The Netflix show has found itself in the top 10 in multiple countries, bringing in over 13 million views this week
The Netflix show has smashed records last week as the most watched on the streaming platform(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A controversial Netflix show dubbed “super dark” continues to break records in over a dozen countries worldwide.
The Roast of Kevin Hart livestream was finally released on Netflix earlier this month (May 10), having been hosted by Shane Gillis during Netflix is a Joke Fest. Featuring savage punchlines from the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Pete Davidson and Katt Williams, the show continues to divide fans.
Running for just under three hours, a Netflix synopsis reads: “Kevin Hart is in the hot seat and ready for all the smoke as roastmaster Shane Gillis and a dais of A-listers unleash a raw and ruthless night of laughs.”
Despite its controversy, the show has found its way onto Netflix’s Top 10 list, breaking records to sit in top place in 15 countries this week. According to Netflix’s Tudum, from May 11 to May 17, The Roast of Kevin Hart sits in first place in the Top 10 Shows with 13.5 million views.
But views continue to be divided as one person wrote on Rotten Tomatoes: “It’s no different than any other roast.. it’s light but super dark gut wrenching comedy. It’s an enjoyable watch.”
Another said: “This is the edgiest, funniest roast I’ve seen. It was not afraid to push the boundaries of comedy, something we need more of. I applaud the boldness and vision. I’d love to see more like this.”
A third added: “Omg!!! This was a proper roast, crying laughing, whilst walking around the room saying No! No! No! He didnt just say that.”
However, some viewers were unimpressed as one person wrote: “Easily the worst roast ever done. I love Shane, but he was so bad and unfunny. The Rock was the only one that did okay, everyone else was pretty poor. Just awful.”
Another said: “The cringe was high with this one. The few funny moments still didn’t make the 3 hrs worth it.”
A third penned: “Total waste of time. 3-4 funny jokes in 3hrs. Skip!”
Over on Reddit, one viewer stated: “Overall I enjoyed lots of the jokes but many felt like they were simply seeking to push the discomfort to extremes for the sake of edginess rather than for the sake of smart humour. It felt desperate to shock.
“I understand roast culture but this event had an edge I haven’t seen before and there seemed to be an air of discomfort amongst some people.”
The Roast of Kevin Hart can be streamed on Netflix.
Tourism experts are predicting a bumper year for “staycations” with more of us choosing to holiday in the UK due to continuing uncertainty around jet fuel prices and possible flight cancellations. Holidaymakers are spoilt for choice with more than 350,000 UK self-catering listings on booking platforms, from rustic barn conversions to seaside villas with all mod cons for large family gatherings.
We’ve done some of the leg work and whittled down a selection of cottages which all offer something special, whether it’s a stunning location, a breathtaking view or a level of comfort and style that wouldn’t be out of place in a boutique hotel.
ENGLAND
Standout design in Norfolk
As the Instagrammification of interiors makes holiday cottages increasingly difficult to tell apart, one place stands out: Riverbank in Hunworth. Opened last year by the family behind pocket-sized sister cottage Spinks Nest, this brick-and-flint workers’ cottage in the village of Hunworth, near Holt, deftly weaves together richly textured fabrics, pretty wallpapers, earthy heritage paints and carefully chosen vintage finds. Beneath its rustic cosiness, an exacting attention to detail extends to high-spec mattresses and some seriously whizzy kitchen appliances. Sit and read beside the chalk stream that winds through the garden, or head out for a stroll around North Norfolk’s bird-rich marshes and unspoilt beaches (Holkham is 30 minutes’ drive away). Sleeps four adults (three beds can be added for children), from £1,940a week, riverbanknorfolk.com
Fairytale seclusion in Bedfordshire
Photograph: John Miller
If you were looking for filming locations for Hansel and Gretel, Keeper’s Cottage would be a shoo-in as the gingerbread cottage. Deep within the Shuttleworth estate and surrounded by Scots pines, this former gamekeeper’s cottage was built in 1878 as part of a project to create a model estate. Rescued from dereliction and opened as a holiday cottage with refreshed interiors in 2007, it makes a romantic secluded base for exploring the estate’s vintage aircraft and Regency gardens. Alternatively, walk over to neighbouring Old Warden to peer at more model houses before stopping for a pint or a steak and stout pie at the Hare & Hounds. Sleeps four, from £1,694 a week, landmarktrust.org.uk
A treasure chest in the North York Moors
Tucked amid the steep cobbled lanes and red-roofed cottages that totter down to the sea at Robin Hood’s Bay, Burnharbour is a two-bedroom hideaway painted in moody blue-green and ruby. With textile and design lecturers as owners, it’s like a live-in treasure chest, with shell-barnacled lampshades, a Zellige-tiled bathroom and a little library of carefully chosen books. Go rockpooling down at the shore, dillydally over coffee or lunch with a view at neighbouring cafe the Cove, follow one of the footpaths along the coast, or take a day trip to Whitby to explore the abbey, and eat chocolate “japs” at Botham’s or lemon-top ice-creams at the Sandside Bar. Sleeps four, from £560a week, baytownholidaycottages.co.uk
Artful upcycling in Cornwall
Among a hamlet of holiday cottages and shepherds’ huts a few miles inland from the beaches, rockpools and fish restaurants of Looe, Gamekeeper’s Cottage is a colourful and cosy two-bedroom retreat that has been artfully upcycled from a more dated predecessor. Kitchen cupboards have been painted apple green, a rainforest shower has been installed (along with glossy tiles) over the bath, and a wood burner now sits in the sitting room’s stone fireplace, surrounded by pretty floral wallpaper. That’s only half the story, though; as with all Cottage Orné’s properties, guests get access to an outdoor pool, sauna, meditation and yoga studio, and a crafting workshop. Sleeps four, from £2,325a week, cottageorne.com
A Georgian townhouse in Kent
In the centre of Deal, steps from the beach and handy for Sunday roasts at the Rose, or ramen at the Blue Pelican, Rogue’s Cottage stands out from a glut of pretty holiday properties in this cool Kent town. A dainty Georgian townhouse, it has been transformed by interior designer Ashley Ferry with a winning pairing of seaweed, saltwater and coral paintwork with furnishings that would please even the most grizzled of sea dogs – among them a deep copper bathtub, antique headboards and a dinky wood-burning stove. Better still, there’s a tiny courtyard terrace for dining away from the surrounding hubbub. Sleeps four, from £1,055a week, keeperscottages.co.uk
A mill in the Yorkshire Dales
Overlooking Lake Semerwater in Raydale, a quiet dale off Wensleydale, the 18th-century Silk Mill is one of three self-catering properties threaded across the Wood End estate (the other two are contemporary one-bedroom timber cottages). Elegantly refurbished by its owner, interior designer Jonathan Reed, the mill is well placed for hay meadow picnics, swims in the lake or hikes over to Hawes and beyond (go an extra mile or so for lunch at Simonstone Hall). Sit on the terrace listening for curlews, or enjoy some in-house art appreciation, admiring co-owner Graeme Black’s paintings of the surrounding trees. You can see more of them, plus works by other artists, at Thorns Gallery, also on the estate. Sleeps four, from £2,392a week, thorns.gallery/accommodation
A historic lookout, Devon
Sea views don’t get more full-frontal than those at Brandy Head Observation Post near Budleigh Salterton. It was built in 1940 for the RAF’s top-secret Gunnery Research Unit and restored from dereliction six years ago. On the South West Coast Path and accessible only on foot, its terrace makes a perfect vantage point for hikers and birders. With one double bed, two twin bunks, a shower room and an open-plan living, dining and kitchen area, it’s a practical little base camp for forays to local beaches, along the paths that loop through the River Otter Estuary nature reserve, or to Otterton Mill for farm shop foraging and live folk music. Sleeps six, £900a week, stantyway.com
A hideaway in the Peak District
In the former lead-mining village of Bonsall, Bert’s Cottage is a model of pale-rendered restraint on the outside, but inside it’s awash with colour, texture and pattern. Refurbished by antique jewellery expert Matt Gerrish and his ballerina wife, Lauren Cuthbertson, this four-bedroom hideaway is exactly the marriage of heritage, theatre and grace you might expect. Antique chests rest against walls busy with paintings, prints and botanical wallpapers, the traditional elements loosened up by bright pops of colour. The location is hard to beat, too; it’s handy for rugged Peak District walks, the historic mills and bookish pleasures of Cromford, days out at Chatsworth and Haddon Hall, and the kiss-me-quick pleasures of Matlock. Sleeps eight, from £1,473 for five nights, bertscottage.co.uk
Coniston views in the Lake District
It’s all about the view at this studio apartment on the shores of Coniston Water. The Coachman’s Quarters is the smallest of three self-catering cottages at Brantwood, John Ruskin’s final home. If the accommodation is rather minibus in scale, the prospect that unfurls through its picture window is more doubledecker. Sit and watch the light fade over the Old Man of Coniston, or steal outside to explore Brantwood’s 100 hectares (250 acres) of gardens and woodland in peace after the day visitors have left. Run by a charitable trust, the site is now home to a museum dedicated to the Victorian polymath, and its grounds are a popular RHS partner garden. Sleeps two, from £955 a week, brantwood.org.uk
Futuristic pods in Somerset
Photograph: Joseph Horton
In Somerset’s quieter western reaches, East Quay is quietly stealing a march on the county’s better-known artistic enclaves. Overlooking Watchet’s pretty harbour, this cafe, gallery and community arts space looks like it’s been beamed down from Bilbao or Hamburg, with the ambition to match. Run as a social enterprise, it’s a buzzy place for brunch, cocktails, a gig, a craft workshop or an exhibition. But those in the know book one of its five basic self-catering pods and explore the wider region while they’re there. Walk the spectacular Quantocks, visit Greencombe Gardens, or head to Dunster to tour its castle and have pizza or drinks with the best view for miles in the Luttrell Arms’ secret garden. Pods sleep between two and six, from £810a week, eastquaywatchet.co.uk
Old meets new in Herefordshire
Photograph: Kate Darby
More tumbleup than tumbledown, Croft Lodge Studio is a real one-off. Within a new, fully insulated corrugated iron shell sit the ruins of a listed 18th-century home, including ancient oak beams, ivy and birds’ nests (hence its no under-10s rule). This radical preservation project near Croft won a Royal Institute of British Architects award. Modern amenities include a wet room, underfloor heating and an EV charger. There’s a bluebell wood on the doorstep, and the surrounding parkland leads to the National Trust’s Croft Castle estate. Wander over to Aymestrey for damson negronis and plates of rhubarb-cured trout at the Riverside inn. Sleeps four, from £817a week, cottages.com
History and nature in Nottinghamshire
Outside the village of Misterton, the Pump House Art Studio, a cathedral-like holiday let, was originally built in 1828 to drain excess water from the fens into the River Idle. It’s one of two identical houses separated by a glass walkway (the owner lives in the other half) and blends industrial high ceilings, vast windows and steel beams with a restful natural setting. Beyond the property’s private garden lies a site of special scientific interest inhabited by kingfishers, owls and herons. There’s a mid-century vibe to the interiors, which stretch to a kitchen, mezzanine lounge, library nook and two double bedrooms, and walls decorated with local art. Walk along quiet river and canalside paths, or drive 15 minutes to explore the 15th-century mansion Gainsborough Old Hall. Sleeps four, from £1,052 a week, handpickedcottages.co.uk
Exacting style in Suffolk
Photograph: Safia Shakarchi
Restaries may be a collection of six holiday rentals set on a farm, but the vibe is more Guy Ritchie than Old MacDonald. With backgrounds at Soho House and in fashion consulting, owners Gem and Thom Bon-Scherdel have brought exacting style and a nous for hospitality to their 16th-century farmhouse and outbuildings near Westhall. The three-bed Cider Store is decorated with local art, bespoke furniture and a pink, peach and ochre colour palette designed to reflect local sunsets. It’s near the coast, but there’s plenty to do in situ, with a playground, a swimming pool and add-on activities for adults from massages and cooking classes to horse riding. Sleeps six, from £3,000 a week, restaries.com
Harbour views in Hampshire
Right on the water’s edge at Priddy’s Hard, a former naval ammunition facility in Gosport, Adventure Prospect is a two-bedroom cottage built in 1899 as a place for the workers to change. Renovated by the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust a few years ago, it’s now a smart holiday rental. Decorated in soothing seaweed shades, with a walk-in shower and a lofty open-plan kitchen and sitting room, it also has a private landscaped terrace with wide-angle views across Portsmouth harbour. The Explosion Museum of Naval Firepower sits on one side; on the other, the Powder Monkey taphouse serves pub classics such as sausage and mash alongside its own craft beers. Sleeps four, from £1,272 a week, airbnb.co.uk
A quirky conversion in Northumberland
Photograph: Tracey Bloxham
You’ll need to spend a bit more than a penny to visit Berwick-upon-Tweed’s former ladies’ toilets these days, but so you should given the upgrade to facilities. They have been converted into a studio apartment by the property’s current owner, and the renovation puts the Victorian building’s original glazed bricks and match boarding centre stage, while adding such modern comforts as a double bed, kitchenette and wet room. In a quiet corner of the town, just beside its ancient walls and within easy reach of cafes, shops, galleries and coastal paths, the Loovre also has a private courtyard for drinks or dinner outside, and high-level windows for light. Berwick’s railway station is less than 10 minutes’ walk away for day trips. Sleeps two, from £716.50a week, crabtreeandcrabtree.com
SCOTLAND
A gothic bolthole in Perthshire
Photograph: Tracey Bloxham
Off-grid cottages are rarely as elegant as the 19th-century Gatehouse, one of five rental options dotted across the Monzie estate. Powered by the estate’s own 1950s hydro plant, this turreted gothic bolthole has a spiral staircase and a gorse-coloured slipper bath. Spot red squirrels, owls, hares and deer from the windows, roam across 1,600 hectares of rolling Perthshire countryside, or sign up for a free private tour of Monzie Castle – one of the guest perks. Three miles away is Crieff, with its distillery tours, gardens and adventure parks, as well as bakeries, galleries and a gorgeous old whisky shop. Sleeps four, from £1,768 a week, monzieestate.com
An island escape in the Highlands
Look away if you like your rentals with the hum of traffic, coffee shops on every corner and the reassuring roll of an Ocado van over asphalt. On an island in Loch Sunart, Carna House is more suited to castaways. One of only three houses on Carna, two of which are available to rent, the property’s rates include a return boat crossing from Laga Bay, an hour’s drive from Fort William. Cars are left in a private car park and, with limited wifi, screens might as well be, too. No one’s going to be Instagramming the interiors here, but who cares about mismatched fabrics when you have your binoculars fixed on the seals, otters or sea eagles? Scale the island’s 170-metre summit or head out on the water in the boat provided. Sleeps eight, from £2,500 a week, isleofcarna.co.uk
Scandi design in Midlothian
The sauna at Eastside, near Penicuik
In a quiet glen near Penicuik in the Pentland Hills south-west of Edinburgh, Eastside is a collection of cottages on a working farm. One is more traditional, but four are an ode to clean-lined, light-soaked Scandinavian design. The Wash House is one of these, a serene, one-bedroom hideaway with a wood-burner and sculptural slatted ash screening. Rental comes with access to Eastside’s woodland spa, a fern-dappled dell with a steam-sauna yurt and spring-water plunge pool. Don’t miss a trip to Little Sparta, Ian Hamilton Finlay’s sculpture garden 30 minutes’ drive away. Sleeps two, from £1,260 a week, thisiseastside.com
Simple but stylish in Dumfries & Galloway
The nearby village of Rockcliffe. Photograph: John James/Alamy
Steps from the water in the cute coastal village of Kippford, this affordable three-bedroom retreat is all about the reflective views. Simple but stylish, with a butter-coloured bathroom, wood-burning stove, vintage furniture and a small terrace, 1 Ford View has one double bedroom and two singles. Stroll to the beach, listen to the jingling of yacht masts or sit in the window seat upstairs and watch the sun set over the estuary. It’s a 1.5-mile ramble over to pretty Rockcliffe for homemade cake at the Garden Room cafe. Or drive 20 minutes to Castle Douglas to browse the shops and visit Threave Garden. Sleeps four, from £708 a week, gonetothebeach.co.uk
Tradition with a twist, Aberdeenshire
Photograph: Kym Grimshaw
Overlooking the river on the Glen Dye estate near Banchory, Gamekeeper’s Cottage is a model of modern country style. Its traditional sash windows, wooden floorboards and Highland stonework form a homely backdrop to bright artworks, colourful textiles and vintage finds. Cosy as it is, stays here are all about exploring the estate. With 15,000 acres of moorland, woods and riverbanks on hand, there are endless possibilities for hiking, forest bathing and wild swimming, plus food and crafts events. Guests can choose add-on experiences, from sessions in a wood-fired hot tub or woodland sauna to game-cooking masterclasses and natural ink workshops. Sleeps six, from £1,315 a week, glendyecabinsandcottages.com
A waterside hideaway in the Highlands
You know you’re on the right lines when the website for a property, like this waterside hideaway near Gairloch, has a tab for “adventures” rather than just “things to do”. When you’re done visiting Inverewe Gardens, taking an otter safari or coasteering, Arrowdale makes a luxurious base to retreat to, with its wood-burning stove, high-spec kitchen and panoramic windows. Shieldaig Lodge is less than a mile away for decadent dining or a dram with a view, or you can enjoy scenic picnics in the extensive grounds. One option is a deserted beach that’s just a 30-minute paddle away – two tandem kayaks come with the house. Sleeps six, from £2,350 a week, sawdays.co.uk
A harbourside haven in the Scottish Borders
There’s magic at every turn at the dinky Blue Cabin by the Sea, perched above Cove harbour like an outcrop of lazurite. Run as a fundraising enterprise to help pay for the harbour’s upkeep, it’s approached on foot via a tunnel. Owned by architect Ben Tindall and sculptor Jill Watson, it has a cornflower-blue sitting room with Orkney chairs, two pea-green bedrooms, one with bunks, and a kitchen with cupboard handles shaped like fronds of seaweed. Swim in the harbour, keeping an eye out for seals, buy crab from local fishers, walk along the coast to the ruins of Fast Castle or visit Dunbar, a 15-minute drive north, to visit conservationist John Muir’s Birthplace. Sleeps four, from £1,250 a week, bluecabinbythesea.co.uk
WALES
A manor house in Gwynedd
Character seeps from every stone at this seven-bedroom manor house near Porthmadog on the north Wales coast. It’s just the place if you’re dreaming of an Enid Blyton-style group gathering. Though Carregfelen dates from the 14th century, it was extended in the 1920s by the owner’s uncle, Clough Williams-Ellis, and has many of the Portmeirion architect’s signature traits, from the turquoise paintwork to gardens designed to frame spectacular views (in this case, of Moel y Gest mountain). Inglenook fireplaces, a show-stopping dining room and walls lavishly hung with art complete the scene. Book a private session in the estate’s woodland sauna after a day hiking the hills or the craggy ruins of Criccieth Castle. Sleeps 11, from £3,034 a week, wernholidaycottages.co.uk
Comfort and character in Ynys Môn (Anglesey)
Steps from the beach in pretty Beaumaris, Porth Hir has been looking out over the Menai strait to Eryri (Snowdonia) for 400 years. Pairing beams, antique furniture and decorative plasterwork with a modern range cooker, king-size beds and luxury bedlinen, it’s comfortable as well as characterful. A covered veranda means you can sit outside even on rain-soaked evenings, or gather in the first-floor lounge to watch the light fade over the sea. Visit Beaumaris Castle, go crabbing off the pier or walk along the coast path to the hamlet of Moel y Don, stopping off at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens or Grade I-listed Plas Newydd house. Sleeps six, from £1,500 a week, porthhiranglesey.co.uk
A cute thatch in Ceredigion
Wake to birdsong and fall asleep to the gentle rush of the river at 300-year-old Glan Yr Afon in Cardigan Bay. Set along what was once a drovers’ road (rumour has it that Owain Glyndŵr and his men once marched along it), this thatched hideaway near Llangrannog balances modern plumbing, electrics and insulation with carefully preserved architectural details. There’s space for four, with a king-size bedroom on the ground floor and a twin upstairs, and if the garden looks pretty as a picture that’s because it’s tended by an artist. Wander through woods to the coast; the Plwmp Tart cafe, above Penbryn beach, makes an excellent end goal. Sleeps four, from £1,350 a week, thatchedin.wales
Coastal seclusion, Gwynedd
Photograph: Matt Davies
Perched in the hills outside Aberdyfi, with its four-mile ribbon of sand, Glygyrog Wen makes a comfortable lookout on this mesmerising coastline, with its big skies, shifting tides and string of cafes, pubs and shops. It’s also a great base for walks through the moors, woodland and dunes of the Dyfi Biosphere. It’s not just about location, however. A high-spec kitchen, gleaming dining room, light-soaked lounge and four bedrooms provide plenty of space for groups or families to unwind, while a games barn ensures rain needn’t stop play. Downstairs is table tennis and table football, while upstairs is a mezzanine bar. Sleeps eight, from £1,955 a week, cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk
Stay on a vineyard in Powys
If Highbrook Cottage was a wine it would be crisp and biscuity, with a hint of zest. This pretty hideaway is set on a low-intervention vineyard near Presteigne, and its sorbet-coloured paintwork, tapestry blankets and a welcome pack plump with homemade welshcakes give traditional Welsh hospitality a fresh modern update. For zero-miles sipping, you can order the owners’ wine to be waiting for you on arrival. Head off on walks in the Radnor Forest or drive 15 minutes across the border into Herefordshire to visit the market in Kington, or stroll around the leafy idyll that is Hergest Croft Gardens. Sleeps four, from £765 a week, whinyardrocks.com
A former coaching inn in Carmarthenshire
A 17th-century coaching inn near Meidrim, painstakingly restored by a former Landmark Trust and National Trust conservation specialist, Maenllwyd pairs cosy fires and antique Welsh dressers with a smart walk-in shower and modern range cooker. It’s dog-friendly, and canine guests also have the run of an enclosed three-acre field. Human visitors seeking exercise are catered for too, with a full-size pickleball court and outdoor play equipment for younger children. By car, the Carmarthenshire coast is 30 minutes away for beach days. Laugharne, with its medieval castle and Dylan Thomas’s boathouse, is even closer. Sleeps seven, from £1,669 a week, underthethatch.co.uk
NORTHERN IRELAND
A rural retreat in County Derry
Taking his great-great-uncle Barney’s derelict cottage near Maghera as a starting point, local architect Patrick Bradley added a cantilevered shipping container to create a rural retreat that honours new and old alike. Inside is a plywood-lined kitchen and dining space, bathroom and double bedroom, with sliding doors opening on to a balcony. Outside is a firepit seating area and twin outdoor bathtubs, looking out over the adjacent meadow. The An Croí Coffee House and Bistro, a social enterprise cafe, is three minutes’ drive away for homemade soups or pancakes, and Seamus Heaney HomePlace, an arts centre celebrating the life and work of the great Irish poet, is a 20-minute drive. Sleeps two, from £810 a week, barneysruins.com
A stylish stable, County Derry
Stable One is the fourth cottage to open at Camus House, a listed Georgian estate outside Coleraine. It’s a stylishly restored outbuilding with an open-plan kitchen, dining room and living room, its restful buttermilk and caramel paintwork brought to life by vintage furniture and fresh flowers. Great for forays to the Causeway Coast beaches, it’s a 20-minutes drive from Portstewart Strand, Whiterocks or Downhill. The fact the owners previously ran a cafe means the welcome pack is a step above the norm. Fuel up on homemade jam, local bread and granola before hitting the leafy riverside walk that starts directly opposite the house. Sleeps four, from £1,148 a week, airbnb.co.uk
All prices are for late May and June, and were correct at the time of going to press
A picturesque walking route in the UK with award-winning gardens and views of a breathtaking castle has been praised as being just like a ‘fairytale’
The ‘idyllic’ location features award-winning gardens and stunning views(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
A “real-life fairytale” destination in the South of England could be just what you need. We all crave an escape from the chaos of city living every now and then, and if you’re on the hunt for somewhere in the South of England to visit that is tranquil and peaceful, then a stroll through these breathtaking castle grounds could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Getting out into nature can work wonders for both our physical and mental health, and the UK is brimming with stunning locations perfect for a leisurely walk. One particularly enchanting route, complete with magnificent gardens and awe-inspiring castle views, has recently been making waves on social media – and it’s located in the heart of West Sussex.
A Sussex-based couple, Cat and Nathan, shared the walk on their TikTok account, describing it as “a real-life fairytale” that they had no idea had been “on their doorstep” for years.
The destination in question is Arundel Castle, a beautifully restored and remodelled medieval fortress nestled in Arundel, West Sussex. It features spectacular gardens that visitors can explore at their own pace, and you can also venture inside the castle itself – or simply admire its magnificent exterior from the grounds.
Arundel Castle currently holds the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award, having claimed the title back in November last year. Spanning an impressive 38 acres, the grounds are divided into a number of distinct areas, including a tropical garden, a rose garden, a wildflower garden, and a kitchen garden bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables.
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It’s not solely about the blooms, however, as there are numerous striking landscape features, amongst them the Earl’s Garden, complete with Italianate terraces, pergolas, and the recently refurbished Antler’s Temple.
In the caption accompanying their video, Cat and Nathan wrote: “Can’t believe this has been on our doorstep for years. Honestly, this was the most beautiful day, seeing the castle up close and walking around the grounds, just wow. I’d definitely recommend bringing a picnic on a nice summer’s day, too!”
Viewers of the couple’s footage were left speechless by the breathtaking scenery captured in the clip, with many enquiring about how to visit. Those already familiar with the castle even jokingly urged the pair to take the video down, insisting they’d rather keep their tranquil retreat to themselves.
One viewer commented: “I went last week, and I try to go every year for the tulip festival. It’s just so beautifully stunning.”
Another added: “Absolutely amazing, just peace all the way through.”
A third posted: “Wow it looks so beautiful and peaceful! I have to add it to my list of places to visit.”
Getting to Arundel Castle will depend on where you live, but if you’re coming from London, it couldn’t be easier – and it only takes a little over an hour. Head to Victoria Station and board the Southern service towards Bognor Regis, getting off at Arundel. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a leisurely 15-minute stroll from the station to the castle gates.
Admission to Arundel Castle comes at a cost, with pricing varying depending on what you’d like to experience. A combined ticket covering both the castle and its grounds will set you back £29 for adults and £13 for children. If you’d rather skip the castle itself, garden-only tickets are available at £17 for adults and £8 per child.
The castle gardens welcome visitors between 10am and 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. Do note that the gardens are shut on Mondays, with the exception of bank holidays and throughout August, when they remain open seven days a week.
Roll with the lobsters near Derek Jarman’s house in Dungeness, Kent
Dungeness is a place of wild beauty, a stretch of coast that knows fierce winds. Artist and gardener Derek Jarman’s cottage roof blew off at least once and the wind regularly wreaked havoc with his planting. Stubborn plants survive on this vast shingle beach and just as stubborn is the Snack Shack, with its opening times dependent on the weather, as its website says. On fair weather days it’s an ideal place to have lunch as you explore the peninsula. If you’re in luck they will not have run out of lobster rolls among other freshly caught seafood delights. Paying homage to Jarman and eating outdoors here replenishes the soul. Charlotte
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Captain’s tables on the Brittany coast
Captain Marée, a 30-minute cycle from Vannes in Brittany, is a collection of mismatched tables and chairs beside two shacks on a shellfish farm on the Gulf of Morbihan. Here, you’ll find a simple menu featuring fresh oysters and mussels, all served by welcoming staff. The place offers wonderful views of the gulf and if you are really into your seafood, few places could offer better quality or a friendlier atmosphere. Kelvin Atkins
Watch for seals on the Isle of Arran
Cladach Beach House is tucked away at the end of the strand in Brodick, on Arran. Outdoor cocktails (with a large dinosaur sculpture) if its sunny, a cosy fire inside the shack by the big windows if the weather closes in. It’s an adorable mix of homemade and glamorous as you watch for seals. Clara
Select your fish from the daily catch near Narbonne, France
La Perle Gruissanaise. Photograph: Gautier Stephane/Alamy
La Perle Gruissanaise lies at the end of the reclaimed wild end of Chalets beach not far from Narbonne in the south of France. Select your fish from the daily catch, and it’ll be expertly cooked by the chefs along with a selection of homemade sides. Then, grab a carafe of local chilled wine and take your seat on the wooden benches. There’s no table service and no reservations, just great food and drink – and uninterrupted views over the Mediterranean to the horizon. Alternatively, they’ll put together a fantastic platter to take away and enjoy at home or on the beach. Doug
A thatched classic in County Sligo, Ireland
Beach Bar at Aughris head, Templeboy. Photograph: PR
The west of Ireland is a rugged place full of nooks and crannies. In one of them is the Beach Bar at Aughris head, Templeboy. Follow the handmade signs that direct you off the main N59 Sligo road. Eventually, the road peters out at the curving beach overlooked by the thatched Beach Bar. There you can enjoy a bowl of chowder, local seafood and meaty classics, alongside friendly locals. On a fine day, you can sit outside and take in the majestic view across the sea to Sligo and beyond. Tony Moon
Watch the sunset over the Libyan Sea in Crete
Matala Beach at dusk. Photograph: Westend61 GmbH/Alamy
Perched above Matala’s legendary bay in southern Crete, Petra & Votsalo (on Facebook) is a gorgeous beachside taverna. Harris, the owner, greets everyone like family and sets an easy, unhurried tone. Two courses and a cold beer cost about €20. The terrace glows as the sun sets into the Libyan Sea. Order a starter of creamy, flaky tiropita cheese pastries followed by rich, tender stifado and an ice-cold Mythos. Finish with complimentary family-produced raki as waves roll in and light fades over the bay. James Merriman
Cocktails in a medieval tower on the Adriatic in Croatia
Photograph: Matyas Rehak/Alamy
Massimo cocktail bar (on Instagram) is the place to experience sunset on Korčula, Croatia. Space is limited so get there early. And if you don’t like heights or struggle with steep ladders, give it a miss! Your drinks will arrive by pulley from the bar below and, as you sit at your table on top of the medieval tower, you can see for miles across the sea to the neighbouring islands. The margaritas are highly recommended but remember you have to get back down the same way, so best to stick to one or two. Gill
A beach bar for all seasons near Lisbon
Photograph: Volodymyr Goinyk/Alamy
The Bar do Guincho in Cascais near Lisbon is that rare thing, a beach bar for all seasons. It’s perfectly positioned for stunning Atlantic views and combines a rustic, welcoming vibe with a lively atmosphere. I have enjoyed the sunshine and a cocktail on the terrace there after lazing on the beach, but I’ve also cozied up by its blazing log fire in autumn with a warming bowl of fish soup. It’s an easy day trip from Lisbon, too – there are trains every 30 minutes from Cais do Sodré and the journey takes 40 minutes. Then you get the regular No 15 bus or a taxi to beautiful Praia do Guincho, which takes about 20 minutes. Nicoletta
Seafood shack on the Black Sea, Bulgaria
Where Bulgaria meets Turkey on the Black Sea, you’ll find the sleepy resort of Sinemorets. The place has an eccentric feel, but nowhere more so than the seafood shack Taliana (on Instagram), which sits right on the rugged coastline. Mussels are a must-try, but everything is as fresh as you’d expect from the location – and incredible value. After driving halfway across the country on a slightly ill-advised trek, we arrived a little desperate, bedraggled and starved so it was great to receive a warm welcome and probably the tastiest meal of our whole trip. Tim Alderson
Winning tip: Puglia perfection, near Gallipoli, Italy
Lido Conchiglie. Photograph: Giuseppe Colasanto/Alamy
Visible from the wide sandy beach at Lido Conchiglie, near Gallipoli in Puglia, Scapricciatiello (on Facebook) perches on a rocky spur reaching out into the sea. With its plastic chairs and paper tablecloths (which double as menus), it could certainly never be accused of being all style over substance. Yet what it offers instead is hard to beat: delicious, fresh local seafood, enjoyed beside turquoise waters. Adventurous diners can follow local tradition and sample the cozze crude (raw mussels), while other choices include spaghetti with mussels or clams, followed by frittomisto or grilled swordfish. Katharine
Nestled along the British coastline is a paradise for rock poolers and fossil hunters — and Conde Nast Travel has named it one of the seven wonders of Wales
It’s the local’s favourite spot by the coast(Image: John Myers)
While Rhossili Bay typically steals the limelight with its three-mile stretch of sand in the Gower National Landscape, this cherished bay is what many locals regard as Wales‘ true hidden gem.
Conde Nast Travel recently unveiled what they deem the seven wonders of Wales, compiled by a Welsh-born traveller, and Dunraven Bay secured its place as one of the nation’s essential destinations.
According to the publication, this is where residents head when seeking a peaceful coastal escape. And, with scenery comprising dramatic cliffs, limestone formations and weathered rock faces, it’s easy to understand why.
Tucked away in Southerndown within the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, the stunning bay is frequently called Southerndown Beach, adopting the name from its neighbouring village.
It boasts some of the finest rock pools along the Welsh coast and is consequently a favourite location for crabbing and fossil hunting. Young children delight in exploring the shallow pools and discovering treasures, as families flock to the bay for a day on the sand.
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Wales is renowned for its stunning mountains, picturesque coastline and rich Celtic history. Sykes has a wide and varied collection of holiday cottages, houses and apartments across the country. Prices start from £35 per night with current deals.
One previous visitor shared their experience on TripAdvisor, writing: “We visited Dunraven Bay last Saturday; it was an amazing trip to a beautiful beach. The rock pools are super; we found some very interesting items, including an intact Gryphaea, one of the genera known as ‘devil’s toenails’.
“The beach is very clean, and the sand leading up to the sea is soft. There is a beachside shop that sells hot and cold drinks and ice cream, along with a picnic area for those with their own food.”
Visitors to the beach will find a generously sized, conveniently situated pay-and-display car park, along with toilet facilities. The bay also boasts a charming café and restaurant, perfect for a leisurely lunch or light bite, and rounding off the quintessential seaside experience, there’s an ice-cream kiosk.
A further visitor shared: “Absolutely beautiful. Especially if you’re a tourist hoping to get good photos of a beach. I went alone, and for the most part, I felt completely safe. There are pockets of people and people alone just hoping to enjoy the sun during low tide.”
History and folklore
The bay was once thought to have been an ancient Iron Age hillfort, which subsequently became Dunraven Castle, a structure that has long since disappeared. In its place lie the crumbling ruins of the castle and its former walled garden, tucked away from the shoreline.
The bay is steeped in mysterious legend, notably that of the ‘wreckers of Dunraven’, who were said to have cunningly fastened lanterns to sheep in order to lure passing vessels. They would draw the ships towards Tuskar Rock before swooping in to plunder their cargo.
The most notorious ‘wrecker’ was one Walter Vaughan, who, following tremendous personal loss and financial devastation, turned to ‘wrecking’ out of sheer desperation.
To evade detection, legend suggests that no sailors or boat crew survived the wrecking, as they would routinely kill those onboard once they reached the shore.
Some claim that on the anniversary of his son’s death, Vaughan’s ghost returns to the beach, and those passing by can hear his chilling wails.
LOVE a holiday but hate a long flight? Bilbao should be your go-to destination.
It’s the closest major Spanish city to the UK — flights take just an hour and 45 minutes — but is now even easier to visit thanks to Tui’s new city break packages.
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Bilbao is the nearest major Spanish city to the UKCredit: GettyKnowing where to start with Spanish tapas — known as pintxos in northern Spain — can be hardCredit: Getty
These include flights from Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and Bristol.
Tui Commercial Director Chris Logan said: “Bilbao offers a truly special city break. With incredible art, fantastic food and beautiful scenery all in one trip, it’s ideal for customers who want the authentic taste of Spain.”
After a sunshine stay in the city this month, Kara Godfrey reveals everything you need to know about it . . .
WHY SHOULD I GO?Spain is set to hit record tourism numbers this year, expecting to reach 100million for the first time. So trying to find a quieter destination to visit can be tricky.
But Bilbao gets just a fraction of the tourists — just 1.6 million visited last year compared to Barcelona’s 16 million. The city is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Bilbao BBK Live music festival.
ARE THESE STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? Most of the city’s top attractions can be walked between, taking no more than 30 minutes.
There are extensive bus, tram and metro systems if you need to rest your feet. But with the beautiful estuary running through the city, you’d be mad not to want to explore by foot. Want to grab a taxi? Opt for the Spanish Cabify rather than Uber, as it is normally more affordable.
ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKETLIST? The impact of the Guggenheim Bilbao museum since it opened in 1997 has been huge. So powerful, in fact, it created the phrase “the Guggenheim effect”, which is when a huge architectural project transforms a destination.
Tickets to the museum come with a free audio guide (from £13, see guggenheim-bilbao.eus) which helps to understand the modern art pieces ranging from sculptures to paintings.
The 43ft floral sculpture Puppy, by Jeff KoonsCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
One of the most popular — and my favourite — is installation The Matter Of Time, where mighty steel walls guide you throughout the space.
Other current exhibits include work by Ruth Asawa, a Japanese-American artist known for her unique wire sculptures.
Also on display at the museum are the 43ft floral sculpture Puppy, by Jeff Koons, and 30ft spider creation Maman. by Louise Bourgeois.
Afterwards, make sure to take a ride on the bright-red Artxanda funicular, which takes you to the top of Mount Artxanda for the best views of Bilbao. Tickets cost from £3,. Check out funicularartxanda.bilbao.eus.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT? Knowing where to start with Spanish tapas — known as pintxos in northern Spain — can be hard.
But help is at hand. Tui Musement offers locally guided food tours to take you to gastronomic highlights off the beaten track.
We gorged on everything from Spanish omelette to spicy mushrooms, while learning a bit about the history of them courtesy of our guide Cristina.
Guided tours aside, if you just fancy hopping between tapas bars for snacks and drinks — a practice locals call txikiteo (pronounced chee-kee-tey-oh) — do try all of them at Plaza Nueva.
My number one was Cafe Bar Bilbao for its tasty pork sliders, as well as Taberna Ona for freshly sliced Iberian ham.
Just expect to have people waiting in the wings for your table — seats are much sought after.
I FANCY A DRINK: The most famous Bilbao drink is txakoli, a Basque white wine which you can find pretty much anywhere. Squeeze into the family-run Taberna Basaras, a tiny bar with barrels for tables and bottles from floor to ceiling, for a hearty glass.
You might also spot the locals ordering a mariano, a vermouth “daytime” cocktail that’s lighter than a negroni.
But only order if you’re ready for an early night — it certainly packs a punch.
The adult-only Axel Hotel has one of the city’s only rooftop swimming poolsCredit: supplied
WHERE SHOULD I STAY? For some of the best views, try 5H hotel The Artist where a rooftop bar overlooks the Guggenheim.
Another stylish option is the adult-only Axel Hotel, which lays claim to having one of the city’s only rooftop swimming pools. The covered Skybar right next to it is a great place to dry off, over a cocktail or two.
Even the basic rooms have views of the estuary and Old Town, each one snug but chic — think industrial interiors with extremely comfy beds.
Also save some time for the wellness area, too, where you can book a massage or just relax in the sauna and hot tub.
GO: BILBAO
GETTING THERE/STAYING THERE: Three nights at Axel Hotel Bilbao, room only, with return flights from London Gatwick on May 17, is from £306pp. See tui.co.uk.
OUT AND ABOUT: Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local is from £75pp. See tuimusement.com.
THE £23million Hotel Indigo Torquay by IHG is newest hotel on the English Riviera in Devon.
Here’s everything you need to know.
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There’s a new £23million hotel on the English Riviera with sea viewsCredit: The Sun – Cyann Fielding
Where is the Hotel Indigo Torquay by IHG?
Standing on the site of the old and once thriving Corbyn Head Hotel, Hotel Indigo Torquay by IHG is the newest kid on the block.
What is the hotel like?
The hotel looks like a sleek cruise liner docked on the English Riviera, offering front-row seats to the paddleboarding and jet skiing action of Torbay.
The hotel features a stylish interior throughout, with cool blues, silvers and golds.
The theme mimics the sea, with a touch of Art Deco luxury as well.
From the rooftop bar, you have the added benefit of sprawling sea views.
The hotel is a touch of luxury for less, on what has long been a rundown coastal stretch.
With £300million currently being pumped into the English Riviera (formed of Paignton, Torquay and Brixham), Hotel Indigo is leading the charge.
What are the rooms like?
The hotel boasts 153 luxury rooms.
This includes sea view suites, where you will find a stylish throw back to the 1930s – the height of Agatha Christie’s fame – with coastal blues and glimmers of Art Deco silver.
There’s lots of space too with a king size bed, a marble clad en-suite and a separate lounge area with a sofa bed that looks over the waves crashing on the shore.
Fancy a tipple?
The mini-bar in the room is a ‘best of Devon‘ showcase, with fresh orange juice, local milk and a Nespresso machine with hand-crafted mugs for morning brews by the sea.
A standard king-size room in April for two people including breakfast starts from £83 per night.
The hotel looks like a cruise liber that has dockedCredit: The Sun – Cyann Fielding
What is there to eat and drink there?
The hotel has an all-day bistro called Root and Reef with dishes full of locally sourced ingredients.
I opted for a French onion soup, followed by steak and chips and then creme brulee – all cooked to perfection.
Breakfast is a feast as well, with fresh hot and cold dishes, made to order dishes and an array of continental items.
It is a no brainer – eat at the hotel.
The hotel has an all-day bistro called Root and Reef with dishes full of locally sourced ingredientsCredit: The Sun – Cyann FieldingBreakfast is a feast as well, with fresh hot and cold dishes, made to order dishes and an array of continental itemsCredit: The Sun – Cyann Fielding
What else can you do there?
The hotel is just metres from the beach and moments from a variety of activities that the nearby towns of Paignton, Brixham and Torquay have to offer.
One top spot, around a 15-minute drive away is Kent’s Cavern – also known as ‘Britain’s oldest home’.
Inside, visitors can explore limestone rock caves that are nearly 400million-years-old and hold evidence of Neanderthals and early humans… as well as discarded teeth of Ice Age beasts like the woolly mammoth.
Around a 15-minute drive away is Kent’s Cavern which is also known as ‘Britain’s oldest home’Credit: The Sun – Cyann Fielding
Is it family friendly?
Out of the 153 rooms, there are three designated family rooms.
The hotel doesn’t have kids play facilities, so I would say that these rooms are mostly suitable for families with older children.
The hotel also has pet-friendly rooms where you beloved pooch will be more than spoilt with treats and their own bed.
Is the hotel accessible?
Eight of the rooms across the hotel are accessible, featuring lower dressing areas, adapted wardrobes and wider doors to allow for wheelchairs.
Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspirationclick here.
A standard king-size room in April for two people including breakfast starts from £83 per nightCredit: Supplied
