Amy Houghton

Cardiff is arguably one of the best-kept foodie secrets in the UK. While it might get overlooked in favour of some more famous destinations, all that means is there’s more scrumptious food on offer for those who are wise enough to buck trends and head to the Welsh capital.  Many of the UK’s most innovative chefs have set up shop here, including the likes of Pembrokeshire’s Tom Simmons, and restaurants across the city have inventive, artistic dishes flying out of their kitchens – but don’t get us wrong, Cardiff also knows a thing or two about classic, hearty, comforting food too. Be you after a posh, Michelin-starred spot for a special occasion or just a trusty, locally-recommended spot for a day of sightseeing, here is our handpicked roundup of the city’s best restaurants. RECOMMENDED:🎨 The best things to do in Cardiff🏩 The best Airbnbs in Cardiff🌉 The best things to do in Wales☀️ The best things to do in the UK This guide was recently updated by Sophie Williams, a writer based in Cardiff. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

It’s been a fantastic year for new music. We’ve had long-running artists finally break through (hello, Chappell Roan), what felt like the longest and most carefully calculated album roll-out of all time (Charli, we’re looking at you), as well as niche new finds and epic comebacks from old faves (The Cure).  As the year draws to a close, it’s time to share our favourite albums of 2024. From intergalactic post-punk to gritty, lyrical hip hop, dance floor-ready pop and everything in between, grab your best headphones or line up the speakers: these are the albums Time Out had on repeat this year. RECOMMENDED:The best movies of 2024The best TV shows of 2024 you need to streamThe best songs of 2024

‘Party songs’ are a broad genre, and throughout the eras, they’ve come in all shapes, sizes and vibes. However, for a song to be a proper, hip-shaking party song, there are some rules: it’s gotta be a banger, and it’s gotta give you absolutely no choice but to get up and boogie.  No wonder then that this list includes everything from funk, soul and disco classics to ‘90s RnB tunes and 2025 chart-toppers. There’s a tonne of variety on here, but pass the aux cable over to us and we’ll have your party shaking in no time. Ready to throw some shapes? You’re in the right place – these are the best party songs of all time.  RECOMMENDED:🎤The best karaoke songs🍻The best drinking songs🎶The best ’80s songs🎊The best pop songs This guide was recently updated by Georgia Evans, who covers Time Out’s music section. Entries are by Time Out Editors. For more about how we curate, have a look at our editorial guidelines.

Greece is, quite simply, king of the holidays. It’s a country full of sprawling cities, beautiful islands and some of the best beaches in the entire world, and the food? Don’t even get us started on the food. There’s a hell of a lot of islands, and our editors have been to a hell of a lot of them, but for the on-the-ground knowledge that only a local has, we’ve roped in our Greece expert Demetrios Ioannou, who grew up in Athens but has travelled all over the country. Whatever you’re looking for, here are the best places to visit in Greece.  Where should I go for my first time in Greece? We’re firm believers that everyone should go to Athens at least once in their lives. So if it’s your first time visiting the country, you should probably start there. But the good news is that in Greece, you can pretty much do it all. So don’t stay in Athens for a full week – spend a perfect weekend there before heading out on a ferry to Aegina, Poros, Hydra and more. If you’ve ticked off Athens already, consider Greece’s latest destination dupe, Paros, which is set to this year’s ‘new Santorini’ (just without the crowds).  RECOMMENDED:🏝️ The most beautiful Greek islands🏖️ The best beaches in Greece🏨 The best hotels in Greece At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information,

Hearing the squawk of a nearby gull while you inhale the salty sea air is almost as integral to the fish ‘n’ chip ritual as mushy peas and tartare sauce. But that’s not to say that excellent landlocked chippies don’t exist in the UK: you just need to know where to look. Thankfully, no matter where you are, you can trust that this list has got the best of the best when it comes to fish ‘n’ chips, whether that’s at a beachfront cafe frying up daily catches or a city-centre institution which has really mastered its batter craft. Get the salt and vinegar in hand and tuck in: here are the best places for fish and chips in the UK. RECOMMENDED:🍺The best pubs in the UK🍝The best restaurants in the UK☀️The best beer gardens in the UK🏖️The best seaside towns in the UK This list was written by Lucas Oakeley, a freelance food writer for Time Out. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

There’s no shortage of excellent hotels in Birmingham, so you’ve got no excuse not to make a weekend of it in England’s second-largest city. How else do you expect to tick off the many magnificent things to do here? Knackered from wandering the city’s extensive waterways? Need to lie in a curry-induced coma after visiting the ‘Balti Triangle’? Or maybe you are planning a big night out and only plan to need a bed for three hours? These hotels are all conveniently located and ready to cater to your every need. And whether you want a beautiful independent, a reliable chain or some proper luxury, we’ve got all tastes covered.  Business or leisure, comfort is key and Brum’s best hotels offer it in abundance. Here’s where to stay in Birmingham the next time you’re in town. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in BirminghamBrilliant restaurants in Birmingham Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

The capital’s streets may be lined with all the big names in hospitality, but there are also loads of great cheap hotels in London that you needn’t trek out to the sticks to find. Yep – we’re telling you that you can stay somewhere better located and more fun than many of the city’s grand five-star hotels, all for less than you’d pay for a slap-up meal at one of London’s best restaurants. Whether it’s a dorm bed in the heart of Soho, a traditional family-run guesthouse on a period square, or a tech-smart room near St Pancras you’re searching for, London’s got it covered. Have a peek at our list of the best cheap hotels in London and save your pennies for exploring. Looking for more options? 🇬🇧Check out London’s best Airbnbs 🏨Or how about a stay in London's best hotels? Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Planning a visit to the United Kingdom? You’re in luck. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are all abundant with incredible things to do and see – from fascinating museums and galleries and thriving nightlife offerings to out-of-this-world scenery and hidden histories.  From the waves of Cornwall to the very top of Scotland, our writers have explored every nook and cranny of this small but mighty country, and we’ve rounded up the best of the best for you to tick-off right here. We’ve got all of the world-renowned destinations you really can’t miss (the Scottish Highlands; Notting Hill Carnival), as well as some more under-the-radar stuff that locals usually keep to themselves (did someone say Celtic-themed club night? A sculpture park that looks like it’s on another planet?). So what are you waiting for? If you’re not already, it’s time to start finally planning that trip.   RECOMMENDED:🧙 The most mystical places in the UK🏰 The best castles in the UK🏖️ The best seaside towns in the UK👀 The best new things to do in the UK 2024

Apologies to the sinister shopping centre Santas, but the thing we most truly respect about this time of year is the Christmas sandwich. So pure. So dense. So carby. This year, the gallant staff of Time Out London have taste-tested festive sarnies from 12 bakeries and indie delis across London, in order to find the jolliest Christmas sandwich in town. These are the best Christmas sandwiches in London, according to us. RECOMMENDED: For more festive fun here’s our guide to the best Christmas markets in London.  And don’t miss the best Christmas events, either. 

It’s not that we don’t love them, but England is more than its boozers, Greggs and Buckingham Palace. It’s also a country with a thriving live music scene, towering mountains and idyllic lakes, historic theatres and some of the most exciting chefs around. It’s got huge art institutions moments away from Michelin-starred restaurants. In other words – from its natural wonders to festivals which will make you feel like you’re on a different planet – you really don’t need to look far to keep yourself entertained when you visit here.  This country has also birthed greats like Shakespeare, The Beatles and grime music and has inspired some of the most romantic poetry out there. We have ancient, we have new, and although the weather sometimes leaves a lot to be desired, we can guarantee you a very memorable time when you take a trip to this small but mighty country. Start drawing up the bucket-list: these are the best things to do in England.  RECOMMENDED:  🌤️ The best things to do in the UK🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 The best places to go in Wales 📍 The best things to do in London🏝️ The most beautiful islands in England✨ The most magical places in the UK At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

The UK isn’t a big place, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of breathtaking destinations to uncover. Whether you’re a hiker, a biker, or a lover of wild swimming, this country’s rural areas are jam-packed with stunning landscapes and various terrains, many of which are tucked away in our glorious national parks.  But with so many to explore, from the lochs of Scotland to the coasts of Wales, it can be tricky to know where to start. Fear not, weary hiker, as we’ve handpicked the very best spots across the UK for soaking up those hills, valleys and views. So, read on for the most beautiful national parks the country has to offer. RECOMMENDED:🚞 The most breathtaking hikes in the UK🌤️ The best places to visit in the UK🏄 The best extreme outdoor activity breaks in the UK🏝️ The most beautiful islands in the UK🌲 The best treehouse Airbnbs in the UK

It’s hard not to fall in love with Wales. This nation may be small but best believe it is crammed with irresistible Celtic charm, spectacular wilderness and vibrant culture. Even after growing up in Bannau Brycheiniog and spending family holidays up north and along the coast, I still cannot get enough. It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate, to give your mind a rest and to bathe in the warm hospitality of Welsh people. It’s also a hugely overlooked arts and music hub. From Michelin-star establishments, to gorgeous hikes, an official book town and several critically acclaimed festivals, whatever kind of getaway you're after, this is the very best of Cymru.  RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best places to go in Wales 🍴 The best things to do in North Wales 👀 The best things to do in Cardiff🌤️ The best things to do in the UK This article was recently updated by Amy Houghton, a writer from Bannau Brycheiniog, Wales. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

What do Bavarians and the Irish have in common? Their love for shindigs and getting schlossed on really good beer, that’s what. Leading up to St Paddy’s, Albert’s Schloss Soho is honouring its Celtic brethren and serving Guinness on tap with a menu of Guinness-based grub. For the big day itself, festivities at the beer hall will be led by traditional Irish folk singers and a walkabout trio band.

Master your ‘Jockey to the Fair’, get the hang of ‘the Garden of Daisies’ and perfect ‘Three Sea Captains’ at the London Irish Centre’s St Patrick’s Céilí. Irish set dancing pros will be on hand to guide you through traditional dances from every county on the Emerald Isle. The Céilí has been a mainstay event at the centre since 1990 and is open to everyone from fresh beginners to seasoned veterans. There’s no booking needed, just turn up and have £10 cash on hand for entry.

The black stuff will be well and truly flowing at O2 Kentish Town Forum on St Patrick’s weekend. We mean it. For £32, you can sink as many pints of Guinness as you like. From 2pm to 9pm, live bands and DJs at the venue will bring the vibes with Irish singalongs, high-energy folk tunes and plenty of crowd-pleasers. This is, apparently, the biggest indoor St Paddy’s fest the city has to offer. There’ll be interactive games, Irish dancers and traditional Irish eats to help keep the party going.

For one day only, Dram is being taken over by leading Norn Iron bars to show off Irish whiskey Bushmills. Bartenders from Belfast’s Rattlebag and The Merchant will be rustling up exclusive cocktails with the single malt whiskey to accompany trays of Irish oysters, soundtracked by a live Irish band. On March 14 and 15, the bar’s mews room will be turned into a snug inspired by proper Irish pubs, where Bushmills will host ticketed tasting sessions.

Trust Boxpark to throw a deadly sesh for Ireland’s big day. For its St Paddy’s Weekender, Boxpark Croydon is hosting a St Patrick’s bingo experience while Boxpark Shoreditch is putting on a ‘Baddies Love Paddy’s’ bottomless brunch complete with dance-offs, musical bingo and ‘Paddy’oke’. Both venues will wrap up festivities with a Big Fat St Patrick’s Day Quiz on March 17. Festivities will also be going down at Boxpark Wembley. If you prefer a dram of whiskey to a pint of ruby red stout, you’ll be pleased to know that Jameson whiskey is the main character in Boxpark’s celebrations, with giveaways and discounts throughout the weekend. 

Gather your brood and join Hackney’s ceilidh band Cut A Shine for its afternoon of family friendly St Patrick’s barn dancing. The bandmembers will teach you and the little’uns all of the crucial ceili moves and ensure that everyone is kept fueled with traditional Irish stew and champ (vegan option available). Things will round off at 3.30pm with a disco where the kids can show off all their newly-learned Celtic choreography. Oh, and there’s a fully stocked bar of Guinness and whiskey for the grown ups. 

Le Relais de Venise l’Entrecôte in Marylebone offers a deliriously, fabulously old school experience. It’s a culty no-booking, no-choice bistro where there’s only one thing on the menu: impossibly addictive and tender entrecôte steak in a ‘secret sauce’ served with frites and salad. Part of a small global chain (with other branches in Mexico and New York), the menu has remained unchanged since it opened its flagship restaurant in 1959 in Paris. Right now, dinner for two here costs just £31.  Time Out tip  You’ll have to hang about for an hour or so for your table, but good things come to those who wait. What’s nearby?   There’s plenty of place to explore post or pre-steak while you’re in the area. The free to visit Wallace Collection is a short stroll away, as is Selfridges and Time Out favourite, Daunt Books. 

Every older sibling knows that cheeky conniving whisper as you implicate a younger relative in some small act of delinquency – like quietly gorging on Nutella or scaling the countertops to raid the biscuit stash in the kitchen cupboards – ‘Don’t tell dad’. So when a restaurant adopts the phrase as a name, you expect a level of childish play, or some culinary naughtiness at which you feign disapproval but find irresistibly endearing.           Bakery by day, restaurant by night, Don’t Tell Dad appeared on Lonsdale Road in Queen’s Park at the end of 2024. Occupied by Carmel and Milk Beach, the street is one of north west London's most stylish foodie haunts. This place, opened by Coco di Mama co-founder Daniel Land (and named in memory of his late sister), is packed on a school night – it’s clearly doing something right. Dusky pink window sills, sage corduroy banquettes and marble table tops under soft glowy lighting give Don’t Tell Dad a romantic Parisian air. But so far, the loose crumpled waiters shirts and showtunes playing in the toilet cubicles are the only hints of any mischief.   A crab tart with a dollop of mayo and handful of watercress is all very Great British picnic We ease in with cocktails – a pretty rhubarb and almond sour (frangipane in liquid form) and simple curry leaf daiquiri – shortly followed by gooey truffle and cheddar beignets and an adorable chubby crumpet piled with rich and treacly shredded oxtail. The rest of DTD’s Anglo-French menu, crafted by hea

What is it?  These two neighbouring studio homes in Holland have been paired together under the ownership of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Each represents the physical legacy left by two  ‘celebrities’ of the late Victorian era – painter Frederic Lord Leighton and cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne.  In the 1860s, Lord Frederic Leighton commissioned his friend, architect George Aitcheson, to build him a house in Holland Park to house his extensive collection of antiquities and artworks. Here, he stashed all his classical acquisitions, as well as his own art and that of his contemporaries. Venture inside, and you’ll find the very model of nineteenth-century opulence. There are occasional events, including music recitals in Leighton’s gorgeous upper-floor studio. Punch cartoonist and artist Edward Linley Sambourne lived in the neighbouring house with his family from 1875. It’s the very epitome of genteel, well-heeled Victorian middle-class living (ironic, given that Sambourne also took some pretty explicit nood photographs). Within two years of living here, an inventory found that Sambourne had collected over 50 vases, 70 chairs and around 700 framed pictures. Why go?  Both Leighton and Sambourne treated their homes as pieces of art in themselves. Incredibly well-preserved, both are packed with gorgeous decor and countless masterpieces. Leighton House’s turquoise Arab Hall is a particularly impressive site to behold, as is Sambourne’s collection of stained glass

What is it?  London's first vagina museum is also the world's first (there's a penis museum in Iceland, in case you're planning a trip). The muff-loving institution started as a pop-up project in 2017 at venues across the UK before getting a womb of one's own in Camden Market in 2019, then moving to Bethnal Green in 2022. The museum aims to destigmatize anything and everything to do with the gynecological anatomy, while also promoting bodily autonomy in a trans-inclusive environment. Oh, and they really, really love a good pun.  Each gallery is named after one of the three ‘Mothers of Gynaecology’, Betsey, Anarcha and Lucy, who were the enslaved black women upon whom medical experiments were carried out without anesthesia in the 19th century . The permanent exhibition covers the four main themes of anatomy, health, vulva diversity and activism while past temporary exhibitions have delved into periods, endometriosis and cervical screenings. There’s also a busy programme of events and workshops (such as sapphic mix and mingles and 3D clitoris craft classes) to keep an eye on.  Why go? To educate yourself on the wondrous (and underresearched) world of the vagina, get clued up on the health injustices faced by womxn and be inspired by all the work going into changing that.  Don’t miss  The Anarcha’s Gallery, a space within the museum dedicated to showing work by community groups and upcoming artists.  When to visit The Vagina Museum is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10am to 6pm

What is it?  William Morris Gallery in Walthamshow’s Lloyd Park is Morris's former family home, the 18th-century Water House. The designer, socialist and source of all that flowery wallpaper lived here between 1848 and 1856. The house is set in its own extensive grounds and features permanent displays of printed and woven fabrics, rugs and painted tiles by Morris and other members of the Arts and Crafts movement. There’s also a spread of humble domestic objects including Morris's coffee cup and the satchel he used to distribute his radical pamphlets. Temporary exhibitions have included an exploration of how Morris was inspired by Islamic art, a journey through 100 years of mingei (Japanese folk art)  and the upcoming ‘Morris Mania: How Britain’s greatest designer went viral’, which features Morris print Nike trainers, chopsticks and Dr Martens, plus a montage of media, from ‘ Django Unchained’ to ‘Peep Show’, in which his work has made a cameo.  Why go?  Even if you’ve never heard the name, you’ll know Morris’ ubiquitous designs. The William Morris Gallery is a beautiful gallery in a beautiful setting that will leave you with a fresh appreciation for the man’s craft, his political activism and his legacy.  Don’t miss  Aside from all the sumptuous fabrics, prints, furniture and wallpaper, you should keep an eye on the programme of late events, which includes workshops, poetry readings and even DJ sets. When to visit Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm.  Ticket info  Free entry. 

What is it?  Pollock’s Toy Museum, a quirky museum of old playthings, is named after Benjamin Pollock, the last of the Victorian toy theatre printers. In 2023, after living on Scala Street in Fitzrovia since 1969, the museum was sadly forced to shut its doors. It remains in search of a permanent home but for now, you can find it as a volunteer-run pop-up in Croydon.  The museum collection includes board games, marbles, money-boxes, puppets, wax dolls, toy theatres, dolls houses and wonderful, intricately detailed model shops, as well as the world’s oldest surviving teddy and a 4,000 year-old mouse made from Nile clay. By turns beguiling and creepy, it’s fascinating for adults but less so for children, for whom the displays may seem a bit static – describing a pile of painted woodblocks stuffed in a cardboard box as a ‘Build a skyscraper’ kit may only make them feel lucky to be going home to a PlayStation. Why go?  Get a sense of childhood through the ages.  Don’t miss  At 12pm to 2pm on Saturdays, the pop-up hosts old-style toy theatre performances. When there are no shows happening, there’s normally some sort of family session to get involved in.  When to visit  At the moment, Pollock’s Croydon pop-up is open every Saturday from 10am-4pm.  Ticket info  Free.  Time Out tip You can help keep the museum alive by donating your time, your toys or a little bit of cash via its website. 

In case you missed the memo: second-hand is chic now. It’s more affordable, much more sustainable and you’re far more likely to find something unique to you (no one wants to be caught wearing the same as everyone else). If you’re a seasoned second-hand shopper, you’ll know that clothes-selling app Vinted is at the forefront of the pre-worn revolution. And at the end of this month, it’s bringing its first ever second-hand luxury pop-up to west London.  House of Vinted opens its doors at The Adria in South Kensington on Saturday, March 22. It’ll feature curated wardrobes from prominent fashion people like Susie Lau, Victoria Magrath, Simran Randhawa, Giulia Valentina and Keiona Revlon. Arranged according to different themes (‘Art Deco Déjà Vu’, ‘Modern Eclectic’s Encore’, ‘Cottagecore Comeback’) the display includes items from the likes of The Row, Prada, Gucci, Maison Margiela and Jacquemus.  Visitors to the house will be able to partake in various workshops, such as leather embossing, and chat to a professional stylist for some bespoke fashion-y tips and tricks. There will also be a café on-site serving cold-pressed juices and snacks to keep guests going.  You’ll only be able to attend the event if you’re a Vinted member and have received an invitation to register via email (keep an eye out!). If you don’t get an invitation, don’t worry – everyone else will have an opportunity to buy the pieces from House of Vinted’s collection on the app from March 25.  Emma Sullivan, the co

Last summer, Cardiff was given the privilege of hosting Billy Joel for his only European show of 2024, following the end of his 10-year residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden. British Billy fans were then given good news in October, as the legendary musician announced that he would be returning for two more exclusive UK shows in 2025.  This week, however, we’ve had less a fortunate update. Billy will be bringing his timeless tunes to Edinburgh and Liverpool – but not until June 2026. The original shows were supposed to be this coming June, but they’ve been postponed due to a ‘medical condition’. Here’s everything you need to know about the rescheduled shows.  RECOMMENDED: 🎸 The best gigs in London this month. Confirmed Billy Joel UK tour dates in 2025 Billy’s two UK shows are rescheduled for: Saturday June 6: Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield  Saturday June 20: Liverpool, Anfield Stadium  When did tickets go on sale? General sale went live on Friday, October 4 at 10am. Resale is now available on Stubhub.     Can I go VIP? Yep, you can do that through the official hospitality partner, Seat Unique. Packages get you things like premium seats, arrival via the hospitality entrance, premium dining options and other cool things. Find out more here. What’s been said about Billy Joel in concert?  Following Billy’s Cardiff Principality Stadium performance, the Telegraph wrote: ‘He’s lasted this long because he is a seriously gifted singer-songwriter, who has become cool

From elite Olympic athletes to inflatable sharks and a man with a fridge on his back, more than 1.3 million people have put themselves through the impressive (and insane) toil of running the London Marathon over the last 45 years.  The 26.2 mile event through the London’s streets launched in 1981, with just 6,255 completing the original run. Every year, the number of participants have grown and these days it’s a much, much bigger affair. In 2025, it could even become the biggest marathon event in the whole world.  In its 45th year, more than 56,000 people (out of 840,000 applicants) are expected to sprint, run and jog the route from Greenwich to Buckingham Palace on April 27. If that happens, the London Marathon will beat New York’s record of 55,646 finishers and Guinness World Records will declare it the world’s largest marathon.  Hugh Brasher, chief exec of London Marathon Events, said: ‘The 45th edition is a landmark year for us, and it would be wonderful to mark that by becoming the biggest marathon ever staged anywhere in the world," said Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events. ‘Marathon Day is an extraordinary day when communities come together to celebrate the very best of humanity as tens of thousands of participants take on the legendary 26.2-mile challenge from Greenwich to the Mall and raise tens of millions for charity on the way.’ In training? Check out our pick of running groups in London and the best songs for clocking miles. Would rather support from the

It’s St Patrick’s Day weekend! And you know what that means? Staying out and about in London from noon and into the early hours of the morning, of course.  If that’s your plan for St Paddy’s, you should make yourself familiar with all the tube and travel disruptions happening over the weekend so that your plans don’t get thrown out of whack and you get back home in one piece. And if you’ve got a quieter few days lined up, the travel info is still worth knowing about.   So, as always, we’re on hand to break down all the closures and disruptions that TfL and National Rail have scheduled for this weekend.  RECOMMENDED:☘️ Time Out’s guide to the St Patrick’s Day 2025 in London.📍 The best things to do this weekend. London Underground  Central line There are no Central line services between Leytonstone and Epping/ Hainault on either Saturday or Sunday. Replacement buses will be operating instead.  Piccadilly line There’s no planned timetable changes on the Piccadilly line this weekend, however for the Arsenal v Chelsea match on Sunday, Holloway Road station will be closed between 11.30am and 1.45pm and again from 3.10pm to 4.40pm.  Find out more about the ongoing Piccadilly line closures here.  Waterloo and City line There’s no service on the Waterloo and City line on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays.  Other TfL services DLR No DLR trains between Canary Wharf and Stratford on Saturday or Sunday.  Elizabeth line  On Sunday from 12.40am to 7.40am there are no Elizabeth line

So, you know when we told you that British passport holders would have to pay for a visa to visit Europe later this year? Well, that’s no longer true. It’s been revealed this week that Brits won’t need to do that until April 2027, at the earliest.  The European entry/exit system (EES) has been pushed back, yet again and because of that, so has the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which can only take effect six months after EES.  Informally referred to as a ‘euro-visa’, once it’s put in place the ETIAS will require British passport holders to apply and pay for a three-year visa waiver (kind of like the US’s ESTA) to travel into the Schengen Area. That’s Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein plus all EU countries except Ireland and Cyprus.  ETIAS can’t happen until EES is launched across the whole Schnengen Area. That was meant to happen on November 10, 2024 but was delayed when it became clear the tech wasn’t ready.  Now, the Independent has uncovered further developments in the EES saga. Rather than waiting to roll out the technology in one ‘big bang’, the EU has proposed implementing it gradually. It’s hoped that this way, the Entry/Exit System will be up and running throughout the Schengen Area by 2026.  When it comes to the euro-visa, the EU says: ‘Starting six months after EES, some 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries.’ But when

Do you still watch good old traditional live tele? Can’t live without all the great TV that the BBC and BBC iPlayer has to offer? If so, you may already know that the UK’s TV licence fee is going up from £169.50 to £174.50 next month (if you weren’t aware, we’re sorry for being the ones to break it to you).  After a two year freeze, TV license fees increased in 2024 and will rise once again in April, in line with inflation. But as more households convert to streaming only, there’s apparently been a 30 percent drop in licence fee income over the past few years and the government is looking at other ways to secure the future of the BBC.  RECOMMENDED: 📺 The 101 best TV shows of all time you have to watch🔥 The best TV and streaming shows in 2025 (so far) As part of those discussions, the department for culture, media and sport (DCMS) hasn’t ruled out introducing a non-live streaming service licence when it comes to review the scheme in two years time. That means Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and Apple TV users could all have to pay for legal permits on top of their subscription fees. You already have to have a TV licence if you watch live sports on certain streaming services.  After being questioned over its plans, DCMS minister Stephanie Peacock, said in a written statement: ‘The government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and firmly believes that the unique obligations placed on the BBC demand continued, sustainable public funding to support its

Beaches are surely some of the happiest places on Earth. Everyone who heads to the seaside is most likely there on a summer’s (or at least sunny) day, revelling in time off work, soaking up mood-boosting vitamin D and raising their dopamine levels with refreshing sea swims. It’s impossible not to have a smile on your face.  But, apparently, there are some beaches that elicit more smiles than others. And three beaches here in Britain are among the top 30 happiest in the world.  How do we know that? Well, CV Villas has used facial recognition software to analyse thousands of Instagram pics of more than 100 beaches, to determine which have the smiliest visitors. With that info, it determined which beaches are the happiest on the planet.  Sunny bays in Spain and Portugal took bronze, silver and gold, but in fourth and fifth place were two beaches in Wales. Rhossili Bay on the beautiful Gower Peninsula narrowly missed out on a place on the podium. It’s one of Time Out’s own favourite British beaches and is dog-friendly all year round (which we imagine accounts for lots of the smiles).  Rhossili was followed by the nearby Caswell Bay, a spot loved by families and surfers, at number five. A little further down the list is Scotland’s Troon Beach. The spectacular Ayrshire and Arran bay has some of the bluest water in the world, which is surely enough to dispel any sadness.  You can see CV Villas’ full ranking of the happiest beaches in the world here.  Get happy with Time Out UK There

Phone signal in the UK has been pretty crappy lately. Even in London, accessing the world wide web when you’re out and about is surprisingly tricky. So, just imagine the struggle of trying to get online in rural seaside towns (first world problems, we know).  Residents in the north Yorkshire coastal town of Filey have been complaining about having poor signal along the seafront for some time now, according to local councillors. Plans to provide public high-speed internet connection across the town are being discussed this week. You can already find free public wi-fi in 20 towns across north Yorkshire, including Scarborough, Whitby, Thirsk, Malton and Harrogate. A free public wifi network is also being trialled in parts of London right now.  The idea is that wi-fi access points will be installed at 14 locations across Filey. It’s expected to initially cost £36,000 in total, which will be covered by North Yorkshire Council. The council says it would then cover the first year of maintenance after which it’ll pass the baton onto Filey Town Council.   Nothing’s confirmed yet, though. This evening (Wednesday, March 12), local councillors will be asked whether they agree with entering into a three-year contract with North Yorkshire Council's in-house internet provider. North Yorkshire Council said that it is ‘exploring how this technology could be used to promote local shops and services and create a different town centre experience’.  ICYMI: When will the UK next get warm weather?

Hotels can make or break a holiday. A good hotel will offer a reliable base to explore the surrounding area. But a great hotel will make you never, ever want to leave. The good news is, we’re spoiled for choice here the UK. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all teeming with a wide variety of really special hotels, and the Sunday Times’ new list of the 100 best hotels in the country right now proves it.  Each year the paper’s expert reviewers set out on a mission to let its readers know about the UK’s finest places to stay. As ever, they were looking out for value for money, impressive design and facilities and, in particular this year, outstanding food and service. They then chose winners for each region and one hotel that stood out above all the rest.  So, for 2025, the Sunday Times’ hotel of the year is The Cavendish Hotel in Derbyshire. Sitting on the edge of Chatsworth country estate, the paper commended the hotel’s fresh refurb by designer Nicola Harding that has given it a new ‘impressive sparkle’. It also shouted out the ‘cosy bar’, ‘elegant dining room’ and the ‘epic views of the Peak District available through almost every window’.  Photograph: Booking.com You can find out more about The Cavendish (and book a stay) on Booking.com here. For the rest of the UK, The Torridon in the Highlands was crowned the best Scottish hotel, Harbourmaster in Ceredigion was named Wales’ best and The Cuan in County Down earned top spot for Northern Ireland.  As well

The big red double-decker bus has been a stalwart of London life and a globally recognised symbol of the city for over 100 years. In those 100 years, those buses have gone through several iterations. Back in the day, they had open platforms for Londoners to hop on and off. Now, loads of them have high-tech stuff like on-board USB chargers and electric motors. But at the end of the month, one London bus route is going back in time. From around 9am to 5pm on March 29, heritage buses will take over route 19 between Finsbury Park and Battersea Bridge. And, even better, the vintage double-deckers, dating from the 1930s to 1980s, will be completely free to ride. All you have to do in head to one of the stops along the routes, stretch out your arm and hop on.  Image: David Bowker/ London Bus Museum Route 19 began as route H in 1906 and has run continuously between Highbury and Battersea, largely unchanged, for nearly 120 years.  Most of the vehicles taking part in heritage day will be the RT-type from the 1950s and passengers may even get an old-style ticket as a souvenir.  It should be noted that, because the buses are so old-fashioned, they’re not unable to accommodate wheelchairs or most modern buggies. Nevertheless, the London Bus Museum said ‘our crews will make every effort to help the less able and those with small children enjoy a ride back in time’. Regular buses will still be running along the route on the day.  Camden High Street is finally being pedestrianised later th

Last weekend, people across the UK were finally reminded what it’s like to have the warm sun beaming down on our faces.Sunday was officially the country’s warmest day of the year so far, with a high of 19.7C recorded in Crosby, Merseyside – that’s hotter than places like the Balearic Islands and Costa del Sol in Spain and the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Parks were packed, shorts were out and we even spotted an Aperol spritz or two.  Sadly, things are cooling down again from Tuesday. Across the country, temperatures will drop back to around 8-10 degrees celsius. Experts predict that the weather will be mostly cloudy with scattered showers, though some sunny spells aren’t out of the question. That said, there are some places far up north that could see some snow and ice.  According to the astronomical calendar, spring officially starts on March 20. In its long range forecast for March 15-24, the Met Office says: ‘The weekend will continue on a cool theme, but with the high pressure to the north becoming more dominant it should lead to a reduction in shower activity seen on previous days. So there should be a good deal of dry weather with plenty of sunshine by day, but still some noticeably chilly nights with frost fairly widespread. ‘The odd fog patch is possible in the north, and a brisk breeze across the south will make it feel notably chilly here on Saturday.’ However, it looks like sunshine will make a more permanent comeback towards the end of the month. The Met Office says: ‘

Is that the faint sound of a sniffle in the distance? Was that an excessive number of sneezes? Do we detect... itchy eyes? Spring is almost upon us and while that means we’ll start enjoying brighter days and sunnier weather, it also means that the first signs of hay fever are beginning to show. It’s estimated that around 13 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever, ie. a pollen allergy. Pollen is released into the air when the weather starts to gets sunny and warm (from around 13C to 28C). People’s hay fever can get particularly bad on windier days when pollen is blown around more. Rain and anything above 28 degrees can actually decrease pollen count.  So, with all that said, stock up on antihistamines, start shooting nasal spray and pack your eye drops – here’s when you can expect the worst of hay fever season to hit this year.  When does hay fever season start in the UK?  Overall, hay fever tends to affect people from March to September. However, there are actually three major different hay fever seasons in the UK, each relating to a different kind of pollen – tree pollen, grass pollen and weed pollen.  Tree pollen season happens first. It tends to begin in late March and last until mid-May. The season for grass pollen, which is the one that most people have an allergic reaction to, lasts from mid-May until July. It normally hits it peak in England and Wales in the first two weeks of June, with a second lower peak in the first fortnight of July.  Then, weed pollen sea