Georgina Lawton

Believe it or not, the tiny and picturesque East Sussex village of Rye was once one of south-east England’s most important ports. These days it’s difficult to see much of the bustling trading hub that Rye was in the Middle Ages, but the place retains much of the historic charm – as well as many of the tales of smuggling and maritime conflict – of those bygone days. Over the years Rye has transformed into a hip and happening sort of seaside getaway destination. Its rich history, gorgeous buildings and traditional-style pubs are now boosted by quirky shops, swanky cafés, trendy restaurants and more. So, want to know what’s really worth your time? Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, week-long vaycay or just a day trip, here are the best things to do in Rye right now. RECOMMENDED:📍 The best Airbnbs in Rye📍 The essential guide to Hastings📍 The essential guide to Kent This guide was recently updated by Hannah Summers. 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.

There are so many beautiful spots in Yorkshire, where does one begin? It’s an age-old question, for sure, but if you’re in any way a literature fan, there’s only one place for you – and that’s Haworth, tucked away in the South Pennines. The actual Brontë sisters are from here, and the village has continued to inspire some serious literature ever since.  It’s no surprise really, as most of Haworth looks like a picture in a storybook; steam trains, rugged hills, coastal walking trails, quaint cafés, that sort of thing. So even if you hate literature with a passion, you’ll still love it here. And just in case you need any more persuading, we’ve designed the perfect day, from your morning coffee to your afternoon pint (and even your stay for the night). Here are the best things to do in Haworth.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The ultimate guide to Yorkshire🌳 The best places to visit in the UK🍝 The best restaurants in the UK

Nestled in the Shropshire Hills, the historic market town of Ludlow seems to have it all within its cosy reaches: a huge ruined castle, hundreds of listed buildings, cobbled streets and world-class restaurants. It's also the ideal base for country strolls that end in pints of ale in snug, old pubs or - alternately - newly established breweries. Switching off is guaranteed, as Ludlow’s streets are rarely crowded. That is, unless you visit (along with 20,000 others) for its annual food festival.  RECOMMENDED: Discover Cheltenham, Cardiff and Snowdonia. 

You don’t have to fly abroad to feel like a tourist for the day. From food freebies to cultural experiences, boat rides to cheap swims – head to a new bit of the city and explore what's on offer there. Here are four adventures in the city to suit any budget

…according to Memuna Sowe. Cultural beliefs shape each and every pregnancy ‘Working in south London, I’m exposed to many different cultures and some interesting beliefs. Certain women won’t use water after giving birth as they believe it’s bad luck, and other cultures believe a woman can’t leave the house for 41 days following birth. I educate every new mother about infection, but also make sure to respect their way of life.’ Being pregnant is rough when you’re homeless ‘I am the lead midwife in Homeless Health in Croydon, and I often see women very late in their pregnancy. I need to make sure they trust me in a very short space of time. Some homeless women won’t disclose that they are pregnant until their bump shows, and if they’re asylum seekers, they’re sometimes put off from getting pregnancy care due to fear of the authorities. I’ll often see them in the street and urge them to come to appointments the next day, or give them my contact details in case they get moved to another area.’ Dire circumstances don’t always stop people being kind ‘When I was pregnant, many of the homeless women I worked with spent their appointments asking about me and my baby. I was like: it’s my job to check up on you! Those little things make my job worth it.’ Midwifery gives you perspective on life ‘I moan so much less now than before I became a midwife. And when my kids complain about little things, I do get frustrated. If they don’t want to eat their food, I tell them about the homeless pre