Amy Houghton

Things are getting more and more expensive here in Europe, and many of our reliably ‘cheap’ cities aren’t so cheap anymore. The hotspots in Greece, Spain, Italy and more are plagued with overtourism and prices are starting to look similar across the board. But don’t fear: if budgets are tight this year, there’s still plenty of spots that won’t break the bank.  The best part? These are the spots with less tourists and less crowds, and the flights there are likely to be much cheaper too. Of course, it goes without saying that a ‘cheap city’ is highly subjective, depending on a whole load of factors: which city you’ve travelled in from, what time of year you’re visiting, how bougie your tastes are and all the rest of it. On our list of cheap destinations in Europe, we’ve got everything from thriving capital cities to underrated towns. Ready to see a different side of Europe and afford dinner out? Read on for the cheapest (and best) cities to visit in Europe in 2025.  RECOMMENDED:🌃 The most underrated travel destinations in Europe🏰 The best city breaks in Europe📍 The most beautiful places in Europe🌊 The best places to ‘coolcation’ in Europe 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. 

Summer's finally here! And that means it's high time you dug out last year's swimsuit (faintly bobbly though it may be) and took it for a spin in one of London's many gorgeous outdoor pools. But don't even think of heading to your local noisy, chlorine-scented indoor swimming baths. When the temperatures soar, lidos are the only way to go. I'm one of the growing band of Londoners who's been bitten by the outdoor swimming bug, and braved the waters at every al fresco pool I can find in this city. Yep, the water's a bit chilly. But that's the whole point: to feel that rush of exhilaration you only get once your body adjusts to the cool water and starts gliding through it like a dolphin (or in my case, a geriatric elephant seal – I said I'm a keen outdoor swimmer, not a good one).   The seriously dedicated will head to wild swimming spots where you bob about face to face with aggy ducks and the odd bit of pondweed. But if you want to get a proper swim in, lidos are the easiest, freshest way to do it. Heated or unheated, regimented lanes or wide open water, serious fitness or chilled family fun – these are all of London’s best lidos and outdoor swimming pools for making a splash in this summer. RECOMMENDED:🏊 The best swimming pools in London.🌡️ The best saunas in London. 💦 The best waterparks in London

Work-dos are a hard art to master. How do you find something that strengthens your team spirit and that everyone in the office, across multiple generations, is actually going to find fun?  Stuck for ideas? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re after some healthy competition among co-workers or an activity that requires all your colleagues to work together, London has a load of classic and quirky ways for your team to let their hair down. So, take notes, we’ve rounded up the best of them. These are some of the top places in the city to go to build your office bonds.  RECOMMENDED: The best office party venues to hire in LondonThe top London venues for a private bash 

After temperatures soared above 30 degrees in June, we’re holding out for a sun-soaked July this summer, which would mean lidos, rooftop bars, beer gardens and alfresco dining galore. We can already taste the sweet, sweet golden hour Aperol Spritz.  When it comes to stuff going on, this July is going to be a biggie. Drake is in town for a whopping three nights at Wireless festival (playing an entirely different set each evening), Rosamund Pike is hitting the West End stage starring in Inter Alia, and BST at Hyde Park is in full swing, with Noah Kahan and Sabrina Carpenter both topping the bill in July.  Other London music festivals are popping off throughout the month, and it’s also a chance to take in the city’s lavender and sunflower fields, which are going to be at their blooming loveliest. Here’s our guide to the best exhibitions, shows and things to do this July 2025 in London.  RECOMMENDED: The definitive London events calendar

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: Discover our ultimate guide to Greece Which is the best Greek island to visit? If we’re talking most popular, Santorini and Mykonos are always going to be top of the list. But Greece has more than 6,000 islands and islets, each with its own unique vibe and all worth visiting for entirely different reasons. Crete is Greece’s biggest island, in the south of th

London summer has officially kicked into gear. And that means that the Wimbledon Tennis Championships – aka the oldest, and arguably the very best, tennis tournament in the world – is back very, very soon.  This year the tournament is happening from Monday June 30, 2025 to Sunday July 13, 2025. Thousands will be descending on SW19 to see the matches go down in real life but live screenings will be peppered all over London for thousands more who missed the ticket ballot or can’t be bothered to queue in the hopes of getting in day of.  With a jug of Pimms in one hand and a punnet of strawberries in the other, you’ll hardly know the difference. Even better – most of watch parties won’t cost you a single penny. So, pack your picnic blanket, fill your flask and pull up a pew at a summery screening near you.  RECOMMENDED: Our full guide to Wimbledon 2025.

As the UK's most visited national park, the captivating, enigmatic Lake District is just about as English as landscapes come. Forged from glaciers, this UNESCO site is one of the UK's most popular tourist hotspots for visitors, domestic and international. And while people flock to the Lake District because of the history, the walking, the breathtaking scenery, picturesque villages, and the, well, lakes, after all of that, you really do need a place of comfort, great food, log fires, and luxurious spas to rest your weary bones. Long gone are the days of damp B&Bs – style and quality are on the up in the region, so it’s worth checking out these incredible Lake District hotels right now, as this is just about the perfect time to explore this fascinating, beautiful part of the world. From remote bivouacs and remote stays to lakeside luxury and world-famous hotels that draw people from all over the world, here’s our pick of the best hotels in the Lake District to start booking now.  🏡 RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in the Lake District Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, our travel experts have based our list on expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, 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. 📍 The best things to do in the Lake Distric

It’s true – Dads can be hard people to please. But if you were planning on getting your old man a pair of socks or a bottle of whiskey for Father’s Day this year and calling it a day, let us stop you right there. Why not treat him to a proper day out, eh?  If you want to go beyond the cliche steakhouse or pub dinner (though they’re both perfectly good options), London is awash with other stuff that’ll bring a smile to your dad’s face, whether he’s a sports fiend, a gaming enthusiast, a comedy lover or a beer coneisseur.  Here’s our pick of some genuinely good, not-at-all naff things to do with your pops this Father’s Day (Sunday, June 15, in case you need reminding).  Still not found what you’re after? Try our guide to London’s unusual things to do. RECOMMENDED: Our full guide to celebrating Father’s Day in London.

What makes a good party song? Is it uplifting lyrics? Or maybe it's an uptempo production?Throughout the decades, 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, so 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 songs of 2025 so far 🕺 The best albums of 2025 so far 🎤 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.

London looks its absolute best when it’s bathing under a blazing sun and bright blue sky. So, on the rare occassion that we’re blessed with such weather, it would be a waste not to head upwards and absorb gorgeous views of the capital in all its shining glory. The city is spoiled with dozens of rooftop bars ready to stand to attention come summertime. But if it’s just greenery, panoramic vistas and a fresh breeze you’re after, one of London’s rooftop gardens may just do the trick instead. Some of the city’s high-rise gardens stay fairly quiet and zen most of the year, while others are attached to buzzy restaurants or host DJs and live music during peak season. So, whether you want a peaceful stroll in the clouds or you’re after some sunny sky-high vibes, these are all of London’s best rooftop gardens. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor spaces in London.

Thinking of heading to the UK? Great choice. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are packed with jaw-dropping sights, fun-filled nights out and endless cultural offerings for you to fill your calendar to the brim. The Time Out team has spent a hell of a lot of time travelling up and down the country, really getting to know the big sights and local legends – and by now, we like to think we know a thing or two about what is actually worth your precious time. And trust us: you won’t be disappointed. From Cornwall’s crashing surf to Scotland’s rugged peaks, to the buzz of Notting Hill Carnival and secret spots locals whisper about, there’s something for everyone here. These are the best things to do in the UK in 2025.  What are the best events in the UK throughout the year? Where do we begin? In April, join in infectious crowds at the Manchester or London marathons. Head to Somerset for Glastonbury in June (if you’re lucky enough to get tickets, that is), and go up north for all sorts of cultural happenings at the Manchester International Festival come July. In August, we’d recommend Brighton for Pride, London for Notting Hill Carnival and Edinburgh for the month-long Fringe arts festival. The Scottish capital is also a great place to celebrate New Year’s Eve with their Hogmanay street party to see out the year.  Where are the most scenic places to visit in the UK? If it’s dramatic landscapes you’re after, no trip to the UK is complete without spending time in the Scott

There’s something in the air right now. Everywhere you look in London – from the paths of Victoria Park to the pavements of Southbank – you’ll see people running. Sporting their hydration vest, sucking on gels and glancing at the Garmin watch on their wrist. But they’re not trying to catch the tube or escape a god-awful first date, they’re just… running. For fun.  Londoners have well and truly caught the running bug. But who can blame them? This city is blessed with all kinds of terrain to explore when you want to get the endorphins flowing. If you’re not in the mood for jogging down busy central streets, there are wild heaths, flat towpaths and beautiful canalside trails on your doorstep instead. With race season in full swing and the London Marathon just around the corner, Time Out asked some of the city’s keenest runners for their favourite running routes in the capital. These people have run miles and miles of the city, broken records and harnessed the power of running to build thriving communities. So they know their stuff.  There’s no gatekeeping here. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just fancy a slow and steady 3k from time to time, these are some brilliant routes to try out next (and a few words of wisdom, in case you need the motivation). RECOMMENDED: 🏃 Your winning guide to the London Marathon 2025 📍 The best run clubs in London The best running routes in London Adele Roberts, DJ Photograph: Adele Roberts Where is the best place to run in London?  ‘The place

There's a real sense of fun to this deliberately rough-around-the-edges course. Party tunes blare from speakers, graffiti jazzes up the walls and it's made from ‘twisted junk, car booty and charity shop shizzle’. Junkyard Golf Club has four courses – Gary, Pablo, Dirk and Bozo – that are all fabulously chaotic and mildly freaky. Depending on which challenge you take on, you’ll be putting past pirate pigs, dishevelled nightclub urinals, terrifying giant clown heads and a UV rave room. There's also a second location in Camden for more of the same.  Prices start at £12 for nine holes at off-peak times (Sunday to Thursday) and go up to £21 for 18 holes on busier days (Fridays and Saturdays). And as any good crazy golf should, Junkyard has a menu of themed cocktails to keep lubed up before, during and after your game. 

This quirky, tiki-themed minigolf course first popped up in Dalston's Efes in April 2015. A decade later, that debut site is no more, but you can now find Plonks outdoors in London Fields and under the arches at Borough Market. The Hackney course, which recently got a big ol’ refurb, takes you through a ‘Polynesian themed putt paradise’ complete with a tiki forest, a volcano canyon and octupuses. There are plenty of satisfying holes that fire your ball onto tricksy little mechanisms, a loop the loop, and a lot of impossibly steep ramps. All in all: it’s a great place for a plonking party. Prices start from £9.35 per person per play. 

What is it?  Technically several adjoining markets, this sprawl of stalls stretching from Camden Town tube to the Regent’s Canal is London’s fourth most popular visitor attraction. In its recent heyday, around 250,000 people came here every week to shop, sample street food and soak up the distinctive, still-grungy atmosphere. Camden Lock Market is an arts-and-crafts haven while the Stables Market is a trendy spot for everything from quirky furniture to fetish clothing. Nearby Buck Street Market on Camden High Street has had a shipping container revamp. As you saunter through the different markets, don’t be surprised to see grungy teenagers and old punks on the street corners. Camden feels more mainstream than it did in the ‘90s, but it’s still one of London’s most rock ‘n’ roll neighbourhoods. Why go?  To get lost in a one-of-a-kind maze of art, garms, antiques, accessories, books and endless street food.  Don’t miss The Cheese Bar – London’s only fully fromage focused restaurant – for all manner of gooey, cheese-based delights in a classy, low lit space in Stables Market.  Ticket info  No tickets needed.  When to visit  Camden Markets are open everyday of the week from 10am until late.  Time Out tip If you find the lunch queues and options a bit too much in the main Camden Lock Market, cross the road to Buck Street Market where you’ll find food that is just as great and are more likely to find a free spot to sit.  RECOMMENDED: London’s best markets

What is it?  After 130 years, luxury department store Fenwick left its iconic outlet on Bond Street in February 2024 but its flagship store in Brent Cross Shopping Centre is still going strong.  What does it sell?  The three storey emporium offers up everything you expect from any good department store – apparel, homewear, beauty bits and accessories from classic and emerging high-end brands like Stella McCartney, Viviene Westwood, Ganni, Jo Malone and Our Place. There’s also a wee horticultral section downstairs, selling fresh plants and a bunch of tools and sprays to help your patch bloom.  Opening times  Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 9.30am-8pm; Sun 11.30am-6pm. 

What is it?  Since launching in 1970, Browns has played an instrumental role in the careers of some of the world’s biggest fashion titans. Founder Joan Burstein (the ‘fairy godmother of fashion’) is credited with discovering John Galliano after stumbling across his graduate collection and later on, stocking the work of (at that time) a little known designer named Alexander McQueen.  Mrs B, as she was known, also introduced the likes of Comme des Garçons, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein to the British fashion scene. More than 50 years later, Browns continues to champion young and emerging designers. After being acquired by fashion website FarFetch in 2015, Browns moved its flagship store on South Molton Street to a Grade II-listed eighteenth century building on Mayfair’s Brook Street in 2021.  What does it sell?  There are more than 100 established and next-gen designers jostling for attention at Browns, from Chloé and Dries Van Noten to Balenciaga and Christian Dior. The first floor hosts a carefully curated collection of apparel, shoes, bags, fine jewellery, accessories and homewear and the Yellow Room is where the most  luxury of luxurious brands reside. More high-fashion pieces are on display in the Focus Room on the ground floor.  Opening times Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am-6.30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday (but can open by appointment).  Time Out tip On the ground floor, you’ll also fine 123V Browns, a fully plant-based, award-winning sushi restaurant. Menu highlights inclu

What is it? Part of an esteemed UK chain, Harvey Nicks is a one-stop shop for luxury fashion and lifestyle goodies. Though it may have been in its Knightsbridge pad since 1831, it stays true to its ethos of bringing new and innovative products to a wider audience.  What does it sell?  Makeup junkies should head to the ground floor beauty and perfumery space to pick up established brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Shu Uemura, or to glowup with treatments from the Light Salon, Shavata, Duck & Dry and Nail’d It. Womenswear takes up the next three floors, with swimwear and a Denim Gallery on the third levels, while menswear can be found down in the basement. The clothing rails are full of top labels such as Alexander Wang, Balenciaga and Givenchy, and there’s an excellent array of accessories and beauty buys from luxurious brands such as Tom Ford and COR (whose soap contains real silver). Finish off proceedings with lunch on the fifth floor, where the buzzy food department is located along with The Fifth Floor Cafe, Burger & Lobster, Trullo and Madhu’s Brasserie.  Opening times Monday to Saturday 10am – 8pm, Sunday 11:30am – 6pm (browsing from 11.30am – 12pm).  Time Out tip  Forget Vinted and Depop – if you’ve had a recent wardrobe cull, Harvey Nichols will take any high-end pieces that are still in decent condition. It’ll do all the hard selling work for you, all you need to do is drop the items off. Once they’ve found a new home you can get  a Harvey Nichols voucher with a sw

What is it?  There is a reason why John Lewis is one of the most respected and liked shops in Britain and it’s not a complicated one – John Lewis sells good products, in a pleasant environment, served by knowledgeable and amicable staff. Add to that its sensible ratio of quality to price for all its products, and you quickly see why John Lewis retains its rightful crown as the retail world's safe pair of hands. The store offers one of the most civilised places on Oxford Street to shop – with a commodious food hall stocked with culinary partner Waitrose’s goods (complete with walk-in cheese room), the swanky 1864 Rooftop Bar, the Jamie Oliver Cookery School on the third floor, a Waterstones and four cafes to choose from.  What does it sell?  This enormous store in the centre of the city offers a broad sweep of electricals, homeware, fashion, gifts, furniture and leather goods, each coming with the reassurance of JL’s nonpareil ‘never knowingly undersold’ guarantee and lenient returns policy. Arguably the strongest selling point is the lower ground-floor cookware and white goods section, where an excellent range of kitchen staples is backed up by exemplary customer service. Other strengths include its sprawling beauty hall, technology, schoolwear and a brilliant haberdashery for those knitters struggling to find decent wool. Opening times  Open Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday 10am-9pm; Friday-Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11.30am-6pm.  Time Out tip Why not pair your retail t

What is it?  In business for over 300 years, Fortnum & Mason is as historic as it is inspiring. A sweeping spiral staircase soars through the four-storey building, while light floods down from a central glass dome. The iconic eau de nil blue and gold colour scheme with flashes of rose pink abounds on both the store design and the packaging of the fabulous ground-floor treats, such as chocolates, biscuits, teas and preserves. A food hall in the basement has a good range of fresh produce; Fortnum’s Bees honey comes from beehives on top of the building. There are various eateries, including an ice-cream parlour. The famous hampers start from £60 – though they rise to a whopping £6,000 for the most luxurious. A sweeping spiral staircase soars through the four-storey building, while light floods down from a central glass dome. The iconic F&M eau de nil blue and gold colour scheme with flashes of rose pink abounds on both the store design and the packaging of the fabulous ground-floor treats, including chocolates, biscuits, teas and preserves. What does it sell?  A food hall in the basement has a good range of fresh produce; Fortnum’s Bees honey comes from beehives on top of the building. There are various eateries, including an ice-cream parlour. The famous hampers start from £60 – though they rise to a whopping £6,000 for the most luxurious. The first floor is for homewares: china- and glassware as well as finishing touches such as silver scoops for stilton, F&M coloured linen

What is it?  Brockwell Park is a much-needed slab of green (84 acres) just south of Brixton. Locals from the surrounding areas flock here in summer to sun-worship (if they’re lucky), fly kites, play football, swim in the outside pool, garden in the community greenhouses and parade a stunning array of dogs. The vast space was once the private grounds of Brockwell Hall and was opened to the public in 1891 by the London County Council. The hall still stands today and is one of several grade II listed buildings dotted about the park, including the emerald green Tritton Tower Clock, which was gifted to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.  Why go?  It's big, diverse and interesting, with numerous areas to appeal to different tastes, from the calm, rolling meadows around Tulse Hill and walled ‘Old English’ flower garden to the BMX track and sloped football pitches by the Dulwich Road. The playground in Brockwell Park is a favourite, with its aerial slide, massive sandpit and sections for different age groups; nearby you’ll find duck ponds and a huge paddling pool. There’s also a lovely little minature railway open at the weekends May to October, weather permitting – it’s not particularly massive but it’s been just £1 for a return for years now. Don’t miss:  Regular events at the park include circuses and a busy schedule of summer concerts and festivals including Wide Awake, Mighty Hoopla, Field Day and Cross the Tracks. But one of the most beloved annual events is the Lam

What is it?  Never mind the river buses. If you want some excitement on the Thames – the kind that 007 himself would encourage – step aboard the super speedy RIB. This ‘rigid inflatable boat’ will have you hurtling up and down the river in no time with 740 horse power behind you and ‘V8’ twin turbo thrust. No, we don’t know what that means either, but we do know that the RIB can do speeds of up to 30 knots (roughly 35 mph). It’s a pure adrenaline experience. Journeys range from 20-minute blasts to a full 75 minutes. The former either takes you from Tower Millennium Pier past The Shard, Tower of London and HMS Belfast or from The O2 Arena past the Thames Flood Barrier and Greenwich. The longest trip includes the lot. You can choose to have detailed commentary along the way, or there are experiences that keep it to a minimum. Life jackets and waterproof clothing is provided, and all ages are welcome, but there is a minimum weight requirement of three stone (15kg). Why go?  For the fastest, most thrilling way to travel the Thames. Don’t miss The Thames chase scene in ‘Spectre’ was filmed on one of these vehicles, so naturally, Thames RIB offers an ‘Ultimate Spy Experience’. Passengers are taken past some of the most recognisable Bond locations, zooming down the river with the likes of Paul McCartney’s ‘Live and Let Die’, Adele’s ‘Skyfall’ and Shirley Bassey’s ‘Diamonds are Forever’ blasting through the speakers. There’s also an onboard quiz with a chance to win a 007-themed pri

What is it?  Spread across floors 69 to 72 of Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper, the View from the Shard provides the most magnificent 360° views of the city you can get.  Your journey starts the minute you step foot in the lift. Look up, because screens in the ceiling provide fascinating facts and hypnotic visuals as you hurtle 800ft skywards to the first viewing gallery on floor 69. From here you can explore three more levels by foot (don’t worry, there is another lift if you can’t manage the stairs), with walls of windows providing an incredible backdrop and an open-air skydeck on floor 72. There are London experts dotted about the deck to guide you through your view (if you want), sharing stories of the city’s past and offering recommendations fror whatever kind of London experience you’re after.   Why go?  To look down on the Big Smoke in all its shining glory. All of London’s most legendary landmarks are visible (provided it’s not extremely cloudy!), including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and even Wembley Stadium over in Brent. and the Tower of London. On a nice clear day, views stretch as far as Southend-on-Sea.  Don’t miss Watch out for the different events going on here throughout the year. Every Wednesday from 2pm-4.30pm, there’s live music to make your visit even more atmospheric and every so often there are yoga classes offering a chance to practice sun salutations in the clouds.  When to visit Opening times change throughout

What is it?  You want stunning views of London? You’ve got to earn it. In this adrenaline-pumping experience, you’ve got to scale the height of the O2 in order to see unique vistas of Greenwich, Olympic Park, Canary Wharf and beyond. But it’s worth it.  You’ll be kitted out with boots, a suit and a harness and get a quick safety briefing before you start your 170ft  ascent. For the 90 minute experience, one of The O2’s guides will lead you along the springy walkway all the way to the top. You pull yourself via safety lines, clipping and unclipping carabiners along the metal bars leading to the top. The steepest incline you’ll have to tackle on your way up is about 28-degrees. Once you reach the summit, you’ve got 20 minutes to breathe in the fresh air, admire the panorama of the city, take a selfie or two and discover some facts about London’s landmarks before reattaching yourself to the rail and heading back down. The return route a little longer and steeper.  It’s suitable for ages 8+ and anyone at least 1.2 metres tall.  Why go?  For thrills and views.  Don’t miss If you ask us, the best experience at Up at the O2 is the sunset climb. You head up the venue as the sun goes down, meaning you get incredible shades of pink, orange and yellow backdropping your London views. Just make sure to wear an extra layer or two.  When to visit In the summer climbs are from 10am-8.30pm daily and in the winter 10am-6.30pm daily. Peak season is from June to August.  Ticket info  Prices depe

The biggest hip-hop festival in Europe is back in London this weekend for some major 20th birthday celebrations.  More than 15,000 people will be descending on north London over the coming days to seemegastar Drake headline every single day of Wireless 2025, joined by a strong lineup of special guests. If you’re a Champagne Papi fan, you’d be a fool to miss this — it’s the first time that he’s performed in the UK in six years, and the first time any artist has headlined three days of a major festival.  When the star last headlined Wireless (for its 10th birthday), Drizzy told the audience that it was his ‘favourite crowd ever’. So let’s hope that means he spoils us with an extra special show this time round. If you’re planning to be there, here’s all the important information you need ahead of the event.   RECOMMENDED: Bag policy and full list of banned items for Wireless Festival 2025  When is Wireless 2025? This year, Wireless is happening from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13.  Where is Wireless 2025? Wireless is being held at north London’s Finsbury Park, which has been its home for the last 10 years.   When do gates open?  The festival will open at 1.30pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday and Sunday.  Who are the headliners for Wireless 2025? Drake, Drake and... Drake. Yep, the rap star is the first artist ever to headline every single day of a festival. Each day he’ll do a different setlist and bring on special guests, including PartyNextDoor and Burna Boy.   Full Wire

IMPORTANT UPDATE, July 12: Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra have withdrawn from the band’s headlining show on Sunday July 13. The show has been cancelled, and ticketholders will be refunded and contacted directly by their ticketing agent. The below information is out of date and incorrect. This is it. This weekend Jeff Lynne’s ELO will land at the final stop of their ‘Over and Out’ tour of the UK, closing BST Hyde Park and performing together for the very last time.  It isn’t Electric Light Orchestra as we once knew them, though. Jeff Lynne and Richard Tandy put together a reformed version of the band in 2014, but Tandy passed away last spring and 77-year-old Jeff is the only original member of the group remaining. Still, it promises to be a spectacular show packed with nostalgia. Plus, there’s support from the likes of the Doobie Brothers, Steve Winwood and Dhani Harrison (the son of Beatle George Harrison).  If you’re gonna be one of the 65,000 people descending on Hyde Park for the band’s final farewell, here’s all the important stuff you should know beforehand.  When is ELO playing at BST Hyde Park?  Jeff Lynne’s ELO will be on the Hyde Park stage on Sunday, July 13.  What time do doors open? Gates will open at 2pm for everyone with general admission tickets and at 1pm for people with primary entry and VIP tickets. Last entry will be at 8.30pm.  What time will ELO come on stage? The band are expected to start their set at 8pm and finish by 10.30pm.  Festival map Here

Is this weather making you want to pack up all your belongings, get out of the city and set up in a cute little place on the coast? We can’t blame you. But, of course, we know that London, with its fantastic food scene and world-class culture, is a hard place to leave behind completely. So, a seaside town that’s within easy reach of the capital would be the dream.  Luckily, the UK is a relatively tiny island and those places do in fact exist. And two of them made it onto the Times’ list of the best seaside towns to move to in 2025. Here’s where you can get the best of both worlds.  First up – Hove. The Times describes this East Sussex town as ‘far less crowded and chaotic than Brighton with its relentless stream of boozy day-trippers’, but says that Hove’s food scene is beginning to rival that of its more popular neighbour. Locals here can easily get to London Victoria in little under an hour, so there’s no need to quit your city job.  The only downside? Hove is pretty spenny. The average house price in the area is £547,063, with seafront apartments costing up to £1 million.    Photograph: cktravels.com / Shutterstock.com   The other highly desirable seaside town near London was Deal in Kent, which is just under an hour and a half away. The paper called Deal the ‘most appealing spot on the Kent coast’, saying: ‘The browsable high street — posh and quirky at one end, down to earth at the other — has everything a high street should, and the town’s sense of community is winnin

Can you imagine all of the things that London’s oldest trees have seen in their lifetimes? They’ve watched generations and generations of people come and go, from medieval peasants and Tudor aristocracy to 18th century poets and 21st century tourists with selfie sticks. They’ve been climbing frames for kids, inspiration for Britain’s greatest painters, music video stars and have even overseen era-defining political agreements.  So, it’s only right that London’s oldest living residents get some proper recognition. One ancient cedar in west London have been shortlisted in what is essentially the Oscars of famous trees – Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year awards.  Each year a panel of tree experts have chosen nine ‘inspirational’ trees of different ages and species from across the UK for the shortlist, with a tenth tree was put forward by the public.  Among the nominees is ‘The Beatles’ Cedar Tree’ in Chiswick House and Gardens. The magnificent tree from Lebanon is one of several in the Chiswick House grounds, and dates all the way back to the 1720s. This one is particularly special because it starred in The Beatles’ 1966 music video for ‘Rain’, with the Fab Four filmed sitting on its branches. Photograph: Woodland Trust Woodland Trust calls the tree ‘a stunner in its own right’ and said that its ‘vast boughs swoop down to brush the ground, creating an interesting spot for the band to sit and play their guitars’ for the music video. The shot was later used for the cover for the

A few months ago, we found out which 72 areas of the UK the Sunday Times thinks are the country’s best places to live. Now, for anyone who has a hankering to relocate somewhere along the British coast but is yet to decide exactly where, the paper has unveiled its roundup of the 20 best seaside towns to move to in 2025.  The ranking features a fair few usual suspects – spots like Deal in Kent, Portobello in Edinburgh and the Gower Peninsula in Wales are all pretty unsurprising picks. But there are a few places on the list that are a little more unexpected.  After being listed among the UK’s 20 worst seaside towns by Which? – awarded just two out of five stars for its beach, seafront and scenery and one star for its accommodation – New Brighton in Merseyside was one the less predictable places named among the best coastal towns to move to.  Contrary to Which?’s report, the Times called the northern town ‘the opposite of a fading resort’. It said that ‘a refreshed streetscape, community clean-ups and lots of cool new independent businesses are the most visible signs of the long-term planning and investment that are turning New Brighton into a lively rival to fancier Wirral neighbours such as Heswall, Hoylake and West Kirby’. Sounds like now would be the perfect time to make the move.  The average house price in New Brighton right now (according to Land Registry data) is £183,869. For a four-bed Victorian semi, you’re looking at around £250,000. Its got decent links to the city,

In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s incredibly hot outside right now. Among the things that makes a London heatwave a lot easier to bear is its exceptional army of ice cream parlours. Whether you like to stick to the classics or prefer your ice cream to be on the more experimental side (parmesan gelato anyone?), Time Out has put together a list of our absolute favourite places to cool down with a scoop or two in the city – and crowned one of them the crème de la crème.  The capital’s best place to get your scoops this summer is Caliendo's Gelato in Kentish Town. Leonie Cooper, Time Out’s food and drink editor said: ‘At Caliendo’s, you’ll find glorious Italian ice cream made by a family who’s been churning out the stuff for over 130 years – and have the seal of approval of the Ice Cream Alliance, who awarded them the coveted title of UK Parlour Of The Year.’ You can expect all the classic ice cream flavours we know and love, like Belgian chocolate, salted caramel and rum and raisin, but for the true Caliendo’s experience, we encourage you to go for one of their quirkier creations. We’re talking gelato like yuzu cheesecake, blackcurrant and liquorice, roasted black sesame, apricot sherbet and even toasted sourdough and marmite (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it).  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caliendo’s Gelato - UK Parlour of the Year (@caliendos_gelato) As for the best of the rest, Gelupo in Soho took second place for its outstanding classic

A long lost railway line in the west of England is officially being brought back to life.  Right now, the Somerset town of Portishead is one of the largest towns in the UK without its own railway station. But soon, that will no longer be the case. The area has just been granted the £27.6 million it needed from the government to build a new station and reopen its railway line to Bristol after more than 60 years.  The line from Bristol to Portishead closed way back in 1964 and the town has been without a direct train link ever since. When it reopens in three years, though, the town will get to enjoy hourly services going to Bristol Temple Meads in 25 minutes, chugging through the Avon Gorge and past the Clifton Suspension Bridge.  Work will could start on rebuilding the line as early as spring 2026, with the reopening expected in 2028. A second railway station will also be built in the nearby town of Pill – the line from Pill to Bristol has already been restored for freight trains but more work will be carried out to make it suitable for passenger vehicles.  Helen Godwin, the West of England mayor, said: ‘The West of England and North Somerset, with government backing and industry partners, will connect more people to opportunity, leisure and nature. We’re investing in jobs and economic growth. Local people will see and feel the difference from commutes being cut in half through train travel, and building this key transport infrastructure will unlock sites for much-needed new

While central London continues to build skyscraper after skyscraper, the southwest of the city is busy adding parks. Thanks to the enormous expanse that is Richmond Park, SW is already one of the greenest corners of the Big Smoke. But it’s just got even greener.  Yesterday (July 9), a brand new park officially opened in Tooting. And it’s the largest park to open in London since the 2012 Olympics.  RECOMMENDED: Hidden gardens and green spaces in London.  Springfield Park is spread over 32 acres and it’s part of the new Springfield Village, which has been built on the site of a former Victorian mental health hospital and previously underused NHS land. The park has been opening in phases since 2023, but yesterday marked the first day that it was 100 percent available to the public.  Inside, you’ll find a pavilion café, amphitheatre, youth shelter, play areas, ponds, sensory gardens, 700 new trees, areas for informal sport and a trim trail.  Mayor Sadiq Khan was there for the park’s big launch. He said: ‘Springfield Park is a great new facility and a key part of the transformation at Springfield Hospital that is providing much-needed affordable homes and green spaces for local people. ‘Access to nature and secure, affordable housing are vital foundations for good physical and mental health, helping Londoners to live well and enabling our communities to thrive. It is a wonderful example of partners working together as we continue to build a fairer, greener and healthier London fo

Just when you thought that the Square Mile couldn’t possibly fit another skyscraper, the City of London Corporation planning applications sub-committee has officially granted permission for one more.  The new 63 St Mary’s Axe will be erected short walk from the Gherkin (at 30 St Mary’s Axe Street), with 45 storeys and more than 85,000 square metres of floor space. It’ll include a publicly accessible park wrapping around the lower levels, named Camomile Park, and an auditorium, with space on the ground floor and lower floors open for commercial, cultural and leisure use. More excitingly, it’ll ‘reveal and celebrate’ a previously hidden surviving section of the Roman-built London Wall.  Image: City of London Corporation The site’s existing buildings will be knocked down to make way for the new tower. On the 63 St Mary’s Axe website, planners say that ‘for local residents and pedestrians, the [current] site isn’t a very welcoming experience, with narrow pavements, blank frontages and very little greenery’ and that ‘the workspace no longer meets the needs or expectations of modern workplace occupiers’. Previous plans stated that the tower would have access to a garden on every floor, and 100 trees would be planted in the surrounding area. AXA IM Alts, the property investment firm behind the skyscraper, said that it had engaged with more than 350 local community groups and other stakeholders to come up with the idea to create Camomile Park’  Tom Sleigh, the chairman of the City

London is in for another boiling weekend. And the last thing we all want to do in 30 degree heat is pack onto a stuffy, clammy tube carriage. Unfortunately, if you have plans lined up in the city over the next three days, you may just have to brave it. This weekend there’s all sorts of things going on in London that are worth getting sweaty on the Underground for – from the final Wimbledon weekend and Women’s Euro watch parties to the Somerset House Summer Series and Stevie Wonder at BST Hyde Park.  If you’re willing to endure a boiling train over the next few days, at least make sure you get to where to need to go on time (to avoid rushing and getting even sweatier). So, plan ahead with our lowdown on all the London train disruptions, cancellations and changes that we know about this weekend.  RECOMMENDED: All the best things to do in London this weekend Central line The Central line will be shut from Leytonstone to Epping and Woodford (via Hainault) on Saturday and Sunday, including the Friday Night Tube.  Waterloo and City  As always, the entire Waterloo and City line will be closed for the whole weekend.  Mildmay line The Mildmay line between Willesden Junction to Richmond will be closed on Sunday. There’ll also be a reduced service between Shepherds Bush and Camden Road that day, with trains only running every 15 minutes.  On Saturday the 9.04pm and 10.34pm Clapham Junction to Stratford, and 11.19pm Clapham Junction to Willesden Junction trains won’t operate. Suffragette

Every summer, there are new destinations that it seems like everyone flocks to. Last year, Marseille was the place to be seen and this year, Time Out travel writers reckon that the likes of Naples, Antwerp and Tbilsi will be at the top of a lot of people’s list. Then, of course, there are the places like Edinburgh, Paris and London that never go out of fashion. But what if you want to travel somewhere that is a little more off the beaten track?  The ‘European Hidden Gem Index’ by HomeToGo has ranked 50 European towns, cities and villages that tend to fly under the radar, so you know which ones are worth a visit. The study ranked places based on the normal things people look for in a holiday spot like how scenic it is, how warm it is, how affordable it is and how good the food is. And after the scores were all totted up, there was one British town that was named one of Europe’s top ten ‘best kept secrets’.  RECOMMENDED: The UK’s most underrated city breaks.  Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales (recently named Britain’s best island) came in at number 10 on the ranking. The small town earned particular kudos for it’s scenic setting, for which it earned a score of 9.48 out of 10. The index described it as a place ‘for the explorer who’s enchanted by rugged shorelines, medieval castles, and boat trips to wild islands’. It’s home to Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for being the ‘greatest castle never built’. The fortress began construction in 1295 an

One of the world’s most famous medieval masterpieces is returning to the UK for the very first time in 900 long years. Yep, the spectacular Bayeux Tapestry is coming home. The 70-metre-long tapestry is an intricately embroidered depiction of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, in which William the Conquerer took the English throne, and it’ll go on temporary display at the British Museum next year. Most famously, it shows the moment that an arrow hit England’s King Harold right in the eye. It’s one of nearly 600 items around the world that are included in Unesco’s Memory of the World register.  For the last nine centuries, the tapestry has lived in France. It has been at the Bayeux Museum in the town of Bayeux in Normandy since 1983. In place of the tapestry, Normandy will be lent the Anglo-Saxon treasures of the Sutton Hoo ship burial that are currently on display at the British Museum, which includes Viking golden coins, a sword, a shield, and an iron helmet.  Britain has tried to loan the tapestry three times before, once in 1931, then in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and again in 1966 for the 900th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings – but none of those requests were ever approved. So, this is a pretty major moment in Anglo-French history. Here’s everything we know so far.  When is the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the UK?  It’ll be on display in the British Museum’s Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery from September 2026 until July 2027.    How to get tickets We don’t have