Frankie Lister-Fell

The best part of a walking holiday isn’t the cardio, it is the absolute impunity with which you can demolish a massive pub lunch afterwards. And if you are looking for a rural escape, the Peak District is elite. England’s oldest National Park is a mix of rugged ridges and pretty valleys, making it the perfect spot to disappear for a weekend. Whether you are here to lace up your boots for a brutal hill climb, crash down some cycling trails, or just spend three days hopping between tea rooms and pints, it the Peak District delivers. To save you scrolling through thousands of identical rentals, we’ve found the Peak District Airbnbs worth your time. We are talking converted stone barns with wood-burning stoves, valley views that don't require leaving the sofa and beds designed to make you miss your morning alarm. Best Airbnbs in the Peak District, at a glance 🛖 Best for a barn conversion in Tideswell ⛪ Best for a converted chapel in Brassington 🦙 Best for a farm stay with Alpacas in Ilam 🛁 Best for a cottage in Monyash 🚶‍♂️ Best for walkers in Flagg 📍 RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to UK getaways 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. 

An adventure in the Scottish Highlands is like no other trip in the UK. One minute you could be scaling a mountain, and the next sunbathing on a Caribbean-esque beach. Finding the right base is essential. From isolated lochside cottages with wood-burning stoves to luxury log cabins with hot tubs and glamping pods, the options are as dramatic as the landscape. We’ve handpicked the best Airbnbs in the Scottish Highlands, featuring Superhost stays near Glencoe, Fort William, and Loch Ness to make planning your ultimate Scottish escape effortless. Best Scottish Highland stays at a glance 💞 Best for couples: Cabin with hot tub and sauna near Inverness 🎉 Best for big groups: Castle near Dingwall with a garden 🌊 Most off-grid: Cottage in Lairg with free parking 🏃‍♀️ Best for adventure seekers: Isle of Skye cottage with a fire RECOMMENDED: 🛖 Discover the best Airbnbs in the UK📍 Our ultimate guide to UK getaways 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.

Colorado’s a state of contrasts: snow-capped mountains, lush forests and sprawling metropolises (for all the deets, check out our best things to do in Colorado). Lucky for you there’s a plethora of Airbnbs here, too. With all that adventuring you’ll be doing, we’ve handpicked the best Airbnbs that come with a hot tub so you can enjoy a post hike soak. From ski-in/ski-out chalets in Breckenridge to secluded mountain cabins in Estes Park perfect for stargazing, we’ve rounded up the best of the best for your Rocky Mountain trip. Best Colorado Airbnbs with a hot tub, at a glance:  ⛷️ Best Airbnb for skiing: Ski in and out flat in Breckenridge 🫰 Best budget-friendly Airbnb: Affordable cabin in Durango 🍼 Best Airbnb for families: Family-friendly home in Colorado Springs 🐶 Best dog-friendly Airbnb: Dog-friendly Airbnb near Cripple Creek 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.

San Antonio is a Texas city that embraces its Mexican heritage. You’ll get a whiff of this when you stroll past its historic buildings The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission, to The Natural Bridge Caverns and the Venetian-style Riverwalk. Whether you are planning a trip near the historic River Walk, booking a boutique retreat in the Pearl District, or hunting for a sprawling house with a private pool, finding the perfect San Antonio Airbnb makes all the difference. Our handpicked guide highlights the top stays across the Alamo City for every type of trip. Updated August 2026: We’ve given this list a much-needed overhaul to bring you all the coolest spots to stay right inside the city. Check out our new entry at number one.  The best Airbnbs in San Antonio, at a glance:  🐶 Best for dog-owners: Dog-friendly Airbnb near The Pearl District 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Best for families and large groups: Contemporary house near Roosevelt Park ✨ Best for a unique immersive experience: Sherlock experience Airbnb near Hollywood Park 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.

Lace up your hiking boots, California’s wilderness is calling. Finding where to stay near the Yosemite comes down to comfort and access. If you want to book an Airbnb inside Yosemite National Park grounds itself opt for Yosemite West. But there are plenty of other options. From facility-heavy areas like Oakhurst to Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley or the further-out likes of Mariposa, Yosemite’s surrounding area is home to stunning Airbnbs. The best Airbnb cabins in near Yosemite National Park, at a glance:  🏞️ Best Airbnb inside park gates: Affordable loft in Yosemite West 👶 Best for families: Cabin with a hot tub in Groveland 🎊 Best Yosemite Airbnb for large groups: Cascades Grandview Lodge 🧖‍♀️ Best Yosemite Airbnb with hot tub: Large A-Frame Airbnb in Oakhurst Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, it’s our mission to help you make your trip as smooth sailing as possible. For this, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you all the best stays whatever your budget. You might come across the odd affiliate link but rest assured, they have no influence on our editorial content – we pinky swear. For more info, see our affiliate guidelines.

Just across the river from Tribeca, New York, these Jersey City Airbnb rentals make a surprisingly convenient (and affordable) choice for a trip to New York City. Close to the PATH train, you’ll enjoy rapid transit to Manhattan’s top attractions, plus lower rates, extra space, and exceptional Hudson River skyline views. Whether you need a cozy studio in Downtown Jersey City or a family apartment in Journal Square with free parking, here are the top Jersey City Airbnbs. Updated August 2026: We’ve added two large Airbnbs in the city to keep things interesting. One comes with unparelled views of the Hudson River from the living room, and a balcony to soak it all in. You’ll be singing Empire State of Mind in the shower in no time. The best Airbnb cabins in Jersey City, at a glance:  🤱 Best for families: Modern flat in Weehawken just a stone’s throw from Times Square 🎊 Best for a big group: Huge Airbnb in Journal Square 🌇 Best for skyline views: Large Airbnb with views of the Hudson River 🗽 Closest to New York City: Urban Airbnb in Downtown Jersey City 🤑 Most affordable: Airbnb with a garden near Grove Path 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 information, see

Searching for the best Airbnbs in New England? Spanning six states—Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts—this region offers an unmatched mix of rugged coastlines, mountain ranges and historic towns. Whether you’re planning an autumn (fall) road trip to watch the leaves change, a summer beach escape or a ski weekend, we’ve hand-selected top-rated stays for every type of trip: from cozy Vermont treehouses with hot tubs to coastal Maine cottages. The best Airbnbs in New England at a glance: 💗 Most romantic Airbnb: The Lovers Honey Pond Treehouse in Vermont 🧸 Best Airbnb for families: The waterfront home in Maine 🖼️ Most unique Airbnb: The mini house near MASS MoCA in Vermont 💸 Best Airbnb on a budget: The glamping dome in Maine 🎉 Best for big groups: Big historic farmhouse in New Hampshire 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 information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Searching for the best Airbnbs in Whitstable, Kent? From historic fisherman's cottages on Island Wall to sea-view townhouses with private parking on Harbour Street, this coastal gem is the ultimate seaside staycation spot. Famous for fresh oysters, sunset pints at The Old Neptune, and Tankerton Beach walks, we’ve handpicked the top-rated Whitstable Airbnb rentals for romantic weekenders, families and dog-friendly group breaks. Best Whitstable Airbnbs at a glance 🐶Best dog friendly Airbnb in Whitstable: Huge dog-friendly Airbnb with four bedrooms in central Whitstable 🧸Best Airbnb for families: Dog-friendly cottage in Whitstable with a garden near the high street 💸Best budget friendly Airbnb: Romantic beach cabin on Hampton Beach near Whitstable with sea views 🎉Most unique Airbnb in Whitstable for special occasions: Large dog-friendly Airbnb with sea views on Tankerton Beach 💞Best Airbnb for couples: Georgian terrace Airbnb for two in Herne Bay with sea views RECOMMENDED: 🇬🇧 Here’s our list of best Airbnbs near London 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.

A weekend escape from the big city is definitely needed sometimes, and you don’t need to hop on a plane to find incredible places to unwind, explore and recharge. If you’re looking to stay put in the Capital, head over to our guide to the best Airbnbs in London. But for all things coastal, charming and windswept outside of the city, read on, friends – we’ve got charming market towns, rolling countryside and tucked-away villages a-plenty.  📌 Updated August 2026: New for 2026 are our all-new reviews of The View at Shoreline in Folkestone and Elmore Wild Treehouses in Gloucester, which are both not to be missed. Read on for details and how to book.  RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to UK getaways The best Airbnb breaks near London, at a glance 🏖️ Best seaside getaway: The View at Shoreline, Folkestone 💦 Best for wild swimming and hot tubs: The Ditchling Cabin in South Downs 🏔️ Best for total isolation: The Pobble House in Dungeness 💅 Best for a girls’ trip: The contemporary vineyard in Toppesfield, Essex 🛖 Most treehouse: Elmore Wild ‘Wildcat’ Treehouse 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.  ➡️ The ultimate guide to travelling near London

Amsterdam means something different to everyone. Some fall in love with its storybook canals and centuries of history, while others come for its coffeeshops and legendary nightlife. Whatever draws you in, one thing’s certain: every neighborhood has its own charm. Whether you're exploring historic Jordaan, sipping orange wine in Noord or visiting top attractions like the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House, these canal-side flats and rare houseboat Airbnbs put you close to the city's finest. Best Airbnbs in Amsterdam at a glance ⛵Best houseboat: Boutique houseboat in Jordaan 💞Best for couples: Loft Airbnb next to Vondelpark 🤱Best for families: Central Airbnb with private garden 💥Most unique: The old windmill in Abcoude This guide was written by Derek Robertson, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.  🏨 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to hotels in Amsterdam

If you're looking for the best Airbnbs in Munich you've come to the right place. This buzzing city steeped in Bavarian culture has far more going for it than its famous beer festival Oktoberfest. The place I’ve called home for almost a decade is a top destination for history, culture and of course, food. There's the sprawling nature of Englischer Garten and the historic streets of Marienplatz. My favourite thing to do here is head to the river with its buzzing banks, roomy bike lanes and secluded stony beaches further out of town.  From luxury Airbnbs to apartments in the city centre and the old town, check out our suggestions for the best Airbnbs in Munich. Best Airbnbs in Munich at a glance 🏰 Best in Altstadt (Old Town): The slick apartment near Marienplatz 🍻 Best near Oktoberfest: The upscale attic in the heart of Munich 👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 Best for families: Kid-friendly family flat in a period building 🛍️ Best in Schwabing: The stylish stay in Schwabing 🏨 Discover our ultimate guide to hotels in Munich Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, our writers 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. Kate Mann is a writer based in Munich. At Time Out, all of our travel guide

If you’re looking for a UK staycation, Cornwall has to be on your list. This beautiful region is more than just picturesque fishing towns like the famous St Ives. There’s the 630 mile trail the South West Coast Path - yes, the same route walked in the controversial book The Salt Path - and the sleepy fishing port of Padstow. No matter your budget or style, we’ve found the best Airbnbs in Cornwall. Updated July 2026: Can’t wait to get away again? We’ve added an extra helping of gorgeous properties for groups, including a huge farmhouse in the Penrose countryside and a flat ideal for surfers in Newquay. ➡️ Looking for even more options? Discover the best hotels in Cornwall The best Airbnbs in Cornwall at a glance 🧑‍🍼 Best for families: Cosy Airbnb in St Maybn for families 🏄‍♀️ Best for surfing: Airbnb with beach views in Newquay for the ultimate surfing holiday 💞 Best for couples: Romantic Airbnb in St Ives with panoramic sea views 🎉 Best for group holidays: Huge farmhouse for group stays in Penrose countryside 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 information, see our affiliate guidelines. 📍 The best Airbnbs in the UK

One of London’s most famous museums is dusting off the keys to old rooms that haven’t been seen by the public for decades.  The Natural History Museum in South Kensington plans to open two spaces, one of which hasn’t been seen by visitors since World War II. The aptly named Old General Herbarium has not been seen by Londoners since 1948 and is set to launch in 2026 as a pop-up Hidden Histories gallery. Origins gallery, which has been shut since 2004, will also reopen as a ‘Land and Air gallery’ sometime before the institution’s 150th birthday in 2031. Both spaces currently house some of the museum’s huge behind-the-scenes collection. But to get the rooms ready will require a serious logistical battle and the transfer of millions of specimens, from tiny beetles to fossils. As reported in the Times, the NHM has 80 million specimens, and for every taxidermied animal you see on display, there are at least 3,000 more specimens in storage.  Around 38 million specimens are set to move next year, some within the South Ken building and others will be moved to the Thames Valley Science Park, a multimillion-pound research centre near Reading. The man behind the plans is Doug Gurr, who’s been director of the Natural History Museum since 2020. He has set the ambitious target to keep updating the institution by introducing ‘one new thing a year’ until 2031, the Times reported. The reopenings are tied to the museum’s NHM Unlocked programme, which is backed by government funding and intends

If you’ve ever winced while watching the meter rise in the back of a black cab, here’s some validation: London now ranks as the fifth most expensive city in the world for taxi fares.  Analysis by Deutsche Bank investigated how much a 5km journey cost in a cab in cities across the world, as part of its Mapping the World’s Prices 2025 report. The data included both traditional taxis and cabs ordered through an app like Uber or Bolt. London came in fifth place, with around £17.26 per 5km ride, ahead of other expensive cities including Amsterdam, Milan and Tokyo. At the top of the list was Zurich in Switzerland, where a short trip will set you back a whopping £20.40. Paris came in at second (£26.50), followed by Luxembourg (£19.43) and Geneva (£18.76).  European cities dominated the list, way ahead of most US metropolises. New York was the 20th most expensive city for a ride (around £11.69) and San Francisco was 24th (£10.58) in the list. At the other end of the scale, Cairo in Egypt came out as the cheapest city in the world for a one-way ride. A taxi in the country’s capital costs about £1.42 per 5km.  The bank cautioned that it found taxi data ‘some of the most volatile’ in the study, possibly because of the introduction of app-based ride hailing in the last decade. Plus, the capital’s taxi industry could see huge changes in the next year, as several driverless cars – or robotaxis – will launch in London in 2025. ICYMI: Here all the tube and train closures in London over Chris

Making the epic journey from London to Australia will soon be just that bit more bearable. Currently, if you’re looking to fly Down Under from the capital, you can expect at least one layover and a close to 30-hour total journey. Airline Qantas is in the process of creating an ultra-long-range plane that can fly for up to 22 hours from London to Sydney without pausing. This will be the longest non-stop passenger flight in the world. Currently the flight holding that title is Singapore Airlines’s 19-hour service from New York to Singapore.  Project Sunrise, which got its name because passengers will be able to see two sunrises while onboard the vessel, will begin test flights next year and will launch fully in 2027. The super long-haul flight is made possible by an additional 20,000 litre fuel tank. Twenty-two hours sounds like a long time to sit still, so Qantas is redesigning the cabin to make it more comfortable. There will be fewer seats than usual – 238 instead of over 300 – allowing you to walk around, and a dedicated wellness zone for stretching. The airline has also worked with sleep and health specialists to develop lighting, meal timing and inflight routines aimed at reducing fatigue and jet lag. In November, Qantas gave an update that the project is coming along well. The wings, tail section and landing gear are now attached to the new plane. Qantas Group Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson said Project Sunrise will overcome the ‘tyranny of distance’, adding that

It’s December, which means you’re almost certainly starting to think seriously about Christmas. It’s time to plan what presents to buy, which festive songs to play and, crucially, figure out how to travel to wherever you need to be in the festive period. For instance, will you need to wrap up warm and navigate snow? Britain’s weather has recently swung from unseasonably mild to seasonably freezing, and some have forecasted that a ‘Beast from the East’ could arrive in December. When it comes to the end of the month, forecasters are releasing long-range predictions for what the weather could look like over Christmas and New Year.  You can find the specific London Christmas weather forecast here. Will there be a White Christmas in the UK this year? If you’re holding out for a snowy Christmas, the stats aren’t in your favour. In the UK, December is actually one of the least snowy winter months – we only get snow settling on the ground for about three days on average. January and February are far better bets, with around 3.3 and 3.4 snowy days respectively, and even around 1.9 days in March. The last white Christmas in the UK was in 2023, when 11 percent of the Met Office’s weather stations recorded snow falling, but none of it settled. Early forecasts suggest snow is going to be unlikely on December 25. What does the Met Office forecast say? For December 15 to December 29, the Met says that ‘there is a greater chance of spells of high pressure during this period’, and that there

Center Parcs is a classic UK family holiday choice – and for obvious reasons. There’s simply too much fun that can be had without having to leave the complex’s gates. Where else can you bomb down a waterslide one minute, master ‘spells’ in wizard school the next and putt for a hole-in-one at mini golf all before dinner? Soon British holidaymakers will have even more Center Parcs destinations to choose from, as the dopamine-filled leisure park chain is opening its first venue in Scotland. The location will be its sixth in the UK and first new development in Great Britain in a decade. Scotland’s first Center Parcs holiday village has been in the works for years. Planned for the Scottish Borders – between Hawick and Selkirk – the application was lodged in July 2025 after public consultations. Officials recommended approval of the application, which was approved unanimously by the Scottish Borders Council today (December 8).  Center Parcs says the £350-£400 million development will feature 700 forest lodges located in a newly built woodland, a large indoor water park, lochs, a sports plaza, walking trails, a heritage centre, a central area with restaurants and shops, and a spa. The project will create between 750 and 800 jobs during construction and about 1,200 permanent roles. Photograph: Center Parcs Scotland Colin McKinlay, Chief Executive of Center Parcs, said when the planning application was submitted: ‘With many families in Scotland already travelling to our existing vil

After a two year refurbishment, the Edmonton Leisure Centre in Enfield, north London has fully reopened.  The centre shut its doors in December 2023 when Enfield Council transferred its leisure centres from Fusion Lifestyle to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) – the same people running the new Woolwich Waves centre in south London. What started as a routine inspection quickly uncovered some big maintenance issues, and it became clear the place needed significant repairs.  A total of £7.5 million has been spent on updating the facilities at Edmonton Leisure Centre, including redoing its 25-metre swimming pool and training pool. Its non-swimming facilities had a glow-up, too, though reopened in April earlier this year. The upgrade has given the training pool, splash pool and surrounding areas brand-new tiles and LED lighting. The training pool itself is designed specifically for beginners and offers a ‘warm, shallow environment for building water confidence, helping babies, children and adults to take their first steps in swimming’.  Councillor Sabri Ozaydin, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Climate Action, told the Enfield Dispatch: ‘We know how important Edmonton Leisure Centre is to the health, wellbeing and social life of local people, so we are delighted that this major renovation project is now complete with the reopening of the training pool.  ‘We have invested not only in this facility but also the health and wellbeing of the local community, who now h

After surviving a pandemic and the demolition of the Elephant and Castle shopping centre, a top Caribbean spot in south London is being forced to close following after a legal battle with its landlord. Kaieteur Kitchen Original in Castle Square was a Time Out favourite, having featured on our ranking of London’s best Caribbean restaurants. Helmed by Faye Gomes, known to many as Aunty Faye, Kaieteur wasn’t fancy or flashy but simply served some of the best Guyanese food in town.  Gomes had been serving fresh Caribbean cuisine for 20 years at Kaieteur, including her famous pepper pot, but a few months ago she was reportedly handed a £21,000 electricity bill and told she needed to pay upfront. Without the funds to do so, in October she arrived to open up shop to find it had been locked shut. Aunty Faye wasn’t alone. Four other food traders in Castle Square – who had been relocated there from the shopping centre after it was knocked down in 2020 – received similar hefty bills and were barred from their stores. A fundraising campaign ensued to help the traders pay for legal bills to fight the extortionate electricity bills, but in a statement posted by the local charity Latin Elephant this week, it was revealed that Kaieteur Kitchen will close for good. The post said: ‘The landlord refused to lower the monthly repayment amount further, which was too expensive for them to accept.’ But all is not lost. Aunty Faye is on the look out for another commercial kitchen space this month, id

If you’re looking for an alternative activity over the festive period, here’s just the thing: you’ll have a rare opportunity to tour a mysterious, long-abandoned English village.  The village in question is Imber in Wiltshire, a mysterious hamlet on the Salisbury Plain which was deserted during World War II and is now owned by the military. From December 29 2025 to January 1 2026, the Ministry of Defence is giving the public the rare opportunity to tour the place.  Imber has a fascinating backstory. Appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086, for years the village was just a quiet farming settlement. However, it was slowly bought up by the MoD until, by 1932, all the farmland was owned by the government. During World War II in 1943, all 150 residents were kicked out to allow American soldiers to train for the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe. Even after the war ended, locals weren’t allowed to return.  Today, despite being vacant and still under the control of the military, the village has kept its original features – including the Grade I- listed St Giles Church, which is home to wall paintings from the 13th and 15th century. There’s also farmhouses, a school, council homes, training buildings constructed by the military in the 1970s and a pub called The Bell Inn. On tour days, the church will be open each day from 10am to 4pm and be serving light refreshments. For a few days a year, the MoD lets the public tour the town on foot, and on other days it’s still used for training in

Crinkle cut fries and gloopily thick milkshakes are officially coming to Manchester in the new year. Popular, ever-expanding New York burger chain Shake Shack has revealed plans to open at the Trafford Centre in March 2026. So far the US company’s UK operations have been mostly focused on London, though it also has outposts in Oxford, Cardiff, Cambridge and Birmingham. The Manchester opening will be the first Shake Shack branch in the north of England and 18th in the UK.  Expect the usual fan favourites on the menu: Aberdeen angus burgers, crispy chicken, homemade lemonade, those wavy fries, ‘flat-top’ hot dogs and seriously hefty chocolate, coffee and caramel milkshakes. Shake Shack is not the only hyped American food chain to have announced it is branching out of London and heading up north in recent weeks. Egg-centric company Eggslut announced it will open in Manchester's Deansgate by the end of January 2026.  Richard Franks, Business Director at Shake Shack UK, said: ‘Manchester’s a city that does things proper; it’s full of heart, graft and great taste. We’re so pumped to be growing Shake Shack across the UK, and to be opening our first Northern Shack at the Trafford Centre. We can’t wait to be a part of this city.’ Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, added: ‘We’re really excited to welcome Shake Shack’s first Northern restaurant to Trafford Centre. ‘We know our visitors are going to love getting their hands on those iconic ShackBurgers and crinkle-cut frie

London is known for many things – top-class food, music and culture, to name a few of the city’s great draws – but the capital, with its high levels of light pollution, isn’t great for stargazing. Fortunately you won’t need to find high ground or a clear night to see a new celestial sight in the capital.  Artist Luke Jerram is bringing a scientific replica of the reflective orb up close and personal to the Royal Observatory Greenwich in the New Year. Jerram, an artist known for his large-scale celestial works, will put his latest sculpture, ‘Mirror Moon’, on show in March 2026.  ‘Mirror Moon’ is a two-metre-wide mirrored steel duplicate of the real deal using accurate topographic data from NASA of the Moon’s surface. Visitors will be able to run their hands over imitations of our celestial sister’s craters, valleys, mountains and lava fields that are visible from Earth. You’ll also be able to feel your way around the deeply cratered surface on the previously mysterious ‘far side’ of the Moon.  Photograph: Luke Jerram It’s fitting that the exhibition will be at Greenwich Observatory, which has been observing the satellite for 350 years. The astronomical institution is also the place where sailors learned a method to determine their position at sea depending on the distance between them and the Moon. Jerram said: ‘For more than two decades, the Royal Observatory Greenwich has been inspiration for my work as an artist and so it’s an absolute privilege to be commissioned to cr

If you hadn’t already noticed, London is awash with Christmas markets. Each market has its own charms, whether that be specialising in artisanal treats or brewing up tangy mulled wine – but now two more have been added to the mix.  Real Food Market has opened two new Christmas markets for the 2025 festive season. One is outside London Bridge Station (which is open until December 21) and the other is at King’s Cross Station (there until December 22). The London Bridge fair is new for 2025, while the King’s Cross edition is returning once more.  You’ll find the London Bridge fair on the walkway between St Thomas Street and Tooley Street. The whole stretch has been transformed into a festive scene with twinkly lights, wooden chalet huts selling handmade gifts and even a choir singing sweet music.  Over at King’s Cross Square you’ll find similar festive cheer, with live music, toasted marshmallows, and more festive delicacies you can fill a tote bag with (the Sicilian panettone sounds especially delicious). Photograph: Real Food Philip Lowery, director at Real Food Market, commented: ‘By bringing artisan food and handmade gifts to two of London’s busiest stations, we’re giving people the chance to support independent businesses. Whether you’re picking up a gift or grabbing a festive bite, we want visitors to feel the magic of the season.’ Here’s Time Out’s definitive guide to the best Christmas markets in the capital this year.  Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke –

Love or loathe it, you can’t deny that Wetherspoons has some of the best-value pints in the capital. In outer boroughs like Croydon a beer a ’Spoons pint can set you back just £2.40; in the city centre it might be closer to £4, but that’s still vastly cheaper than most boozers (and even some flat whites). In good news for south London (and Kentish) commuters, JD Wetherspoons has applied to open a new branch right next to Charing Cross at 11 The Strand.  ’Spoons is pitching to open in a former café and retail space. The two-floor venue will have capacity for 320 people, as well as boast a full food menu serving up to an hour before closing and a smoking area (but with no outdoor seating).  Similar to the pub chain’s other train station boozers, this one hopes to open early: between 7am and 11.30pm Monday to Thursday, extending to a 12am finish on Fridays and Saturdays and closing at 10.30pm on Sundays. Due to its central location – Charing Cross is considered the centre point of London – the pub will come with a system designed to manage busier periods, including football matchdays. The application says that the pub will consider employing the same door staff used by Heaven nightclub, who will work the door from 6pm onwards. ’Spoons first applied to take over the site, which was once occupied by a Paul café and Next shop, last year but the application was rejected by Westminster City Council. My London reported that a council document said the size of the pub was ‘inappropriat