Emma Vince

Fine jewellery might not be an every day purchase for most of us, but that makes the times you’re on the hunt for the perfect piece even more special. Whether you’re planning to pop the question, in search of a special gift or just treating yourself (why not!), there are plenty of jewellery shops across London ready to dazzle you with their designs. From timeless and traditional to quirky indie boutiques, the city has them all – and within them are diamonds, pearls and every other precious stone waiting to be your new best friend. RECOMMENDED: The best shops in London

In the UK, we take our castles a bit for granted. They’re like our curio-packed museums and idyllic seaside towns, like our lush rolling hills and countless characterful pubs – our castles are sort of just there. But they’re also amongst the most majestic and fascinating historic structures in the entire world – when you stop to think about them, they really are quite something.  Dotted with dramatic drawbridges, towering turrets and winding dungeons, Britain’s castles are packed with centuries of unique stories. Whether you’re looking for winding political histories or spectacular architecture, they come in all shapes, sizes, and locations, from slap-bang in the city centre to perched on stormy clifftops. So, head this way. Here are the 13 best castles in the UK. RECOMMENDED:🌈The most colourful places in the UK🌤️The best places to visit in the UK 🏔️The most scenic hikes in the UK🏖️The most beautiful hidden beaches in the UK

We know that living in London can be tough on the skin, what with all the pollution and air-conditioned offices. And that’s before we even think about harsh weather, alcohol, sun exposure, dehydration and the inevitable passing of time (the joys). Just thinking about what we put our skin through is enough to give you frown lines. Luckily, though, there are loads of great spas and treatment rooms in London where you can give your face a break. Whether you’re after a relaxing, soothing facial massage, some instant radiance, a total skincare overhaul or something a little more intense, read our pick of facials in London. You won’t regret it. RECOMMENDED: The best spas in London

London knows how to put its best foot forward when it comes to spring flowers and summer blooms: the city's parks and green spaces come alive with daffodils, cherry blossom, tulips, wisteria, and roses each year as the temperatures start to rise. But if you’ve visited Kew Gardens more times than you can count, and the sellers at Columbia Road flower market know you by name, perhaps it’s time to venture further afield to get your floral kicks. Fill your nose with gorgeous scent at lavender fields near London, or enjoy the splendour of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty just hour or two from the city. Or read on for our guide to everything from rambling rose gardens and exotic glasshouses to woodland walks and PYO flower fields near London. Take those hayfever tablets, wear something pastel-tinted and pretty, and you're ready for a day out that'll showcase mother nature in all her technicolour finery (and make great fodder for the gram, too). RECOMMENDED: get more inspo with the best day trips from LondonRECOMMENDED: bring the blossom home with the best online flower delivery shops in London or the best same-day flower delivery in London

In the UK, we hardly have reliable weather, and that’s why it’s so great that if you’re looking for something to keep the family busy, the country’s best waterparks come in an indoor and outdoor variety. Many of them are open all year round, so there’s no excuse to not whack on some swimwear and blow up yer armbands.  And while there are few thrills quite so pure as hectic splash pools, ginormous wave machines, and mega-slippy slides, waterparks are also simply very pleasant places to chill out and have some fun, too. So without further ado, here are the 12 best waterparks in the UK. Don’t forget your towel (or swimsuit, for that matter). RECOMMENDED:☀️The best outdoor swimming pools in the UK🚴The most beautiful bike trails in the UK🌴The most stunning hidden beaches in the UK🏊The best waterparks in London

Edinburgh is a fantastic city to explore year round, whether you’re all about history, culture or unbeatable food and drink. But just 30 minutes from the centre, you’ll find another picturesque location that has long been a popular escape for the city’s residents. If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet away from all the bustle that still has plenty to keep you occupied, look no further than North Berwick. The seaside town is known for providing beauty, fun and adventure all within easy reach, thanks to it being a simple bus, train or car ride away. Pop over to get your fix of wildlife and outdoorsy exploration, chill out on one of the picture-postcard beaches or head to a swanky new restaurant or café for a bite. Here are the best things to do in North Berwick right now. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Glasgow, Royal Deeside and Oban

If you thought that only big cities get the swish restaurant openings and edgiest chefs, think again. Several of the UK’s most unassuming towns and villages punch well above their weight at plating up a dining experience to remember, with experimental menus, world-class ingredients and fine-dining frills. With celebrated chefs setting up shop in their local neighbourhoods – and with access to the freshest ingredients offered by more rural locations – you can find flourishing foodie scenes in blink-and-you’ll-miss-’em towns. What with so many people considering holidaying in the UK this year, these alternative destinations are a great way for gourmands to plan an itinerary around some of the country’s lesser-known areas – while guaranteeing a slap-up meal every night. From market towns with Michelin stars to tiny medieval villages dishing up big flavours, we’ve turned the spotlight on seven of the UK’s best-kept foodie secrets that are well worth seeking out. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in the UK

Missing museum lates and pottering around old manor houses? Well – now that holidays are allowed again – here’s how to get your fix while escaping the city. Across the UK there are some incredible buildings that you can stay the night in. You don't just gawp at the antique furniture, you can put your feet up and pretend you live the life of an absolute baller. Why stay in a hotel when you could wake up in a fairytale folly or a library with rooms? From towers on the Dorset coastline to a poet’s retreat in the lush countryside of the Lake District, here are the best buildings across the UK where you can stay over.  RECOMMENDED: 🏰 Amazing UK castles you can actually stay in🤏 Tiny but perfectly formed UK hideaways🌹 The best romantic weekend getaways in the UK🌳 Amazing treehouses in the UK you can actually stay in⛰️ Outdoorsy UK getaways to help you reconnect with nature

With its quaint, pretty-in-pastel High Street, cute tea shops and charming churches, this littlevillage in Essex is a quintessential countryside escape from the city. But what makes it extraspecial is the surrounding Dedham Vale. Officially an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s also known as ‘Constable Country’, after the artist John Constable who made the gorgeous, rural area famous with his paintings. RECOMMENDED: Visit nearby Lavenham, Aldeburgh or Cambridge. 

Catch the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness to feel a world away from London. The Highlands are made for a four-wheeled adventure, and the North Coast 500 is Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Hugging the coast, the road checks off rainbow-laced lochs, deserted beaches and castles. It’s remote, but you won’t mind a patchy signal or sudden downpours when you’re passing through some of the UK’s most atmospheric scenery.

Ah, the call of the wild. It’s hard to put into words that feeling you get when you’re staring out at the sea or listening to birdsong… or watching a TV show narrated by David Attenborough. In London, we’re lucky enough to have plenty of lush spaces, parks and woodlands to give you that green fix during the week, but to truly leave the city behind you have to head further afield. Getting back to nature isn’t just good for the ’gram either, it improves your mood and can help relieve stress, too. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to embrace nature that don’t involve wellies or pitching up somewhere bleak with a flimsy tent in tow. From foraging courses to wildlife-spotting weekends, here’s how to go au naturale and escape the city for the weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best weekend breaks from London

Forget any preconceptions you have about this English county: there are so many fun things to do in Essex. This varied area begins on the urban fringes of London at one end and blends into rural Suffolk countryside at the other. Then there’s the 350 miles of coast, 35 islands, two international airports (Stansted and Southend) and the oldest recorded town in Britain. From nature and nightclubs to seaside attractions and historical monuments, first-time visitors might be surprised by just how diverse this county is. The only way is—you guessed it—Essex. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

The regal façade of the Mandarin Oriental hotel looks out over Harrods, and with its location just a stone’s throw from Knightsbridge tube, this is well and truly the posh part of town. Uniformed doormen greet you and whisk you down to the spa, where you’ll swap your shoes for sandals while sipping complimentary tea. So far, so five-star, and that’s all before you’ve even donned a fluffy white robe. Serene, dimly-lit and beautiful, this place feels a world away from London. It looks pristine: a result, no doubt, of careful restoration (a fire closed the spa just a few days after its first opening). You’ll find all the facilities you’d expect at a luxury hotel spa – pool, relaxation area and fitness centre – but it’s the thoughtful and modern touches that set the Mandarin Oriental apart, like the padded jewellery tray in each locker and a chance to try out those fancy Dyson hair-dryers in the changing rooms. There’s also a full menu of luxurious treatments, ranging from those taking advantage of traditional Chinese medicine to a range of potent Nescens anti-aging facials. After 50 minutes with my attentive therapist – and an acid peel, lymphatic drainage and a facial massage to boot – I emerged with actual cheekbones, a Kardashian-worthy jawline and a glow that lasted all week.

Need a break from London? Try dangling from a Cornish tree trunk instead. This quirky little sphere, in a secluded spot at the southern end of Bodmin Moor, is more pod than traditional treehouse. It’s suspended between two trees like a tiny wooden Death Star. Simply ascend the staircase to reach the hanging globe (aka your new bedroom).  The cedar-clad ball looks lightweight, and it is, but you needn’t worry about crashing down to earth: the pod uses early zeppelin engineering and can support huge weights (so don’t hold back on those local pasties). The wood burner keeps you snug in winter, and the double-glazed windows frame woodland and river views. From your lofty vantage point, enjoy the peace and keep your eyes peeled for deer, kingfishers and even the occasional otter. It’s a bucolic bubble. Lost Meadow Treepod, Cornwall. From £200 for two nights. Like the look of this woodland escape? Check out our pick of amazing treehouses you can actually stay in Need more reasons to leave London? Read our guide to the best day trips from London