village

I visited the tiny seaside village so perfect you have to pay £10.90 to get in

It was once owned by William the Conqueror and is one of the few privately owned villages left in the UK.

The honourable John Rous has a proud smile on his face as he tells me: “The village is built on a 400ft cliff overlooking a gorgeous bay with a living community, there’s nothing else like it.”

Mr Rous inherited the privately owned village of Clovelly on the North Devon coast from his mother, Countess Mary Rous, in 1983 and has since continued to develop and preserve what is one of the UK’s most unique destinations. Clovelly was recorded in the Domesday Book in the 11th century as the property of William the Conqueror. The estate was later inherited by his wife, Matilda of Flanders, England’s first crowned queen, before being purchased in 1738 by the Hamlyn family for £9,438.

Today, Clovelly remains one of the few privately owned villages in the UK and is now owned by the Hamlyns’ descendants, the Rous family. It continues to function as a thriving community, with around 250 residents living in 80 cottages throughout the car-free village, while also being a popular tourist destination that welcomes around 150,000 visitors each year.

When you arrive in Clovelly, you must pass through a visitor centre, where admission costs £10.90 for adults and £6.25 for children aged seven to 16. After taking over the estate in 1983, Mr Rous explains how there was a backlog of repair work that needed to be done. In order to pay for the work and maintain the upkeep of the village, he decided to create a visitor centre where all of the money raised would be redistributed into the village.

“We put together a plan to create the visitor centre and the money created there helps the maintenance of the whole village which is great,” Mr Rous, 75, said. “Fortunately, it all worked out financially and we’re still here today.”

After passing through the visitor centre, visitors can stroll down The Hobby Drive before reaching the cobbled High Street which leads down to Clovelly’s harbour 120m below. Cassandra McFarlane moved to the village from South East London in 2021 and now lives at the top of the High Street in a cottage she describes as “the best in the village”.

“I’ve been here around five years now and absolutely love it,” she says. “It’s like time has stood still in Clovelly, it’s like going back to 1950s Britain. Everyone talks to you, everyone’s polite, you don’t get anti-social behaviour. It’s just a blissful place to live. It’s so peaceful.”

She adds: “It’s very, very safe here. There’s no cars or noise and you have these amazing views. It’s beautiful. You go to sleep at night and hear the owls hooting and you wake up to birdsong or the village woodpecker. It’s just an idyllic place to live and visit.”

While Mr Rous has focussed on developing a tight-knit living community, he also understands the importance of tourism to keep Clovelly intact. The village attracts up to 150,000 people every year, with the majority of them visiting for just a day.

Ms Mcfarlane says: “People sometimes ask me if I get fed up with the tourists and I say: ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds you’. We’re very lucky they still want to come and see the village because all of the money they spend to get in here is reinvested in the cottages.

“But also, I meet such lovely people who visit. Most people come here for a day and arrive at 10am and are gone by 4pm. Then it’s back to just the 250 of us.”

Mr Rous adds: “We’re quite fortunate to have a number of day visitors. They arrive after 10am, enjoy the village, and then are mostly gone by 5pm. The village then returns to its sleepy self. We do have people staying in the hotels obviously but they always appreciate and respect the village.”

As well as boosting tourism numbers, the decision to charge an entrance fee to Clovelly, rather than a car park charge, has allowed for a renovation of the historic cottages. Some of the properties date back to the 15th century and require regular maintenance throughout the wetter and windier months.

The regular income has also allowed Clovelly to maintain its policy of having no second homes or absentee landlords. Mr Rous, who lives on the estate which also includes 700 acres of woodland, three large farms and a sawmill, acts as the landlord for every cottage in the village and maintains a close relationship with the tenants.

“I say to people that if you love a traffic-free area or have always wanted to live by the sea, but you can stand visitors, Clovelly will be perfect for you,” Mr Rous explains. “We advertise for the properties but do like to speak with more than one applicant to see who fits the village best.

“We have some families that have been here for generations but also have new ones coming in which is great. The older people give stability to the village while the youngsters give it vitality. It’s the best of both.”

Another feature that makes Clovelly a truly unique village is its use of sledges, which largely replaced donkeys by the 1970s, to transport groceries, laundry and furniture up and down the 400ft cobbled high street. While the sledges might seem like a gimmick to visitors, they perfectly represent how the community has adapted to modern times while preserving its 1,000-year-old past.

“Everyone has their own sledge and they go past every day. I’ve even seen someone take a grand piano down the hill! It’s truly unique,” Ms McFarlane explains.

As there are no chain supermarkets in the village, locals order their groceries to be delivered. When the delivery drivers see “Clovelly” on the address, they give the customers a 15-minute warning so they have time to head to the top of the High Street with their sledge.

Ian Roberts, the manager of The New Inn located half-way down the High Street, is one of 70 staff who are employed to work on the estate throughout the year.

“The New Inn is around 500 years old and remains steeped in history. We [the village] have been here since the days of William the Conqueror and try to keep some of that history,” the 62-year-old says. “There’s so much history in Clovelly, it’s a very unique place. Visiting here is a great opportunity for people to see real history.”

The New Inn has also benefitted from a sympathetic restoration in recent years, preserving its character and enduring charm. The hotel once hosted Charles Dickens who wrote of the cobbled streets and cliffs in “A Message to the Sea”.

Likewise, Charles Kingsley, the 19th-century novelist and poet, lived in the village as a child. After his wife visited Clovelly for the first time in 1854, he wrote: “Now that you have seen the dear old Paradise you know what was the inspiration of my life before I met you.”

“It really is unique here. Places like this are very difficult to find in the UK now,” Mr Roberts, who manages The New Inn with his wife Theresa, adds. “It’s well worth a visit and the views alone are stunning – it’s Instagramable!

“People come here to eat, sleep, rest, relax and enjoy themselves. They come here to get away from the real world and refresh themselves.”

According to the hotel manager, Clovelly can become flooded with visitors over the warmer summer months, including coach loads of day-trippers from across the UK. Two of those tourists are David, who has visited Clovelly once before, and Margaret Herbertson, who is visiting for the first time.

“We didn’t know much about Clovelly before we got here,” Margaret, 75, says. “We obviously Googled it, and did a bit of research, and it looked amazing so we thought we’d come for a visit.”

While standing at the top of the High Street, overlooking the historic 14th-century harbour, David, 78, adds: “Yes, we’ve read about the donkeys going up and down with sledges to transport items. I found that interesting. It’s just a beautiful and peaceful place. I’ve been here once before when I was younger and it doesn’t look like it’s changed much.

“Where we’re stood now overlooking the sea it’s amazing. I don’t think there are many places like it around.” Margaret adds: “It’s unique, isn’t it? What I love is how quiet it is. There’s no cars and no rush.”

While Clovelly is a tranquil fishing village with just 250 inhabitants, there is still plenty to do for visitors. As well as soaking up the sweeping coastal views out the Atlantic, visitors have access to the South West Coast Path, which includes a hike to Mouth Mill Beach.

Ms McFarlane adds: “There’s also loads to do here which people don’t always realise. You can take the ambience in, you can go for walks in the area, we’ve got a museum, we’ve got a few nice little shops, the beautiful harbour, blissful gardens.”

The Clovelly Court Gardens, located at the top of the village, are a perfect spot to relax while visitors can also learn about local history at the Fisherman’s Cottage and the Kingsley Museum and Shop. The village is also the proud host of a number of festivals every year, including the Seaweed Festival in May, the Maritime Festival in July, the Lobster and Crab Feast in August and the Herring Festival in November.

“Around 120 years ago, Clovelly was just a fishing village with a lot of fishing a little bit of tourism. Now, it’s a little bit of fishing, which I’m keen to preserve through a number of festivals like the Lobster and Crab Festival, and a lot of tourism,” Mr Rous adds.

“We’ve maintained a living community while avoiding becoming a seaside village full of holiday lets. It’s such a welcoming place and the people are so proud to be associated with the village.”

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Gateway to the South Downs: take the train to a picture-perfect village with a cracking pub | Sussex holidays

Wisteria and clematis hang from weathered cottage walls. Tulips and pink apple blossom spill out of several gardens. Thatched animals decorate the rooftops. There’s a Norman church, a medieval castle and an 80-hectare (200-acre) nature reserve. Amberley is the kind of place people assume you can only reach by car, but the village has its own railway station with regular direct trains, along the scenic Arun Valley line, from Bognor, Horsham and London Victoria.

This spring, the Black Horse pub reopened in Amberley. The new owners are the gourmet Gladwin brothers, Oliver and Richard, returning to their Sussex roots near Nutbourne Vineyards. Having founded five Local & Wild restaurants in London, the Black Horse is their first country pub and first place with rooms.

I’ve walked through Amberley numerous times, but never stopped to explore. It’s the midpoint of the South Downs Way, a 100-mile route from Winchester to Eastbourne, with views for much of its length in both directions: north across the Weald and south towards the sea.

Black Horse pub in Amberley. Photograph: Dave Watts

Trains leave London every half an hour and take about 1hr 20mins to get to Amberley. The scenery outside gets steadily lovelier, passing blackthorn-bordered fields and bluebell woods. Beyond Pulborough, the railway enters the South Downs national park. There are herds of deer, chalk-hill views and the winding River Arun.

My first stop is Amberley Museum (two for the price of one with a voucher if you travel by train). Sprawling across more than 14 hectares (36 acres) of former chalk pits, it has impressive disused lime kilns and demonstrations of everything from broom-making to printing.

It’s right opposite the railway station and I’m planning a 45-minute whiz round before strolling into the village. Three hours later, I’m still there, riding the narrow-gauge railway and chatting to volunteers with encyclopedic enthusiasms for various traditional crafts. Visitors can hear the rattle of old machines and smell the printers’ ink, pine shavings, brick dust and engine oil. There’s a whole building about communications through time, from horse-drawn post carts to fibre-optic cables. The Tools & Trades History Society has intricate displays involving bee-smokers, hoop drivers, moulding planes, straw splitters and spindle grinders.

Above the museum’s main site, a nature trail leads up, through banks of bluebells and primroses, to a hilltop bench. Across the chalk cliffs of the old quarry and tall sycamores with their nesting rooks are views of the fortified walls of Amberley Castle, a bishops’ residence dating mainly from the 14th century.

I pass the castle on my 20-minute amble into the village and stop off at neighbouring St Michael’s church to admire the zigzagged Norman arch, oak leaf-carved doorway and graveyard cowslips. I check into the Black Horse, then head out again to explore Amberley Wildbrooks nature reserve, an area of boggy woods and tussock-sedged wetland, which starts two minutes’ walk away from the pub.

A pair of birders with a proper scope show me their photo of the resident white-tailed eagle, then I stroll through golden evening shadows serenaded by linnets and skylarks. No sign of the eagle, but I’m happy to hear warblers in the reedbeds and a woodpecker drumming for bugs. (Next day, I learn one of the area’s best eagle-spotting sites is The Sportsman, Amberley’s community pub, with binoculars on its terrace). I walk for miles along the single boggy track, following the Wey-South Path, a 34-mile (55km) route to Guildford mostly along canal towpaths, before finally heading back.

With bedrooms offering real milk and coffee, Amberley pottery and homemade biscuits, the Black Horse is hospitable. There are wooden beams, hilly views and fresh flowers. Plenty of pubs claim to be haunted by a “grey lady”; the Black Horse reports sightings of a spectral “woman in lavender … fleeting as the mist that settles over the Downs”.

Arundel Castle and the River Arun. Photograph: Adam Burton/Alamy

The renovated pub’s wood-panelled restaurant has an emphasis on local, foraged and sustainable food. Wild garlic season is ending and local asparagus has arrived. Grilled green spears in lemon with purple onion flowers look beautiful and taste better. Salad is dressed with gingery magnolia. There’s squid from Worthing, free-range lamb from the third Gladwin brother and farmer, Gregory, and wines from the family vineyards five miles north.

Many of the diners live locally (some on their second or third visit), while the early breakfasters next morning are mostly hiking the South Downs Way. The chalky hills look tempting in the spring sunshine, but I have other plans. In Arundel, four minutes’ journey south by rail, the nearly 1,000-year-old fortress (£17, gardens only) is hosting its huge annual tulip festival when I visit, having planted more than 1.4m bulbs over the past decade and won Historic Houses’ garden of the year in 2025, among other awards.

From pretty Arundel station, a bee-friendly path leads cyclists and walkers under the railway and beside a field to a safer stretch of pavement. Local community group Greening Arundel has won awards for this path, which is lined with celandines, murals and bug hotels.

Arundel Castle’s gardens. Photograph: Jesus Maria Erdozain Gomez/Alamy

There’s a queue to get into the castle gardens, but it’s easy to see why people come here. With fountains, thatched gazebos and historic walls as a backdrop, there are sweeping beds of multicoloured blooms, banks of scarlet by the moat, lush tubs of peony-style doubles, elegant lily-flowered cultivars and striped Rembrandts among a soft haze of forget-me-nots and the last of the narcissi.

Included in garden entry is the monument-filled 14th-century Fitzalan chapel, where pairs of marble knights and ladies lie side by side. On one of my teenage South Downs’ hikes, I spent hours with a friend searching every church in town for the stone effigies featured in Philip Larkin’s 1956 poem An Arundel Tomb, only to find them later in Chichester Cathedral.

After walking around the gardens, I climb the narrow-stepped Norman keep for views that stretch to the sea. There’s plenty to look at inside the castle, too: paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, rooms full of crossbows and rapiers, lion pelts in the Great Hall, antlers in the corridors.

From Arundel station, I can see the hilltop church and castle, framed by woods and marshes. The scene is up there with England’s other great views from railway stations, such as Durham Cathedral or St Michael’s Mount. Rich in history and wildlife, the trip feels longer and more rewarding than a simple overnight break. Outside the train windows, herons guard the waterways and swans are nesting in the reeds.

Accommodation was provided by the Black Horse pub, doubles from £110 room-only. Train travel was provided by Southern

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Overlooked seaside village with famous neighbour named best in the UK for 2026

This lively village beat seaside favourites from Brighton to Folkestone to be named the best beach location in the UK. But many people overlook it as a destination as a famous seaside town is just down the road

Set along the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, it’s easy to overlook this charming village. After all, you’ve got so much to see on this one stretch of coast, from the classic seaside town of Tenby to the family-friendly Pendine Sands.

Saundersfoot has often been snubbed as a coastal destination thanks to its famous neighbours, but it’s now topped Time Out’s list of the 16 best seaside towns in the UK. The publication summed it up as “an energetic village with one of Wales’ best-looking beaches”, praising its beachfront saunas, independent restaurants, and Blue Flag beach.

Its wide sandy beach has lifeguards during the summer, so you can take a dip in the shallow waters. Next to the beach, you’ll find a charming harbor area where you can see small fishing boats coming in, as well as browse a range of surf shops, cute cafés, and shacks selling snacks and ice cream.

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While you can enjoy strolls along the promenade, it’s not just the sea views that will keep you interested. A series of old tunnels, which used to belong to a railway, are open for walkers, taking you through the heart of the cliffs. The walk from the town to Wisemans Bridge includes lots of places to stop for a cup of tea on the beach, or sometime exploring rock pools when the tide is out.

Away from the seafront, Saundersfoot has a compact high street with the usual seaside town shops, and there’s a focus on independent businesses, so you can pick up artisanal souvenirs and arts and crafts.

Close to the village is the charmingly old-fashioned Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, a holiday park that has its own fairground with vintage rides such as carousels and dodgems. There’s also a small zoo with a barn where kids can get up close and stroke various friendly animals.

Manor Wildlife Park is also just a short drive away. This open-air zoo has a number of trails where you can spot exotic animals from around the world, and includes both an indoor soft play and outdoor playground, so there’s something for all weathers.

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Along the seafront, you’ll find a number of places to stay, such as the St Brides Spa Hotel, famous for its clifftop views across the harbor and beach. The Gower Hotel offers traditional seaside hotel vibes, offering three-star accommodation, as well as a bar and restaurant that serves freshly-caught fish from the sea just steps away.

Despite its newest honour, Saundersfoot remains a relatively inexpensive coastal property spot. According to Zoopla, the average house price last year was £279,000, making it a cheaper place to enjoy seaside living than many other towns on the Time Out list.

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

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‘A diverse and convivial village’: the urban eye candy of Notre-Dame du Mont, Marseille | Marseille holidays

Why go now

Named for its 19th-century neoclassical church, Notre-Dame du Mont was once a site where sailors who’d survived shipwrecks and storms made offerings of thanks. Now locals and visitors make a pilgrimage to this vibrant quarter for its restaurants, indie shops and street art. Voted Time Out’s coolest neighbourhood in the world in 2024, Notre-Dame du Mont has retained its laid-back charm while continuing to grow, stretching south on Rue de Lodi. Since December 2025, the church’s parvis has been pedestrianised. Removing the urban roar of scooters has returned the quarter to its village-like ambience – best enjoyed on one of the many tree-lined terraces.

Where to eat and drink

Fennel salad at Bonnie’s bistro. Photograph: Annie Etheridge

The quarter reflects Marseille’s flourishing culinary scene: diverse, convivial and amplified by young chefs like Scot Megan Moore, who cooks up comfort fare with culinary heft at Bonnies. Its playlists and live jazz nights echo the vintage vibe of this former watering hole. For a taste of the Mediterranean, tuck into small plates and natural wines at Nabu & Jéro wine bar.

For food sur le pouce (on the go), check out the huge sandwiches at Razzia, which you can eat while soaking up the sun on their patio. Down the street at Durum, Sofiane Benouamane traded in his chef whites to make Levantine wraps stuffed with the most succulent meats – so gourmet that the tiny snack bar is lauded by the French gastronomic guide Gault & Millau.

Eco-friendly boulangerie Ferments creates baked delights to enjoy with small-batch coffee. For a slice of Marseille’s signature dish, order a wood-fired moitchié-moitchié (half anchovy, half emmental) at La Bella Pizza. Or, follow the scent of freshly baked crust to the Chez Papa pizza truck at the entrance to the Notre-Dame du Mont metro stop.

Where to shop

Provisions’ shelves are laden with food, wine and culinary books. Photograph: Annie Etheridge2023/Annie Etheridge

Food is also on the menu at many of Notre-Dame du Mont’s shops. Provisions’ wooden shelves are laden with an array of foodstuffs, wine and culinary books, including a small selection in English. Stay for a locally sourced lunch in the cosy shop. The fragrant tea library Lorène Millet brims with more than 200 varieties, and – thankfully – expert staff to help you choose.

Mo:stera Concept Store feeds many interests – coffee, plants and books, with a penchant for manga and graphic novels. A pioneer of the neighbourhood, the vintage fashion shop Out of Space is chock-a-block with retro finds for men and women. Digitale Pourpre stocks a well-curated selection of clothes from independent designers, while Digger Club has a funky mix of vintage finds.

Cultural experiences

La Cave À Vinyle. Photograph: Annie Etheridge

Zones is a gallery that spotlights photographers from the city and the region, and owner Alice Ducheix makes photography “more accessible” by selling affordable prints. La Baleine shows arthouse films in its intimate 88-seat cinema plus restaurant.

La Cave à Vinyle is a bar with the feel of hanging out in the living room of a friend who’s obsessed with music and wine; sample natural, biodynamic bottles to an eclectic soundtrack, from French crooner Jacques Dutronc to the West African fusion Rail Band. Garage, one of Marseille’s many comedy clubs, hosts English-speaking comics on Friday nights.

Don’t miss

Cours Julien street art. Photograph: Salla Dinho/Alamy

At Rue de Village and Rue de Lodi, marvel at the view of Marseille’s most famous monument – and highest point – La Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Stroll over to Cours Julien, the adjacent district, for urban eye candy. Every facade is painted with colourful street art, including the ever-changing staircase that descends to Cours Lieutaud.

Where to stay

Live like a local in the modern rooms with kitchenettes at the 18-room Maison Juste (doubles from €90). Sister property Grand Juste is a former convent with 50 rooms (sleeping up to six people) and a sunny garden (doubles from €93).



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Iconic rocker Brian May blocked from growing daffodils on his village green after council said flowers posed safety risk

BRIAN May has been banned from planting daffodils on his village green after the local council said they could pose a safety risk.

The former Queen rocker planned to donate bulbs for his village green in Elstead, Surrey, but the local council have blocked him.

Bloomin¿ cheek! Queen legend Brian May frustrated as ¿killjoy¿ councillors block plan to plant thousands of daffodils
Brian May frustrated as councillors block his plan to plant thousands of daffodils Credit: Jam Press/Brian May
Bloomin¿ cheek! Queen legend Brian May frustrated as ¿killjoy¿ councillors block plan to plant thousands of daffodils
Brian May previously planted 3,000 bulbs at the church green Credit: Jam Press/Brian May

Elstead parish council said the yellow flowers would obstruct the line of sight of nearby traffic.

The authority added that the daffodils would prevent locals crossing the green and disrupt accessibility.

The 78-year-old’s request was therefore rejected as the council said it had “a responsibility to balance community initiatives with safety”.

Speaking to the Farnham Herald, Sir Brian said: “We’re struggling to imagine how 18-inch stalks could [obstruct] anyone’s view, especially when the green is normally surrounded by parked vehicles including a 7ft-high ice cream van.”

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The guitarist hoped the village green would be another success after he previously planted 3,000 bulbs on the green outside St James’s Church.

Jeremy Hunt, the Conservative MP for Godalming and Ash praised “Elstead’s most famous resident Sir Brian May and his brilliant team of planters for supplying and planting the stunning daffodils for Elstead green”.

The council countered that the village green and the church green were “two very different areas”.

It added that the church green was “more amenable to daffodil planting”.

Jenny Littledale, a local resident, said: “How sad that something so lovely has been turned down for such a ridiculous reason.”

Jenny Else, another Elstead resident and former Waverley borough councillor, said the locals wishes hadn’t been considered.

She continued: “Perhaps a vote should have been taken. There has been so much interest in the proposal.”

Ms Else said that when she had seen a sketch of the proposed area for the flowers, she didn’t think sight lines were under threat.

“There is a large area for any community gatherings during the daffodil season and good pedestrian access,” she added.

Sir Brian shared the news on a blog post, he wrote: “I’ve been quite thrilled to get so many happy comments from the village about this year’s display.

“Probably the best part of it all has been the friends I’ve made here in Elstead.

“And of course thanks to our parish council for giving me the permission to donate spring beauty to our community!

“We were all hoping to adorn the main village green for next spring… But sadly the parish council last night rejected my plan.”

A council spokesperson said: “Elstead parish council welcomes and proactively supports community planting and is extremely grateful to the volunteers who put time and care into projects like this.

“The parish council has a duty to balance the practical usage of our green along with the views of our residents.

“The main village green is used in several ways throughout the year. It hosts key community events, is crossed regularly on foot and is valued by some as an open space.

“As a council, we have said that we very much welcome further discussion about these options and thank everyone involved for their enthusiasm and ideas.”

The spokesman told The Telegraph that the issue had been “portrayed in one way when it’s not actually that at all”. The negative response to the ruling got “out of hand” they added.

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‘Enchanting’ seaside village with ‘giant’s tooth’ in the middle of the beach

Discover a charming coastal village where ancient legends meet family-friendly beaches, featuring the mysterious Carreg Bica – the legendary giant’s tooth rock on its pristine shores

Genuinely Welsh and largely untouched, this thinly populated village is perfectly nestled between dramatic cliffs, creating a breathtaking landscape steeped in mythical legend.

Llangrannog is a charming little village in every sense, yet its beaches remain as stunning as ever, divided by a towering cliff. Cilborth Beach and Llangrannog Beach sit side by side, and at low tide it’s a simple stroll between the two.

The rock positioned in the centre of the beach has a peculiar shape and seems a rather strange place to have emerged from the ground. But this is no ordinary rock – it is more famously known as Carreg Bica, meaning Bica’s rock.

Legend has it that this mysterious rock once belonged to a giant named Bica, who resided nearby in Ceredigion. As the story goes, he suffered from an agonisingly painful toothache and was ultimately left with no option but to wrench his tooth out.

He tore it from his mouth and flung it onto the sand, where it has remained for countless ages, captured in photographs throughout history. It serves as a charming local landmark, and at low tide it can be spotted from both beaches.

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Yet Llangrannog has far more to offer than just its legendary rock, with its beaches providing a natural playground for children and families alike to discover and explore.

As the tide rolls in, it not only reveals a longer stretch of sand but also uncovers a wealth of rock pools, where visitors can hunt for crabs, winkles and limpets.

One visitor described it as a “great day out”, writing on TripAdvisor: “Gorgeous cove with a sandy beach and excellent division for those with dogs. Parked in the top FREE car park and a 15 min walk down. Fabulous cafe with homemade ice cream right on the shore.”

Another shared: “What a find and dog-friendly too! An amazing beach and a real gem. A few good well-priced cafes and a lovely pub all right on the beach.

“Didn’t do park and ride as was able to park by the beach (had to pay, but worth the money, especially as it has an elderly relative, so easy access). Would highly recommend for all ages.”

It’s important to note, however, that numerous reviewers on the platform have lodged serious complaints about the beachside car park.

Many claim to have been “scammed”, receiving parking fines of £100 which have “spoilt” what is otherwise an apparently stunning location.

To sidestep this issue, seeking alternative public parking would be advisable, or better still, there’s a coastal path stretching along the entire area, connecting other nearby beaches to those in Llangrannog village.

For instance, by beginning your day at Tresaith Beach, you can weave a peaceful coastal walk into your plans to reach this spectacular cove while avoiding the reported car park mayhem.

Upon arrival, Llangrannog Beach offers several places to grab an ice cream, enjoy a refreshing drink or have a bite to eat. The Beach Hut, Tafell and The Ship are amongst the establishments tucked along this charming stretch of the stunning coastline.

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Walkers love frozen in time medieval village abandoned for centuries

Nestled in Yorkshire it is one of the most extensive deserted medieval settlements and a fascinating medieval historical site open for the public to freely explore

Visitors flock from all corners of the country to witness what’s considered the UK’s ‘best preserved’ medieval village.

Wharram Percy has stood empty for hundreds of years and now provides a captivating destination for ramblers and heritage lovers.

Tucked away in North Yorkshire, Wharram Percy represents one of Britain’s largest abandoned medieval communities and certainly the most celebrated.

The site is open for the public to explore freely, uncovering the remains of ancient dwellings, a church, and the surviving fragments of a manor house.

Perfectly positioned between sought-after landmarks Scarborough Castle and York’s Clifford’s Tower, it serves as an ideal pit stop for those journeying between these two destinations, reports Yorkshire Live.

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Famous for its dramatic landscapes, historic cities, hearty food, and rich cultural heritage Yorkshire is just waiting to be explored. Sykes Cottages has a large number of properties to choose from with prices from £31 per night.

While admission to the village is free, there’s a £2 parking fee.

Throughout an extraordinary six-decade span, archaeologists have repeatedly uncovered fresh insights into Wharram Percy’s past.

Their discoveries have revealed why the location was originally abandoned and how its residents existed in earlier eras.

Situated on the rim of a Yorkshire valley, this extraordinary community was home to settlements for as long as six centuries before being deserted following the 1500s.

Scholars indicate that even now, traces of former habitations remain visible across the terrain, alongside the more significant ruins that draw inquisitive visitors.

The background is intricate, yet specialists believe the initial community stretches back to approximately 50 BC.

The land was later transformed for agricultural purposes, yet remained abandoned throughout the 5th century, before ultimately evolving into a Middle Saxon settlement.

It’s important to mention that accessing the village involves approximately a 3/4 mile trek from the car park to the main site, which is often both steep and muddy.

The location contains uneven ground throughout, which can present difficulties for some guests and is mostly unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Parking on the Heritage car park off the B1248 prepare for a trek to the village.”

They continued to describe it as a “sharp gravelled decline” and a “daunting” journey that is unsuitable for those with limited mobility, as the route passes through farmland.

After their visit, one excited guest commended their experience, remarking: “Lovely walk from the car park to the site, but people with mobility issues may struggle. It’s a fascinating historical site that has been really well managed.

“Only a few visitors when we visited, which added to the peace and tranquillity of the place. Loved it!”

Another guest commented: “This lovely deserted mediaeval village is truly fascinating! The history is incredible, and it was wonderful to wander around and explore. We really lucked out and had beautiful weather, so we got to sit on the grass by the pond and soak it all in.”

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‘World’s most beautiful village’ with rolling hills is less than hour away from London

This village has been crowned the “world’s most beautiful” and it’s not hard to see why. There you can enjoy breathtaking views, walk along the river and it’s not far from London

The village named the “world’s most beautiful” is just a short train journey from London. In the UK, there’s so much on offer, from “pretty villages” to gorgeous coastal towns.

So if you fancy venturing out of the area this weekend, you must add this village to your list. Beyond its picturesque cottages, historic market towns and stunning views, the Cotswolds has served as a backdrop for numerous films, including Harry Potter. Not only is it appealing to locals, it’s also a great destination to tick off your bucket list if you’re visiting the UK.

Now one woman has declared Bibury as a must-visit location after it was crowned the “world’s most beautiful village”.

In a TikTok post, Amy, who showcases “the best of the UK and beyond”, shared footage with her 169,500 followers offering a glimpse of the gorgeous area.

She said: “This English village was just named the most beautiful in the world where 17th century cottages meet Riverside charm.

“Do you agree? Would it be top of your list?”

In late 2025, Forbes declared Bibury the most beautiful village on the planet. Its most celebrated feature is Arlington Row, where a terrace of 17th-century cottages sits alongside the picturesque River Coln and Bibury Trout Farm.

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Why is Bibury so popular?

Beyond its renowned honey-coloured stone cottages, the village boasts rich heritage and picture-perfect scenery.

While poet William Morris famously described it as the “most beautiful village in England”, Forbes elevated its status just last year by naming Bibury the “most beautiful” globally.

There’s no shortage of things to do either, from wandering alongside the River Coln to taking in the peaceful riverside paths and stunning stone buildings.

Fishing fans, or those keen to give it a go, can visit Bibury Trout Farm, which opened its doors in 1902, making it the oldest and most popular trout farm in Britain.

Nestled in the village centre, you can stroll through the charming streets before diving into the experience.

Bibury’s appeal extends far beyond locals – it’s become one of the Cotswolds’ top tourist hotspots for visitors from all over.

Meanwhile, Bourton and Cirencester are both within easy reach for a day out. Even a brief couple of hours in Bibury is typically enough.

The compact village is ideal for a leisurely Sunday, though the surrounding areas are well worth discovering too.

It’s also featured as a filming location for several high-profile film and television productions, including Stardust (2007) and Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001).

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First look at new £40m train station opening in pretty English village

A FIRST look at a new £40million train station has been revealed.

The hub is set to connect thousands in a rural English village to two major UK cities.

Construction for the new railway station in Charfield in South Gloucestershire began in August 2025 and will host train services for the village for the first time in decades.

Newly paved parking lot with white dashed lines.
Charfield station will boast a 70-space car park Credit: Unknown

Now, locals have been given a first glimpse of the £39.5million project that will provide them with hourly trains to and from Bristol, Gloucester and Yate.

With the station set to open in spring of 2027, a new image of its 70-space car park has been shared.

“This 70-space car park will support future rail users by providing safe, convenient access to the station and is a big step forward ahead of the station welcoming its first passengers in spring 2027,” a spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council said.

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There will also be other facilities built as part of the two-platform station, such as a pedestrian footbridge, bus stop and cycle parking.

Located off of Charfield’s Station Road, the renovation will provide the village with train services for the first time since 1965.

Thanks to funding for the project from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, residents will enjoy fast links to nearby cities and be able to reduce reliance on car travel.

“It will improve the local and regional road network and give people the option of fast, clean travel to the heart of neighbouring towns and cities for work, education and leisure,” said South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration, and Infrastructure, Councillor Chris Willmore.

“We know this project has been a long time coming, and there will inevitably be some disruption while the work is carried out, but it’s an investment for the future of the village and the surrounding area and we are so pleased to be getting on with delivering the infrastructure that people need,” he added.

Charfield is one of five new station builds set to take place in the West of the country over the next few years.

“Local people in and around Charfield will see and feel the difference, with new travel options thanks to regional investment with the support of local and national partners,” said Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin.

“Delivering projects like Charfield station lays the foundations for a better transport system overall for the West of England, building the kind of regional railway network that other places take for granted.”

Two GWR trains side-by-side, with the front of the train in the foreground showing the GWR logo on its yellow nose.
The Charfield station project is set to be completed next spring Credit: Alamy

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Tiny English village with famous gardens named one of the best places to visit in Europe this year

YOU won’t need to travel far if you want to head to one of the best destinations in Europe this summer, as it is right here in the UK.

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens near Cranbrook in Kent, have been named the third best place to visit in Europe this year.

Sissinghurst Castle Gardens near Cranbrook in Kent, have been named the third best place to visit in Europe this year Credit: Getty
The destination features beautiful gardens and a tower with panoramic views Credit: Alamy

According to Travel + Leisure, Jim Strong, a member of Travel + Leisure’s Travel Advisory Board and president of Strong Travel Services said: “Kent is known as the ‘Garden of England,’ and Sissinghurst Castle Gardens do not disappoint.

“The lawns and terraced colors of wildflowers of the area are a treat to the soul.

“A stroll around the grounds is tranquil in any weather, but spring and summer are the highlights.”

Originally starting out as a prison for around 3,000 captured French sailors in the 1700s, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens is a great spot for a family day out.

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When visiting today, you’ll mostly see what has been left by Vita Sackville-West – a poet and writer – and her diplomat husband, Harold Nicolson.

According to The National Trust, when Vita first saw the house she said: “I fell in love; love at first sight.

“I saw what might be made of it.

“It was Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.”

Together they transformed the castle in the 1930s adding the garden ‘rooms’ – different, walled areas of the garden – and planting colourful flowers.

One major feature of the destination is the 80-step Tower, which boasts panoramic views of the surrounding estate.

It used to be Vita’s Writing Room where she crafted her novels and poetry, as well as her weekly gardening column that featured in The Observer.

Her novels included All Passion Spent (1931) and Thirty Clocks Strike the Hour (1932).

If you are visiting for a day, you’ll be able to explore the garden ‘rooms’, including the Rose Garden and the White Garden.

There is then a ‘No Dig’ garden with vegetables, fruits and herbs as well.

There are different themed gardens too, including one that was inspired by a Greek island Credit: Alamy

Another part of the garden is called Delos – it is named after the Greek island and was inspired by the couples’ numerous visits there.

Delos also boasts a number of Greek artefacts including a number of Hellenistic altars that came from the island.

Inside the castle itself, drop by The Big Room (the library), where Vita and Harold used to host events and entertain guests.

If you fancy a little bit of retail therapy and have green fingers yourself, there is a Plant Shop that sells seasonal vegetables and plants that have been grown on site.

Alternatively, head to the main shop which sells a range of items including local products, homeware items and books, including works by Vita and Harold.

If there aren’t enough books in the shop for you though, there is a second-hand bookshop as well.

After all your exploring, grab a bite to eat and something to drink at The Old Dairy Cafe, where you can sit either inside or outside.

And if you want to stay longer in the gardens, then you can book to stay at the Priest’s House Credit: Alamy

At The Granary restaurant, you can grab a bigger meal if you like as well as lunch boxes ideal for kids.

The destination is dog-friendly as well and has two walks you can head off on, which is a great way to see the estate.

For those who want an easier walk, there is a one-mile route but for those who want to enjoy a bit more time in nature there is a three-mile route as well.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden costs from £20 per adult and £10 per child to visit.

If you want to enjoy more time in the gardens, then you can opt to stay at the edge of the gardens in the Priest’s House.

The small brick house is thought to be part of the Elizabethan mansion that made up Sissinghurst Castle, but has been completely renovated inside to make it into a three-bedroom house with cosy fireplaces and wooden beams.

The cheapest Sun Travel could find is for three nights in January 2027, costing £779 (around £43.28 per person per night based on six people staying).

Alternatively, you could stay at Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse which has nine bedrooms on a bed and breakfast basis.

Rooms cost from £235 per night.

In the small village of Sissinghurst itself, you will find a post office and a chippy Credit: Alamy

Our favourite UK hotels

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Margate House, Kent

This stylish boutique hotel is in a seaside townhouse, a short walk from Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants. Decked out with plush velvet sofas, candles flickering and striking independent art, inside feels like a warm welcome home. Rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.

BOOK HERE

The Alan, Manchester

The Alan looks extremely grand, being built into a beautiful Grade II listed building. Spread across six floors, with 137 rooms, each one looks like a fancy design magazine. From the concrete coffee tables to the pink plastered walls, the industrial-inspired designs perfectly replicate the history of the city.

BOOK HERE

The Queen at Chester Hotel

This historic hotel has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry through its doors. Rooms have richly-patterned carpets with super soft bed linen and premium toiletries in the bathroom. Go for a superior room for extra goodies including bathrobes and snack boxes.

BOOK HERE

The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge

This Cambridge hotel is in the ideal spot, within walking distance to bars, shops and hotspots like the university colleges and Parker’s Piece. The inside couldn’t be prettier, with huge stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and rooms with enormous clawfoot bathtubs.

BOOK HERE

Last year, The Telegraph also named the village of Sissinghurst – which is just down the road from the castle – one of the prettiest villages in Kent.

The Telegraph commented that the village boasts “whitewashed, old brick and clapboard houses with a post office, a pub, a church and a village chippy”.

While there isn’t much to do in the village, you could grab some lunch from The Village Chippy such as cod and chips for £9.60.

One recent visitor said: “Stopped by for their seafood platter and oh goodness was it delicious.

“Food quality is excellent and the batter was so good and the chips were delicious – everything was cooked fresh while we waited.

“Highly recommend anyone to go there fantastic food.”

You can also grab a pint from The Milk House, which was the former coaching inn.

Dogs are welcome and there is also a garden area and terrace.

For more villages to explore in the UK, here are the quaint British villages with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs – handpicked by our travel writers.

Plus, here are five pretty English villages that will make you feel like you’re in The Holiday with cosy pubs and cottages.

The Telegraph also named Sissinghurst one of the prettiest villages in Kent last year Credit: Getty

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Fire engulfs more than 200 homes in Malaysian floating village | Newsfeed

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A huge fire tore through the floating village of Kampung Bahagia in Sabah, Malaysia, destroying more than 200 homes and leaving over 400 people displaced. The blaze spread quickly overnight because of strong winds and tightly packed wooden houses.

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That’s where your baggage fees went! Inside the stunning village that was bought by the founder of Ryanair

IN the depths of Ireland is a beautiful village estate with a hotel and restaurant – and very unusual former owner.

Before Michael O’Leary, Ryanair was actually owned by Tony Ryan, who co-founded the airline back in 1984.

Cliff at Lyons is the hotel on the estate – and it has five self-catered cottages
Outside are landscaped gardens and courtyardsCredit: Matteo Tuniz/MediaPro for Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty

And the ex-boss of the budget airline actually bought the Village at Lyons, tucked away in County Kildare, in the 1990s.

The fully restored heritage village – which he owned until his death in 2007 – is around a 30-minute drive from Dublin and includes 47 bedrooms ranging from cottages to apartments.

The recently restored Cliff at Lyons is the country estate’s five-star hotel which has 32 individual rooms and five self-catering two-bedroom stone cottages.

It has a Victorian-inspired glass orangery, an award-winning spa with Finnish barrel saunas and hot tubs, and a lakeside chapel.

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A one-night bed and breakfast stay in one of the Estate Rooms in April starts from €224 (£194.97).

The hotel has great reviews on Tripadvisor with an average of 4.4 out of 5.

One guest said: “The setting is stunning—peaceful, beautifully maintained, and full of charm.”

Another called it a “magical escape haven”.

The estate has several restaurants, including the Shackleton Mill Restaurant which is inside a restored flourmill.

The Pantry is a canal-side cafe in the main Dove Square which is stocked with baked goods like muffins and scones, perfect for a coffee break.

When it comes to a drink, head to The Lyons Den, which is the pub – here you can grab a pint, and some light bites to eat.

Want the 20-acre village to yourself? It is currently up for sale for a cool €20million (£17.5million), along with the wider Lyons Demesne estate,

The Village at Lyons is being sold by Sotheby’s International Realty.

For more on staycations – here are some of our favourite UK hotels…

*If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue

Margate House, Kent

This stylish boutique hotel is in a seaside townhouse, a short walk from Margate’s coolest bars and restaurants. Decked out with plush velvet sofas, candles flickering and striking independent art, inside feels like a warm welcome home. Rooms are stunning, especially the ones that give you a glimpse of the sea.

BOOK HERE

The Alan, Manchester

The Alan looks extremely grand, being built into a beautiful Grade II listed building. Spread across six floors, with 137 rooms, each one looks like a fancy design magazine. From the concrete coffee tables to the pink plastered walls, the industrial-inspired designs perfectly replicate the history of the city.

BOOK HERE

The Queen at Chester Hotel

This historic hotel has welcomed the likes of Charles Dickens and Lillie Langtry through its doors. Rooms have richly-patterned carpets with super soft bed linen and premium toiletries in the bathroom. Go for a superior room for extra goodies including bathrobes and snack boxes.

BOOK HERE

The University Arms Hotel, Cambridge

This Cambridge hotel is in the ideal spot, within walking distance to bars, shops and hotspots like the university colleges and Parker’s Piece. The inside couldn’t be prettier, with huge stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, and rooms with enormous clawfoot bath tubs.

BOOK HERE

Rooms are light and airy with views of the gardensCredit: Cliff At Lyons

Tony Ryan’s family still currently own an estate house in the village, which is not included in the sale.

About the estate, he previously said: “Places like this have roots that run deep, not only into the cultural strata that informed their design and creation over the centuries, but also into the life of the community that continues to enjoy its landscape.”

For more on staycations, here are six of the best staycation deals across the UK from Cotswolds cottages to lakefront lodges.

And check out one of the UK’s best holiday cottages has seals and dolphins swimming offshore where a week-stay costs under £85pp a night.

Cliff At Lyons was formerly owned by Ryanair co-founder Tony RyanCredit: Cliff At Lyons

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‘Prettiest village in England’ will make you feel like you’re ‘frozen in time’

The picturesque village has been named the “prettiest in England” and it’ll make you feel like you’re stepping into a place that’s “frozen in time” with ancient stone cottages

A village named one of the “prettiest in England” will transport you to somewhere that feels “frozen in time”. Whether it’s a place for hiking or seeking the finest coffee spots around town, we all crave a touch of adventure.

Now one travel account dedicated to “explore the UK’s ‘secret’ spots” has unearthed the “prettiest village in the Peak District”. It’s a settlement that’s wonderfully photogenic and brimming with attractions. According to the account, it resembles somewhere “frozen in time”. The location receiving countless glowing tributes is Tissington.

This charming village sits within the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, close to Ashbourne on the park’s southern boundary.

In the TikTok post, the page’s description stated: “I spent some mornings wandering through a place that feels completely frozen in time.

“Walking past these ancient stone cottages and visiting the local tea room felt like stepping into a classic British storybook.

“There’s a unique stillness here – no modern street lights, just the sounds of the countryside and centuries of history in every stone.

“It’s the perfect ‘hidden gem’ for anyone looking to escape the 21st century for a few hours.”

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Top attractions in Tissington:

The storybook settlement showcases stunning cottages arranged around an historic hall, impressive church and duck pond.

Should you explore Tissington Hall, this welcomes guests during specific periods featuring tearooms, gift boutiques and craft outlets.

The tradition of Well Dressing is believed to have originated here, and each Ascension Day five wells are adorned with floral displays as a tribute to God for the gift of water.

Tissington is equally celebrated for its 13-mile traffic-free trail, which is perfectly suited to both walking and cycling, whatever takes your fancy.

Top activities in the village include cycling, exploring the centre, visiting the tea rooms, and touring the hall.

For those feeling a touch creative, the One a Wick and a Prayer Candle Workshop is a much-loved candle-making destination within the village.

While the village itself has no pub, The Bluebell Inn can be found on the A52 near Tissington Gates.

How to get to Tissington:

If you’re coming from London, this is a 153 mile car journey via the M1 which takes around 3 hours.

Public transport is a lot quicker, taking 1 hour and 25 minutes with East Midlands Railway.

Meanwhile if you live more north, it takes around 1 hour and a half from Manchester, or 50 minutes from Stoke.

If you’re coming from Birmingham, this is around 1 hour and 22 minutes by car, while you’re looking at nearly 2 hours drive from Liverpool.

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I spent afternoon in charming UK village with the best fish and chips I’ve ever had

EXCLUSIVE: This award-winning fish and chip shop may be in an unusual location, but its refreshingly simple menu – and the hype around it – prompted me to find out whether it lives up to its reputation

The Scrap Box: Inside award-winning fish and chips shop

A picturesque village just outside one of the UK’s most popular cities left me in awe – and it’s all down to one takeaway. I recently travelled to the delightful village of Dunnington, nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Just 15 minutes from York, Dunnington has retained its peaceful, rural character, home to around 3,000 residents and previously recognised as one of the top 20 best places to live in Britain.

Before heading to the local chippy, I decided to wander through the village with my enthusiastic cocker spaniel, Luna. As I paused to appreciate the daffodil displays, I spotted an impressive wicker horse – a nod to Dunnington’s agricultural heritage.

Luna and I soon found ourselves making our way down a narrow public footpath towards open countryside, where we were met by farmland stretching as far as the eye could see. We stopped here briefly to breathe in the fresh, albeit rather crisp, March air.

After completing our stroll, we returned to the village to explore the local amenities, which featured a Costcutter shop, a bakery, and a pub: The Cross Keys on Common Road.

We also dropped into a local cafe, the Brew and Brunch, where I enjoyed a pot of tea and a delicious slice of Battenberg pie, though, looking back, this wasn’t the smartest choice before my fish and chip lunch.

Fully refreshed, we returned to the car to head towards the star attraction of the day. Just a three-minute drive away sits The Scrap Box, a fish and chip shop run by brothers Gavin and Aman Dhesi.

Situated on the busy A1079 Hull Road, this chippy occupies a rather unconventional location, yet its lay-by setting is arguably a stroke of genius. Perfectly positioned for passing commuters, it was plain to see that trade was thriving.

Earlier this year, The Scrap Box claimed the prestigious 2026 Takeaway of the Year title at the National Fish and Chip Awards – and judging by the rammed car park and lengthy queue already forming in the eatery, it was more than living up to its reputation.

Casting an eye over the menu, I found it pleasingly straightforward and quickly appreciated that the fundamentals are executed brilliantly. Diners can choose from hake, haddock or cod, alongside beloved classics such as sausage and mushy peas, with additional options including Spam or Yorkshire fishcake.

There’s also a lunchtime special available between 11am and 3pm throughout March – a tempting combination of hake and chips with a side, all for the very reasonable sum of £8.95.

For my own order, I opted for the classic cod and chips, mushy peas, a pot of curry sauce, and a box of scraps – those irresistible crispy batter fragments fresh from the fryer.

I threw in a can of Monster to combat my post-cake weariness, bringing the grand total to £17.95. After thanking the friendly staff, I made my way to the outdoor picnic tables to dig in, while Luna settled on the grass enjoying her own treats.

Having heard about its reputation as Takeaway of the Year, my expectations were high – and it didn’t disappoint. The fish was cooked to perfection, boasting a light, golden, crispy batter without a trace of grease.

Similarly, the chips were crisp and fluffy on the inside and paired perfectly with the peas and curry. In all honesty, I couldn’t fault it; it was the best fish and chips I’d had in years and a strong contender for the best ever.

So if you happen to find yourself nearby, do yourself a favour and pay it a visit – a resounding 10 out of 10.

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‘Magic’ Italian fishing village that’s hundreds cheaper than the Amalfi coast

IF you want the beauty of the Amalfi coast but without the hefty price tag, then there is an alternative to consider.

The pretty fishing village of Camogli in northern Italy has beautiful multi-coloured houses and has even been dubbed a gem of the Italian Riviera.

Pretty Camogli is a cheaper alternative to jetting off to the Amalfi CoastCredit: Alamy
Camogli has similar qualities to Positano town on Amalfi CoastCredit: Alamy

Camogli sits on the Ligurian Riviera and its main stretch of beach is lined with pretty pastel buildings – much like towns on the Amalfi Coast.

Spiaggia di Camogli is the village’s pebbled beach that is lined with restaurants, cafes as well as sunloungers and parasols.

It’s quite a famous spot so it can get quite busy, especially on the weekend when there are daytrippers from Portofino.

One visitor who recommends visiting in low season said: “Camogli seafront always offers a bit of magic.”

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Another added: “Lovely town, one of the cutest that I have visited in Liguria. Better than most Cinque Terre villages since it has a proper beach!”

One secluded bay that is a must-visit is called San Fruttuoso di Camogli.

On the shore is a 10th-century abbey, crystal-clear water, and the underwater “Christ of the Abyss” statue.

It is only accessible by boat or scenic hiking trails – so it takes a bit of effort to see this one.

Fans of snorkelling should head to another spot called Punta Chiappa.

It’s a narrow rock formation popular for diving and snorkelling because of the amount of marine life seen in the water like snappers and amberjacks.

Visiting Camogli over destinations on the Amalfi Coast could save you money too.

Global booking platform Omio named the village as a cheap and lesser-explored Italian spot.

Doing the maths, Omio worked out that a round-trip from London to Amalfi’s Positano, which requires a changeover in Naples, costs £230.

A round-trip from London to Camogli, which has a stopover in Genoa, costs £74.

So the cost of a round-trip in July to Camogli rather than the Amalfi coast Omio could save up to £156.

San Fruttuoso Bay is a secluded spot in Camogli accessible by boat or a steep hikeCredit: Alamy

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Summers on the Amalfi coast are known for being hot and dry – Positano can reach highs of 33C.

It’s a tad cooler in the north of Italy and Camogli has average highs of 27C in July and August.

Another multi-coloured town along the coastline that you might want to tag onto your trip is Boccadasse.

Like Camogli, it has pastel-coloured houses built on top of cliffs and was a former fishing village.

It’s said to look like it’s ‘frozen in time’, and sits outside the city of Genoa and is a 30-minute drive from Camogli.

You’ll get the best views of the coastline if you walk along Corso Italia which connects Boccadasse to Genoa.

Boccadasse is also has independent restaurants that you’ll want to pop into and try Ligurian specialities like focaccia and pesto-based pasta dishes are served.

For more on Italy, check out this Italian paradise that has British Airways flights and found pretty towns away from the crowds.

And Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot reveals more about the sleepy Italian island village she visited with 40p beers and £1.80 bottles of wine.

Camogli is considered a cheaper alternative to spots on the Amalfi CoastCredit: Alamy

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Tiny village with no street lighting and the country’s smallest listed building

This quirky village boasts England’s tiniest Grade II listed building and residents who love to see the stars at night

England boasts thousands of villages and countless tiny hamlets, each with their own unique stories to share. Communities have been moulded by history, weather patterns, landscape, geology, wildlife, conflict, inhabitants, faith, transportation and commerce.

Yet, one distinctive village in Kent is home to Britain’s smallest listed building. The close-knit community of Otford in the Darent Valley is near Sevenoaks — a town that consistently appears on ‘best places to live’ rankings.

For those yearning to escape city living and immerse themselves in the natural world, one of Otford’s attractions is that the majority of it lacks street lighting. Certain residents have claimed they “like to see the stars” and one recommending to “buy a torch”.

However, one new arrival wasn’t entirely ready for the darkness, recalling: “I remember my shock the first night after we got the keys to our house.

“I’d never been to Otford at night before. But you will get used to it, and grow quite fond of it, very quickly. Just wait for the first full moon with clear skies and suddenly the penny will drop for you.”

One long-term resident remarked: “Otford doesn’t have street lights as it’s a village not a small suburban town. There are very few people living in Otford who I think want street lights due to light pollution as it’s lovely at night when the skies are clear to see the moon and stars so easily”, reports Kent Live.

The village is home to approximately 3,500 residents, and locals are described as “really friendly” and “lovely”. Surrounded by countryside, it offers the “fresh air” that residents treasure, along with beautiful walking routes.

It’s also conveniently near the M25 and boasts rail connections to London, with journeys taking as little as 35 minutes to London Bridge with one change.

Another intriguing feature of this village — something of a claim to fame — is its diminutive Grade II listed structure, which happens to be England’s smallest. Its occupants are of the web-footed variety, as it’s actually a duck house situated in the village pond.

Historic England said: “The award for smallest listed structure goes to the Duck House in the middle of Otford Village Pond roundabout in Sevenoaks. This rubble and brick circular house shelters the luckiest ducks in England – they enjoy a food allowance from the Parish Council!”

If you are looking to relocate to Otford, Rightmove states the average property sale price over the past year stood at £810,059. The majority of properties sold were semi-detached, fetching an average of £693,458.

Values rose by two per cent compared to the previous 12 months. By contrast, Kent’s average sale price was £421,327.

Otford also has a Solar System, which is a scale representation of planets’ positions. Created for the Millennium, it guides visitors throughout the village to the various planets in proportion.

The village also features the picturesque River Darent, four churches, a village pond, pubs, cafes and shops. If you enjoy travelling back through time, you’ll adore Otford as its history and archaeology reveal people have inhabited this spot for no less than 3,000 years: including farmers during the Iron Age, Romans and Royalty.

Over the years, there has been a palace, a poor house, and a manor court. There’s a heritage trail, a Millennium Mosaic and more attractions to explore, all of which can be discovered on the Otford Heritage website.

The Bull Pub, located on the High Street, is an ancient coaching inn with roots dating back to 1512. The pub is owned by WH Pubs, who also operate The Chaser Inn in Shipbourne, The Little Brown Jug in Chiddingstone, and two other establishments in Kent.

For those keen to delve deeper into Otford’s history, a visit to Otford Palace is a must. This site was once home to the Archbishop’s Palace, dating back to 821 AD.

In 1515 AD Archbishop Warham constructed one of England’s grandest palaces, slightly surpassing Hampton Court in size. Sadly, the buildings fell into disrepair in the 17th Century, and today only part of the North Range remains.

The North West corner tower, part of the Northern Gatehouse and a connecting wall, which has been converted into a row of three quaint cottages. The site, including the Palace Field, is open to visitors.

In 1519, the hunting-obsessed Henry VIII stayed at Otford Palace with his companions, pursuing game in the vast deer park attached to the palace grounds. Between 1532 and 1533, Princess Mary, the future Queen of England, took refuge there amidst the political and religious upheaval that followed the dissolution of her mother’s marriage to Henry.

Ownership of Otford Palace was transferred to a trust in the early 2020s, preventing it from being turned into a housing development.

If you’re up for a five-mile circular walk and prefer not to drive, the railway station is just a third of a mile from your starting point. This route is known as the Otford Walk.

It takes you out of the village, along tracks, over several stiles, through wooded areas and high onto the North Downs for breathtaking views of the countryside. You can park for your Otford Walk in the High Street opposite the Bull Pub.

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Fairytale Cotswolds village with charming cottages is regularly named one of UK’s best

The Cotswolds are home to picture-postcard towns and villages bursting with character, yet there’s one that stands out from them all with its famous street and prestigious title

A beautiful Cotswolds village has earned worldwide attention, thanks to its fairytale charm and famous cottages.

With honey-hued architecture, sweeping countryside hills and storybook villages, the Cotswolds undeniably boast some of the most breathtaking scenery in the nation. So much so that many of its settlements have been graced with their very own prestigious accolades, thanks to their quintessentially English charm.

There’s the Gloucestershire village of Bourton-on-the-Water with its low, stone bridges that has been dubbed the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, the pretty Worcestershire village of Broadway, known as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, and the historic West Oxfordshire town of Burford, notably referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. Yet among these gems is a village that has frequently been hailed as the most beautiful not only in the Cotswolds but in the world.

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Nestled in Gloucestershire and in the heart of the Cotswolds, is the picturesque village of Bibury. It’s characterised by its ancient honey-coloured stone architecture, winding River Coln and the Rack Isle water meadow, and is conveniently positioned just a short drive from the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, Cirencester.

Bibury has garnered worldwide attention, being named the most beautiful village in the world by Forbes in September last year, and previously called one of the world’s most picturesque villages. English textile designer and poet, William Morris, also described Bibury as ‘the most beautiful village in England’.

While it’s one of the smaller places to visit in the Cotswolds, it attracts thousands of visitors each year and is home to Arlington Row, one of the most photographed streets. The quaint line of Arlington Row cottages was built in the 14th century as a monastic wool store and converted into weavers’ cottages during the 17th century.

Today, they are home to private residences, but Arlington Row remains Bibury’s most popular attraction and the most photographed place across the Cotswolds. Yet, some houses here have been known to bear a polite sign that reads, ‘No photos please’, as the area tends to get overrun with tourists.

But that doesn’t detract from its undeniable beauty, with the scenic River Coln flowing nearby, alongside pristine green spaces, streams and charming establishments. Over the bridge and directly opposite Arlington Row, is Eleven Bibury, offering a chic café, gallery shop and terraced garden.

Another tourist attraction in the village is Bibury Trout Farm, where visitors can take in the scenic setting before enjoying fishing, crazy golf or a refreshment from the café, or a sweet treat from Kelly’s Ice cream. There’s also The Twig café in the same area, the perfect coffee and cake stop, before wandering around the paths and walking routes that surround Bibury.

For accommodation in Bibury, there’s the holiday rental, Sackville House, The Bothy and Sundial Cottage, or the four-star, The Swan Hotel. While there’s not much to do in the village, its picture-perfect setting, tranquil river walks, and serene green space against its stone cottages are enough to warrant a visit.

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

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My favourite English village is under an hour from London and a perfect day out

GROWING up in Hertfordshire might make me biased, but I believe it has some of the most beautiful hidden gems in the country.

And one of the quaintest of spots has made its way onto Condé Nast Traveller’s list of the 15 prettiest villages near London.

Ashwell Springs is a beautiful spot where families go during the summer monthsCredit: Alamy
The village in the Hertfordshire countryside is less than one hour away from LondonCredit: Alamy

Ashwell is a beautiful and what I’d say is a classic countryside village tucked in-between the bigger towns of Royston and Baldock.

It’s not too easily found and others who have visited described it as being “off the beaten track”.

As a Hertfordshire local, Ashwell happens to be where I have spent many weekends.

It’s the perfect spot for a family day trip, thanks to the springs, old-school bakery, pretty pastel cottages, half-timbered houses and enormous church in the middle of town.

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The springs are one of the most popular spots in the summer months where you’ll see kids in their wellies hopping in and out of the freshwater.

There are stepping stones across the banks if you don’t want to get your feet wet, but lots fall victim to slipping on the algae and tumbling in (including me).

When you’ve worked up a thirst, pop into one of Ashwell’s many pubs, like The Three Tuns, or The Rose & Crown.

And make sure to pay a visit to the bakery in the high street called the Days of Ashwell.

Any Hertfordshire local will know Days, as the bakery has since opened other branches in spots like Ware, Hitchin and Buntingford.

But the bakery started in Ashwell, it was founded there in 1741, making it one of the oldest family bakeries in the UK.

On a sunny day, make sure to head into the bakery first as on busier days and weekends, it will run out of goodies.

You can get pastries, cakes, sausages rolls and freshly made sandwiches.

My order of choice would always be a tuna and sweetcorn roll followed by a pink stripy donut.

Days of Ashwell first opened in the 1700s – and is still on the high street todayCredit: Alamy

For more beautiful places in the UK – here are some of the prettiest seaside towns…

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Sidmouth, Devon
Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.

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Whitby, North Yorkshire
With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.

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Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse, and 13th-century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

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Seahouses, Northumberland
This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.

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Newer spots include Rhubarb & Mustard which is known by locals as the Ashwell Coffee House.

It’s also on the high street, and if you fancy enjoying your cake outside – it has a pretty courtyard out the back.

Ashwell even has its own gallery and museum if you fancy learning more about its history.

Ashwell holds events throughout the year, with one of the biggest coming up next month

On May 10, there’s Ashwell at Home which is a day of live music, dance performances, lots of locals even open up their own gardens so public can have a look around at the pretty flower beds.

There are street food stalls with plenty of drinks – and of course, tea and cake.

On August 31, there’s the Ashwell Show at Elbrook Meadow, where there are horse and dog shows, lots of stalls, and plenty of vintage tractors and cars will be on display too.

As for how to get there from London, it’s easily doable.

Take the direct train from London St Pancras which will get you into Ashwell & Morden station in 47minutes.

From there, you’ll need to hop in a taxi, which takes just 5 minutes to get into the village of Ashwell.

Here are the other 15 prettiest villages near London, according to Conde Nast Traveller

West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

Finchingfield, Essex

Thaxted, Essex

Castle Hedingham, Essex

Ashwell, Hertfordshire

Cookham, Berkshire

Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Mickleham, Surrey

Shere, Surrey

Ripley, Derbyshire

Lurgashall, West Sussex

Alfriston, East Sussex

Firle, East Sussex

Aylesford, Kent

Biddenden, Kent

For more on quaint British villages with toy-town cottages, car-free roads and cosy pubs – these ones are travel writers’ favourites.

And this is the most beautiful village in the world, which is in the UK, and it has a very famous row of houses.

Ashwell is one of the prettiest villages near LondonCredit: Alamy

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Pretty UK village takes you back in time with its cobbled streets and car ban

Van-life traveller Lana says this gorgeous UK village with cobbled streets and turquoise waters is so ‘quaint and dreamy’ it’s like stepping back into the past

This pretty UK village has narrow cobbled lanes and cute shopfronts that will make you feel like it’s the good old days.

Lana, who explores Britain while living in her van, is encouraging people to make the journey to Clovelly in north Devon.

The content creator said: “I had a solo trip to this quaint and dreamy little place with the most picturesque scenery! It was like stepping back in time with no cars allowed and had a kind of a Greece feel to it with the cobbled streets, bright white houses, hanging flower baskets over looking a turquoise ocean.”

She adored spotting donkeys at the top of the village, as well as taking in the breathtaking vistas and indulging in a scrumptious afternoon tea.

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Clovelly boasts dramatic views over the Bristol Channel, a small working harbour, and a really distinctive layout that makes a visit feel like an experience rather than just a stop-off.

People come for the cobbled main street that drops steeply down to the water, the photogenic cottages and flower-filled walls, and the slower pace created by the fact cars don’t use the village streets.

Another reason if feels like stepping back to the past is that goods are traditionally moved by handcarts, and you’ll often see donkeys referenced as part of the village’s heritage.

If you’re planning on visiting, Lana said there’s an entrance fee for the village as it has remained privately owned since Elizabethan times. Visitor charges are roughly £8.75 per person.

Clovelly Court Gardens are an absolute must-see when exploring this famous village, boasting immaculately maintained grounds and beautifully restored Victorian greenhouses.

Be sure to pop into the Kingley Museum or head up to Mount Pleasant – widely regarded as the finest picnic spot in the village

There are also a handful of charming pubs, craft workshops to get stuck into, as well as shops stocking unique and handmade goods.

For ale fans, the Clovelly Brewery sits proudly at the top of this stunning village.

But Lana warned: “It’s on a steep cliff so be prepared for a bit of a walk and don’t be like me and wear flip flops – which also broke so that was interesting on steep cobbled paths.”

Lana recommends visiting on a weekday where possible to sidestep the crowds – and people agree that it’s well worth the journey.

Commenting on the viral video showcasing the village’s stunning beauty, one user said: “Beautiful Clovelly, worth the £9 per adult. Absolutely stunning the £9 ticket is valid for seven days so definitely worth it. Visited the garden too – bought a little plant.”

Another said: “I visited Clovelly some years ago, it’s lovely.” And a third added: “Clovelly, prettiest village ever, been few times.”

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The charming village known as Norfolk’s ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’ railway hotel

THERE’S no place like London’s neighbourhood of Chelsea, or is there?

With a plethora of high-end shops and cafés, one destination in Norfolk has earned itself the nickname of ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, and it’s one of the poshest spots in the area.

Burnham Market in Norfolk is called the county’s Chelsea-on-SeaCredit: Alamy
It’s full of independent shops and high-end restaurantsCredit: Getty

The destination in question is Burnham Market, a beautiful 17th-century village in the north of the county.

It’s considered the ‘Chelsea‘ of the area because of how posh it is – in fact, Burnham Market even made it onto the list of Britain’s poshest villages by The Telegraph in 2024.

While doesn’t have the King’s Road, or the Saatchi Gallery, Burnham Market does have over 30 independent shops and boutiques around the green.

It’s also got small galleries and top restaurants.

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Burnham Market also got its nickname because a lot of properties are second homes owned by Londoners.

Some celebrities have even been reported to have homes there, like Stephen FryAmanda Holden and Anneka Rice.

Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens, who hails from Norfolk, gives us more of an insight into the posh town.

She said: “I grew up just a few villages away from Burnham Market, the fancy seaside destination dubbed Chelsea-on-Sea.

“Everything here centres around the village high street, lined with premium pubs, shops and boutiques on either side.

“Here you’ll find the famous Gurneys Fish Shop, where it’s well worth picking up some homemade fishcakes to take home. You’ll also find posh coastal-themed clothing and interior decor shops like Barefoot Living, Joules and Jack Wills.

“And when you’re done shopping, you can stop for a coffee and a toastie in the trendy Scandi Coffee Co.

“You’ve also got your pick of fancy restaurants here. Michelin star-rated restaurant Socius is the kind of fine-dining spot you’d book to celebrate a special occasion.

“Or, The Hoste Arms is a posh pub with rooms, where you can slink off to a cosy bed after dining on moules marinière or local venison.

“Approaching spring and summer, head a couple minutes down the road to Burnham Overy Staithe, where you’ll find the best secret spot for paddle-boarding along the coast.

“Wander through wild marshland down to the shore, and you’ll see some of the calmest and shallowest waters, perfect for a paddle. And here you’ll see some incredible sunsets.”

For more places to stay in Norfolk, check out Old Hunstanton…

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Old Hunstanton, Norfolk
This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.

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The Railway Hotel has its own cosy converted carriageCredit: Google maps

For anyone who wants to visit, there are lots of beautiful hotels and B&B’s to hunker down in.

But one of note is The Railway Hotel which, as you might have guessed, has railway links.

It was originally the Old Station Master’s House, but has been beautifully refurbished into an eight room hotel.

For train fans, the most impressive room is The Carriage which was used as a train carriage up until 1952, and sits on the former station platform.

The Carriage has been restored and still maintains its look from its train days – it even has its original copper sink.

However, it’s got all the mod cons, from a rainfall shower to a drinks cabinet, Nespresso machine and a Smart TV.

It can be booked from £145 per night.

Holkham Beach is just a 15-minute drive from Burnham MarketCredit: Getty

While Burnham Market isn’t a seaside town, it really isn’t far from the coastline.

Just a 15-minute drive away is Holkham which has a beach that’s considered one of the best in the country.

The seaside spot has great reviews on Tripadvisor with a rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Holkham Beach, often called the jewel of the north coast due to its long stretch of golden sand, is also dog-friendly, has lifeguard services and a beach car park.

It’s café, The Lookout, even has binoculars for its customers so they can look at the local wildlife while enjoying snacks and drinks.

For more on Norfolk, check out Travel Reporter Alice Penwill’s favourite town with an award-winning fish and chip shop.

And here’s the pretty English market town home to one of the weirdest hotels in the UK.

Burnham Market is dubbed ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’ because it’s so poshCredit: Alamy

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Charming UK village has cobbled streets, historic pubs and is near to beach

Tourist, Samuel Carceres confessed he was ‘unaware places in England like this exist’ after visiting a picturesque medieval town that is just two miles from the coast

If you’re after a quintessentially British location to explore that’s perfect for a weekend away, an escape in the south of England comes highly recommended. “I can’t believe places like this in England exist,” confessed visitor, Samuel Caceres in a TikTok video.

The Spaniard shared footage of himself standing on a cobbled hillside street, taking in an array of Tudor architecture after making the journey to the Sussex town from London. “It’s famous for one of the prettiest streets in the UK – Mermaid Street,” Samuel explained as he descended the slope. “This medieval street dates back to the 12th century.”

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The town he’s referring to is Rye, where Samuel kicked off his visit by tucking into a “delicious brunch” at the Whitehouse restaurant.

“I then wandered through the town’s charming little alleyways,” he added, passing independent shops including The Mint Arcade and Curious and Curiouser.

Samuel continued: “There is so much to do here – from climbing the church’s tower to take in the sweeping views – to exploring the church’s grounds and postcard-perfect streets.”

He proceeded to tell his followers they simply ‘can’t miss” the chance to enjoy a pint at the Mermaid Inn – an historic hotel and restaurant that “feels like stepping inside a Tudor castle”.

Samuel also highlighted Rye’s Watchbell Street, drawing attention to the “stunning viewpoints” it provides of the surrounding countryside overlooking the River Tillingham.

He concluded his visit at the “famous” Cobbles Tea Room, where he savoured an afternoon tea. “It was cosy, welcoming, and perfect for homemade scones and a warm cup of tea,” Samuel enthused.

He wrapped up his travel recommendation: “You need to add Rye to your bucket list – it’s the perfect daytrip.”

And he provided additional details in a caption: “Rye is a storybook town full of crooked lanes, medieval charm, and smuggler legends. Once a major port and part of the historic Cinque Ports, Rye lost its seaside access as the coastline shifted, but not its character.

“In the 18th century, it became a hotspot for smuggling, with secret tunnels said to run beneath old inns like The Mermaid Inn. Writers like Henry James found inspiration here, and festivals like Rye Bonfire Night still light up the cobbled streets.”

How to Get to Rye

Discover Sussex has the following advice for those wishing to travel to Rye:

By Car – If you are driving, there are many car parks in Rye including Rope Street car park, the Cattle Market car park (not Thursdays) and Cinque Ports Street car park, which are all within walking distance to the town centre.

By Train – Rye has a beautiful Grade II listed train station, which is located north of the town centre and is only minutes from the high street. Trains run approximately every hour from London St Pancras, which require one change at Ashford International, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.

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Cornwall’s ‘most beautiful’ village with unmatched views and Michelin Guide food

This stunning Cornish village is a must-visit destination with breathtaking views, award-winning Michelin Guide dining, and a vibrant community spirit

We won’t describe this village as a ‘hidden gem’ because its gloriously stylish existence is hardly a secret – in fact, its appeal among the wealthy and well-known only adds to its elusive allure. Nestled snugly at the very tip of a breathtaking peninsula, when we say the vistas stretching out from this hamlet are unrivalled – we mean every word.

If the promise of extraordinary views isn’t sufficient to tempt you into paying a visit, there’s a wealth of further attractions to consider: fresh locally-sourced produce, Michelin guide restaurants serving world-class cuisine, a spectacular waterfront setting and a vibrant community spirit in abundance. All of this and more make the fishing village of St Mawes in Cornwall a certified must-visit destination.

Situated at the furthest point of the Roseland Peninsula, this jewel in South Cornwall ranks among Britain’s most coveted holiday spots, frequently earning the nickname ‘the St Tropez of England ‘. It has everything you could possibly desire in a short break – a crystal-clear cove with waters reminiscent of the Caribbean, charming and colourful cottages brimming with seaside character, eateries impressive enough to leave you in a food coma, and the ribbon topping off an already remarkable package – a castle.

It comes as little shock, then, that The Times recently named it among the ‘most beautiful places to visit’ in England. What is shocking is that it hasn’t yet been completely swamped with tourists – unlike St Ives or Padstow – and that’s likely due to its remote location, which takes time to reach.

Getting to this Cornish village isn’t impossible by any stretch, though – a picturesque car ferry or 40-minute journey from St Austell or Truro will transport you there with ease, reports the Express.

What makes the seaside village special

St Mawes boasts a rich maritime history, having been constructed around a beautiful sheltered harbour on the eastern side of the Fal Estuary – undoubtedly one of Britain’s finest sailing locations.

Upmarket waterfront eateries enhance this hamlet’s irresistible charm, with one of the hotels (Hotel Tresanton) even providing its own yacht, Pinuccia, for charter.

If you need convincing, look to the royals. St Mawes has become a certified Royal Family favourite, with King Charles and Queen Camilla regularly visiting the village during their yearly trips to the area as the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall.

St Mawes appeared to have won over the previous generation of royals, too, with the village described as one of Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother’s preferred destinations during their journeys aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. The appeal is universal (and spans the generations), it seems, as in recent years, Prince William and Princess Kate have also been spotted bringing their family to this coastal gem.

Foodie heaven

For a village with a population of roughly 700 people, give or take, St Mawes punches well above its weight when it comes to dining options, enough to make even the most food-obsessed cities envious.

Dishing up gloriously fresh seafood using locally sourced Cornish produce alongside stunning harbour views, The Idle Rocks is a Michelin Guide restaurant that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression if you pay it a visit.

Another waterfront treasure, Hotel Tresanton, was awarded one of the inaugural Michelin Keys in 2024, celebrating extraordinary hotels worldwide. The cocktails and ambience of the venue are frequently described by guests as ‘top-tier,’ and the spectacular view of St. Anthony’s Lighthouse is the cherry on top.

St Mawes Bakery is another essential stop, particularly for lunch, while the neighbouring St Mawes Seafood Bar serves… well, unrivalled seafood. Evening drinks can be savoured at The Rising Sun or the more traditional Victory Inn, while the St Mawes Hotel is equally brilliant for a sit-down meal. Cafe Chandlers is a fantastic spot for coffee and delectable, freshly baked goodies. Harbourside dining at The Watch House in St Mawes is, quite simply, a no-brainer.

Things to do in the seaside haven

Top of the agenda is exploring St Mawes’ distinctive, clover leaf-shaped St Mawes Castle – a magnificent example of Tudor craftsmanship and engineering. Nearly circular in design, this stunning historical landmark was constructed by Henry VIII.

Children, in particular, will be captivated by the numerous cannons positioned across the castle’s terraced lawns, which command views over the beautiful bay. Boutiques and galleries add an artistic flair that any prosperous village needs to truly distinguish itself, and the Waterside Gallery is an excellent destination.

Summers Beach offers a wonderful sheltered location for swimming (not always guaranteed in Cornwall), while Tavern Beach, nearer to the castle, is ideal for some traditional rock-pooling.

Harbour Beach, situated right in the heart and only reachable at low tide, is the spot to visit with your four-legged friends. It’s worth noting that there are no lifeguards on duty in St Mawes. Be sure to visit Lamorran House Gardens, featuring its charming bridges and cascading waterways.

There’s no shortage of activities in this Cornish village, making it the perfect choice for your next UK break.

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