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AS A born-and-bred Devonian, I’ve always considered Dartmoor National Park to be a magical place, and it turns out I’m in good company.

Because the park is now being used as a new filming spot for HBO’s Harry Potter TV series.

Dartmoor spans 368 square miles in total, meaning the park has an abundance of different spots to explore, but Harry Potter fans will want to head to Lustleigh, a small village where filming crews have been spotted.

In a video on Instagram, one fan used public footpaths to access the village during filming and spotted several items relating to Harry Potter – including a ‘Celebrate Halloween at Godric’s Hollow’ poster.

He also saw some older cars parked up outside a cottage and a Godric’s Hollow post office sign.

In a second video, ‘@sirwizardingworld’ speaks to a woman who points to a building that is her home, but has been transformed into ‘The Lions Heart’ pub for the series.

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The village of Lustleigh is small and home to only 600 people, yet it is full of thatched cottages and in the centre, an old church.

Sitting on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, the village is around a 40-minute drive from Exeter.

The village makes a scenic stop on the way into the national park, where visitors can go on a number of hikes and see towering tors, with ancient tales.

One popular spot I would recommend is Haytor, which is roughly a two-hour walk from the village of Lustleigh or a 16 minute drive.

The granite tor towers to 1,499 feet and offers breathtaking views across the moors.

For those who don’t fancy a long walk, there is a visitor centre with a car park at the base of the tor – it then takes about 20 minutes walking to reach the top from there.

In the autumn I particularly love seeing the colour of the gorse and bracken change to a dozen shades of brown and orange.

And in the winter, snow on the moors makes me feel more like being in the Alps.

From Haytor, I usually head along the Haytor tramway, which is a stone-railed line that was built in 1820 to transport granite from Haytor Quarry down to Stover Canal.

Now known as the Templer Way heritage path, visitors can still see the tramway today poking out of the ground.

If you follow it, you will then reach Haytor Quarry which was used until 1860.

Today, many signs of the quarry works remain, including marks in the granite where dynamite was used to break it into pieces.

And there is even some abandoned machinery dotted around the edge of the pond that has filled the quarry.

Not many trees grow on a lot of the moors due to the harsh weather conditions, but in the sheltered quarry there are several – and during autumn, they turn into a large blur of yellows, browns and oranges.

But it isn’t just Haytor that is worth exploring.

Dartmoor is also home to lots of sites with remains of years gone by including Bronze Age settlements – think small versions of Stonehenge.

Like at Hound Tor, there is a deserted village and in Fenworthy, near a sprawling forest, is a large stone circle.

On the other side of Dartmoor, you could head to Ditsworthy Warren House, a ruined cottage which was used as a filming location in the movie adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse.

And of course, littered at the edges of the national park are a number of villages and towns worth exploring.

For example, Princetown is home to the notorious Dartmoor Prison – a building that still scares me every time I drive past it.

If heading to the town, definitely visit the prison museum.

Or head on a tour to learn about crazy legends including the ‘Hairy Hands’ of Dartmoor that takes over the steering of cars in the area – the ideal Halloween activity.

Dartmeet is another top spot, popular with walkers, nature lovers and even cold water swimmers.

The location has a Clapper Bridge, that has five granite stones and crosses the East Dart River – which many people like to take a dip in.

Here you will also find Badgers Holt – an 18th century fishing cottage that has operated as a tearoom for the past century.

Wherever you go on the moors, you will find some amazing spots to explore.

Narrow roads wind across the entire national park, and small car parks can be found at most scenic spots, making it super accessible as well.

Even the smell of the moors is something special (it is a bit like peat mixed with crisp straw).

I’m even becoming nostalgic thinking about it…

I honestly think, Dartmoor and all of its cosy villages are just as nice as the Cotswolds.

HBO‘s Harry Potter series is due to launch in 2027, in seven parts.

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Earlier this year, there was a huge announcement for wild camping lovers as Brits were told they can use one of UK’s best-loved national parks in blow for millionaire nimbys.

Plus, the English national forest that you’ve never heard of – and it’s bigger than the Isle of Wight.

Celia Imrie is one of several famous faces appearing on the BBC’s Celebrity Traitors, and in the past, the beloved actress, who’s appeared in Bridget Jones, has shared glimpses of her life

Celia Imrie had no wishes to marry – or date, but after wanting a child took a slightly unconventional route to motherhood. The actress is one of the famous faces starring in BBC hit Celebrity Traitors.

She’s joined in the castle by the likes of Alan Carr, Charlotte Church, Kate Garraway, Lucy Beaumont, Jonathan Ross, Clare Balding, Cat Burns and Stephen Fry. Celia believes being an actor gives her “quite an advantage” to the game, but has shared a number of personal revelations in the series so far.

Celia has spoken of her special arrangement with the late actor, Benjamin Whitrow. Celia has made it no secret that she had no intentions of getting married, but had always wanted to be a mum. She and Benjamin welcomed son Angus, also an actor, who has appeared in Station Jim, The Crown and Flea Bag.

Now, 73, when she was in her 40s, Celia asked Whitrow for a child but revealed she didn’t expect him to contribute towards their son’s life. Instead, she made the decision that she would raise their child completley alone. Speaking about her deal with Whitrow, she told the Telegraph: “Angus was devoted to his father and, though I’ve never really said it properly, Ben and I did have a romance.

“I wanted to have his baby before it was too late, and he [Whitrow] was very, very honest with him [Angus], and he accepted that and was a wonderful father.” Whitrow, known for playing Mr Bennett in Pride and Prejudice, died in September 2017, aged 80.

She said it was “very tough” and that she had lost “a very darling friend”. Prior to his death, Celia had insisted that they were just friends. She and Whitrow, who was divorced with two adult children, met in the 1990s, and it was during a walk on the beach when she asked him to father her son.

Reflecting on this, she said in her memoir, Happy Hoofer: “We gradually got to know each other and grew very fond. He thought perhaps in time…but because Ben had a grown-up family I was very anxious not to upset them.

“Ben and I walked on the beach one day as I laid out my terms. As long as he understood I would not ask for anything, I wouldn’t want to live with him, or marry him, would never ask for money for the child and I would be responsible for choosing and paying for the child’s education, accommodation, clothing – everything.

“I was trying to be clear and true. Some people might say calculated, but I would say I was being honest. If Ben could take all that on board, I said, then his offer to fulfil my wish for a child would be wonderful. He has proved to be a marvellous father to Angus. And his whole family has been very welcoming.”

Celia has been very clear that she prefers friendship to sex and has no desire to marry. Speaking to the Telegraph in 2013, she said: “I have a horror of boring someone or, worse still, of someone boring me. I said to my mother when I was seven, ‘But, Mums, if it was only my husband and me in the house together, what would we talk about?’ I’ve never wanted to answer my own question, and doubt I’ll bother now.”

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The details: In 1946, when jackrabbits and homesteading World War II veterans dominated the dry, remote open spaces of the Morongo Basin, the Mesquite Motel went up along the main highway in Twentynine Palms. By 1962, it was called La Hacienda and had a tall, yellow, utterly utilitarian sign (and a little, rectangular pool). Later it became the Motel 29 Palms, the Sunset Motel and the Mojave Trails Inn. In 2019, owner Ashton Ramsey said, he bought it for $350,000 and dubbed it Ramsey 29.

The old yellow sign hangs out front. But Ramsey turned L.A.-based Kristen Schultz and her firm K/L DESIGN loose to take these 10 rooms in a desert-eclectic direction.

Furniture is hand-built, brick walls are whitewashed and coat hangers carry their own clever slogans. Headboards are upcycled from Italian military stretchers, canvas armchairs bear the words “soiled clothes large” and the new tiles on the bathroom floor say “29,” as do custom blankets and other items. The floors are concrete. Room 9, closest to the highway, now has triple-paned windows. Six rooms opened in 2020, the remaining four in 2024. Guests check themselves in digitally.

Ramsey plans changes around the pool next, including more palm trees. But he’s not shying away from the word “motel.”

“I’ve leaned into that,” Ramsey said. “You’ve got to be proud of what you are.” In fact, he said, “We didn’t just renovate a motel. We’re trying to renovate a town. If we don’t brag on 29, nobody else will.”

Spring rates typically start at $185 a night on weekends (plus taxes), $95 on weekdays. Free parking. Pets OK for a fee. (The hotel website routes bookings through Airbnb.)

STACEY Solomon and her family are such big fans of the Regnum Carya hotel in Turkey, she’s gone as far to call it her ‘second home’.

And this year the star visited the Regnum The Crown – its sister hotel which opened its doors back in July.

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The hotel is in the Turkish seaside city of Antalya and it has got some very impressive facilities.

Beating the heat in Turkey can be solved by splashing about in the pool, and this resort has eight.

The resort has your regular outdoor pools as well as a salt-water pool, kids pools, and indoor ones too.

For kids, there’s a waterpark called Regnum Aquatlantis with flumes, slides, attractions like tipping buckets, a lazy river and wave pool.

For even more entertainment, there’s a cinema and playroom, and for the teens, there’s a tech lounge with gaming pods.

The hotel is ideally not that far from The Land of Legends theme park also known as “the Turkish Disneyland” either, in fact, it’s an 8 minute drive away.

There, visitors will find thrilling rollercoasters, a watercoaster and entertainment shows.

Back at the hotel, there’s a luxurious private Blue Flag beach with incredibly clear waters.

Along the white stretch of sand are four beach clubs, each scattered with sun umbrellas and loungers.

As for activities on the beach, guests can play volleyball, take part in yoga sessions, mini football and even sound healing.

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The fussiest of eaters won’t have a problem at the hotel either because there are plenty of dining options from the classic buffet to tapas.

There’s also Pan-Asian, Arabic, and Slavic restaurants too, and lots of snacks and meals at the beach clubs.

There’s an on-site spa too where guests can book massages, and relax in the sauna, steam room and even an ice fountain.

Another place for adults to relax is the rooftop which has an infinity pool, restaurant, bar, fitness club and private dining.

When it comes to rooms, there are plenty of options from spacious suites to family-rooms and even private villas – some of which even have personal butler service.

And while summer in the UK might be coming to a close, there is still plenty of time to lap up the sun in Turkey.

During October, there are highs of 26C, and even in December temperatures average out at around 16C.

In October, Brits can fly to Antalya from cities like Liverpool, Glasgow, Belfast, Manchester and London with one-way flights starting from £17.

For more celebrity spots, here are five very normal UK holiday parks that celebrities love to visit – with stays from £3pp a night.

And take a look inside the farm shop that’s the ‘Harrods of the North’ and is loved by Molly-Mae – with forest lodges and hot tubs.

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A Cotswolds town has been described as a ‘hidden gem’ and is a must-visit location for anyone looking for a peaceful getaway with plenty of charm

A ‘wonderful’ quintessential English market town, brimming with history and charm, is a must-visit destination with its ancient buildings, historic streets and unique timber inns.

This ‘hidden gem’ also boasts over 60 delightful independent shops that attract locals and tourists alike throughout the year.

The Cotswolds town may not be as well-known as other tourist spots, but it’s described as a ‘fabulous’ location with numerous picturesque walks in the surrounding area.

Perched above the River Isbourne in Gloucestershire, the town is conveniently located near the scenic Cotswold Way in the Tewkesbury Borough.

Here, you’ll find centuries-old buildings dating back to medieval times, including several 15th-century coaching inns now serving as restaurants, all set amidst stunning countryside that extends for miles around the town, reports the Express.

Winchcombe offers a fantastic autumn getaway with breathtaking views, charming stone cottages and historical black and white half-timbered buildings. It’s hailed as the ‘hidden jewel in the Cotswold crown’ and provides a perfect escape from city life.

The official Cotswolds website describes the town: “As well as the town centre, must see places are Sudeley Castle with its 1,000 years of royal history and stunning gardens at any time of year.

“The church which is home to an altar cloth made by Catherine of Aragon and 40 grotesques (which are shaped to look like the local characters of the 1460’s).

“Winchcombe is a delight for visitors, with a good range of shops including a wonderful deli, traditional retailers, boutique clothing, interior design and antique shops to browse.

“The town also boasts a wealth of historic pubs, some with a modern twist, several tea rooms and galleries to while away the afternoon.”

Winchcombe takes pride in its ‘Walkers are Welcome’ motto – with numerous footpaths leading through stunning countryside alongside plenty of fascinating sights en route.

There’s a Roman villa nestled in secluded terrain plus an ancient Neolithic burial ground, or visitors can trek to the summit of the Cotswold Scarp, a dramatic cliff face of the Cotswold Hills, for spectacular panoramas.

The Experience Winchcombe website described a visit to this destination as encountering a Cotswold town at its absolute best.

The website said: “Relax in our timbered inns, savour our fresh local produce and browse and buy in our independent, quality shops.

“Soak up the scenery with a walk or cycle around this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or a stroll alongside the River Isbourne.

“Discover the fascinating history and centuries-old architecture of this charming Cotswold town, or simply unwind in our breath-taking countryside.”

Winchcombe is a market town within the Borough of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, this picturesque location sits seven miles from Cheltenham – housing approximately 5000 inhabitants.

The UK is home to several seaside resort and a visitor explored one town with all the usual bells and whistles, but it has one big difference compared to the likes of Brighton and Blackpool

For many in the UK, childhood summers meant trips to seaside towns, and today, families often return with their children to recreate those memories. These towns charm visitors with their laid-back atmosphere, pretty streets, amusement parks, traditional fish and chips, and of course, the beaches.

Famous resorts like Brighton, Whitby, Blackpool, Margate, and Bournemouth remain firm favourites, drawing crowds each summer. However, there are also lesser-known spots waiting to be discovered. One such gem is Matlock Bath in Derbyshire, a unique destination that captures the spirit of a seaside town, despite sitting in the heart of the Peak District, far from the coast.

It offers all the hallmarks of a traditional seaside town, from fish and chip shops and arcades to ice cream parlours, but instead of the coast, it sits in a river valley.

A local, known on social media as Gabs Life, shared a video on TikTok offering her 233,000 followers a peek at Matlock Bath.

Speaking in the video, she said: “If you’re looking for a gorgeous day out in the UK, Matlock Bath is definitely the place to go.

“This little town in England is centrally located and is a great mid-point for day trips or weekend getaways.”

The TikToker described it as a “beautiful, picturesque seaside town that is not actually near the sea.”

Gabs Life highlighted that Matlock Bath has “cute, little shops” and scenic walks.

She included a clip of people taking a stroll by the River Derwent, sharing that this is part of Lovers’ Walks, a series of footpaths along the riverside and up and over the cliffs.

The seaside town fan added: “It’s just a really charming, chill place to explore, grab some food and slow down for a little bit. Matlock Bath is a hidden gem that you didn’t know you needed.”

The TikTok post has racked up thousands of views and more than 70 comments. Fellow users on the platform were captivated by the appeal of the Derbyshire destination.

One commented: “Feels like being at the seaside there!!” Another wrote: “It’s nice and all shops and cafes [are] fair priced surprisingly.”

A third piped up: “One of three of my favourite places for a day out from Manchester. Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton…All absolutely beautiful.”

Someone else noted: “Very good there always.” Others expressed their enthusiasm with remarks such as “how cute”, “I love it here”, “love Matlock Bath” and “next on my list.”

A different user offered advice for visitors: “Tip for you all as parking is horrendous. Park in Matlock at the train station.. catch a train into Matlock Bath. Cheap fare and much easier. Matlock born and bred.”

Matlock is a market town that sits alongside Matlock Bath and according to Trainline, prices for this journey begin from £1.40 when you book in advance.

The rail operator states that there are typically 18 trains per day running from Matlock to Matlock Bath.

Industrialist John Smedley transformed the market town into a trendy spa destination in the 19th century, using thermal springs for hydrotherapy treatments.

Matlock is home to Hall Leys Park, boasting its own boating lake, tennis courts, a skateboard park and a children’s play area.

The town centre of Matlock is filled with quaint, independent shops, alongside a variety of cafés, pubs and restaurants.

With its prime location, stunning landscapes, and excellent transport links, Matlock serves as a favoured starting point for those wanting to explore Derbyshire and the Peak District.

A COUPLE has been slammed after sharing their children’s unique names online.

Aubree and Josh Jones, from the US, shared a clip of their family on social media, revealing which of them picked their kids’ names.

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The couple currently has six children and Aubree is pregnant with their seventh child.

In a recent Instagram clip, the couple revealed which of them picked their kids’ names, writing: “Who named each of the kids?”

“If you heard his picks, you would understand..” Aubree added.

But it seemed viewers weren’t convinced once they revealed each moniker, saying neither of them should be able to name any more children.

They started with their oldest daughter, named Trendy Chanelle, Aubree said she picked the first name while Josh picked her middle name.

Next was Zaylee Ruth, whose names were picked out by her mum.

Their third child was named Sunny Love, with Aubree picking the first name and Josh picking the middle.

Next up was their daughter, Truly Eclair, again, mum picked the first name while dad got dibs on the middle name.

Journey Rey came next, named by her mum and lastly, there was Rocky Joshua, named by his mum and dad.

The clip was shared on her Instagram account @whataboutaub which went viral with over 1.4 million views and 10k likes.

While the parents loved their choice of unique names, people in the comments section were clearly not impressed.

One person wrote: “These are great names for a Labubu.”

Another commented: “You realise you’re naming humans right?”

“Neither of you should be allowed to name children actually,” penned a third.

Banned Names in the UK

The UK has no law restricting names, but names that contain obscenities, numerals, misleading titles, or are impossible to pronounce are likely to be rejected when registering a child.

• Hitler
• Monkey
• Cyanide
• Martian
• Akuma
• Chow Tow
• Rogue

Meanwhile a fourth said: “What are you naming… dogs?”

“Kids are going to have a rough time in school,” claimed a fifth.

Someone else added: “Never pick a name again.”

IF you took a quick glance at this snail, you’d swear he was just like any other.

In fact, even if you stare at this creature you likely won’t spot his rare anatomical problem.

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However, this issue is said to be “ruining his love life” and condemning him to a “chaste and sterile” existence, according to scientists.

Officially dubbed Ned the snail, this little guy looks like a stereotypical snail, complete with two antennae and a brown shell.

But there is a prominent problem with his appearance, though most people won’t spot it.

Peel your eyes and examine this “shellebrity” closely – can you spot his off feature?

This common garden snail was discovered by New Zealand nature lover and author Giselle Clarkson.

Something off

She noticed that “something looked off” and said she even wondered if Ned was a different species.

So, have you spotted what it is that makes Ned so special?

If you’re still scratching your head, we recommend paying particular attention to his shell.

While Ned’s rare condition may not register to you, experts have launched an international campaign to find him an equally-rare mate.

You may even be able to help – but first, why not give it one last go to spot the odd feature?

Anyone who has ever seen a snail knows that it has a “whorl” – a pattern of spirals or concentric circles – on the side of its shell. 

However, nature lovers know that this feature can only be found on one side, usually the right.

Well you guessed it, Ned’s coils are on the wrong side of his shell.  

While a large majority of snails have the spiral on the right side, around one in 40,000 have the spiral on the left side.

Snails are asymmetrical, meaning they fit together like a jigsaw during “face-to-face” mating.

International attention

This means a typical right-coiled snail and left-coiled snail such as Ned, who is named after famous leftie Ned Flanders from The Simpsons, won’t quite fit together properly when facing.

Now New Zealand Geographic has launched the “Let’s find a mate for Ned” campaign.

The campaign is telling gardeners to “head out into the garden and have a rummage” for another left-coiled common garden snail.

If anyone finds a left-coiled one, they’re urged to contact [email protected].

More brainteasers

Another tricky brainteaser features a gnarled tree but only those with high IQ can spot a sleepy cat hiding on it.

If that’s still not hard enough for you, then have a go at spotting the hidden broom amongst the clothes in less than five seconds.

Or you can have a go at figuring out the hidden message in this band’s cover art that has confused fans for years.

Lastly, puzzle fanatics have been left scratching their heads trying to find the lost feather in just 12 seconds.

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Cristiano Ronaldo is first player to score 100 goals for four professional clubs but Al Nassr lose final to Al-Ahli.

Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score 100 competitive goals for four different clubs, though Al Nassr lost to Al-Ahli in a penalty shootout after the Saudi Super Cup final ended 2-2.

The first half strike at Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday took the 40-year-old to his century for the Saudi Arabian club, which he joined in December 2022.

It adds to his 450 goals for Real Madrid, 145 for Manchester United and 101 for Juventus and moves Ronaldo ahead of the three players who had scored 100 times for three clubs: Isidro Langara, who played in Spain from 1930 to 1948, as well as Brazilian stars Romario and Neymar.

Ronaldo, who has yet to win a major trophy in Saudi Arabia, is also the leading international goalscorer with 138 goals for Portugal.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner put Al Nassr ahead after 41 minutes with a penalty, though Franck Kessie quickly equalised for Al-Ahli.

With seven minutes remaining, Marcelo Brozovic restored Al Nassr’s lead, but there was still time for Brazilian defender Ibanez to head home a corner and take the game into a penalty shootout.

Ronaldo scored once more from the spot, but his teammate Abdullah al-Khaibari did not, and Al-Ahli won 5-3 to lift the first trophy of the Saudi Arabian season.

The record for the amount paid for a basketball card is about to be broken by Kobe Bryant on what would have been his 47th birthday … with some help from his “big brother,” Michael Jordan.

The 2007-08 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Dual Logoman Autographs card featuring Bryant and Jordan is up for bid online at Heritage Auctions. Bidding closes Saturday at 8 p.m. PDT, with extended bidding available at that time.

As of early Friday afternoon, bidding for the one-of-one card had reached $7.015 million, including the 22% buyer’s premium added to the successful bid. That already shatters the current record price garnered by a basketball card — the $5.9 million paid for the 2009-10 Panini National Treasures Stephen Curry Logoman Autograph card in a 2021 private estate sale.

With more than a day still remaining for bids, it’s still tough to tell what the new record might end up being.

“Most likely, it’ll end up somewhere in the $8-million range,” Heritage director of sports collectibles Chris Ivy told The Times late Friday morning, although he added that he “wouldn’t be shocked” if it went for $10 million or more.

The most anyone has paid for any sports card is $12.6 million for a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card in a 2022 Heritage auction. The Curry card currently sits at No. 4 among all sports cards.

The Dual Logoman Autographs series of cards features the images and signatures of two iconic players, as well as NBA logo patches from a game-worn jersey from each player. Jordan appeared on eight such cards and Bryant was on 11, but this is the only one that paired the two of them.

“It’s the only one that has Kobe and Jordan on it, and it has both their Logoman logos, and it’s signed by both,” Ivy said, “and so kind of all those factors combined together to make this the top card for modern card collectors. And we’re seeing that in the price that it’s generating right now.”

Chicago Bulls’ Michael Jordan eyes the basket as he is guarded by the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant on Feb. 1, 1998, at the Forum.

(Vince Bucci / AFP via Getty Images)

Cards featuring Jordan and Bryant individually haven’t brought in nearly as much cash, with Jordan’s top seller going for $2.93 million in 2024 and Bryant’s going for $2.3 million earlier this month.

Ivy said it is a coincidence that the auction is ending on Bryant’s birthday.

The beloved Los Angeles icon and daughter Gianna were among the nine people who died in a Jan. 26, 2020, helicopter crash in Calabasas. Jordan was one of the speakers at the father and daughter’s public memorial held on Feb. 24, 2020, at Staples Center.

“Maybe it surprised people that Kobe and I were very close friends,” Jordan said. “But we were very close friends. Kobe was my dear friend, he was like a little brother.”

He added: “What Kobe Bryant was to me was the inspiration that someone truly cared about the way that I played the game or the way that he wanted to play the game.

“He wanted to be the best basketball player that he could be. And as I got to know him, I wanted to be the best big brother that I could be. To do that you have to put up with the aggravation, the late-night calls or the dumb questions. I took great pride as I got to know Kobe Bryant that he was just trying to be a better person, a better basketball player.”

Bojack Horseman fans have their new favourite show

Netflix’s latest and unique 10-part series is the perfect show to binge watch more than once this bank holiday weekend.

Long Story Short releases on the major streaming platform from today (August 22). All episodes will be available to watch and its highly likely that most users will binge watch the whole thing more than once before Monday.

It comes from the creator of Bojack Horseman Raphael Bob-Waksberg and this new series is an automatic must watch for fans of that show. There’s a chance it could even challenge for one of the best shows available on Netflix.

Its cast includes familiar voices including Paul Reiser, known for roles in Stranger Things and Curb Your Enthusiasm, Superstore and Mad Men actor Ben Feldman, Abbi Jacobson and New Girl’s Max Greenfield. There’s also guest appearances from Ben Schwartz, Dave Franco and Zach Braff.

According to the show’s synopsis, Long Story Short is an animated comedy about one family, over time. Jumping through the years, we follow the Schwooper siblings (gift an amalgamated surname from their parents Schwartz and Cooper) from childhood to adulthood and back again, chronicling their triumphs, disappointments, joys, and compromises.

However, we also follow their partners, extended family and even their own children. That is what makes the series unique. The show’s overall plot, of what there is, is not told chronologically.

Instead, viewers will follow different generations during some of the biggest and most key times of their lives. This includes childhoods in the 1990s, teenage years in the 2000s, struggling through and dealing with growing older throughout along with those moments that you don’t realise are significant until you look back.

There might be a concern that this would be confusing. However, Long Story Short impressively doesn’t need long to find its groove.

It also doesn’t feel hamstrung by its unique selling point. It would be easy to be lost in the jumps in time but each episode is crafted so carefully

It’s easy to see why the show has already been greenlit for a second season and it feels like there’s plenty of tales, stories and deviations the show could tell across its multiple generations.

While Bob-Waksberg has moved away from the humanoid animals and commentary on fame and Hollywood, the heart and emotive punch found and celebrated in Bojack Horseman is still present here. There are no experimental episodes like in later seasons but there’s time and plenty of potential.

Viewers should be warned that they will definitely shed a tear as much as they will laugh. The series focuses on the ups and downs of a Jewish family in the United States.

It also explores difficulties with parents, relationships, grief, parenting, work life balance and all of life’s struggles. There was more than once I had to dry my eyes during the end credits.

Long Story Short could easily run for years. It’s also one of the easiest binge watches of the year.

Not only that but it’s one of very few shows I find myself starting to watch all over again from the beginning to find moments I may have missed and see how each episode fits together in the season as a whole. Bring on season two.

Long Story Short is streaming on Netflix.

A SECRET website crammed with discontinued snacks and unusual flavours from across the globe has been revealed.

From Lemon Pie Twix bars to Italian-inspired Nestle treats, the online store promises to spice up your kitchen cupboards.

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Discount Dragon is an online-only retailer that sells products that are no longer on shelves from well-known brands.

The online shop is currently selling 18 lemon-flavored Twix bars from Brazil for just £11.99.

The zingy chocolate bars were inspired by the beloved Brazilian lemon pie.

Each bar features a crisp biscuit base topped with a tangy lemon-flavoured creme and wrapped in smooth milk chocolate.

If citrus isn’t your bag, there are also strawberry pie-flavoured Twix bars.

Nestle’s Extrafino Maxibon Chocolate bar is also up for grabs for just £1.99.

With three indulgent layers of chocolate and a satisfying crunchy base – this Italian favourite comes in a 235g bar.

Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Limon flavour from America are also available on the site.

Packed with fiery chilli and a lime zing, the crunchy snacks are perfect straight from the bag or to be enjoyed with cheese for the ultimate nachos dish.

For more tasty deals, keep your eyes glued to Discount Dragon’s “Snacks & Treats” category.

They rotate mysterious stock regularly—from multipacks of limited-edition bars to exotic overseas flavours.

Discount Dragon also flogs brand-name grub for fractions of the usual cost.

Don’t worry, the website is perfectly legal and squeaky clean – it just snags surplus stock, clearance lines, or bulk buys at knock‑down prices, and simply passes the savings onto savvy punters.

With no minimum spend, you can bag yourself goodies anytime—though £40 or more gets you free tracked delivery.

Orders promptly dispatched—24 trackers in 1–2 working days, 48 in 2–3.

The website also offers 1p sales on snacks and household items from time to time.

Recently, the mad promotional sale included Nestlé Milkybar eggs, scented candles, flavoured honeys, and premium snacks.

These 1p wonders are snapped up in seconds by eagle-eyed bargain hunters with lightning-fast fingers.

This comes as B&M shoppers spotted a rare flavour of Snickers selling for just £1.

Customers were surprised to see coffee flavoured versions of the classic chocolate stocked on the shelves of the bargain store.

Posting on the Facebook group Food Finds UK Official, a user wrote: “Not sure if these are new, but in B&M and I’ve never seen this flavour!”

One user wrote: “I’ve been meaning to check out B&M for ages now and this might just be the push I need to go.”

Another added: “Imported from Australia, I had them over there and so so good I’ll need to head to B&M.”

“I will be trying these,” a third wrote.

How does Discount Dragon work?

Discount Dragon launched in 2022 and flogs products nearing their best before date or items with faulty packaging.

Because traditional retailers want to shift this produce, Discount Dragon can buy it for massively discounted prices then pass these discounts on to shoppers.

Bargain hunters will find a host of branded goods, from Cadbury and Fairy to Brewdog and Heinz, on the website on the cheap.

There’s even a dedicated page where you can browse products selling for £2 or less.

Shoppers can currently get Cadbury Dairy Milk Freddos for 25p, Heinz Broccoli and Stilton soup for 35p a tin and 2litre bottles of pineapple and grapefruit Lilt for 99p.

All-in-all, there are hundreds of products to choose from, with prices starting from just 1p.

Discount Dragon also comes with a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on the Trustpilot review website, earning an “excellent” score.

Reviewers note the bargain prices and “fantastic” standard of customer service.

If Discount Dragon doesn’t take your fancy, Motatos is another online supermarket that sells surplus or short-dated stock on the cheap.

Shoppers can pick up branded products such as Walkers, Coca-Cola, Heinz and Kellogg’s.

Approved Food is another, offering consumers products nearing best before dates at discounted prices.

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The pretty town is loved by locals and popular with holiday makers for several reasons including its market being crowned ‘Britain’s best’

A Devon ‘rebel’ town lined with independent shops is a place I visit often – and tourists flock there too.

It’s a picturesque place offering a true taste of local life with cream teas served along with lots of other delicious food to try.

Tavistock in Devon is closer to Cornwall than you may think – and being inland there are numerous other places to visit around the charming town, reports the Express.

Fringed by Dartmoor and within driving distance to the beach, staying a while in Tavistock offers a retreat from the crowds that typically end up in seaside spots.

The town has much to see, museums, independent shops and a fantastic pannier market with an array of stalls selling all sorts of things.

For ramblers it’s great, as there are so many short or long walks to set off upon from here with many trails taking you along the riverside.

Tavistock’s Pannier Market dates back hundreds of years to the year 1105, stall holders are friendly and chatty and will talk you through their wares.

I love to visit the market which was crowned Britain’s best this year in the Great British Market Awards 2025 – one of my favourite stalls is a quirky one called Talking Rubbish.

Richard Westacott-Jones runs this business which sells numerous beautiful old bottles, many of which he has dug from the earth himself.

Brimming with unique shops, the town really offers an ‘experience’ when it comes to shopping and Richard from Talking Rubbish, believes retail has become ‘soulless’ in cities, which is why so many people visit Tavistock to shop.

If you’re in a nearby seaside spot and it’s a rainy day in Devon (or nearby Cornwall) a little escape to Tavistock could be a good tip.

Even if the sun shines, it’s a nice place to come for some relaxation, with Lydford Gorge nearby too with its stunning waterfall – you can even walk here from the town if you’re keen on a ‘moderate’ one hour ramble.

Running through Tavistock town is the beautiful River Tavy, where kingfishers and much other wildlife can be spotted – and other walking routes will lead you to many other delightful spots.

The Tavistock Canal Towpath winds through woodlands, leading you to the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Tavistock is known as a ‘rebel town’ for famously shunning fast food outlet McDonald’s, although one briefly opened, no-one used it, locals didn’t want it there, so it closed down (in 2006).

Now it’s these kinds of actions that make me proud to be Devonian – and it’s this kind of stronghold local action that has enabled the town to keep its charming character.

Tavistock is a bit different – and what’s more you can shop for something a bit different too, this gives the place a nice relaxing vibe and a feeling of escape (from the norm of other towns and cities) for a while.

The airport in Greece has one of the shortest runways for passenger jets in Europe – but it can accommodate aircraft as large as a Boeing 767-200

For many jet-setters, the lengthy taxi down the airport runway before take-off can feel like an eternity. It often seems as though the plane will never lift off as it trundles along the tarmac before the engines roar into action and it ascends.

However, travellers to a small Greek island may be surprised to learn that it boasts the shortest runway for passenger jets in mainland Europe. The runway at Skiathos measures a mere 5,341 feet, significantly shorter than the norm.

To put it into perspective, London Heathrow’s northern runway stretches approximately 12,801 feet, Manchester’s runway spans 10,948 feet, and Birmingham’s runway is 10,013 feet long, reports the Express. Despite its relatively modest length, the airport can handle aircraft as large as a Boeing 767-200 and welcomes flights from across Europe.

These include routes from various UK airports, with numerous seasonal flights operating to this Aegean island. Due to the island’s rugged terrain, land had to be reclaimed from the sea to facilitate the construction of the airport, which opened its doors to passengers in 1972.

Now, hundreds of thousands of passengers pass through each year, with over 552,000 recorded in 2023 – including more than 192,000 travelling to or from the UK. Its proximity to a public road, coupled with its location and frequency of flights, makes Skiathos Airport a favourite spot for plane enthusiasts who often share snaps of massive aircrafts swooping in low for landing.

Despite having one of the shortest runways in Europe, it doesn’t hold the record for the shortest runway within a European nation. That distinction belongs to Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport on Saba, boasting a mere 1,312 feet long runway and being part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The twist is that Saba is actually an island located in the Caribbean, across the Atlantic.

A study of 2,000 adults found the vast majority try and ‘live like a local’ when abroad, with priorities now more focused on creating unique experiences rather than seeing the main sights

UK holidaymakers are searching for better ways to have a more ‘authentic’ experience while on holiday, rather than relying on visits to popular tourist hotspots. Research shows more than three quarters of holidaymakers attempt to ‘live like a local’ when they go abroad as priorities shift towards creating more unique experiences.

To do this, travellers are turning to locals for advice on dining recommendations to make sure they find the best options. They study shows travellers are also switching up their shopping habits, choosing to visit local grocery stores instead of familiar chains. Others are also choosing to cycle or walk rather than use public transport to better explore the area.

Nearly half of British holidaymakers on the search for a more local experience enjoy exploring smaller towns and villages, or browsing neighbourhood markets to escape the usual tourist traps. It comes after sunbed wars see Brits forced to queue for ‘over an hour’ just to get to the pool.

Spanish islands fear Brits won’t return as tourists are dealt another blow

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The study was commissioned by Skyscanner, which has developed a Road Trip Planner to assist travellers in uncovering local hidden treasures.

Laura Lindsay, travel trends and destination expert for the brand, said: “There’s something truly special about stepping off the tourist trail and embracing the pace, traditions, and tastes of local life.

“Living like a local adds depth and colour to your holiday and creates a genuine connection with the destination. It’s not just more rewarding – it’s often more fun, too.”

The research suggests that holidaymakers strive to ‘live like a local’ not only for a more authentic experience – 35 per cent said it helps them find the best spots for food and drink – but also because they believe it’s more respectful, with a third stating they enjoy supporting the local economy.

Over four in 10 travellers are more inclined to try and ‘live like a local’ on holiday now than they were five years ago, possibly due to the influence of social media. Half of the holidaymakers surveyed said that social media has made it easier to discover hidden gems off the beaten path while on holiday.

When venturing beyond typical tourist areas, two thirds said they were taken aback by how different a country or place felt. Levelling up their ‘local experience’ a quarter of holidaymakers have specifically chosen accommodation because it resembled somewhere a local resident would live.

However, there are still certain obstacles prevent tourists from experiencing a true local lifestyle on their holidays. As expected, language barriers were a significant issue, followed by a lack of confidence or uncertainty about where to begin.

Meanwhile, the survey revealed that discovering new foods and flavours is the top priority for travellers, although 36 per cent simply yearn for a few moments of tranquillity.

To achieve this, 27 per cent prefer to hire a car for a more authentic local holiday experience, as it provides them with greater freedom to explore, be more independent and make spontaneous discoveries.

Laura Lindsay, from Skyscanner, added: “Living like a local doesn’t have to mean going completely off-grid – it’s about making small, intentional choices that enrich your travel.

“And best of all, it helps support the communities you visit, from independent businesses to artisans and family-run restaurants. It’s a win for travellers and locals alike.”

BBC Sport pundits Tim Henman and Todd Woodbridge look at how Jannik Sinner has been able to transfer his athleticism from his past as a skier onto the grass court, particularly with his ability to hit shots on the slide after the Italian won his first Wimbledon title by beating Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

Watch live coverage from every court on BBC iPlayer.

Available to UK users only.

A US tourist who visited the UK has shared his thoughts on a popular city in the north and was left shocked by the whole experience, including how ‘chilled’ it was

An American bloke visiting Leeds couldn’t help but express his surprise at the city, quipping that “people up north are a different breed,” and he’s absolutely smitten with them. But what struck him as so remarkable about the city?TikToker @kjordyyy, self-dubbed “A Meer yank amongst Brits,” shared that he’s currently exploring Leeds.

“And this place has to be one of the most chillest places I’ve ever been to in the UK so far,” he enthused. Kjordy showcased the cityscape, remarking: “You can’t tell me this isn’t peaceful,” noting its serene vibe compared to other bustling metropolises. Then, he touched on the local twang, labelling it one of the most “unique accents” he’s encountered, adding: “It’s definitely northern”.

Delving deeper into the dialect, he recounted: “I was talking to this guy, his name was Joe, he was like ‘my names J-err,’ like the o’s like err’s. It was interesting to say the least”.

Kjordy observed that “everyone’s just chilling, everyone’s relaxing, minding their own business. Not a care in the world bro”. He contrasted Leeds with London, relishing the laid-back aura of the northern hub.

He lauded the historic buildings and the quaint alleyways he meandered through.

“Kinda random, but I heard someone go up to another guy and say ‘giz a butty’. Apparently that’s local lingo here in Leeds for asking for a sandwich,” he clarified.

And he described the people of Leeds as “so kind,” because he was “up north,” and he even praised “how cheap it is” too, saying that he managed to get a pint of beer for £3.63. “£3 for a pint is insane,” he gushed.

Secret London reports that the average pint in the capital typically costs around £6.50, making Leeds a much more wallet-friendly option for a tipple.

Kjordy expressed his astonishment at finding a meal for just £8, which left him seriously impressed.

Wrapping up his video, Kjordy declared: “All in all, Leeds is a sick city, awesome people, good food and cool architecture. I give it a solid 8/10, and I’ll probably rank it UK’s fourth best city so far”.

In the comments section, one user enthused: “Leeds is an absolutely elite city and gets far too much hate”.

Another chimed in with a slightly different take: “It’s an elite city, good for shopping but there are lots of rude people in Leeds unfortunately which makes it bad vibes”.

Jumping to the city’s defence, someone retorted: “There’s rude people everywhere. Where have you been and there’s no rude people?”

A proud local exclaimed: “My beautiful glorious Leeds, I love you Yorkshire,” showcasing the strong affection residents have for their city.

One woman humorously shared her sense of pride: “The pride I get when I hear someone talking about Leeds, as though I’m the only person that’s ever been born here”.

A COUPLE has caused controversy after sharing the very unique name they’ve chosen for their newborn son.

Morgan and boyfriend Lou welcomed their first child into the world a week ago, and decided to unveil his moniker in a video on their TikTok page.

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In the clip, they admitted it was “really easy” for them to settle on a name for a little girl, and had chosen Birdie Lou for if they’d had a daughter.

“But it was really hard for us to find a boy name that was like equally as exciting,” Morgan admitted.

So, instead of going the traditional route of going through a baby name book, Morgan and Lou decided to go through their record collection, looking for one that “spoke to us the most” and “had sentimental meaning”.

“And that’s how we ended up landing on Pony Ramone Presley,” they said.

They went on to explain where the inspiration for the name had come from, as they said that on their first date, they had danced to an Orville Peck song called Pony.

“So when we saw this record, it felt right,” Morgan added.

“Beautiful name!” Lou chimed in.

The tot’s middle name was inspired by the rock band Ramones.

“When we first found out she was pregnant, we were actually heavily, heavily listening to the Ramones,” Lou said.

“So it just felt right, and it just sounds nice.”

“Welcome to the world Pony Ramone,” they wrote over the top of the video as it came to an end, with Lou holding up a onesie that had the name ‘Pony’ emblazoned on the front.

The video quickly attracted comments, with the majority coming from people who insisted they’d assigned their son to a “lifetime of bullying” by giving him that name.

“That’s so terrible I’m sorry lol,” one wrote.

“You’re naming a future adult. You’re being selfish,” another raged.

“Pony???? Jesus Christ!”

“The bullying he’s going to get for his name though…” a third said.

“Parents caring more about appearing original and trendy than caring about how their name choice will affect the baby through their life is always wild to me,” someone else sighed.

“Feels selfish.”

“People choose names for their children as if they were choosing a name for a pet,” another commented.

“Oh my gosh that poor boy when he starts school,” someone else said, while another called him “that poor kid”.

“I swear some people just name their children anything these days,” someone else wrote.

“Might as well name mine Chair, Zebra, Door knob, and butter dish!”

“That’s a baby, not a puppy,” another said.

However, there were those in the comments section who approved of the baby’s unusual name.

“Stay true to your uniqueness guys, that little man is going to live a blessed life,” one wrote.

“I’m actually so obsessed with Pony as a first name!” another admitted.

“Oh I am absolutely in love with his beautiful name,” a third commented.

It’s a baby, not a puppy

TikTok commenter

“Having a unique name is really fun! Two of the coolest parents ever!”

“Pony has the most badass parents,” someone else agreed.

“Love his name!”

“I LOVE Pony because its a reflection of your love onto your sweet baby. Don’t listen to anyone else,” another urged.

“People act like we don’t already live in a world full of Forests, Diamonds, Bartholomews, and Cinnamons,” someone else wrote.

“Pony is actually so sweet and meaningful. They actually picked a cool name instead of a normal name spelled ENTIRELY WRONG in order to be ‘unique’.”