Amy Houghton

‘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.

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

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. 

The UK’s rental market has people chasing desperate measures, from serial pet sitting to leaving the country altogether. But in recent years, one means of saving on rental costs has taken off more than any other: subletting. Social media call-outs for subletters have become prolific to the point of meme-ification. Ads verge on the edge of ridiculous — rent a living room for a couple months from these two cats, stay in my windowless box in Camden for two weeks while I jaunt off to Spain — but nonetheless, sublets have become an entrenched part of the London renting experience, particularly for those putting up with the worst of the London’s housing crisis.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by @real_housewives_of_clapton In a general sense, subletting means renting out a property to that you are already renting from someone else. But in recent years, it’s most often used to refer to specifically letting out rooms: usually when tenants who are renting a place long-term leave for a short period of time and (often unofficially) get someone into their empty room, helping to offset cost of living expenses and ensure they’re not sinking money on an empty pad. If you’re going away for a longer period, it’s a means of holding onto a good place and of avoiding the gruelling search for a new one when you arrive back. For those who have to move to London and face that increasingly soul-destroying process of finding an afford

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?  Throughout time, humans have tried all sorts of bizarre ways to cure their ailments. Bear grease for baldness? Tried that. Ground up human skull for epilepsy? That too. Cocaine for a sore throat? You betcha. Those are just some of the medicinal remedies you can find out about at the Museum of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), a short walk from Tower Bridge. Founded in 1842, the museum holds over 45,000 objects relating to the history of pharmacy and medicine, tracing developments from the uses of leeches and mummified hands to the discovery of penicillin. Stuff on display include medicines dating from the sixteenth century to the present day, drug storage containers, medical cartoons, advertising, dispensing equipment and a photo archive. The ground floor displays are open without appointment, and further collections are available to view by pre-booked guided tour. Why go?  To be both mystified and amazed at the often ridiculous, frequently miraculous history of pharmaceuticals.  Don’t miss The taxidermy Nile crocodile that tells the story of exactly what crocodiles, alligators and other exotic animals had to do with pharmacies back in the day.  When to visit The RPS Museum is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.  Ticket info Entry to the RPS Museum is completely free but if you want a guided tour, you need to pay £10 per person and book in advance.  Time Out tip As long as the exhibits don’t get your tummy turning, after visiting the museum stroll over to St Katha

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. 

What is it?  The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology – set up in 1892 by eccentric traveller and diarist Amelia Edwards – is named after Flinders Petrie, tireless excavator of ancient Egypt. Where the British Museum’s Egyptology collection is strong on the big stuff, Petrie (run by University College London) is an extraordinary selection of minutiae (amulets, pottery fragments, tools, weapons, weights and measures, stone vessels, jewellery), which provide an insight into how people lived and died in the Nile Valley. Highlights include colourful tiles, carvings and frescoes from heretic pharaoh Akhenaten’s capital Tell el Amarna. The museum also has the world’s largest collection of mummy portraits from the Roman period (first to second centuries AD).  Why go?  To dive into one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian and Sudanese archaeology.  Don’t miss We particularly love the Petrie museum’s costume collection. It includes the 5,000-year-old Tarkhan Dress (the world’s oldest woven garment), a dancer’s bead-net dress from around 2400 BCE and a suit of armour from the palace of Memphis.  When to visit Open Tue-Sat 1pm-5pm, Saturday 11am-5pm.  Ticket info  Admission is free.  Time Out tip While you’re in the area, you might as well wander two minutes around the corner to check out UCL’s other museum, the Grant Museum of Zoology.

What is it?  Nestled round the back of Elephant & Castle in a former workhouse that was once home to a young Charlie Chaplin and his family, Lambeth’s Cinema Museum is an Aladdin’s cave of movie memorabilia, artefacts and film-making equipment.  Founded in 1984 by cinephiles and enthusiastic collectors Martin Humphries and Ronald Grant, its vast and idiosyncratic collections feature everything from art deco cinema seats to 1940s ushers’ uniforms. The museum faced potential closure in 2018 when developers purchased its historic building, with over 60,000 fans signing a petition to save it, and high profile industry names including Simon Callow, Ken Loach and Terry Gilliam swooping in to offer support. Having struck a deal to purchase the building from developers, the museum’s immediate future is secure, with fundraising efforts to raise the £1 million required for the sale ongoing. Why go? The museum opens by appointment only but it’s absolutely worth all the faff. There’s a gargantuan collection of posters, projectors, cinema carpets, fanzines and memorabilia, plus short film showings and more than 17 million feet of celluloid film to peruse. You can point to any exhibit in the building and Martin or Ronald will be on hand with their encyclopaedic knowledge to tell you the story behind it. Don’t miss The museum regularly hosts screenings of forgotten classics, live talks with movie-makers and various other kinds of gatherings for film buffs. Explore what it’s got coming up h

What is it? Yes, this is the HQ of that Magic Circle. The society was formed in 1905 to promote stage sorcery as an art and protect its secrets. It has called this Euston building home since 1998. It’s not necessarily as elusive as you think. Every once in a while the Magic Circle opens its doors to the public for close-up shows, visits and talks, giving us an opportunity to explore all the magic memorabilia it keeps within its walls. On display, you’ll find stuff like Houdini’s handcuffs, the Marauders Map featured in the Harry Potter franchise, the shoes Dynamo wore to cross the Thames and the first ever English-language book about magic, written 400 years ago.  Why go? To get a behind-the-scenes insight into the world’s most famous magic society.  Don’t miss The spectacular floating ‘helical staircase’ is hard not to miss. As you wander up the steps, pay attention to the wall murals that depict key scenes from the history of magic. It also just makes a great pic for the ‘gram.  When to visit  Sadly, you can’t just abracadabra your way in whenever you please – the Magic Circle is only open when it has a public event on.  Ticket info  Ticket prices vary according to event.  Time Out tip Got a kid you reckon could be the next Derren Brown? Magic Circle HQ runs the Young Magicians Club, an initiative that invites 10-18-year-olds to become a member and get access to exclusive tips and tricks, workshops and competitions. 

What is it?  The Freud Museum can be found in the London home that Sigmund Freud spent his final years in after fleeing the Nazis in 1938. The family were able to bring across most of their belongings, so it’s a real time capsule – a small chunk of Hapsburg Vienna transported to Hampstead. The museum contains Freud's study and library and more than 2,500 objects from his collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities. You’ll find art by the likes of Sigmund’s grandson, Lucien, Salvador Dalí and Sergei Pankejeffe (one of his most famous patients), plus home movies showing Freud and his family at home, in the garden or walking the dogs. Upstairs, there’s a room devoted to his psychoanalyst daughter Anna, who lived and worked at the house and bequeathed it to become a public museum after she died 1982. The Freud Museum is one of the few in London to have two blue plaques, one for Sigmund and the other for Anna.  Why go?  To give Freud a taste of his own medicine and get an intimate glimpse inside the mind and life of one of the twentieth century’s defining thinkers.  Don’t miss  If you only have a short time to visit the Freud Museum, make a beeline for the study where you can see the famous couch on which psychoanalysis was born and the desk from which Freud scrutinised his patients’ minds. It’s the only room left in its full original state. When to visit  Open Wed-Sun 10.30am-5pm.  Ticket info  Adults can see the museum for £14.50, concessions for £12.50, young persons a

What is it?  In the quest to be considered the most fan-tastic of all London museums, Greenwich’s Fan Museum has an obvious head start. This beautiful museum is dedicated to the history of handheld fans and the craft of fan-making. Housed in a pair of restored Georgian townhouses, it holds more than 3,000 ornate specimens from all over the world, some dating back to the eleventh century. Exhibitions are switched up throughout the year, with past temporary displays dedicated to the use of fans in performance, biblical fans and fans designed in collaboration with a global network of street artist.  Why go? You’re not going to find a museum dedicated to these romantic accessories anywhere else. It may seem niche but you don’t have to be a fan enthusiast to appreciate their hand-embroidered, hand-painted, hand-carved beauty.  Don’t miss  Craft two of your very own fans at the museum’s workshops on the first Saturday of every month.  When to visit The Fan Museum opens it’s doors Tuesday to Saturday 11am-5pm. Final admission is 4.30pm.  Ticket info Adults £5; concessions and children aged 7-16 £3; disabled visitors, carers and children under six under are free.  Time Out tip When you emerge from the Fan Museum, turn to walk through Greenwich Park and up towards the Pavillion Café for coffee, cake and gorgeous views of the city. In the summer, it’s a particularly romantic spot to waft air and practice the Victorian ‘language of fans’, should you have been tempted to purchase one fo

What is it?  Nearly 200 years ago, Isambard Kingdom Brunel started work on the Thames Tunnel – the oldest underwater tunnel in the world. It opened in 1843, gathered a crowd of 50,000 Londoners on its first day, and has been a hugely popular attraction ever since. At the Brunel Museum, on the Rotherhithe side of the river (that’s south), you can delve into the story behind this spectacular feat of Victorian engineering. Watercolours, engravings and models are deployed to explain this epic feat of engineering and tell the story of the men who worked in the dark, dodging flames and raw sewage every day.  Why go? The Brunel Museum is small but mighty. You’ll leave with a new-found appreciation of the immense grind that went into building a core structure of our city.  Don’t miss The tunnel is now used, ironically, for the Overground, but guided tours will still take you into the humongous Tunnel Shaft, which served as the entrance chamber for Victorian passengers. The in-depth sessios take place once a month and last around 40 minutes. Also keep an eye out for the variety of events that go on in the shaft, from chamber concerts to waissailing.  When to visit Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Last admission is 3pm. In winter the museum only opens on alternate weekends. Check site for exact dates.  Ticket info Adult £15, concessions (children, students and over-65s) £10, family of up to two adults and four children £20. If you book online rather than buying on the

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

Talk of London’s dwindling nightlife is rife these days. There are fewer and fewer places staying open from sundown to sunrise, the city was declared the worst in the UK for a party and recent stats showed that half of all Londoners are in bed by midnight, because there’s nowhere else to go.  While all of that might be disillusioning, we’re here to let you know that London nightlife is far from dead yet. Our city still has some of the best places in the world for dancing all night long, so long as you know where to look.  Our newly updated list of London’s greatest nightclubs features a whopping 40 venues across north, south, east and west that offer outstanding programmes, excellent sound systems and a proper good night out. For 2025, we’ve chosen one club that represents the crème de la crème. And it stays open ’til 6am.  Time Out’s number one club in London for 2025 is none other than Venue MOT Unit 18 in Bermondsey. Our deputy editor and resident nightlife expert Chiara Wilkinson, said: ‘Why is MOT the best club in London? It’s hard to put into words. Sure, it’s not the easiest to get to and it doesn’t have the biggest dancefloor or the glitziest DJ bookings. But it does do everything a good underground club should do: it closes late, it champions young promoters and nurtures new scenes, it has a banging sound system and just generally has an exciting vibe with a spirited crowd who are there for the culture. London nightlife at its finest.’ In second place is FOLD in Cann

Spring is fast approaching, and that means that Easter, with all its chocolate eggs, roast lamb and bank holidays, is also right around the corner. And ahead of the holiday, there’s an enormous egg hunt happening that everyone in London can involved in. In late March, over 100 decorated two-foot tall eggs will be scattered across the city for a month. The ovoid sculptures will each have their own unique design, created by the likes of Mr Doodle, Anya Hindmarch, the Royal Drawing School and Fortum & Mason. Sadly, no, they’re not edible.  RECOMMENDED: Easter holidays activities for kids in London.  The Big Egg Hunt 2025 has been masterminded by Asia wildlife charity, the Elephant Family and is sponsored by egg supplier, Clarence Court. Members of the public are invited to ‘collect’ the eggs by ticking them off on a free app, unlocking mystery prizes along the way.  The eggs will be on display from March 24 to April 27. Keep an eye out for them popping up everywhere from the Barbican to Buckingham Palace and Marble Arch to Battersea Power Station. Other locations will include the British Museum, the Saatchi Gallery, Canary Wharf and Young V&A.  It’s hoped that the trail will help raise awareness of urgent conservation issues in Asia and beyond. Once the exhibition is over, the eggs will go to auction to raise money for the Elephant Family.  Richard Hawkes, CEO of the wildlife charity said: ‘The Big Egg Hunt is a vibrant celebration of art and conservation which can be enjoyed

Welcome to another week in London. After being treated to a gloriously sunny weekend, the weather has dropped back down, the sky has turned grey again and lots of us are getting back on the grind. So, ahead of another week of commuting, we’re here to let you know all the tube and train delays, closures and cancellations to watch out for over the next five days.  The good news is that there are no planned tube line disruptions or cancellations to worry about before the weekend (still, keep an eye out for any unplanned disruption) but there are a few changes at individual stations that you might need to be aware of. Pay particular attention if you require step-free access to complete your journey.   Blackhorse Road (Victoria line) If you’re getting on at Blackhorse Road station, be aware that there’s no down escalator service to the Victoria line until July. You’ll need to use the stairs instead.  Canning Town (Jubilee line, DLR) There’s a reduced escalator service going to and from the platforms for the Jubilee line and DLR. Passengers can use the stairs or alternative escalators instead. Cutty Sark (DLR) Cutty Sark has no escalators running until further notice. TfL recommends you take the DLR from Greenwich station for a smoother journey.  Green Park (Jubilee line) There’s no step-free access to or from the Jubilee line at Green Park station until August. You’re best off travelling via Westminster and Victoria, using the Victoria line to/from Green Park. Highgate (Northern l

Can’t get enough of the northern lights? Neither can we. In the year that the aurora borealis is set to show up in UK skies more frequently than before, the dazzling display has been seen all over the country, from the Lake District to London. And this month, they’re making a particularly special visit to Liverpool... kind of.  Okay, so we can’t guarantee you’ll be able to see the actual northern lights but there will be a spectacle offering the next best thing. A stunning art installation designed to replicate the aurora borealis will arrive at the Royal Albert Dock on March 20. Titled ‘Borealis’ and designed by artist Dan Acher, the installation creates the illusion of the natural spectacle by combining technology with the elements using beams of light to travel through cloud particles. That means that the weather (ie. wind variations, humidity and temperature) dictates the kind of effect that the piece of work creates.  ‘Borealis’ has already exhibited in more than 40 other cities across the globe. In Liverpool, you’ll find the installation on Hartley Quay and it’ll be there for all to admire for free from 7-10 pm on March 20-30. It’ll also be accompanied by a celestial soundtrack put together by French composer Guillaume Desbois.  And if, after you experience the artwork, it makes you even more desperate to see the real deal, just follow our guides to the best places to see the northern lights around the world, the UK’s prime northern lights spot and the country’s best pl

Cancelled trains really put a dampener on a day, don’t they? One train doesn’t show up and all of a sudden your plans are thrown completely out of whack. If only there was a way of knowing the likelihood of a service being cancelled before you get to the station.  Well, there is. The Office of Rail and Road has just released the cancellation and delay data for more than 1,700 stations across England in the four weeks up to February 1. It shows that Britain’s train reliability is at an all-time low with more than one in 25 services cancelled.  In an effort to boost transparency and accountability, the government says that performance information will start to appear on large digital display boards across train stations. Smaller stations will have QR codes that passengers can scan to discover the data. It’ll be updated every 28 days.  So, which London station has the worst stats so far? Hackney’s Homerton station, which sits along the Mildmay Overground line, is officially the city’s worst for cancellations. Between January 5 and February 1, 9.22 percent of all trains due at Homerton were called off. That’s a total of 680 trains that failed to turn up. The nearby Hackney Wick station (also on the Mildmay line) was named the second worst in the city, with 8.68 percent of trains cancelled. The Elizabeth line’s Action Main Line came in third place and Hackney Central (once again, the Mildmay line) landed in fourth.  A TfL spokesperson said: ‘Train cancellations occur for a number

Did you know that London is home to more than 400,000 uni students? You may be thinking: doesn’t that get a bit crowded? Well, according to online tutoring platform Edumentors, yes. Yes it does. In fact, it reckons that two London universities are among the most overcrowded in the entire world.  Edumentors study is based on the number of students, faculty and staff relative to the university’s campus size. It says that ‘unlike traditional rankings that focus on academics or funding, this study raises important questions about how limited space affects access to resources, study areas, and student well-being’.  All that number crunching led to the conclusion that University College London (UCL) and Imperial College London are two of the most densely populated institutions in the world. Good luck securing a library spot! With the highest academic staff count among the ranked institutions, UCL was ranked sixth busiest with a population density of 67,995 staff and students per sqkm. Imperial placed tenth with 30,381 people per sqkm. A spokesperson for Edumentors said: ‘Overcrowded campuses aren’t just about packed lecture halls—they shape every part of student life. Finding a quiet study spot gets harder, common areas feel cramped, and stress levels rise. When space is limited, managing resources well becomes essential. Universities need to adapt, making sure students have the room to learn, connect, and thrive.’ Find out which other UK unis are the most packed on the planet he

Camden is one of London’s most famous locales. But that means the neighbourhood gets extremely popular and, these days, to visit it takes a certain level of commitment. As soon as you exit Camden Town station, you will be faced with an overwhelming sea of people. You’ve just got to take a deep breath, mentally prepare yourself and cling onto your companions for dear life.  Part of the reason Camden High Street can be such a nightmare to walk up is the fact that there’s a busy road running right through it and pedestrians (up to 40,000 at peak times) are limited to the pavement. But that’s about to change.  As part of a trial by Camden Council, Camden High Street will become pedestrianised. To be more specific, it’s the junction at Parkway and Kentish Town Road up to the junction of Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent that’ll be shut off to transport. The decision comes after a recent consultation in which more than 70 percent of respondents said they support pedestrianisation. TfL has coughed up £130,000 for the development of the trial, which will last up to 18 months.  All the buses that currently go along Camden High Street to Chalk Farm will be rerouted and travel along Kentish Town Road and Hawley Crescent instead but bus stops in the trial area won’t be changed. The trial will also see blue badge parking lanes installed on roads nearby and contra-flow cycle lanes set up.  Adam Harrison, cabinet member for planning and a sustainable Camden, said: ‘The high street is the

There are many ways to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Lake District. You can take a hike, get out on a boat, hop on a bus, hire a private plane or dust off your bike. Or, you could go full-speed down a zip wire.  At least, you’ll be able to soon. This week, the Lake District National Park Authority gave Honister Slate Mine (the last working slate mine in England turned adventure park) the green light for a kilometre-long zip line. It’ll stretch above the Borrowdale Valley between Honister Crag and the Honister Slate Mine Visitor Centre.  The attraction had actually already been approved by the authority back in 2019. However, a new application had to be considered due to changes in the technical specifications of the proposed wire that meant the landing post had to be moved.   Honister Slate Mine said: ‘The zip wire will offer a thrilling yet sensitively designed adventure, allowing visitors to soar through the stunning Borrowdale Valley while ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. ‘The approved design incorporates key refinements to reduce visual and noise impact, including adjustments to the landing area and technical modifications. Honister’s commitment to preserving the landscape and maintaining harmony with the natural environment has been central to this project from the outset.’ It added that the zip wire has been designed to be as inclusive as possible. It said: ‘The experience will be open to participants who may not otherwise be able to explore

In case you hadn’t noticed, pop princesses are really having a moment. There’s Gracie Abrams, who played a sold out show in London this week, Olivia Rodrigo, who’s just been announced as a Glastonbury headliner and Sabrina Carpenter, who’s landing in in the capital this weekend as part of her Short n’ Sweet world tour.  Managed to get your hands on tickets? To give you a little ‘Taste’ of what to expect, the ‘Espresso’ singer has already played one UK show in Birmingham, with critics describing her performance ‘high energy and cheeky’. Sounds about right.  So, girlies gather ’round – here’s everything you need to know about Sabrina Carpenter’s two shows at London’s O2 Arena this weekend.  RECOMMENDED: The best gigs and concerts in March. When is Sabrina Carpenter playing London’s O2?  Sabrina Carpenter will be at London’s O2 on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9.  What are the timings? Doors for the arena open at 5.30pm. Based on her shows so far, you can expect Sabrina to appear on stage at around 8pm (maybe earlier on Sunday). Curfew is at 11pm on Saturday and 10.30pm on Sunday.  What’s the setlist? Sabrina’s setlist, of course, features all the best hits from the Short n’ Sweet album, plus some older stuff. Here’s the rundown, according to Setlist.fm.  Taste Good Graces Slim Pickins Tornado Warnings Lie to Girls/decode Bed Chem Feather Fast Times Busy Woman Sharpest Tool/Opposite because i liked a boy Coincidence 15 Minutes Spin the Bottle song Nonsense Dumb & Poetic

It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for. After loads of swirling speculation (including some Rihanna rumours), today (March 6) the UK’s biggest festival lineup has been officially unveiled. Glastonbury revealed the first set of artists confirmed for Worthy Farm in June. Besides the four huge headliners, you can look forward to epic slots from the likes of Charli XCX, Doechii, The Prodigy, Alanis Morissette and Noah Kahan.  If you can’t see your fave on the programme, don’t fret. There are still plenty of acts still to be announced and, of course, secret sets to look forward to. Here’s the lineup so far.  RECOMMENDED:🎪 The best festivals in the UK.🎤 Time Out’s ultimate guide to Glastonbury 2025.  Who is headlining Glastonbury 2025? The confirmed headliners for this year’s fest are The 1975, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo and Rod Stewart.  Full lineup so far  Here is the full list of who’s confirmed for Worthy Farm this summer. Friday lineup The 1975 Loyle Carner Biffy Clyro Alanis Morissette Busta Rhymes Maribou State Gracie Abrams Four Tet Wet Leg Anohni and the Johnsons BADBADNOTGOOD Blossoms Burning Spear CMAT Denzel Curry En Vogue English Teacher Fatboy Slim Floating Points Franz Ferdinand Glass Beams Inhaler Osees PinkPantheress Self Esteem Myles Smith Supergrass Vieux Farka Touré Faye Webster Wunderhorse Lola Young Saturday lineup Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts Charli xcx Raye Doechii Deftones Ezra Collective John Fogerty Amyl and the Sniffers Amaarae Beabadobee Bob V