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

To the despair of commuters across the city, train fares across London went up last weekend. That’s right, on March 2, the daily cap for Zone 1 travel rose by 40p from £8.50 to £8.90, while the cap for travelling across zones 1, 2 and 3 increased to £10.50.  And, we hate to break it to you, but those price hikes have officially made London’s underground train network the most expensive in the entire world. That’s according to research carried out by the Telegraph.  The paper looked at the cost of ten major metro systems across the globe. It acknowledged that it’s difficult to make perfect comparisons between each metro system, since each uses different pricing structures. But it’s when we compare their standard prices that London seems particularly extortionate.  Its survey found that while Berlin is still more expensive when it comes to single tickets in the central zone (£2.80 versus £3.14), London pips it to the post for 24-hour tickets. London’s highest daily cap is £16.30 (for zones 1 to 6) while the German capital’s equates to just £10.17.  Prices in Paris and Washington are also significantly cheaper (starting at £1.65 and £1.78 respectively). TfL’s standard £2.40 single fares are triple those in Seoul (77p) and Tokyo (95p) and twice the price of those in Madrid (£1.24).  These are the metro prices in 10 major world cities (with prices for single tickets in central zones and 24 hour/ one day ticket) London: £2.80-£2.90 and £8.90-£16.30  Berlin: £2.15-£3.14 and £8.19-

Every Brit knows that northerners are some of the warmest, most welcoming people in the land. There’s just something about Scouse, Geordie, Mancunian and Yorkshire accents that make you feel right at home – and it’s not just us who feel that way. Now, northern hospitality has been recognised on a global scale.  As part of its 13th annual Traveller Review Awards, travel booking platform Booking.com has revealed the ten most welcoming cities on Earth for 2025. The top destinations were based on over 360 million customer reviews of accommodation, activities and transport on the site to figure out which cities had the highest share of glowing feedback. And there was one northern English city that made the cut.  Chester ranked tenth in Booking.com’s list of the world’s most welcoming cities. The site described the city as a ‘historic gem’ and gave shoutouts to Ch1 Boutique Stays, Luxury Chester Townhouse and the Medieval Walking Tour of Chester for offering particularly outstanding hospitality.  Ryan Pearson, Booking.com regional manager, said: ‘Chester is a city that perfectly blends warmth and history, making it one of the most welcoming destinations in the UK. With its charming, cobbled streets, historic architecture and a strong sense of community, it’s no surprise that visitors feel at home. ‘But beyond its friendly atmosphere, Chester also has a rich and mysterious past, earning it a reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the country.’ The best of the UK with Time

After four decades of bringing fun and thrills to the people of Wales, Oakwood Theme Park has announced its sudden closure.  The Pembrokeshire attraction was closed over winter as normal but in a statement on March 4, the park said that it would not be opening for the 2025 season. It cited a drop in visitor numbers and ‘unrelenting economic challenges’ from electricity costs, ride parts and changes to national insurance contribution.  Home to exhilarating wooden ride Megafobia and the UK’s very first beyond vertical drop coaster, Speed, Oakwood was Wales’ largest theme park. As someone who grew up there myself, it was a regular destination for school trips and family days out and I have countless memories of being let loose to board its swinging pirate ship, zoom down its bobsleigh run and get drenched on its waterslides.  Aspro Park, the owner of the themes park, is also in charge of numerous attractions across the UK and Europe, including Hastings Castle and Bristol Aquarium. It said of the decision: ‘In the entire history of Aspro we have never closed any park or attraction. We, and our dedicated team of staff has strived to overcome numerous challenges to continue to bring joy to families and visitors across the region and country. ‘Unfortunately, we could no longer see a sustainable way forward and will seek to improve our other parks using the assets and where possible team elsewhere. ‘We are aware that Oakwood has been a much-loved destination for generations and a r

She had one of UK’s top streamed songs of 2024, will headline two (one sold out, the other getting there) days at BST Hyde Park this summer and opened last weekend’s BRIT Awards in spectacular fashion. We, of course, could only be talking about Sabrina Carpenter.   The UK has fully embraced the espresso-loving pop princess and this weekend Sabrina will finally be treating London to her Short n’ Sweet tour. She’ll be bringing her signature raunchy moves and unserious vibes to the O2 for two nights. If you managed to snap up tickets, you’ve probably started making a game plan for the big day. As you plan your outfit, map out your travel and practice lyrics, we wouldn’t blame you for forgetting the smaller things, like the fact that the O2 has a strict bag policy. So, here’s everything you need to know about bag restrictions and drop-off ahead of Sabrina’s Short n’ Sweet stop at the O2.  RECOMMENDED: The best gigs and concerts in March. When is Sabrina Carpenter at the O2? Sabrina will be performing at London’s O2 on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9.  What is the O2 Arena bag policy? Gig-goers can only bring in one bag that’s A4 size or smaller. The O2 won’t allow backpacks, travel cases, laptop bags, camera bags or large tote bags.  Is there a cloakroom and how much does it cost? If you have to bring a large bag, you can leave it at the O2’s storage facility, which is just outside the main entrance. It costs £10 per bag, unless you have an American Express Card, which le

The UK has been witnessing tonnes of celestial spectacles over the past 12 months – and 2025 already kicked off with a majestic show of northern lights. Predictions that 2025 could see ‘once-in-a-decade’ displays of the lights proved true in January and February – with more expected in the next few days.  According to Space.com, a coronal mass ejection (CME) from a powerful solar blast on March 1 is set to hit Earth over the coming days, likely on March 4 and 5. That CME could potentially causes a geomagnetic storm and therefore spur sightings of the northern lights. Britain has been treated to countless displays of aurora borealis (as the lights are otherwise known) in the last 12 months. Back in May the lights were seen up and down the land, from Scotland to Cornwall, and even in London – which is usually too far south and has too much light pollution. The lights were again seen strongly in July, August, September, October (and again, even in London) and January.  RECOMMENDED: The northern lights will be much more frequent in the south of England from now on – here’s why March 2025 will be a particularly extraordinary month for the northern lights in the UK. Aurora borealis is more commonly seen in far northern parts of the country like Scotland and Northern Ireland. Nationwide displays are a very rare occurrence indeed, as are sightings in northern England. So, want to get a glimpse of the fabled phenomenon? Below is everything you need to know about spotting aurora boreal

The Superloop family is rapidly expanding. Soon, Londoners will be able to ride the shiny new SL4 completely free of charge, and plans have been revealed for the Superloop 2, the second phase of the limited-stopping bus network. And now more details are being confirmed about the Superloop 2: first were plans for the ‘Bakerloop’, and this week we finally know more about the SL11. In case you’re not familiar, the Superloop is a network of speedy bus services mostly serving the outer boroughs of the city.  Intended to make city travel easier, cheaper and quicker, its first routes launched in 2023 and it became an actual loop around the capital in March 2024.  SL11 is set to run between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich via Thamesmead and Woolwich. Current plans for the route involve renumbering the existing 472 route and connecting it to the SL3 at Abbey Wood and Thamesmead. It’s hoped that the new route will provide quicker connections for commuters between the Elizabeth line, DLR, London Underground and National Rail. However,  plans could change following a public consultation that launched yesterday.  Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s director of public transport service planning, said: ‘Buses are still the most affordable and green way to travel around the capital, and we know local communities will rely on new public transport to better connect the area to the rest of London. We are committed to working closely with the relevant boroughs to ensure these express bus routes work for all commu

Is it just us or are you suddenly feeling happier, more productive, more full of life? It might have something to do with all that vitamin D the sun blessed us with last weekend. And things look to stay that way. The mornings are brighter, buds are starting to form and it finally feels like we can put our scarves away. All that means just one thing — spring is here.  Or almost here, depending on which calendar you like to go by. As the UK begins to defrost, here’s all you need to know about key dates for spring 2025.  RECOMMENDED: 🐣 When is Easter 2025? When is spring 2025?  Meteorological spring has already started. It starts on March 1 every year. However, if we’re going by the astronomical seasons, spring 2025 officially begins on March 20. That’s the date of spring equinox, which changes annually and is determined by the Earth's tilt as it travels around the sun.  On the equinox, the sun crosses the equator, which makes day and night almost equal in length. It’s from then on that daylight starts to last longer than night.  When do the clocks go forward?  Spring marks the time of year that our clocks change from Greenwich Mean Time to British Summer Time. This year, they’ll change in the early hours of March 30.  When is Easter 2025?  You can find all the key dates for Easter and the spring bank holidays this year here.  Where to see wildflowers this spring One of the best things about spring is, of course, the beautiful blooms that appear. Here at Time Out, our writers

It’s the first week of March, spring is slowly starting to rear its head and it’s finally still light outside when we leave the office. Alas, one thing that remains the same — as always, commuters need to keep an eye out for train cancellations and disruptions.  Much of the time, tube and rail disruptions happen unexpectedly. But there are some that rail operators are able to warn us about in advance. We’ve found all planned train timetable changes across London this week, so you can plan ahead as much as possible. For Friday to Sunday info, come back on Thursday to check our weekend guide, but for now, here are all the disruptions and cancellations you need to know about. Overground  Weaver  From Monday to Thursday, the Weaver line will be shut between Hackney Downs and Enfield Town and Cheshunt after 10.45pm.  National Rail Elizabeth line There’s engineering work happening between London Paddington and Heathrow/ Reading from Monday evening to Friday morning.  That means that from 10pm to 5am each night, there will be reduced services between Abbey Wood and Heathrow Terminal 4, Ealing Broadway, Southall and Hayes and Harlington, West Drayton, Langley, Slough, Burnham, Maidenhead and Heathrow Terminal 4 and Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3.  During that time Elizabeth line services between Abbey Wood and Maidenhead will run between Abbey Wood and Paddington only.   Southern Engineering work is going to affect Southern services from London Bridge this week. On Monday, Tuesday and T

In a major move for rivers up and down the land, last week it was announced that Sussex’s River Ouse is set to be granted its own rights.  A new charter that has just been approved by Lewes district council officially recognises the Ouse as a living entity. Based on the Universal Declaration of River Rights, the charter gives the waterway eight rights, including the right to flow, to be pollution-free, to have native biodiversity and to undergo regeneration and restoration.  🌊 RECOMMENDED: The 10 most beautiful wild swimming spots in the UK.  The decision to give the Ouse legal personhood was actually made two years ago when the council passed a rights of river motion. In the two years since, the likes of Lewes district council, Environmental Law Foundation, Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust and Southwood Foundation have all worked together to create the charter.  Matthew Bird, director of the Love Our Ouse campaign, said: ‘This is a momentous moment for the river and goes some way towards recognising that the river is an entity in its own right and that its voice needs to be represented in decisions which affect it. The river faces numerous challenges including pollution, climate change, over use and development. ‘The Charter provides a common framework through which to address these challenges which we hope the other major stakeholders on the Ouse will feel able to endorse. We hope Lewes District Council’s decision to support the Ouse Charter will encourage communities throughou

The UK government has unveiled a huge plan to overhaul the rules around home ownership in England and Wales. Specifically, it wants to impose a long-awaited ban on leaseholding.  Campaigns to get rid of the centuries-old leasehold system have gone on for years, with people who own homes under leasehold left to feel like second-class homeowners. The previous government promised to bring in reform and although former housing minister Michael Gove pledged to abolish it entirely, those plans were dropped when Downing Street intervened.  But now it looks like major reform could finally happen. In a White Paper published today, Labour MPs have outlined their proposals for getting rid of leaseholds for good. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has called the reforms the ‘beginning of the end’ for the system. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.  What is a leasehold?  A leasehold is when you have a legal agreement with a landlord to own property within their building or on their piece of land for a fixed period of time. The leases can be anything from 90 and 999 years long and ownership in meant to go back to the landlord once they come to an end. Right now, around five million properties in England and Wales are under a leasehold. Around 70 percent of them are flats. If you own a leasehold property, you’re responsible for repairs and maintenance but normally need to get the landlord’s permission to make any significant changes. Often, tenants are asked to pay tens of th

Plants are one of the many things at risk of disappearing thanks global warming. But they’re also one of the things that can help fight it. And this summer, Kew Gardens is introducing a brand new permanent garden that’ll demonstrate exactly how.  After it was given the green light by Richmond Council last year, Kew Gardens is launching the Carbon Garden. As the name suggests, it’s been designed to illustrate the urgent need to tackle the climate crisis and show the crucial part that carbon plays in sustaining life on Earth.  🌳 RECOMMENDED: London’s best parks and green spaces.  How exactly do you portray all that through plants? Well, the plot will include a crop of blue and red perennials inspired by the global warming stripes; a dry garden full of drought-tolerant Mediterranean plants ‘illustrative of the plants we might look to for London gardens in 30 years’ and a rain garden and bioswale, a ditch full of grass, shrubs and other vegetation that collects polluted stormwater runoff, soaks it into the ground and filters out pollution.  Made possible through funding from the Biffa Award, plans for the Carbon Garden also involve planting 26 new carbon-capturing trees and building a central pavilion. The pavilion has been designed to look like ‘fungal fruiting body’ growing from the garden. It will be made using low-carbon natural materials and feature a forward-tilted canopy that’ll direct rainwater into the rain garden. Image: Mizzi Studio The garden will officially open t

Rail travel isn’t always stampeding down platforms, squeezing into a train corridor or sweating in a stuffy carriage. Sometimes it can be quite nice, actually. In fact, on the right day and the right route, gazing out of a train window as it glides along the track is surely one of the most romantic ways to watch the world go by.  That’s what we think here at Time Out (just take a look at our guide to the world’s most scenic rail journeys) and the people at National Geographic seem to agree. The travel magazine has just revealed its pick of the 19 best train trips in the world right now, and there’s one British route among them.  The list includes the likes of Norway’s luxury new Norient Express, central Asia’s opulent Golden Eagle and Mexico’s mountainous El Chepe. And joining their ranks is the UK’s very own Heart of Wales line,  which chugs from Craven Arms in England to Llanelli in west Wales. The Welsh line pulled up in 11th place with National Geographic naming it the best for slow travel.  Sometimes described as the ‘railway line that time forgot’, Nat Geo said it loves the Heart of Wales for its ‘lo-fi charm’, ‘rustic stations’ and for bringing passengers by pretty Welsh spa towns, majestic castles and rolling wilderness. The 30mph train takes around three and a half hours from one end to the other and a tickets start from £18. We’ll see you on the platform!  Britain by rail  For more beautiful British train journeys, behold Time Out’s list of the most picturesque in t