Amy Houghton

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

There’s no season more welcome than the start of summer. Brighter days, warmer temperatures and more time outdoors results in an uplifted mood and a general lust for life. It also helps when you have a stellar summer playlist – the kind that draws on golden classics and modern hits alike to really add a healthy dose of that feel-good feeling we all love. Here at Time Out, our team of writers and editors have you covered when it comes to the most essential summer anthems. From a Bill Withers staple to some Sabrina Carpenter sparkle, our playlist of the best summer songs captures all the fun, warmth and mood-lifting magic you want when it comes to soundtracking your summer months. RECOMMENDED: 🎤 The best karaoke songs ❤️ The best love songs🎉 The best party songs🕺 The best albums of 2025 so far

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

In the sweltering city heat, few things are more inviting than the prospect of plunging into one of London's finest al fresco swimming pools. And everyone knows it. The capital has well and truly caught the open-air bathing bug over the last few years. Even in the depths of winter, you’ll spot a brave bunch – wetsuits and all – diving head first into the immensely cold waters of London lidos. But that also means that on the hottest days of the year, you’ll need to book well in advance if you want to secure a poolside spot. The good news is that there’s a bounty of places for getting your outdoor swim fix in the city. That’s not to mention all the wild swimming spots a little further afield. Heated or unheated, regimented lanes or wide open water, serious fitness or chilled family fun – these are all of London’s best lidos and outdoor swimming pools for whatever floats your boat. RECOMMENDED:🏊 The best swimming pools in London.🌡️ The best saunas in London. 💦 The best waterparks in London

Morocco is a place where ancient ruins neighbour glistening new skyscrapers, and where souks, unchanged for decades, live a stone’s throw from world-leading cultural centres. It’s also a place where one day you’re chugging through rural mountain villages, the next you’re hopping on a double decker bullet train – the first and only high-speed train in Africa and one of the fastest in the world, in fact.  Since launching in 2018, that speed shuttle (named Al Boraq) has opened up Morocco in a whole new way. It connects six Moroccan cities, including Casablaca, Marrakech and Fez, but with just three days in the country, we used it to explore two places that tend to fly a little more under the radar – Tangier and Rabat.  Tangier: where the ocean meets the sea With the wild Atlantic ocean to one side and the warm Mediterranean sea to the other, Tangier is thought of as Europe’s ‘gateway into Africa’ – we flew there in just over two hours from London, but you can also get an hour-long ferry from Marbella. We stay in the swish but very conveniently located Hilton Tanger City Centre, but our introduction to Tangier begins further out, on the outskirts of the city.  Photograph: Amy Houghton for Time Out We spend the next morning a half hour drive from the centre at Cape Spartel, the northwesternmost point of Africa. The headland, topped by the oldest lighthouse in Morocco, overlooks the exact point that the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet. Spread with pine trees and roamed by wil

Whether you’ve got the voice of an angel or you’re totally tone deaf, karaoke unites us all. But heed our warning: choosing the right song is crucial (aka, don’t opt for that Whitney Houston tune if you haven’t the range. And if you don't have good enough flow, steer clear of rapping. Kapeesh?) So we thought we’d help out a little bit. In our list of the best karaoke songs ever, we’ve got everyone from Adele to Toto, and from Frank Sinatra to Ricky Martin. There's even recent singalongs from Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan. Something for everyone. So down that shot, grab that mic and take to the stage. Your audience awaits you. Here are the best karaoke songs ever.  RECOMMENDED:❤️ The best love songs☀️ The best summer songs🎉 The best party songs🕺 The best albums of 2025 so far  

Cardiff is arguably one of the best-kept foodie secrets in the UK. While it might get overlooked in favour of some more famous destinations, all that means is there’s more scrumptious food on offer for those who are wise enough to buck trends and head to the Welsh capital.  Many of the UK’s most innovative chefs have set up shop here, including the likes of Pembrokeshire’s Tom Simmons, and restaurants across the city have inventive, artistic dishes flying out of their kitchens – but don’t get us wrong, Cardiff also knows a thing or two about classic, hearty, comforting food too. Be you after a posh, Michelin-starred spot for a special occasion or just a trusty, locally-recommended spot for a day of sightseeing, here is our handpicked roundup of the city’s best restaurants. RECOMMENDED:🎨 The best things to do in Cardiff🏩 The best Airbnbs in Cardiff🌉 The best things to do in Wales☀️ The best things to do in the UK This guide was recently updated by Sophie Williams, a writer based in Cardiff. 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. 

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

‘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.

What is it?  Big Ben is technically the name of the 13-ton bell that chimes the hours from the clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. Since 2012, the tower itself has officially been called the Elizabeth Tower. And before that, it was known very unimaginatively as just ‘the Clock Tower’. Still, when most of us talk about Big Ben, we mean the whole thing –bell, clock, tower and all.  Designed by architect Charles Barry as part of the Palace of Westminster, the Clock Tower was completed in 1859. The Great Clock started on 31 May that year, with the chimes of the Great Bell (that is, Big Ben himself) heard for the first time on 11 July and the quarter bells first chimed on 7 September. The Victorian clockwork still keeps surprising accuracy, thanks to a counterweight that relies on the stacking of old pennies.  You may recall that the tower was shrouded in scaffolding and its bells went silent from 2017 to 2022. The clock underwent a major five-year renovation, marking the first time that it had been removed from the Elizabeth Tower during its 160-year lifetime. It emerged more glistening and golden than ever.  Why go?  So you can say that you’ve seen what is arguably London’s most legendary landmark in the flesh.  Don’t miss The Big Ben tours. Sure, seeing it from the street is nice, but you miss out on so much of the structures details and intricacies if you never step foot inside. You climb 334 spiral steps from the bottom of Elizabeth Tower to the belfry r

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

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

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

You can dive headfirst into the Royal Docks in safety as swimmers are tagged to make sure nothing goes wrong and qualified coaching is available should you feel you’ve thrown yourself in the deep end. Race distances are marked to help those training for competitive events, but there’s also a casual area for leisure swimmers. Children aged six and over are permitted but they must be able to swim 200m without stopping, wear a wetsuit and a tow float and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This south-facing, 36-metre open-air pool, with grassy areas for sunbathing, is open and heated to a balmy 28C all year round. Built in 1922, it was saved from closure in the 1980s by a group of local residents, who continue to take part in fundraising activities. The group has rebranded itself as the Poolside Swim & BBQ Club and holds swimming and social sessions outside of normal pool hours – anyone is welcome to join. It’s also possible to book moonlight swim sessions. Which is cool.

Finchley’s lido is housed in a complex which includes an indoor pool, cinema and bowling alley. The lido is petite (and unheated) with a grassy terrace for lazy days in the sun. Opening is weather dependent – you won't get an alfresco swim if it’s less than 20C outside. Indoors, swimmers can plough up and down the main pool or enjoy the leisure pool’s wave machine. And you’d be a fool not to take advantage of the spoils of the rest of the complex – catch a movie or grab a meal at one of the many restaurants onsite. 

Brockwell’s 50-metre pool is surrounded by art deco Grade II-listed buildings that house the Lido Café and exercise studios that offer year-round dance and pilates classes and activities for pre-school children. Once you’ve perfected your backstroke, enjoy an eclectic range of events on site, from film nights to furniture fairs. 

Tooting’s vast pool, with its multicoloured changing huts, has been treasured by fortunate locals since it opened as a bathing lake in 1906. At just over 90m, it’s the largest outdoor freshwater pool in the whole of the UK and inspires devoted swimming all through the year. To swim in winter you must be a member of the well-established South London Swimming Club, which has been based at the lido almost as long as it has existed. Facilities include a paddling pool for kids, a café, and lockers for small valuables.  

Formerly known as Uxbridge Lido, the Grade II-listed, 50m, open-air swimming pool has been recently restored to its 1930s glory, complete with cascades (fountains) at either end and a new, heated shallow splash pool for children. The outdoor pool is now part of a new leisure centre that includes an indoor pool of the same size.

What is it? NQ64, a neon-splattered bar with venues in the likes of Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh, brings an adult twist to arcade-style gaming. There are classic consoles that you can play for free (as long as you buy a drink), and more than 30 vintage shooting, driving and dancing arcade games requiring tokens –we’re talking the likes of Mario Kart, Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Dance Stage. DJs are there to soundtrack your game night with classic hip-hop tunes and the bar serves up themed cocktails including a Crash Bandicoot-inspired ‘Aku Aku Fruit Punch’ and a Super Mario-inspired ‘Power Star Martini’.  Why go? For all-round nostalgia and some healthy competition.  Don’t miss One of everyone’s favourite childhood video games – Guitar Hero. See how far your finger muscles can recall the sequence for ‘Ace of Spades’, ‘Higher Ground’ and ‘Smoke on the Water’. When to visit NQ64 is open 3pm-3am from Monday to Friday and 12pm-3am on Saturday and Sunday.   Ticket info  Entry is free, except after 10pm Thursday-Friday and after 9pm on Saturdays when there is a £5 charge at the door. Tokens cost £12 for 20.  Time Out tip Save your memories at NQ64 with a trip to the photobooth.   

What is it? Battersea Park became Go Ape group’s first London location in 2015. And, naturally, being its debut in the capital, it went big. Many of the treetop walkways, zip wires, rope-bridges and ladders are twice the height of the most other Go Ape sites across the UK, which means that the highest point you’ll be wobbling at is around 44 feet above ground. Its largest course takes around two to three hours to complete, depending on your high-flying abiities. Don’t worry, you’re strapped in nice and tight, so even if you don’t strong grasp like our hairy ancestors, you won’t drop too far before being caught by a very snug harness. Why go?  See London from the treetops, pumping some adrenaline and facing your fears in the process.  Don’t miss  The TreeTop Challenges is the hardest course you can do at Go Ape’s Battersea outpost.  When to visit  Go Ape Battersea opens at 10am-3pm on Fridays and 9am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.  Ticket info  Tree Top Challenge £39.95, Tree Top Challenge Xpress £29, Tree Top AdventurePlus £28.95.  Time Out tip It can get pretty cold up there, so make sure you wrap up warm in winter.    

When the sun is blazing and the weather starts to hot up, Brits tend to make a beeline for the nearest outdoor swimming spot. Whether it’s somewhere out in the wild or more man-made, there’s nothing better than diving into the water in the peak of British summer.  The UK is home of heaps of gorgeous, historical outdoors pools. Many are nearly a century old and need a bit more love and care than others to make sure that they continue to stand the test of time. One of those is Guildford Lido, which closed in November so that it could undergo a £2m makeover. But, good news! Guildford Lido has reopened its doors for the summer season. RECOMMENDED: The UK’s best heated outdoor pools.  The lido features a 50-metre (Olympic size) outdoor heated pool, three water slides, a mini-golf course, a paddling pool and just over four acres of landscaped gardens. It’s refurbishment saw brand new changing rooms, improved drainage systems, new energy efficient boilers and an upgrade to the existing cafe.  Guildford Lido has been around for almost 100 years, having first opened to the public in 1933, and is one of the UK’s only remaining 1930s pools. Back then, a dip in the pool cost between two and a half pence and five pence per person.  Now open for the summer, today, a general swim session will cost you upwards of £5.57. And if you want to dive in year round, you can get an annual pass for £115. The pool will be open every day from the week from 6.30am to 8.30pm on weekdays and 8am to 6.30pm

Here at Time Out, we’ve got writers stationed in all corners of the globe. They’ve travelled the world over, exploring the planet’s best cities, sampling the finest pizza and chilling on the greatest beaches. They’ve also covered miles and miles of stunning hiking trails between them. So, naturally, we asked them for their favourites. The result? A list of the 20 most incredible walks in the world, tried and tested.  The list features everything from a renowned Spanish pilgrimage and a Japanese alpine trek to a 35-day hike through Turkey and a beautiful desert expedition in Jordan. It also happens to feature four amazing trails that are right here in the UK. Whether you’re after a calm countryside amble or a proper mountain adventure, without having to leave the country, these are the British trails we named some of the best in the world.  West Highland Way  Photograph: Shutterstock Scotland’s spectacular West Highland Way ranked third on our list. Beginning on the outskirts of Glasgow and meandering through the Highlands to finish in Fort William, it measures 154km and normally takes hikers around five to seven days. Time Out contributor Olivia Simpson said: ‘Early on, the route hugs the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, before taking you past some of Scotland’s most beautiful mountains, including Buachaille Etive Mòr, which Bond fans will recognise from Skyfall. ‘If you do it in autumn, like I did, you may be treated to the magnificent sight of stags rutting and bellowing in t

Art Fund Museum of the year is basically the Oscars of the museum world. With £120,000 up for grabs, it’s one of the most coveted awards that a UK gallery or attraction can get. Each year, judges look for places that have delivered brilliant projects or exhbitions and embraced community spirit, spotlighting a ‘wide range of remarkable people’. Last year the top gong was won by London’s Young V&A. This year, Art Fund has picked five museums across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that stood out between autumn 2023 and winter 2024. Jenny Waldman, the director at Art Fund said: ‘This year’s finalists are inspiring examples of museums at their best – deeply connected to their local communities, responsive to the world around them, and alive with energy and ideas. Each one offers a distinctive experience, showing the endless creativity and care that goes into making museums inspiring and exciting spaces for everyone.’ Here’s everything you need to know about each contender for this year’s grand prize. Spoiler: not one of them are in London.  The five museums shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025  Beamish, The Living Museum of the North (County Durham) Photograph: David Levene This open-air attraction takes visitors through northeast England’s history, from the Georgian era to the 1950s with live actors and immersive exhibits. It made the shortlist this year for its Remaking Beamish project, which involved over 32,000 community members, 14,338 schoolchildr

After sitting dilapidated and empty for more than 80 years, Castle Howard’s Tapestry Drawing Room has finally been brought back to life. The grand room was one of more than 20 destroyed by a huge fire at the mansion in the 1940s but now, it has returned to its former glory and is officially open for the public to behold. Next on the agenda? Having members of the public round for a sleepover.  In case you’re not familiar with Castle Howard, let us clue you in. Nestled on a sweeping estate in the Yorkshire countryside, it’s only one of the biggest, most famous, grandest country manors in the whole of the UK and one of Time Out’s fave places for a family staycation. It has been home to the Howard family for the last 300 years (yes, they’re related to Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife) and starred in iconic films and TV shows such as Brideshead Revisited and ‘Bridgerton’. Photograph: Tom Arber   Following the major renovation, Castle Howard’s owners are considering launching luxury stay packages. Nicholas Howard, descendant of Charles Howard, the third Earl of Carlisle (who commissioned the house), told the Guardian: ‘We’ve always referred to this as a living house. It’s not a museum. And if you’re going to call it a living house, you’ve got to make it a living house. And that involves having people in it.’ That, and also the fact that they need to bring in a bit more income if they want to keep bringing the old burned rooms back to life.  But when we say luxury we mean

We may not always have the weather to match, but for a little island the UK boasts a formidable number of truly drop dead gorgeous beaches. You want glimmering turquoise water? We’ve got it. Blinding white sand? That too. Spectacular, other-worldly rock formations? You bet. What we’re trying to say is that Britain really does have beaches that rival likes of Spain, Portugal, Greece or Italy.  Every year the World’s 50 Best Beaches asks more than 1,000 travel professionals to vote for their favourite shorelines. No UK beaches made it onto the global ranking but four were named among the 50 best in Europe. We’ll take it.  Kynance Cove Cornwall’s Kynance Cove (pictured above) came in at number 10. Supposedly the UK’s warmest beach, Time Out staff writer and Cornish local India Lawrence said of the famous bay: ‘With fine white sand, bright turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations sticking out of the sea, on a good day it would be easy to mistake this beach for somewhere far more exciting, like Thailand.’ Porthcurno Beach Photograph: Shutterstock Porthcurno Beach in the west of Cornwall ranked 23rd. With golden sands and headlands that almost give it its own micro-climate, it’s no stranger to being crowned one of Britain’s best bays. Nearby, there’s Minack Theatre, a cliff-edge open-air theatre that looks straight out of ancient Greece and one of Time Out’s most beautiful places in the country.  Achmelvich Beach Photograph: Shutterstock Representing Scotland was Achmelvi

If there’s one thing that kids these days are madly, inexplicably obsessed with, it’s Paw Patrol. There are cute puppies,  transforming cars, goodies and baddies, cool gadgets and catchy tunes – it’s the perfect formula, really. And what could possibly be better than watching Paw Patrol on TV? Why, living it out in real life, of course. It’s time to get excited, because in 2026 that’ll become a possibility. Next year, Chessington World of Adventures will become the home of the UK’s very first Paw Patrol land.   There is already a Paw Patrol Adventure Bay at Nickelodeon Adventure Lakeside in Blackpool Pleasure Beach, but this will be the first theme park area fully dedicated to the TV show. Spanning 1.4 acres and built for kids aged around two to five years old, there will be four themed rides, play areas and interactive character ‘meet and greet’ events. Those rides will include an entry-level ‘my first rollercoaster’ for the little ones.  Image: Chessington World of Adventure   While Paw Patrol land won’t be ready until 2026, kids will be able to say hi to pups Chase, Skye and Rubble from this spring as they help oversee construction. Meet and greet experiences will open from May 24. From September 3 to September 26, the park will launch PAW Patrol Autumn Adventure, offering fans the chance to meet their favourite pups and have access to 20 preschool rides and attractions.  Howard Ebison, divisional director of Chessington World of Adventures, said: ‘Our purpose at Chess

Following in the footsteps of Manchester, Edinburgh, Cambridge and more, Liverpool will become the next UK city to implement a so-called ‘tourist tax’. Hoteliers of the city have voted to introduce a levy of £2 per night on overnight stays in the hopes that it’ll attract bigger events to Liverpool, meaning more visitors and a boost to the local economy.  Liverpool’s fee is not technically a tourist tax as right now, neither central nor local governments in England have the power to introduce tourist taxes (unlike Scotland). Similar to Manchester, the charge is instead being organised and overseen by Liverpool’s Business Improvement District (BID). Liverpool BID Company, which represents more than 800 businesses, said that it’s not a tourist tax but a change to the existing BID levy that’ll see it being paid by guests, either at check-in or at the end of their stay, rather than the businesses themselves.  The goal isn’t to put tourists off visiting Scouseland (like in Venice), but rather to raise more money for its tourism industry. For a tax to be implemented, a clear business plan has to be put forward laying out how money will be spent. It’s predicted that the tax will raise £9.2m over two years, £6.7m of which will go towards supporting Liverpool’s visitor economy. The cash that’s raised will be administered by Accomodation BID.  Bill Addy, the CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said: ‘This £2 a night levy will be to help turbo charge Liverpool’s tourism and visitor economy, he

Good bread is one of life’s greatest pleasures. If you ask us, few things beat a perfectly chewy slice of sourdough, a gorgeously crisp slab of focaccia or a warm, steaming roll of ciabatta. The joy of bread is that it comes in all sorts of different shapes, sizes and flavours. But which one is the greatest of them all? Every year, British Baker evaluates hundreds of loaves of bread to determine which one can be called the very best in the country. For 2025 a lemon and earl grey tea brioche from Kuma-San Bakehouse in Derbyshire was awarded the grand title of Britain’s Best Loaf. The judging panel, made up of 14 experts from Britain’s bread industry, praised the sweet, squidgy bake for its ‘unique flavour profile featuring earl grey tea and limoncello-soaked candied lemon peel, combined with lemon curd and juice for a zesty, aromatic finish’. Finished off with white chocolate and pearl sugar, one judge said it was a bread that ‘took you on a journey’ to the Italian Riviera. The loaf was created by Japanese baker Miyo Aoetsu, who won the top prize back in 2023 too, for her matcha, white chocolate and fruit loaf. She told BBC News that the key ingredient of this year’s winning loaf is the Japanese citrus fruit, yuzu. Aoetsu revealed that she made around 45 loaves before she felt that she had nailed it.  She added: ‘In the last few years in Japan, the combination of earl grey tea and citrus fruits like lemon has been really trendy so people make a lot of cakes and cookies with th

April is almost up, the sun is shining down on London and there are not one, but two four-day work weeks to look forward to in the not-so-distant future. Life is good. The city really springs to life around this time of year, with tonnes of exciting events and festivals going on (see Time Out’s pick of the best stuff happening over on our monthly guide). But one thing that never changes? Our commutes. Whatever time of year it is, London transport is always bound to face disruption, whether that’s down to planned engineering work or unexpected staff shortages or signal failures.  So, these are all of the Transport for London delays, alterations and disruptions to be aware of as you commute to work or travel to your evening plans this week.  Central line Passengers have been warned of ‘severe delays’ across the entire Central line on Monday and Tuesday due to a signal failure at Bethnal Green.  Overground Mildmay line From Monday to Thursday, the Mildmay westbound line between Stratford and Camden Road will be shut after 11.45pm. On Wednesday and Thursday, the eastbound line from Willesden Junction to Stratford will close after 11pm.  Windrush line The Windrush line from New Cross Gate to Crystal Palace and West Croydon will stop running after 11.30pm from Monday through to Thursday.  Suffragette line From Monday to Friday, the 11.03pm Suffragette train from Barking Riverside will terminate at Upper Holloway instead of Gospel Oak. Stations Bank (DLR)  Due to planned maintenance

On Sunday (April 27, one of the hottest days in the event’s history), the London Marathon broke the world record for the number of people to cross the finish line in any 26.2 mile event. More than 55,600 people put their (literal) blood, sweat and tears into running the infamous course from Greenwich to the Mall. And among them were several recognisable faces from the worlds of TV, sport and social media. Here’s how the celebs did in the London Marathon 2025. Former Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews was the fastest of the participating celebs, with a time of three hours and six minutes. McFly drummer Harry Judd was close behind, completing the marathon in three hours and fifteen minutes (shaving eight minutes off his 2024 time) and singer Jake Quickenden did it in three hours and 33 minutes.  Adele Roberts managed an impressive time of three hours 36 minutes. Love Islander Casey O’Gorman completed it in three hours and 41 minutes, Outlander actor Sam Heughan ran it in 3 hours 45 minutes, YouTube star Joe Sugg got a time of four hours and eight minutes and BrewDog founder James Watt ran it in four hours and seven minutes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out London (@timeoutlondon) Ex-footballer John Terry ran the distance in five hours and 43 seconds and Joe Wicks completed it in five hours 59 minutes, while Kelly Brook and husband Jeremy Parisi did it together in six hours and 42 minutes.  Comedian Joel Dommett crossed the finish line afte

If you weren’t already aware, more than 56,000 people will be stampeding around the capital on Sunday for the 2025 London Marathon. And thousands more will be filling up the pavements with signs, packs of Haribos and party poppers to cheer them on.  Suffice to say, central London is going to be chock-a-block. To accommodate all those runners and their families and friends, loads of roads across Greenwich, Southwark, the City of London, Tower Hamlets and Westminster will need to be closed off to vehicles. If you’re worried about how that might affect your weekend plans, keep reading.  🏃‍♂️ Your winning guide to the London Marathon 2025🏅 All the best freebies for London Marathon runners 2025🌤️ The 2025 London Marathon weather forecast.⏱️ All the race waves and start times. What time does the London Marathon 2025 start? The marathon begins with the wheelchair race at 8.50am. After that, groups will set off at staggered times. You can see those exact times here. But lots of roads will be closed well before and after that.  Which roads are closed for the London Marathon 2025? Westcombe Park A section of Shooters Hill Road will close from 4am on Sunday to allow for set-up. Then the following roads will be closed at 7am and are expected to reopen by 2.30pm or 3pm: Shooters Hill Road, St Johns Park, Old Dover Road, Charlton Way, Vanbrugh Park, Charlton Road, Charlton Park Road, Charlton Park Lane and Woolwich Road (A206).  Canary Wharf Roads in Canary Wharf will be shut from 8am

Percy Pig stans and Colin the Caterpillar devotees, time to get excited. The British icons could be coming to a town near you very soon, as M&S is opening half a dozen new stores across the country.  Way back at the start of 2023, Marks and Sparks announced that it would be investing £480 million into a string of ‘bigger and better’ shops over 2023 and 2024. Last year M&S opened 13 new stores across the UK, and in the near future it’s opening a similarly admirable number of new outlets. Six new M&S Food Halls are set to open, and a further 11 are getting huge revamps.  Could your local area be getting a brand-new M&S? Here’s everything we know so far. Where is M&S opening new stores? M&S’s new stores are all food halls, and they’re all in London. Here are those.  Clapham Covent Garden Fulham Broadway Putney New Malden Leytonstone Which M&S stores are getting refurbished? These 11 Marks and Sparks shops are getting a revamp.  Pantheon Oxford Street, London Brooklands Islington, London Brent Cross, London Whetstone, London Wimbledon, London Chiswick, London Clapham South, London Euston (station branch), London St Pancras (station branch), London Charing Cross (station branch), London Where has M&S already opened stores?  In 2023, 2024 and 2025, the retailer has brought new or renewed stores and food halls to: Purley Way Croydon White Rose Centre, Leeds,  Liverpool ONE Stockport Clacton Birmingham Bullring Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock Trafford Centre, Manchester Uckfi