Bella Gomes

Ah, September. In the northern hemisphere, summer is drawing to a close, but in the south, spring is only just beginning. It’s a time between the mid-year travel peak and the busy festive season, and that means it’s a solid time to get away.  It’s also cheaper, the weather is more temperate and there’s a cracking roster of festivals and local traditions scheduled for this time of year, from region-wide book fairs and rock music festivals to scenic annual wine tours and massive flea markets. So, no matter the vibe you’re after this September, our list of the best places to travel will have something for you. RECOMMENDED:✈️The best places to travel in October🗺️Full guide to the best places to travel🛍️The world’s coolest neighbourhoods🎭The best cities for culture right now 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 and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

What is the most beautiful place in the world? Well, beauty is subjective – it’s in the eye of the beholder, so they say – so that’s really up to your own definition. To some, there’s nowhere more beautiful than Bolivia’s otherworldly mirrored salt flats; to others, California’s rugged coast takes the crown.  Luckily, the world isn’t held to the same rigid beauty standards as humans are. We asked our network of globetrotting travel writers to tell us the most beautiful place they’ve ever been to. The resulting list is a definitive, but by no means exhaustive, guide to the most stunning spots our planet has to offer. We update this list regularly, ensuring we’re including the big-hitters while considering the impact of overtourism and spotlighting lesser-known beauty spots. From gigantic glaciers and shape-shifting beaches to ancient woodland and lantern-lit cities, here’s what we reckon are the most beautiful places on Earth – chosen by travel writers who’ve seen them all IRL. Grace Beard is Time Out’s travel editor, based in London. 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 and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.RECOMMENDED:⛰️ The most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites🗺 The most underrated travel destinations in the world🧭 The best places to travel solo🏝 The best beaches in the world

There isn’t really a bad time of year to go on holiday, but if, like the majority of us, you plan on packing a bag and heading off on a jaunt in August, we’re here to help. Why? Well, go-to summer destinations can mean copping a sunbed feels more like a military drill, and flights and accommodation teeter at the more expensive end of the scale – hardly relaxing, is it? Fear not, weary traveller. There are in fact plenty of spots across the planet which show their quieter side in August, making it the best time of year to go and appreciate them, from the plains of East Africa to the streets of South America. So, without further ado, these are the best places in the world to travel in August.  RECOMMENDED:✈️The best places to travel in September🗺️Full guide to the best places to travel🛍️The world’s coolest neighbourhoods🎭The best cities for culture right now 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 and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Bottomless brunch. These words strike excitement – and also a slight sting of terror – into our hearts. Endless quaffing of fizz, usually within a 90 minute time limit, and some hearty breakfast foods seem like the perfect backdrop to catching up with mates on a weekend. Simply bash your cash down and let the London restaurant of your chosing do the rest. Will you get drunk? Most likely. Will you be so full of food that you're worried you may explode? Also possible. Are you in? Yes, you are. In London, you’ll find bottomless bubbles and bloody marys, as well as options with red wine, and cocktails. The food doesn’t have to be straightforward breakfast stuff either. Brunch can be anything from bao to barbecue. Time to go hard then go home! All that sounds a bit too much? You could just stick to regular old brunch. RECOMMENDED: Find more great breakfasts in London.

Look from west to east along the banks of Royal Victoria Dock and you’ll observe a real time history lesson. Fourteen preserved 20th century cranes signify London’s transition from industrial to corporate powerhouse, as they stand in the shadow of Canary Wharf’s glittering skyscrapers. At the heart of it all floats the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.  The 420-foot superyacht offers 138 rooms spread across five decks. With plenty of brass features, wooden cladding and anchor-print carpets, you’re not at risk of forgetting you’re on a ship. But that’s not to its detriment. A stay on the Sunborn is a novel and enjoyable experience; tasteful spacious cabins and a restaurant with great views across to sparkling Isle of Dogs mark the hotel’s distinct charm. And, although the double curved-staircase and giant chandelier in the foyer feel a bit dated, the brilliant staff more than make up for it with their friendly and attentive service.   Sure, it’s a little kitsch here and there, but this is a totally pleasant and unique hotel to stay in – and minutes from the ExCel, the Sunborn would make a great choice for couples or families planning to attend any of the hundreds of events hosted there every year. Plus, the multiple external decks will make for some seriously good sunbathing on a summer’s day (fingers crossed), perfected only by a dip at the nearby Royal Docks lido.  Neighbourhood The area isn’t exactly bustling, so a stay on the Sunborn is really about the novelty of sleeping on a

Art and football, our nation’s ostensible poles, have been brought together at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery this month. From January 22 to February 23, catch Pride of England - a community-focused exhibition that celebrates the diverse and unifying legacy of English football. Artist Matt Small collaborates with Ealing’s youth to create Three Lions. The sculpture, made of recycled footballs, is testament to the sport’s endless ability to renew national pride. Three Lions even accompanied its namesake, The Three Lions, to Germany for the 2024 Euros. We won’t say any more on that. Other works to look out for include Small’s portraits of our nation’s football legends, including Ealing-born stars Bukayo Saka and Chloe Kelly. Inspired in parts by Sir Gareth Southgate’s plucky 2020 squad, Pitzhanger’s Pride of England manages to give ‘the beautiful game’ a whole new meaning.

Although London isn't exactly short on things to do, we’d never say no to a new board game cafe. If, like us, you also enjoy competitive socialising, then we have some pretty exciting news.  To celebrate ten years of winning, losing and arguing, popular board game bar Draughts is opening a sprawling new venue in east London. The games bar/restaurant at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will be over 4,000 square feet (so, space for about 200 gamers).  And, with a repertoire of over 1,000 games spread across its bunker looking spot in Waterloo and its Grade II-listed joint in Hackney, Draughts’ airy new venue might be just the ticket (to ride). See what we did there? It’s expected to open in spring this year, as part of ongoing regeneration in east London.  The games bar will rub shoulders with the likes of the V&A East, the London College of Fashion and Sadler’s Wells East on East Bank (have a peak below), which is aspiring to become London’s newest creative epicentre. With a covered terrace overlooking the Waterworks River and London Stadium, we reckon Draughts’ third rendition will make a half-decent date spot.  Image: Draughts Visitors can expect to find the usual extensive line up of board games, plus some all-knowing ‘games gurus’ – friendly hosts on hand to help pick the perfect game for your party size and niche passion (and explain the rules, thank god). A mash-up of loaded nachos and Korean hot chicken – and plenty more – will be available to order, as well as pints,

Hyped skateboarding and streetwear brand Palace opened its sixth store worldwide in Seoul, South Korea this month. So, why’re we talking about it on Time Out London? Well, a quick look inside the popular apparel shop will give you an idea why. The South Korean capital’s new store has been modeled after London’s iconic South Bank skatepark. Palace founders and pals Lev Tanju and Gareth Skewis commissioned designer Steve Oh to take on the ambitious project, which intends to pay homage to the skate spot that largely inspired their successful brand (which now has an estimated net worth of over £15 million). In an interview with Wallpaper*, Tanju explained the personal significance of London’s well-known skatepark: ‘I spent so many years there… I met so many people there and Palace wouldn’t exist without Southbank’. As a result, the new store features wood-textured concrete columns reminiscent of those found at South Bank, while the characteristic concrete block benches have been refashioned in a bougie maroon marble (have a peek below).  Photograph: Palace The store’s floor-to-ceiling glass front mirrors the sunken entrance of the South Bank skatepark, which sits beneath another iconic brutalist London landmark, Queen Elizabeth Hall.  The new store opened on February 8, and it’s Palace’s second Seoul store. If you’re ever in the South Korean capital, you’ll find the South Bank-inspired shop in Mapo-gu. Here are more pics of the place.  Photograph: Palace Photograph: Palace

Hooters, an American restaurant chain known for scantily clad servers, chicken wings and sports screenings, is expected to open its third UK venue this month.  Hooters is notorious for its ‘Hooters Girls’, an all female wait staff contract bound to have a full face of makeup, wear shorts that reveal rear ‘smile lines’, and have hair down, at all times.  The so-called ‘breastaurant’ has long struggled to take off in the UK (probably something to do with abundant accusations of creepy customers, workplace bullying and harassment) – Hooters Birmingham closed after just 18 months, and Cardiff and Bristol followed suit after less than 2 years.  Despite that, business partners Julian Mills and Johnny Goard are unfazed and set to open their third franchised Hooters in Newcastle’s Bigg Market later this month- their others are in Nottingham and Liverpool. The Newcastle restaurant will have a capacity of 200 and a staff of at least 50 uniformed Hooters Girls. But there has already been backlash from local residents and councillors.  Kruti Walsh, the policy director at the feminist charity FiLiA, told the Guardian: ‘Violence against women and girls is an epidemic so we firmly oppose plans to expand a chain that treats women as objects to be served up alongside chicken wings and fries.’ A spokesperson for Newcastle city council said: ‘As a White Ribbon City, Newcastle stands against all harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls. All businesses in our city are encouraged to

People of east London, cast your eyes to Canada Water this spring, as the area is set to undergo a massive £4 billion regeneration project. At its centre sits Corner Corner, a food, drinks and music venue which looks like something seriously worth getting excited about.  Industry mavericks Kerb (think bustling food halls) and Broadwick Live (the venue operator behind superclubs Drumsheds and Printworks) have teamed up to serve up life’s great joys – food, drink and music – under one shiny new roof. The collaborative venue, which is spread over 18,000 square feet, promises a revolving line-up of independent London food vendors, jazz, funk, soul and disco selectors and a contemporary take on the jazz club. But that isn’t all – oh no. As well as an events space, Corner Corner will also boast London’s largest vertical farm. The sustainable food initiative, run by Harvest London, aims to supply ‘hyper-local’ produce to the venue’s food hall and cafe, as well as provide goods for restaurants across the capital. Image: Corner Corner As sustainable music/food/drinks crossovers go, Corner Corner seems as good as any, and a welcome addition to the east London fray. Granting all goes well with licensing and planning permission, it’s set to open this spring.  Talking of sustainable farming… Did you hear that vertical farms in east London are already growing greens from fish poo? The 10 best jazz bars in London. Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to

Earlier this week we dropped Time Out’s ultimate guide to London flat whites, a deep-dive into the sacred alchemy of espresso and steamed milk. And now we come bearing even more good news for the capital’s coffee-obsessed citizens. Industry behemoths Oatly and Nespresso have collabbed to create an oat milk friendly capsule, which went on sale back in January. To celebrate, the two brands are hosting pop-ups at two major commuter stations next week, where they’ll dish out the all important good stuff (AKA oat flat whites) entirely for free!  So, flat white fans, mark your calendars. The first pop-up runs 7am-midday on February 10 at Victoria Station and the second is at Waterloo on February 14 (also 7am-midday). Best of all, you don’t need to do anything, just rock up and let the free coffee flow.  Commuters can also win prizes worth up to £100 at the Oatly X Nespresso ‘coffee bar’ pop-ups. Spin a ‘giant Nespresso pod’ for your chance to walk away with some merch, a milk frother or even a coffee machine. We’re not sure how you’ll get it on the tube either, but that’s a later problem. Oh, you’re not like the other girls? Here’s coffee expert Celeste Wong’s pick of the capital’s best independent coffee shops. Or if you need food and a seat with your caffeine fix then head over to one of Time Out’s 21 best cafes in London.  Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel. Stay in the loo

If you, like us, have sought refuge from the winter blues by browsing lists of underrated, must-visit travel destinations for your next summer getaway, then Ryanair’s newest announcement might give you a few more trip ideas.  Last week, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary revealed that the budget airline plans to launch seven new routes this spring, ranging from central European city breaks to balmy Aegean seaside towns.  The list includes Turkish destinations Bodrum and Dalaman, which are well-suited to sun seekers and history nuts alike. Both can be found along Türkiye’s southwest coast, complete with crystal Mediterranean seas and archeological sites aplenty. Also to get new direct Ryanair links to London are German cities Münster and Lübeck, which are renowned for their lively music scenes, historic architecture and eating and drinking scenes (including, yes, lots of bier and the odd bratwurst). Rounding out the seven are central French city Clermont-Ferrand, arty Austrian metropolis Linz and the Italian city of Reggio Calabria (just over the strait from Sicily).  Here’s the lowdown on when these routes will take off and how much they’ll set you back.  New European destinations served by Ryanair from London for summer 2025 Stansted to Bodrum (Türkiye), from £19.99 – flying now  Stansted to Dalaman (Türkiye), from £19.99 – flying now  Stansted to Clermont (France), from £20.65 – commencing March 30 Stansted to Münster (Germany), from £16.99 – commencing March 30 Stansted to Lübe

Lidl devotees, ever dreamed of cracking open an ice cold Excelsior Lager mid-shop? We have exciting news.  The German supermarket chain recently won a legal battle giving it permission to open its first ever in-store taproom. Customers of the Dundonald branch in Northern Ireland will be the first to experience the novelty of a post- (or pre-, or mid-) shop pint.  While Lidl is yet to announce an opening date for its new pub/bar/taproom, Dundonald patrons can look forward to a 45-seat public bar as well as an off-licence in their local store. The new bar will serve the ‘draft and bottle beer, wine, cider and spirits’ usually stocked on Lidl shelves, great for the die-hard Bitterol Spritz fans among us.  Although planning permission for the ‘pub’ was awarded back in 2020, Lidl has since had to prove that there was an inadequate number of other vendors (a.k.a not enough pubs) nearby, in line with Northern Irish licensing laws. The appeal against Lidl’s Peggy Mitchell-esque ambitions was brought by local off-license chain Philip Russel Ltd but overturned by the High Court on January 27.   In light of the ruling, Lidl’s proposed £410,000 investment in its Dundonald store is back underway. However, it remains to be seen whether an in-store pub is marketing genius (would you be able to skip the middle-aisle four pints deep?) or a little, erm, strange.  Lidl has never been one to shy away from the unconventional. Last year the budget supermarket chain launched a London pop-up selling

Established in 1889, Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club (NPLTC) has been a hub for community activity for well over a century. But now, after 136 years of serves, aces and rallies, it may be forced to close.  NPLTC has survived two world wars and seen 27 Prime Ministers. During this time, the club has aimed to make tennis affordable and accessible for the surrounding communities, many of which fall into the Index of Multiple Deprivation’s ‘most deprived decile’. Back in 2023, however, Croydon Council decided to sell the land on which NPLTC stands, creating uncertainty around the club’s future. The decision was part of the council’s efforts to reduce its £1.4bn debt burden. Croydon Council recognised the club as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) in May 2024 and has sought to ‘avoid unnecessary concern’ as the land transitions from public to private ownership. ACV status gives a community the right to bid for a site of local importance.  A spokesperson from Croydon Council said: ‘We are working with Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club to grant them a long term (999-year) lease, which will provide them with greater security.’  The decision to sell the land comes as NPLTC members have also taken an active role in securing the future of their club, hosting bake sales, croquet taster sessions and competitions to raise the necessary funds. The GoFundMe page has reached 73 percent of the target £25,000, the total the club will need to raise by February 28 to save the land from potential develop

New Year’s resolution to start up / get back into running starting to dwindle? We might have the answer. The next week and a bit are your chance to sign up for this year’s Royal Parks Half Marathon, which hopes to keep you moving until at least October 12. The course is one of London’s most scenic runs (hitting four of capital’s eight Royal Parks) and the ballot is now open.  Starting and finishing along Hyde Park’s iconic South Carriage Drive, the 13.1-mile route ticks off famed landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall. With a mostly flat route, the race is suitable for seasoned runners and newbies alike. RECOMMENDED: How the 2025 London Marathon is already breaking records. If boosting your cardio isn’t motivation enough, you might be tempted by a good cause. Entrants raise money for the conservation of London’s eight Royal Parks, as well as 1,200 other UK charities. Since 2008, the event has helped to raise £70 million for the likes of Great Ormond Street Hospital and Mind.  Interested? Find all the info you need for entering the 2025 Royal Parks Half Marathon below.  When is the 2025 Royal Parks Half Marathon? This year’s event takes place on Sunday October 12. How do you enter the 2025 Royal Parks Half Marathon ballot?  To be in with a chance of running the Royal Parks Half Marathon this year, you’ll need to enter the ballot here, which is open from now until 5pm GMT on February 7.  The ballot will be drawn on Thursday 13

The UK boasts countless famed landmarks, each steeped in its own rich history. From London’s iconic skyline to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, have you ever wondered which landmark is the UK’s most photogenic? Well, photography retailer Jessops reckons it has the answer.  In a study which looked at Instagram’s most ‘hashtagged’ locations, Jessops named the London Eye the UK’s ‘most photogenic’ place. The study totted up the Eye’s Instagram hashtags and said they amounted to a whopping 3.48 million. In Jessops’ study, the Eye was narrowly followed by Big Ben, with 3.47 million posts. In fact, you may be unsurprised to hear that of Jessop’s top 10 landmarks, just three can be found outside of our nation’s capital.  The most ‘photogenic’ attractions in the UK, according to Jessops The London Eye, London (3.48 million hashtags) Big Ben, London (3.37 million hashtags) Tower Bridge, London (2.84 million hashtags) Buckingham Palace, London (1.5 million hashtags) Stonehenge, Wiltshire (915,000 hashtags) The Natural History Museum, London (780,000 hashtags) Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh (720,000 hashtags) The Tower of London, London (690,000 hashtags) St. Paul’s Cathedral, London (550,000 hashtags) Snowdon, Gwynedd (530,000 hashtags) Perched on the Southbank and offering panoramic views of the city skyline, a visit to the London Eye marks a rite of passage for many London tourists. And, with its notable ’00s design in stark contrast to the surrounding Edwardian Baroque of County Hall, th