walks

Wide skies, gentle footpaths through gold and copper wooded hills, thatched cottages, cosy pubs and quirky shops: the Lincolnshire Wolds have all the ingredients for the perfect autumnal mini break. Victorian poet Alfred Tennyson lived in the village of Somersby for most of his first three decades and the local landscapes echo through his verses. In The Lady of Shalott: “Long fields of barley and of rye / That clothe the wold and meet the sky …”

The Lincolnshire Wolds National Landscape covers an area of 216 sq miles. On its southern boundary, halfway between Lincoln and the coast, the friendly market town of Horncastle bills itself as the “gateway to the Wolds”. With handsome brick houses, great cafes, a market on Thursdays and Saturdays and decent public transport links, it’s a perfect base for exploring the area.

Horncastle overflows with antique shops. Laurence Shaw, with half a century’s knowledge of the trade, runs an elegant wholesaler on the corner of East Street. In an old chapel across the road, the Trinity Centre has all kinds of ancient treasures piled in fantastical heaps under lancets of Victorian glass: porcelain milkmaids, jelly moulds, cotton reels, teetering piles of teacups and thick vines of jewellery. Round the corner in Stanhope Antique Centre you may find anything from a wooden decoy duck to a roulette wheel between chandeliers and grandfather clocks.

By the “Ducks Crossing!” sign opposite Tesco, mallards gather on the reedy River Bain. And in the 13th-century St Mary’s church there are gold angels in the rafters and lines from Tennyson’s poem Ring out, wild bells in stained glass. The new Riverscape Walk, launched last year, will take you past the canal basin, watermill and former leather tanning warehouses.

Take a hike

There are plenty of rewarding walks nearby and you don’t always need a car to reach them. The hourly 56 bus from Lincoln to Skegness stops in Horncastle and, 10 minutes later, in Hagworthingham, a peaceful Wold-edge village. From here, a six-mile loop of undulating lanes and footpaths takes in tiny Somersby, Tennyson’s birthplace, and Bag Enderby (which sounds straight out of Tolkien), where St Margaret’s church has an intricate 15th-century font, carved with religious symbols and medieval scenes. Bag Enderby’s -by suffix comes from an Old Norse word for village.

From Hagworthingham, you can also stroll through Snipe Dales nature reserve, where a 3-metre (10ft) wooden snipe, carved by local sculptor Nigel Sardeson, has just been installed on a wooded bank. The valleys here are fragrant with late meadowsweet and water mint and the trees are full of birdsong, from tiny goldcrests in the conifers to huge buzzards over the oaks. If you have time and energy to spare, the Viking Way long-distance walk – waymarked with horned Viking helmets – runs through Horncastle and the Wolds on its 149-mile journey from Rutland Water to the Humber.

Don’t miss

In Horncastle, the Joseph Banks Centre multitasks as a tourist info point, local museum and natural history hub. Banks, a botanist and Horncastle’s most famous inhabitant, sailed with Captain Cook and oversaw the creation of Kew Gardens. The museum courtyard is bright with hydrangeas, which Banks helped introduce into Britain.

The Edwardian village of Woodhall Spa, six miles from Horncastle, has wide leafy avenues and smart black-and-white buildings; even the public loos next to the Tory club are half timbered. Nineteenth-century entrepreneurs, digging for coal, found instead a source of mineral-rich water, a magnet for the era’s wellness-seekers. I meander past the Dambusters memorial and mural, the thriving Kinema in the Woods, opened in 1922, the nearby Tea House and Cottage Museum, then back to Horncastle along the sculpture-dotted Viking Way.

Where to eat

Horncastle’s top lunch spots include the cafe at Myers Bakery, fragrant with spice and yeast, where you can buy Lincolnshire plum loaf. Round the corner, the spacious and welcoming bike-themed Pedal and Paws serves pizzas, salads and cakes. No 8 Coffee Shop, which opened in March 2026, is already popular for inventive hot drinks such as cinnamon-bun matcha and pistachio hot chocolate.

Montebello, in the former Angel Inn, serves home-cooked Italian food, while Magpies offers refined white linen and candlelight dining, with dishes such as Grimsby crab linguine or loin of Lincolnshire lamb. Magpies also has rooms, in cottages next to a Tardis-like guitar shop.

Where to stay

The cheerful, timeworn Admiral Rodney Hotel is right in the middle of Horncastle, with affordable rooms and details you might see in pricier places: speedy wifi, retro radio, Twinings teabags. It offers great veggie breakfast options, fresh fruit and pastries, served in a big glass-walled conservatory with peacock fanlights. Dinner dishes such as pan-fried sea bass with pickled fennel, or sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce, chicly garnished with edible flowers and micro-herbs, make a celebratory end to days spent hiking through the Wolds.

Getting there and around

The 56 bus heads to Horncastle from Lincoln bus station hourly and takes 50 minutes. The less frequent 30 bus takes 10 minutes longer and winds through warm-stoned villages. Local buses include the new B617 from Horncastle to Woodhall Spa. The coast is 20 miles away, on a bus with top-deck views across the Wolds.

Accommodation was provided by the Admiral Rodney, doubles from around £100, room only. Train travel was provided by LNER

This beautiful seaside town has gorgeous coastal walks and plenty to see

As the summer throngs start to thin out, late August and September offer an ideal opportunity to discover Devon’s coastline, with less crowded beaches, gentler temperatures and beautiful walks just waiting to be enjoyed. A delightful seaside town nestled between steep hills and the Bristol Channel has been crowned Devon’s finest seaside destination by Which?, placing it squarely on the map for an idyllic West Country escape.

Lynmouth is the sort of spot that appears almost impossibly picturesque, with its lovely riverside location, striking coastline and classic village appeal. Perched on the fringes of Exmoor National Park, it’s encircled by breathtaking scenery and is frequently dubbed “Little Switzerland”.

The region is a paradise for ramblers, with the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail winding through the village and providing numerous routes to discover. Tourists can trace the River Lyn upstream to Watersmeet, a striking wooded gorge looked after by the National Trust, complete with riverside paths and a tea garden.

Among Lynmouth’s standout features is the renowned Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, which has linked the twin villages since 1890. The 260-metre railway holds the title of the world’s highest and steepest water-powered railway, with travellers enjoying panoramic coastal vistas as they journey between the two settlements.

Those looking to transform their visit into a romantic getaway, River View is a second-floor flat positioned directly alongside the river in Lynmouth. The property boasts a furnished balcony with views over the bay, and on a clear day, guests might even glimpse the Welsh coastline in the distance.

Within, the flat provides a cosy open-plan lounge and kitchen space kitted out with everything required for an uncomplicated self-catering break. A king-size master bedroom with an en-suite shower room delivers a peaceful retreat in which to relax after a day discovering the coastline.

The balcony proves a particularly beautiful location for a morning cuppa or an evening tipple, with vistas across the river and the neighbouring village. There’s also no need to fret about preparing every meal, with numerous cafes and eateries nearby for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

For a different setting, Ilfracombe sits less than 20 miles away, celebrated for its selection of restaurants and historic harbour. Guests can also catch sight of Damien Hirst’s eye-catching ‘Verity’ statue positioned at the harbour entrance before returning to the tranquil environment of Lynmouth.

For even more striking scenery, holidaymakers can make the 1.5-mile trip to the Valley of Rocks, where soaring cliffs and distinctive rock formations form one of Exmoor’s most spectacular landscapes. The area is also home to intrepid goats and some of the highest sea cliffs in Britain, making it a memorable spot for a coastal walk.

If a large group gathering is in the pipeline, the area is additionally home to Lynhurst, a spacious, impressive property just a brief stroll from the historic village of Lynton. Nestled within stunning gardens and natural woodland, it boasts a games room with a slate pool table and dart board, alongside an outdoor table tennis table for abundant entertainment.

Visitors who have previously enjoyed a stay at River View have posted glowing reviews online. One guest said: “Lovely apartment. Perfectly situated with everything we needed. A real ‘home from home’. We love Lynmouth and will be back.”

Another added: “A wonderful location for walkers as several spectacular river and coastal walks from the door. Great for visitors with dogs, close to the promenade for walks and meeting lots of other dogs.”

A more in-depth review explained: “A small but well-equipped and comfortable flat with beautiful views over the river to the sea. Good location to explore the area. Luckily found a temporary parking spot initially on Riverside Road in order to unpack, as the flat entrance is on a pedestrianised street.

“Parking permit was £25 for the week at the nearby Upper Lyndale car park. Tesco delivered groceries without difficulty. Walks locally and some National Trust properties made it a very enjoyable week in a lovely location.”

One guest pointed out, however, that “the two flights of steep stairs would need to be taken into consideration by anybody perhaps not a 100% fit”, while another revelled in the scenery, commenting: “We had the door open all the time and could listen to the water and the wildlife, which we really enjoyed.”

As swiftly as Barry Manilow returned to the stage following a health-related hiatus, he has stepped away.

On Friday, Manilow cut his concert short just two songs after it began. The 83-year-old crooner abruptly told the crowd to talk among themselves as he walked off stage, according to concertgoers who detailed the incident on social media. The curtain dropped, and a few moments later the audience was told the show was a wrap. Manilow’s performance slated for Saturday was subsequently nixed.

The day before, on Thursday, the “Copacabana” singer had returned after a six-week break to perform at the International Theater at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, telling the audience, “I’m back!” Manilow appeared to be spry and energetic throughout the show. “God, I feel like I’m a teenage idol again,” he joked when a couple of audience members tossed underwear onto the stage. He picked up a pair of full-coverage briefs and asked if they needed to go to the laundry, then a pink lacy thong and joked, “I’ll keep this pair.”

“After a triumphant welcome-back concert on Thursday, Barry got hit with bronchitis and had to cancel his Friday and Saturday shows,” reps for Manilow told Paste Magazine.

Last year, Manilow revealed that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer and that surgery would require him to postpone several performances. In May, he told The Times that, since he had surgery, he was getting winded just walking down the hallway. “Ninety minutes of screaming in tune, which is what I do for a living — I’m not up for that yet,” he said at the time. “I will be, but it’s taking a long time to get my voice back. They warned me that I’d have to learn to breathe again. So these days, I get up, I go to my piano and I try to be creative. Before I know it, the afternoon’s over.”

The star returned to the stage in June following a six-month hiatus, in support of his latest album, “What a Time,” his first LP loaded with new material in almost 15 years.

But in August, Manilow canceled shows because of vocal and technical problems before telling fans he needed to pause. “We just finished a fantastic summer tour, 29 shows in 68 days,” the singer said. “The shows were fantastic. The audiences were fantastic. And I sounded fantastic. But it seems that we were pushing a little too hard.

“Now we all need to sit down and shut up,” Manilow said.

The Grown-Up Getaways offer the chance to try jewellery making, pottery or painting, as well as explore some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches and countryside

There’s no time like the changing colours of autumn to explore what the rest of the UK has to offer before the biting winter weather sets in. And for those seeking a fuss-free getaway, one holiday park group is offering breaks from £99 for four nights with more than 40 picturesque locations to choose from.

Parkdean Resorts operates sites across Britain’s coast and countryside, from the beaches of Devon and Cornwall to quiet escapes in Northumberland and Scotland via the likes of the ever-popular Lake District and the Welsh seaside. While many may think of a holiday park break as being one for families with little ones in tow, Parkdean Resorts also offers Grown-Up Getaways – designed specifically for adults looking to enjoy a holiday at their own pace.

These breaks tailored to grown-ups offer a packed programme of activities outside of school holidays, so holidaymakers can start their day with yoga or swimming, while away the afternoon with board games, pool, darts or archery, and spend evenings enjoying a whodunnit murder mystery, karaoke, poker, bingo or a quiz. Other new activities at these Grown-Up Getaways include creative pursuits such as jewellery making, pottery, painting and mosaic art, while entertainment ranges from country nights to rock ‘n’ roll shows and performances full of hits from iconic musicals.

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There are various accommodation options to choose from too, from lodges and caravans to glamping pods, safari tents and cottages with hot tubs, while restaurants, bars, takeaway options and on-site supermarkets at each park provide plenty of places to eat and drink. Holidaymakers seeking a stress-free break can book all-inclusive packages at the majority of Parkdean Resorts sites across the UK too.

All-inclusive holidays are available on selected four-night Monday arrival stays at 45 parks, as well as on selected three-night weekend breaks at 14 parks across the UK, with packages starting from £100 per adult and £40 per child. These breaks include three restaurant meals a day, unlimited soft drinks and Costa Coffee, plus plenty of choice on dedicated kids’ menus.

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Grown-Up Getaways offer activities for adults outside of school holidays, while all-inclusive packages are also available.

Another choice for UK holiday parks is Haven, which is inviting visitors to its Haunted Haven season this Halloween when its holiday parks will be offering activities and entertainment with a spooky twist. With more than 30 locations to choose from, prices for a Halloween-themed break start from £65 for four nights.

A different option is Forest Holidays, which can be found in 13 UK forests stretching from Deerpark in Cornwall right up to Strathyre in Stirling. Each lodge at these sites comes with a hot tub, with one to five-bedroom options available for couples’ retreats or family holidays.

Back at Parkdean Resorts, for holidaymakers seeking inspiration on where to go this autumn, the top-rated choice of the group’s destinations on TripAdvisor based on nearly 2,000 reviews is Falbarrow Holiday Park in the Lake District. Situated on Lake Windermere with direct access to the water’s edge, this site offers ample opportunity for water sports such as sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on England’s largest lake, although it is also not one of the sites where the all-inclusive offer is available.

Meanwhile, one Parkdean Resorts regular wrote in a five-star review on Trustpilot: “Great holiday park, friendly staff especially in the bar and restaurant. Being pet-friendly made it for us.”

Another customer said: “This place was superb, caravan was lovely and the lakes are great. I have already booked for next year. Been coming to Cornwall now for the last 10 years and been all over in caravan parks for holidays, but this place was best by far.”

And a third praised: “Lovely site. Swimming pool absolutely brilliant as were the child aqua jets and water skis. Very good value for money and the site is very nicely maintained. We got a late deal and it was an absolute bargain!”

One holidaymaker thought their accommodation could have been improved, feeding back: “I booked a three-bedroom lodge but was up graded to a four-bedroom. I feel I should have been given the choice of upgrade because I found it very big for two of us.”

A different reviewer commented: “Parkdean is a great option holiday for relaxing and doing your own thing. Has all the facilities you require to make it a great holiday.”