Ellie Walker-Arnott

You’d be hard pressed to come by a travel bucket list that doesn’t feature the Northern Lights. Sure, there are plenty of aurora-chasers on social media, but having the chance to witness this wondrous natural spectacle irl is something most of us are keen to do at least once in our lives.  There is, obvs, a rather unromantic scientific explanation for the Northern Lights (solar flares plus the earth’s atmosphere, you get the gist), but we aren’t about to pour water on this fire. What we are going to do is bring you a list of the very best places to see the Northern Lights, which includes more than just Norway and Iceland. For your best chances, opt for a dark night between November and March, with minimal light pollution and preferably a new moon, at one of these wonderful locations – read on for the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. RECOMMENDED:🏜️The best national parks in the world🌤️The best places to ‘coolcation’ in Europe🏖️The most underrated travel destinations in the world⛰️The best hikes in the world

  Ponies, horses and deer mellowly wandering around, bike rides through tranquil, lush forests, mystical scenery and knockout spa hotels? The New Forest stretches across three English counties (Hampshire, east Dorset and Wiltshire) and certainly has a whole lot going for it – but where are you supposed to start? That’s what we’re here for. The best parts of the New Forest include anything from fishing to paddle-boarding, quaint tea rooms to local museums, family activities, couple getaways, the lot. Whatever you’re after, whether that’s how to spend a day, a weekend, or a new life among the trees, our list of the best things to do will surely come in handy. Take a look. RECOMMENDED:⛰️The best hikes in the UK🍃The best road trips in the UK🌤️The best national parks in the UK

London is a bookworm’s paradise. Whether you’re after novels, comics, antiquarian tomes, or just somewhere beautiful to curl up with a good book, you’ll find it here in one of the many shops dedicated to the printed word. Hearteningly, the rise of online retailers hasn’t put a dent in the city’s characterful, welcoming book-monger scene. Instead, bookshops have upped their game, offering personalised recommendations, readings, book clubs and cosy cafés where you can enjoy your purchases over a steaming cuppa. Ready to get turning pages? Here’s our guide to the best bookshops in London, whether you’re in central, north, east, south or west London. More of a borrower? Head to these lovely London libraries.  RECOMMENDED: Literary destinations and activities in London.Also: Our pick of the 100 best children’s books ever.    

There is actually a way to combine all the pros of spending a wonderful few days in nature, surrounded by flowery smells and lovely wildlife, without having to get too muddy or miserable in a soggy tent that you haven’t put up properly. We’re talking about glamping, people.  The UK’s glorious countryside is dotted with bougie bell tents, decked-out tipis, wood-fired hot tubs and geodomes, so if you’re looking to ditch the mucky sleeping bags and broken tent poles for something a little more elevated, here’s where to start. These are the very best glamping sites in the UK, according to us. RECOMMENDED:💕The best romantic weekend getaways in the UK🌲11 incredible treehouses you can book in the UK✨The best wellbeing breaks and yoga retreats in the UK🏞️The most beautiful road trips in the UK☀️The most scenic train journeys in the UK

As much as we love London here at Time Out, we’re also partial to the odd daydream about a leisurely getaway to somewhere that’s not quite so big and busy. Microdose on that holiday vibe by taking a day trip to one of the many laidback, joy-inducing destinations just a few hours away from London, which pack in plenty; from historic cities and cute villages to sandy beaches and rolling countryside. If you’re wanting a quick getaway, here are 17 of the Time Out team’s favourite day trips from London, complete with our recommendations of cute pubs and ace restaurants – all close enough to the city to get there and back in one sweet day.  RECOMMENDED:✨The best day trips from London👪 The best family day trips from London☀️ The best weekend trips from London🏘️ The best Airbnbs near London🌳 The best quirky Airbnbs in the UK This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

While we’ve been experiencing a pretty lacklustre summer so far, the UK’s beaches actually don’t need the sun to truly shine. Sure, they come into their own when the weather is warm enough to brave it and take a dip, but fresh coastal air, thunderously crashing waves and pretty scenery can be enjoyed whether it feels like high season or not.  And the UK is home to some drop-dead gorgeous stretches of coast. From tiny hidden coves with water so clear it’s hard to believe you’re not in the Mediterranean to vast, sandy crowd-pleasers which border our seaside towns, our four nations really do have it all when it comes to beaches. So, after a picnic spot, a ‘gram-worthy backdrop or just somewhere to see nature-watch? Check out our handpicked guide to the UK’s finest beaches. RECOMMENDED:🏖️The most amazing hidden beaches in the UK🌊The best outdoor swimmming pools in the UK🏊The best wild swimming spots in the UK🌤️The best places to visit in the UK 

  There’s a reason the UK has spawned so many myths, legends and folklore over the years, and it’s not just down to the wild imagination of our writers. With all its mist-shrouded moors, enchanted wells, ancient woodlands and spooky AF castles, this island really is a spiritual, mystical place.  And plenty of the places are primed and ready for you to explore, whether it’s magical vibes are down to a haunted history or because it inspired fantastical fiction – it could even just feel a bit, you know, special. Only the best magical places in the UK have made it onto this list, so read on for some proper fairytale inspo.   RECOMMENDED:🚞The most breathtaking hikes in the UK🚃The most scenic train journeys in the UK🏝️The most beautiful islands in the UK⭐The dreamiest glamping spots to book in the UK

Life in London can be pretty tense. Just think of all the time we spend each week contorting into gaps on the tube during our overcrowded commute or the hours a day hunched over laptops, sitting through stressful meetings or chained to our desks late into the evening before slumping over our phones at home to scroll through TikToks for several hours. Even if we find time in our days for an hour or two of proper fun, mindful quiet, or the endorphin hit of a sweaty exercise class, we still have tired feet, tight muscles, and shoulders that need soothing. Enter these amazing London spas and studios dedicated to massaging the city back to health. Permit yourself a break, put your slippered feet up and let these amazing treatments work their magic.   RECOMMENDED: Check out the best spas in London for more top treatments Want to save money on your massages? Loads of great deals at Time Out Offers

It's a bit surprising, isn't it? Pools tucked away in UK Airbnb listings. Who would've guessed? But, despite our unpredictable weather, there are actually Airbnbs that offer a poolside escape right here on home soil. If you're looking for a UK staycation, these Airbnbs make a fantastic alternative to the usual run-of-the-mill hotels popping up everywhere. And if you're lucky enough to snag some sunny days, they can give you that tropical getaway feel without the hefty plane fare. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, right? To help those planning a British vacation, we've curated the top UK Airbnbs with private pools. From beach houses in Cornwall to charming barns in Wales, these spots are ready and waiting to amaze. Let's just hope the weather plays nice… RECOMMENDED: 🚗 The best road trips in the UK 🏖️ The most stunning hidden beaches in the UK 🌳 Amazing treehouses in the UK you can actually stay in Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, 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.

We're all ready to jump on a flight and get away to a bustling European city or gorgeous paradise beaches. But hello! Have you seen what the UK has to offer, and only within an hour or two from the big city? We've got a helluva lot to offer right here on our doorsteps and it can be reached so much quicker – and cheaper. Think incredible mixed scenery, gorgeous old villages, and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. From seaside shacks to cosy cottages in forests, there's no limit to the incredible places on our lovely little island. Whether you want to traipse terrific beaches, explore lush stretches of the countryside or simply settle in someone else's city, you'll be amazed at what we have on British soil. Seriously, you better start booking one of these best Airbnbs near London. Go on, do it.  Updated April 2024: We like to keep our curated lists in tip-top condition by remaining on the lookout to make sure you always have first dibs on the UK's most head-turning holiday rentals like this 15th-century gem in Rotherfield, or this luxury airship stay overlooking a pond in The Haven.  RECOMMENDED: 🇬🇧The 12 best places to visit in the UK💷The best cheap hotels 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 ha

London’s bookworms will find no shortage of quiet corners to curl up with a good book in the capital. But if you’re still searching for a peaceful spot to enjoy your new find or borrow a novel that’s been on your list for a while, London is full of fantastic hideouts: in the shape of libraries. From big libraries to secret libraries, tiny libraries and aesthetically-pleasing libraries, each of them is bursting with books to borrow and read. Some of them are historic lending archives that have existed in the city for centuries and others are modern celebrations of the written word. Some are famous, while others you might not be familiar with, but all of them are great little spots to spend an afternoon letting your mind wander a fantasy world in the pages of your chosen book.  RECOMMENDED: The best bookshops in London

Cooped up under the bright lights of a city, it’s easy to forget just how magnificent our sky can look at night. But the UK has a surprising number of spots which are perfect places to lay back to marvel at the wonder of the cosmos, and plenty of them aren’t too far from the metropolis.  From the rolling hills of Kent to the furthest stretches of Scotland, we’ve handpicked a list o the absolute best places to go stargazing in the UK, so pack a bag and some layers and have a read – taking an evening to appreciate all that twinkling above our heads can do wonders for the soul. RECOMMENDED:🌲The best tree houses you can actually stay in🏩The very best Airbnbs in the UK🏔️The most breathtaking hikes in the UK☀️The best places to visit in the UK

When asked how you’d like the curtains at the Four Seasons Hotel spa, definitely, definitely say ‘open’. Each room here offers killer views out over Hyde Park to accompany its spa treatments. Therapy rooms come complete with sauna and pool, while the the wide range of treatments includes massages, facials, wraps, scrubs and nail treatments. Afterwards, head to a dimly lit relaxation pod, where you can have a steaming cup of tea and some nibbles, while you stick on a pair of headphones and let the calming effects of your treatment really sink in. For more R&R, here is our full list of the best spas in London.

One 84-year-old Italian grandmother has had the perfect reaction to her country going into lockdown. Nonna Nerina usually runs pasta-making workshops in the countryside around an hour north of Rome in Italy, but thanks to the current isolation measures, she had to cancel all her classes. Now, with her granddaughter Chiara, Nerina has taken her classes online. You can book onto a live two-hour, virtual pasta masterclass where you’ll be taken through Nerina’s family recipes using simple ingredients and equipment from a shopping list you’ll be sent a week before class. Dishes on the menu include classic lasagne and ravioli with butter sage sauce. Buon appetito!

Frame is brightening up Angel shopping centre with their trademark colourful decor and perky group fitness classes. The latest studio to join the gang is actually underground, just off Upper Street, (feel like you’re heading for the car park? You’re going the right way) but the lack of natural light does nothing to dampen the vibe. You’ll find a bright reception area, technicolour lockers and functional changing rooms, plus three studios – a reformer pilates studio, a light space for classes like barre and yoga and a darker room for strength, cardio and PT sessions, all run by infectiously energetic trainers. 

A facial with Katie White at one of re:lax’s petite shipping-container studios (there are two and a third which acts as a chilled waiting room) isn’t really about your face. You’ll leave with soothed, sated and glowing skin, but you’ll also head off with a new perspective on your health, and a list of supplements, balms and tonics that could help you feel even better.  Once you have a cup of homemade herbal tea in hand, Katie kicks off by asking questions about your general wellbeing. It’ll begin as a conversation about your skincare routine and end up with you spilling all your secrets. I find myself opening up about my stress levels, a big project I'm working on, my strange new sleep pattern, the fact that truffle oil makes me feel really sick. But what might be considered a totally irrelevant overshare feeds into the bespoke and holistic facial Katie then gives you.  Mine begins with a double cleanse and steam, an AHA tonic and a lush rose hip mask, during which Katie magically kneads the tension away with an intense head, neck and shoulder massage. A vitamin c serum and a LED light therapy session follow, during which I relax even more, thanks to a little foot reflexology. A dreamy facial massage rounds off the hour, and I head out into the evening, a list of personalised recommendations in my phone notes, feeling sleepy, replenished and reset.  I later returned for one of Katie's new cosmetic accupuncture facials. You might file this kind of treatment under 'extreme' or

Founded by Pilates teacher Isobel Palmer, LIM Studio is a light and calming space in Highbury (you can even pause for a herbal tea if you need to destress before you hit the mat), but classes here pack a powerful punch. Book onto Lim Signature for a challenging yet upbeat mix of barre and Pilates that’ll leave you with wobbly legs. The mat Pilates classes are great here, too – expect a focus on technique from instructors who really know their stuff – while there’s a range of yoga classes on the timetable if you never want to do ‘the hundred’ again. Chances are you will, though – Isobel’s cheery and positive demeanour is totally infectious. 

From the Muppets to the RSC, everyone has done ‘A Christmas Carol’, the tale about a miserly old man who becomes charitable and warm-hearted following nighttime visitations from a trio of spirits at Christmas. But Wilton’s – possibly the most atmospheric theatre in the city and the perfect setting for any festive theatre imo – might have managed to find an original take.  It’s Scrooge versus the patriarchy in Piers Torday’s clever, gender-flipped adaptation of Charles Dickens’s famous festive tale, directed by Stephanie Street. Ebenezer is dead and Fan (Sally Dexter), his younger sister and Jacob Marley’s widow, is the one shrouded in black, barking ‘bah, humbug’ at anyone who’ll listen. The main difference, though, is that, as a woman in Victorian England, she has a lot more to be miserly about than Ebenezer ever did.  Sure, she’s closed-off and mean-spirited. But she’s also been restricted, controlled and belittled by all the men in her life. She finally has the autonomy to live her life the way she chooses now that her husband is dead. Then, the man who legally reigned over her in life returns one Christmas Eve, intent on teaching her another lesson from beyond the grave.  The evening starts with an audience singalong fitting for the setting – Wilton’s was a nineteenth-century music hall, after all – but, although the intention is to spread love and goodwill, the vibe of this ‘Christmas Carol’ is never purely jolly again.  There are lols. The story is told by Meagre, Charl

It’s hard to work out where facts end and the fantasy begins in this charming ballooning adventure set against a sweet version of Victorian London. The historic expedition the movie is all about – an attempt to break the world flight altitude record – did happen, just not quite like this. But you’ll want to suspend all disbelief, hold tight to the wicker basket and go along for the ride. Eddie Redmayne is James Glaisher, a meteorologist, who, in 1862, really did travel closer to the stars than anyone had done before. He’s reserved but wonkishly enthusiastic about science, and regularly mocked by his Royal Society colleagues for believing that weather can be predicted. Redmayne’s ‘The Theory of Everything’ co-star Felicity Jones plays his pilot Amelia Wren, a daredevil balloonist with glitter in her bra and a tiny dog. Wren is an engaging amalgamation of genuine balloonists such as Sophie Blanchard and Margaret Graham. The pair’s ascent is tracked in very close to real-time, the minutes ticking by as the balloon rises and rises. There are beautiful moments as the pair pass above the clouds to find a sea of fluttering butterflies and a circular rainbow. But the tension ramps up as the air thins while the temperature drops, and the frequent moments of peril are breathtaking in a very literal sense. Flashbacks reveal the struggle to get the basket off the ground at all and the widowed Wren’s desperately sad backstory, before incredible feats are required to bring the pair, and th

Sea Containers London occupies one of the best spots in London. It has views of the city and St Paul’s with its iconic dome to the north, London landmarks like Southbank Centre, National Theatre, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe within strolling distance, and the Thames flowing beside its riverfront terrace. Tourists should take note – it’s as conveniently located for a cultural outing as London hotels get – but it’s also got a lot going for it if you’re a local.  There’s Lyaness for starters. Formerly Dandelyan, which was voted the world’s best bar, this light-filled boozing spot is a stunning place to drink stunning cocktails. Up on the roof you’ll find 12th Knot, a buzzy rooftop bar that makes the most of its position with ceiling-to-floor windows. In the basement there’s Agua London spa, a heavenly space (literally – it’s all bright lights and white interiors) for unwinding with restorative treatments, as well as a 56-seat Curzon cinema which screens new releases in a plush, intimate environment during the weekends. The restaurant, too, which on sunny days spills out on to the South Bank, is a draw. Throughout the hotel you’ll notice playful touches that hint at the building’s nautical history (it used to be a shipping company’s offices). The main foyer is dominated by bronze-clad and curvy walls that give the impression you’re standing beneath the hull of a huge boat, windows and mirrors evoke portholes and the hotel’s rooms feel like plush ship cabins. If you’ve alwa

Despite its low-key location – a triangle-shaped corner spot in a residential stretch between Stroud Green and Crouch End – Goods Office always seems to be busy. The all-day eatery is buzzing right from the early morning – when local freelancers turn up to take advantage of their croissant, wi-fi and unlimited coffee for a tenner offer – to the evening, when I can only assume it’s full of commuters who’ve stepped off the W3 bus right into happy hour.  Sitting outside under a string of festoon lights on a warm summer’s evening, you can certainly see the appeal. The drinks were cool, Wimbledon was playing (ever so quietly) inside and, recognising familiar faces, tables were turning around to greet one another.  There’s a brunch menu served until 5pm, but the evening is all about small plates. Both the ‘ugly fish goujons’ and the jalapeño and cheese croquettes were well-seasoned and moreish. The mac and cheese was, as we’d hoped, both heavy and soothing, while a plate of fried chicken satisfied our need for something hot and indulgent. Other dishes needed tweaking: our halloumi was swimming in way too much honey, while a green salad was similarly drowning in oil and salt. We finished off with a Pimms-inspired cheesecake, which, like the rest of the meal, was solid, if not sensational. On the whole, Goods Office serves the kind of comfort food you’d be pleased to eat at a dinner party. Which is pretty fitting as, if you’re local, you’re likely to end up chatting to your neighbou

Kingsland Road isn’t somewhere you’d necessarily describe as peaceful. It’s busy and buzzing with Londoners from all walks of life at all times of the day. But there’s true tranquillity to be found in this hippy, holistic nail salon. At the front of the space, you can shop for crystals, jade rollers, organic bath salts and other wellness products. In the middle, it’s set up like a standard nail salon, but all products are vegan, non-toxic and cruelty-free – and all the nail art options are delicate and stylish. The back room, though, is where Still London really gets interesting. Once your nails are looking fresh, you can head into the petite space for a tarot reading session with healer Wolf Sister, or holistic facials and massages with Daisy, the in-house therapist. We tried The High Vibe facial (£85), which was 90 nourishing minutes of crystal healing and reiki, plus much of what you’d expect from a standard facial: gentle exfoliation, massage, soothing natural serums and masks. It’s the facial for when your skin and your soul are in need of some quiet care. You won’t get extractions or potent products applied to your face here, but whether or not you believe in chakras and auras, an hour and a half in Daisy’s company will leave you and your skin feeling balanced, cleansed and reset. 

A shipping container might not sound like a nice place to strip down for a massage from a stranger, but it turns out it’s actually pretty delightful at Masaj. Set across three shipping containers at the Gossamer City Project, with a bright, greenery-draped courtyard at its heart, the aim here is to champion the power of touch as an antidote to city stresses. Ideal, then. Their tagline is ‘come as you are’. For me that meant late and slightly sweaty after rushing out of a meeting and across London to the appointment. Happily, my frazzled arrival at the space, simply decked out with calming tones and fresh interiors, was met with soothing words and a line-up of delicious, and 100 percent natural, oils to sniff. Each massage is tailored to the needs of each individual body, so after a chat about my aches, pains, preferences and the weird places I hold tension, we moved to the petite but cleverly designed massage studio, and my therapist began. The only downside was having to leave the cocoon of the container and head back into the real world ‘as I was’: sleepy, dishevelled and covered in that delicious-smelling oil.

Deep in the basement of Sea Containers London hotel on the South Bank you’ll find the heaven-like Agua Spa. The bright, white interiors, with sweeping curves and warm golden lighting, are the complete opposite of a grey and dreary London day – just popping down there in the lift feels like a mini escape.  Guests can be primed and polished with grooming treatments in the Glamour Room, or, if deep relaxation is on the cards, you’ll be ushered into a plush private room for a treatment from wellness brands such as Made for Life, Soveral, Natura Bisse, Dr Jackson’s and De Mamiel. We opted for the Soveral Signature Facial and found ourselves glowing after an envigorating and firm face massage with a series of delicious aromatherapy-based products.  To maintain those chilled-out post-treatment vibes, guests are invited to sip herbal teas, enjoy a hot water bottle or snuggle with a duvet in the spa lounge. Beds, which are surrounded by light curtains for privacy, face an eye-catching copper teardrop installation created by designer Tom Dixon. You can even order nutritious salad bowls, juices and multivitamin sorbet sundaes while you prepare to face the outside world once again. 

After months of travel bans in the UK earlier this year, there was a time when holidays were finally back on the agenda. In fact, in the end, this summer saw a boom for UK travel, with campsites, cabins and cottages being booked up all over the country. But now summer’s over and the temperatures are dropping, what’s the deal with going away in the UK?  Well, recently, holidays in the UK have been currently pretty much impossible, thanks to England’s second national lockdown, and restrictions in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. And now?  Tintagel, Cornwall. Photograph: Shutterstock   Holidays in England England’s national lockdown, which included a ban on overnight stays and non-essential travel, ended on December 2, which meant holidays in the UK were back on the agenda for some of the country. However, tighter restrictions, which come into force on December 20, mean that the government are now asking ‘everyone, in all tiers, to stay local.’ According to the guidance, overnight stays are allowed in both Tiers 1 and 2. Though you are not allowed to enter or stay in someone else’s home if you are from or are visiting a Tier 2 area, it does mean you’re allowed to book trips to hotels, cabins and cottages in some parts of England. All accommodation must remain closed in Tier 3 areas and people living in these high risk areas are also being advised against non-essential travel.   It’s really bad news for Londoners though, as the city has just moved into Tier 4. This new, h

UPDATE: London and the surrounding areas are now in Tier 4. Here are the rules on travel from Tier 4 right now. With the country split into three tiers with three different sets of rules (and a Christmas exemption period coming up), travelling around England has never felt so complicated.  London has been in Tier 2, which meant we weren’t allowed to mix with other households indoors but we could travel around the country to other Tier 2 and to Tier 1 areas for overnight stays with our own households. But that’s going to change this week (from Wednesday December 16) when the capital joins the likes of Manchester, Kent and Bristol in Tier 3, the highest risk tier. Just about managed to get your head around Tier 2 rules? Here’s what you need to know now about Tier 3 travel rules.  Can you travel in and out of Tier 3 right now?  The government advice states that, if you live in a Tier 3 area like London, ‘you should avoid travelling outside your area’. That includes for international and domestic travel, as well as things like day trips. You should also avoid staying overnight in a place other than your home unless it is necessary for reasons relating to work, education or health – or to visit your support bubble, which is still allowed in Tier 3. Additionally, ‘accommodation such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, and guest houses must close’, along with indoor attractions, entertainment venues and hospitality, like pubs and restaurants.   If you live in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area you sh

Bored of staying inside? These happy sheep are proof that lockdown isn’t all baa-d.  Hundreds of them have taken over a town in Turkey that’s deserted thanks to all its residents staying inside, and the videos are so great they’re guaranteed to cheer ewe (sorry) up.  Flock of sheep invades Turkey’s city of Samsun last night during the coronavirus lockdown 🐑 pic.twitter.com/Wmf4pKEGPM — Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) May 3, 2020 The coastal city of Samsun is the latest place to discover that animals love lockdown. It recently welcomed hundreds of sheep to its usually-busy centre, and the people who spotted them were quick to share the strange sight on social media.  Whilst you were sleeping...Samsun, Turkey 🇹🇷🐐 pic.twitter.com/9bLpJ24ERO — Karen C Richardson (@KarenCRichardso) May 5, 2020 The flock ran riot in the quiet streets, baa-ing, grazing on grassy verges and making quite the racket with their clanging bells, before shepherds led them out of the city to a nearby mountainous area.  Thousands of sheep pour along the streets of Samsun, northern Turkey, empty due to #coronavirus curfews.Shepherds led them to a mountainous area in a neighboring province. #COVzu###pic.twitter.com/rgrkxaE8Mr — Stefan Simanowitz (@StefSimanowitz) May 5, 2020 They basically had a big night out in the city. Remember what that was like?  Most popular on Time Out - Daniel Radcliffe is reading you ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’- The Amsterdam restaurant with private greenhouses for

If you’re feeling a little hemmed in by your current place of residence, why not swap your four walls for an entire Scottish island. All you need is £1.75 mill and the entire Isle of Vaila, one of the Shetland islands, could be yours.  Photograph: Savills The current owners, who have lived on the secluded 757 acres for around three decades, have decided to sell up so someone else can enjoy living on the island where they say they’ve hosted ‘innumerable parties’ over the years.  Photograph: Savills As well as all that space to party as much and as loudly as you like, the island comes with a three-bedroom farmhouse, a two-bedroom cottage, an eighteenth-century watchtower and a seventeenth-century listed castle to call home.  Photograph: Savills The seriously idyllic spot also boasts six miles of coastline dotted with bays, caves and natural arches that attracts all kinds of wildlife – including orcas. Photograph: Savills Talking of animals, if you buy Vaila you’re also taking on a flock of around 200 Shetland ewes and becoming the custodian of the skeleton of a 42ft sperm whale which was beached on the island 20 years ago.  Photograph: Savills A move here is a likely to be a big culture shock for the majority of us. We’re talking a really, really remote existence. Like, zero chance of ever getting a Deliveroo. Off the north coast of Scotland, the Shetland islands are the UK’s northernmost point, sitting between the Faroe islands and Norway – and Isle of Vaila is a t

There are treehouses with epic balconies or cottages high on hills with sweeping views of the sea – and then there is this.   Cabin X, a secluded hideaway on a 25-acre farm in the East Sussex countryside, has a bathroom with an incredibly pleasing vista. In fact, it might just be the nicest bathroom in the country.  Photograph: Architects Holiday Floor to ceiling windows in the WC reveal lush trees and verdant ferns. The perfect companions while you’re sitting on the loo or enjoying the cabin’s huge walk-in shower.  Photograph: Architects Holiday It’s like having an alfresco bathroom – taking forest bathing to a whole new level – but without having to share your wet room with any overfriendly insects. The ideal situation, if you ask us.  Photograph: Architects Holiday The rest of the rustic cabin is pretty dreamy too. You can also soak up views of the surrounding greenery from your bed, which is east-facing for enjoying the morning light from under your duvet. Or even venture out into it – there’s a firepit BBQ on your doorstep as well as a farm shop and cafe a short walk through the trees.  Photograph: Architects Holiday Cabin X sleeps two adults from £145 a night. Find out more here.  Booking it right now? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Hastings while you’re there. 

Want a hideaway so secret and secluded it’s basically invisible? Check out this brand new treehouse, which has just appeared in a woodland in Devon. The Wonham Larch is a mirrored construction, perched on stilts in the tree canopy that has filled an abandoned quarry on the edge of Exmoor. Its clever exterior reflects its green surroundings, meaning the treehouse simply blends in and takes nothing away from its rural setting.  Photograph: Canopy & Stars The treehouse, which sleeps two and is baby- and dog-friendly, has huge windows, with mega views from the bed and the bathroom, so you can enjoy all that unspoilt greenery while you’re hidden away inside. Photograph: Canopy & Stars There’s also a balcony, complete with outdoor jacuzzi bath, for getting even better acquainted with those leaves.  Inside you’ll find boardgames, a log burner and a kitchen stuffed full of local treats – if you ever tire of watching birds or shooting stars from your alfresco tub.  The Wonham Larch is £145 a night. Find out more here. 

There are authentic farm stays, and then there is this cabin. The little wooden home has been built on stilts above an ancient drovers’ track, so that the farmers can still herd their sheep underneath. And yes, you can book it for a rustic weekend away. Not only does the elevated position provide some lovely views and leafy treetop vistas out of the windows, but it means your stay doesn’t interfere with the workings of the Herefordshire farm.  Photograph: Canopy & Stars The clever, low-impact creation was the concept of architects Akin Studio, who also note that the stilts create the sense of being in a treehouse, without damaging the surrounding trees themselves. ‘The house reinterprets the experience of living within the tree canopies by building as close as possible to them, without felling or damaging their roots,’ say the architects. Photograph: Canopy & Stars Drovers’ Bough is nestled deep in the peaceful Herefordshire countryside, surrounded by overgrown hedgerows and trees, on a 27-acre farm in the foothills of the Black Mountains. It sleeps two and starts at £275 a night. Once there, all you need to do is switch off, wake to birdsong and spend your evenings stargazing around the fire pit. Apart from the odd passing flock, you’re likely to be entirely undisturbed.  Find out more or book here.  Fancy an actual treehouse? Check out these top treehouses you can stay in. 

Here’s a reason to plan a trip to Cornwall this summer (as if you needed another). The Hidden Hut’s magical beach feasts are back for the season – and the first batch of tickets go on sale this week. If you haven’t heard of the Hidden Hut, here’s the deal. It’s an open-air café-restaurant tucked away on a secluded stretch of the coastal path between Portscatho and St Mawes. Open year-round, it serves up delicious takeaway lunches (Cornish pasties, cakes, chowders, dhals and enormous salads) to be enjoyed on Porthcurnick Beach, one of the best beaches in Cornwall. But the Hut is almost famous for its summer beach feast nights. As the sun goes down at low tide, one spectacular themed dish is served to hungry diners seated on long communal tables on the sand. Customers bring plates, cutlery and booze (plus layers for the chiller and rainier Cornish evenings) and the Hidden Hut chefs provide the flavours. The dreamy experiences sell out quickly, and for very good reason: they’re a highlight of the British summer. Plus the feasts haven’t run since 2019, so you can expect an even bigger ticket rush as they make their grand return. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Hidden Hut (@hiddenhut) Feast themes for summer 2022 include Champagne Shells, Allotment Meze and Summer Sardines. Tickets for the May dates, the first feasts of the season, go on sale on Saturday May 14. You can book and find out more here. Planning a trip? Here are 12 more of

The UK is edged by miles and miles of glorious coastline: rugged cliffs, soft sand dunes, pebble beaches – and a LOT of brilliant seaside towns. So many and yet we only have 52 weekends a year in which to explore them, so it’s a good job someone has taken the time to rank them, from best to worst.  If you hear ‘seaside town’ and immediately think bright and buzzy Brighton or Blackpool, the town that topped this list might surprise you.  Photograph: Shutterstock The quiet seaside town of Bamburgh in Northumberland is officially the best in the UK, according to more than 4,000 people polled by Which?. There’s not much going on – it rated poorly for shopping and has zero nightlife – but little Bamburgh, which sits in the shadow of impressive Bamburgh castle, scored highly for peace and quiet, winning points for its stunning scenery and pristine beach. Sounds lush to us.  Photograph: Shutterstock You can check out the full list here, but other coastal towns which scored highly include Llandudno, Tenby, St Davids and Conwy in Wales, St Andrews in Scotland, Dartmouth in Devon, Aldeburgh in Suffolk, Filey in North Yorkshire and Lyme Regis in Dorset.  That’s a solid list to work your way through this summer. See ya on the sand. 

This really is the most wonderful time of the year. It seems like only last week that we were revelling in the joy of a long weekend (because it was), and now here we are on the cusp of another.  If the bumper run of bank hols has taken you by surprise and you find yourself plan-less for the early May long weekend, do not panic. As luck (and an Airbnb deep dive) would have it, there are plenty of pretty ace places that still have availability for the upcoming weekend (April 29 to May 2).  Like this vibey 1960s poolhouse in the Cotswolds. Photograph: Airbnb This rural hideaway beside a lake in Devon. Photograph: Airbnb This incredibly-positioned, luxe cabin high above a Cornish beach. Photograph: Unique Homestays This twee, Edwardian cottage surrounded by pine trees. Photograph: Landmark Trust And this bougie Somerset bolthole. Photograph: Airbnb Want to plan ahead for the next bank holiday? Check out our pick of the best Airbnbs in the UK. 

Heard the big news? This weekend is not only the first bank holiday of 2022, but it’s also going to bring with it a mini-heatwave.  We’re talking highs of 22C, which would make it the hottest weekend of the year so far. Truly the best of times.  If you’re unprepared, do not panic. There are actually quite a few places to stay in the UK that still have Easter bank hol availability. Like these five properties, made for sunny, warm weekends like these:   The lakeside shepherd’s hut Photograph: Airbnb A fancy villa right on the beach Photograph: Airbnb This place with a pool Photograph: Airbnb A *very* chic boudoir by the seaside Photograph: Airbnb This super-romantic Cotswolds cottage Photograph: Airbnb

There’s no place like home, eh? And you could be saying that about one pretty incredible property soon.  The Deer Tower (yes, we’re talking about an actual tower) wouldn’t be out of place in a fairy tale – and it’s just come on the market for the first time in 25 years. Photograph: Knight Frank It’s got some impressive features, as well as one very famous former resident: Judy Garland. The Wizard of Oz star once called the tower, which sits near Chiddingfold right on the West Sussex/Surrey border, home. *insert joke about not being in Kansas any more*  Photograph: Knight Frank For a casual £6.35 million, the three-bedroom Deer Tower’s 120 acres, including formal gardens, an orchard, woodlands and a standalone studio in the grounds, could be yours.  You can survey it all from the tower’s roof terraces and balconies, while inside the eighteenth-century, grade II-listed tower you’ll find a log burner, an AGA, elegant rooms and ornate windows to gaze out of. Photograph: Knight Frank Due to the tower’s rounded walls there are also plenty of cute nooks and unusual spaces to discover, like circular dressing rooms, a petite study and a tiny bar off the drawing room. We can see why Judy liked the place.  Fancy calling this place home? Find out more here.  Got five minutes to spare? Want to tell us what life is like in your city? Take the Time Out Index survey here.