Richard Franks

We all like the idea of summertime in Europe – long, lazy days in the Mediterranean sunshine, whiling away an evening people-watching in local bars – but the reality is often much less romantic, with overtourism, sky-high prices and heatwaves blighting many a Euro Summer fantasy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. To inspire your summer holiday plans this year, we asked writers across Europe to tell us about their favourite alternative summer trip ideas. From Croatia’s quieter island-hopping route to an Estonian spa break, here’s where to head for crowd-free bliss and unsung adventures right across the continent. You’re welcome. RECOMMENDED:🏝️ The best alternative Mediterranean beach breaks🗺️ Europe’s most underrated travel destinations

Birmingham is a city that somehow simultaneously fulfils expectations while being delightfully surprising. That trend is true of its bars, an impressive collection of venues that are as much about history and heritage as they are about style and sophistication. The bar scene here tells its own story of Birmingham, a tale that needs to be heard. Sure, most might think of classic Victorian boozers and real ale pubs when they dream of nights out in Birmingham, but Brum does a fine line in colourful cocktails, speciality gins, and innovative craft spots. There is even a zero-waste bar, which happens to be spectacular. Birmingham, your bars are brilliant. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best restaurants in Birmingham🍻 The most charming pubs in Birmingham🛏 The best hotels in Birmingham📍 The best things to do in Birmingham 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.  

In a ranked list of what are objectively The Best Feelings in the World, hearing the doorbell ring and knowing that there is a lovely person on the other side of that door, holding your delicious dinner, has got to be in the top five. No doubt you’ve got your beloved spots that you return to time and time again: a comforting curry, a life-giving bowl of noodles, a waffle drizzled with chocolate sauce, possibly with some squirty cream on the top. But remember, it’s important to try new things, too. To give you a bit of inspiration for your next meal, we asked Time Out writers from London to Liverpool to tell us about their top picks when they’re hungry at home. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

While the UK can’t guarantee a white Christmas, there’s something to be said for its picture-perfect towns and villages. You know the ones: those quaint spots with cobbled streets, mock-Tudor high streets, weekly farmers markets and all that good stuff.  The best part? Throughout November and December many of these towns turn into something out of a Christmas movie, with everything from Shakespeare-themed candlelit walks and renowned light shows to festive railway rides and good old pantomimes on show. Don’t worry, we’ll spare you the dodgy panto jokes.  RECOMMENDED:🎄 The best places to visit at Christmas in the UK🎅 The best Christmas shops in the UK🛍️ The most magical Christmas markets in the UK🏘️ The cosiest winter cottages to stay in the UK Richard Franks is a travel writer based in Birmingham. 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 also includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Some places are just made for Christmas, and we think the UK is right up there. For a couple of crisp winter months, its leading cities, castles and palaces all spread their own versions of Christmas cheer through light shows, markets, wreath making workshops and traditional fairground rides for the entire family on offer – and then some.  Spanning Oxfordshire to The Cairngorms and Northern Ireland to Wales, our list has plenty of festive spots to add to your bucket list. For cobbled streets, wintery castles and those all-important Christmas markets, here are ten of the best places in the UK to ramp up that Christmas spirit.  RECOMMENDED:🎅 The best Christmas shops in the UK🎄 The most magical Christmas markets in the UK💡 The most dazzling Christmas light trails in the UK🏘️ The cosiest winter cottages to stay in the UK Richard Franks is a travel writer based in Birmingham, specialising in Scotland and the West Midlands. 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 also includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Birmingham has, at long last, awoken from its slumber. Often dismissed and long ridiculed, the UK’s second city – and proud 2022 Commonwealth Games host city – has splashed its squares in colour, wrapped its buildings in branding and left its people quietly optimistic. Truth is, there are umpteen reasons for Brum to be proud. Its diverse cultural offering will be seen by an estimated one billion viewers at its opening ceremony tonight, with local legends Duran Duran and Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi among the performers, while its official song harks back to Birmingham’s rich heritage: ‘It’s a Brum Ting’ by Friendly Fire Band is a catchy reggae love letter to the city. ‘Birmingham is a brilliant city, with a young, diverse and talented population, a world-class food scene, a thriving cultural sector, and of course an array of brilliant sporting teams and venues,’ said Ian Ward, the leader of Birmingham city council. ‘For too long Birmingham has been shy about itself,’ he continued. ‘Thanks to the investment over recent decades, and of course the £1 billion that has come into the city through the Games, Birmingham is now looking like a global city. Our “Be Bold Be Birmingham” branding ensures the city is dressed to host the Games, with colourful additions across the city.’ Photograph: Courtesy of West Midlands Growth Company Birmingham has indeed undergone somewhat of a vibrant transformation. Stroll through the city centre and it’s impossible to avoid larger-than-life