

With over 11,000 miles of coastline including its islands, Scotland has some of the UK’s best beaches, with Camusdarach Beach on the west coast and Gullane Bents, East Lothian, among those highly rated. 

Sun readers also have their own favourite Scottish beaches, from the near-deserted shores of Embo Beach in the Highlands to the family-friendly sands at Silver Sands near Lossiemouth. 

And with so many beautiful lochs, you also have freshwater beaches including the UK’s highest beach at Loch Morlich (318m). 

Beach days can be filled with buckets and spades, sea swimming or trying a raft of activities such as paddleboarding (do it off the coast of Nairn, and you could spot the resident pod of dolphins).

A swim in nature doesn’t have to be by the sea – with wild swimming spots that include river pools in the Highlands and “Rob Roy’s Bathtub”, a massive plunge pool fed by the Falls of Falloch.

You can also explore Scotland’s incredible lochs by kayak or paddleboard, with Priory Island on Loch Tay a fantastic option for an adventure without any crowds. 

When it’s time to refuel, Scotland has everything from sea view restaurants to cheap and cheerful cafes, like Doon the Beach, a community cafe just behind Stevenson Beach, and Milk Bar in Inverness. 

Keen to sample local flavours? Get your fill of everything from hearty haggis to Cullen Sink – a soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions – at somewhere like Garden Cafe Pitlochry.

And no trip to Scotland would be complete without a wee dram. 

There are traditional pubs aplenty, like The Auld Smiddy Inn in Pitlochry, as well as distilleries like the Blair Athol Distillery where you can learn more about the process of making the tipple on an organised tour.

centre:MK shopping centre in Milton Keynes hosts the UK’s ‘biggest’ indoor Christmas grotto, featuring Santa visits, Peter Rabbit characters, festive rides and magical light displays for families

There’s something rather apt about Milton Keynes, the host of the UK’s ‘largest’ indoor Christmas grotto.

The new town – officially recognised as a city from 2022 – has its fair share of critics, but the reality of MK is that it’s not all as it seems. What initially strikes you as a concrete jungle upon arrival in Central Milton Keynes is actually a lush, vibrant and expansive city teeming with vast green spaces and waterways.

So, those visiting the city’s premier shopping centre – centre:MK, once the longest undercover mall in Europe – might find the location of the Christmas grotto a bit peculiar. But we locals know the real deal – and it’s enchanting.

A visit to the grotto is an absolute must for our little clan. It’s my three-year-old’s third visit, while our youngest is experiencing Christmas for the first time.

He was understandably puzzled by the parade that marches through centre:MK to officially usher in the festive season. But his older brother particularly loved the ‘big people’ – elves on stilts – that accompanied Santa’s sleigh.

This visit was also our eldest’s inaugural encounter with Santa in a grotto setting. And it’s safe to say, he was absolutely thrilled.

Middleton Hall – a spacious, typically open area within the centre – often undergoes transformations depending on the season. In the summer, it morphs into a beachside retreat, for instance.

But come the festive season, it truly comes to life. This year, it has been reimagined as ‘Starlight Square’, where festive sights and sounds can be enjoyed free of charge until January.

There are numerous standalone light displays to marvel at, including a massive mushroom you can stroll through, a charming water fountain with a pair of singing reindeer my son is obsessed with every year, and more Christmas trees than you could possibly count. The centre’s glass walls create an illusion of infinite lights, adding to the enchantment.

Then there are the rides – featuring a rather delightful little train that takes you around some of the illuminated installations. A nostalgic Victorian-style carousel, costing £3 per ride, is a lovely nod to the past, while a VR sleigh ride brings you right back to the present with plenty of family fun for £6 per person.

All these elements combined to create a special, unforgettable day for our family. My Christmas-obsessed toddler thoroughly enjoyed the train ride – which, at £2.50 per person, could have been a bit longer – and the helter skelter will be one to look forward to in the future at £2 per slide or £3 for two slides.

But there’s so much to see and savour while wandering around the lights that it makes it more than worthwhile. That was the recurring theme from our time at Starlight Square.

The main attraction, however, was Santa’s Grotto itself. We were greeted at the entrance by lively elves who really helped make the experience magical for the children.

After being ushered inside a quaint display home, we took our seats to hear tales of missing Christmas gifts from Peter Rabbit’s mother. Shortly afterwards, a secret passageway was unveiled – much to my son’s delight, as he crawled through with great enthusiasm.

Characters from Peter’s tales came alive alongside the elves as we crafted and decorated gingerbread biscuits to present to Santa. As that session concluded, we were graced with a visit from Peter Rabbit himself, who was a delight for all the excited children.

Then came the moment we’d all been eagerly anticipating. After strolling through a brightly illuminated corridor to heighten the suspense, we entered Santa’s Chamber and met Father Christmas himself.

A cosy living room setting greeted us, and Santa was warm and inviting – particularly towards our usually talkative son, who had momentarily become a bit bashful. Once he mustered the courage to wish Merry Christmas and thank Santa for a gift – I won’t ruin the surprise, but it was apt for our experience – we took a photo and headed back to Starlight Square.

Having attended this festive event every year since relocating to MK in 2018, I felt somewhat overqualified to critique it. So instead, I’ll let the sparkle in my son’s eyes narrate the tale.

Some of the prices are a tad high – a family of four would have to shell out £24 just for the virtual sleigh ride, which is hard to justify considering the often long queues. Meeting Santa would set the same family back at least £30, depending on the age of your youngest member.

But, without wanting to sound overly sentimental, it’s easy to be swept up in the festive spirit. Seeing the joy on your little ones’ faces as they explore this enchanting indoor wonderland is nearly priceless.

A NEW play attraction has been approved for one of the UK’s best remote beaches.

The new £600,000 inclusive playground at Shoebury’s East Beach in Southend will have themed zones inspired by the sea.

There will be a sandpit, climbing areas and a submarine structure in the middle of the playground.

The playground will be open to all age groups and abilities and include wheelchair-accessible swings, roundabouts and sensory features.

Reports from September also revealed that the playground will feature sit-on seals and colourful fish.

There will also be a sensory boardwalk lined with new trees being planted.

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According to the Echo, Tricia Cowdrey, Green Party candidate for Shoebury, said: “One of the attractions of this playground is that it is close to a beach.

“The steps and ramps nearby have suffered extreme wear and tear, and temporary flimsy fencing is a huge safeguarding concern.

“We ask that secure fencing be erected before the playground opens and that plans for accessible beach access be expedited.”

Work is currently underway to improve access to the beach, however it might not be finished in time for the opening of the playground.

Steven Wakefield, independent councillor for Shoebury Ward, also commented on the project, claiming that it is in the “perfect place, right next to the cafés.

He added that the project will mean that East Beach is no longer a “forgotten area of Shoeburyness”.

Works on the playground could begin in spring 2026.

Initial plans for a new playground were first introduced over three years ago.

And back in the summer, Beach House Cafe opened next door to the East Beach Cafe and marked the completion of a £2million regeneration project.

A recent visitor at the Beach House said: “Love it here! Come for brunch every weekend, drive up from London. Lovely beach setting, food is fresh, tasty & lush!

Over the summer, The Telegraph also named Shoeburyness as one of the top 20 destinations in Britain for the best secret and remote beaches.

The Telegraph stated: “Just three miles from the mayhem that is Southend in summer, Shoeburyness has two Blue Flag beaches that are far less well known.

“Its East Beach is the nicest and is popular with local paddleboarders and kitesurfers, thanks to its long strand of sand.”

In other coastal news, a popular UK seaside town scraps trains to London.

Plus, Victorian seaside town ranked ‘best for short break’ gets green light for £20m revamp in 10-year upgrade.

MEASURING more than 19,000 miles, Britain’s beautiful coastline has a host of attractions and reasons to visit.

Nigel Thompson unveils our pick of what’s happening around our shoreline next year, with options for every traveller’s budget.

Scarborough leads the way for 2026 as the “Queen of the Yorkshire Coast”, celebrating its 400th anniversary as a spa resort.

ANNIVERSARIES

SCARBOROUGH’S journey to becoming the nation’s first seaside spa resort began in 1626, with the accidental discovery of mineral waters.

Mrs Thomasin Farrer noticed natural springs bubbling beneath a cliff.

These were subsequently said to cure minor ailments.

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Celebrations throughout next year to mark the centenary include heritage and art installations and a 10-day festival in mid-July.

Across the Pennines, Morecambe is marking what would have been comic legend Eric Morecambe’s 100th birthday (May 14).

The town he was born in, and named himself after, will offer a series of events and activities that are sure to bring some sunshine!

Italianate village Portmeirion in North Wales will celebrate the centenary of its completion with events, exhibitions and tours.

It’s also 60 years since cult TV series The Prisoner — which starred Patrick McGoohan as a former secret agent dubbed Number Six — was filmed at Portmeirion.

There will be a convention weekend on April 24-26, featuring parades, human chess and immersive experiences.

Fans will surely want to stay in hotel room number six!

The Jurassic Coast will be even more roar-some as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Unesco listing.

Highlights along the 95-mile geological route in Dorset and East Devon include dinosaur fossil hunting in Lyme Regis, picture perfect Durdle Door and the 180billion pebbles that make up Chesil Beach.

WALKING

NEXT year will see the completion of the King Charles III England Coast Path. At 2,795 miles it will be the world’s longest continuous coastal trail.

The newest 42-mile section now links the Scottish border to Lincolnshire and a summer celebratory event will be announced.

Other coastal walking celebrations include Dorset’s WALX Festival (September 17-20) with Jurassic Coast hikes and workshops and the Isle of Wight’s Spring and Autumn Walking Festivals (May 9-17 and October 3-11), focussing on its landscape, wildlife and heritage.

ACCOMMODATION

BLACKPOOL’S Royal Carlton Hotel is getting a multi-million-pound makeover.

The 38-room art deco property, between Central and South Pier, will reopen in the spring and feature a new pergola with extensive greenery.

The luxury Kithmore Hotel in “home of golf” St Andrews, Fife, will debut in the summer with a major transformation.

The former Ardgowan Hotel will have 44 rooms, a bar/restaurant and an expanded terrace.

A mixed-use cultural, creative attraction with a 31-room hotel is under construction at Old College on the promenade at Aberystwyth, Ceredigion.

The restoration project is due to finish by the end of 2026.

FOOD

FOOD lovers have a busy calendar starting with value-focused Whitby Restaurant Week (March 2-8), Yorkshire produce at Filey Food Festival (April 4-5) and street eats at Southsea Food Festival (July 4-5).

Isle of Wight Garlic Festival runs from August 15-16 and Essex foodies will flock to the Maldon Food & Drink Festival (August 29-30).

CULTURE

HULL Maritime Museum will reopen in the summer after a £27.5million restoration.

New exhibits covering 800 years of history will range from ship models and seafaring art to a 40ft whale skeleton.

Redcar, on the North Yorkshire coast, will welcome a £25million multi-purpose cultural and family entertainment venue near the Esplanade.

The Edge in Cumbria, on Whitehaven harbour, is a unique new building. It has a cafe and bar area and there are 16 en-suite bedrooms.

A £12million development will transform Isle of Barra Distillery in the Outer Hebrides with a visitor centre and café.

Due to open in October, you can try out seaweed botanicals and honey vodka.

FESTIVALS

THE south coast of England has a variety of events for next year, including kites massing for Let’s Go Fly in Dorchester on June 6, Portsmouth’s Country on the Coast Festival on April 17-19 and hydrofoil competitors speeding across the water at the World E-Foiling “iQFOiL” Championships in Weymouth and Portland from September 21-26.

NATURE

WORLD Saltmarsh Day will be held at WWT Steart Marshes in Somerset on June 11, aimed at connecting people with coastal nature via new audio trails, community art and viewing platforms.

In Hampshire, the Southsea Coastal Scheme will double the size of the shingle beach between the Pyramids and Eastney for 2026, to enhance the visitor experience and bolster climate resilience, helping to reduce local flooding.

More info at englandscoast.com/en, visitscotland.com, visitwales.com

Legoland in Windsor, Berkshire, has been transformed into an immersive Christmas experience, launching its very own Winter Wonderland complete with snow-covered trees and Father Christmas

As a child of the eighties, a Christmas treat was a trip to a questionable Santa’s grotto where fake Barbie dolls were the default gift. But these days, Christmas experiences are in bountiful supply – from light shows, and breakfasts with Santa to ice rinks, ice bars and Christmas markets.

The Santas in the grotto have upped their game and expectations are high when it comes to sharing the magic of Christmas. So which experience to choose? My son is four and Lego is currently his sun and moon so Legoland’s Winter Wonderland seemed like a safe bet.

This winter, the theme park in Windsor has been transformed into an immersive Christmas experience, with twinkly lights, a giant Duplo Christmas tree and a sprawling Christmas Kingdom. We did the Meet Father Christmas experience, which saw elves guide us from Legoland through a mysterious corridor to a snow-covered North Pole.

After navigating through a maze of snow-topped fir trees, we arrived at Santa’s hidden cabin where my son suddenly got stage fright and was too shy to talk. But Father Christmas was lovely and made jokes about my husband’s past on the naughty list. The gift was an impressive Legoland dragon soft toy that he’s slept with ever since.

The Lego City Deep Sea Dive Adventure was also a massive hit, with a submarine taking young explorers through an underwater world filled with stingrays and sharks. He got his first taste of life on the road at the Lego City Driving School and discovered a love for the faster rollercoasters such as Merlin’s Challenge and The Dragon which takes you through the castle before plunging through the treetops.

There are also loads of shows to choose from including the Elf Training Academy show, the Festival of Flurries and Nutcracker’s Marching Band. And for certain dates over Christmas and New Year, dogs are welcome too!

Dark fell just after 3.30pm and we stayed until close. Enjoying the rides under the moonlight was a magical and memorable experience.

The Winter Wonderland runs until January 4 with tickets from £32 per person at https://www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/legoland-at-christmas. Dogs are permitted entry on December 14, 21 and 28 with a meet Father Christmas upgrade available from 5pm.

Meanwhile, LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany has recently unveiled plans for a new theme park land based on J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter books, and fans will even be able to enjoy an overnight wizarding experience with themed accommodation.

Details of the brand new attraction are currently being kept strictly under wraps, with the park confirming it’ll be announcing further information in the next 12 months.

In a statement, Peter van Roden, EVP of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, said: “We are always looking for new ways for the millions of Harry Potter fans around the world to extend the magic and further connect with the iconic films. This new destination will allow fans to step into in the familiar LEGO Harry Potter aesthetic they have been constructing for years and physically experience the wizarding world like never before.”

While there are already Harry Potter-themed lands at some Universal resorts, as well as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where fans can see where the movie was filmed, this is the first Wizarding World attraction for Lego.

And while many places, such as private rentals, offer unofficial wizard-themed accommodation based on the franchise, the park will offer the first official themed accommodation.

Crickhowell in Powys, Wales, has been named as the UK’s Best High Street, and is a place where small businesses thrive and locals are fiercely proud of their town centre

A charming market town boasts one of Britain’s finest independent high streets.

Crickhowell in Wales has earned recognition as a thriving hub for small businesses. The town has claimed the UK’s Best High Street award and bucks the national trend with its well-loved and frequently visited shops. Remarkably, Crickhowell has no vacant units on its High Street, which features family-run establishments that have been in operation for generations.

For those seeking a peaceful pint, The Bear comes highly recommended. This historic pub spans more than six centuries and features a cobbled forecourt with an ancient archway opening onto an interior courtyard. The Good Pub Guide crowned it Inn of the Year in 2010. Though considerably younger, Webbs has been woven into the town’s fabric since 1936. The enterprise began when its founder launched a paraffin delivery service, before transforming into a hardware and ironmongers that steadily grew over the decades into today’s department store. Local commentators describe Webbs as “the grande dame of Crickhowell’s shopping scene.”

The town offers an impressive array of outstanding retailers, including Black Mountains Smokery, Minster Auctions, the award-winning Bacchus Off Licence and Antur Brew, a microbrewery, tap room and bottle shop situated on the Elvicta Estate just outside Crickhowell. In an age where the high street is slowly dying, with chain stores, vape shops and betting outlets increasingly taking over, towns like Crickhowell – where independent businesses genuinely dominate the town centre and are cherished by residents – are becoming increasingly rare.

Do you have recommendations for places you think we should visit? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

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Visit Crickhowell describes what makes the town unique. “Crickhowell High Street is one of the few shopping streets left in the country where local businesses sell local produce and local products. It recalls a long-lost era when all high streets reflected the character of their town and had their own identity. Here you will be welcomed by friendly and knowledgeable shopkeepers who take a real pride in what they sell,” its website states.

The Telegraph recently ranked Crickhowell amongst the top ten high streets in Britain. “Crickhowell is tiny, but you’ll nevertheless stop every few metres to nose around its shops… Locals have staunchly resisted the tidal wave of chains and here the great British high street lives on, with a butcher, baker and a sprinkling of independent shops from delis to art galleries and bookshops. A vision of pastel-painted Georgian loveliness, Crickhowell feels especially festive in the blue of dusk, when there’s a nip in the air and the lights are aglow in its houses and pubs,” the newspaper wrote.

Crickhowell also boasts a rich historical heritage. Crickhowell Castle began as a motte-and-bailey structure, likely constructed in the 12th century, before Sir Grimbald Pauncefote rebuilt it in stone in 1272. Whilst only remnants survive today, the Grade I listed Porth-Mawr two-storey gatehouse remains beautifully preserved and is definitely worth visiting.

These qualities have endeared the town to residents, who shared with WalesOnline why they hold it in such high regard. One local remarked: “It’s no surprise to see Crickhowell on the list, considering the Brecon Beacons town was crowned Best High Street of the Year in 2018.”

The town may be small, but it is mighty. In 2022, there was just one chain shop in the town, with locals preferring to put their money behind local butchers and bakers. Crickhowell spent years attempting to block plans for a Co-op, while locals say that the high street’s late-night shopping is like a street party.

The town’s tourism board promotes Crickhowell as an ideal base for discovering the southern Black Mountains and surrounding areas. Throughout the Christmas period, the town hosts a well-attended late-night shopping evening and festive market, featuring stalls, handcrafted items, presents and live entertainment.