Nicky Rampley-Clarke

Late summer is festival time, with stacked music line-ups taking over parks, comedians putting their best foot forward at the Fringe, hundreds of hot air balloons taking to the Bristol skies and foodies congregating to share the best eats and drinks across the UK. Pack some sensible shoes, your SPF and a picnic blanket: it’s time for the best of the British summer. Festivals not really your thing? Don’t worry. There’s plenty more to do, see and experience across the UK. Read on to find out how to get your hands on Amex Reserved Tickets® for the National Theatre’s The Story starring Letitia Wright and other rewards from American Express.  By using your Amex® Gold Card for everyday purchases, you bank a point for every pound you spend. In the Amex app, you can put points towards purchases including gig tickets, subscriptions, hotels, you name it. Alternatively, you can visit the website to convert your points into flights and upgrades, or even select a gift from the hundreds of retailers listed in the Rewards Catalogue. Sure to make this seasonal hit-list that little happier. Just call it the Gold Standard of summers. David Monteith-Hodge © Edinburgh Festival Fringe SocietyEdinburgh Fringe Festival 1. Edinburgh Fringe Festival (August 1-31)The Edinburgh Fringe festival returns for 2026, playing host to some of the best comedians in the UK, both established and up and coming. It’s good to plan ahead by buying tickets for acts you know you can’t wait to see, especially at estab

From Dancing Queen and Fernando to Mamma Mia and Super Trouper, everyone knows the words to the most famous ABBA songs, whether you’re a superfan or not. And there’s good news: this August Bank Holiday Monday, you can bag yourself tickets to ABBA Voyage – the digital spectacular at the custom-built ABBA Arena that brings together a 10-piece live band, cutting-edge technology and a 100-minute setlist – for just £50. Yes, the people who have been bringing Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Frida spectacularly to life via crazily realistic digital avatars are offering you special rate dance floor tickets for the last summer Bank Holiday on Monday, August 31. It’s all to celebrate 50 years of ultimate ABBA anthem Dancing Queen – can you feel the beat of the tambourine? – while tickets have now been released for 2027 shows, too.  ABBA VoyageCan you hear the beat of the tambourine? There’s no denying that the dance floor is the place to be for getting up-close and personal with the avatars and band at the foot of the stage. You can dance, you can jive and you can certainly have the time of your life for 100 minutes of pure joy as they belt out iconic bangers such as Take a Chance on Me, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme and Knowing Me, Knowing You, not to mention the band’s newest single, Don’t Shut Me Down (superfans? Us? You bet!). But that’s not all. You can grab food while you’re there – everything from classic hot dogs to buttermilk chicken burgers and loaded cheese nachos – as well as prosecco, c

As the undisputed home of cricket, Lord’s – in a leafy pocket of St John’s Wood – hosts everything from Test matches and One Day Internationals to T20s and major finals. And this summer, a revamped and re-branded London Spirit, the Lord’s-based franchise in The Hundred owned by Marylebone Cricket Club and the Tech Titans, has been entertaining the UK with a seriously fun and fast-paced sporting extravaganza. The perfect excuse for a sun-soaked day out with friends and family, the home matches have been as much about the entertainment as the sport with Tinie Tempah kicking things off back in July and plenty of live DJs and performances scheduled for the remaining August fixtures, including none other than Ella Eyre on August 16. With all-out festival vibes, there’s plenty of food and drink being served up at The Lord’s Food Village with various bars dotted around the grounds for ice-cold craft beer, wine and non-alcoholic tipples during the interval. Why not visit one of the many street food vendors around the Ground, offering everything from Lebanese and Korean through to Indian favourites and traditional fish and chips?  Jed LeicesterThe Hundred, Lord’s Cricket Ground The Hundred is the perfect introduction to cricket: the 100-ball competition couldn’t be easier to follow and brings together the best men’s and women’s players from England and some of the biggest names from around the world with eight city-based teams competing over a nail-biting three weeks during the summ

After months of solicitors and surveys, you’ve finally moved into your dream house and life has well and truly resumed. From that first big dinner party to Sunday movie nights on the sofa and all the other moments that bring you joy, there’s so much to look forward to in your new pad. But don’t get too comfortable. If you haven’t got home insurance, it’s worth thinking about what you’re leaving unprotected. Luckily, Monzo – the digital bank with that iconic Hot Coral card – offers a simple way to get your home covered. Monzo Home Insurance is a policy that covers you for damage up to a certain amount – from floods to fires, storms to subsidence – helping to give you peace of mind so you can keep sleeping like a log in those fresh sheets of yours.  Buildings insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing anything related to the bricks and mortar – the main structure, garages, outbuildings, fitted kitchens and bathrooms up to £1,000,000.  Cover is for your main home – so not any second properties or places of business – though, it’s totally fine if you do work from that home.  Contents insurance covers stuff like the sofa, TV, coffee maker and fridge up to £100,000 if they’re stolen or damaged. You know, your prized possessions. Then there’s out-of-home cover for things that are stolen or damaged while you’re out and about in the British Isles up to £1,000 (excluding cash). And because stuff happens, you can also pay extra to add on accidental damage cover, home emergency

Sharing borders with some of Europe’s top holiday destinations – France, Germany and Italy – certainly has its perks. If you live in Zurich or Geneva, chances are you’ve ticked off most of Europe’s holiday hotspots within easy reach of Switzerland. You may have sipped an Aperol on a Milan rooftop. You’ve probably wiled away a long weekend skiing in Verbier. And maybe you’ve even taken a swim in Bern’s Aare. But one downside of having half of Europe a stone’s throw away is that you can miss what’s right on your doorstep, and we know that there’s nothing more restorative than a staycation that doesn’t require a plane to reach.  Everyone knows that Switzerland is a bit of a spa star. With the hot springs in Baden dating all the way back to the Romans and alpine villages rebranding themselves as health resorts in the 1800s, tourists have hoovered up fresh mountain air for centuries. But now it’s your turn to take to the mountains you’ve been staring at longingly from your office window all year by hot-footing it to Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne for a relaxing break in the lap of luxury. Photography: Bürgenstock Hotels AGBürgenstock Resort Luckily, the most stylish way to reach Bürgenstock Resort is by catamaran across the sparkling Lake Lucerne followed by a funicular ride through the dense tree-covered mountain-side of the alpine forest – talk about James Bond vibes. Billed as Europe’s leading luxury destination resort for very good reason, the architectural wonders of each

Thought you’d discovered every neighbourhood there was to discover in London? Think again. Plumstead, a pocket of South East London that’s undergoing a period of huge regeneration and investment, has become a surprising hit with people of all ages looking for somewhere a bit different to live. Beyond the well-trodden areas of Walthamstow, Clapham, Islington and Teddington, this under-the-radar spot in the Royal Borough of Greenwich is catching everyone’s attention. Lush green spaces, quirky independent cafes, local food spots and lots of community spirit – there’s plenty to love. Here, we discover more about why Plumstead is having a moment.  A surprising green scene – parks, sports, views and playgroundsYes, Plumstead is within easy reach of central London, but there are still plenty of green spaces as far as the eye can see. At the heart of this is Plumstead Common, where you can enjoy everything from a spot of tennis to a dog walk. Parkland and playgrounds? You’ll find them both at Winn’s Common. A little further afield is Greenwich Park with views out over the city and Canary Wharf from its leafy surroundings. Plumstead is also right on the River Thames and with it Royal Arsenal Riverside, a hot new destination where you can enjoy sunrise yoga in the morning and dinner outside in the evening. Talk about room to breathe. The best of both worlds Did we mention that the capital is within spitting distance? If you’re torn between village and city life, Plumstead is actually t

As one of the UK's leading airports, London Stansted Airport is currently undergoing a major transformation, evolving far beyond a transport hub into a destination in its own right. By prioritising passengers with exciting food and drink options, fabulous shopping and seamless service, it’s redefining the airport experience from the moment you arrive.Better still, London Stansted Airport offers flights to more than 200 destinations across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, including favourites such as Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and beyond. Whether you're planning sun-soaked beaches, city-break adventures or a spontaneous long weekend away, your next escape could start right here.And there's plenty to enjoy before you even reach the gate. With an impressive range of shops and restaurants, London Stansted Airport makes it easy to kick-start your holiday early. Think leisurely lunches, last-minute holiday treats, luxury beauty buys and a celebratory glass of fizz. After all, a summer holiday really begins the moment you've cleared security, doesn't it? London Stansted AirportLondon Stansted Airport First stop: World Duty Free, where you'll find everything from premium fragrances, skincare and cosmetics to wines, spirits and travel-exclusive deals. And no airport shopping trip is complete without picking up a few sweet treats for the journey! London Stansted AirportLondon Stansted Airport Next, swing by Boots for all those holiday essentials

It’s no secret that a badly timed hangover can absolutely ruin your day, your weekend, and your plans. There’s nothing quite like having to struggle through a social gathering, a work commitment, or – heaven forbid – your niece’s third birthday party with a splitting headache and a desperate need for your bed. It’s also no secret, however, that alcohol is an entrenched part of how many socialise here in London. A drink that gives us a little buzz after a long day is what a lot of us are looking for. But what if you could still get that sociable mood-lift, without the alcohol, and crucially, without the hangover? This is where ZOOZ comes in. ZOOZ knows that the effects of alcohol are temporary, and often result in their respective crashes. So, the team spent years developing drinks which use botanicals and adaptogens to create effects you actually want, with none of the consequences you don’t. And the best part? They’ve reformulated their existing range into one focused line that’s even better – and more delicious – than ever before. Introducing: ZOOZ Uplifting Tonic.July 26 marks the launch of the first flavour of Uplifting Tonic: a mojito-inspired blend of pineapple, lime and mint. A second, margarita-inspired flavour will follow on September 4. Think of these as having all the DNA of classic cocktails – without the hangover. But how does it work? Well, these tonics produce a genuine felt effect: a warm skin-tingle, a boost in mood, and a feeling of sociability in as little

London is a-buzz and that’s not just because of heat or the football. The story of electricity and the many ways it’s transformed transport across the capital is finally getting its moment in the sun at London Transport Museum. With a packed programme, perfect for curious minds young and old, here are five reasons why you and the whole family should head to London Transport Museum this summer.1. Get creative by designing your own traffic lightDid you know that the first electric traffic lights came to London in 1926? Nice bit of pub quiz trivia, that. Since their debut along Piccadilly, electric traffic lights have helped keep the capital moving. As they approach their 100th anniversary, there’s no better time to celebrate this bright idea. Got any innovators in the family? Treat the kids (and the adults) to the unique experience of designing their own traffic lights. 2. Time travel to the Victorian electric underground railwayThe Tube has come a pretty long way since its steam locomotive ancestors first began operating in London in 1863. Later, pioneering electric railway technology transformed underground travel, making journeys across London faster and easier. While they probably wouldn’t be your first choice for a commute today, you can’t help but wonder what stepping into one of those carriages must’ve been like. Thankfully, you’ll get the chance to meet a Victorian passenger and enjoy an imaginary journey on this groundbreaking underground railway.  London Transport Mu

Call yourself a gamer? Then you’ll want to call into Pokémon GO Summer Quest, a celebration inspired by the spirit of adventure at the heart of the game. Running around the Green at Boxpark in Shoreditch from August 1-2 – and again from August 8-9 – it’s your chance to play games, grab free coffee and celebrate 10 years of everyone’s free mobile game. Here are five reasons why you need to check it out – catch ‘em if you can!  1 It’s a real-world Pokémon GO playground Bringing all the challenges and fun of Pokémon GO from your iPhone or Android into the real world – even more so than augmented reality – the Summer Quest pop-up is a chance for gamers to look up from their screens and head outside this summer. Consider the area around the Green at Boxpark as one big screen you’ve stepped right into!2 It’s completely free! The event is free, meaning Trainers can enjoy this experience in the sunshine and play with their friends and families in the Shoreditch area. Free Timed Research will be up for grabs for those exploring the area around the event from 10am to 11.59pm on both weekends with a map available on their website so you know the boundaries! Once it’s in the bag, Trainers will have until August 31 to complete their Timed Research and claim amazing in-game rewards. 3 There’s complimentary coffee up for grabs…Once you’re finished with the first stage, you can head to the Pokémon GO pop-up coffee station in Box Park, Shoreditch, and show the hipster barista your progress to

Call us biased, but we think London is the best city in the world, with endless things to see and do, especially during the summer months. It’s no surprise, then, that Londoners can sometimes fall foul of choice paralysis – or end up doing the same, expected things time and time again. That’s where we come in. Read on for three things worth your attention right now. Consider it a nudge to find joy in the unexpected… 7UP® Pink Shandy7UP® Pink Shandy 1. Paint the town pink (shandy) This summer, it's all about the 7UP® Pink Shandy takeover at Clapham’s The Pink Nel (formerly The Perky Nel). Think of this as your chance to spend a few leisurely hours in a sunny beer garden with your pal surrounded by all things pink.From July 31 to August 24, head to The Pink Nel to see its all-pink glow up where summer socialising hits different. Expect outdoor games, bag some exclusive merch and give the all-new 7UP® Pink Shandy a go for yourself. The fresh, colourful twist on a classic combines 7UP® Pink Lemonade Zero Sugar with lager, sugar-free strawberry syrup and frozen raspberries for a crisp, refreshing serve that's made for summer. The best part? You can try the 7UP Pink Shandy for free! Pop in and speak to a member of staff to claim your complimentary 7UP Pink Shandy. 2. Reconnect with the country (without leaving the city)While we may love the capital, us city folk do sometimes pine for the countryside. And what if we told you you could do just that – without venturing out of zone o

January blues creeping in? It’s time to blast them away by embracing something entirely different for 2026. We’re talking about the emerging fitness trends that promise to bring together movement and joy in a whole load of unexpected ways. Because who said exercise had to be boring?Forget ‘new year, new you’, or spending your day dreading your evening class. Our round-up of the wildest and wackiest fitness classes in Manchester provides movement to look forward to – and that you can make a long-lasting habit. Try something different, get a hit of endorphins and boost your happiness. What's not to love? But before you give the classes on our hit-list a go, don’t forget about your post-workout snack – which, some might argue, is the best part of the whole thing anyway. FULFIL vitamin and protein bars are perfect for throwing in your bag. They're high in protein (13g-21g per bar), are low in sugar and enriched with a blend of nine added vitamins. Your go-to companion in supporting a fun and active lifestyle.