worlds

Nsqk can hear the connection between Radiohead and Willie Colón. To the Mexican singer-producer, both know when to let the instruments speak as much as the verses.

It’s a fitting observation from an artist whose music moves between electronic production, R&B melodies, rap and distorted guitars. Born Rodrigo Torres de la Garza in Monterrey and raised partly in Texas, the 28-year-old Nsqk — pronounced “Nesquik” — grew up navigating two countries and the expectations that come with belonging to both.

“I grew up in Houston,” he says. “I understand what it’s like to be a second-generation Mexican growing up in the States.” That experience, he explains, helps him connect with collaborators who also know what it means to feel as if they exist between worlds.

His audience has grown well beyond the underground following he garnered in his early experiments with electronic production. After releasing his albums “Roy” (2022) and “ATP” (2024), he sold out two consecutive shows at Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes in 2025.

A date this January at the city’s Estadio GNP Seguros marks another leap in his scale.

In his Oct. 15 album release, “Mosca,” Nsqk is joined by the Chicano experimentalist Jean Dawson on the guitar-driven “Dientes de Fierro,” while indie icon Julieta Venegas lends her silky vocals and synth melodies to “Estar Así Siempre.” Additional cameos include folk balladeers like Pedro Tovar of Eslabón Armado and Kevin Kaarl, with longtime Gorillaz collaborator Stephen Sedgwick handling the mixes.

De Los spoke to Nsqk ahead of his upcoming U.S. tour — which includes a performance at Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw fest on Sunday in L.A.’s Dodger Stadium. He spoke candidly about letting his music breathe, finding common ground in the studio and why Mexican identity shouldn’t depend on where someone lives.

When we first spoke, you mentioned EDM producer Porter Robinson as an influence. Where does that influence show up on “Mosca”?
Absolutely. Just the other day, I was listening to “Worlds” again. Everyone has these albums that you discovered at 14 years old, and you listen to them every once in a while because it’s part of you.

I was making these connections: “Oh, I didn’t even realize I was referencing this.” It keeps happening with a lot of my influences. There are certain moments, especially on “Peces Muertos” and some of the more electronic tracks, where you can hear very directly the influence from Porter Robinson and Madeon.

What did you try on “Mosca” that you wouldn’t have trusted yourself to do on “ATP”?
I tried letting the music ride a lot more. During the process, I listened to a lot of Radiohead and U.K. rock. It’s very cinematic. They let the music breathe and let the instruments speak for a while without having to sing.

I was also listening to a lot of salsa: Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Celia Cruz. I never expected that where Radiohead and Willie Colón meet is that they let the music ride. They’ll sing a verse, then let the instruments speak for a minute, two minutes.

That’s something I hadn’t done in my music intentionally. It’s about what I’m saying, but it’s also about what the instruments are saying.

Mexican rapper and singer-songwriter Nsqk (Rodrigo Torres de la Garza).

(Mono Studio (Mexico))

What surprised you about working with Stephen Sedgwick on the album’s mixes?
One of the craziest things about working with him is that everything is analog, everything’s physical. He’ll run his Pro Tools out into this gigantic wall of effects and compressors, amplifiers and limiters. I didn’t even know what everything was.

I do everything on my laptop. To take it somewhere where it’s all physical, at first it was actually kind of weird. We were speaking two different languages. I was trying to explain that I wanted things in a very digital way, but we had to figure out how to do that with his equipment.

What stood out about working with Pedro Tovar of Eslabón Armado on “Mil Problemas”?
He’s an amazing songwriter. He is so quick. It’s a similar experience with Julieta: They’re so good at it that they just sit and start, and they can write a song in five minutes. And it’s an amazing song.

He knows exactly what he wants, and he knows exactly who he is as an artist. The track is not a corrido or sierreño, but it sounds like them. It sounds like his melodies and his chords.

He did the guitar solo and I rerecorded it with my guitarist, who’s a rock guy. Even this guy, a classically trained guitarist, was like: “This is crazy to play.” It’s a completely different approach to playing guitar.

It’s really hard to put into words, but once you see him do it, it makes total sense.

What connects the collaborators you brought together on this record?
You’re not American [enough] for the Americans, not quite Mexican [enough] for the Mexicans. The Chicano experience: I grew up like that.

All of the artists on the record sort of share this cultural duality, where you often feel like you’re in between worlds, and you don’t know exactly which one you belong to.

It’s not that we sat down and talked about it to create the music. But I feel like the reason I connected so well with everyone is that we share that characteristic.

Has returning to the U.S. as an artist changed how you understand that experience?
There’s often this cultural disconnect between Mexicans living in the U.S. and Mexicans living in Mexico. I often see people say, “You’re not Mexican if you don’t live in Mexico.” That’s always felt kind of weird to me because I know what it’s like.

I feel like our culture and our heritage is so beautiful. The fact that it’s so ingrained in the States is amazing to me.

I see a lot on Twitter and TikTok, people fighting about it: “Just because you were born in Chicago, but your parents were Mexican, and you speak Spanish, and you eat Mexican food. But because you don’t live in Mexico, you’re not Mexican.” I see people saying that a lot.

I feel really honored to be able to tour the United States, meet these people and wear the flag on my chest. I don’t feel like we’re any different.

As a Tyler, the Creator fan, what does playing Camp Flog Gnaw mean to you?
It’s an honor. He created this space for much more vulnerable music with all these different influences. He’s a torch carrier for a niche of artists that try to make different music, in a way that’s not necessarily the status quo or the most commercial way to do it.

To be part of the lineup is an honor, but it’s also very motivating. It’s cool that we’ve gotten this far, and that only gives me more energy to keep working.

You’re going from a stadium show in Mexico City to smaller U.S. rooms. What can you do with an audience that close?
Talk to them. It’s a lot easier to see their faces and reactions and literally talk to them.

When I’m onstage, I really enjoy talking to people and making them feel like I’m not just playing my set list for the hundredth time. I’m actually there, I’m enjoying it, I’m seeing them and they’re seeing me.

Calling all fans of the wizarding world, a special Harry Potter Christmas market will be taking place for the first time ever this year for some sorcery during the festive season

Nothing beats wandering around a Christmas market with a cup of steaming mulled wine to the sound of merry jingles, while browsing the wooden chalets stocked with gifts and seasonal goodies. And it’s about to get a lot better, as a new Harry Potter Christmas market is opening for the very first time.

In a world first, the new Christmas market launching this year will feature designs in the style of those in the new Harry Potter HBO series, which is set to be released on 25 December, 2026, along with cabins and themed culinary offerings. Yet, those eager to discover a slice of the wizarding world will need to plan a festive getaway and catch a short flight to Germany, where it will be held.

In an announcement from Skydance, which has merged with Paramount, they confirmed: “The magic of Hogwarts is coming to Munich: To celebrate the launch of the new HBO Original series ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,’ HBO Max is transforming Munich’s Praterinsel into an enchanting Christmas market. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the new HBO Original series even before the premiere.

“From November 28th to December 6th, Praterinsel will be transformed into a festive world of experiences, designed entirely in the style of the new series. In a Christmas atmosphere, guests can get a first glimpse of the HBO Original series, right in the heart of Munich and even before its official premiere.”

They further explained: “The Christmas market is inspired by ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ and offers many activities and attractions for fans of all ages. Atmospheric photo opportunities in the style of the series invite visitors to capture memories of their visit. Food and other culinary offerings inspired by the ‘Harry Potter’ world bring the magic to the table. Guests can also expect further surprises.”

The Harry Potter Christmas Market will take place on Praterinsel in Munich, but you’ll have to plan accordingly if you want to visit, as it won’t be there for long. The spellbinding event will only be held from Saturday, 28 November until Sunday, 6 December, 2026, yet there’s still plenty of time to book your festive escape to experience the magic.

Skydance added: “With the transformation of Praterinsel, HBO Max brings the magic of one of the world’s most popular stories to the Bavarian capital and gets fans in the mood for the start of the new HBO Original series in a very special way.”

As Potter fans eagerly wait for the market to arrive, a huge amount of excitement has already been sparked. One commented on a Reddit post: “I’m going and am so excited!! I’ve been looking forward to this show for YEARS now, so I’m so happy that finally there is an event in my area where I can celebrate it.”

“Omg this is amazing,” another shared on Instagram, while another declared, “We need to go to Germany”. Others raised concerns about what it will actually include. However, one local had some reassurance. “Christmas markets in Germany are usually great as it is. I would go regardless if I was anywhere near Munich and had the time off work,” they shared.

Ensure our latest travel stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings

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

The world’s tallest bridge stands 625 metres above the Beipan River

China revealed a breathtaking record-breaker last year following the official opening of the world’s highest bridge in Guizhou province in the country’s southwest. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge has dramatically cut travel times from two hours to a mere two minutes, according to local state media.

The extraordinary structure features a deck-to-surface height of 625 metres – over half a kilometre – making it dwarf the previous record holder. It surpasses the Beipanjiang Bridge (Duge Bridge), also located in China, which measures 565.4 metres, by almost 60 metres.

China’s swift construction process has lately attracted praise from figures including Reform UK MP Zia Yusuf, who openly voiced his frustration on social media regarding the protracted timescales for smaller infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom.

Construction on the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge began in January 2022 and was completed in less than four years.

The bold project has produced a structure spanning nearly 3km across a canyon known as the “Earth crack”.

The bridge measures 2,890 metres in overall length and was subjected to extensive testing before authorities approved it for public use.

As reported by ITV, before the bridge could be declared safe for traffic, a dynamic load test was carried out.

This entailed 96 lorries driving onto designated sections of the structure in groups.

Ensure our latest food stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

The new structure has now secured the Guinness World Record for being the tallest bridge on the planet. Now, travellers from across the globe are eager to experience the spectacular structure that officially welcomed visitors on September 28, 2025.

The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge features glass walkways allowing guests to peer down at the Beipan River, roughly 580 metres beneath.

It also includes viewing platforms and a glass lift ascending to its sky-high café, scheduled to launch in November this year.

For adrenaline seekers, bungee jumping from the bridge is available.

State media have reported plans for professional BASE jumping events.

IF YOU are looking for your next hotel stay, then look no further as the world’s top new hotels to visit in 2027 have been named.

Condé Nast Johansens – which ranks the best hotels in the world – has revealed its 2027 Awards for Excellence for the best newly opened hotels across the planet.

Hotels are ranked against different categories including design, service, bars and culinary experience.

Named the best in the UK overall and one of the best in the world was Aethos London Shoreditch, which only opened in October 2025.

The hotel boasts a modern look throughout with calm and warming tones.

There are 164 rooms in total including balcony suites and the Aethos Panorama Suite with a private outdoor terrace overlooking the London skyline.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

BOOK IT

20 ultra cheap girly hols – UK trips, city breaks & all inclusive stays from £59

The hotel is home to Aethos Cafe London, which is the ideal place for pastries and coffee, or a glass of wine in the evening.

If you want to head to a more fancy spot, then there is the hotel’s restaurant – Mitsu – which serves Japanese sharing dishes such as flame-grilled meats.

There is even a wellness floor with a studio and gym both open 24/7.

There is a dedicated members’ space as well called The Willow Room, which is open to members to meet, work and socialise.

The hotel is in the heart of Shoreditch as well, with attractions including Old Spitalfields Market and Columbia Road Flower Market.

The hotel costs from around £180 per night.

As for the rest of the world, Andaz Lisbon in Portugal was named the best new hotel in Europe and the Mediterranean.

The hotel opened in early 2026 with 170 rooms and suites.

It also has a restaurant which serves regional Portuguese seafood, with a rooftop overlooking the Tagus River.

It costs from £240 per night to stay at the hotel.

Birch House – A Private Coastal Club & Retreat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, won the best new hotel for the North, Central and South America category.

This exclusive hotel only has five suites nestled behind private gardens.

The hotel is also just a two-minute walk from Fort Lauderdale Beach and Las Olas Marina.

Suites start from around £370 per night.

And then Maloba Private Game Reserve in South Africa won the Africa, Asia and Middle East category.

The all-inclusive safari destination features the main safari lodge with luxury suites that include plunge pools overlooking the open bush.

There is also the farm and gardens villa, which is a private retreat set among the property’s farm.

Guests staying at Maloba Private Game Reserve often see zebras, white rhinos, cheetahs and Cape buffalos.

Staying at the Reserve typically costs from £2,100 per night, with a minimum stay of three nights.

For each location category, there are a number of other awards including best design and best for families.

Other hotels in the UK to get awards include Virgin Hotels Edinburgh in Scotland which won the best design award.

Best rural hotel went to Horsted Place Hotel in Sussex Downs, best hotel spa went to Sopwell House in St Albans and best for families went to The Belfry in the Midlands.

IF YOU are heading on the world’s best airline next year, it will have an entirely new cabin.

Singapore Airlines has revealed a massive £1.16billion overhaul of its cabin, with new economy, premium economy, business class and first class seats.

In economy, the seats will be grey and teal with a width of 44.7cm.

On the back of each seat there will be a 33cm 4K OLED screen, which passengers can pair their Bluetooth headphones to.

Under each screen will be storage nooks, a personal device pocket and cup holders.

Passengers in economy won’t miss out on amenity kits usually reserved for upper classes either, as each seat will have a small pouch with a selection of travel essentials.

Read more on travel inspo

GO ON

All the little-known websites for cheap or FREE tickets to gigs, theatre & festivals

SO FLY

Our fave beach hols under 5 hours from UK with Caribbean dupes & £2 bottles of wine

When it comes to premium economy, each seat will have a 101cm pitch and have a leather finish.

It will be able to recline 22.8cm as well.

The headrests will be winged and each seat will also have a footrest for added comfort.

As for tech, there will be 4K screens, multiple USB ports and noise-cancelling headphone connections.

Each seat will have an amenity kit as well with Ink and Water products.

In Business class, seats will have sliding doors and adjustable dividers, making them more like suite-style pods with a grey and yellow theme.

Seats will be able to recline to a lie-flat bed, stretching 182cm.

Tech includes 4K screens, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple charging ports and Starlink wifi.

Amenity kits at each seat will include products by Byredo.

If you are lucky enough to be in a First Class suites, you’d have your own door, with the seat measuring 76.2cm wide and 203.2cm long when lying flat.

And the two centre suites have two seats next to each other that look more like a comfy sofa.

These can then also be reclined to make a 152.4cm wide double bed, which is the largest of any airline bed in the sky.

There will be 4K screens, ambient mood lighting and wireless charging too.

And for when you want to freshen up, there is even a dressing table that slides out from under the screen, complete with a lit-up mirror.

New amenity kits will include products from Sisley and passengers will get cotton pyjamas as well.

Singapore Airlines’ 777-9s will have all four new cabin products and then 41 A350-900 long-haul and A350-900 ULR planes will be retrofitted with the new business class seats.

And the A350-900 ULRs will get first class seats for the first time.

Food on board is also getting upgraded, with more than 100 new appetisers, main courses and desserts across all cabin classes.

There will be new drink options too, including wine and spirits.

The new cabin will be rolled out in the second half of 2027.

Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Our customers experience Singapore Airlines as one seamless journey, and this significant investment is designed to deliver greater comfort, choice, and convenience at every stage.

“This launch is not an endpoint, but another step in our continuous pursuit to earn and retain the trust and loyalty of our customers and reinforce our leadership in the airline industry.”

WRAP up warm and embrace the winter at Gulliver’s World.

Its fantastic Land Of Lights experience at its parks in Milton Keynes, Warrington and Rotherham is perfect for families looking to enjoy some fun after dark.

Fairytale characters welcomed us to Gulliver’s World in Milton Keynes, and I’m soon struggling to catch up with Finn, nine, and Isobel, seven, as they burst through the gates.

We’ve visited Gulliver’s World before during the day, and loved it.

The park is ideal for younger children, with gentle rollercoasters, log flumes and fairground fun, as well as rides for adrenalin-seekers, like Dragon Siege.

But this time, we’re here to enjoy the separately ticketed Land Of Lights — a joyful trail through illuminated lands, complete with giant light installations, larger-than-life lanterns and cute photo opportunities.

RIDE OFF

Theme park worker injured after ‘using hands to brake’ & avoid child on 100ft ride

SLIDE INTO SAVINGS

Best winter family hotels from £70pn with waterparks, theme parks & spas

We start in Dinosaur Land, where the park’s life-size Jurassic monsters are joined by dazzling new residents, including a luminous T-Rex.

Alongside the brightly coloured beasts are some entertaining special effects.

Following the path through a fairy garden and animal farm, we wander, enchanted, open-mouthed through the Under The Sea exhibit.

Halfway through, we stop to toast marshmallows on a bonfire.

There is an extra cost of £5 for this, but my kids really enjoy it and it’s a great way to warm up.

There’s also a little food court, if you’re feeling peckish.

Bolstered by our marshmallow feast, we arrive at the Christmas-themed kingdom, complete with Santa and his elves.

And I’m just as captivated by it all as the kids, skipping along the sparkly path of lights.

To extend the fun, you can even stay overnight in one of the park’s themed cabins, which include a Wild West Saloon.

The next morning, we head into the park for some thrills.

The Land Of Lights may have been more relaxing, but Isobel is thrilled to finally be tall enough to take on Dragon Siege, and as we step off the ride, our cheeks have a different kind of glow.

It’s such a great way to keep everyone entertained — a weekend with something for everyone is a winter win.

THE largest Harry Potter shop in the world has now opened: the Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street.

I visited the massive new Harry Potter shop to peep the exclusive merch, try the Hogwarts Bear Ceremony and taste test the snacks in the Leaky Cauldron cafe.

The new London mega store – which is the same size as the New York store which is also the world’s largest – spans two storeys, and is themed to look like Diagon Alley from the famous films.

The new store even been visited by Harry Potter stars Tom Felton and Warwick Davis.

But inside, you can expect everything from insanely detailed snacks to exclusive new experiences.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street.

Read more on Harry Potter

WANDERFUL

Biggest Harry Potter shop in Europe with huge Diagon Alley opens in UK TOMORROW

COBBLED CHARM

Home on street that ‘inspired Harry Potter’ goes on sale… do you recognise it

Downstairs: Gringotts, Ollivanders and exclusive items

Entering the shop I was immediately transported to the Wizarding World, with heaps of Harry Potter merch, the soundtrack from the movies…and a terrifying creature looming over me.

Upon entering to your right you’ll find the Gringotts area, which is watched over by a very realistic dragon statue that fans will recognise to be a Ukranian Ironbelly.

Not only is this the perfect spot for a selfie, but it’s where you’ll find most of the exclusive items in the shop that are only sold at the Oxford Street location.

In the shelves labelled ‘Vault 412 – 414’ you’ll find hoodies, T-shirts, mugs, socks and water bottles labelled with Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street.

In this room you’ll also find fun extras, like a cushion of Harry’s Hogwarts acceptance letter and cosy Harry Potter pyjamas.

Downstairs there are plenty more gifts which you can also find in other stores from Dobby baubles and eye masks to giant, fluffy Hedwigs and customised house robes.

There’s even a Honeydukes sweet shop selling classic Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, plus a collectable mug which you won’t find at other locations.

Stroll from Honeydukes past a giant, spooky recreation of the Knight Bus into Ollivanders, where you can buy your very own wand.

While the shelves are stacked with all kinds of wands just like in the movies, the special item here is the Diagon Alley themed wand.

The intricate design sees mini colourful shopfronts stacked along its spine, and you can only buy it here.

Upstairs: Leaky Cauldron cafe

Head up the escalators (which genuinely feel like part of the immersion, with neon lights and themed music) to find more Oxford Street exclusives.

To your right you’ll find the Leaky Cauldron, a spacious cafe with plenty of themed seating and snacks that transport you to the wizarding pub from the films.

Pastries and cakes are laid on Daily Prophet newspaper prints, and Sirius Black wanted posters line the walls.

The seating here offers great views over Oxford Street, which make you feel like a wizard watching the muggle world go by.

As for food and drink, there are plenty of options sure to leave any Harry Potter fan utterly spellbound.

There’s not one but FIVE types of Butterbeer on offer: classic, frozen, the Butterbeer latte and iced Butterbeer latte with fudge pieces, plus Butterbeer ice cream.

If you’ve never tried the fizzy drink, it’s a non-alcoholic, sweet beverage that tastes like butterscotch, topped with swirly cream. My favourite was the frozen, with a refreshing slushie texture.

Here you can also dine on Howler and Acceptance Letter pizza pockets, folded to look like envelopes, soups, pasties and a stamped Leaky Cauldron toastie.

The cakes are the most exciting part. Pick between a blackberry and chocolate cauldron cake, Gringotts gold bars, and Weasley wizard top hat chocolate cakes.

The highlight is the Golden Snitch (£12.95) which is actually a strawberries and cream flavoured cheesecake.

I was really impressed by the prices here, considering you’re smack-bang on Oxford Street.

A Howler Pizza Pocket will only set you back £7.95 and is very filling. A Gringotts Gold Bar cake costs the same, and a fresh Butterbeer – with a souvenir tankard you get to keep – costs £9.50.

The Hogwarts Bear Ceremony

By far my favourite part about the new shop is the Hogwarts Bear Experience.

Stroll from the Leaky Cauldron past more merch items (which upstairs includes exclusive MinaLima prints) to find shelves lined with special teddy bears.

This is where you can take part in the Hogwarts Bear Ceremony, an experience you can only do at the Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street (you can pre-book a slot for free online).

You start by choosing your bear from the shelf and naming them, before picking three personality traits you’d like your bear to have.

While there were options such as Quidditch captain and creature caretaker, I went for spell master, daydreamer and mischief maker.

Next, pop your teddy into a magical sorting cabinet and close the door – when you next open it, your teddy will be wearing the robes of their Hogwarts house.

The experience includes the bear, plus a named Hogwarts acceptance certificate and a pretty box to take them home in.

But you can also buy additional accessories, like a mini Sorting Hat, round glasses, or a house mascot to sit on the bear’s shoulder.

The experience costs £75 which is fairly steep, but I think if you’re visiting for a birthday or special occasion, it’s an experience you’re never going to forget.

All in all, the massive new Harry Potter shop feels like more of an experience itself than just a merch store.

Considering you can eat and drink in the Leaky Cauldron, take part in an exclusive bear-making experience and come home with merch you can’t find anywhere else, it’s absolutely worth a visit on your next trip to London for any Potterheads.

The Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street is open from 10am – 9pm Monday through to Saturday, and 12pm – 6pm on Sundays.

The study considered six key factors: life expectancy, income per person, income equality, recreational and cultural amenities, internet speed, and housing costs

A picturesque European city has been crowned the “most liveable destination” on the planet by the Global Cities Index, thanks largely to its walkability. The research examined six crucial elements: life expectancy, income per person, income equality, recreational and cultural amenities, internet speed, and housing costs.

While European cities command the rankings, an Australian city also secured a place on the list

10. Nantes

Nantes, a lively city in western France, is celebrated for its rich history, cultural attractions, and bustling urban life. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, once home to the Dukes of Brittany, now hosts the Nantes History Museum.

It provides a window into the city’s medieval past with its well-preserved architecture and exhibitions, reports the Express.

9. Ghent

Ghent, a charming city in Belgium, is famed for its medieval allure, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning architecture. It’s also the country’s most pedestrian-friendly destination. The town’s scenic canal-side streets are ideal for a leisurely wander. The historical buildings along the canals create beautiful reflections in the water, offering iconic views of the city’s historic architecture.

8. Zurich

Switzerland’s largest city is famous for its high quality of life, stunning surroundings, and rich cultural scene. Residents can enjoy strolls along Lake Zurich’s shores, embark on a boat tour, or unwind in one of the lakeside parks.

7. Reykjavik

Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best places to live. The city centre is home to Tjörnin, a picturesque pond surrounded by charming buildings, offering a tranquil spot for leisurely strolls and bird-watching.

6. Luxembourg

Luxembourg City, the capital of Luxembourg, boasts low crime rates and impeccably clean streets, contributing to a strong sense of safety and well-being among its inhabitants. The city’s public transport network is highly efficient and extensive, with the recent introduction of free public transport further enhancing accessibility and convenience for residents.

5. Basel

Basel, a Swiss city, is lauded for its high standard of living, combining a vibrant cultural scene with practical, top-quality living conditions. The city is home to world-class healthcare facilities such as the University Hospital Basel, renowned for its high standards and innovative treatments.

4. Bergen

Bergen, located in Norway, is famed for its stunning natural landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and coastal vistas. The city offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from hiking in nearby mountains like Mount Fløyen and Mount Ulriken to sailing and kayaking in the fjords.

Ensure our latest travel stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings

3. Bern

Switzerland’s capital city, Bern, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its charming cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and landmarks such as the Zytglogge clock tower and the Bear Park add to its unique charm.

2. Canberra

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is recognised for its high liveability due to its unique blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and well-planned urban design. Known for its high standard of living, Canberra boasts clean and safe environments, well-maintained public spaces, and efficient public services. The city’s low crime rate and high levels of personal security significantly contribute to its liveability.

1. Grenoble

Nestled in the French Alps, Grenoble is a gem that combines natural beauty, a vibrant cultural life, and a high quality of life. It’s also a hub for scientific research and technological innovation, particularly in the fields of nanotechnology and biotechnology.

Grenoble is particularly known for its bike-friendly initiatives, including extensive bike lanes and rental services.

WHEN two brothers open a Mississippi blues bar in horror film Sinners, it starts out like a great party.

That is, until someone welcomes in a very troublesome vampire — and all hell breaks loose.

Which is much like my visit to the Sinners haunted house at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights.

As I walk arm-in-arm with my best mate, we laugh, scream and cling to each other for dear life as the same terrifying story plays out in front of our eyes.

The Halloween event in Florida has been running for 35 years and film fans can’t get enough of its fully immersive horror houses.

Each year, ten elaborate sound stages are erected to shock, frighten and entertain.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

Horror is now the fastest-growing film genre, so it’s easy to see why the Halloween Horror Nights have grown to the scale they are at today.

What started in 1991 as a single haunted house, open to visitors for just three days, is now a two-month Spooktacular that is virtually sold out every night.

Whether you are a big movie buff or not, it’s a unique experience that isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Some of the biggest movies are played out in such intricate detail that, once inside the dark passageways, it’s all too easy to believe you are part of the movie itself.

As well as 2025 box office hit Sinners, Universal has teamed up with other killer movie thrillers.

They include Evil Dead Burn and Hellraiser — a franchise that Lora Sauls, the theme park’s assistant director of creative development, says has taken a decade to secure the rights to.

And the wait was worth it, as Hellraiser delivered the most jump-scares of the night.

The films’ Cenobites and other ghouls burst out of every dark corner, mysterious curtain and doorway, accompanied by strobe lights, wild screaming and flumes of fog.

Other houses this year include Netflix’s Stranger Things 5 — which also has an energetic light and water show inspired by it on the lagoon — while a very cool Ozzy Osbourne: Prince Of Darkness house features music and gothic moments from the late rocker’s back catalogue.

One original theme house is Jack & Oddfellow: Chaos & Control, which stars the much-loved characters who have dominated the event over the last three decades and have sealed their place in Halloween Horror Nights lore.

The remaining five houses cover aliens, cannibals, classic Universal monsters and futuristic cyber baddies, all offering plenty of scares as well as a few giggles.

The Halloween Horror Nights event is on a separate ticket to the regular theme park 14-day passes — and the fear continues outside the haunted houses, too.

Universal Studios Florida gets a complete and creepy makeover as the sun goes down.

Those who re-enter for the night get to enjoy a huge Halloween street party, stretching the length and breadth of the park.

There are dedicated bars and food pop-ups, with drinks and bites themed for the attractions, such as the Meat Grinder Red Velvet Cake and Hellraiser Spicy Meatballs.

Navigating the event is no walk in the park, with five scare zones set up to keep the jumps jumpin’.

One of them, the neon playground based on video game Fortnite, is a fresh and unique take on the event’s street scares.

During the night, you will also pass through Club Horror and The Sideshow Of Decay, which is swarming with zombies.

And the Infernal Carnival Of Nightmares has creepy fairground games and a manic cast of characters.

Perhaps the most terrifying can be found at Downtown Clowntown, which is pretty self-explanatory.

If jesters give you the jitters, I recommend a different route.

Halloween Horror Nights are recommended for guests over 11 — but by day, more wholesome and family-friendly movies take centre stage.

DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios celebrates movies including Trolls, Shrek and Kung Fu Panda.

While over at Epic Universe, you can enjoy rides and attractions based on How To Train Your Dragon, Super Nintendo and the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Universal’s Islands Of Adventure has you hopping between Hogwarts, Jurassic Park and Worlds Of Marvel, with high-speed coasters such as Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and VelociCoaster providing the thrills.

The Universal All-Parks Ticket gets you in to all the theme parks, as well as Universal’s water park, Volcano Bay.

That guarantees plenty of excitement and not a clown in sight.

For anyone visiting Florida next September and October, Halloween Horror Nights are a fun way to shake up your holiday.

The event I went to carried on until 2am, so there was still time after midnight to go back through the Sinners house, much to my friend’s despair.

But with entertainment on such a grand scale, a soothing blues soundtrack and the opportunity to laugh at her screaming round every corner, how could I resist?

Earlier this month, authorities worldwide urged website administrators to execute emergency updates after a nonprofit programming foundation flagged critical security flaws that could allow hackers to breach systems.

Government and corporate websites briefly went offline to patch the vulnerabilities, nicknamed PHP2Shell, which were discovered by independent cybersecurity experts using artificial intelligence (AI).

The vulnerabilities were embedded in the code of a widely used open-source web programming language, PHP, for more than a decade. They had gone unnoticed, however, because it would have been too complicated for humans to exploit them without the use of advanced AI.

But cybersecurity experts, as well as those maintaining important software, say PHP2Shell could be the first in a deluge of security flaws exposed by emerging AI. They say much of the world’s most critical digital infrastructure is maintained by volunteers, who often lack the resources and time to respond to newly discovered threats.

“There’s been a lot of people in the AI safety community that said this is one of the first areas where we are going to see the harmful impact of AI,” said Peter Slattery, a research scientist at MIT’s FutureTech, who studies how cybersecurity experts are dealing with the new technology and tracks real-world incidents involving AI.

A digital world built on volunteer work

PHP got its start in 1995, when Danish-Canadian programmer Rasmus Lerdorf sought to track how many people visited his online resume. Over time, others around the world improved Lerdorf’s software, and it grew in popularity.

As with other open-source coding projects, anyone could download, modify and share improvements. Websites like Facebook and Wikipedia were built using PHP, which runs about 70 percent of the world’s websites.

In 2021, a dedicated nonprofit, the PHP Foundation, was launched to coordinate development. Like many other foundations maintaining open-source software, it operates on a meagre budget.

Most of the digital infrastructure consumers use is powered by open source software. The Mozilla Firefox browser is open source, as are languages like Perl, Python, and JavaScript. The software that lets a computer communicate with others on the internet is often open source, with many servers using products like Apache HTTP Server, maintained by the Apache Software Foundation.

“The world today, including proprietary software vendors, relies on open source software for its digital infrastructure,” said Amanda Brock, CEO of OpenUK, a nonprofit that supports open source software.

The world’s largest corporations, like Meta, Google, OpenAI and Anthropic, depend on that volunteer-built, open-source infrastructure. Now, those companies’ own AI tools are uncovering security flaws in the infrastructure at a pace that needs far more resources for groups like the PHP Foundation to keep up.

“It’s simply not possible with the resources in place to fix all of the known vulnerabilities,” Brock said. “Foundations are attempting to manage these challenges, but the smaller ones don’t have hundreds of millions in funding, and managing this at the pace AI requires is proving impossible.”

A deluge of new bugs to fix

The PHP2Shell vulnerabilities were found through several advanced AI models, which can employ far more complicated attempts to hack past security barriers than humans could.

Developers of other software are also discovering far more security flaws than in the past because AI is being used to probe defences.

Google said it uncovered more than 1,000 security bugs in the last update for its Chrome browser, more than in the last two dozen updates combined. Mozilla, the foundation behind the Firefox browser, found more than 400 security vulnerabilities in April, a significant jump from the previous record of 76 bugs discovered just one month earlier.

“We have maybe 10 times more issues than usual because we are using AI to find them,” said Jarek Potiuk, part of the volunteer security team at the Apache Software Foundation. (In keeping with the foundation’s non-hierarchical ethos, Potiuk said he has no real title).

Potiuk said there is an “industry-wide movement” to conduct scans using AI models and identify security vulnerabilities, much like was done to find the bugs in PHP. But the scans themselves cost money – used to pay for the tokens for AI models – and afterwards, humans must pore over them to weed out false positives.

“Every project, every foundation is doing this right now – spending enormous amounts of time to find these issues,” Potiuk said. “AI helps to find them, but you have to verify things, you have to review them.”

Earlier this year, Anthropic launched Project Glasswing, offering $100m in credits to support its advanced Claude Mythos AI model to search for security vulnerabilities in the world’s critical software. In one month, more than 23,000 vulnerabilities were found across more than 1,000 open source projects.

The Apache Software Foundation has taken advantage of another scheme, the Alpha-Omega project, to scan for security bugs across the 290 software packages it maintains. The project, backed by companies like Anthropic, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, spends about $7m a year helping open-source developers find critical security bugs.

But those working on finding and fixing the security flaws say the corporate world could be doing a lot more, given the trillion-dollar valuation of companies whose products would not work without free software like the packages the Apache Foundation provides.

“They are helping a lot, but we need more active players in this area,” Potiuk said, “because it’s highly disproportional – the impact it has on the corporate world versus the open source world”.

When a major security flaw like PHP2Shell is uncovered, it often comes down to a handful of volunteers to fix it.

Keeping the internet’s infrastructure as decentralised and open-source as possible is crucial, Potiuk said. Instead of buying out something like PHP, major players like Google or Microsoft could, for instance, pay staff to dedicate some of their work hours to maintaining open-source projects they use.

Real-world targets

The 2021 Log4Shell vulnerability, which allowed hackers to remotely run code on millions of devices through a widely used library maintained by the Apache Software Foundation, underscored the critical role open-source software plays in system security. That bug was discovered without the use of AI.

Suddenly, cars, microwaves and a host of electronic devices connected to the internet were vulnerable, Potiuk said.

“That was the moment when the whole ecosystem realised how important it is to take care of open source,” he said.

A bug like that, if found by a malicious hacker and exploited before there is a chance to patch devices, could have caused a major disruption.

Slattery said the database of incidents he and his colleagues maintain shows that an increasing number of vulnerabilities are being detected, and it is a matter of time before some are exploited in the real world.

“We are starting to see both a lot more vulnerabilities detected and addressed in time, but also attacks on a wide range of systems,” Slattery said. “We have been moving in this direction for a long time. There are more and more things now you can attack.”

IT’S now easier than ever to get to the world’s largest non-continental island.

Greenland has opened a new airport in Ilulissat – the country’s third largest town.

The country is one of the least visited in the world, only welcoming 180,000 tourists a year (for comparison, the US welcomes that many tourists per day, on average).

The airport aims to connect Greenland to the rest of the world, costing an estimated 1.77billion DKK (£197million).

It is the third new airport to open in the country since 2024 as part of a huge project costing around £700million.

The new airport has a 2,200 metre runway which can host larger aircraft, allowing for international flights and as a result, making Greenland easier to get to.

Read more on travel inspo

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

BOOK IT

20 ultra cheap girly hols – UK trips, city breaks & all inclusive stays from £59

There’s also a passenger terminal that sprawls across 5,000 square metres for departures and arrivals.

One of the airlines that operates at the airport is Air Greenland, with domestic flights between Ilulissat Airport and destinations including Nuuk, Aasiaat, Qaarsut and Upernavik.

Air Greenland also launched a direct route between Ilulissat and Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen this week, which takes around six hours.

And Icelandair will operate a seasonal service between Keflavík and Ilulissat from June 3 to October 16, 2027.

The airport is currently ramping up its operations gradually but is set to be fully operation by summer 2027.

Jens Lauridsen, CEO of Greenland Airports said: “The opening is a historic milestone for Ilulissat, for North Greenland, and for all of Greenland.

“The three new airports in Ilulissat, Nuuk, and Qaqortoq fundamentally change how the country is connected internally and how Greenland is connected to the rest of the world.”

Near to the airport is the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see enormous icebergs as well as the local wildlife.

You could even head off on a whale watching excursion.

To get to Ilulissat from the UK, you will need to fly to Copenhagen, taking less than two hours, and then fly onto Iluissat.

This lesser known traditional Christmas market has been crowned the world’s best Christmas market for 2026 with up to 180 stalls

With Christmas fast approaching, a trip to a traditional Christmas market abroad tops many people’s festive wish lists, and there’s one that truly stands out from the rest.

Plenty of people choose a weekend break to soak up the seasonal atmosphere, and this particular destination has just ranked highly in new research carried out by Christmas Tree World, which assessed various markets based on key criteria.

They examined Google searches, December hotel costs, admission charges, number of stalls and access to public transport to ultimately crown the world’s finest Christmas markets for 2026.

Their findings revealed that Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland is ideal for budget-conscious travellers, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt is perfect for families, and Winter Wonders in Brussels serves up the most affordable mulled wine.

Yet, there could only be one overall champion, and that honour went to the hidden treasure that is Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany.

If any location could stake a convincing claim to wearing the crown as the ultimate Christmas market destination, it would be Nuremberg.

It’s nestled within a picturesque and historic city and provides the ideal traditional escape with reasonable prices, accommodation and excellent value for money.

It achieved an impressive 8.2/10 in the study, as a market that has been running for 398 years and still attracts huge crowds today.

Make sure our latest travel updates always show up at the top of your Google Search by setting us as a Preferred Source Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Thanks to its fascinating history and delightful setting, it represents the quintessential traditional German Christmas market many people fantasise about, and with its enormous range of stalls, it certainly delivers. It’s thought to feature around 180 stalls, offering glühwein, bratwurst and the market’s own distinctive Zwetschgenmännle, which are small and adorable decorative figures traditionally crafted using dried prunes.

After paying a visit, one traveller left a review, writing: “The Nuremberg Christmas Market is absolutely magical. The atmosphere is festive and authentic, with beautiful lights, traditional wooden stalls, and a wonderful holiday spirit.

“There is a great variety of local food, mulled wine, and handmade crafts. It can be busy, but it’s well organised and definitely worth the visit. A must-see Christmas market in Germany.”

Another shared their experience, saying: “Visited here after seeing multiple reviews, stating that Newberg market is one of the best in Germany and it truly lived up to the expectation.

“The number of stalls, different handicrafts, and gift items – and obviously the gluhwein was one of the experiences. There are multiple parking spots around the market and easily reachable by train and bus.”

In comparison to other markets throughout Europe and beyond, a December hotel stay costs an average of £144 per night, making it considerably more affordable than other destinations. Most significantly, admission to the market is entirely free, and mulled wine comes at a relatively modest price.

The market runs from Friday 27 November until Thursday 24 December this year, situated in the heart of Hauptmarkt, Nuremberg.

New Delhi, India — United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in India for a two-day visit, during which he is set to tour the Jamnagar refinery complex in Gujarat, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, a major player in global oil markets.

Reliance’s crude refinery in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state is the world’s largest single-site refinery. In many ways, Reliance Industries’ businesses sit at the crossroads of the ongoing global energy crisis.

The conglomerate is central to Washington’s efforts to punish Russian energy buyers, while also trying to contain oil prices amid the war on Iran, on top of rising diesel costs in the US, where a crucial midterm election looms. Reliance has also only recently committed to a major investment in the US, which President Donald Trump’s administration has cited as an example of its successes in luring global capital.

Rubio is skipping the capital, New Delhi, at a time when the US-India bilateral relationship has been rocky, strained by a string of friction points — and an elusive trade deal.

So why is the top US diplomat visiting the world’s largest single-site oil refinery?

Where is Rubio visiting?

After meetings in Mumbai, India’s financial hub in the western state of Maharashtra, Rubio will fly to Jamnagar in neighbouring Gujarat, near the Gulf of Kutch. Jamnagar opens into the Arabian Sea and is home to Reliance Industries’ refining complex, a major hub for crude processing and fuel exports, which processes 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd).

Rubio had visited India earlier this year too, but this trip “is a little more business-focused”, the US ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, told reporters last week. A readout from Rubio’s office noted that he would “meet with business leaders to promote opportunities for commercial investment and economic cooperation”.

“[At Jamnagar] he will meet some of the folks at Reliance,” Gor said.

What’s in Jamnagar?

The world’s largest single-site oil-refining complex has a combined crude-processing capacity of 1.4 million bpd. That is nearly 1.5 percent of global refining capacity, according to the company.

The complex comprises two refineries: the original facility, commissioned in 1999 with a capacity of 660,000bpd, and a second, export-oriented refinery commissioned in 2008, adding 580,000bpd, which operates in a special economic zone.

Jamnagar imports crude from international suppliers and exports refined products to global markets. The refinery can process heavy, sulphur-rich crude that many facilities cannot handle efficiently, converting oil into higher-value products.

Reliance said last month that the complex has processed more than 216 crude grades, claiming to be “perhaps the only refinery to achieve this feat”.

The Jamnagar refinery’s capacity is also driving a sharp revival in imports of Venezuelan crude — taken over by the US earlier this year after abducting then-President Nicolas Maduro — as Washington seeks to reshape global oil trade.

Reliance is expected to account for roughly 350,000bpd to 370,000bpd of the October intake, according to estimates from analytics firm Kpler. “We will talk with Reliance about refining more Venezuelan crude,” Rubio told reporters in brief remarks on Tuesday.

Why is the refinery significant for global energy supplies?

Reliance is a central player in keeping global oil markets stable, as one of the world’s biggest suppliers of refined petroleum products. In September, for instance, six of the seven large cargo ships that docked at European Union ports carrying oil products were bearing Reliance goods.

Reliance’s biggest export is diesel, which Trump has been particularly worried about, with prices reaching historic highs in the US ahead of midterm elections early next month.

Though the data on exports by category is not public, an analysis by the Reuters news agency from trade sources noted that Reliance Industries exported 21.66 million tonnes of refined petroleum products in the first half of 2025 from Jamnagar. Diesel accounted for the largest share at 9.81 million tonnes, followed by petrol at 6.14 million tonnes and jet fuel at 2.06 million tonnes.

Europe accounted for the biggest share of the company’s exports, making up 28 percent of Reliance’s refined products during the period. Buyers include BP, ExxonMobil, Glencore, Vitol and Trafigura.

The Jamnagar refinery also shipped about $143m worth of oil products to the US last month, according to data cited by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a think tank in Finland.

CREA noted in its report that the EU’s ban on importing petroleum products made from Russian crude from January 2026 does not adequately prevent products from refineries in third countries from entering Europe when those refineries also process Russian crude. The Jamnagar refinery is a prime example of that loophole.

Rubio’s visit to the refinery also comes as Trump faces his worst approval ratings amid inflation and rising fuel prices ahead of the midterm election in November. Just about 31 percent of Americans are happy with Trump’s performance – the lowest-ever number in his two terms, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey.

The Trump administration has also reportedly been pushing Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop strikes on Russian energy facilities, which have rattled the global fuel markets.

Why the refinery is important for the Russia-Ukraine war

Reliance is also a critical actor in US efforts to influence how much oil Russia sells.

Since the start of Russia’s full-fledged war on Ukraine in February 2022, India has emerged as the second-largest buyer of Russian oil after China. And Reliance is driving that surge in imports. While only 3 percent of its oil was sourced from Russia before 2022, that share rose to 50 percent by 2025.

So when Trump imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods in August 2025 to punish New Delhi for the purchase of Russian oil, Reliance was directly affected. It cut back on Russian crude imports significantly in subsequent months, but it still made up a third of the oil processed by Jamnagar’s refinery during the July-September 2026 quarter.

That was under threat when the Trump administration appeared poised to impose a 100 percent tariff on Indian goods because of continued Russian oil imports, under a new law passed last month.

But Trump has since suspended those proposed tariffs, easing concerns for India and Reliance.

Rubio has said India has been diversifying its import mix away from Russian crude, even as it still buys millions of barrels of Russian oil every day. “You’ve got countries like India, for example, that have voluntarily diversified their energy portfolio, but are still getting a substantial amount of energy from Russia because it’s hard to pivot from one day to the next,” Rubio said on Sunday.

“But they’re also an important ally and partner of the United States.”

Is Reliance also investing in the US?

Yes, India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, is investing in the US, primarily through energy-related projects.

It is backing America First Refining’s planned oil refinery at the Port of Brownsville in Texas, also the first major US refinery in about 50 years, announced by Trump in March.

The refinery is expected to cost $3bn to $4bn and process about 60 million barrels of US crude annually. Reliance has signed a 20-year agreement to buy a large share of the facility’s output, with operations expected to start around 2029.

In November 2024, Reliance’s US subsidiary also acquired a 21 percent stake in helium explorer Wavetech Helium for $12m as part of its low-carbon energy strategy.

Last month, Trump announced that India’s Essar Group — an oil major with knee-deep ties to Russia — is planning an $18bn integrated steel investment in the US through its subsidiary, Mesabi Metallics.

Didn’t Trump’s ally just lock horns with Ambani?

Despite Reliance’s investments in the US and Rubio’s upcoming visit to the Jamnagar facility, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man who is also a key Trump ally, recently hit out at Ambani.

His Starlink space telecommunications firm has struggled for years to secure a licence to operate in India.

In ⁠a series of X posts recently, Musk accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of stalling Starlink’s entry to ⁠favour market leader Ambani’s telecom firm, Jio. Musk taunted Ambani directly, addressing ‌him as “Prime ‌Minister Ambani” and asking whether he would “consider allowing Starlink to compete”. Starlink, Musk wrote, was being blocked by “oligarchs” protecting their “monopolistic chokehold” on Indians.

In a statement issued on X, Reliance said it has “never feared competition” and has “grown in an India that welcomes investment and innovation, homegrown or international”.

NEXT MONTH the capital is set to get a HUGE new multi-million attraction with never- seen-before areas.

Opening on November 28, the £427million London Museum will be in Smithfield in the General Market.

And the best thing about the new attraction is that it will be completely free to visit.

It will be the world’s largest city museum with three different spaces documenting the past 10,000 years of the capital with over seven million objects on display.

One area will be called ‘Real Time’ and feature a covered street where visitors can explore real time data about different parts of London.

In the second space, ‘Our Time’, will be the centre of the museum with events and activities including immersive theatre.

Read more on travel inspo

ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

SO FLY

Our fave beach hols under 5 hours from UK with Caribbean dupes & £2 bottles of wine

Around ‘Our Time’ there will also be 13 installations about London, a restaurant and a bookshop, with festivals and markets planned for the future too.

For extra fun, after-hours DJ sessions are also planned for Fridays and Saturdays.

The main gallery will then be known as ‘Past Time’ and can be found underground.

The gallery will take visitors through London’s history with exhibits including the recent ‘Piranhas’ artwork by Banksy as well as older pieces such as Charles I’s execution vest.

Notable other objects that will be on show at the museum will include the swimming trunks worn by Tom Daley for the 2012 London Olympics and Paul Simon from The Clash’s bass guitar, which he smashed on stage.

On the lower level of the museum there will also be a giant six-metre tall window that will let visitors look through to a tunnel where the Thameslink trains pass.

In 2028, the museum will open even more areas inside the Poultry Market building with galleries including ‘Temporary Time’, ‘Imagined Time’ and ‘Deep Time’.

This building will house the museum’s temporary exhibitions, collection stores and learning centre.

In ‘Imagined Time’, there will be a platform hanging beneath the ceiling with different installations reflecting London’s past, present and imagined future.

The General Market first opened in 1883 as a meat market but has remained abandoned for the past 30 years.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, previously said: “The opening of the new London Museum will be a hugely significant moment both for London and internationally.

“Backed by one of the largest ever cultural investments in our capital, London Museum will attract millions of visitors and Londoners and reinforce our status as the cultural capital of the world.

“London Museum celebrates the past, creates opportunities in the present and will inspire future generations, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

TUI is launching a new route from London Gatwick to Athens, recently named the top winter destination by Time Out, where temperatures can occasionally reach the low 20s on particularly sunny winter days.

TUI is launching a new route from London Gatwick to Athens, offering travellers a city break in a European capital that stays mild for much of the winter.

The Greek capital joins an expanded Gatwick network of 59 destinations. The German holiday company is also adding services to Palermo, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Valencia, Tangier, Djerba and Mytilene.

Athens was recently named the top winter destination by Time Out. Writer John Ovans, who spent last winter there, said “the city never goes into full hibernation mode”.

He also suggested Athens could challenge Lisbon as Europe’s leading city for digital nomads, thanks to “cheap living, a warm lifestyle, and a gritty-glamorous vibe”.

While visitors should not expect summer heat, particularly sunny winter days can bring surprisingly mild temperatures. Ovans wrote: “On a good winter day you might get up to the high teens, or even low‐20s on rare extra sunny occasions.”

He recommended eating outdoors in the city’s squares, with awnings and gas heaters helping diners enjoy neighbourhoods such as Psirri, Plaka and Exarchia even on sunny days in January and February.

A spring visit also revealed a vibrant and exciting city, reports MyLondon. Although its iced freddo coffees and open-air cinemas are best enjoyed in warmer weather, many of Athens’ biggest attractions appeal throughout the year.

The Acropolis is worth the climb in any season, offering breathtaking views of the Parthenon and the city below.

Another highlight is the National Archaeological Museum, where exhibits include the Artemision Bronze and the Mask of Agamemnon. An extensive refurbishment is on the horizon.

For affordable lunches, Athens’ traditional workers’ canteens, historically known as inomagireia or simply magireia, serve hearty, home-style food.

These unpretentious venues dish up stews, soups and casseroles straight from heated trays or pans, making them a good option for budget-conscious visitors.

In the evenings, the city’s tavernas come alive whatever the season. Home-style dishes can be enjoyed alongside rakomelo, a warming spirit served as a digestif.

Across TUI’s wider network, the new routes will add 640,000 seats and open up previously unconnected destinations in Spain, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Tanzania, Cape Verde and Morocco. Most services will operate two to three times a week.

TUI Airline chief commercial officer Peter Glade said: “Gatwick has played a central role in the development of Tui’s airline business in the UK for more than six decades. For generations of customers across London, the south and southwest of England, it has been the gateway to their holidays.

“Expanding our portfolio to 59 destinations is a natural next step as we continue to invest in one of the most important markets. The additional flying creates more opportunities for customers, supports continued growth in both package holiday and flight-only demand, and reinforces our long-term commitment to Gatwick.”

BONFIRE Night is on the horizon, and the biggest celebration in the WORLD is right here in the UK.

Lewes will hold its annual event in a matter of weeks and not only is it free to visit but it will be busier than ever.

Thousands of Brits descend on the town in East Sussex which has been holding bonfire events since 1795.

However, it isn’t the usual firework display followed by hot chocolates – this one is the world’s biggest with torchlit processions and giant effigies.

The event marks both Guy Fawkes Night and the memory of 17 martyrs from the town who were burnt at the stake.

Every year, six different bonfire societies each hold their own procession and firework displays.

BAG IT

Cheap summer 2027 holidays you should book NOW for under £60pp – before prices go up

STAY CHEAP

Bargains at Butlins & manor stays… incredible value UK hols from £2.50pp a night

In 2024, it was recorded that 40,000 people were in attendance.

The event is predicted to be even busier this year because it falls nearer the weekend on Thursday, November 5.

The majority of the event is completely free, like the bonfire at Commercial Square – but visitors will need to pay to watch at others.

This year, the processions start at around 5pm and will arrive at the individual bonfire at around 9.45pm with fireworks displays finishing around 11pm.

Travel Writer, Hope Brotherton, who has previously attended told visitors to “be prepared”.

She said: “In the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to attend Lewes Bonfire because a handful of my friends are from the Sussex town.”

“Because the town’s streets and alleyways are rather narrow, the High Street in Lewes is one of the best, and safest, places to watch the torch-lit procession.

“The processions can often be very loud because of the drums that accompany each of the societies. But the noise is all part of the electric atmosphere, as are the effigies.

“If you do want a drink in a pub, be sure to head there in the early afternoon. Several of the bonfire societies base themselves in local pubs too, which means they can be busier than usual.”

On the day of the event there will be limited rail services – trains will not stop at Lewes from 5pm until the start of the service the next day.

There will also be road closures around and in the town due to the procession and predicted number of attendees.

It’s so popular that those wanting to visit are encouraged to book hotels a year in advance.

On Booking.com there’s a one-night stay available from November 5-6, 2027 from £75 per night (for two people).

Unlike many other firework and bonfire events around the UK, the one in Lewes is not suitable for children or young families as officials warn it can be ‘overwhelming’.

Despite this, lots of visitors often rave about the event calling it an “amazing experience”.

One wrote on Tripadvisor: “The energy is superb, the friendliness of everyone involved, and a feeling of excitement throughout makes this such a memorable night out.

“Everyone should come to Lewes on November 5th at least once, you will never find a night like this anywhere else in the world.”