Frankie Lister-Fell

Don’t get us wrong, we love city living. The culture, the buzz, the endless things to see and do. But even the biggest city lovers need a tranquil escape to nature from time to time. Nothing says relaxation quite like a countryside getaway, and if it’s got a hot tub too, you’ll be that much more refreshed. Luckily, the UK is full of rustic log cabins plonked in the middle of a field or forest with a toasty hot tub ready for you to soak in and forget life’s stressors. From spacious chalets to tiny homes, we’ve rounded up the cosiest cabins with a hot tub in the country. So pack your bikini, turn your phone to ‘do not disturb’ and crack open a bottle of bubbly. Trust us, a few days in one of these spa-like hideaways might be just what you need to recharge. Best Airbnbs with hot tubs at a glance 🪩 Best for parties: The chalet in Cumbria 👩‍👩‍👦‍👦 Best for families: Farm stay in Wales 💖 Best for couples: Love shack in the Lake District 📍 RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to UK getaways Who makes the cut? While we have stayed in some of the Airbnbs featured, we may not have been to them all. 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.

Planning a Midwest getaway? Here’s a thought: skip the sprawling rental and go tiny. These pint-sized, cleverly designed hideaways pack serious charm into a few hundred square feet, offering everything you need (and nothing you don’t) for a cosy escape. Whether you’re after a quiet woodland escape, a lakeside hideout, or a beachfront perch, we’ve found the cutest stays the Midwest has to offer. So go ahead, downsize your next adventure. From romantic retreats to solo resets, here are the best tiny Airbnbs it worth checking into.  Updated November 2025: To keep things fresh we've added new properties, including a cabin with a sauna, which you'll need for those snowy winters. You're welcome. Tiny homes in the Midwest at a glance 💥Best for families: The A-frame cabin in Homewood 💞Best for couples: The sweetheart beach cottage in Lake Ann 🚶‍♀️Best for solo travellers: The garden getaway in Wisconsin 💸Best on a budget: The sunlit retreat in Charlevoix RECOMMENDED: 🏠Check out the coziest Airbnbs near Chicago💕stay at the most romantic Airbnbs near Chicago🌇 Find the best Airbnb lofts in Chicago 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.

Sunshine, palm trees and year-round vacation vibes – Florida was made for getaways. While hotels have their charm, the real magic lies in the state’s Airbnb’s: beachfront bungalows, luxury condos, and off-grid treehouses where you can get up close with nature. From sugar-white beaches to Orlando’s theme parks, the surf breaks of Cocoa Beach and the nightlife of Miami, Florida is packed with unforgettable getaways. You’ll also find hidden gems inland – peaceful lakeside cabins, riverside retreats, and off-the-map escapes that show a quieter side of the Sunshine State. Whatever kind of trip you’re dreaming of our these are the best Airbnbs in Florida to make your trip unforgettable. Best Airbnbs in Florida at a glance 🏡Best for families: The log cabin in Live Oak 💕Best for couples: The oceanfront condo in Panama City Beach 🪽Best on a budget: The nature intense cabin in Fort White 🌊Best luxury stay: The luxe condo in South Beach 🎳Best for big groups: The adult playground with a bowling alley RECOMMENDED:🏠 The best Airbnbs in Miami🏨 The best hotels in Tampa🏠 The best Airbnbs in Orlando This guide was recently updated by writer Shayne Benowitz. 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. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate link

Before you start planning that Paris itinerary, you’re going to want to decide where to stay. After all, you’re not about to simply ‘visit a city’ – no sir – you’re stepping into a tightly woven patchwork of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct personality, often far removed from the cliché of the Eiffel Tower (stunning though she is), twinkling over the Seine at night. That’s where this guide comes in – we’ve taken a closer look at each neighbourhood (and arrondissement) to help you experience Paris like a local, from the foodie haven of Charonne to the bougie shopping street of Tuileries. And we’ve included our favourite hotels too.  📍Discover our guide of the best Airbnbs in Paris In this guide Where should I stay on my first trip to Paris? + − If you’re hoping to tick off all the major landmarks on your first trip to Paris, you’ll want to be based as centrally as possible. For those looking to go luxe, staying in one of the iconic hotels in Tuileries will put you just a stone’s throw from the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens and Champs-Élysées. More interested in soaking up the cafe culture and exploring winding streets? Opt for bohemian Montmartre – if it’s good enough for Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet, it’s good enough for us. What’s the difference between arrondissements and districts? + − In Paris arrondissements are the city’s official administrative divisions. There are 20 in total, and they are numbered from the centre outwards in a clockwise spiral. F

The stretch from November to February can feel bleak. Summer holidays and festivals suddenly seem very, very far away. But the best way to beat the winter blues is to lean in. Yes you could jet off to Barbados if you’ve got the funds, but keeping things hygge can be just as relaxing. When it comes to a winter getaway in the UK, you don’t need loads of annual leave, a long journey, or an unlimited budget. The truth is, there are plenty of brilliant spots for a quick pre- or post-Christmas escape, whether you’re after a day trip, a cosy weekend, or a week-long break. Think fresh sea air, wild reindeer sightings, snug pubs, and countless other ways to embrace the chill. Here’s our roundup of the best places in the UK for a winter break. The UK’s cosiest cottages to stay inThe UK’s best Airbnbs for Christmas 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.

You’ve decided you’re travelling to London. You’ve booked your transport and downloaded a tube map, but where to stay? You’ve probably clocked that London is one massive, sprawling city, made up of neighbourhoods that each have their own unique character. Resist the urge to panic-book a fancy hotel in London’s West End – there’s plenty more out there, we promise. Dive into the real London by branching out from the well-trodden tourist path. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of somewhere totally new. Whether you’re after lively nightlife, easy access to gorgeous green spaces, culture on your doorstop, or serious dining, you’ll find it here. Ready to get booking? Read on for our guide to the best neighbourhoods and places to stay in London.  Where to stay in London at a glance Hackney - best for living like a local Camberwell - best for hyped restaurants, bakeries and galleries Camden - best for punk living and vegan food Peckham - best for BYOBs, rooftop bars and hitting the club Shoreditch - best for vintage shopping and curry houses Chiswick - best for a tranquil getaway Dalston - best for eating, drinking and nightlife Marylebone - fine dining and luxury hotels Harringay - best for neighbourhood vibes and Turkish food Hampstead - wild swimming, cosy pubs and spotting Harry Styles Richmond - leafy walks, boutique hotels and pints by the river 📍 RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in London Ella Doyle and Rosie Hewitson are editors at

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. In fact, some of the best weekend getaways are just a short drive or train ride from London – all offering windswept coastal walks, charming market towns, rolling countryside, or tucked-away villages with cosy pubs and boutique stays. So, if you’re itching to swap the skyline for stargazing or trade Tube journeys for countryside rambles, let us point you in the direction of your next escape. We’ve rounded up the absolute best weekend breaks near London – all easily reachable within a couple of hours. 📌 Updated October 2025: We’ve added two stays in the trendy seaside towns of Whitstable and Margate. Both are affordable and within very easy reach of London. RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to UK getaways The best Airbnb breaks near London, at a glance 🏖️ Best seaside getaway: The courtyard oasis in Margate 🌲 Best for reconnecting with nature: The woodland retreat in Northamptonshire 🏔️ Best for total isolation: The Ditchling Cabin in South Downs 💅 Best for a girl’s trip: The contemporary vineyard in Toppesfield, Essex 🛖 Most unique stay: The luxe airship in The Haven 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 conte

Looking for a getaway with a group of friends? Yes nothing beats a Jet 2 Holiday, but you don’t need to leave the UK to have a good time nor fork out lots of cash. If you're holiday hunting with a large group of friends, you can book a huge Airbnb and it won’t cost the world. Sure sunning yourself in Spain might sound more desirable than a weekend in Scotland but hear us out. What if you could stay in a literal castle, Traitors style, for around £50 per night. If you’ve got a big enough group of you, you can afford to stay in super luxurious places that are affordable. We think that’s the ideal way to catch up with friends and create your own fun. Plus a UK stay usually involves less admin than an international holiday, so put your passports away and get booking. We’ve rounded up some of the coolest Airbnbs for big groups of eight to 16 people across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, from a villa on a private island near the Lake District to a converted windmill in Norfolk. October 2025 update: We've added a stunning Cotswolds barn for the perfect cosy countryside getaway this winter. Best large Airbnbs in the UK at a glance 👰‍♀️Best for hen dos: The Kinettes Mansion, Fife 👶Best for families: Groves Barn, Cotswolds 💫Most unique: Star Lux Villa, Lancaster 🌳Most rural: Hawkhow Cottage, Lake District RECOMMENDED: 🏰 20 castles you can actually stay in ⛺ The best UK campsites🚗 The best road trips in the UK Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every 

An adventure in the Scottish Highlands is like no other trip in the UK. One minute you could be scaling a mountain with stunning views across the sea, and the next sunbathing on a Caribbean-esque beach. There’s plenty of Airbnbs to provide a comfortable and relaxing stay while you spend the day bracing the elements in your walking boots. From cottages with crackling wood-burning stoves (a must in the Highland chill), to quirky luxurious bothies, the options are as charming as the landscape itself. Feeling spoilt for choice? Don’t worry – we’ve handpicked the very best stays to make your Highland escape even easier to plan. Updated October 2025: We've added a new cabin property that promises a midge free stay, and is just a 10-minute drive from Inverness Airport. Best Scottish Highland stays at a glance 💞 Best for couples: Assich Zen Lodge 🎉 Best for big groups: The Bakehouse at Foulis Castle 🌊 Most off-grid: The Lighthouse Cottage 🏃‍♀️ Best for adventure seekers: The Bunker in Flesherin 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.

It’s hard to beat a walking holiday: breathtaking scenery, endorphins and of course an excess of food eaten at pub lunches. When it comes to rural retreats, the Peak District is right up there with the best of them. With its dramatic landscapes and postcard-perfect villages, it’s an ideal destination for a weekend away. Whether you're eager to lace up your walking boots and explore England’s very first National Park, or prefer leisurely strolls through historic market towns, Derbyshire’s Peak District has you covered. If walking isn’t your bag, there’s plenty of cycling trails and even popular rock-climbing spots. Or you could while away your days hopping between tea rooms and pubs if you’re looking for a more relaxing escape. We’ve handpicked the best Airbnbs in the Peak District. Expect character-filled barns with wood-burning stoves, sweeping valley views, and beds so snug you’ll struggle to leave them. Best Airbnbs in the Peak District at a glance 👶 Best for kids: The modern barn conversion in Buxton 🚶‍♂️ Best location for walkers: Leaping Hare Barn 🏔️ Best view: Cuckoostone Barn 🦙 Most unique: Dovedale Animal Sanctuary 📍 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.

Amsterdam means something different to everyone. Some fall in love with its storybook canals, famed museums, and centuries of history, while others come for its coffeeshops and legendary nightlife, seeking thrills of a different kind. Whatever draws you in, one thing’s certain: every neighborhood has its own charm, with leafy parks, chic boutiques and world-class restaurants never more than a short stroll or bike ride away. The city is brimming with unforgettable Airbnbs, from canal-side apartments with tall windows and creaky floors to quirky lofts in converted warehouses and cosy studios tucked down cobbled lanes. We’ve rounded up the best options you won’t want to miss. Best Airbnbs in Amsterdam at a glance ⛵Best houseboat: The houseboat in Willemsbrug 💞Best for couples: The sophisticated loft next to Vondelpark 🏃‍♀️Best for adventure seekers: The surf shack in De Zilk 💥Most unique: The old windmill in Abcoude 📍 Discover more of the best hotels in Amsterdam Is it cheaper to get an Airbnb or hotel in Amsterdam? If you’re hunting for the best bang for your buck, hotels often edge out Airbnbs in Amsterdam especially for solo travellers or short stays. On average, a one‑bedroom Airbnb can cost around €200 a night, and a standard hotel room is about the same – though you can find some budget hotels costing between €150-200. That said, rentals still have their many draws. Travelling with friends or family? A spacious apartment with a kitchen can work out cheaper per person

Christmas is around the corner and you may be feeling like your summer holiday is just that bit too far away. A winter break can be just what you need to keep the Sunday scaries at bay, and you don’t need to travel to a remote Norwegian forest to get into the holiday spirit. We’ve rounded up the best festive Airbnbs in the UK, from a cabin in the countryside that you could see the Northern Lights from to a shepherd’s hut in the forest, there’s plenty of dreamy winter escapes that you won’t need to book a flight for. Festive Airbnbs, at a glance 🛖 Best for a group stay: Cabin in Northumberland 🌲 Most off-grid: The picturesque cottage in Powys 👩‍❤️‍👨 Best for couples: Shepherd’s hut in North Yorkshire 🌊 Best view: The bright and airy flat in Saint Leonards 📍 RECOMMENDED: Our ultimate guide to UK getaways 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.

Summer may seem far away right now, but we’re already dreaming of sipping frothy pints while listening to live music in one of London’s many lush, festival-ready green spaces. Alternative metal fans out there, you’ll be excited by the latest London festival lineup announcement for summer 2026. Deftones have just announced they will headline All Points East 2026 in Victoria Park, with the popular day fest collaborating with Outbreak Festival for the first time. Last year Outbreak collabed with Victoria Park festival LIDO for its first London edition. The Californian band have shot to fame in recent years, helped in part by their popularity on TikTok. They played huge headline slots this past summer, including one at London’s Crystal Palace Park. Deftones’ All Points East debut will follow the multi-platinum Grammy award-winning group’s UK tour early next year, which will see them perform in major cities in the UK including Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff and London. In Vicky Park they’ll be joined by post-punk heavyweights Idles, Amyl & The Sniffers and rapper EsDeeKid among others. Here’s what you need to know about getting tickets. When is Deftones playing at All Points East 2026 in London? Deftones will be playing on Sunday, August 23 2026 on the All Points East presents Outbreak day. When do tickets go on sale? Tickets go on general sale next Friday, November 14 at 9am. You’ll be able to get tickets on Ticketmaster here. Is there a presale? There are two presales

Who doesn’t love to see affordable supermarkets opening in their area? With Christmas around the corner (yes, only six Fridays to go – don’t say we didn’t warn you) having somewhere cheap(er) to buy pigs and blankets is a bonus. The member-owned super market chain Co-op plans to open 51 stores across the UK over the next few weeks before December 25 comes around. These openings will consist of a mix of new shops, smaller branches – called Co-op On The Go – and reopenings, and they’ll bring Co-op’s total number of outlets in Britain up to 2,500. If you live in London, you could be close to four new shops in the capital, while Scotland will welcome 10 new supermarkets, including several in the Highlands. Wales will see three openings, and the remaining 27 stores will be spread across England. Every location will offer exclusive cheaper prices to members, parcel pick-up services, and delivery via Co-op’s online store as well as partners such as Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats.  Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group CEO, said: ‘We’re investing in stores and communities right across the UK because we believe in the future of the high street. But sustained growth needs certainty. Business-rates reform is vital if retailers – especially the 99% who run small stores - are to plan with confidence, protect jobs and keep local economies thriving.’  New Co-op supermarket locations in England opening before Christmas Southwick, West Sussex Isle of Grain, Kent Welwyn Garden City Bebington, W

It’s been voted the best bakery chain in Britain, but its expansion continues to divide locals who favour independent coffee shops. Love or loathe a bougie Gail's Bakery, another branch is due to open in south London – and some residents are not happy. The upmarket cafe, which is known for its £5 sourdough loaves and cinnamon buns, will open next month in the former Coopers pub in Westow Hill, Crystal Palace. Gail's currently has over 100 bakeries in London. Independent businesses fear their trade will diminish once the café moves into the big site. The owner of Brown & Green café in Church Road Laura Tilli said in an Instagram post that small indie coffee shops in the Crystal Palace Triangle are ‘trembling’ with fear.  In the viral post, it said: ‘I think we’d all be lying if we said we weren’t worried about this giant moving in. ‘Our café in the triangle doesn’t make a profit. Yes, we are busy on weekends but this doesn’t cover our weekday losses. It’s tough out there and we are all fighting to stay afloat. Our friends and neighbours and all the small cafes on the triangle are trembling.’ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brown & Green Cafe (@brownandgreencafe) Tilli told the Standard she was worried Gail’s will ‘blow everybody out of the water’. She said: ‘The main concern with Gail’s coming in is that they’re going to be operating out of a huge site – it used to be a big pub. ‘We are worried it’s going to blow everybody out of the water.’ Th

Cobbled streets, sand-hued stone houses and peaceful countryside vibes are what you’d envision from a weekend away in the Cotswolds. Instead of tranquil village charm, however, visitors to Bibury have often been greeted by honking horns and traffic jams clogging its narrow lanes. But that may soon change, thanks to the introduction of a proposal to permanently reduce traffic in the popular town.  In the height of summer, 20,000 tourists came to Bibury in a single weekend, leading to a campaign from residents to ban coaches from driving through the centre. A trial in May 2025 saw coach bays temporarily shut, with buses only permitted to use designated drop-off and pick-up zones. Now, Gloucestershire Council has announced a longer-term proposal to help curb mass tourism. Following positive feedback on the May trial, the council is now seeking to make this a permanent fixture. It will also extend yellow lines to prevent parking problems, introduce pay-and-display (with exemptions for residents) and improve access near a school and church with short-term parking.  According to the Daily Mail, raised kerbs and seating will ‘help pedestrianise parts of the village centre’. If approved, the plan could be in place by summer next year. So, why exactly does Bibury struggle so much with overtourism? Used as a setting in the films Bridget Jones’s Diary and Stardust, the place was once described as the ‘most beautiful village in England’ by William Morris. In September of this year Bibury

Halloween is out of the way, most Bonfire Night displays have taken place and November has begun – it’s officially time to get excited about Christmas in London. For those who love getting immersed in all the city has to offer at Christmas time, there’s loads of markets to get you excited (and stocked with presents) for December 25. And no, we’re not just talking about Winter Wonderland. Christmas markets in the capital will start opening this very week, ready for you to get your festive shopping done nice and early.  Here’s a roundup of when every Christmas market that has announced its opening date so far for this year, and when it opens.  RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas markets and festive fairs in London. When every London Christmas market opens for 2025 Christmas in Leicester Square Tie in a visit to the towering pine tree in Trafalgar Square with a browse of nearby Leicester Square’s market. Each stall has seasonal treats, food and delicious drinks. The market is on from November 1 to January 4. Opening times: 10am-10pm. Southbank Centre Winter Market Southbank Centre’s annual Christmas market on the Queen’s Walk is back from November 3 to January 4. Expect the usual cute alpine-themed huts selling tasty dishes and festive wares by the river. Opening times: 11am-10pm Sunday to Thursday, 11am-11pm Friday and Saturday Covent Garden Christmas Market Beneath the West End pavilion’s gigantic signature Christmas bells will be stalls selling handmade crafts and artisan gifts

Natural wine lovers rejoice, after three years of residencies, east London’s coolest wine bar is finally putting down roots.  Oranj began as an online wine retailer before becoming a temporary restaurant and trendy wine bar with revolving chef and artist residences. Now it’s found a loving permanent home east London (of course) on Dray Walk, just off Brick Lane.  The venue can host up to 72 guests, and it includes outdoor seating – ideal for an alfresco chilled red – and a private dining room. There’s a striking nine-metre, zinc-wrapped bar and plenty of, well, orange. We’re talking custom-built orange tables, amber lighting and dozens of candles. At the helm of the kitchen is Japanese-born Yuto Fujimoto, who is a former resident at Oranj. His debut menu is European-inspired, changes with the seasons and features small plates, large plates and desserts. Highlights include homemade gnocchi with sage and cep sauce, monkfish with chard and lemon butter sauce and oyster mushroom with cured egg yolk sauce, all intended to be perfectly paired with a glass of natural, low-intervention wine. Photograph: Oranj Fujimoto said the menu will be different from his former residences, and represents a ‘thrilling new side’ of his culinary expression inspired by his experiences working in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe. Oranj founder Jasper Delamothe said: ‘Through the residency programme at Oranj, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented chefs from all over

Since Harry Beck created his innovative London Underground map way back in 1931, the design has been copied around the world for one simple reason: it makes navigating a city feel simple. But for disabled people, the original map left out something important – which stations are accessible, and which ones aren’t? While TfL has since added info on which stations have complete or partial step-free access, it doesn’t include everything that a traveller with accessibility requirements might need. For instance, noting which stations provide staff assistance, and when those staff are working. To make London’s transport network easier to use for disabled travellers, Simon Sansome founded an app named Snowball. The app reimagines Harry Beck’s classic map to produce a free fully accessible guide to using the London Underground..  After becoming disabled in 2015, wheelchair-user Sansome didn’t use the tube for 10 years, saying he was “too afraid”. He said: “I was worried about getting stuck or not being able to get off the carriage because it’s too overcrowded.” To help himself and other disabled people, Simon and his team visited every single station on the network to build the step-free map.  Each stop is colour coded: stations marked in green are fully step-free from street to train whereas orange stations require assistance from staff. It also includes airport access points, interchanges with London’s bus network, and the IFS Cloud Cable Car, as well as all station opening times. S

With endless hype online and the likes of Margot Robbie rushing to dine there, it’s easy to see why everyone who’s anyone wants to be at The Devonshire. The Soho gastropub is one of the hardest spots in London to reserve a table at.  If you’ve still never managed to secure a table at the Devonshire, here’s some good news. In September, the popular Denman Street pub announced that its much-praised restaurant expanded, adding up to 90 more covers through private rooms. The three dining rooms cater to 25, 26 or 35 guests and have been built in the adjacent building on Sherwood Street. The private spaces are accessed by a separate entrance – a gloss-painted green timber shopfront – which leads to a lobby featuring black and white marble mosaic. There’s even a one-way mirror in the lobby, allowing guests a look in at the pub from behind the bar. So while your celeb spotting dreams may be dashed, take comfort that Nigella Lawson could be watching you sink pints from afar at any moment.  Spread across two storeys, the rooms have been designed by interior designers Macaulay Sinclair. There’s three-tiered amber glass chandeliers and vintage bentwood chairs. On the fourth floor is the ‘Bowie Room’ with rich red walls and globe pendants, pictured below.  Photograph: Macaulay Sinclair Oisín Rogers, pub landlord and co-founder at The Devonshire, said: ‘These rooms are about having spaces where guests who need privacy can feel comfortable, safe, happy and well looked after – that same se

In a major loss to London’s LGTBQ+ nightlife, Soho’s legendary G-A-Y bar will shut its doors for good this weekend. The Old Compton Street venue was opened by Jeremy Joseph in the mid-1990s and has been a cornerstone of the capital’s queer nightlife for decades – Madonna even performed there 25 years ago. Joseph, who also owns Heaven nightclub, told Metro this week that rent issues, the area’s dwindling gay identity and NIMBYs encouraged him to make the difficult decision.  In a statement on Instagram Joseph said: ‘When I opened G-A-Y Bar it was to be on one of the safest and most proudly LGBT streets, a place where you could be who you are and feel safe. For me, Old Compton Street has lost that LGBT identity.’ He has been locked into a years-long challenge with Heaven’s landlord ArchCo, which apparently wanted to raise the rent. A figure has finally been agreed, and Joseph has decided to close G-A-Y to keep Heaven open. He said in an Instagram post: ‘I hope my future now will be Heaven. However the last few years have been tough. G-A-Y has been my life.’ Heaven was temporarily closed in 2024 after a security guard was charged  – and then cleared – with rape. Joseph said the financial pressure meant that both venues would struggle to stay open, and G-A-Y was put on the market at the start of the year.  In a post on Instagram Joseph said he will ‘never forget’ when Madonna performed at G-A-Y, when it was based in the Astoria nightclub. Customers formed a long queue overnight t

Foam fingers and hot dogs at the ready: American football is storming back into London this month. Hot on the heels of an Ireland tour, NFL is continuing its international expedition in the UK across three weekends in October 2025.   As part of the league’s global tour this year – which includes stops in Dublin, Berlin, Madrid and São Paulo – London will host three games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium. Tickets went on sale back in May, though last-minute options are still available.  Here’s everything you need to know about the games, from where to get tickets to how to watch them on TV. 2025 NFL London games schedule and kick-off times Minnesota Vikings vs Cleveland Browns The Minnesota Vikings will take on the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday October 5 at 2.30pm.   Denver Broncos vs New York Jets  Also taking place at the Spurs stadium, the Jets and Broncos will be playing in London on Sunday October 12. Kick off is 2.30pm.  Los Angeles Rams vs Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars will be returning to Wembley for their 14th game in London (this time against the LA Rams) on Sunday October 19 at 2.30pm.  How to get last-minute tickets You can still buy tickets for all of the games. Find tickets on Ticketmaster here from around £200, and resale options on Viagogo for just over £100. Cheapest tickets At time of writing, the cheapest tickets on Viagogo are listed for around £104-109.  How to watch NFL on TV in the UK The matches will be broa

Still clinging to your iced coffee but noticing the chill in the air? October is here – and with it, a packed weekend of conker smashing, Oktoberfest pints, and apple festivals.  Before you head out, be warned: parts of London’s transport network will be out of action, and a few key lines are facing disruption throughout the weekend. Whether you’re festival-hopping or just heading to meet friends, you’ll want to plan ahead. Here’s a breakdown of closures across London’s transport network this weekend. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in London this weekend. London tube and train closures, October 3-5 2025 Circle line The yellow line is closed between Edgware Road and Tower Hill on both Saturday and Sunday. District line Much of the District line is out of action this weekend and replacement buses will be running. There’s no service between Embankment and Ealing Broadway. Piccadilly line If you’re going out on Friday night, the night tube won’t be running between Hyde Park Corner and Acton Town from 1.50am and 6.30am.  On Saturday and Sunday there’s no service between Rayners Lane and Uxbridge, so get the Metropolitan Line instead.  DLR On Saturday there’s no trains running between Prince Regent and Beckton and replacement buses will be in place. On Sunday there’s no service between Canning Town and Beckton. The replacement DLR2 bus will be open for business all weekend.   Overground  Mildmay line The 10pm train on Friday from Stratford to Richmond will end early, at Camde

Finally, some better news when it comes to the cost of living crisis. Thames Water, London’s water provider, has announced a scheme that will slash water bills for thousands of low-income households in the city. Following a successful pilot in Richmond and Wandsworth, the scheme is now expanding to cover more boroughs across the capital. Through data sharing between Thames Water, councils and Policy in Practice, customers who qualify could have their water bill halved automatically, whether they know about the scheme or not. It is projected to save households hundreds of pounds a year. Keen to see if you’re eligible to save (more than) a few pennies on your water bill? Here’s what you need to know.  Which London boroughs are cutting household water bills? Residents in the following areas could benefit: Westminster Camden Islington Brent Haringey Enfield Hackney Tower Hamlets Lewisham Southwark Greenwich Lambeth Richmond upon Thames Wandsworth Ealing Kensington & Chelsea Hammersmith & Fulham How much are bills discounted by? Eligible households could see their water bill cut by 50 percent, which could save more than £300 per year Who is eligible? There’s two tiers to the scheme. Customers whose water bill exceeds 5 percent of their net income will automatically get it reduced by 50 percent as part of the Water Help scheme.  There’s also Water Sure, a social tariff which caps bills. This is for households where someone is receiving a means-tested benefit and either has a medi