Dan Egg

Looking for pretty, tranquil, peace and quiet? Well, this place delivers that and more. Bucolic villages, honey-coloured cottages, rolling limestone hills, medieval churches and, er, the possibility of bumping into David Cameron and his Chipping Norton chums… Okay, so the last one’s not for everyone but look, the Cotswolds really is pretty glorious, especially for a foolproof romantic getaway. Brimming with that kind of quintessential vision of England that sends visitors to our shores just a bit batty. And you know what? That means its Airbnbs are some of the best in the land, too. We’ve handpicked a bunch so you don't have to. Here are some of our favourite Airbnbs in the Cotswolds, from reimagined churches to cute little pods and glamping spots. Happy holidaying! Updated November 2024: Two more couldn't hurt, but it may make your choice a little more difficult, especially once you take a look at the new Hobbit-inspired hut we've added – or the dreamy meadow yurt. RECOMMENDED: 🇬🇧See our top picks for the best Airbnbs in the UK🏨Cosy up in the cheapest hotels in the Cotswolds 💂‍♂️or stay in these unique Airbnbs in London Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more i

If your Instagram feed is anything like mine, you’ll have noticed that everyone is heading off for a weekend away in the Cotswolds lately. Celebs and niche micro-influencers keep popping up in tranquil countryside settings, usually from the bougie surroundings of Soho Farmhouse, leaving the rest of us stuck in the city – drinking expensive coffee at our desks, yearning for a mini-break of our own. Sound familiar? Well, you’re in luck.  Situated right in the middle of a charming little village called Duns Tew, this 18th century barn has been lovingly reimagined as The Barn, with its original features (think wooden beams, exposed stone walls) sitting proudly amongst a bold, modern design. Like something out of The Holiday – but a little more Soho Farmhouse. The barn’s striking new look is courtesy of artist and designer Kelly Jackson – you’ll notice her chic artistic touches throughout. It’s a place that is packed with personality; with colour-blocked walls, geometric patterns and playful art pieces (thank you David Shrigley) all making the open-plan kitchen and living area an ideal spot to chill, curl up in front of the fire, or catch up over a glass of (complimentary) fizz. And the two bedrooms are just as snazzy; one decked out in calming greens, the other offering a touch of luxury with its king-size bed, ensuite, and dedicated desk area- perfect for squeezing in a bit of work, if you ‘forgot’ to book the day off. Plus, even the bathrooms feel special, thanks to their vibra

To paraphrase an old saying; nothing is certain except death, taxes and Shrek. This beloved movie about a big green swamp-dweller and pals has inspired countless memes, parodies and tributes over the years, and the adoration for the beloved Scottish beast seems unlikely to stop any time soon.  If you, like everyone else, are a dedicated fan, then you’ll no doubt want to get yourself down to Ogrepalooza this Halloween.  With a costume competition and headline performances from the UK’s #1 Shrek tribute band (there was tough competition, I’m sure), this swamptacular shindig is set to literally be the stuff of fairytales. It’s on the South Bank as well, so you won’t even have to travel Far, Far Away.

Fifty years after it first flounced onto the London stage, Richard O’Brien’s campy cult classic is still a certified smash. Written as an homage to ’50s sci-fi and horror B-movies, ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ quickly solidified O’Brien as a queer icon after its initial debut in 1973 - thanks to his unashamedly horny script and a star turn as Riff Raff in the initial production.  Several decades, a movie adaptation later, O’Brien’s legend status remains untouched - as does that of this gleefully chaotic show, which still draws in crowds of adoring fans. This is not because of its plot (which is wafer-thin at best), but because of ‘Rocky Horror’s infectious energy, memorable songs, and a dedicated following that makes every performance a riotous, truly immersive experience.  Let's start with the storyline: straight-laced, virginal couple Brad and Janet get stranded at a creepy castle, where they fall into the clutches of Frank N Furter, a fishnet-clad, mad scientist-alien who spends his time creating sexy new minions he can play with. That’s pretty much the whole plot, and while the first act zips along thanks to iconic bangers like ‘Time Warp‘ and ‘Sweet Transvestite’, the second act does bog down a bit as the narrative fizzles out and the well of recognisable songs dries up. But no one comes for the story, do they? It’s the audience interaction that makes ‘Rocky Horror’ a one-of-a-kind event. Ardent fans arrive in flamboyant costumes, armed with fairy lights and placards, and rea

If you’ve swiped through Hinge recently, you might have noticed that a seemingly ever-increasing number of LGBTQI+ east Londoners are now based in Clapton.  This unassuming district of Hackney has arguably usurped Dalston as the unofficial queerest neighbourhood of east London, so it seems only right that the girls, gays and theys in the area should now have their own venue too.  This comes in the form of new gay bar the Wing and a Prayer, cheekily nicknamed ‘the WAP’. On the former site of The Mermaid and more recently The Black Hen, it’s a pub that hasn’t exactly had the best luck staying open over the last few years - but it’s in very capable hands. Run by the team behind Hoxton fave The Nelson’s, its new owners have a load of experience in running bars for east London queers. With comfy seating, loads of pot plants, disco balls in every corner and a basement for parties, this cute little bar could soon become your new favourite hangout - or the perfect place for your next Hinge date. 

Something is stirring in the sleepy, tranquil Lake District. And believe it or not, it’s all down to the humble sheep.  What’s going on? Well, conservationists are calling for the Lake District to be stripped of its UNESCO World Heritage status, claiming that the illustrious title leads to sheep farming being prioritised over all other kinds. This is bad, apparently. Because too many sheep doing too much grazing can stop trees from growing back, reduce biodiversity and cause lots of other less-than-ideal outcomes. The more ewe know! So, ecologist Lee Schofield has written to UNESCO arguing that their designation of the Lake District ‘promotes a false perception of farming,’ fuels overtourism and stands in the way of efforts to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. He also says that the UNESCO status isn’t even helping local farmers, and is ‘not wanted by local people’. It’s not just him, though. The campaign is backed by a report from World Heritage Watch, co-authored by Schofield, as well as experts Dr Karen Lloyd and Professor Ian Convery. The report claims the UNESCO designation celebrates sheep farming above all else - pointing out that ‘sheep’ is mentioned 357 times in the original 716-page nomination document. How they counted them without falling asleep, we’ll never know. And sheep aren’t the only problem. Campaigners say the UNESCO status also fuels overtourism and puts barriers in the way of efforts to rewild the region. Not everyone agrees, of course - but w

‘We’re all going on a summer holiday,’ sung Cliff Richard way back in 1963. A lovely sentiment, don’t get me wrong, but has Cliff seen the cost of a family holiday these days? Truly, it costs an arm and a leg to take your brood abroad in 2025.  And that’s without even mentioning the emotional cost of being crammed into a plane with no legroom, stuck listening to that Jess Glynne song on full blast.  Luckily, though, airline TUI and family attractions website Day Out With The Kids are here to help – by offering one lucky UK family the chance to become the first ever Chief Family Holiday Testers. An opportunity that is every bit as jammy as it sounds. We’re talking £10,000 worth of free holidays. For your entire family. Just in time for summer. Need I say more?  The lucky chosen family (consisting of up to two adults and four kids) will be sent off to review the best family-friendly resorts TUI has to offer over a 12 month period. Just imagine all the waterslides, kids’ clubs and beachside dinner buffets. All-inclusive, all-expenses paid, and all in exchange for your opinion.  The catch? Well, there isn't one really. The winning family will be expected to review the resorts, test out the fun, and share their experience on camera - but let’s be honest, you’d be doing that on Instagram anyway.  If this sounds right up your street, you and the fam can apply by filling out this short form, which’ll ask you to upload a recent family photo and explain why you’re the perfect holiday t

Londoners, meet the Bakerloop. No, it’s not a new pastry from Gails, it’s TfL’s brand new express bus route. Officially called the BL1, the service is officially set to launch this autumn as part of the ongoing Superloop expansion. The loop’s route essentially just traces that of the proposed (and still unfunded) Bakerloo line extension we’ve all been dreaming of, zipping between Waterloo and Lewisham via Elephant & Castle, Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate. Basically, it’s an answer to that age old problem of trying to get anywhere from south-east London. Thank God.  The new route comes off the back of a public consultation, which found overwhelming support for the BL1: 82 percent of respondents said it’d be more convenient, and 79 percent reckoned it’d get them there faster. The people have spoken – and TfL listened, albeit with one tiny tweak. A planned stop in Lewisham’s Station Road has been scrapped to keep the journey swift and streamlined.  The Bakerloop is set to run every 12 minutes from Monday to Saturday, then every 15 minutes during off-peak hours and on Sundays. So, soon there’ll be no excuse not to visit those arty friends of yours who never leave New Cross.  This is the first central London route to join the Superloop network—a now fully operational system of rapid orbital buses designed to connect outer London without the faff of switching trains. And yes, we’ve already waxed lyrical about its southeast expansion here, so naturally we’re thrilled to see it tak

There’s no denying that Robbie Williams has bangers. From ‘Millenium’, to ‘Angels’, to that one where he ripped his own skin off in the music video (‘Rock DJ’, of course), Ar Robbie has been entertaining the British public for decades. He is, by all accounts, a legend – so, if you’re headed to his live show, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a great time. The Britpop Tour, which coincides with his new album of the same name, will be playing massive stadiums across Europe all summer, and it’s already kicked off here in the UK. Robbie’s already hit Edinburgh and London, and Manchester is next on the agenda Yes, the legendary entertainer will be rocking up to Manchester’s Co-op Live this Tuesday and Wednesday. So, if you’ve got a ticket, here’s everything you need to know. When is Robbie Williams playing Co-op Live? Robbie’s Manchester shows are on Tuesday June, 10 and Wednesday, June 11.  What time do doors open? Doors will open at 6.30pm, giving you plenty of time to get a drink and get comfy.  What time will Robbie Williams come on stage? It’s not been officially stated when you can expect Robbie to make his grand entrance, but according to Co-op Live, the show will likely begin at around 8pm. It’s worth getting in well before that though to get a good spot. What’s the seating plan? Here’s the seating plan for Manchester’s Co-Op Live, according to Ticketmaster.   Image: Ticketmaster    Who’s supporting Robbie Williams at Co-Op Live? So far, Robbie has been supported on

Huge news for Welsh art fans! Cardiff is at long last getting its own modern and contemporary art museum. And you can ogle some art sooner than you might think. The brand spanking new museum is set to open in 2026, with the Artistic Museum of Contemporary Art (AMOCA for short) being the first of its kind in the Welsh capital. It’ll be a not-for-profit, privately owned space backed by Welsh-Swedish entrepreneur and philanthropist Anders Hedlund, and it’ll show around 1,000 works drawn mostly from his own personal collection. Think bold, global, contemporary, Welsh. Yes, this new space is committed to platforming local Welsh artists and the next generation of homegrown talent, as well as bringing in under-represented artists from around the world. While there’s no confirmed location quite yet, plans are underway to secure a permanent building in Cardiff. But, fear not, you won’t have to wait until 2026 to get a taste. AMOCA is running a series of preview exhibitions before the big opening next year, starting with a free show called Black Voices from the Museum Collection, which features work by 34 renowned African artists. Better still, this pop-up has already opened. You have until 14 June to catch it at the Temple of Peace in Cardiff city centre. So run, don’t walk. You don’t want to miss it. The mission of the new museum is to to ‘increase public access to contemporary art, broaden the traditional museum scope and foster creative development by disrupting conventional and s

Sure, we’re probably better known for beige buffets and picky bits, but it turns out the UK is holding its own in the pizza game too. That’s according to the newly-announced 50 Top Pizza Europa list for 2025, which features five British pizzerias as some of the best the continent has to offer.Yes, the best pizzerias across Europe (excluding Italy, obviously, who get their own list) are all ranked annually. And this year? The UK smashed it, with five restaurants in the top 50. The pizza-de-résistance? Napoli on the Road, whose restaurants in Chiswick and Richmond topped the list for the second year running. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the west London staple also bagged the title of Pizza of the Year 2025 for their beefy, fondue-y, signature pizza Ricordi d’Infanzia. Yum. You can read more about it here. But it wasn’t just London. Over in Chester, Stile Napoletano ranked at number 13, making it the highest UK entry outside of the capital. Tucked inside the city’s market hall, this little taste of Italy is now officially one of the best pizzerias in Europe. The 50 Top Pizza Europa guide said: ‘ Over the years, Stile Napoletano has earned a solid reputation thanks to its consistency, constant attention to quality, and a well-defined identity that does not compromise.’ Proof, if you needed it, that great pizza isn’t just a London thing. Further afield, Buon Appetito in Burgess Hill makes an unexpected appearance at number 31. Sussex might not be the first place you think of

Move over, Alison Hammond. There’s a new West Midlands icon in town - and it’s just been officially crowned the best tourist attraction in the country. Each year, VisitEngland (our official tourism board) gives out Awards for Excellence, celebrating the best tourist-y bits the country has to offer. And, among the illustrious gongs up for grabs (think hotels, camping and holiday park of the year) is the big one: Large Visitor Attraction of the Year. And, this year, the top spot didn’t go to a theme park, castle or royal residence. It went to… Dudley. The Black Country Living Museum, to be precise. Set across 29 acres of open-air history, it brings 250 years of the West Midlands’ industrial past to life - all soot, steam, and the clang of metal on metal. You’ll wander down cobbled streets, pop into reconstructed pubs and shops, and meet characters from every era of the region’s history; experiencing first-hand its glow up from iron-clad powerhouse to postwar suburbia. Black Country Living Museum/Nick Robinson If you're one of those people who are never quite sure which bit the Black Country actually is: it’s the chunk of the West Midlands famous for fuelling the Industrial Revolution. Think furnaces, foundries and proper accents (all the more reason to pop along and learn something, frankly.) Plus, the museum recently finished a massive £30 million redevelopment, its biggest since 1978. The new additions stretch the story into the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s - complete with postwar

NIMBYs beware – another day festival is about to rear its head in the capital. That’s right, the much-anticipated LIDO Festival kicks off tonight in east London’s Victoria Park. And it looks set to be a stonker.If trip-hop legends are your thing, you’re gonna want to head down tonight to witness LIDO’s inaugural headline performance from Massive Attack. Or perhaps you’re holding out for Charli XCX’s brat-pop mayhem or London Grammar’s sunset synths, both taking to the stage next weekend? Either way, LIDO is coming in hot.Tomorrow, Time Out cover star Jamie xx will headline the second and final day of the 5,000-capacity weekender - and he’s not doing things by halves. Expect a solo headline set, two back-to-back appearances (with Skrillex and Nia Archives), and support from Sampha, Arca, Romy and DJ Harvey.  Planning to head down? Here’s everything you need to know. When and where is Jamie xx at LIDO Festival? Jamie xx is playing at LIDO Festival in Victoria Park’s Lido Field on Saturday, June 7. He’s scheduled for a full solo headline set on the Main Stage from 9.25pm to 10.55pm – but if you’re keen, you’ll catch him earlier too: he’s going b2b with Skrillex at 2.10pm on the Main Stage and b2b with Nia Archives at 4.30pm on Stage 2. It’s a Jamie xx hat trick. What’s the full Jamie xx LIDO lineup and set times? Main Stage 2.10pm–3.40pm: Jamie xx b2b Skrillex 3.40pm–4.20pm: John Glacier 4.50pm–5.30pm: Panda Bear 6.05pm–7.05pm: Sampha 7.45pm–8.45pm: Arca 9.25pm–10.55pm: Jamie

Lately LGBTQ+ venues in London have been shutting down all over the place, with G-A-Y Late, The Glory and Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club all closing in the last year alone. As if that wasn’t bad enough, now another queer establishment is facing an uncertain future: east London bookshop, cafe and event space The Common Press. There’s no need to fret just yet, though. The venue’s owners are fundraising to try and keep its doors open – and they need your support. Since hard-launching the Crowdfunder on social media last week, the bookshop has raised more than £18,000, but there’s still a long way to go to meet its £100,000 target.  The fundraiser is crucial to the continued existence of The Common Press. With previous investors no longer able to fund the venue, it desperately needs financial support from the community in order to survive. So, dig deep folks, because unless donations keep rolling in, the queerest bookshop in Shoreditch will soon be forced to shut down altogether. Since opening in 2021, The Common Press has proven a welcome addition to the capital’s queer scene; a cosy and inclusive community space that’s refreshingly different to the warehouse raves and drag brunches that east London is famous for. It’s an establishment that is proudly intersectional, boasting a carefully curated selection of books written by LGBTQ+ authors, Black & POC writers, transgender creatives and other marginalised voices. It’s also a great place to get coffee. With oat milk, obviously.

If you’ve ever ended up outside Sloane Square station, you might have noticed just how crowded the streets of this swanky shopping district can get. This could be set to change, though, if plans recently submitted to the Kensington and Chelsea council, are anything to go by. Right in the heart of Chelsea, this affluent neighbourhood is known for its bougie boutiques and fine dining establishments. But it’s also widely regarded as a bit of a disaster to navigate by foot. According to the local council, this is due to the huge number of people passing though the area, as well as tricky narrow pavements which force pedestrians to cross the road in all the wrong places. This, in turn, causes overcrowding and traffic disruption - particularly during busy periods, causing chaos for pedestrians trying to window-shop all the posh places. Nightmare. To address this, proposed new plans would see the road redesigned and the pavements widened, allowing plenty more room for pedestrians while (thankfully) having zero impact on the number of traffic lanes. The massive road refurb, paid for by property tycoons The Cadogan Estate, could start as early as 2025, pending approval and a consultation with the public.  So, providing the plan goes ahead, it might soon be easier than ever to stare mournfully through shop windows at things you definitely can’t afford.  An award-winning north London pub is in danger of shutting down. This south London police station is being turned into a boutique hote

Big things are in store for Edgware. After years of back-and-forth with the local community, property developer Ballymore (in partnership with TfL) has recently submitted plans to Barnet Council for a massive overhaul of the area’s shopping centre and bus station. If approved, the renovation project would see this corner of north-west London get a (let’s be honest) much-needed makeover; bringing new homes to the area, plus cafes, leisure spaces, an enormous Sainsbury’s and even a glitzy cinema complex.  And that’s not all. Developers also have their sights on a 4.7 acre plot of land which has been locked away from the public for nearly a century. This neglected green space will be transformed into a gorgey public park; the perfect place for getting some fresh air, stretching your legs, or gobbling down a meal deal on your lunch break.  Not everyone’s chuffed, though. Some local residents are up in arms about the new plans for their beloved suburb, taking issue with the disruption caused by such an ambitious construction project, the height of the planned tower block buildings, and many other aspects of the redevelopment.  If the plans do get greenlit, construction could start soon, with the first phase of development (including that nature park and cinema) expected to be finished by 2031. The remaining work would take a further 5 years, meaning that Edgware might be unrecognisable by 2036. Watch this space.  Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and revi

East London might be getting a new creative space, thanks to a partnership between property developers and Newham Council. Arts group Create London has revealed plans to transform an old Victorian warehouse into a community arts hub.  The disused building is on Plaistow’s Stock Street and it’s been empty since 2016, but now it looks set to be restored following an initial investment of over £1m from Newham Council’s Levelling Up Fund. Once rerfurbed, the new arts centre would provide affordable workspaces, a cafe, arts studios and a metal and woodwork yard dedicated to vocational training for local children. Because everyone in east London needs an obscure side hustle, even the young ’uns.  The new arts hub is planned to open in late 2025, so long as developers are able to raise the remaining £1.3m needed to fund the restoration. Create London has launched a fundraising campaign to cover these costs – and is looking for donations and grants from public funding bodies and other sources.  Photo: Newham Council The warehouse restoration project is part of Newham Council’s wider plans to bring vacant buildings back into use by the local community. Once up and running, the arts centre hopes to bring in 13,000 people every year.  Create London’s previous projects include a flexible live and work space for artists in Barking and Dagenham, as well as a community wood and metal workshop in Walthamstow. Did you see that Crystal Palace FC’s historic south London football stadium is ge