youve

While the UK has many iconic attractions from the London Eye to Edinburgh Castle, the one that comes out on top with the most five-star reviews on TripAdvisor is one you’ve likely never heard of

The UK has a wealth of places to visit, and if you’re planning a staycation, you certainly won’t be short of ideas. When it comes to visiting a new place, many of us use TripAdvisor to look at reviews and work out what the top attractions are locally.

Now, research from Iglu Cruises has used TripAdvisor data to determine the ultimate day out across 108 countries. Using this information, the cruise line identified which attractions had the highest number of five-star reviews, and a surprising winner emerged at the top.

With 98.1% of reviews giving it five stars, the top spot went to Ascent Aviation, based in the west central lowlands of Scotland. If you know someone interested in planes, this could be the ultimate day out for them, as it hosts a flight simulator and pilot training centre. Visitors can experience flying to over 26,000 airports on a 220-degree wrap-around, which makes you feel like you’re right in the cockpit.

Both children and adults can fly the simulator, although those under 14 will need an adult with them and may require assistance with some of the controls.

One TripAdvisor reviewer said: “I bought this experience for myself and a friend who loves all things aircraft and our experience could not have been better. Our pilot, Chris, was excellent and made us feel instantly comfortable and answered all our (many) questions patiently. A fascinating experience that was really good fun!”

Another commented: “Booked as a present for my son’s 12th birthday, he had an amazing time. The Pilot provided the tuition, treated him as an adult, and provided excellent instruction and patiently answered all his questions. Highly recommend for all flying enthusiasts out there.”

And in a double victory for Scotland, number two on the list is Glenkinchie Distillery in East Lothian. 91.1% of its reviews gave a glowing five stars to the iconic distillery, which is renowned for producing the Edinburgh Malt.

Whiskey fans can tour the distillery and learn how their single malt is made, before visiting the bar for a tasting, and picking up a bottle to take home with them. One visitor said: “Willie gave us the tour and did an amazing job. He told everything with passion, humor and involved everybody in the tour. It’s the best whisky experience near Edinburgh.”

In third place, the Victoria Tunnel in Tyne and Wear boasts 90.5% five-star reviews. This historic underground wagonway was built in the 1840s and originally transported coal, before being used in World War II as an air raid shelter. Guests can take a private tour of the tunnel and learn about its fascinating history and what it was like for the people sheltering there.

Wales gets its first mention in fourth place for the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Torfaen, for which 89.8% of reviews were five-star. This one has an experience that’s best avoided by the claustrophobic; you can go 300 feet underground on a guided tour which is led by a miner. Deep underground, you’ll see the original mine workings and machinery from its days as a working mine.

If you prefer to stay in daylight, there are also surface tours, which take you around various colliery buildings and allow you to learn about the rich history of the mine.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at [email protected].

The travel bug doesn’t need to wane as we age. With potentially more time on our hands, there’s a whole world out there to explore. We’d love to hear about a special travel adventure you’ve had in your 60s, 70s or even 80s. Whether it was hiking in the Himalayas, a first-time solo or group trip, or an inspiring weekend somewhere more local, we want to hear about it.

The best tip of the week, chosen by Tom Hall of Lonely Planet wins a £200 voucher to stay at a Coolstays property – the company has more than 3,000 worldwide. The best tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and website.

Keep your tip to about 100 words

If you have a relevant photo, do send it in – but it’s your words we will be judging for the competition.

We’re sorry, but for legal reasons you must be a UK resident to enter this competition.

The competition closes on Monday 6 October at 10am BST

Have a look at our past winners and other tips

Read the terms and conditions here

If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

A Netflix period drama has been hailed a “masterpiece” by fans who have described it as a “hidden treasure”

Netflix boasts an enormous catalogue of television programmes and films, yet period drama enthusiasts might have missed one brilliant little gem on the streaming service, reports Surrey Live. This emerges whilst others have been captivated by a doomed romance and a Jane Austen classic.

The programme draws inspiration from a beloved collection of novels that continue to enchant readers today.

Countless viewers have praised the show on IMDb, with the series garnering numerous perfect 10/10 ratings.

One glowing review declared: “What a beautiful, beautiful show… And not just in terms of cinematography (which makes you want to pack your bags and head to Prince Edward Island right this second), but also in terms of the the heart and soul that has been put into the show which is clearly evident.”

Another user kept their review title simple: “Love it.”

They elaborated in their perfect 10/10 assessment: “This is one of my favourite shows.

READ MORE: ‘Unbelievable’ period drama based on ‘scandalous’ real-life court case is unmissableREAD MORE: ‘Epic’ period drama hailed ‘amazing’ after nearly 30 years is unmissable

“I loved the old version and this one is a beautifully updated version of that story. I see a lot of hate written from purist with no scope of imagination, who dislike this. However, it is about time that we accept the fact that rural 1900’s Canada was not all flowers, red roads and poetry.”

A third viewer gushed about the programme: “This is one of the most beautiful shows I have ever had the pleasure of watching.

“I have read the books and though it differs from the books it truly is the closest to perfect television we have gotten in the past 10 years or so. It tackles modern day issues that have been alive throughout time and does so in a thought provoking fascinating way.”

Another viewer branded it a “masterpiece” and shared: “One of the best shows I have ever watched I highly recommend it to everyone doesn’t matter what age you are.

Get Netflix free with Sky

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

from £15

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan.

This lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like Stranger Things and The Last of Us.

“Everyone will find something interesting in it. Amazing acting, scenography, costumes, music and of course storylines.”

Yet another fan called it “a hidden treasure” and added: “There aren’t enough words to describe how much this show means to me. Watching this show has brought me so much hope and happiness.”

Another glowing review hailed the series as “absolutely brilliant” and went on: “Anne with an E is exactly the show that we need in our world today. It deals with all kinds of important topics such as residential schools, women’s rights, black history, and the LGBTQ community. It does so in an heart warming, educational, and kid friendly manner.”

Anne with an E first arrived on screens in 2017 and offered a contemporary take on the beloved Anne of Green Gables books by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery, who wrote under the pen name L. M. Montgomery.

The programme was reimagined by Breaking Bad writer Moira Walley-Beckett for CBC and Netflix. Echoing the 1908 classic Anne of Green Gables, the series centred around spirited orphan Anne Shirley (portrayed by Amybeth McNulty), beginning with her adoption by elderly siblings Matthew (R.H. Thomson) and Marilla Cuthbert (Geraldine James).

Despite facing numerous challenges, our heroine Anne remained positive as the show addressed hard-hitting issues such as child abandonment, racism, gender inequality and even psychological trauma.

The cast also included Dalila Bela as Diana Barry, Lucas Jade Zumann as Gilbert Blythe, and Aymeric Jett Montaz as Jerry Baynard.

Anne with an E is streaming on Netflix now

I Fought The Law has had viewers in tears and as Sheridan Smith’s triumphant return to the screen plays out, she is joined by a host of other familiar faces

I Fought The Law has had viewers in tears in recent days after the ITV drama first began to air. The four-part series follows the remarkable true story of the story of Ann Ming, a mother-of-three from Billingham, County Durham, who battled for 15 years to see her daughter Julie’s killer brought to justice after he was initially acquitted.

Julie Hogg, aged 22, was a mother to three-year-old son Kevin and wife to husband Andrew. She vanished after working a late shift at a local pizza parlour.

Heartbreakingly, Ann found Julie’s body hidden in the bathroom of her home in January 1990. 80 days earlier, the murderer had concealed Julie’s body behind the bath panel.

READ MORE: Killer Billy Dunlop now as I Fought The Law brings harrowing true story to ITV

READ MORE: Filming locations for Sheridan Smith’s ITV drama I Fought The Law revealed

Despite extensive searches by police forensics teams after Julie’s disappearance, they failed to locate Julie’s body.

The brand new drama features a stellar cast, headed up by none other than British TV legend Sheridan Smith, who has been a regular face on screens for decades. She started her career as Janet Smith on the BBC Three sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, which she appeared on alongside the likes of Ralf Little, Natalie Casey and Beverley Callard.

During the show’s lengthy run throughout the 2000s, she also appeared on Fat Friends opposite Emmerdale star Lisa Riley as well as sunny sitcom Benidorm and BBC favourite Gavin & Stacey. She then turned to musical theatre, winning an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Elle Woods, the character made famous by Reese Witherspoon, in the West End production of Legally Blonde.

Further stage credits in Funny Girl and, more recently, Shirley Valentine and Opening Night followed.

But it’s gritty dramas that Sheridan has really made her mark. In 2014, she starred as Cilla Black in Cilla, played a cleaner with a gambling addiction in Cleaning Up and also starred in a number of true crime dramas with her the mother of a young gay man killed by Stephen Port in Four Lives, and as Karen Matthews’ friend Julie Bushby in the BBC drama The Moorside.

But Sheridan is not the only famous face to be starring in the much-anticipated drama. She is joined by Enzo Cilenti as DS Mark Braithwaite. He previously starred in Jekyll & Hyde for ITV alongside Hollywood star Richard E. Grant and Strictly Come Dancing’s Natalie Gumede. He also had a main role as Aubrey Hackett in The Last Tycoon opposite Lily Collins, Matt Bomer and Kelsey Grammar and can also be seen alongside Olivia Colman and Dominic West in the 2019 BBC version of Les Miserables.

Esteemed actor Andrew Lancel makes an appearance as Guy Whitburn QC in I Fought The Law, but soap fans are likely to remember him as the villainous Frank Foster on Coronation Street. He appeared as the business associate of Underworld manager Carla Connor (Alison King), and subjected the factory boss to a horrific act of rape.

He was later found dead on the factory floor and it turned out that he had been murdered by his own mother Anne, who was played by Heartbeat favourite Gwen Taylor, after she discovered what he had done. Prior to his stint on the cobbles, he had appeared on Bad Girls and Queer as Folk and has also carved out an illustrious career in theatre having starred in tours of The Sound of Music and Cilla.

The cast is rounded out by Victoria Wyant, who plays the victim in question, as well as Rivals star as Rufus Jones. The actor recently starred as Paul Stratton in the hit Disney+ series and has also starred in The Casual Vacancy and appeared in the likes of Inside No. 9, Beyond Paradise and Black Ops over the years. Fans of Hollyoaks might also recognise Kent Riley, who played Zak Ramsey in the Channel 4 soap.

CBBC fans might also recognise Aimee Kelly, who plays Judith Morden in the drama series. The actress first found fame as a teenager when she played Maddy Smith in the hit supernatural series Wolfblood opposite Bobby Lockwood.

Since she quit the supernatural series more than a decade ago, she has appeared in episodes of Call The Midwife, Grantchester and Holby City. In 2024, she played Sasha in the psychological thriller Platform 7. Others set to appear in the programme, which finishes its run on September 8, are Jack James Riley, Bryony Corrigan, and Buddy Wignall-Ho.

Ann, unhappy with the Cleveland Constabulary’s investigation, took it upon herself to challenge senior officers in a bid to uncover the truth about her daughter Julie’s murder and bring the culprit to justice.

William Dunlop was twice put on trial for Julie’s murder, each time denying his guilt. On both occasions, the jury failed to reach a verdict, leading to his formal acquittal and release.

In 1999, while serving a seven-year sentence for violent offences, Dunlop confessed to a prison officer that he had murdered Julie. At the time, due to the double jeopardy rule, he could not be retried for the murder following his acquittal.

Ann, who also serves as a consultant on I Fought the Law, expressed her support for the ITV series and shared her delight that actress Sheridan would be portraying her, stating she was “overwhelmed”.

“I am very pleased that Hera Pictures will tell the story of my campaign to overturn the Double Jeopardy Law. My daughter’s killer was wrongfully acquitted, and a number of years later confessed to her murder, for which he could only be prosecuted for perjury due to the 800-year-old Double Jeopardy Law. I wasn’t going to let this stand in my way of getting justice for Julie.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Morecambe North is a classic British holiday resort that had its heyday in the post-war boom of the 1950s

In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, with families seeking budget-friendly travel options, staycations – holidays within the UK – are increasingly becoming the preferred choice. Despite the allure of sun-soaked breaks abroad, the recent heatwave has shown you don’t need to fly overseas to enjoy a sun-kissed glow.

A quaint town in the north of England, which may have escaped your notice, has recently been crowned as having one of the best beaches in the country – and it might soon see an influx of visitors. Morecambe, nestled on Lancashire’s coastline, is a quintessential British seaside resort that flourished in the post-war boom of the 1950s.

Visitor numbers may have waned over time, but the anticipated opening of the £100m Eden Project Morecambe in winter 2028 is expected to cause a surge in tourism. If you’re hoping to dodge the crowds, Morecambe North beach has been highlighted as one of Britain’s 20 Greatest Beaches by the Daily Telegraph, complemented by two must-see hidden treasures nearby.

Morecambe North looks out over the Irish Sea and boasts a mainly sandy stretch perfect for family outings, framed by an enticing promenade peppered with ice cream shops, arcades, and the classic fish and chip outlets.

The Daily Telegraph said: “Silting and changing currents mean tides rarely venture in, which is great for power kites and moody photos, less so for bathing.”, reports the Express.

“Morecambe is a different kettle of cockles, with the water coming up to the prom twice a day and then drawing back to the sea. This brings other benefits besides a quick dip close to where you left the car.”

Art installations, games, and puzzles are scattered around to keep the little ones amused, while bird enthusiasts can marvel at the gulls, starlings, and even oystercatchers that visit the shore.

The vista is graced by The Midland, an exquisitely restored art deco hotel that has been a prominent feature on the shoreline since 1933.

Renowned for its sumptuous afternoon teas, the Grade II listed building has caught the eye of film directors, appearing in Laurence Olivier’s The Entertainer and the TV series Agatha Christie’s Poirot.

Naturally, no jaunt to Morecambe would be complete without paying homage to the statue of the town’s most celebrated figure.

Eric Morecambe – born John Eric Bartholomew – adopted his stage name from his hometown and rose to stardom as part of one of the nation’s beloved comedy duos with Ernie Wise. The bronze sculpture, a stone’s throw from the beach, is a magnet for tourists eager to mimic the comedian’s iconic stance.

The Telegraph’s list of notable beaches also features Brancaster in Norfolk, Clevedon in Somerset, and Par in the Isles of Scilly.

IT looks like it should be easy when you first look at it.

But it might be harder than you think to distinguish the odd mistake in this number jumble.

2

The chart features a sea of identical numbers, each reading 4502.

However, there one different number, hiding in plain sight.

And it takes someone with eyes as sharp as a hawk to spot the odd one out – especially if you manage to do it in less than 20 seconds.

Ai Ching Goh, co-founder of Piktochart, said of the brainteaser: “This campaign is a fun reminder of how easy it is to miss small details, especially in data-heavy designs.

“Imagine you’re at work and your boss asks you to check over the latest numbers.

“Would you be able to spot the mistake?”

If you’re struggling, it’s a good idea to take the puzzle column by column.

Scroll down through the rows as you flit your eyes up and down, trying to spot the number that doesn’t fit.

If things aren’t getting any easier, try splitting the box of numbers into quarters – taking one at a time.

And if your frustration is getting the better of you, you can find the answer below.

Brainteasers are excellent for your noggin because they stimulate cognitive function, improve problem-solving skills and enhance overall mental agility.

They also challenge different areas of the brain, including memory, logic and spatial reasoning. 

So what’s the benefit exactly? Improved neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and form new neural connections.

As well as this, activities like brainteasers, puzzles and riddles require you to think critically, which also sharpens your analytical and reasoning skills.

If you want to continue to challenge your brain further, you can find a range of optical illusions on our website.

Different images can test different parts of your brain.

This image of pearls might be a good way to test your eyesight, while this maths puzzle helps improve your critical thinking.

What about testing your eyesight by spotting the word ‘Ball’ in this mind-boggling illusion?

Or if numbers is more your game, try and spot the number 879 in this sea of 876s.

2