Amy Houghton

After temperatures soared above 30 degrees in June, we’re holding out for a sun-soaked July this summer, which would mean lidos, rooftop bars, beer gardens and alfresco dining galore. We can already taste the sweet, sweet golden hour Aperol Spritz.  When it comes to stuff going on, this July is going to be a biggie. Drake is in town for a whopping three nights at Wireless festival (playing an entirely different set each evening), Rosamund Pike is hitting the West End stage starring in Inter Alia, and BST at Hyde Park is in full swing, with Noah Kahan and Sabrina Carpenter both topping the bill in July.  Other London music festivals are popping off throughout the month, and it’s also a chance to take in the city’s lavender and sunflower fields, which are going to be at their blooming loveliest. Here’s our guide to the best exhibitions, shows and things to do this July 2025 in London.  RECOMMENDED: The definitive London events calendar

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: Discover our ultimate guide to Greece Which is the best Greek island to visit? If we’re talking most popular, Santorini and Mykonos are always going to be top of the list. But Greece has more than 6,000 islands and islets, each with its own unique vibe and all worth visiting for entirely different reasons. Crete is Greece’s biggest island, in the south of th

London summer has officially kicked into gear. And that means that the Wimbledon Tennis Championships – aka the oldest, and arguably the very best, tennis tournament in the world – is back very, very soon.  This year the tournament is happening from Monday June 30, 2025 to Sunday July 13, 2025. Thousands will be descending on SW19 to see the matches go down in real life but live screenings will be peppered all over London for thousands more who missed the ticket ballot or can’t be bothered to queue in the hopes of getting in day of.  With a jug of Pimms in one hand and a punnet of strawberries in the other, you’ll hardly know the difference. Even better – most of watch parties won’t cost you a single penny. So, pack your picnic blanket, fill your flask and pull up a pew at a summery screening near you.  RECOMMENDED: Our full guide to Wimbledon 2025.

Summer's finally here! And that means it's high time you dug out last year's swimsuit (faintly bobbly though it may be) and took it for a spin in one of London's many gorgeous outdoor pools. But don't even think of heading to your local noisy, chlorine-scented indoor swimming baths. When the temperatures soar, lidos are the only way to go. I'm one of the growing band of Londoners who's been bitten by the outdoor swimming bug, and braved the waters at every al fresco pool I can find in this city. Yep, the water's a bit chilly. But that's the whole point: to feel that rush of exhilaration you only get once your body adjusts to the cool water and starts gliding through it like a dolphin (or in my case, a geriatric elephant seal – I said I'm a keen outdoor swimmer, not a good one).   The seriously dedicated will head to wild swimming spots where you bob about face to face with aggy ducks and the odd bit of pondweed. But if you want to get a proper swim in, lidos are the easiest, freshest way to do it. 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 making a splash in this summer. RECOMMENDED:🏊 The best swimming pools in London.🌡️ The best saunas in London. 💦 The best waterparks in London

As the UK's most visited national park, the captivating, enigmatic Lake District is just about as English as landscapes come. Forged from glaciers, this UNESCO site is one of the UK's most popular tourist hotspots for visitors, domestic and international. And while people flock to the Lake District because of the history, the walking, the breathtaking scenery, picturesque villages, and the, well, lakes, after all of that, you really do need a place of comfort, great food, log fires, and luxurious spas to rest your weary bones. Long gone are the days of damp B&Bs – style and quality are on the up in the region, so it’s worth checking out these incredible Lake District hotels right now, as this is just about the perfect time to explore this fascinating, beautiful part of the world. From remote bivouacs and remote stays to lakeside luxury and world-famous hotels that draw people from all over the world, here’s our pick of the best hotels in the Lake District to start booking now.  🏡 RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in the Lake District Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, our travel experts have based our list on expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, 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. 📍 The best things to do in the Lake Distric

It’s true – Dads can be hard people to please. But if you were planning on getting your old man a pair of socks or a bottle of whiskey for Father’s Day this year and calling it a day, let us stop you right there. Why not treat him to a proper day out, eh?  If you want to go beyond the cliche steakhouse or pub dinner (though they’re both perfectly good options), London is awash with other stuff that’ll bring a smile to your dad’s face, whether he’s a sports fiend, a gaming enthusiast, a comedy lover or a beer coneisseur.  Here’s our pick of some genuinely good, not-at-all naff things to do with your pops this Father’s Day (Sunday, June 15, in case you need reminding).  Still not found what you’re after? Try our guide to London’s unusual things to do. RECOMMENDED: Our full guide to celebrating Father’s Day in London.

What makes a good party song? Is it uplifting lyrics? Or maybe it's an uptempo production?Throughout the decades, 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, so 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 songs of 2025 so far 🕺 The best albums of 2025 so far 🎤 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.

London looks its absolute best when it’s bathing under a blazing sun and bright blue sky. So, on the rare occassion that we’re blessed with such weather, it would be a waste not to head upwards and absorb gorgeous views of the capital in all its shining glory. The city is spoiled with dozens of rooftop bars ready to stand to attention come summertime. But if it’s just greenery, panoramic vistas and a fresh breeze you’re after, one of London’s rooftop gardens may just do the trick instead. Some of the city’s high-rise gardens stay fairly quiet and zen most of the year, while others are attached to buzzy restaurants or host DJs and live music during peak season. So, whether you want a peaceful stroll in the clouds or you’re after some sunny sky-high vibes, these are all of London’s best rooftop gardens. RECOMMENDED: The best outdoor spaces in London.

Thinking of heading to the UK? Great choice. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are packed with jaw-dropping sights, fun-filled nights out and endless cultural offerings for you to fill your calendar to the brim. The Time Out team has spent a hell of a lot of time travelling up and down the country, really getting to know the big sights and local legends – and by now, we like to think we know a thing or two about what is actually worth your precious time. And trust us: you won’t be disappointed. From Cornwall’s crashing surf to Scotland’s rugged peaks, to the buzz of Notting Hill Carnival and secret spots locals whisper about, there’s something for everyone here. These are the best things to do in the UK in 2025.  What are the best events in the UK throughout the year? Where do we begin? In April, join in infectious crowds at the Manchester or London marathons. Head to Somerset for Glastonbury in June (if you’re lucky enough to get tickets, that is), and go up north for all sorts of cultural happenings at the Manchester International Festival come July. In August, we’d recommend Brighton for Pride, London for Notting Hill Carnival and Edinburgh for the month-long Fringe arts festival. The Scottish capital is also a great place to celebrate New Year’s Eve with their Hogmanay street party to see out the year.  Where are the most scenic places to visit in the UK? If it’s dramatic landscapes you’re after, no trip to the UK is complete without spending time in the Scott

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 

This quirky, tiki-themed minigolf course first popped up in Dalston's Efes in April 2015. A decade later, that debut site is no more, but you can now find Plonks outdoors in London Fields and under the arches at Borough Market. The Hackney course, which recently got a big ol’ refurb, takes you through a ‘Polynesian themed putt paradise’ complete with a tiki forest, a volcano canyon and octupuses. There are plenty of satisfying holes that fire your ball onto tricksy little mechanisms, a loop the loop, and a lot of impossibly steep ramps. All in all: it’s a great place for a plonking party. Prices start from £9.35 per person per play. 

There's a real sense of fun to this deliberately rough-around-the-edges course. Party tunes blare from speakers, graffiti jazzes up the walls and it's made from ‘twisted junk, car booty and charity shop shizzle’. Junkyard Golf Club has four courses – Gary, Pablo, Dirk and Bozo – that are all fabulously chaotic and mildly freaky. Depending on which challenge you take on, you’ll be putting past pirate pigs, dishevelled nightclub urinals, terrifying giant clown heads and a UV rave room. There's also a second location in Camden for more of the same.  Prices start at £12 for nine holes at off-peak times (Sunday to Thursday) and go up to £21 for 18 holes on busier days (Fridays and Saturdays). And as any good crazy golf should, Junkyard has a menu of themed cocktails to keep lubed up before, during and after your game. 

What is it?  Technically several adjoining markets, this sprawl of stalls stretching from Camden Town tube to the Regent’s Canal is London’s fourth most popular visitor attraction. In its recent heyday, around 250,000 people came here every week to shop, sample street food and soak up the distinctive, still-grungy atmosphere. Camden Lock Market is an arts-and-crafts haven while the Stables Market is a trendy spot for everything from quirky furniture to fetish clothing. Nearby Buck Street Market on Camden High Street has had a shipping container revamp. As you saunter through the different markets, don’t be surprised to see grungy teenagers and old punks on the street corners. Camden feels more mainstream than it did in the ‘90s, but it’s still one of London’s most rock ‘n’ roll neighbourhoods. Why go?  To get lost in a one-of-a-kind maze of art, garms, antiques, accessories, books and endless street food.  Don’t miss The Cheese Bar – London’s only fully fromage focused restaurant – for all manner of gooey, cheese-based delights in a classy, low lit space in Stables Market.  Ticket info  No tickets needed.  When to visit  Camden Markets are open everyday of the week from 10am until late.  Time Out tip If you find the lunch queues and options a bit too much in the main Camden Lock Market, cross the road to Buck Street Market where you’ll find food that is just as great and are more likely to find a free spot to sit.  RECOMMENDED: London’s best markets

What is it?  In business for over 300 years, Fortnum & Mason is as historic as it is inspiring. A sweeping spiral staircase soars through the four-storey building, while light floods down from a central glass dome. The iconic eau de nil blue and gold colour scheme with flashes of rose pink abounds on both the store design and the packaging of the fabulous ground-floor treats, such as chocolates, biscuits, teas and preserves. A food hall in the basement has a good range of fresh produce; Fortnum’s Bees honey comes from beehives on top of the building. There are various eateries, including an ice-cream parlour. The famous hampers start from £60 – though they rise to a whopping £6,000 for the most luxurious. A sweeping spiral staircase soars through the four-storey building, while light floods down from a central glass dome. The iconic F&M eau de nil blue and gold colour scheme with flashes of rose pink abounds on both the store design and the packaging of the fabulous ground-floor treats, including chocolates, biscuits, teas and preserves. What does it sell?  A food hall in the basement has a good range of fresh produce; Fortnum’s Bees honey comes from beehives on top of the building. There are various eateries, including an ice-cream parlour. The famous hampers start from £60 – though they rise to a whopping £6,000 for the most luxurious. The first floor is for homewares: china- and glassware as well as finishing touches such as silver scoops for stilton, F&M coloured linen

What is it? Part of an esteemed UK chain, Harvey Nicks is a one-stop shop for luxury fashion and lifestyle goodies. Though it may have been in its Knightsbridge pad since 1831, it stays true to its ethos of bringing new and innovative products to a wider audience.  What does it sell?  Makeup junkies should head to the ground floor beauty and perfumery space to pick up established brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Shu Uemura, or to glowup with treatments from the Light Salon, Shavata, Duck & Dry and Nail’d It. Womenswear takes up the next three floors, with swimwear and a Denim Gallery on the third levels, while menswear can be found down in the basement. The clothing rails are full of top labels such as Alexander Wang, Balenciaga and Givenchy, and there’s an excellent array of accessories and beauty buys from luxurious brands such as Tom Ford and COR (whose soap contains real silver). Finish off proceedings with lunch on the fifth floor, where the buzzy food department is located along with The Fifth Floor Cafe, Burger & Lobster, Trullo and Madhu’s Brasserie.  Opening times Monday to Saturday 10am – 8pm, Sunday 11:30am – 6pm (browsing from 11.30am – 12pm).  Time Out tip  Forget Vinted and Depop – if you’ve had a recent wardrobe cull, Harvey Nichols will take any high-end pieces that are still in decent condition. It’ll do all the hard selling work for you, all you need to do is drop the items off. Once they’ve found a new home you can get  a Harvey Nichols voucher with a sw

What is it?  There is a reason why John Lewis is one of the most respected and liked shops in Britain and it’s not a complicated one – John Lewis sells good products, in a pleasant environment, served by knowledgeable and amicable staff. Add to that its sensible ratio of quality to price for all its products, and you quickly see why John Lewis retains its rightful crown as the retail world's safe pair of hands. The store offers one of the most civilised places on Oxford Street to shop – with a commodious food hall stocked with culinary partner Waitrose’s goods (complete with walk-in cheese room), the swanky 1864 Rooftop Bar, the Jamie Oliver Cookery School on the third floor, a Waterstones and four cafes to choose from.  What does it sell?  This enormous store in the centre of the city offers a broad sweep of electricals, homeware, fashion, gifts, furniture and leather goods, each coming with the reassurance of JL’s nonpareil ‘never knowingly undersold’ guarantee and lenient returns policy. Arguably the strongest selling point is the lower ground-floor cookware and white goods section, where an excellent range of kitchen staples is backed up by exemplary customer service. Other strengths include its sprawling beauty hall, technology, schoolwear and a brilliant haberdashery for those knitters struggling to find decent wool. Opening times  Open Monday-Wednesday 10am-8pm; Thursday 10am-9pm; Friday-Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 11.30am-6pm.  Time Out tip Why not pair your retail t

What is it?  After 130 years, luxury department store Fenwick left its iconic outlet on Bond Street in February 2024 but its flagship store in Brent Cross Shopping Centre is still going strong.  What does it sell?  The three storey emporium offers up everything you expect from any good department store – apparel, homewear, beauty bits and accessories from classic and emerging high-end brands like Stella McCartney, Viviene Westwood, Ganni, Jo Malone and Our Place. There’s also a wee horticultral section downstairs, selling fresh plants and a bunch of tools and sprays to help your patch bloom.  Opening times  Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 9.30am-8pm; Sun 11.30am-6pm. 

What is it?  Since launching in 1970, Browns has played an instrumental role in the careers of some of the world’s biggest fashion titans. Founder Joan Burstein (the ‘fairy godmother of fashion’) is credited with discovering John Galliano after stumbling across his graduate collection and later on, stocking the work of (at that time) a little known designer named Alexander McQueen.  Mrs B, as she was known, also introduced the likes of Comme des Garçons, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein to the British fashion scene. More than 50 years later, Browns continues to champion young and emerging designers. After being acquired by fashion website FarFetch in 2015, Browns moved its flagship store on South Molton Street to a Grade II-listed eighteenth century building on Mayfair’s Brook Street in 2021.  What does it sell?  There are more than 100 established and next-gen designers jostling for attention at Browns, from Chloé and Dries Van Noten to Balenciaga and Christian Dior. The first floor hosts a carefully curated collection of apparel, shoes, bags, fine jewellery, accessories and homewear and the Yellow Room is where the most  luxury of luxurious brands reside. More high-fashion pieces are on display in the Focus Room on the ground floor.  Opening times Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am-6.30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday (but can open by appointment).  Time Out tip On the ground floor, you’ll also fine 123V Browns, a fully plant-based, award-winning sushi restaurant. Menu highlights inclu

What is it?  Brockwell Park is a much-needed slab of green (84 acres) just south of Brixton. Locals from the surrounding areas flock here in summer to sun-worship (if they’re lucky), fly kites, play football, swim in the outside pool, garden in the community greenhouses and parade a stunning array of dogs. The vast space was once the private grounds of Brockwell Hall and was opened to the public in 1891 by the London County Council. The hall still stands today and is one of several grade II listed buildings dotted about the park, including the emerald green Tritton Tower Clock, which was gifted to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.  Why go?  It's big, diverse and interesting, with numerous areas to appeal to different tastes, from the calm, rolling meadows around Tulse Hill and walled ‘Old English’ flower garden to the BMX track and sloped football pitches by the Dulwich Road. The playground in Brockwell Park is a favourite, with its aerial slide, massive sandpit and sections for different age groups; nearby you’ll find duck ponds and a huge paddling pool. There’s also a lovely little minature railway open at the weekends May to October, weather permitting – it’s not particularly massive but it’s been just £1 for a return for years now. Don’t miss:  Regular events at the park include circuses and a busy schedule of summer concerts and festivals including Wide Awake, Mighty Hoopla, Field Day and Cross the Tracks. But one of the most beloved annual events is the Lam

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

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

When you’re raising a kid in a city, there are all sorts of things you need to know about – like how good the schools are or how many big green spaces you can happily let them loose in. But above all, you’ll probably want to be reassured that they’ll be safe walking its streets and crossing its roads. Clean Cities Campaign, a NGO focused on eco-friendly transport, has you covered. The charity analysed the number of school streets (streets where walking and cycling are prioritised and vehicles are limited), the roads with safe driving speeds and the protected cycling infrastructure of 36 European cities to determine which have the most child friendly streets.  At number eight, Bristol was the only UK city to make it into the top 10. That said, it didn’t have a particularly high score. Bristol was given an overall score of 48 percent, with just 11 percent for school streets and seven percent for protected cycling infrastructure. The thing that made the city stand out – and earned it a place in the top 10 – was its safe driving speeds which Clean Cities awarded a score of 80 percent.  Bristol began introducing a city-wide 20mph speed limit in 2010 and finished rolling it out in 2015. At the time, Bristol City Council said that the limit ‘encourages more considerate driving, leading to safer streets for all road users, including motorists, cyclists’ and added that  ‘the lower speeds reduce the risk and severity of road collisions’. It now has more than 1,100km of road network (ou

Whatever niche topic you’re into, London probably has a museum for it. There’s a museum dedicated to the post office, another one centred around gardening, one all about fans and others that are focused on Sigmund Freud, sewing machines, toys and vaginas. But among all of its weird and wonderful attractions, London still doesn’t have a museum dedicated to one of its most well-known and most catastrophic events – the Great Fire of London 1666.  That could soon change, though. Plans have been submitted to turn a disused toilet in the City of London into a mini-museum dedicated to the event. The toilet (built in the early 2000s) sits close to the Monument – the landmark that was erected in 1677 to commemorate the blaze – and resembles a glass box. At the moment, there isn’t enough space around the Monument to display detailed information about the fire, so the idea is that the new museum will supplement that.  Eastern City BID is the organisation behind the proposal, although its the City of London Corporation that actually owns the property. According to the plans, the new ‘micro-museum’ would house ‘interpretive material, displays, and digital content’ that’ll tell the story of the Monument and the Great Fire. Proposed designs show colourful graphics all over the exterior of the building, but none of the designs are fully set in stone yet. At this stage, the priority is to get planning permission for change of use, then the concept can be developed properly.  The planning doc

Everyone knows that, even in the year 2025, trying to access the internet on a train journey is no easy task. As you speed across the countryside, through tunnels and over bridges, signal is constantly going in and out – your YouTube video keeps buffering, your phone call with your mum keeps hanging up and your work messages keep glitching. You might as well just give up and read a good old fashioned book. Desperate times.  But the UK government has promised that that’ll soon change. The department for transport has unveiled ‘Project Reach’ – an initiative that will supposedly eliminate mobile signal ‘dead zones’ and boost 4G and 5G internet connection across Britain’s rail network.  On June 26, Network Rail (which is owned by the government) signed an agreement with private telecom companies Neos Networks and Freshwave to install 1,000km of ultra-fast fibre optic cable along major routes, like parts of the East Coast Main Line from London King's Cross to Newcastle, the West Coast Main Line from the capital to Manchester and the Great Western main line between London and Cardiff. That includes bringing mobile signal to tunnels, too.  It’ll take three years for the project to reach completion, as the cables can only be installed when trains aren’t running on the tracks. Work is expected to start in 2026 and it’ll be fully rolled out by 2028. Following that, there are plans to bring better connectivity to a further 5,000km of line.  Network providers will also be investing in n

Downing bright blue bottles of VK and screaming along to ABBA remixes while moving around a sticky-floored nightclub is a rite of passage for uni students up and down the British Isles. And London’s Pryzm Kingston, which sits in the Grade II-listed former Granada Cinema, has long been the epitome of that experience.  But after more than 20 years of gloriously messy night outs and appearances from the likes of Stormzy, Billie Eilish, Rod Stewart and Billie Eilish, Pryzm Kingston (previously called Oceana) has finally reached the end of an era. The club on Clarence Street will close its disco room for the last time at 3.30am on Saturday, June 28 and will host it’s final party in the main room on July 13.  When its previous owners, Rekom UK, went bust, the Kingston club was one of the few Pryzm venues to remain open after being sold to Neos Hospitality. Now, Neos has other plans for the space.  Earlier this year, Neos announced that had submitted plans to convert the building into two new venues, with a ‘party bar’ on the ground floor, known as Bonnie Rogues, and a new nightclub on the first and second floors, called Circuit. Neos also wants the new spaces to continue Pryzm’s live music legacy.  Russell Quelch, the CEO of Neos, said: ‘Thousands of people have made memories that will last them a lifetime, from over 20yrs of amazing nights out at PRYZM and Oceana before it. ‘The closure is the end of a long running chapter for the Kingston club scene, but it’s time to look to the

The UK is absolutely roasting right now. And, as much as London has to offer, it’s weather like this that gives us the perfect excuse to venture further afield, beyond even Zone 6. That’s why we’ve given our list of the best day trips within an hour of  London a big old overhaul – you’re welcome.  Coming top of our list for 2025 was Canterbury, which can be reached from the centre of London in just 54 minutes. But if you want to get out of the Big Smoke with as little travelling as possible, there’s one gorgeous town on our list that’s a rapid 28 minutes away.  We are, of course, talking about Windsor. It ranked sixth on the list and was the only day trip featured that’s less than half an hour away. All you have to do it catch the train from London Paddington then change at Slough for Windsor and Eton Central, which takes around six minutes. If you get lucky, the whole journey could take you as little as 22 minutes.  Time Out’s writers said: ‘[Windsor is] the perfect place for a royal day trip. It might be a little tourist-heavy but with all the lush, green surroundings, it is pretty obvious why they all flock here. Check out Windsor Castle (of course) and go take a stroll through Windsor Great Park, a vast and beautiful expanse of ancient woodland, gardens, and deer parkland.’ Some of Time Out’s other fave things to do in the town include stopping by Windsor and Eton Brewery for to sample a bunch of signature brews; picking up vintage gems at Thames Hospice Vintage and Retro

The winner of the UK’s most significant museum prize of the year has officially been declared. Beamish, The Living Museum of the North has been crowned Art Fund’s Museum of the Year for 2025.  The County Durham open-air attraction won the grand prize at a ceremony in Liverpool last Thursday, beating fellow contenders Chapter in Cardiff, Compton Verney in Warwickshire, Golden Thread Gallery in Belfast and Perth Museum in Perth. You can read more about each of those shortlisted venues here.  With more than 800,000 visitors a year, Beamish guides visitors through the history of northeast England, from the Georgian era through to the 1950s, with live costumed actors and immersive exhibits. You can wander through an 1820s farmhouse, attend a school from the 1890s, watch people working in a 1900s colliery and witness town life as it would have been in the post-war era, featuring people playing the roles of dentist, chemist, bank teller and other characters.  The museum earned particular recognition this year for its Remaking Beamish project, which involved over 32,000 community members, 14,338 schoolchildren, and 35,000 volunteer hours to create 31 new exhibits within the museum. In 2024, it also launched its aged miners’ homes, an exhibit that tells the story of the ‘pioneering welfare provision for retired miners in County Durham’.    View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beamish Museum (@beamish_museum) Jenny Waldman, ArtFund’s director, said: ‘Beamish

Oh, you thought London was hot last weekend? Well, gird your loins – it’s about to turn even hotter.  After a few days of relief from the heat last week, the Met Office forecast that London would heat up once again, reaching 29C on Saturday, 31C on Sunday and rising to an absolutely blistering temperature of 35C on Monday, June 30. It’ll be the hottest start to the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in its 147 year history.  According to the forecast, today’s peak heat of 35C won’t hit until around 4pm and it’ll stay that hot until around 7-8pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to bask in the blazing sun after work. But that also means that Londoners are also in for a sweaty night of sleep.  The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat health alert for the capital in anticipation of the boiling temperatures. It kicked in at 12pm on Friday, June 27 and will last until Tuesday, July 1.  Things are set to cool down on Wednesday and Thursday, with a nice and bearable high of 25C predicted for the city. Looking a little further ahead, BBC weather predicts that there could be some thunderstorms later next week. It says: ‘Whilst some rain or showers are possible across the south and east, longer drier spells are more likely, under the influence of higher pressure. There is also the chance of some occasional very warm, perhaps locally hot weather, as brief bursts of hotter air encroach from the continent, but probably fairly short-lived and perhaps also accompanied by a few th

It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for. After loads of swirling speculation (including some Rihanna rumours), today (March 6) the UK’s biggest festival lineup has been officially unveiled. Glastonbury revealed the first set of artists confirmed for Worthy Farm in June. Besides the four huge headliners, you can look forward to epic slots from the likes of Charli XCX, Doechii, The Prodigy, Alanis Morissette and Noah Kahan.  If you can’t see your fave on the programme, don’t fret. There are still plenty of acts still to be announced and, of course, secret sets to look forward to. Here’s the lineup so far.  RECOMMENDED:⭐ Glastonbury 2025 Day 1 review: The 1975, Lewis Capaldi and Gracie Abrams⭐⭐ Glastonbury 2025 Day 2 review: Neil Young, Pulp and Charli xcx⭐⭐⭐ Glastonbury 2025 day 3 review: Olivia Rodrigo, Rod Stewart, Wolf Alice and The Libertines🎪 Glastonbury 2025 review: popstars ruled the weekend, but special guests have lost their cool🎤 Time Out’s ultimate guide to Glastonbury 2025.  Who is headlining Glastonbury 2025? The confirmed headliners for this year’s fest are The 1975, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo and Rod Stewart.  Full lineup so far  Here is the full list of who’s confirmed for Worthy Farm this summer. Friday lineup The 1975 Loyle Carner Biffy Clyro Alanis Morissette Busta Rhymes Maribou State Gracie Abrams Four Tet Wet Leg Anohni and the Johnsons BADBADNOTGOOD Blossoms Burning Spear CMAT Denzel Curry En Vogue English Teacher Fatboy Slim Floating Points Franz Ferd

It’s no secret that London is every tourist’s favourite English destination. We’ve got fantastic food, incredible culture and hundreds of buildings that house centuries and centuries of fascinating history. So, it’s not surprising that England’s most visited attraction in 2024, as revealed by VisitEngland, can be found here in the capital.  The British Museum saw 6.5 million visitors in 2024, making it the most popular free attraction in all of England and the most visited attraction in the country overall. That figure is up 11 percent compared 2023.  RECOMMENDEDThe best museums in LondonThe 20 weirdest museums in London  If you’re not one of those millions and millions of people who have already seen the British Museum for themselves, check out our guide to it here. If you’ve not got long, Time Out’s contributing writer Alex Sims advises that ‘a great way to see all the big hitters and get a feel for the place is by picking up one of the great museum maps that give you timed routes around the labyrinthine institution. The hour-long route is a great whistle-stop tour around the museum’s best-known objects.’ Looking forward, the museum has big plans to build on its immense popularity last year. Its Western Galleries are getting a huge makeover and it will apparently start undergoing the ‘biggest transformation of any museum in the world’.  Nine out of England’s top ten most visited free attractions for 2024 belong to London. The Natural History Museum came in second place wit

Love them or hate them, it’s hard to miss the furry hot pink, neon flashing, eighties-pop blasting vehicles that roam around central London. Pedicabs are the only unregulated mode of transport in the city and, as a result, have been getting away with charging extortionate fares and playing music at disruptive volumes. But things could soon change.  TfL began its mission to start regulating the rickshaws back in November 2023. In March last year, the Pedicab (London) Bill was passed, giving TfL the power to begin its clampdown. Now, it has said that it’s going forward with its plan to crack down on pedicabs in the city, following a consultation that showed overwhelming public support.   After collecting more than 7,600 responses, the consultation found that 75 percent of people feel unsafe when using a pedicab in London, 95 percent agree that drivers should be required to pass UK criminal background checks, 96 percent agree that their music should be controlled and 85 percent said fares were too expensive.  TfL’s proposed restrictions included drivers needing appropriate insurance, having to demonstrate that they understand their role and responsibilities, requiring a one-year pedicab driver’s license, needing to meet a set of safety standards (such as criminal background checks) and regular vehicle inspections. Licensing requirements could also involve driver conduct, potentially restricting them playing loud music.  Those proposals will now be reviewed with the results of co

Now entering its 53rd year, next week Pride in London is set to put on yet another enormous and wonderfully camp extravaganza, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots and celebrating London’s LGBTQ+ community.  Besides the huge parade of around 30,000 folk, six stages will be popping up in central London on Saturday, July 5, hosting more than 100 performers – from drag queens and kings to DJs, dancers and activists. Most exciting of all, it’s just been announced that there’s one huge name headlining this year’s event.  Topping the bill for this year’s London’s Pride is none other than ‘Ain’t Nobody’ singer and 10 time Grammy award-winner Chaka Khan.  Khan will grace the main stage at Trafalgar Square next Saturday, joined by a host of other absolute icons. Also taking to that stage will be Titanique’s Lauren Drew, Frankie Grande (yes, the brother of Ariana Grande) and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star La Voix.  And it might sound too good to be true, but all the stages are totally free to attend. So stock up on the glitter and body paint, get your pre-drinks playlist in order and perfect your voguing – here’s everyone you can expect to see across all six Pride stages next week. RECOMMENDEDPride in London 2025: full parade route and map Pride in London 2025 stages and full line-up  Trafalgar Square Chaka Khan  Queenz Durand Bernarr Eurovision 2025 winner JJ La Voix Lauren Drew Frankie Grande Miriana Conte Jay Jay Revlon HERE AND NOW - The Steps Musical Lucky Roy Singh Presents the

Of the surprising amount of city farms you’ll find in the Big Smoke, Mudchute Farm on the Isle of Dogs is one of the largest (and one of Time Out’s favourites).  Spanning 32 acres under the shadow of Canary Wharf skyscrapers, it has existed for more than 50 years, offering wholesome days out completely free of charge. It looks after more than 100 animals, including sheep, llamas, goats, donkeys, pigs, chickens and peacocks. There’s a petting zoo, a duck pond and a riding school for anyone interested in horsing around. But now its future is at risk.  Mudchute Association Charity Board of Trustees, the organisation that runs the farm, has been working to secure a new long-term lease since 2019. It applied for a renewal before its previous lease expired in June 2024 but it says that talks have stalled and the council has failed to offer terms that ‘would allow the charity to move forward sustainably’.  Sue Mortimer, the chair of the trustees, said: ‘It is now London Borough of Tower Hamlets’ policy to offer shorter leases of up to 15 years, which would make it near-impossible for Mudchute to plan for the future. ‘As a charity, we rely on grants and donations to run the farm, care for rare breeds, run childcare, education for more than 10,000 school children each year, several volunteer training programmes, and provide free access to beautiful green space, all in the shadow of the rapidly developing Canary Wharf. ‘Funders and supporters need to know we have long-term security. W