underrated

Travel expert Neil Atkinson has revealed the best Christmas markets in the UK – perfect for those who want a festive break without the huge crowds

With the festive season rapidly drawing near, Christmas markets will soon be springing up throughout Britain. From the hugely popular Winter Wonderland in London to more intimate Christmas fairs, there’s undoubtedly something to suit all tastes – and occasionally it’s the less celebrated venues that turn out to be the most unforgettable.

Neil Atkinson, proprietor of Luxury Group Stay, has shared his favourite picks of under-the-radar Christmas markets delivering genuine festive atmosphere without the packed crowds found in Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh.

He commented: “Some of the best Christmas events are tucked away in smaller spa towns and cathedral cities. They’re often more personal, better value, and filled with genuine local craftsmanship rather than mass-produced souvenirs.”

Underrated UK Christmas markets, according to a travel expert

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market – Hampshire

Championing Winchester Cathedral’s Christmas market, Neil remarks: “Set in the shadow of the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, this market has become a southern secret for those who want European-style charm without leaving the UK.”

Running from November 21 through to December 22, Winchester’s market provides visitors with opportunities to buy handcrafted presents, artisan food, and premium crafts, all beneath sparkling lights that turn the Cathedral Close into a festive scene.

With the cathedral choir delivering multiple performances throughout this time, it genuinely is pure Christmas enchantment.

Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre – Worcestershire

From December 4 to 7, Worcester takes a nostalgic trip back in time, with the streets brimming with Victorian-garbed traders, a classic carousel and the enticing aroma of roasting chestnuts for the Victorian Christmas Fayre.

Expect to encounter local artisans peddling crafts, street food and festive beverages, while carol singers and buskers maintain a lively atmosphere.

Durham Christmas Festival – County Durham

Recommending the Durham Christmas Festival, which runs for a mere three days, from December 5 to 7, Neil added: “Few settings are as striking as Durham Cathedral at Christmas.”

This brief festival features a Craft & Producers’ Marquee on Palace Green, a vibrant outdoor market and a Children’s Lantern Parade culminating at the cathedral.

Canterbury Christmas Market – Kent

From November 12 to December 24, Canterbury adds a cathedral-city sparkle with one of the South East’s most scenic markets.

Visitors can anticipate over 170 stalls offering handmade gifts, candles, crafts and festive foods lining the streets under the glow of the city’s ancient cathedral.

The Canterbury Christmas Market strikes an ideal balance between atmosphere and size, showcasing robust local craftsmanship and an abundance of family-friendly activities.

Harrogate Christmas Fayre – North Yorkshire

The Harrogate Christmas Fayre, running from December 5 to 14, is perfect for those who prefer a more leisurely pace when soaking up the festive spirit.

The Harrogate Christmas Fayre, with its approximately 40 adorned chalets scattered throughout the spa town, is a chic, compact and naturally festive option.

Neil commented: “It is beautifully curated, easy to explore, and perfect for a festive weekend with a touch of class. Expect artisanal gifts, gourmet treats, and mulled wine breaks between boutique shops and cosy tearooms.”

WHEN it comes to daytrips, you should ditch the classic Oxford, Cambridge and London for this city in the West Midlands.

You definitely won’t be bored with artist trails, award-winning museums and a huge waterpark with one of the country’s biggest wave pools to explore.

Often dubbed as an ‘underrated’ city, by the likes of TimeOut, Coventry is putting itself on the map, especially when it comes to weekend breaks.

The city is experiencing a huge boost with tourism reaching record levels; last year, it saw a total of 11.8 million visitors – up 3.6 per cent from 2023.

Overnight stays increased by 14 per cent, and day trips made up 88 per cent of all trips to the city.

To be fair, it’s not really a secret that Coventry is making a name for itself as being a great place to explore, two years ago, Coventry made the list of the 100 best cities in Europe.

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And in 2021, Coventry was also honoured with the title of UK City of Culture.

Coventry has a blend of everything from historical sites, like Coventry Cathedral to St Mary’s Guildhall, known for its connection to Mary Queen of Scots.

But there are plenty of modern touches, like its art trail which heads along the canal for five and a half miles where you’ll find over 30 sculptures, mosaics and murals.

At the local theatre, Belgrade, you can watch a show from Friends! The Musical Parody, to talks by the likes of Sandi Toksvig, there are also screenings and family performances.

The Wave in Coventry is an enormous indoor waterpark with one of the biggest wave pools in the country.

Not only that, but 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 arguably the scariest ride because the floor drops from beneath to plunge riders at speed.

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.

Another ride is called The Cyclone, which is one of the fastest slides at the waterpark.

There are other attractions at the waterpark too, including The Reef, which is a splash zone.

Standard tickets during peak times are £18.70 (for adults ages 12 and over), for juniors (ages 11 and under) tickets are £14.

As for some of the other top-rated things to do in Coventry, heading to its two museums, one of which was the UK’s best-rated on Tripadvisor.

This museum in question is The Coventry Music Museum, which earlier this year was the top-rated on Tripadvisor – and it’s the number one thing to do in Coventry.

Found on Walsgrave Road in Coventry, the museum has an art gallery, music records archive and an interactive media studio telling the history of local music.

The museum is also home to the entire output of 2 Tone Records – a record label that opened in Coventry in 1979. They signed the likes of the Selector, Madness and The Beat.

Entry fees are £6 for adults and £3 for concessions – make sure to bring notes and change as it’s cash only.

Another popular museum is the Coventry Transport Museum, which houses the largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles in the world.

It has interactive galleries, immersive exhibitions, and of course, lots of vehicles to look at from vintage cars to motorbikes.

Entry to the museum is £15pp.

As for where to eat, Coventry has some great finds, VisitEngland recommends trying East Korean barbecue at Jinseon Korean BBQ where you can grill your own food on a charcoal fire at your table.

Another suggestion is Cogs Bar and Kitchen which offer up tasty breakfasts from eggs benedict to American-style pancakes.

FarGo Village is also worth exploring, it’s an industrial space home to coffee shops and even a microbrewery.

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One writer reveals what his stay at the Coombe Abbey Hotel was like…

Read on to hear what one writer made of this historic hotel…

Where is the Coombe Abbey Hotel?

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.

Plus, the much-mocked UK city that’s set to be huge next year according National Geographic.

And the UK city that has a bad reputation but it’s finally going be huge this year – thanks to big events and top TV show.

This city is considered a ‘hidden gem’ as it gets fewer tourists than hotspots such as Barcelona or Malaga, but it could be the perfect combination city and beach break for autumn

Ryanair have launched a new direct flight from London Stansted to a Spanish city that has been dubbed ‘underrated’ and a ‘hidden gem’.

The budget airline will now operate a London to Murcia flight four times a week, with the journey taking just under three hours. Murcia, which is set in Spain’s southeast, just over an hour from Alicante, is a lesser-known region, but once you step off the plane you can choose to explore the city or head to the nearby coast.

The timing of the new route is perfect for those who are already a little sick of the autumn weather. This week, Murcia has seen highs of 31C, while in November it can hit up to 21C. While it’s not the hottest destination in December and January, with highs of 18C and 17C respectively during the day, it tends to be mild and have low rainfall. However, it’s worth packing cosy pyjamas, as it can get cold at night.

The city of Murcia is packed with things to do, and it’s a must for history buffs, having been settled by the Romans and the Moors. Visit Murcia Cathedral, an ornate, Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline, or the Santa Clara Museum which was once a Muslim palace, that became a Monastery in the 14th-century.

You’ll also find a wide variety of museums, such as the Museo Arqueológico de Murcia, which is full of treasures, and the Salzillo Museum, dedicated to the locally born sculptor Francisco Salzillo, who made dramatic religious artworks.

Murcia also has amazing shopping. The huge Centro Comercial Nueva Condomina has lots of big Spanish and European brands from Bershka to Zara, while Centro De Artesania De Murcia is full of handcrafted and artisanal items that make great gifts. It’s no wonder Murcia was dubbed ‘underrated’ by National Geographic.

Just over 20 minutes from the airport is the port city of Cartagena, famed for its Roman Amphitheatre. It’s also packed with historic sights such as the Roman Forum Museum and the Punic wall dating back to the 3rd century BC.

Cartagena is also perfect for a beach break. Visit Cala Cortina, an unspoilt beach surrounded by rugged cliffs. It has soft sands, and because it’s set in a bay, the waters are calm for swimming.

Another beach destination close to Murcia is La Manga, just over half an hour from the airport. This unique spot sits on a strip that’s 13 miles long, but only 100 metres wide, with a lagoon on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. This means you’ll never struggle for a place on the long sandy beach, and pretty much all hotel rooms have either a sea or lagoon view. There’s also a large marina with lots of restaurants and boat hire if you want to take to the water.

Whether you’re planning a city break, or want to hit the beach, it’s worth considering Murcia instead of one of the bigger, more touristy Spanish cities. Despite its numerous historic attractions and close proximity to amazing beaches, Murcia only received 1.16 million visitors last year, compared to 26 million who chose Barcelona. But tourist numbers are on the rise, so plan your visit before it gets discovered by the crowds.

Book it

There are direct flights to Murcia from several UK airports available this October from £15.

Finland, a Nordic nation of 5.6 million, has been named one of Lonely Planet’s 25 Best Destinations in 2026 – and it’s not hard to see why the Finns are so happy

One of the globe’s finest destinations also happens to be amongst Europe’s most sparsely populated.

Finland, a Nordic country home to 5.6 million people, has earned recognition as one of Lonely Planet’s 25 Best Destinations in 2026. The nation was the sole European country to secure a place on the list, though it did share its ranking with regions across Italy and Ireland, amongst others.

Recent years have seen considerable attention focused on Finnish contentment levels. This March, Finland claimed the title of the world’s happiest nation for an eighth consecutive year, as reported by the World Happiness Report 2025, reports the Express.

“Happiness isn’t just about wealth or growth – it’s about trust, connection and knowing people have your back,” said Jon Clifton, the chief executive of Gallup. If we want stronger communities and economies, we must invest in what truly matters: each other.”

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The formula behind Finland’s contentment proves fascinating and complex.

Trust forms the foundation of Finnish culture. Numerous youngsters in the country bundle up warmly to attend woodland schools, even in the country’s northern regions during brutal Finnish winters.

They’re permitted to clamber, leap, scramble, and engage in countless other activities to their heart’s desire, with educators choosing to allow learning through experimentation rather than stepping in. Beyond this bedrock of trust lies an immense pride in their homeland.

Finland boasts one of the globe’s highest national service participation rates. Roughly 27,000 conscripts commence service annually, with approximately 80% of Finnish men fulfilling their duty. Moreover, increasing numbers of women volunteer for service, with more than 1,500 enlisting each year.

Another major contributor to Finnish contentment is the nation’s stunning natural landscape. Known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, Finland features nearly 200,000 lakes and remains roughly three-quarters blanketed in woodland.

The nation serves as an ideal spot for witnessing the Aurora Borealis, visible on countless evenings, particularly throughout Lapland.

“Whether you are paddling through Finnish Lakeland in the golden light of a midsummer evening, feeling the heartbeat of Sámi reindeer-herding culture in Inari or embracing the bitter cold of Lapland on a dogsled ride as the northern lights come out to play, you will realize that Finnish happiness is tuning into nature, in touch with your inner child,” Lonely Planet writes.

Fortunately, there’s ample room to savour this magnificence.

Finland ranks amongst Europe’s most thinly populated nations, averaging merely 17 residents per sq km, contrasted with 227 per sq km in the UK. Lonely Planet’s Kerry Walker says if you do visit Finland, you shouldn’t leave without first embracing Sámi culture in Lapland.

“Give Santa the slip and head to Inari or, further north still, Utsjoki, for reindeer-driven sleigh rides and joik (rhythmic poems) sung around a flickering campfire in a simple lavvu tent. Go for the whole Arctic shebang with husky mushing, snowshoeing and ice fishing, then hole up in a log cabin, igloo or aurora-gazing dome to watch the flakes silently fall,” she suggests.

The Sámi inhabit Finland’s northern territory of Lapland, a region that extends into Sweden and Norway too.

Many still engage in age-old reindeer herding practices, though contemporary methods and gadgets like drones and snowmobiles are now employed.

If the prospect of holidaying somewhere with minimal crowds appeals to you, Mongolia could be perfect.

This vast landlocked nation, nestled between China and Russia, spans more than 603,000 square miles yet houses barely 3.5 million residents, making it the globe’s most thinly populated independent country.

Indeed, roughly half the nation’s inhabitants reside in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city.

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THERE is a charming, small Italian city that hosts a quiet Christmas market for less than the cost of visiting one in the UK.

The tiny city of Arezzo located in the Tuscan hills of Italy features the country’s largest Christmas market that is themed like an Alpine village.

Each winter, according to Visit Tuscany, Arezzo becomes a “Christmas City” in the medieval centre, Piazza Grande, with stalls selling handmade gifts.

In fact, the gifts come from all over, with exhibitors travelling from the Tyrol, Germany and Austria to the market to sell wood carvings, ceramics, and hand-painted Christmas decorations.

You can expect over 640,000 LED lights, a Ferris wheel that offers amazing panoramic views and Santa’s house too.

For something to drink, opt for a steaming mug of glühwein – a traditional German hot mulled wine with cinnamon, cloves, star anise and citrus fruits.

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A mug usually costs around €4 to €5 (£3.47 to £4.34).

You can step it up a notch too by having a Feuerzangenbowle – the fiery version where a sugarloaf soaked in rum is set on fire and drips into the mulled wine.

In the Prato – a large green space that dominates the city – there are more wooden huts selling local street food, such as sausages for around €5 to €8 (£4.34 to £6.95).

Families can have some fun skating at the ice rink as well.

For the duration of the Christmas market, there will also be a number of events and shows.

For example, for €10 (£8.68) per person, you could see Brick House Art – a three-floor exhibition of different Lego artworks.

The market will run between November 16 and January 6, every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

And for this year, visitors can travel on a limited-edition Christmas train to Arezzo, from Rome.

Called The Assisi Espresso, each carriage on the train will be decked out with festive decorations and passengers will each be given a gift.

Other stops along the route include Terni, Spoleto, Foligno, Spello, Assisi, and Perugia.

The train will operate every Sunday from November 30 to January 11, departing Rome at 8:30am and arriving in Arezzo at 12:10pm.

The train will then leave Arezzo at 5:30pm and arrive back in Rome at 10:42pm.

Passengers can book either first class or second class, and there is a dining carriage onboard too – expect mulled wine, roast chestnuts and traditional treats.

Return tickets on the train cost just €62 (around £54).

And with cheap flights to Rome, you can head to Arezzo’s Christmas market for cheaper than a UK staycation.

Prices for a full stay and the Christmas train cost from just £250, which is 44 per cent less than heading to Edinburgh around the same period, according to First Choice.

But travellers don’t need to stay in Arezzo – they could opt to stay in Rome instead.

Kevin Nelson, managing director at First Choice said: “Rome might not be the first place you think of for a Christmas break, but that’s exactly what makes it such a smart choice.

“Pairing the city’s festive charm with a proper Alpine-style market in Arezzo gives you two authentic experiences for the price of one – it’s the ultimate festive hack.”

First Choice’s Rome package starts from just £184 per person for three nights this December, and this includes return flights to the city and a central hotel, such as Rome Garden.

Add in the cost of the train to Arezzo and back, the holiday costs just £238 per person.

And if you were planning the trip on your own, return flights from Birmingham, Manchester and London all cost around £27 in December.

A hotel in the centre of Rome then costs as little as £38 per night, so if you stayed for two nights, you’d spend around £238.

Both of these options would cost less than heading to the Birmingham‘s Frankfurt Christmas Market for a weekend, where a return train ticket costs about £35 from London and a hotel will set you back around £100 a night.

And that’s before battling the prices of the market – a pint cost £7 last year and a bratwurst around £10.

Before you know it, you’ve spent over £250.

Unless you’re staying in a hostel, a mid-range weekend away for two, anywhere in the UK usually costs £350 to £500.

So why not head to the charming Italian city instead?

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The town has been labelled “such a gem” and “so lovely” by visitors

A town dubbed the “most underrated” in the UK has been praised by visitors online. Royal Leamington Spa, located in the heart of Warwickshire, has been labelled “such a gem” and “so lovely”, and is home to “stunning” architecture and award-winning parks.

The town has been renowned for its mineral springs since the Middle Ages, while its historic Jephson Gardens are well-loved. Royal Leamington Spa is surrounded by countryside, waterways and cross-country routes to villages, hamlets and traditional pubs.

Birmingham-based blogger @bababouttown shared a clip praising the town on TikTok, and suggested it could be “the most underrated town in the UK.” The clip racked up more than 27.4k views, hundreds of likes and many comments.

The post was captioned: “The Most Underrated Town in the UK? It honestly blows my mind how Leamington Spa still gets overlooked by the big travel platforms — especially when it rivals some of the UK’s most loved spots!

“Think grand Victorian buildings, dreamy cafés, gorgeous parks, buzzing coffee shops, flaky pastries, incredible independents and so many foodie finds. It’s the kind of place that feels like a mini escape, perfect for a chilled day out or a spontaneous weekend adventure.

“Need to know: – Dog friendly – Easily accessible – Only 45 mins from Birmingham Moor Street.” The video showed clips of different things to do in Leamington Spa, including parks, restaurants and attractions.

Beneath the clip, people were quick to share their thoughts on the town. One person said: “Leamington is such a gem of a place!” and a second wrote: “Lem has my heart! Love this city so much.”

A third comment read: “Ooh I need your itinerary, looks fab,” while a fourth said: “My favourite town ever.” Another person commented: “Been to Leamington Spa last weekend and became one of my favourite places to visit in the UK. So so lovely.”

RoyalLeamingtonSpa.co.uk said: “Wide boulevards, stunning architecture and award-winning parks provide a sophisticated backdrop to this Regency town. Leamington town centre combines a treasure-trove of independent, specialist boutiques alongside high street brands and a huge variety of eating experiences.”

It added: “With a town centre of around a third of a mile square, getting around Royal Leamington Spa couldn’t be easier. All areas of the town centre are easily accessed on foot within a ten minute walk, which is a great way to appreciate the stunning Regency architecture.”

A Christmas lover has highlighted a festive event that they think could be the ‘most underrated’ in London

It’s not long now until Christmas celebrations kick off across the country, with festive markets, ice rinks, and the like returning to many cities and towns. In London, there will be no shortage of family-friendly events for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit.

2025 also sees the return of a festive fayre that’s been described as “the most underrated Christmas market in London.” The Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre returns for two weekends in December, running between December 5-7 and 12-14.

One previous visitor who shared high praise for the event recommended the ticketed event in a social media video. Posting on TikTok as @travelfromessex, the blogging duo wrote: “If you are planning on hitting a London Christmas market this year make it Hampton Court Palaces Festive Fayre!

“In our opinion it’s the most underrated Christmas market in London! Running on 5-7 & 12-14 December 2025, book your ticket now. You can wander the palace & grounds during your visit too! It makes you feel like you have travelled back in time. Enjoy festive stalls, food & drinks as well as live entertainment.”

The post racked up over 5k likes, and viewers loved the recommendation. Someone replied: “Oh I can’t wait for this!!!” A viewer praised: “Looks amazing.” Another fan said: Definitely need to go!”

According to Hampton Court Palace’s website, the fayre features over one hundred artisan producers, with Henry VIII’s palace serving as the backdrop. The event page states: “Experience a ‘truly magical day’ at this year’s Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre.

“This much-loved Christmas shopping event is back for two unforgettable weekends, hosted entirely in the stunning Great Fountain Garden of Henry VIII’s famous palace. There is no better way to kick off a festive season to remember!

“Don’t miss an unforgettable festive day out with your loved ones. Eat, shop and be merry at this spectacular palace. Visit on Fridays to save on entry. Return on the second weekend to discover even more independent stallholders, with members visiting for free. Included in your ticket, why not also explore the grand palace, 60 acre gardens and famous maze.” Adult tickets start from £28.

Hampton Court Palace has thousands of reviews on TripAdvisor, with many mentioning the festive fayre. For example, one previous visitor said: “This place, in my opinion, is simply magical. It is just a privilege to walk around this stunning place. We kicked off our festive activities by visiting the Palace, the Christmas fayre, followed by ice-skating.

“Yes, a lot of things are expensive, but I considered this as a treat; we ate several times from the wonderful stalls. We are Royal Palaces Members so enjoyed benefits there of course. We all came away with smiles on our faces. Lovely staff.”

Another wrote: “We have membership to the royal palaces, but this was our first year attending the 3 day Festive Fayre event. It was absolutely wonderful.

“The courtyards are filled with stalls, offering everything from craft gins and beers, to wonderful trinkets and gifts and every cuisine under the sun. Once the sun started to set, the fairy lights in the courtyards made the experience even more magical.”

Garry Beach, in the north of the Isle of Lewis, has been named the most underrated beach in the whole of the UK by Boat Booker. Milo Boyd went to see what everyone has been missing

Milo Boyd is a Digital Travel reporter who covers aviation news, the environment, the cruise industry and much else including travel tips, bargain holiday suggestions and inspirational global trips.

Far, far away – perhaps as far away as you can get from Greggs in the UK – is the country’s most underrated beach.

The Outer Hebrides may not be home to a single outlet of the beloved sausage roll franchise, but it does have Garry Beach. It sits high up on the largest of the Western Isles, Lewis.

Garry has just been named the most underrated beach in the UK by Boat Booker. Studying Google Maps beaches tagged as “secluded” and “secret,” and then ranking those with fewer than 100 reviews, the firm highlighted those coastal spots with pristine waters and dramatic scenery where relatively few have trodden.

Scotland dominates the rankings, with six locations in the top 10. Spots on islands such as Mull and Barra are high up. Porth Trwyn in Wales is the highest-ranked non-Scottish beach, coming in at four.

OPINION

Milo Boyd

OPINION

Milo Boyd

It is easy to understand why the Hebridean seaside might be underrated, given how remote and difficult most of it is to get. And this particularly goes for Garry Beach.

I spent two days, about eight hours of driving, a three-hour ferry, and a five-hour train, getting to the Isle of Lewis, before another hour on the road north of Stornoway to Garry Beach. I did so in a hefty Range Rover which I borrowed from the kind people at Turo rental car.

If the journey 668 miles from London to Stornoway doesn’t put you off, then the 15 miles from Stornoway to Garry Beach might. I’d argue it’s among the dullest, bleakest stretches of countryside in the UK.

Sitting in the back of the spacious Sport 2020, my Swedish in-laws kept muttering about just how bleak a destination it was. But, when we arrived, North Lewis’s less fetching roads were quickly forgotten. The beach itself is lovely.

A small car park holding around five vehicles was situated a short two-minute walk from the water’s edge. From there, we wandered over a grassy knoll onto the sandy bay, which stretches several hundred metres on either side.

Like many of the more remote Scottish beaches – and particularly the sandy ones that can be found in the Hebrides and Shetland – the water is a brilliant blue that feels like it’s been lifted by a fire-fighting plane straight out of a rum advert filmed in the Caribbean and dumped several thousand miles away for the benefit of a handful of dog walkers and a lone fisherman.

The beach sits on the eastern edge of Lewis, meaning it is not treated to the dramatic waves and salty spray of the island’s Atlantic coast. Things are a little more gentle here. Rather than smashing them in a froth, waves lap around the intriguing rock formations that stick up from the sand. Several have been eroded to create excellent climbing platforms and archways into the surf.

Beyond the fact that the Isle of Lewis is miles away from all but the 20,000 or so people who live there, Garry Beach has another major issue: the weather.

The hottest temperature ever recorded on Lewis was 26.3 °C, back in 1999. Unless you’re incredibly lucky, this beach requires a serious raincoat and the ability to withstand Hebridean gales.

During the high season of July, sunseekers can expect 12 days of rain and the mercury to hit average highs of 16C. That is roughly 7C colder than the southern coast of England.

Unless you are made of incredibly stern stuff, this is not a beach for lounging on the sand for hours on end or frolicking in the waves. It is a beach that combines the beautiful and the bleak of the British Isles’ coastline in a way that few other places anywhere can.

If you like the sound of what Garry is offering, but don’t think you can face the mammoth journey, then there are some slightly closer options. One of my personal favourites is Sandaig, a beach several miles from the beautiful Scottish village of Glenelg.

The peaceful spot was immortalised as Camusfearna in ‘Ring of Bright Water’, a book written by Gavin Maxwell about his life living alongside pet otters.

Not only is the water sparkling and very tempting for those who can handle the intense chill of a Scottish sea loch, winding paths lined by little bushes and tree run between craggy rock towers, creating the perfect arena for a game of Flags or 40:40. If the weather does close in a little, then there’s plenty of driftwood lying around that can be used to warm a chilled party huddled in one of Sandaig’s natural rock alcoves.

The UK’s ‘most underrated holiday destination’ boasts over 600 different walks so it’s worth having on your radar if you’re looking for autumn UK holiday ideas

There’s something magical about Britain in the autumn, from the crisp fresh air to the breathtakingly colourful countryside as the leaves change colour.

It’s therefore no surprise that this tends to be a popular season for walking holidays – especially when you throw in villages with cosy pubs and charming cottages where you can rest up after a day of exploring.

There’s one destination that’s well worth having on your radar, with travel pros hailing its ‘extraordinary landscape’ packed with limestone, lakes, gorges and postcard-worthy hiking trails.

The Mendip Hills have been described as ‘Somerset’s best-kept secret’ and while they’re not typically a hidden gem, it’s not difficult to see why locals wouldn’t want to share this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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There are over 600 walks on offer whether you’re looking for a challenge or just want a scenic stroll that the whole family can enjoy. The Mendip Way tends to be popular for hikers, as the 50-mile trail spans villages including Weston-super-Mare, Cheddar (make sure you leave time on the itinerary to take in the views from Cheddar Gorge), Wells, Shepton Mallet, and Frome, and can be hiked in around three to five days depending on your ability.

The best part is that you won’t have to battle crowds of tourists if you want to take it all in. Earlier this year, the team at Cottages.com conducted a study to uncover the UK’s most underrated staycation hotspots, looking at factors including the number of hiking and biking trails, Instagram-worthy scenery, pubs per 100 square miles, and the availability of holiday homes for last-minute bookings.

Mendip Hills took the gold medal in the rankings, thanks to the wide array of attractions, cosy pubs and beautiful walking trails on offer.

The team behind the study explained: “Dramatic gorges and easy-going trails, the Mendip Hills are Somerset’s best-kept secret. With sites like Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole, this AONB makes for a thrilling last-minute trip full of exploration and family-friendly fun, minus the tourist crowds.

“The Mendips aren’t just beautiful, they’re geologically extraordinary. Whether you’re delving into caves lit like cathedrals or following secret limestone paths carved by water and time, it’s a landscape layered with wonder.

“With 619 hiking trails and routes made for both cycling and walking, the Mendips are a playground for explorers. Climb to Crook Peak for sweeping views to the Bristol Channel, or follow woodland paths lined with wild garlic and bluebells in spring.

“Just 40 minutes from Bristol, and yet worlds away, the Mendips are perfectly placed for a quick reset. With low search volumes and 22 available properties, it’s often skipped by crowds, making it a dream destination for last-minute planners who want exploration without the queues.”

You can also find out more on mendiphills-nl.org.uk.

Everyone wants to invest in Nvidia. The computer chip giant now has a market cap of over $4 trillion, making it the largest company in the world. Other technology giants have been left in the dust, trailing the performance of Nvidia shares.

One underrated stock at the moment is Amazon (AMZN -3.07%). Over the last five years, Amazon’s stock is up just 57% compared to Nvidia’s 1,350% gain, with the former’s performance actually trailing the broad market indices such as the S&P 500, which is up 101%. This means this narrative may flip through 2030.

Here’s why investors are underrating Amazon as an artificial intelligence (AI) stock, and why it could be worth more than Nvidia five years from now in 2030.

An AI beneficiary, competing with Nvidia

Amazon is not thought of as a huge AI beneficiary. Or, at least, it doesn’t come to mind first when you think of AI stocks. The company’s cloud computing division — Amazon Web Services (AWS) — is growing slower than the competition from Alphabet and Microsoft. AWS revenue grew 17% year over year last quarter, while Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure both grew over 30%, gaining market share from Amazon.

However, I don’t think AWS should be thought of as an AI loser. It is the largest cloud computing partner of Anthropic, the fast-growing AI start-up. Anthropic has raised over $10 billion in funding for spending on AI workloads, a lot of which will go to AWS.

Anthropic’s revenue is growing rapidly, up from annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $1 billion to start 2025 to $5 billion in August, making it one of the fastest-growing companies in the world. For AWS, this likely means a huge boost in revenue from Anthropic, which will lead to accelerating revenue growth.

On top of a cloud computing partnership, AWS and Anthropic are working closely to build custom computer chips to compete with Nvidia. One of the largest costs to Amazon’s business is buying computer chips from Nvidia. To cut down on these costs, it is building its own line of chips called Trainium, which will be used to train and run Anthropic’s AI tools. This will not only hurt Nvidia’s sales if scaled up over the next five years, but will save on costs for AWS and lead to rising profitability.

Image source: Getty Images.

Efficiency in e-commerce

An area of Amazon’s business even more underrated when it comes to AI is e-commerce and digital media. Amazon has built up a vertically integrated e-commerce network, hosting its own delivery business, web platform, and fulfillment centers to connect buyers and sellers of online goods. Layered on top are its subscription services and advertising.

All these businesses can be helped with AI tools. For one, Amazon is utilizing AI generative content to help small businesses build advertisements to be played on Amazon’s website and its Prime Video service. Growing advertising revenue as a percentage of Amazon’s overall sales will help increase profit margins.

There are plenty of efficiency gains to be made by utilizing AI and robotics in warehouses, cutting down on the need for workers doing manual labor. Moonshot programs in self-driving could help cut down on costs for the delivery network over the long haul.

Today, Amazon’s North American retail operations (a division that houses everything except AWS) had a profit margin of just 7.5% over the last 12 months. These slim margins will start to reverse due to all the efficiencies and high-margin revenue getting layered into the e-commerce division, combined with solid revenue growth and earnings from e-commerce, which will keep soaring in the years to come.

AMZN EBIT (TTM) data by YCharts

Why Amazon can be larger than Nvidia

Looking at earnings before interest income and taxes (EBIT), Amazon and Nvidia are right around the same level. Nvidia’s EBIT is $96 billion, compared to Amazon’s $77 billion. Both figures have grown quickly over the last five years.

Nvidia won’t go bankrupt in the next five years, but its earnings growth may slow. The AI data center boom has been kind to the company’s profitability, and now competitors such as Amazon are trying to build their own chips. Pricing power may come down, and revenue could slow if the semiconductor market hits a cyclical downturn.

On the other side of the equation, Amazon’s EBIT growth will remain strong over the next five years. Revenue will keep chugging higher — especially when considering the Anthropic partnership — and consolidated profit margins will keep expanding. Amazon’s consolidated revenue was $670 billion over the last 12 months, while EBIT margin was just 11.5%. By 2030, revenue can grow to $1 trillion with a 15% EBIT margin, leading to $150 billion in consolidated earnings power for the business.

I believe that will be larger than Nvidia’s earnings in 2030, leading to Amazon surpassing Nvidia in market capitalization.

It was the only destination to score five stars for value for money

Europe boasts countless stunning cities ideal for weekend breaks or extended holidays, with one destination claiming the ultimate crown. Research by Which? Travel has declared Krakow the continent’s finest city break for an unprecedented fifth consecutive year.

The Which? study evaluated seven key factors: cuisine and beverages, lodging, cultural landmarks and attractions, retail offerings, transport convenience, crowd levels, and financial value. An overall rating was then determined based on general satisfaction and the likelihood visitors would recommend the destination.

Krakow topped the rankings with a remarkable 92% score. The Polish city earned five-star ratings for its food and drink, accommodation, and transport links.

Uniquely, it was the sole destination to achieve five stars for value for money, with Kayak data showing average nightly accommodation costs of just £86. The city also secured four stars for its cultural offerings.

One survey respondent commented: “Beautiful, mainly unspoilt city. Superb food at a fair price. I’ve stayed many times, and there are lots of good-value hotels. Friendly and pretty safe.”

Kraków is particularly renowned for enabling day excursions to historically significant sites like Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, creating a deeply meaningful travel experience.

One visitor to Kraków shared on TripAdvisor: “We visited over Easter weekend so it was extremely busy but the atmosphere was buzzing. The markets were on, a sun was blazing and the horse and carriages were clattering around the streets.

“Whilst there the area was clean and tidy, there was no trouble at all and it was great to see people carrying their Easter baskets. The buildings and churches were beautiful and we really enjoyed the park.”

Another chimed in: “Beautiful city, what I can highly recommend as a place to discover a little Poland. Lots of attractions around and legends.”

Naomi Leach, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel, sharing the survey results, said: “Whether you are looking for culture, art, history or top gastronomy, there are several European cities that deliver. Book ahead and choose to visit off season to secure the best prices.

“British holidaymakers who look beyond the most famous destinations, can find great value for money in foodie escapes, such as Krakow and Valencia. Despite the crowds, classic city breaks Venice and Vienna scored highly with visitors due to their unparalleled cultural attractions.”

Europe’s five best city breaks:

1. Kraków, Poland
2. Venice, Italy
3. Valencia, Spain
4. Vienna, Austria
5. Istanbul, Turkey

With temperatures of 25C in September and crystal-blue water, this underrated holiday hotspot is a must-visit for those looking to escape the crowds in September.

Italy is a favourite destination for late-summer and early-autumn beach holidays, thanks to its warm weather and status as one of the world’s most visited countries. Even during the shoulder season, top spots like Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast are teeming with tourists.

However, there’s an under-the-radar region in this southern European country that remains largely untouched by international crowds – but probably not for much longer. This stunning part of Italy boasts sandy beaches so pristine they’re likened to the Maldives and enjoys balmy weather with average highs of 25C in September.

While Italians are well-acquainted with Puglia, it’s not usually the first place that springs to mind when planning a beach holiday in Europe.

Nestled between the Adriatic and Ionian seas and shaped like the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia has a vast coastline peppered with dreamy coves, limestone cliffs and picture-perfect bays.

Among them is Polignano a Mare, a delightful coastal town perched on cliffs. Its small cove beach, Lama Monachile, is famous for its crystal-clear water and white pebbles, all framed by dramatic, rugged cliffs, reports the Express.

Further down south, Santa Maria di Leuca is the southernmost point of the region where two seas converge.

It’s an ideal spot for a sunset cruise or paddleboarding into caves before enjoying dinner at a local trattoria serving fresh seafood, orecchiette pasta, and robust Salento wine.

Inland, you’ll find the enchanting town of Alberobello, renowned for its UNESCO-listed trulli – traditional whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. Many have been transformed into luxurious holiday accommodations, offering a truly local experience.

Just a short drive away, the dazzling white town of Ostuni, also known as La Città Bianca, boasts cobbled lanes and panoramic terraces. Nearby Brindisi provides easy access to the region, often with cheaper flights than other Italian hubs.

Puglia also serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the incredibly popular Matera in the neighbouring Basilicata region.

It’s the third-oldest city in the world, after Aleppo and Jericho, boasting over 10,000 years of history, and is famous for its ancient cave homes and rupestrian churches with hand-painted walls.

Naturally, no visit to Puglia would be complete without delving into its food culture. This is the land of burrata, orecchiette, and full-bodied wines like Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Salice Salentino.

Alphabet (GOOGL 1.13%) (GOOG 1.04%) is already one of the biggest companies in the world, but there is no reason to think it couldn’t become much bigger. With a market cap of about $2.8 trillion, it has a real shot at becoming the next $4 trillion stock and possibly the largest company in the world one day.

The recent court ruling that let it keep its search advantages pulled a big risk off the table, and the company now has multiple growth drivers lined up. Let’s look at why Alphabet is set to run higher.

Search advantage stays intact

One of the biggest risks hanging over Alphabet for the past year or so was the Department of Justice’s antitrust case against it. The judge could have forced it to spin off Chrome and Android or end its exclusive search deal with Apple, but that didn’t happen. Alphabet still owns both, and it can still pay Apple and others for default search placement. The only change is that these contracts need to be renewed every year instead of for longer terms.

One of Alphabet’s key advantages in search, as well as in artificial intelligence (AI), is its distribution. Almost 70% of the world uses Chrome, while Android powers about three quarters of the world’s phones. Meanwhile, through a revenue-sharing agreement, Apple’s Safari defaults to Google, helping it reach most of the rest of the world’s population. That makes Alphabet the gateway to the internet, and the judge’s ruling protected that advantage. People don’t often change default browsers, which means billions of users are going to stick with Google Search.    

At the same time, AI isn’t taking away from search; it’s doing the opposite. Over 2 billion people are already using AI Overviews every month, and Alphabet just started rolling out AI Mode globally, which lets users switch between traditional search and chatbot-style results without leaving Google. Last quarter, Alphabet saw its search revenue growth accelerate, as AI helped drive queries.

Meanwhile, the company has been at the forefront of AI search innovation, with features like Lens and Circle to Search driving incremental queries, often with a commercial intent. It’s also embedded AI commerce features in its offering, such as Shop with AI, where users can even virtually try on clothes.

Finally, Alphabet has spent decades building one of the most far-reaching ad networks on the planet. From your local landscape business down the street to global powerhouses, the company has the tools to reach any type of audience for advertisers.

Image source: Getty Images.

Cloud is finally breaking through

While Google Search is Alphabet’s foundation, its cloud computing unit, Google Cloud, has become its growth engine. Revenue jumped 32% last quarter, while operating income more than doubled. This segment is now scaling fast, and it is one of the best ways Alphabet is tied into the AI boom.

One of Alphabet’s big edges here is that it’s designed its own custom AI chips specifically for its infrastructure. Its Tensor Processing Units are designed to handle AI workloads within its TensorFlow framework, which gives it cost and performance benefits. Developers are also adopting its Gemini models and Vertex AI platform at a rapid pace, which keeps customers tied into Google Cloud.

Capacity is tight, and Alphabet is spending aggressively to expand. It recently upped its capex budget by $10 billion to $85 billion to build new data centers, and management has said constraints will likely last into 2026. That shows just how strong demand is.

Emerging opportunities

Alphabet also has a set of bets that could pay off big. YouTube is still dominant in online video and pulling more ad dollars from TV, but the real long-term excitement sits with Waymo and quantum computing.

Waymo is rapidly growing its robotaxi service, rolling into new cities and testing in major markets like New York. It may take time, but if autonomous driving takes off and Alphabet can reduce the cost of its robotaxis, it could end up with another giant business.

Quantum computing is even further out, but progress with Alphabet’s Willow chip shows it is moving forward. Reducing errors is the biggest hurdle for quantum computing, and Alphabet is one of the few companies that have made headway in this area.

Still an attractive valuation

While Alphabet’s stock has recently hit new highs, it still hasn’t seen the momentum of many other megacap AI stocks over the past few years. Investors were too worried about the impact of AI on search and the potential risk of the antitrust trial. However, the worst-case scenario with the trial is now behind it, and Alphabet has been demonstrating that it is set to be an AI winner. In fact, after the trial, it has been reported that Alphabet and Apple are getting close to expanding their relationship, with Google’s Gemini model set to power an AI version of Siri. That’s not the sign of a company that is losing the AI race.

Trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 21 times 2026 analyst earnings estimates, Alphabet is much cheaper than peers like Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon. If it were to trade at a similar 30 times multiple on 2026 analyst estimates as these names, it would already be a $4 trillion company.

Given its strong leadership positions in search and streaming, along with its growth opportunities around AI, cloud computing, robotaxis, and quantum computing, there is now no reason why Alphabet may not become the world’s largest company by the end of the decade.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM 0.24%) is far from the flashiest artificial intelligence (AI) name out there. It doesn’t design chips like Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, and Broadcom, and, as such, it doesn’t tend to get the same hype.

However, all these chipmakers hand their designs to TSMC for large-scale manufacturing, turning them into real products. That’s why it’s not only one of the best, but one of the safest ways to invest in the AI infrastructure buildout. It wins no matter which chip designer takes the lead, and it’s generating a ton of cash doing it.

Even Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang went out of his way to praise the company. He called TSMC “one of the greatest companies in the history of humanity,” adding that “anybody who wants to buy TSMC stock is a very smart person.” That is not the kind of praise Huang throws around lightly.

Image source: Getty Images.

TSMC has a foundry nobody can catch

TSMC is the top foundry in the world, producing most of the world’s advanced chips. Rival Intel (INTC 2.20%) has been trying to build its own foundry business, but it is losing money and hasn’t been able to gain any ground. In fact, the U.S. government recently made a large investment in the struggling company, reportedly to help bolster it.

Samsung, meanwhile, has struggled with production yields. It also recently lost one of its advanced chip designs, as Alphabet switched to TSMC for its Tensor G5 chip used in its Pixel smartphones. Neither Intel nor Samsung has shown that they can match the scale or reliability of TSMC.

That’s why TSMC has locked in almost every large AI chipmaker as a customer. Chip designers are constantly looking to shrink node sizes, and TSMC is the only foundry that has shown it can consistently produce advanced nodes with strong yields. Nodes are a reference to the size of the transistors used on a chip, measured in nanometers. With smaller nodes, more transistors can be packed onto the chip, which improves performance and power efficiency.

Smaller nodes are becoming an increasingly larger part of TSMC’s mix. Chips built on 7-nanometer or smaller nodes are already nearly three-quarters of TSMC’s revenue, while its 3nm chips alone are almost one-quarter. Meanwhile, it is already preparing to move into 2nm.

TSMC is a cash flow machine

One of the most overlooked parts of TSMC’s story is its cash generation. In 2024, it produced more than $26.5 billion in free cash flow. That was after spending heavily on building new fabs. So far this year, it’s already generated over $15 billion in free cash flow despite continued heavy capex spending. It’s also paying a growing dividend off that mountain of cash.

Most people think of foundries as low gross margin businesses; however, TSMC is changing that narrative. Its leadership in advanced nodes has given it strong pricing power over the years. Nobody else can deliver chips at the same density and yield, so customers are willing to pay up. That’s why its margins have stayed strong and have been increasing.

TSMC is an under-the-radar stock

Investors don’t talk about TSMC with the same excitement they talk about Nvidia or AMD. That could be because it’s not a brand consumers recognize, or perhaps because the foundry business isn’t just quite as exciting. It’s also not a U.S.-based company, with its headquarters in Taiwan.

However, TSMC has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI buildout, and it should continue to be a big winner moving forward. Last quarter, its revenue climbed 44% to $30 billion, while its profits soared. Meanwhile, management expects AI chip demand to grow more than 40% annually through 2028. The company is working closely with its largest customers to increase capacity, so it should have good visibility into this growth.

Overall, TSMC is one of the most important companies in the AI supply chain. Without it, the current AI infrastructure buildout wouldn’t be possible. It’s growing rapidly, expanding margins, and generating a boatload of cash.

Despite that, the stock is one of the most attractively valued AI plays in the market, trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24.5 times based on analysts’ 2025 estimates and a price/earnings-to-growth ratio (PEG) of less than 0.65. Stocks with PEG ratios below 1 are generally considered undervalued.

Investors would be smart to heed Jensen Huang’s advice and be a buyer of TSMC.

Netflix fans have been searching through the streaming service’s catalogue to find the best hidden gems, and one ‘absolutely incredible’ particular show is getting a lot of love

Netflix boasts an enormous library of films and series covering a wide variety of genres, including content in multiple languages. There’s something suit every TV enthusiast, whether you’re into true crime, action-packed thrillers or laugh-out-loud comedies.

Some blockbuster programmes and movies dominate many Netflix subscribers’ viewing lists and receive widespread promotion across social media platforms, such as Wednesday, Stranger Things and Bridgerton. However, the streaming giant’s vast collection also contains a number of lesser-known gems that audiences have discovered to be surprisingly captivating viewing. With such an extensive selection of series and films available, there are inevitably some brilliant hidden treasures waiting to be found.

A Reddit user recently asked fellow forum members to share the “most underrated” Netflix show they have found.

The user went on to explain that they occasionally stumble upon programmes they’ve never heard of before, only to find themselves enjoying them far more than anticipated.

The streaming fan continued: “I am curious if anyone else has had this experience. What is the most underrated show you have discovered on Netflix that more people should watch?”

The post attracted more than 400 responses, with the top suggestion being the 2019 drama series Unbelievable, starring Kaitlyn Dever, Merritt Wever and Toni Colette.

Netflix’s description of the show reads: “After a young woman is accused of lying about a rape, two female detectives investigate a spate of eerily similar attacks. Inspired by true events.”

It describes the programme as “bittersweet” and “emotional.” The eight-part series boasts an outstanding 98 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes alongside an 8.3 out of 10 score on IMDb.

Several Reddit users have expressed their views on Unbelievable. One wrote: “Absolutely incredible show with incredible acting. I’ve watched it multiple times, even though it’s a tough watch.”

Another remarked: “Depressing and amazing at the same time.” A third added: “Love this show. Great characters.”

Responding to the suggestion about Unbelievable, another Reddit user declared: “I was coming to suggest Unbelievable too!”

A second reply states: “True that, [I] started watching this a few days ago and it’s so underrated.”

The programme was jointly created by Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman and Michael Chabon.

It draws from the 2015 news article ‘An Unbelievable Story of Rape’ written by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong concerning the Washington and Colorado serial rape incidents between 2008 and 2011.

Unbelievable received a nomination in the International section of the BAFTA TV Awards in 2020 along with numerous other honours, including the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes USA and Primetime Emmy Awards.

Toni Collette secured victory at the Critics Choice Awards in 2020 for her role in Unbelievable, claiming the Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television award.

An underrated UK seaside town boasts stretches of sandy beaches, rock pools for the kids and a picturesque harbour – and the bonus of not being packed with crowds

Brits looking to get inspired for their next staycation may want to check out one underrated seaside town with a pretty marina, sandy beaches and a lido at low tide for kids to enjoy.

North Berwick in Scotland isn’t a hidden gem but it has all of the perks of a seaside town, without having huge crowds of tourists that you might find in other UK holiday hotspots.

I visited the town in early August when it was hot, sunny and the town was hosting the Fringe by the Sea festival, so I was fully prepared to deal with a mass of fellow tourists. However I was pleasantly surprised; although it was a little busy no doubt because of the festival, there was still plenty of breathing space to enjoy a stroll around the town and along the waterfront. (It has more of a buzz than England’s cheapest seaside spot full of abandoned £40k homes ‘nobody wants’).

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Despite it being a heatwave day, the sandy stretches of beach were not too crowded either. There were plenty of families set up for the day with their towels, sandcastle tools and picnic baskets at the ready, but there was still plenty of space if you wanted to set up camp yourself.

Low tide reveals an enclosed tidal pool with shallow waters which was a hit with families, especially those with young children. There were also plenty of rock pools for them to explore, and of course those all-important ice cream trucks just a stone’s throw away.

Along the beaches sits a long promenade lined with waterfront homes, and it’s an easy stroll from one end to another (the whole thing took me about half an hour to walk).

For bird watchers, there’s plenty you’ll want to explore. For a start North Berwick is home to the Scottish Seabird Centre, while the beach offers views across the water to the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock, which plays host to the world’s largest northern gannet colony.

As for the town itself, it’s got that quintessential seaside charm. There’s a pretty marina full of boats, cobbled streets lined with colourful buildings, plenty of cafés and a host of ice cream parlours. We were told by locals that Alandas Gelato was a must-try, but sadly the queue was just a bit too long.

Those queues were no doubt because the town was hosting the annual Fringe by the Sea festival. This brilliant alternative to the main Fringe festival in Edinburgh has a very laidback vibe and it’s family-friendly. There were heaps of food and drink stalls, a crafts tent for kids, and included a big top tent where you could book tickets to watch a series of talks and performances. For those who like to pick up a souvenir or two, there were local shops selling some of their merchandise too. This year’s festival has come to a close but you can find out more on fringebythesea.com.

It’s definitely one I’ll be returning too; the laidback atmosphere, the festival and the pretty beach made for a brilliant day out, and the fact it’s around an hour’s drive away from Edinburgh means it’s easily doable as part of a wider Scottish road trip.

You can find out more about North Berwick on visitscotland.com.

A picturesque underrated city rivals Amsterdam with its gorgeous canals and waterfront cafés but has the added bonus that you won’t have to face the tourist crowds

Brits may flock to Amsterdam for its picturesque canals, waterfront bars and bicycle tours, but there’s one tiny underrated town that’s giving the holiday hotspot a run for its money.

I headed to Papenburg, Germany, to watch Disney Cruise Line float out its newest ship, but I wasn’t expecting to find a direct Amsterdam dupe. Pretty canals? Check. Plenty of restaurants and bars? Check. Tourist attractions? Check.

Sure, Papenburg doesn’t quite have the buzz and nightlife to rival the Netherlands’ capital, but it definitely had the advantage of offering up the gorgeous scenery without the crowds of tourists. (Although it’s worth mentioning that Amsterdam is taking some major steps to combat overtourism).

The German city has a population of just under 40,000 so there’s quite a laidback vibe. The main stretch of canals in the centre is where you’ll find the bulk of the attractions, all of which pay tribute to its 230 years of maritime history. Cars aren’t allowed alongside the canal so it’s purely cyclists and pedestrians, which only contributes to the quieter, calmer atmosphere to the region.

If you walk up what I’d describe as the ‘touristy’ bit of the canal, you can do the whole stretch in about an hour. A nice touch is that there’s a little walking trail with signs along the way to point out any historic buildings or quirky spots that are well worth a photo opp. For example, there are plenty of historic bridges, while the canal banks are lined with colourful flowers and lush green trees that make for a backdrop which wouldn’t be out of place on a postcard.

One highlight is also the number of historic ships that are still moored in the canals, with boards explaining their significance and the role they played. One of these is the impressive Friederike replica which looks like it belongs on the set of any pirate film, with its impressive masts and stern. There are plenty more nods to the maritime ties of this city, including statues and large anchors to be found along the walk.

Meanwhile when it comes to restaurants and shops, I was pretty impressed with the wide array on offer considering it’s such a small patch of the city. There are heaps of boutiques selling plenty of nautical-themed souvenirs, including one shop in a restored windmill where you can get plenty of merch.

The quirky Alte Drostei – the oldest standing historic building in the city of Papenburg – is also worth a stop as it’s filled with historic artefacts, and hosts plenty of events such as readings, exhibitions, and guided tours.

Meanwhile if all of the exploring leaves you with an appetite, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés serving up local fare from currywurst to salads. Just make sure to leave space for the all-important Spaghettieis – ice cream that is made to look like spaghetti. Think vanilla ice cream for the ‘pasta’, strawberry sauce for the ‘tomatoes’ and white chocolate shavings for the ‘parmesan’.

One of the members of our group was German and assured us that this isn’t a tourist dish but rather one that everyone in Germany has from childhood. It’s not difficult to understand why – it was ridiculously tasty!

For cruise fans, one of the big draws of Papenburg is that it’s a short drive from the Meyer Weft shipyard. You can book tours of the shipyard and get a sneak peek at what goes into actually building these huge cruise ships. This means that there are buses of tourists that stop off at Papenburg as part of wider coach holidays, but even when there were a few coaches in the city it still didn’t feel too crowded.

Where Papenburg doesn’t rival Amsterdam is the nightlife. There are a handful of pubs – Jameson’s Pub was popular with locals and tourists alike – but the vibe here is more relaxed.

Book the holiday

Get there: The nearest airport is Hanover which is about a 2.5-3 hour drive away. British Airways offers direct flights with a flight time of approximately an hour.

Stay there: We stayed at the Best Western Plus Hotel Papenburg which is right by the canals. Rooms start from £132 a night based on an August weekend break with two adults sharing a room.

You can find out more about Papenburg on niedersachsen-tourism.com.

A charming city in Cheshire has been dubbed the UK’s most underrated and the ‘world’s most beautiful’, thanks to its sandstone walls and charming canal, likened to Venice

A compact yet exquisite city is frequently hailed as one of Britain’s most overlooked gems and has even been dubbed the “world’s most beautiful city”.

Chester, which boasts over 2,000 years of heritage, has been recognised for its beauty based on a mathematical principle that artists and academics have recognised since ancient times. Stooped in history, the city in northwest England has witnessed Roman occupation, Viking raids, and Norman conquest

Today, it welcomes thousands of far more pleasant tourists, but when it comes to essential UK destinations, it doesn’t rank as highly on travellers’ wish lists as places like York, Oxford, Bath or Cambridge. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of the UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.

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Due to Chester’s charm, travel specialists at Wanderlust magazine have crowned it Britain’s most undervalued city. The Telegraph similarly described it as “a touch underrated” – dubbing it “the surprising city that’s better than Oxford and Norwich”.

Chester is renowned for its ancient red sandstone walls and a retail quarter brimming with spectacular half-timbered Tudor structures. It’s been declared Britain’s most haunted city – and houses the nation’s second most popular zoo, trailing only London Zoo, reports the Express.

This north-western treasure is also an excellent destination for retail therapy, tourist attractions and dining experiences. In addition, Chester showcases stunning architecture.

Recent studies found that a significant proportion of its buildings conform to the “golden ratio” – the mathematical proportion believed to be most visually appealing. Incredibly, the research revealed that Chester outshone even Venice in terms of its Golden ratio score, crowning it as the most beautiful city globally.

Chester boasts the most intact Roman city walls in Britain and houses one of the UK’s oldest churches – St John’s, established in AD689 by the king of Mercia. The city also features an 11th-century castle and a 16th-century Cathedral, which played host to a Royal wedding earlier this year.

If you’re not particularly enthralled by architecture or history, perhaps a scenic cruise along the stunning River Dee might be more appealing. For those who prefer retail therapy, Chester is a paradise for shopaholics.

The Rows, 700-year-old two-tiered timber-framed galleries lining the city’s main streets, are brimming with independent shops, boutiques, and eateries. Chester’s award-winning market also offers a colourful array of produce and goods.

For those seeking high street brands, the Grosvenor Shopping Centre has got you covered. This large shopping precinct is undercover, but like the rest of Chester, it radiates historical charm. After a day of shopping, you can recharge at some of the city’s finest eateries, as Chester is famed for the quality of its restaurants.

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Cheap Holiday Expert Chelsea Dickenson is always on the lookout for destinations where you can get more bang for your buck – and she thinks this city break should be on your radar

Travel guru Chelsea Dickenson is always on the hunt for ways to cut down travel costs, whether that’s finding loopholes in airline baggage fees, sharing packing tips, or swapping popular holiday spots for lesser-known destinations. Chelsea, better known as Cheap Holiday Expert, recently highlighted underrated city breaks that should be on your radar, especially if you’re looking to save a few bob without skimping on the thrill of travel.

Chelsea recently teamed up with Boots to put together ready-made bundles containing all the essentials for festivals, beach trips, and adventures so customers can get everything they need in one go, without having to shell out a small fortune.

Being a lover of a good deal, Chelsea is always scouting for destinations where her money will go further. There’s one European city Chelsea reckons is grossly underrated, despite the country receiving heaps of praise for its coastal spots in recent years.

Speaking to the Express, she said: “So one place I think should be on more people’s radar, it’s really interesting, because Albania has been getting lots more attention, but more for their Riviera…I’m saying their capital Tirana is absolutely gorgeous.”

Nestled in the heart of Albania, the capital city Tirana is surrounded by mountains and hills, including Dajti. The city was established by an Ottoman Albanian general in 1614 and became an independent nation in 1912, nearly three centuries later.

Chelsea praised Tirana as a haven for those who love green spaces, boasting numerous outdoor areas to unwind in during the sunny summer months. She suggested that when the weather is favourable, one should delve into the local cafe and restaurant scene.

Chelsea added: “They have such a brilliant cafe and restaurant culture, so there’s so many outdoor places to sit. I was getting their traditional pastries for I think 45 pence each. So you can eat super affordably.”

The city is brimming with Balkan pastries, with an Albanian local highlighting treats like borek, kadai and baklava. Another speciality to try is kompekaj, akin to the well-loved baklava.

A Tirana local offered some tips on the best culinary spots. Kernace Zgare Fatosi is the go-to for fans of kofta, breads and yoghurt.

For an extra-special experience, they recommend visiting at twilight for a truly magical atmosphere.

If you’re keen to sample some traditional Albanian cuisine, make your way to Restorant GjinoKastra for some authentic pacha – or stew – featuring some surprising ingredients… like sheep head, if that’s your cup of tea. They also suggest trying some Turkish coffee, though be warned that these coffee shops are invariably rammed.

For some cultural exploration and attractions, consider Skanderbeg Square, Kalaja e Tiranes (Tirana Castle), the New Bazaar in Pazari i Ri, and Sofra e Aruit, a bear cafe with bears within arm’s reach.

Chelsea also highlighted the city’s drinking scene, such as Blloku. To savour a tipple whilst soaking up panoramic views of the city, the rooftop at the Xheko Imperial Hotel is “amazing”.

Another perk of visiting Tirana?

The bargain flights. Chelsea flagged up the Albanian capital as one of the rare destinations where you could bag a return flight for roughly £40 during quieter periods.

A flight from London Stansted with Ryanair in September could see you fork out just £15 each way. Chelsea managed to keep costs down, spending only £100 on a three-day, two-night break in the city.

“You know, holidays are getting more expensive,” Chelsea said. “It’s one of those places that you can go and do not have to spend a fortune.”

The ready-to-go bundles will be available on boots.com containing all the essentials for festivals, beach trips, and adventures. The three bundles are £20 each, consisting of five to seven products and with savings of over £10.